EP3103594A1 - Tool case - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool case for storing, cleaning and transporting at least one die segment (38) of a die plate of a rotary tablet press comprising a portable tool case shell (10, 14) and at least one segment insert (26) arranged in the tool case shell (10) for holding at least a die segment (38), the segment insert (26) having a plurality of sets of selectively activatable or deactivatable limiting means (28, 34), each set of limiting means (28, 34) associated with a die segment (38) of a particular size and / or shape is, wherein the sets of limiting means (28, 34) hold a respectively associated therewith Matrizensegment (38) in the activated state on the segment insert (26) in a shift-safe manner.

Description

The invention relates to a tool case for the storage, cleaning and transport of at least one die segment of a die plate of a rotary tablet press.

Rotary tablet presses have a rotatably driven rotor, which typically includes an upper punch receptacle, a lower punch receptacle, and a die plate. The lower punch holder receives in paraxial holes on individual lower punch, which are aligned to die holes of the die plate. The upper punch holder receives in axially parallel holes upper punch, which are also aligned to the die holes. In the course of the rotation of the rotor, the upper and lower punches with suitable guides, such as cams, together and are moved by this axially in the upper or lower punch recordings. In the area of one or more pressing stations, comprising, for example, pressure rollers, the upper and lower punches are pressed against each other in their respective associated bores of the die plate, whereby compressed into the holes powdered material is compressed into tablets.

Out EP 1 316 411 B1 Such a rotary tablet press is known, wherein the die plate consists of several Matrizenringsegmenten, which are releasably secured respectively to the rotor. At the EP 1 316 411 B1 Known rotary tablet press the upper and lower punch directly interact with holes in the die segments. One of the advantages of constructing the die plate from die segments is that the die segments can be easily disassembled from the rotor of the rotary tablet press or mounted on the rotor without the need to remove the rotor as a whole. This can be easily between Matrizen segments with different bore geometry for the production of tablets of different shapes to be changed. In the prior art, stencils which are detachably arranged in the die plate are regularly provided in the die plate for integrally formed die plates for this purpose. However, mounting and balancing the dies is expensive. When using Matrizen segments can be dispensed with such releasably used matrices. There are then several sets of die segments, each with a different hole geometry, for a rotary tablet press.

There is a need to store in particular the respectively unused Matrizensegmente in a simple manner and if necessary to transport. In the prior art, storage takes place in permanently installed storage cabinets. A transport of Matrizensegmente in these storage cabinets is not possible by nature. For this purpose, in practice portable suitcases with a foam insert, in which an adapted to the size and shape of a particular Matrizensegments recess is formed. Thus, in particular during transport, it must be prevented that the die segment is damaged, for example, by impact on inner surfaces of a transport case. In addition, die segments for different rotary tablet presses often have a different size and / or shape. With the known transport cases for Matrizensegmente only one Matrizensegment a certain size and shape can be transported in each case.

Based on the explained prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a tool case of the type mentioned above, which allows a transport and storage of Matrizen segments also different size and / or shape and protects the die segments simultaneously from damage.

The invention achieves the object by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

The invention achieves the object by a tool case for storing and transporting at least one die segment of a die table of a rotary tablet press, characterized by a portable tool case shell and at least one segment insert arranged in the tool case shell for holding at least one die segment, the segment insert comprising a plurality of sets of selectively activatable or deactivatable Having limiting means, each set of limiting means is associated with a die segment of a particular size and / or shape, wherein the sets of limiting means hold a each associated therewith template segment in the activated state shift-safe on the segment insert.

