EP2493680A1 - Facility for producing a solid product using one or more powder materials - Google Patents

Facility for producing a solid product using one or more powder materials

Info

Publication number
EP2493680A1
EP2493680A1 EP10788108A EP10788108A EP2493680A1 EP 2493680 A1 EP2493680 A1 EP 2493680A1 EP 10788108 A EP10788108 A EP 10788108A EP 10788108 A EP10788108 A EP 10788108A EP 2493680 A1 EP2493680 A1 EP 2493680A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
solid product
punch
installation
matrix
producing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP10788108A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2493680B1 (en
Inventor
Henri Mercado
Bruno Villa
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Medelpharm SAS
Original Assignee
Medelpharm SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Medelpharm SAS filed Critical Medelpharm SAS
Publication of EP2493680A1 publication Critical patent/EP2493680A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2493680B1 publication Critical patent/EP2493680B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30—PRESSES
    • B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B1/00—Presses, using a press ram, characterised by the features of the drive therefor, pressure being transmitted directly, or through simple thrust or tension members only, to the press ram or platen
    • B30B1/18—Presses, using a press ram, characterised by the features of the drive therefor, pressure being transmitted directly, or through simple thrust or tension members only, to the press ram or platen by screw means
    • 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
    • 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
    • B30B11/04—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 a fixed mould
    • B30B11/06—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 a fixed mould each charge of the material being compressed against the previously formed body
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30—PRESSES
    • B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B15/00—Details of, or accessories for, presses; Auxiliary measures in connection with pressing
    • B30B15/0094—Press load monitoring means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30—PRESSES
    • B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B15/00—Details of, or accessories for, presses; Auxiliary measures in connection with pressing
    • B30B15/30—Feeding material to presses
    • B30B15/302—Feeding material in particulate or plastic state to moulding presses
    • B30B15/304—Feeding material in particulate or plastic state to moulding presses by using feed frames or shoes with relative movement with regard to the mould or moulds
    • B30B15/306—Feeding material in particulate or plastic state to moulding presses by using feed frames or shoes with relative movement with regard to the mould or moulds for multi-layer articles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an installation for producing, from one or more powdery materials, a solid product, monolayer or multilayer.
  • the tabletting machines typically vary the translation height of the punches by a continuous system of driving punches in rotation by a turret and compression by rollers. This device is more difficult to use in R & D because of the minimum volume of powder required as well as by the mechanical stresses that this type of rotary press imposes on the tablet.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide a device of the type in question, both simpler to achieve, and therefore less expensive, while providing a certain reliability in terms of compression.
  • it relates to a device for the manufacture of solid products in the form of multilayer tablets for the purpose of developing the production lines of said solid products from pulverulent materials.
  • the devices known to date do not make it possible to produce such multilayer tablets reliably, that is to say, without risking the return of one or more of the intermediate layers in the powdered state, or by ignoring the dosing / shaving function.
  • the invention is an installation for producing a solid product from one or more powder materials, comprising:
  • a matrix for receiving said one or more powdery materials and for shaping the solid product to be produced which is advantageously secured reversibly to a matrix support table integral with the structure of the installation;
  • An upper punch and a lower punch capable of cooperating with each other at the level of said die in order to ensure the compression of the powdery material or materials and the production of the solid product.
  • the lower punch is associated with a system for uncoupling the means or members ensuring its displacement, said system itself being provided with a brake, able to limit the travel of said punch downwards in order to maintain the contact of said punch with the powdery material present in the matrix during the production of the solid product, multilayer in particular, and consequently, in order not to generate additional compression during the displacement in the matrix of the different amalgams of powdery product during the intermediate phases of filling for each layer of product.
  • the lower punch has a certain freedom or a certain clearance with respect to the organ or organs that ensure its movement, this game obviously extending in the same direction as the direction of moving said piston.
  • the purpose of the brake referred to above is to counterbalance the weight of said piston, so that during the filling and compacting steps of the powder material, in particular for the production of multilayer tablets, to systematically keep in contact the upper end of said piston with the powdery product then added and its setting to measure the compaction induced by the displacement.
  • the upper punch is movable in translation only between two positions, respectively high and low, said upper punch being static during the compression phase or phases.
  • This variant is simple to implement and implement, and therefore inexpensive while allowing the production of multilayer tablets.
  • the upper punch does not play a positive role during the compression step or steps, this role being devolved only to the lower punch.
  • the upper punch thus fulfills only a feedback function when actuating the lower punch. It will be described in the context of the detailed description of the invention, the additional role of the upper punch, tending to compact the powder material then introduced into the matrix, or in contact with the lower layer made during the previous compression step or in contact with the upper end of the lower punch during the production of the first layer.
  • it controls the movement of the upper punch at any time, thus allowing more flexibility and the possibility of having a fixed upper or mobile punch during the compression phase.
  • the lower punch is driven by a translation movement at the level of the matrix by means of a ball screw or roller actuated by an electric motor.
  • said lower punch is therefore animated by an upward or downward translation movement, directly by means acting directly on said punch, in the absence of any intermediate element of the cam, cardan or other type.
  • the implementation of such a ball screw or roller system provides high power at a reduced distance, and corollary to generate a very low inertia, to promote compression cycles in a period of time particularly reduced.
  • the load capacity and therefore pressure likely to be applied can reach very high values, typically more than 10 tons.
  • the compression occurs by the lower punch, unlike all the devices of the prior art which implement compression by the upper punch.
  • the main advantages of the invention therefore lie in the control of the dosage by displacement of the lower punch and the possibility of manufacturing multilayer tablets by associating the disengaged brake of said lower punch.
  • the lower punch is associated with a lower carriage, movable in translation, in the ascending and descending species, and guided at the level of ball guide columns mounted within the frame receiving the installation in question. In doing so, because of the precision of such ball columns, the punch as such no longer needs to be guided, this guidance being inherent to the single guidance of the carriage to which it is attached to said ball guide columns.
  • the upper punch is movable between two positions, respectively high and low. This displacement is ensured by means of a rod-crank-type system, the high position being implemented when the die is fed with the powdery material (s) and during the ejection of the solid product. out of the matrix.
  • the upper punch may itself be subjected to the action of a ball screw or roller system, also actuated by an electric motor, when it is desired to make it more complex. compression cycle.
  • a ball screw or roller system also actuated by an electric motor, when it is desired to make it more complex. compression cycle.
  • the advantages inherent in the implementation of such a system are identical to those described in relation to the lower punch. This combination of movements advantageously makes it possible to simulate the movement of the punches on rotary production presses with very little powder material.
  • the electric motor or motors actuating the ball screw or roller is brushless type and are preferably coupled to a programmable controller, so as to control and synchronize the movement of the lower punch and, if necessary the upper punch.
  • the support is provided with the lower and upper punches of a force sensor for measuring the compression rate exerted and to adjust the installation.
  • this measuring system may consist of one or more sensors for linear measurement of the displacement of the punches, intended to determine the respective position of the lower and upper punches, and corollary the filling height of the material matrix. powder and the thickness of the solid product produced.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the installation according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a similar view of Figure 1 seen from another angle.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention implementing two ball screws or roller, respectively actuating the lower punch and the upper punch.
  • Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 seen from another angle.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the installation of Figures 1 and 2.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a detail of the installation of Figures 1 and 2.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic representation illustrating the cooperation of the lower and upper punches with the matrix.
  • Figures 8a to 8m are schematic representations of a manufacture of a bilayer tablet using the installation of the invention.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • This installation basically comprises a frame (1), in particular metal, resting on the ground by means of a base.
  • This frame (1) comprises a vertical guide system ensuring the accuracy of the movement of the punches described below.
  • this system comprises two recessed vertical columns (3, 4) for housing the guide means of the essential moving parts of the installation.
  • These two columns (3) and (4) are reported on both sides of a table (5), one of the first functions is to ensure the attachment of the matrix within which are intended to be made the solid products according to the invention.
  • it comprises two bores (6) formed within its thickness, and able to receive each a screw for fixing a matrix holder, thus allowing the interchangeability of the matrix and consequently, allowing adapt the installation to the shape of the desired solid product.
  • the installation comprises a lower punch (7) and an upper punch (8) intended to cooperate within the matrix (9), to ensure the compression of the powder material previously introduced into the matrix and the corollary realization in a solid product, in this case a tablet.
  • the lower punch (7) is associated with a movable carriage (10) capable of moving between the columns (3) and (4) of the frame. More specifically, this mobile carriage is provided at its two ends with ball guides (11) cooperating with two guide columns (12) parallel to each other and fixed within the columns respectively (3) and (4). Because of the precision of these ball guides, one can overcome any punch guide system itself, the setting being effected during construction.
  • the mobile carriage (10) is moved in upward or downward translation by means of a ball screw or satellite roller (13), itself rotated by means of an electric motor (14) brushless type.
  • a ball screw or satellite roller (13) For this purpose, it is secured at its lower end to a pulley (16) driven in rotation by said motor (14) via a toothed belt (15).
  • the ball screws or satellite rollers are of a type known per se, so there is no need to describe them here in more detail. It should simply be recalled that they constitute a mechanism for converting a rotational movement into a translation movement along a helical link. They allow a transmission of power while ensuring the required precision in terms of displacement of said translation.
  • the lower punch (7) is associated with a disengaging and brake system (39), in this case constituted by an adjustable spring acting radially on said punch, intended to limit its travel in bottom direction.
  • a disengaging and brake system (39) in this case constituted by an adjustable spring acting radially on said punch, intended to limit its travel in bottom direction.
  • This principle is represented in FIG. In doing so, the lower punch is in contact with the screw (13) and the lower movable carriage (10) only in the upward or upward direction, said screw (13) and the movable carriage (10) being able thereby to declutching system down a fixed length without action on said punch, the latter being held by the spring brake (39), also adjustable, to maintain the punch in contact with the powder and perform on the latter a first settlement of adjustable intensity.
  • the lower punch (7) has a game in the direction of its displacement. It is thus not secured to the bodies ensuring its displacement, and in this case to the movable carriage (10), the latter only coming into contact with the lower end of the punch during the compression, dosing and injection phases. 'ejection.
  • the upper punch (8) ensures only the feedback function when it cooperates with the lower punch (7) within the matrix. In doing so, and in this embodiment, it is moved upwardly only to allow the filling of the matrix pulverulent product and the ejection of the tablet once made. It is animated by a descending movement and enters the matrix only to take its position without exercising a notorious force (see above). It thus works in principle "all or nothing" using a rod-crank assembly (20), actuated by an electric motor (18), and acting on an upper carriage (21), itself received at guide columns (22) like the lower carriage (10). However, said upper carriage (21) is also received, unlike the lower carriage, on external springs (23) so as to balance the weight of the assembly. Thus, two adjustable compression springs (23) are secured to the carriage (21) at each end to balance the entire carriage and its equipment. This device also provides a safety against the fall of the truck in case of failure of the electrical system.
  • Figure 8a zero stage, that is to say that a previous step of producing such a tablet has ended by ejection of the tablet obtained: the upper end of the lower punch (7) is flush with the upper face of the table (5), and consequently, with the upper end of the matrix. The upper punch (8) is in the up position, to allow this ejection step.
  • Figure 8b The upper punch is held in the upper position, and corollary, the bodies ensuring the displacement of the lower punch are lowered. Due to the disengagement of these members relative to the punch, in addition to the presence of the brake (39), said lower punch only lowers partially, sufficient in any case to release the volume necessary for filling with the constituent powder material of the lower layer of the bilayer tablet to achieve.
  • Figure 8c the bodies ensuring the displacement of the lower punch (7) back, so as to induce the upward thrust of the latter, and corollary allow the dosing and shaving of the powder material in excess.
  • Figure 8d the displacement members of the lower punch are again descended, but said punch remains substantially in place, because of the brake and release clutch relative to said bodies.
  • Figure 8e the upper punch (8) is lowered, penetrates into the matrix, providing a "light” tamping of the material present in the matrix, the lower punch descending gently, slowed down by the brake whose adjustment controls the intensity of the compaction.
  • Figure 8f compression step: the lower punch is raised under the action of the organs ensuring its displacement, and corollary, the upper punch, then in the low position, ensures the counter-reaction: the first layer of the tablet is thus achieved.
  • Figure 8g the upper punch is raised in the upper position, without the lower piston being released from the organs ensuring its progression: it remains in its place.
  • FIG. 8h due to the retraction of the upper punch, the access to the matrix is released, the volume of which is partially filled by the said lower layer of the tablet; a new step of filling said matrix with a second powder material is carried out.
  • Figure 8i new shaving step: identical to the step of Figure 8c.
  • Figure 8j identical to Figure 8d: the lower punch is released from the action of the bodies ensuring its movement, but is held in place by the brake (39).
  • Figure 8k identical to Figure 8 e: soft tamping of the second powder material in contact with said lower layer, following the descent of the upper punch in its lower position.
  • Figure 81 identical to Figure 8f: compression of the second layer of the tablet by raising the lower punch, with a force exerted up to 10 tons.
  • Figure 8m the upper punch is repositioned in its upper position, and the lower punch back in turn, pushing the bilayer tablet thus made out of the matrix, allowing the ejection of the latter. It is thus observed that during the production of such multilayer tablets, after making the first layer or lower layer, the upper punch (8), after being retracted to allow the introduction of a new amount of powder material suitable for constituting the second layer, then reintroduced into the matrix, induces the displacement inside the matrix, and therefore in the direction of the bottom, of the precompressed powder bed thus produced, when the lower punch adopts its low position. This positioning is achieved by using the freedom provided by the system.
  • the displacement exerted by the upper punch in contact with the powder during its descent results in the descent of the tablet being produced in the matrix without exerting any known force, that is to say only the weak force of the brake ( 39) to overcome, and to reposition the tablet in progress without altering its cohesion.
  • the brushless motor associated with the ball screw allows programming and control of the movement of the associated punch. This control associated with the synchronization of the two punches allows a reproduction of the displacement in time of the punches, allowing the reproduction of the movements of the elements of the so-called rotary machines during the different phases of realization of the tablets.
  • each powder or powder material reacts differently to the movements of the punches (reduction of volume of the powder bed within the matrix), and therefore corollary to the pressure exerted. It is therefore necessary to be able to act on the displacement of the punches, and in the described embodiment of the lower punch as a function of the force measured at the level of the powder. This force is only the reaction force of the powder to the reduction of volume printed by the relative movement of the punches.
  • An external system typically constituted by an electronic servocontrol at which the measurements made by the sensors result, controls the force and the displacement of the punches, and at the very least of the lower punch, thus making it possible to influence said displacement in function the resultant compression force measured (eg stopped motion as soon as a force level is reached).
  • the carriage (10) receives a sensor support (19) incorporating a force sensor itself (28), typically consisting of a strain gauge, and for stalling the force exerted by the lower punch.
  • the brushless motor (14) is equipped with a brake or a torque maintenance, likely to oppose a torque of 80 N / m neighbor. This brake can be integrated into the motor or outside it, and this, in known manner.
  • the system therefore makes it possible to control the displacement of the lower punch as a function of the two modes of behavior of the pulverulent materials described above.
  • a sensor holder (24) incorporating a force sensor proper of a type similar to that associated with the lower carriage (10) and for determining in cooperation with the latter the constraint and therefore the pressure exerted on the powder material, and corollary the movement of said lower punch.
  • This first embodiment corresponds to a simplified mode of the installation of the invention. It implements the essential principle targeted by the invention, namely the compression of the powder material from below, associated with a braking system and disengagement of the lower punch, particularly innovative in view of the prior art .
  • the lower punch (7) ensures the filling / dosing phases, by its free stroke, and compression.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the displacement of the upper punch (8) is, in this particular embodiment, also achieved by a ball screw or satellite roller of the type the screw (13) translating the lower punch.
  • This more expensive implementation brings many advantages in terms of control and simulation of production presses to symmetrical movements.
  • this screw (not shown not to overload the figure) is rotated by means of a brushless electric motor (25) actuating a pulley (26) through a toothed belt (27).
  • the advantage of the actuation of the lower punch and the upper punch by a ball screw or roller resides in the fact that it is closer to the simulation of so-called rotary presses.
  • the models implemented by the installation of the invention can either completely simulate the the behavior of industrial production machines (traditionally controlled in displacement on rotary presses), or compress using force as the sole control element in order to have a density of the tablet independent of the variations inherent in the filling.
  • FIG. 7 shows the cooperation of the lower (7) and upper (8) punches with the matrix (9).
  • the matrix is removable and is received in a die-holder tool (29) secured to the table (5).
  • the punches, respectively lower (7) and upper (8) are each received in an adapter, respectively lower (46) and upper (47), allowing their interchangeability depending on the dimensions of the matrix implemented. It is conceivable the whole interest of the installation according to the invention. First of all, and in particular in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is easy to understand the technological simplicity of this installation by the implementation of a single compression from below and not by the double actuation of the lower and upper punches, since, in this embodiment, the upper punch, as already mentioned, only fulfills a counter-reaction function.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
  • Press Drives And Press Lines (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a facility for producing a solid product using one or more powder materials, including: a means for supplying powder material(s); a die for receiving said powder material(s), and for shaping a solid product to be produced, secured in an advantageously reversible manner to a die-holding table secured to the frame of the facility; an upper punch (8) and a lower punch, translatable, suitable for engaging with one another at said die in order to perform the compression of the powder material(s) and the production of the solid product. The lower punch (7) is connected to a system for uncoupling the means or members that provide the movement thereof, said system in turn being provided with a brake (39), suitable for limiting the travel of said lower punch (7) in the downward direction in order to keep said punch in contact with the powder material contained in the die when producing the solid product, in particular having multiple layers, and in consequence, in order not to generate additional compression during the movement of the various mixtures of powder product into the die during the intermediate filling phases for each layer of product.

Description

INSTALLATION POUR LA RÉALISATION D'UN PRODUIT SOLIDE A PARTIR D'UN OU DE PLUSIEURS MATERIAUX PULVERULENTS.  INSTALLATION FOR PRODUCING A SOLID PRODUCT FROM ONE OR MORE PULVERULENT MATERIALS
DOMAINE DE L'INVENTION  FIELD OF THE INVENTION
L'invention vise une installation permettant de réaliser, à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents, un produit solide, monocouche ou multicouche. The invention relates to an installation for producing, from one or more powdery materials, a solid product, monolayer or multilayer.
Elle s'inscrit plus spécifiquement dans les domaines pharmaceutiques et chimiques, dans le cadre de la fabrication automatisée de tablettes, comprimés et autres doses, susceptibles d'intégrer un ou plusieurs principes actifs. It is more specifically in the pharmaceutical and chemical fields, as part of the automated production of tablets, tablets and other doses, likely to integrate one or more active ingredients.