The tool case according to the invention has a tool case shell, which generally has a lower part and an upper part. The upper part can be movable between an open and a closed position relative to the lower part, for example, be pivotable. In addition, the tool case shell in particular has a handle on which the tool case can be carried for one-hand transport in particular. The clamp protection may, for example, include a suitable chamfer and groove, which avoid pinching fingers. In particular in the lower part of the tool case shell, at least one segment insert is arranged for holding at least one die segment. As explained at the beginning, the basic structure of a rotary tablet press is, for example, made EP 1 316 411 B1 known. The die segments to be transported or stored with the tool case according to the invention can be designed accordingly as well as out EP 1 316 411 B1 known. In this case, the Matrizenringsegmente be designed so that the Upper and lower punches of the rotary tablet press to be provided with the die segments interact directly with bores of the die segments. However, it is also possible that in the die segments in a conventional manner matrices are detachably arranged, for example, are screwed, the upper and lower punches then interact with holes of these matrices.

According to the invention, a plurality of sets of limiting means are provided which can be selectively activated or deactivated. Each set of limiting means is associated with a particular die segment type of a particular size and / or shape. Depending on the matrix segment type, the associated set of limiting means is activated, wherein the one or more other sets of limiting means may be deactivated in particular. The activated limiting means form boundaries, in particular boundary points, between which the respective die segments are held in such a way that they can not be displaced in the lateral direction on the segment insert. It is also possible that the limiting means hold the die segments together with an inner edge of the segment insert or the tool box shell so that they can not be displaced.

According to the invention, a storage and transport of the die segment without the risk of damage are possible in particular in the closed state of the tool case. It is held rather securely in its respective position. At the same time, the limiting means allow in a flexible manner the shift-safe holding of different die segments with only one segment insert. If another type of die segment is to be held on the segment insert, after removal of the previously held die segment and deactivation of the previously activated set of limiting means, only the set of limiting means associated with the new die segment type must be activated become. Subsequently, the new die segments can be placed on the segment insert, wherein this die segment is then in turn held by the activated limiting means shift.

It is also possible to hold several die segments on a segment insert, if their size permits. If appropriate, then two sets of limiting means can be activated, wherein in the case of two identical die segments to be held, these two sets can also be identical.

It is also conceivable that a plurality of segment inserts designed according to the invention can be accommodated in the tool case, for example stacked one above the other. Each of the segment inserts can then hold one or more die segments in the manner according to the invention so that they can not be displaced. Die segments held on the lower segment insert (s) may be held between the segment insert holding it and the underside of the segment insert disposed above it.

The tool case according to the invention allows easy handling of die segments of different size and / or shape. A uniform transport and storage concept is provided. The lifetime of the die segments is extended by avoiding damage. The die segments must be repacked less often between different storage or transport, which further facilitates the process. The die segments can be carried by one operator in the tool case according to the invention with one hand, resulting in ergonomic advantages and a reduction in health burden. A storage of arranged in a plurality of tool cases Matrizensegmenten is possible in a simple manner, for example by stacking the tool box.

According to one embodiment, the at least one segment insert can be detachably held in the tool case shell, so that at least one die segment held on the at least one segment insert can be removed for cleaning together with the at least one segment insert from the tool train case shell. This results in a simplification of the necessary, for example, a product change cleaning the die segments, since the respective die segment can be removed together with the segment insert from the tool box shell and used in a cleaning device for cleaning. Repacking the die segment is not required. This further reduces the risk of damage and physical strain on an operator. The at least one segment insert can, for example, be held detachably in a holding frame of the tool box shell, in particular a lower part of the tool box shell. But there are also other releasable holding mechanisms conceivable.

Alternatively, it is possible that the at least one segment insert is fixedly arranged in the tool case shell, in particular is integrally connected to the tool case shell. This results in a particularly simple structure and thus a particularly simple production of the tool case. The tool case including the segment insert can be produced in a blow-molding process.

According to a further embodiment it can be provided that the limiting means comprise a plurality of sets of limiting recesses formed in the at least one segment insert and a plurality of limiting plugs, wherein for activating a set of limiting means limiting plugs can be inserted into this set of limiting recesses, the limiting plugs being inserted into the limiting recesses Condition to shift-secure holding the at least one die segment over the top of the at least one segment insert protrude. In this embodiment, the limiting means comprise a plurality of sets of limiting recesses or limiting receptacles formed in the bottom of the at least one segment insert. Furthermore, a plurality of limiting plugs are provided, which can be used optionally in the limiting recesses. The limiting plug can be cylindrically shaped in a particularly simple embodiment. The limiting recesses may then also be cylindrically shaped and have a slightly larger diameter than the limiting recesses, so that the limiting plugs are held in the manner of a press fit or by screwing in the limiting recesses. Of course, other shapes for the limiting plugs and limiting depressions are also conceivable. To activate a set of limiting means, limiting plugs are inserted into the corresponding set of bounding recesses, for example screwed in. To disable this set of limiting means, the bounding plugs are removed again from the bounding wells. In the state inserted into the limiting recesses, the limiting plugs protrude beyond the surrounding surface of the segment insert and thus form boundary points for a matrix segment inserted between the limiting plugs. As a result of this embodiment, the holding of the die segment in the lateral direction is realized in a particularly simple manner.

According to a further embodiment, the limiting recesses may each have at least one marking which indicates the affiliation of the limiting recesses with a specific set of limiting recesses. In particular, the tag indicates belonging to exactly one set of bounding wells. It is also conceivable that individual or all of the bounding pits in the sense of a double or multiple function belong simultaneously to two or more than two sets of bounding pits. The corresponding bounding pits may then have a plurality of markings, each indicating membership in a set of bounding pits. The markings may be, for example, a label located on the bottom of the bounding pits. For example, the designation of the die segment to be held by the respective delimiting recesses when the delimiting plugs are used can be provided as identification. The aforesaid configuration allows in a simple manner that the boundary recesses of the different sets have the same shape and size, and that the limiting plugs have the same shape and size. By virtue of limiting recesses or identically shaped limiting plugs which are identically shaped over all sets, it is further possible that several sets of limiting plugs do not have to be provided. Rather, it is sufficient if there are a sufficient number of delimiting plugs so that the delimiting pits of the set with the most delimiting pits or, at the same time, the desired activation of a plurality of sets of delimiting pits can occupy all delimiting pits of these several phrases.

Alternatively, it is also possible that limiting recesses of different sets each have different dimensions, and that a plurality of sets of limiting plugs are provided, wherein limiting plugs of different sets each have different dimensions, wherein limiting plugs of a set are each assigned to a set of limiting recesses due to their dimensions. In this embodiment, several sets of delimiting stopper are required accordingly. One set of delimiting pegs is each based on a set of bounding pits the particular shape and size in particular clearly assigned. In particular, a set of bounding plugs can then be inserted into exactly one set of bounding wells. In this case, the delimiting recesses of the different sets or the delimiting plugs of the different sets may differ, in particular with regard to their cross section, for example their diameter. Also, the boundary pits of the different sets or the boundary pegs of the different sets may have different cross-sectional shapes that provide a unique association of the different sets of bounding plugs with the different sets of bounding pits.

According to a further embodiment, it may be provided that the tool case shell has a lower part receiving the at least one segment insert and a top part pivotable relative to the lower part between an open position and a closed position, the upper part being in the closed position with an inside on at least one of the At least one segment insert held template segment rests, so that the at least one die segment between the at least one segment insert and the inside of the upper part is firmly held. The tool case shell may also have a lock with which the tool case is lockable. In the closed state, the die segment between the segment insert and the inner surface of the upper part is held positionally secure even with respect to a direction of movement perpendicular to the top of the segment insert. A movement of the die segment in the tool box and an associated risk of damage are then completely prevented. One or more hinges connecting the upper part and the lower part can also participate in the positionally secure holding of the die segment.

The upper part and / or the lower part of the tool case shell may be integrally formed, in particular of a plastic material. So it can also be the upper part and the lower part integrally connected to each other, for example by one or more film hinges. However, it is also conceivable that the upper part and the lower part are separate parts, which are connected by one or more separate hinges. Also, the segment insert may be integrally formed, for example made of plastic material. All parts of the tool case made of a plastic material can be produced in a particularly simple manner in manufacturing technology in a plastic injection molding process.