ART ANTERIEUR La réalisation de produits solides à partir de produits pulvérulents passe traditionnellement par la compression au niveau d'une matrice du matériau pulvérulent de base, cette compression étant réalisée au moyen de poinçons coulissant au niveau de ladite matrice, cette dernière conférant la forme souhaitée au produit solide fini. Pour les besoins de la recherche et du développement, tendant à mettre au point des presses de simulation des presses industrielles ou pour certaines applications spécifiques, des presses mono-poinçons fonctionnant lentement et utilisant une faible quantité de poudre ont été développées. Chacun desdits poinçons, respectivement supérieur et inférieur, est motorisé tel que par exemple au moyen d'un organe bielle-manivelle, permettant de faire varier la hauteur de translation desdits poinçons, et corolairement, le taux de compression. Dans de telles installations, le remplissage de la matrice en poudre s'effectue par positionnement spécifique du poinçon inférieur, et la compression est réalisée en actionnant le poinçon supérieur de telle sorte à le faire descendre au sein de ladite matrice. PRIOR ART The production of solid products from powdery products traditionally passes through the compression at the level of a matrix of the powdery base material, this compression being effected by means of sliding punches at the level of said matrix, the latter conferring the desired shape. to the finished solid product. For purposes of research and development, tending to develop presses for simulation of industrial presses or for certain specific applications, one-punch presses operating slowly and using a small amount of powder have been developed. Each of said punches, respectively upper and lower, is motorized such as for example by means of a rod-crank member, for varying the translation height of said punches, and corollary, the compression ratio. In such installations, the filling of the powder matrix is carried out by specific positioning of the lower punch, and the compression is carried out by actuating the upper punch so as to lower it within said matrix.
Outre le fait que la mise en œuvre d'un tel système d'actionnement des poinçons présente une inertie importante et une vitesse faible par rapport aux machines de production, on observe également des problèmes de fiabilité au niveau de la cohésion du produit solide en résultant, dans la mesure où l'on observe fréquemment soit un éclatement dudit produit, soit un manque de cohésion de ce dernier, se traduisant par un retour à la forme pulvérulente. Dans tous les cas, ces presses se caractérisent par une simulation imparfaite voire nulle des phénomènes se produisant au niveau des presses de production industrielle. In addition to the fact that the implementation of such a punch actuation system has a large inertia and a low speed compared to the production machines, there are also problems of reliability in the cohesion of the solid product. resulting, in that it is frequently observed either a burst of said product, or a lack of cohesion of the latter, resulting in a return to the powder form. In all cases, these presses are characterized by imperfect or even zero simulation of the phenomena occurring at the level of industrial production presses.
Les machines de production de comprimés font typiquement varier la hauteur de translation des poinçons par un système continu d'entraînement des poinçons en rotation par une tourelle et de compression par des galets. Ce dispositif est plus difficilement utilisable en R&D de par le volume minimum de poudre nécessaire ainsi que par les contraintes mécaniques que ce type de presse rotative impose au comprimé. The tabletting machines typically vary the translation height of the punches by a continuous system of driving punches in rotation by a turret and compression by rollers. This device is more difficult to use in R & D because of the minimum volume of powder required as well as by the mechanical stresses that this type of rotary press imposes on the tablet.
Afin de s'affranchir de ces inconvénients, on a tout d'abord proposé, par exemple dans le document FR-A-2 791 602, un dispositif comprenant des moyens d'entraînement respectifs des poinçons respectivement supérieur et inférieur, mettant en œuvre des moyens de transmission interposés cinématiquement entre des moyens moteur et lesdits poinçons, ces moyens de transmission intégrant chacun une came. Ce faisant, on élimine le déplacement sinusoïdal des poinçons de l'état antérieur de la technique par un déplacement linéaire, favorisant la phase de compression. En outre, l'utilisation de cames permet de modifier de façon simple l'allure de la course des poinçons en fonction de la nature des produits pulvérulents utilisés, favorisant dès lors l'adaptabilité du dispositif. In order to overcome these drawbacks, it has first been proposed, for example in document FR-A-2 791 602, a device comprising respective driving means of the punches respectively upper and lower, implementing transmission means interposed kinematically between motor means and said punches, these transmission means each integrating a cam. In doing so, the sinusoidal displacement of the punches of the prior art is eliminated by linear displacement, favoring the compression phase. In addition, the use of cams makes it possible to modify in a simple manner the shape of the stroke of the punches as a function of the nature of the powdery products used, thus favoring the adaptability of the device.
On a également proposé dans le document FR-A-2 855 094, un perfectionnement de cet état antérieur de la technique. Ce perfectionnement consiste à munir l'une au moins des deux cames du dispositif décrit précédemment d'un profil extérieur déformable, destiné à induire des actions particulières au moins du poinçon inférieur au niveau de la matrice, et notamment à favoriser l'éjection du produit hors de la matrice après réalisation. La vitesse de compression de ce système est alors similaire à celle des presses de production industrielle. It has also been proposed in document FR-A-2 855 094, an improvement of this prior art. This improvement consists in providing at least one of the two cams of the device described above with a deformable outer profile intended to induce particular actions of at least the lower punch at the level of the matrix, and in particular to promote the ejection of the product. out of the matrix after completion. The compression speed of this system is then similar to that of industrial production presses.
Si incontestablement, ce perfectionnement constitue une amélioration significative par rapport aux dispositifs de l'état antérieur de la technique, (presses hydrauliques extrêmement coûteuses), il s'avère cependant complexe à réaliser, et coûteux à produire. L'objectif visé par la présente invention est de proposer un dispositif du type en question, à la fois plus simple à réaliser, et donc moins coûteux, tout en offrant une certaine fiabilité en termes de compression. En outre, elle vise un dispositif permettant la fabrication de produits solides se présentant sous la forme de comprimés multicouches dans l'objectif de mettre au point les lignes de fabrication desdits produits solides à partir de matériaux pulvérulents. While undoubtedly, this improvement is a significant improvement over the devices of the prior art, (extremely expensive hydraulic presses), it is however complex to achieve, and expensive to produce. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device of the type in question, both simpler to achieve, and therefore less expensive, while providing a certain reliability in terms of compression. In addition, it relates to a device for the manufacture of solid products in the form of multilayer tablets for the purpose of developing the production lines of said solid products from pulverulent materials.
La réalisation de tels produits multicouches se heurte en effet à un certain nombre de difficultés, parmi lesquelles le maintien de la cohésion de chacune des couches intermédiaires, la fonction de dosage par un déplacement adapté des couches intermédiaires et le risque de mélange des produits constitutifs desdites couches. The production of such multilayer products encounters a number of difficulties, among which the maintenance of the cohesion of each of the intermediate layers, the metering function by a suitable displacement of the intermediate layers and the risk of mixing the constituent products of said layers.
Or, les dispositifs connus à ce jour ne permettent pas de réaliser de tels comprimés multicouches de manière fiable, c'est-à-dire, sans risquer le retour de l'une, voire de plusieurs des couches intermédiaires à l'état pulvérulent, ou en faisant abstraction de la fonction dosage/arasage. However, the devices known to date do not make it possible to produce such multilayer tablets reliably, that is to say, without risking the return of one or more of the intermediate layers in the powdered state, or by ignoring the dosing / shaving function.
EXPOSE DE L'INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aussi l'invention vise-t-elle une installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents, comprenant : Also the invention is an installation for producing a solid product from one or more powder materials, comprising:
• des moyens d'alimentation en matériau(x) pulvérulent(s) ;  Means for supplying pulverulent material (s);
• une matrice de réception dudit ou desdits matériaux pulvérulents, et de conformation du produit solide à réaliser, solidarisée avantageusement réversiblement à une table porte-matrice solidaire du bâti de l'installation ;  A matrix for receiving said one or more powdery materials and for shaping the solid product to be produced, which is advantageously secured reversibly to a matrix support table integral with the structure of the installation;
• un poinçon supérieur et un poinçon inférieur, aptes à coopérer entre eux au niveau de ladite matrice afin d'assurer la compression du ou des matériaux pulvérulents et la réalisation du produit solide.  An upper punch and a lower punch capable of cooperating with each other at the level of said die in order to ensure the compression of the powdery material or materials and the production of the solid product.
Selon l'invention le poinçon inférieur est associé à un système de désaccouplement des moyens ou organes assurant son déplacement, ledit système étant lui-même muni d'un frein, apte à limiter la course dudit poinçon en direction du bas afin de conserver le contact dudit poinçon avec le matériau pulvérulent présent dans la matrice lors de la réalisation du produit solide, multicouche notamment, et corollairement, afin de ne pas engendrer de compression additionnelle lors du déplacement dans la matrice des différents amalgames de produit pulvérulent lors des phases intermédiaires de remplissage pour chaque couche de produit. According to the invention, the lower punch is associated with a system for uncoupling the means or members ensuring its displacement, said system itself being provided with a brake, able to limit the travel of said punch downwards in order to maintain the contact of said punch with the powdery material present in the matrix during the production of the solid product, multilayer in particular, and consequently, in order not to generate additional compression during the displacement in the matrix of the different amalgams of powdery product during the intermediate phases of filling for each layer of product.
En d'autres termes, le poinçon inférieur jouit d'une certaine liberté ou d'un certain jeu par rapport à l'organe ou aux organes qui assurent son déplacement, ce jeu s 'étendant bien évidemment selon la même direction que la direction de déplacement dudit piston. Le frein visé supra a pour vocation de contrebalancer le poids dudit piston, de telle sorte, lors des étapes de remplissage et de tassement du matériau pulvérulent, notamment pour la réalisation de comprimés multicouches, à maintenir systématiquement en contact l'extrémité supérieure dudit piston avec le produit pulvérulent alors rajouté et par son réglage à doser le tassement induit par le déplacement. In other words, the lower punch has a certain freedom or a certain clearance with respect to the organ or organs that ensure its movement, this game obviously extending in the same direction as the direction of moving said piston. The purpose of the brake referred to above is to counterbalance the weight of said piston, so that during the filling and compacting steps of the powder material, in particular for the production of multilayer tablets, to systematically keep in contact the upper end of said piston with the powdery product then added and its setting to measure the compaction induced by the displacement.
Selon une première variante de l'invention, le poinçon supérieur n'est mobile en translation qu'entre deux positions, respectivement haute et basse, ledit poinçon supérieur étant statique lors de la ou des phases de compression. Cette variante est simple à réaliser et à mettre en œuvre, et par conséquent peu chère tout en permettant la réalisation de comprimés multicouches. According to a first variant of the invention, the upper punch is movable in translation only between two positions, respectively high and low, said upper punch being static during the compression phase or phases. This variant is simple to implement and implement, and therefore inexpensive while allowing the production of multilayer tablets.
En d'autres termes, selon cette première variante, le poinçon supérieur ne joue pas de rôle positif lors de la ou des étapes de compression, ce rôle n'étant dévolu qu'au seul poinçon inférieur. Le poinçon supérieur ne remplit donc qu'une fonction de contre-réaction lors de l'actionnement du poinçon inférieur. Il sera décrit dans le cadre de la description détaillée de l'invention, le rôle additionnel du poinçon supérieur, tendant à tasser le matériau pulvérulent alors introduit dans la matrice, soit au contact de la couche inférieure réalisée lors de l'étape de compression précédente, soit au contact de l'extrémité supérieure du poinçon inférieur lors de la réalisation de la première couche. In other words, according to this first variant, the upper punch does not play a positive role during the compression step or steps, this role being devolved only to the lower punch. The upper punch thus fulfills only a feedback function when actuating the lower punch. It will be described in the context of the detailed description of the invention, the additional role of the upper punch, tending to compact the powder material then introduced into the matrix, or in contact with the lower layer made during the previous compression step or in contact with the upper end of the lower punch during the production of the first layer.
Ce faisant, on résout les problèmes inhérents aux presses mono poinçons de R&D dans lesquelles le poinçon inférieur n'est pas mobile lors des phases de remplissage et dans lesquelles la compression est exercée par le poinçon supérieur. En effet un poinçon inférieur fixe ne permet pas un surdosage par remplissage en excès de la poudre puis dosage en remontant vers le haut avant l'arasage. Simultanément un poinçon inférieur entièrement libre ne maintiendrait pas de contact avec le lit de poudre et engendrerait une rupture du lit de poudre empêchant le dosage correct de chaque couche, ainsi que leur séparation. In doing so, it solves the problems inherent in mono punch presses R & D in which the lower punch is not movable during the filling phases and in which the compression is exerted by the upper punch. Indeed a punch fixed lower does not allow overdose by filling in excess of the powder and then dosing upward before shaving. At the same time, an entirely free bottom punch would not maintain contact with the powder bed and would cause a break in the powder bed preventing the correct dosage of each layer and their separation.
Selon une autre variante de l'invention, on contrôle le déplacement du poinçon supérieur à tout moment, permettant ainsi de disposer de plus de flexibilité et de la possibilité d'avoir un poinçon supérieur fixe ou mobile pendant la phase de compression. According to another variant of the invention, it controls the movement of the upper punch at any time, thus allowing more flexibility and the possibility of having a fixed upper or mobile punch during the compression phase.
Avantageusement, le poinçon inférieur est animé d'un mouvement de translation au niveau de la matrice au moyen d'une vis à billes ou à rouleaux actionnée par un moteur électrique. En l'espèce, ledit poinçon inférieur est donc animé d'un mouvement de translation ascendant ou descendant, directement par des moyens agissant en prise directe sur ledit poinçon, en l'absence de tout élément intermédiaire du type came, cardan ou autres. La mise en œuvre d'un tel système de vis à billes ou à rouleaux permet de disposer d'une puissance élevée selon une distance réduite, et corolairement de générer une très faible inertie, propre à favoriser les cycles de compression dans un laps de temps particulièrement réduit. Au demeurant, la capacité de charge et donc de pression susceptible d'être appliquée, peut atteindre des valeurs très élevées, typiquement plus de 10 tonnes. En outre, la compression intervient par le poinçon inférieur, contrairement à tous les dispositifs de l'art antérieur qui mettent en œuvre une compression par le poinçon supérieur. Les principaux avantages de l'invention résident donc dans le contrôle du dosage par déplacement du poinçon inférieur et la possibilité de fabriquer des comprimés multicouche en y associant le débrayage avec frein dudit poinçon inférieur. Advantageously, the lower punch is driven by a translation movement at the level of the matrix by means of a ball screw or roller actuated by an electric motor. In this case, said lower punch is therefore animated by an upward or downward translation movement, directly by means acting directly on said punch, in the absence of any intermediate element of the cam, cardan or other type. The implementation of such a ball screw or roller system provides high power at a reduced distance, and corollary to generate a very low inertia, to promote compression cycles in a period of time particularly reduced. Moreover, the load capacity and therefore pressure likely to be applied, can reach very high values, typically more than 10 tons. In addition, the compression occurs by the lower punch, unlike all the devices of the prior art which implement compression by the upper punch. The main advantages of the invention therefore lie in the control of the dosage by displacement of the lower punch and the possibility of manufacturing multilayer tablets by associating the disengaged brake of said lower punch.
A cet effet, le poinçon inférieur est associé à un chariot inférieur, mobile en translation, en l'espèce ascendante et descendante, et guidé au niveau de colonnes de guidage à billes montées au sein du bâti recevant l'installation en question. Ce faisant, en raison de la précision de telles colonnes à bille, le poinçon en tant que tel n'a plus besoin d'être guidé, ce guidage étant inhérent au seul guidage du chariot auquel il est solidarisé sur lesdites colonnes de guidage à bille. Selon la première variante de l'invention, et comme déjà énoncé, le poinçon supérieur n'est mobile qu'entre deux positions, respectivement haute et basse. Ce déplacement est assuré au moyen d'un système de type bielle - manivelle, la position haute étant mise en œuvre lorsque l'on procède à l'alimentation de la matrice avec le ou les matériaux pulvérulents et lors de l'éjection du produit solide hors de la matrice. For this purpose, the lower punch is associated with a lower carriage, movable in translation, in the ascending and descending species, and guided at the level of ball guide columns mounted within the frame receiving the installation in question. In doing so, because of the precision of such ball columns, the punch as such no longer needs to be guided, this guidance being inherent to the single guidance of the carriage to which it is attached to said ball guide columns. . According to the first variant of the invention, and as already stated, the upper punch is movable between two positions, respectively high and low. This displacement is ensured by means of a rod-crank-type system, the high position being implemented when the die is fed with the powdery material (s) and during the ejection of the solid product. out of the matrix.
Cependant, selon l'autre variante de l'invention, le poinçon supérieur peut lui-même être soumis à l'action d'un système vis à billes ou à rouleaux, actionnée également par un moteur électrique, lorsque l'on souhaite complexifïer le cycle de compression. Les avantages inhérents à la mise en œuvre d'un tel système sont identiques à ceux décrits en relation avec le poinçon inférieur. Cette combinaison de mouvements permet avantageusement de simuler le déplacement des poinçons sur presses de production rotatives avec très peu de matériau pulvérulent. However, according to the other variant of the invention, the upper punch may itself be subjected to the action of a ball screw or roller system, also actuated by an electric motor, when it is desired to make it more complex. compression cycle. The advantages inherent in the implementation of such a system are identical to those described in relation to the lower punch. This combination of movements advantageously makes it possible to simulate the movement of the punches on rotary production presses with very little powder material.
Le ou les moteur électrique actionnant la vis à billes ou à rouleaux est de type brushless et sont avantageusement couplés à un variateur programmable, de telle sorte à contrôler et synchroniser le déplacement du poinçon inférieur et, le cas échéant du poinçon supérieur. The electric motor or motors actuating the ball screw or roller is brushless type and are preferably coupled to a programmable controller, so as to control and synchronize the movement of the lower punch and, if necessary the upper punch.
Avantageusement, on munit le support des poinçons inférieur et supérieur d'un capteur de force permettant de mesurer le taux de compression exercée et de procéder au réglage de l'installation. Advantageously, the support is provided with the lower and upper punches of a force sensor for measuring the compression rate exerted and to adjust the installation.
En outre, un système de mesure des déplacements respectifs des poinçons peut également être mis en œuvre, afin de contrôler la position des poinçons supérieur et inférieur. En l'espèce, ce système de mesure peut être constitué d'un ou de plusieurs capteurs de mesure linéaire du déplacement des poinçons, destinés à déterminer la position respective des poinçons inférieur et supérieur, et corollairement la hauteur de remplissage de la matrice en matériau pulvérulent et l'épaisseur du produit solide réalisé. DESCRIPTION SOMMAIRE DES FIGURES In addition, a system for measuring the respective movements of the punches can also be implemented, in order to control the position of the upper and lower punches. In the present case, this measuring system may consist of one or more sensors for linear measurement of the displacement of the punches, intended to determine the respective position of the lower and upper punches, and corollary the filling height of the material matrix. powder and the thickness of the solid product produced. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
La manière dont l'invention peut être réalisée et les avantages qui en découlent, ressortiront mieux des exemples de réalisation qui suivent, donnés à titre indicatif et non limitatif, à l'appui des figures annexées. The manner in which the invention can be realized and the advantages which result therefrom will emerge more clearly from the following exemplary embodiments, given by way of non-limiting indication, in support of the appended figures.
La figure 1 est une représentation schématique en perspective de l'installation conforme à une première forme de réalisation de l'invention. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the installation according to a first embodiment of the invention.