The segment insert may consist of a material softer than the tool case shell, for example a plastic or foam material. This results in a particularly good protection of the die segment. Accordingly, according to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the inside of the upper part of the tool case shell has an insert which, in the closed position of the upper part, rests on the at least one die segment held by the at least one segment insert. The insert may consist of a material which is softer relative to the upper part, preferably a plastic or foam material. It is also possible that the insert is releasably held in the upper part. It is then possible to remove the die segments after turning the tool case on the upper part together with the insert from the tool case shell, in particular for a cleaning of the die segment in a cleaning device. For this purpose, it is further advantageous if the insert has a grid structure. For example, a cleaning fluid can then flow around the die segment particularly effectively in the cleaning device.

The at least one segment insert may further comprise at least one engagement recess for gripping at least one of the at least one segment insert have held die segment. A user can thus engage in the engagement recess so as to easily remove the die segments from the segment insert.

The tool case shell may further comprise at least one viewing window through which at least one held by at least one segment insert Matrizensegment is visible from the outside. Thus, in particular the fill level of the tool case can be seen. It is also possible to provide labeling fields which, for example, identify a segment type stored in the tool case and / or a manufacturer of the die segment and / or a user of the die segment etc. An identifying coloring of at least a part of the tool case is also possible on the basis of which it can be seen from the outside that the tool train case serves to hold die segments.

The tool case shell may also have on its outside one or more engagement recesses for lifting the tool case. Also, the tool box shell may have on its outside a stacking aid over which a plurality of tool cases can be stacked on top of each other, for example ribs formed on the outside.

In principle, it is also possible to integrate measurement protocols or an operating history of one or more die segments held in the tool case into the tool case. For this purpose, for example, a wireless or wired writable and readable storage device may be provided on or in the tool box.

Fig. 1

einen Teil eines erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugkoffers in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 2

die Darstellung aus Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig.3

die Darstellung aus Fig. 2 mit einem ersten in den Werkzeugkoffer eingelegten Matrizensegment,

Fig.4

die Darstellung aus Fig. 2 mit einem zweiten in den Werkzeugkoffer eingelegten Matrizensegment,

Fig.

5 eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugkoffers mit dem in Fig. 3 gezeigten ersten Matrizensegment, und

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt durch den erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugkoffer mit dem in Fig. 3 gezeigten ersten Matrizensegment.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. They show schematically:

Fig. 1

a part of a tool case according to the invention in a plan view,

Fig. 2

the presentation Fig. 1 in a perspective view,

Figure 3

the presentation Fig. 2 with a first die segment inserted into the tool case,

Figure 4

the presentation Fig. 2 with a second die segment inserted in the tool case,

FIG.

5 is another perspective view of the tool case according to the invention with the in Fig. 3 shown first die segment, and

Fig. 6

a section through the tool case according to the invention with the in Fig. 3 shown first template segment.

Unless otherwise indicated, like reference characters designate like items throughout the figures. In the figures, a tool case according to the invention for storage, transport and cleaning of at least one die segment of a die plate of a rotary tablet press is shown, wherein in the FIGS. 1 to 4 an upper part of a tool case shell of the tool case is not shown for illustrative purposes. The upper part of the tool case shell is in the FIGS. 5 and 6 to recognize.

It can be seen in the FIGS. 1 to 4 a lower part 10 of a tool case shell, which in the present example consists of one piece of a plastic material, produced for example in a plastic injection molding process or the like. The lower part 10 is over two or more, in the present example three hinges 12 with a in Fig. 5 shown upper part 14 of the tool case shell pivotable between an open position and an in Fig. 5 connected closed position shown. The upper part 14 can also be made in one piece from a plastic material, manufactured for example in a plastic injection molding process or the like. The lower part 10 includes a handle portion 16 and the upper part 14 includes a handle portion 18. In the closed state, the handle portion 16, 18 form a handle for carrying the tool case with pinch protection. In addition, the tool case shell comprises two locks 20 by which the tool case can be closed in the closed position. Feet 22 allow vertical positioning of the tool box and stacking hooks 24 allow stacking of several such tool box.