La figure 2 est une vue analogue de la figure 1 vue sous un autre angle. Figure 2 is a similar view of Figure 1 seen from another angle.
La figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une seconde forme de réalisation de l'invention mettant en œuvre deux vis à billes ou à rouleaux, actionnant respectivement le poinçon inférieur et le poinçon supérieur. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention implementing two ball screws or roller, respectively actuating the lower punch and the upper punch.
La figure 4 est une vue analogue à la figure 3 vue sous un autre angle.  Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 seen from another angle.
La figure 5 est une vue schématique en section transversale de l'installation des figures 1 et 2. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the installation of Figures 1 and 2.
La figure 6 est une représentation schématique en section transversale d'un détail de l'installation des figures 1 et 2.  Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a detail of the installation of Figures 1 and 2.
La figure 7 est une représentation schématique illustrant la coopération des poinçons inférieur et supérieur avec la matrice.  Figure 7 is a schematic representation illustrating the cooperation of the lower and upper punches with the matrix.
Les figures 8a à 8m sont des représentations schématiques d'une fabrication d'un comprimé bicouche à l'aide de l'installation de l'invention. Figures 8a to 8m are schematic representations of a manufacture of a bilayer tablet using the installation of the invention.
DESCRIPTION DÉTAILLÉE DE L'INVENTION La description qui suit est plus particulièrement orientée vers la réalisation de comprimés à usage médical. Il est cependant bien entendu que l'invention ne saurait se limiter à cette seule application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The description which follows is more particularly directed toward the production of tablets for medical use. However, it is understood that the invention can not be limited to this single application.
On a donc représenté en relation avec les figures 1 et 2 une vue en perspective d'un mode de réalisation de l'invention. Cette installation comprend fondamentalement un bâti (1), notamment métallique, reposant sur le sol par le biais d'une embase. Ce bâti (1) comporte un système de guidage vertical assurant la précision du déplacement des poinçons décrits ci-après. En l'espèce, ce système comporte deux colonnes verticales évidées (3, 4), permettant de loger les moyens de guidage des organes mobiles essentiels de l'installation. Ces deux colonnes (3) et (4) sont rapportées de part et d'autre d'une table (5), dont l'une des premières fonctions est d'assurer la fixation de la matrice au sein de laquelle sont destinés à être réalisés les produits solides conformément à l'invention. A cet effet, elle comporte deux alésages (6) ménagés au sein de son épaisseur, et aptes à recevoir chacun une vis de fixation d'un porte-matrice, permettant ainsi l'interchangeabilité de la matrice et par voie de conséquence, permettant d'adapter l'installation à la forme du produit solide souhaitée. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. This installation basically comprises a frame (1), in particular metal, resting on the ground by means of a base. This frame (1) comprises a vertical guide system ensuring the accuracy of the movement of the punches described below. In this case, this system comprises two recessed vertical columns (3, 4) for housing the guide means of the essential moving parts of the installation. These two columns (3) and (4) are reported on both sides of a table (5), one of the first functions is to ensure the attachment of the matrix within which are intended to be made the solid products according to the invention. For this purpose, it comprises two bores (6) formed within its thickness, and able to receive each a screw for fixing a matrix holder, thus allowing the interchangeability of the matrix and consequently, allowing adapt the installation to the shape of the desired solid product.
Selon l'invention, l'installation comporte un poinçon inférieur (7) et un poinçon supérieur (8) destinés à coopérer au sein de la matrice (9), afin d'assurer la compression du matériau pulvérulent préalablement introduit au sein de la matrice et corollairement la réalisation en un produit solide, en l'espèce un comprimé. According to the invention, the installation comprises a lower punch (7) and an upper punch (8) intended to cooperate within the matrix (9), to ensure the compression of the powder material previously introduced into the matrix and the corollary realization in a solid product, in this case a tablet.
A cet effet, le poinçon inférieur (7) est associé à un chariot mobile (10) susceptible de se déplacer entre les colonnes (3) et (4) du bâti. Plus précisément, ce chariot mobile est pourvu au niveau de ses deux extrémités de guides à billes (11) coopérant avec deux colonnes de guidage (12) parallèles entre elles et fixées au sein des colonnes respectivement (3) et (4). En raison de la précision de ces guides à billes, on peut s'affranchir de tout système de guidage du poinçon proprement dit, le réglage s 'effectuant lors de la construction. For this purpose, the lower punch (7) is associated with a movable carriage (10) capable of moving between the columns (3) and (4) of the frame. More specifically, this mobile carriage is provided at its two ends with ball guides (11) cooperating with two guide columns (12) parallel to each other and fixed within the columns respectively (3) and (4). Because of the precision of these ball guides, one can overcome any punch guide system itself, the setting being effected during construction.
Le chariot mobile (10) est mu en translation ascendante ou descendante au moyen d'une vis à billes ou à rouleaux satellites (13), elle-même mue en rotation au moyen d'un moteur électrique (14) de type brushless. A cet effet, elle est solidarisée au niveau de son extrémité inférieure à une poulie (16) entraînée en rotation par ledit moteur (14) par l'intermédiaire d'une courroie crantée (15). Les vis à billes ou à rouleaux satellites sont d'un type en soi connu, de sorte qu'il n'y a pas lieu de les décrire ici plus en détail. Il convient simplement de rappeler qu'elles constituent un mécanisme assurant la conversion d'un mouvement de rotation en un mouvement de translation selon une liaison hélicoïdale. Elles permettent une transmission de puissance tout en assurant la précision requise en termes de déplacement de ladite translation. The mobile carriage (10) is moved in upward or downward translation by means of a ball screw or satellite roller (13), itself rotated by means of an electric motor (14) brushless type. For this purpose, it is secured at its lower end to a pulley (16) driven in rotation by said motor (14) via a toothed belt (15). The ball screws or satellite rollers are of a type known per se, so there is no need to describe them here in more detail. It should simply be recalled that they constitute a mechanism for converting a rotational movement into a translation movement along a helical link. They allow a transmission of power while ensuring the required precision in terms of displacement of said translation.
Ce faisant, il devient possible, en coopération avec le moteur brushless, de disposer d'une très grande souplesse et d'assurer par le mouvement de rotation de la vis (13) une translation selon une distance courte, tout en assurant le transfert de puissance requis. En l'espèce, la force de compression exercée par le poinçon inférieur est susceptible de dépasser plus de 10 tonnes de pression. In doing so, it becomes possible, in cooperation with the brushless motor, to have a very great flexibility and to ensure by the rotational movement of the screw (13) a translation along a short distance, while ensuring the transfer of power required. In this case, the compression force exerted by the lower punch is likely to exceed more than 10 tonnes of pressure.
Selon une caractéristique essentielle de l'invention, le poinçon inférieur (7) est associé à un système de débrayage et de frein (39), en l'espèce constitué par un ressort réglable agissant radialement sur ledit poinçon, destiné à limiter sa course en direction du bas. On a représenté sur la figure 6 ce principe. Ce faisant, le poinçon inférieur n'est en contact avec la vis (13) et le chariot mobile inférieur (10) que dans le sens ascendant ou vers le haut, ladite vis (13) et le chariot mobile (10) pouvant par ce système de débrayage redescendre d'une longueur fixe sans action sur ledit poinçon, ce dernier étant maintenu par le frein - ressort (39), par ailleurs réglable, pour maintenir le poinçon en contact avec la poudre et effectuer sur cette dernière un premier tassement d'intensité réglable. Ceci afin de ne pas détruire la cohésion de chacune des couches constitutives d'un comprimé multicouches lors des phases subséquentes de remplissage en poudre de la matrice, afin de réaliser les couches supérieures. En d'autres termes, le poinçon inférieur (7) jouit d'un jeu dans le sens de son déplacement. Il n'est donc pas solidarisé aux organes assurant son déplacement, et en l'espèce au chariot mobile (10), ce dernier n'entrant en contact avec l'extrémité inférieure du poinçon que lors des phases de compression, de dosage et d'éjection. According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the lower punch (7) is associated with a disengaging and brake system (39), in this case constituted by an adjustable spring acting radially on said punch, intended to limit its travel in bottom direction. This principle is represented in FIG. In doing so, the lower punch is in contact with the screw (13) and the lower movable carriage (10) only in the upward or upward direction, said screw (13) and the movable carriage (10) being able thereby to declutching system down a fixed length without action on said punch, the latter being held by the spring brake (39), also adjustable, to maintain the punch in contact with the powder and perform on the latter a first settlement of adjustable intensity. This in order not to destroy the cohesion of each of the constituent layers of a multilayer tablet during the subsequent powder filling phases of the matrix, in order to achieve the upper layers. In other words, the lower punch (7) has a game in the direction of its displacement. It is thus not secured to the bodies ensuring its displacement, and in this case to the movable carriage (10), the latter only coming into contact with the lower end of the punch during the compression, dosing and injection phases. 'ejection.
On observe en outre sur la figure 6, et par ailleurs sur les figures 8, que le jeu du poinçon (7) est limitée, typiquement d'une hauteur de 8 millimètres, (en l'espèce constituant la hauteur standard dans l'industrie pour la pénétration du poinçon supérieur), de par la coopération de la base (45) dudit poinçon avec un adaptateur (46), destiné à permettre l'interchangeabilité du poinçon en fonction de la matrice mise en œuvre, ledit adaptateur étant lui-même fixé sur l'ensemble intégrant le porte-capteur (19). On peut également observer sur la figure 6 que c'est l'ensemble des éléments regroupés sous la référence (47) qui est soumis à l'action de la vis (13) et du chariot mobile inférieur (10). It is furthermore observed in FIG. 6, and moreover in FIG. 8, that the play of the punch (7) is limited, typically of a height of 8 millimeters, (in this case constituting the standard height in the industry. for the penetration of the upper punch), because of cooperation of the base (45) of said punch with an adapter (46), intended to allow the interchangeability of the punch according to the matrix used, said adapter being itself fixed on the assembly integrating the sensor holder ( 19). It can also be seen in Figure 6 that it is the set of elements grouped under the reference (47) which is subject to the action of the screw (13) and the lower movable carriage (10).
Selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention, le poinçon supérieur (8) n'assure que la fonction de contre-réaction lorsqu'il coopère avec le poinçon inférieur (7) au sein de la matrice. Ce faisant, et dans cette forme de réalisation, il n'est animé d'un mouvement ascendant que pour permettre le remplissage de la matrice en produit pulvérulent et l'éjection du comprimé une fois réalisé. Il est animé d'un mouvement descendant et ne pénètre dans la matrice que pour prendre sa position sans exercer de force notoire (Cf. supra). Il fonctionne ainsi en principe « tout ou rien » à l'aide d'un ensemble bielle-manivelle (20), actionné par un moteur électrique (18), et agissant sur un chariot supérieur (21), lui-même reçu au niveau de colonnes de guidage (22) à l'instar du chariot inférieur (10). Cependant, ledit chariot supérieur (21) est également reçu, contrairement au chariot inférieur, sur des ressorts extérieurs (23) de telle sorte à équilibrer le poids de l'ensemble. Ainsi, deux ressorts de compression (23) réglables sont solidarisés au chariot (21) à chacune de ses extrémités pour équilibrer l'ensemble du chariot et de ses équipements. Ce dispositif procure de plus une sécurité contre la chute du chariot en cas de défaillance du système électrique. According to a first embodiment of the invention, the upper punch (8) ensures only the feedback function when it cooperates with the lower punch (7) within the matrix. In doing so, and in this embodiment, it is moved upwardly only to allow the filling of the matrix pulverulent product and the ejection of the tablet once made. It is animated by a descending movement and enters the matrix only to take its position without exercising a notorious force (see above). It thus works in principle "all or nothing" using a rod-crank assembly (20), actuated by an electric motor (18), and acting on an upper carriage (21), itself received at guide columns (22) like the lower carriage (10). However, said upper carriage (21) is also received, unlike the lower carriage, on external springs (23) so as to balance the weight of the assembly. Thus, two adjustable compression springs (23) are secured to the carriage (21) at each end to balance the entire carriage and its equipment. This device also provides a safety against the fall of the truck in case of failure of the electrical system.
On a décrit en relation avec les figures 8, le fonctionnement du dispositif de l'invention pour la réalisation d'un comprimé bicouche. Figure 8a : stade zéro, c'est-à-dire qu'une étape précédente de réalisation d'un tel comprimé s'est terminée par l'éjection du comprimé obtenu : l'extrémité supérieure du poinçon inférieur (7) affleure avec la face supérieure de la table (5), et corollairement, avec l'extrémité supérieure de la matrice. Le poinçon supérieur (8) est en position haute, afin de permettre cette étape d'éjection. With reference to FIGS. 8, the operation of the device of the invention for producing a bilayer tablet has been described. Figure 8a: zero stage, that is to say that a previous step of producing such a tablet has ended by ejection of the tablet obtained: the upper end of the lower punch (7) is flush with the upper face of the table (5), and consequently, with the upper end of the matrix. The upper punch (8) is in the up position, to allow this ejection step.
Figure 8b : Le poinçon supérieur est maintenu en position haute, et corollairement, les organes assurant le déplacement du poinçon inférieur sont abaissés. En raison du débrayage des ces organes par rapport au poinçon, outre de la présence du frein (39), ledit poinçon inférieur ne s'abaisse que partiellement, suffisamment en tout cas pour libérer le volume nécessaire au remplissage par le matériau pulvérulent constitutif de la couche inférieure du comprimé bicouche à réaliser. Figure 8b: The upper punch is held in the upper position, and corollary, the bodies ensuring the displacement of the lower punch are lowered. Due to the disengagement of these members relative to the punch, in addition to the presence of the brake (39), said lower punch only lowers partially, sufficient in any case to release the volume necessary for filling with the constituent powder material of the lower layer of the bilayer tablet to achieve.
Figure 8c : les organes assurant le déplacement du poinçon inférieur (7) remontent, de telle sorte à induire la poussée vers le haut de ce dernier, et corollairement permettre le dosage et l'arasage du matériau pulvérulent en excès. Figure 8d : les organes de déplacement du poinçon inférieur sont à nouveau descendus, mais le dit poinçon demeure sensiblement en place, en raison du frein et de sion débrayage par rapport auxdits organes. Figure 8c: the bodies ensuring the displacement of the lower punch (7) back, so as to induce the upward thrust of the latter, and corollary allow the dosing and shaving of the powder material in excess. Figure 8d: the displacement members of the lower punch are again descended, but said punch remains substantially in place, because of the brake and release clutch relative to said bodies.
Figure 8e : le poinçon supérieur (8) est descendu, pénètre dans la matrice, assurant un tassage « léger » du matériau présent dans la matrice, le poinçon inférieur descendant doucement, ralenti en cela par le frein dont le réglage contrôle l'intensité de tassage. Figure 8e: the upper punch (8) is lowered, penetrates into the matrix, providing a "light" tamping of the material present in the matrix, the lower punch descending gently, slowed down by the brake whose adjustment controls the intensity of the compaction.
Figure 8f : étape de compression : le poinçon inférieur est remonté sous l'action des organes assurant son déplacement, et corollairement, le poinçon supérieur, alors en position basse, assure la contre-réaction : la première couche du comprimé est ainsi réalisée. Figure 8f: compression step: the lower punch is raised under the action of the organs ensuring its displacement, and corollary, the upper punch, then in the low position, ensures the counter-reaction: the first layer of the tablet is thus achieved.
Figure 8g : le poinçon supérieur est remonté en position haute, sans que le piston inférieur ne soit libéré des organes assurant sa progression : il reste donc à sa place. Figure 8g: the upper punch is raised in the upper position, without the lower piston being released from the organs ensuring its progression: it remains in its place.
Figure 8h : en raison de l'escamotage du poinçon supérieur, on libère l'accès à la matrice, dont le volume est partiellement comblé par ladite couche inférieure du comprimé : une nouvelle étape de remplissage de ladite matrice par un second matériau pulvérulent est réalisée. FIG. 8h: due to the retraction of the upper punch, the access to the matrix is released, the volume of which is partially filled by the said lower layer of the tablet; a new step of filling said matrix with a second powder material is carried out.
Figure 8i : nouvelle étape d'arasage : identique à l'étape de la figure 8c. Figure 8i: new shaving step: identical to the step of Figure 8c.
Figure 8j : identique à la figure 8d : le poinçon inférieur est libéré de l'action des organes assurant son déplacement, mais est maintenu en place par le frein (39). Figure 8j: identical to Figure 8d: the lower punch is released from the action of the bodies ensuring its movement, but is held in place by the brake (39).
Figure 8k : identique à la figure 8 e : tassage doux du second matériau pulvérulent au contact de ladite couche inférieure, en suite de la descente du poinçon supérieur dans sa position basse. Figure 8k: identical to Figure 8 e: soft tamping of the second powder material in contact with said lower layer, following the descent of the upper punch in its lower position.
Figure 81 : identique à la figure 8f : compression de la seconde couche du comprimé par remontée du poinçon inférieur, avec une force exercée susceptible d'atteindre 10 tonnes. Figure 81: identical to Figure 8f: compression of the second layer of the tablet by raising the lower punch, with a force exerted up to 10 tons.
Figure 8m : le poinçon supérieur est repositionné dans sa position haute, et le poinçon inférieur remonte à son tour, repoussant le comprimé bicouche ainsi réalisé hors de la matrice, permettant alors l'éjection de ce dernier. On observe ainsi que lors de la réalisation de tels comprimés multicouches, après réalisation de la première couche ou couche inférieure, le poinçon supérieur (8), après avoir été escamoté pour permettre l'introduction d'une nouvelle quantité de matériau pulvérulent apte à constituer la seconde couche, puis réintroduit dans la matrice, induit le déplacement à l'intérieur de la matrice, et donc en direction du bas, du lit de poudre précomprimé ainsi réalisé, lorsque le poinçon inférieur adopte sa position basse. Ce positionnement est obtenu en utilisant la liberté apportée par le système. Ainsi, le déplacement exercé par le poinçon supérieur en contact avec la poudre lors de sa descente se traduit par la descente du comprimé en cours de réalisation dans la matrice sans exercer de force notoire, c'est à dire uniquement la faible force du frein (39) à vaincre, et permettant de repositionner le comprimé en cours de réalisation sans altérer sa cohésion. Le moteur brushless associé à la vis à billes permet la programmation et le contrôle du déplacement du poinçon associé. Ce contrôle associé à la synchronisation des deux poinçons permet une reproduction du déplacement dans le temps des poinçons, permettant la reproduction des déplacements des éléments des machines dites rotatives lors des différentes phases de réalisation des comprimés. Figure 8m: the upper punch is repositioned in its upper position, and the lower punch back in turn, pushing the bilayer tablet thus made out of the matrix, allowing the ejection of the latter. It is thus observed that during the production of such multilayer tablets, after making the first layer or lower layer, the upper punch (8), after being retracted to allow the introduction of a new amount of powder material suitable for constituting the second layer, then reintroduced into the matrix, induces the displacement inside the matrix, and therefore in the direction of the bottom, of the precompressed powder bed thus produced, when the lower punch adopts its low position. This positioning is achieved by using the freedom provided by the system. Thus, the displacement exerted by the upper punch in contact with the powder during its descent results in the descent of the tablet being produced in the matrix without exerting any known force, that is to say only the weak force of the brake ( 39) to overcome, and to reposition the tablet in progress without altering its cohesion. The brushless motor associated with the ball screw allows programming and control of the movement of the associated punch. This control associated with the synchronization of the two punches allows a reproduction of the displacement in time of the punches, allowing the reproduction of the movements of the elements of the so-called rotary machines during the different phases of realization of the tablets.
En effet, la problématique de la compression est inhérente au comportement du matériau pulvérulent lorsque ce dernier est soumis à une pression, en l'espèce de compactage pour aboutir à un produit solide. Ainsi, chaque poudre ou matériau pulvérulent réagit différemment aux déplacements des poinçons (réduction de volume du lit de poudre au sein de la matrice), et donc corollairement à la pression exercée. Il convient donc de pouvoir agir sur le déplacement des poinçons, et dans le mode de réalisation décrit du poinçon inférieur en fonction de la force mesurée au niveau de la poudre. Cette force n'est que la force de réaction de la poudre à la réduction de volume imprimée par le mouvement relatif des poinçons. Indeed, the problem of compression is inherent in the behavior of the powder material when the latter is subjected to pressure, in this case compaction to result in a solid product. Thus, each powder or powder material reacts differently to the movements of the punches (reduction of volume of the powder bed within the matrix), and therefore corollary to the pressure exerted. It is therefore necessary to be able to act on the displacement of the punches, and in the described embodiment of the lower punch as a function of the force measured at the level of the powder. This force is only the reaction force of the powder to the reduction of volume printed by the relative movement of the punches.
Ainsi, certains matériaux pulvérulents réagissent très tôt : le contact dudit matériau avec le poinçon créant un compact et une force élevés avec très peu de déplacement dans le lit de poudre. Thus, certain pulverulent materials react very early: the contact of said material with the punch creating a compact and a high force with very little movement in the bed of powder.
D'autres matériaux pulvérulents autorisent une réduction de volume par échappement d'air sans toutefois aboutir à la cohésion du compact ni générer de force résultante avant un déplacement important dans le lit de poudre. Other pulverulent materials allow a volume reduction by exhaust air without resulting in the cohesion of the compact nor generate the resultant force before a large displacement in the powder bed.
Un système extérieur, typiquement constitué d'un asservissement électronique au niveau duquel aboutissent les mesures réalisées par les capteurs, contrôle la force et le déplacement des poinçons, et à tout le moins du poinçon inférieur, permettant ainsi d'influencer sur ledit déplacement en fonction de la force de compression résultante mesurée (par exemple déplacement arrêté dés qu'un niveau de force est atteint). A cet effet, le chariot (10) reçoit un support de capteur (19) intégrant un capteur de force proprement dit (28), typiquement constitué d'une jauge de contrainte, et permettant de caler la force exercée par le poinçon inférieur. En outre, le moteur brushless (14) est équipé d'un frein ou d'un maintien en couple, susceptible d'opposer un couple voisin de 80 N/m. Ce frein peut être intégré au moteur ou extérieur à celui-ci, et ce, de manière connue. An external system, typically constituted by an electronic servocontrol at which the measurements made by the sensors result, controls the force and the displacement of the punches, and at the very least of the lower punch, thus making it possible to influence said displacement in function the resultant compression force measured (eg stopped motion as soon as a force level is reached). For this purpose, the carriage (10) receives a sensor support (19) incorporating a force sensor itself (28), typically consisting of a strain gauge, and for stalling the force exerted by the lower punch. In addition, the brushless motor (14) is equipped with a brake or a torque maintenance, likely to oppose a torque of 80 N / m neighbor. This brake can be integrated into the motor or outside it, and this, in known manner.
Le système permet donc de contrôler le déplacement du poinçon inférieur en fonction des deux modes de comportement des matériaux pulvérulents décrits ci-dessus. The system therefore makes it possible to control the displacement of the lower punch as a function of the two modes of behavior of the pulverulent materials described above.
S'agissant du poinçon supérieur ; là encore, est solidarisé au chariot (21) un porte capteur (24) intégrant un capteur de force proprement dit d'un type analogue à celui associé au chariot inférieur (10) et permettant de déterminer en coopération avec ce dernier la contrainte et donc la pression exercée au niveau du matériau pulvérulent, et corollairement le déplacement dudit poinçon inférieur. With regard to the upper punch; here again, is secured to the carriage (21) a sensor holder (24) incorporating a force sensor proper of a type similar to that associated with the lower carriage (10) and for determining in cooperation with the latter the constraint and therefore the pressure exerted on the powder material, and corollary the movement of said lower punch.
Cette première forme de réalisation correspond à un mode simplifiée de l'installation de l'invention. Elle met en œuvre le principe essentiel visée par l'invention, à savoir la compression du matériau pulvérulent par le bas, associée à un système de freinage et de débrayage du poinçon inférieur, tout particulièrement novateur au regard de l'état antérieur de la technique. This first embodiment corresponds to a simplified mode of the installation of the invention. It implements the essential principle targeted by the invention, namely the compression of the powder material from below, associated with a braking system and disengagement of the lower punch, particularly innovative in view of the prior art .
Dans cette configuration, le poinçon inférieur (7) permet d'assurer les phases de remplissage/dosage, de par sa course libre, et de compression. In this configuration, the lower punch (7) ensures the filling / dosing phases, by its free stroke, and compression.
Les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues analogues aux figures 1 et 2, à la réserve près que le déplacement du poinçon supérieur (8) est, dans ce mode de réalisation particulier, également réalisé par une vis à billes ou à rouleaux satellites du type de la vis (13) animant en translation le poinçon inférieur. Cette réalisation plus coûteuse apporte de nombreux avantages en termes de contrôle et de simulation de presses de production aux déplacements symétriques. A cet effet, cette vis (non représentée pour ne pas surcharger la figure) est animée en rotation par le biais d'un moteur électrique brushless (25) actionnant une poulie (26) par le biais d'une courroie crantée (27). L'avantage de l'actionnement du poinçon inférieur et du poinçon supérieur par une vis à billes ou à rouleaux réside dans le fait qu'on se rapproche davantage de la simulation des presses dites rotatives. En effet, sur de telles presses rotatives, la compression se fait simultanément par les poinçons inférieur et supérieur. Dans l'invention, le fait de mettre en œuvre une vis motorisée pour assurer le déplacement du poinçon inférieur et du poinçon supérieur permet de se situer dans la même configuration et de disposer des mêmes mouvements qu'une presse rotative. FIGS. 3 and 4 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the displacement of the upper punch (8) is, in this particular embodiment, also achieved by a ball screw or satellite roller of the type the screw (13) translating the lower punch. This more expensive implementation brings many advantages in terms of control and simulation of production presses to symmetrical movements. For this purpose, this screw (not shown not to overload the figure) is rotated by means of a brushless electric motor (25) actuating a pulley (26) through a toothed belt (27). The advantage of the actuation of the lower punch and the upper punch by a ball screw or roller resides in the fact that it is closer to the simulation of so-called rotary presses. Indeed, on such rotary presses, the compression is done simultaneously by the lower and upper punches. In the invention, the fact of implementing a motorized screw for moving the lower punch and the upper punch makes it possible to be in the same configuration and to have the same movements as a rotary press.
En combinant le contrôle précis en force résultant de la mise en œuvre de vis à billes ou à rouleaux, la programmation du moteur brushless à l'aide d'un variateur, et l'analyse et l'anticipation de l'évolution dans le temps de la force exercée lors de la compression et/ou du déplacement des poinçons que permettent de réaliser les éléments de mesure (capteurs de force et de déplacement), les modèles mis en œuvre par l'installation de l'invention peuvent soit simuler complètement le comportement des machines de production industrielle (traditionnellement contrôlées en déplacement sur les presses rotatives), soit comprimer en utilisant la force comme seul élément de contrôle afin d'avoir une densité du comprimé indépendante des variations inhérentes au remplissage. Ces résultats sont particulièrement novateurs et apportent de nombreux avantages en termes de développements, d'aide à la production d'obtention de comprimés et de leur caractéristique sans perte de poudre initiale. By combining the precise control in force resulting from the implementation of ball screws or rollers, the programming of the brushless motor using a variator, and the analysis and the anticipation of the evolution over time of the force exerted during the compression and / or movement of the punches made possible by the measuring elements (force and displacement sensors), the models implemented by the installation of the invention can either completely simulate the the behavior of industrial production machines (traditionally controlled in displacement on rotary presses), or compress using force as the sole control element in order to have a density of the tablet independent of the variations inherent in the filling. These results are particularly innovative and bring many advantages in terms of developments, production support for obtaining tablets and their characteristic without loss of initial powder.
En outre, le mouvement des poinçons inférieur et supérieur sont contrôlés en position ou en force ou alternativement en position et en force au moyen d'un asservissement extérieur électronique, favorisant la simulation. La simulation de machine rotative de production utilisant ces deux principes de contrôle est alors possible. In addition, the movement of the lower and upper punches are controlled in position or in force or alternatively in position and force by means of an electronic external control, favoring the simulation. The production rotary machine simulation using these two control principles is then possible.
On a représenté en relation avec la figure 7 la coopération des poinçons inférieur (7) et supérieur (8) avec la matrice (9). La matrice est amovible, et est reçu dans un outil porte- matrice (29) solidarisé à la table (5). Les poinçons, respectivement inférieur (7) et supérieur (8) sont quant à eux reçus chacun dans un adaptateur, respectivement inférieur (46) et supérieur (47), permettant leur interchangeabilité en fonction des dimensions de la matrice mise en œuvre. On conçoit tout l'intérêt de l'installation conforme à l'invention. Tout d'abord, et notamment en relation avec les figures 1 et 2, on appréhende facilement la simplicité technologique de cette installation par la mise en œuvre d'une seule compression par le bas et non par le double actionnement des poinçons inférieur et supérieur, puisqu'aussi bien dans cette forme de réalisation, le poinçon supérieur ne remplit, comme déjà dit, qu'une fonction de contre-réaction. FIG. 7 shows the cooperation of the lower (7) and upper (8) punches with the matrix (9). The matrix is removable and is received in a die-holder tool (29) secured to the table (5). The punches, respectively lower (7) and upper (8) are each received in an adapter, respectively lower (46) and upper (47), allowing their interchangeability depending on the dimensions of the matrix implemented. It is conceivable the whole interest of the installation according to the invention. First of all, and in particular in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, it is easy to understand the technological simplicity of this installation by the implementation of a single compression from below and not by the double actuation of the lower and upper punches, since, in this embodiment, the upper punch, as already mentioned, only fulfills a counter-reaction function.
On conçoit également l'intérêt du guidage des chariots respectivement supérieur et inférieur au niveau de colonnes de guidage latérales permettant de s'affranchir de tout système de guidage des poinçons proprement dits, délicat à mettre en œuvre. Ainsi, un simple réglage par construction permet ensuite de s'affranchir de tout réglage du guidage du ou des poinçons au niveau de la matrice. It is also conceivable the advantage of guiding the upper and lower carriages respectively at the level of lateral guide columns making it possible to dispense with any system for guiding the punches themselves, which is difficult to implement. Thus, a simple adjustment by construction then makes it possible to dispense with any adjustment of the guidance of the punch or punches at the level of the matrix.
Au surplus, à l'aide d'un système d'alimentation adapté, il devient possible de manière aisée de réaliser des produits solides monocouches, bicouches ou tricouches, ce que l'on ne savait faire efficacement et simplement à ce jour, notamment avec compression intermédiaire de chacune des couches. In addition, with the aid of a suitable feed system, it becomes possible in an easy manner to produce solid products monolayer, bilayer or trilayer, which we did not know how to do effectively and simply to date, especially with intermediate compression of each layer.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents, comprenant : 1. Installation for producing a solid product from one or more powdery materials, comprising:
• des moyens d'alimentation (31, 32, 38) en matériau(x) pulvérulent(s) ;  Feed means (31, 32, 38) made of pulverulent material (s);
• une matrice (9) de réception dudit ou desdits matériaux pulvérulents, et de conformation du produit solide à réaliser, solidarisée avantageusement réversiblement à une table porte-matrice (5) solidaire du bâti de l'installation ; A matrix (9) for receiving said one or more powdery materials, and for conformation of the solid product to be produced, which is advantageously secured reversibly to a matrix support table (5) integral with the frame of the installation;
• un poinçon supérieur (8) et un poinçon inférieur (7), animés d'un mouvement en translation, aptes à coopérer entre eux au niveau de ladite matrice (9) afin d'assurer la compression du ou des matériaux pulvérulents et la réalisation du produit solide ; An upper punch (8) and a lower punch (7), animated with a translational movement, capable of cooperating with each other at the level of said die (9) in order to ensure the compression of the powdery material (s) and the production solid product;
caractérisée en ce que le poinçon inférieur (7) est associé à un système de désaccouplement des moyens ou organes assurant son déplacement, ledit système étant lui-même muni d'un frein (39), apte à limiter la course dudit poinçon inférieur (7) en direction du bas afin de conserver le contact dudit poinçon avec le matériau pulvérulent présent dans la matrice lors de la réalisation du produit solide, multicouche notamment, et coroUairement, afin de ne pas engendrer de compression additionnelle lors du déplacement dans la matrice des différents amalgames de produit pulvérulent lors des phases intermédiaires de remplissage pour chaque couche de produit.  characterized in that the lower punch (7) is associated with a decoupling system of the means or members ensuring its displacement, said system being itself provided with a brake (39), able to limit the stroke of said lower punch (7). ) in the downward direction in order to maintain the contact of said punch with the powder material present in the matrix during the production of the solid product, multilayer in particular, and coroUairement, so as not to generate additional compression during the displacement in the matrix of different amalgams of powdery product during the intermediate filling phases for each layer of product.
2. Installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que le poinçon supérieur (8) n'est mobile en translation qu'entre deux positions, respectivement haute et basse, ledit poinçon supérieur étant statique lors de la ou des phases de compression. 2. Installation for producing a solid product from one or more powdery materials according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper punch (8) is movable in translation between two positions, respectively high and low, said upper punch being static during the compression phase or phases.
3. Installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que le poinçon supérieur (8) est mobile en translation au moyen d'un système de type bielle - manivelle (20), la position haute étant mise en œuvre lorsque l'on procède à l'alimentation de la matrice avec le ou les matériaux pulvérulents et lors de l'éjection du produit solide hors de la matrice, et la position basse étant mise en œuvre lors des phases de compactage du produit pulvérulent. 3. Installation for producing a solid product from one or more powdery materials according to claim 2, characterized in that the upper punch (8) is movable in translation by means of a rod-type system - crank (20), the upper position being implemented when proceeding to supplying the matrix with the powdery material (s) and during the ejection of the solid product from the matrix, and the low position being implemented during the compaction phases of the powdery product.
4. Installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que le déplacement du poinçon supérieur (8) est contrôlé à tout moment. 4. Installation for producing a solid product from one or more powdery materials according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement of the upper punch (8) is controlled at any time.
5. Installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisée en ce que le poinçon inférieur (7) est animé d'un mouvement de translation au niveau de la matrice au moyen d'une vis à billes ou à rouleaux (13) actionnée par un moteur électrique. 5. Installation for the production of a solid product from one or more powdery materials according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lower punch (7) is driven by a translational movement to level of the die by means of a ball screw or roller (13) actuated by an electric motor.
6. Installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que le poinçon inférieur (7) est associé à un chariot inférieur (10), mobile en translation et guidé au niveau de colonnes de guidage à billes (11, 12) montées au sein du bâti de l'installation. 6. Installation for producing a solid product from one or more powdery materials according to claim 5, characterized in that the lower punch (7) is associated with a lower carriage (10), movable in translation and guided at ball guide columns (11, 12) mounted within the frame of the installation.
7. Installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents selon la revendication 4, caractérisée en ce que le poinçon supérieur (8) est animé d'un mouvement de translation au niveau de la matrice au moyen d'une vis à billes ou à rouleaux actionnée par un moteur électrique. 7. Installation for producing a solid product from one or more powdery materials according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper punch (8) is driven by a translational movement at the level of the matrix at means of a ball screw or roller powered by an electric motor.
8. Installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents selon l'une des revendications 5 à 7, caractérisée en ce que le moteur électrique actionnant la vis à billes ou à rouleaux est de type brushless et est couplé à un variateur programmable, de telle sorte à contrôler et synchroniser le déplacement du poinçon inférieur (7), voire du poinçon supérieur (8). 8. Installation for producing a solid product from one or more powdery materials according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the electric motor actuating the ball screw or roller is brushless type and is coupled to a programmable dimmer, so as to control and synchronize the movement of the lower punch (7), or even the upper punch (8).
9. Installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisée en ce que le support des poinçons inférieur (7) et supérieur (8) intègre un capteur de force permettant de mesurer le taux de compression exercée et de procéder au réglage de l'installation. 9. Installation for producing a solid product from one or more powdery materials according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lower (7) and upper (8) punches support integrates a force sensor for measuring the compression ratio exerted and adjusting the installation.
10. Installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend en outre un ou plusieurs capteurs de mesure linéaire du déplacement des poinçons, destinés à déterminer la position respective des poinçons inférieur et supérieur, et coroUairement la hauteur de remplissage de la matrice en matériau pulvérulent et l'épaisseur du produit solide réalisé. 10. Installation for producing a solid product from one or more powdery materials according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises one or more sensors for linear measurement of the displacement of punches, intended to determine the respective position of the lower and upper punches, and coroUairement the filling height of the matrix of powder material and the thickness of the solid product produced.
11. Installation pour la réalisation d'un produit solide à partir d'un ou de plusieurs matériaux pulvérulents selon la revendication 10, caractérisée en ce que le mouvement des poinçons inférieur et supérieur sont contrôlés en position ou en force ou alternativement en position et en force au moyen d'un asservissement extérieur électronique. 11. Installation for producing a solid product from one or more powdery materials according to claim 10, characterized in that the movement of the lower and upper punches are controlled in position or in force or alternatively in position and in position. force by means of electronic external control.
EP10788108.8A 2009-10-30 2010-10-28 Facility for producing a solid product using one or more powder materials Active EP2493680B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0957643A FR2951989B1 (en) 2009-10-30 2009-10-30 INSTALLATION FOR PRODUCING A SOLID PRODUCT FROM ONE OR MORE PULVERULENT MATERIALS
PCT/FR2010/052314 WO2011051626A1 (en) 2009-10-30 2010-10-28 Facility for producing a solid product using one or more powder materials

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EP2493680A1 true EP2493680A1 (en) 2012-09-05
EP2493680B1 EP2493680B1 (en) 2020-03-11

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US8668483B2 (en) 2014-03-11
FR2951989B1 (en) 2012-02-03
FR2951989A1 (en) 2011-05-06
US20120207867A1 (en) 2012-08-16
EP2493680B1 (en) 2020-03-11

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