In the lower part 10 of the tool case shell, a segment insert 26 is releasably, for example, clamped, held. The segment insert 26 may be made of a softer material than the tool case shell, such as a plastic material or a foam material. The segment insert 26 in the illustrated example comprises a plurality of sets of limiting recesses 28, which are cylindrical in the example shown. The boundary recesses 28 each include a tag 30 disposed on the bottom thereof, by means of which the affiliation of the boundary wells 28 to a particular set of bounding wells can be identified. In the example shown, the tag 30 is a label with the short name of a die segment to be held by the respective set of delimiting pits 28 on the segment insert 26.

For example, as indicated at reference numeral 32, some of the limiting indentations 28 include a plurality of indicia. These limiting recesses 28 have a multiple function, such as a double or triple function, by simultaneously having several, for example two or three Belong to sets of bounding pits. There are also provided a plurality of likewise cylindrical limiting plugs 34 which can be inserted into the limiting recesses 28, wherein they have a minimally larger diameter than the limiting recesses 28, so that they are held in the limiting recesses 28 in the sense of a press fit. In the illustrated example, all limiting recesses 28 have the same shape and dimension. Also, all limiting plugs 34 have the same shape and dimension. The segment insert 26 also has an engagement recess 36, in which an operator can intervene to remove a held on the segment insert 26 die segment.

Based on FIGS. 3 and 4 By way of example, the holding in the lateral direction of two different die segments on the segment insert 26 will be explained. In Fig. 3 For example, a first die segment is shown at 38. The die segments 38 has a ring shape and has a plurality along a pitch circle arranged holes 40. During operation, upper and lower punches of a rotary tablet press interact with these bores 40. For positioning and attachment to a rotor of the rotary tablet press, the die segments 38 have positioning and fastening grooves 42, 44. The design of the die segment 38 and attachment to the rotor of a rotary tablet press, for example, takes place as shown EP 1 316 411 B1 known.

The die segment 38 also has a marking 46. This marking 46 is also located at the bottom of the set of limiting recesses 28 associated with this die segment 38. For secure retention of the die segment 38, fixing plugs 34 are inserted into the set of limiting recesses 28 provided with this marking, as in FIG Fig. 3 to recognize. The die segment 38 then lies on the segment insert 26 on and is held by the limiting plug 34, optionally cooperating with an inner edge of the segment insert 26 or the lower part 10 of the Werkzugkofferschale in the lateral direction against displacement on the segment insert 26.

In Fig. 4 For example, the shift-proof retention of a die segment 38 'of a different shape and size is shown. Also this Matrizensegmente 38 'has holes 40', with which cooperate in operation, the upper and lower punch a rotary tablet press. Furthermore, this die segment 38 'also has positioning and mounting grooves 42', 44 'for positioning and attachment to the rotor of the rotary tablet press, as discussed above. Finally, this die segment 38 'also has a marking 46', which in turn is likewise located on the bottom of the set of limiting recesses 28 associated with this die segment 38 '. Accordingly, for stop-proof retention of the die segment 38 ', constraining plugs 34 are inserted into the corresponding set of confining recesses 28 such that the die segment 38', as in FIG Fig. 4 to recognize, in the resting on the segment insert 26 state between the limiting plug 34 and optionally an inner wall of the segment insert 26 and the lower part 10 of the tool box shell is held against displacement.

In the FIGS. 5 and 6 is based on the in Fig. 3 shown Matrizensegments 38 continue to recognize that the die segment 38 is held fixed in position in the closed state of the tool case between the segment insert 26 and an inner side 48 of the upper part 14 of the tool case shell in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the segment insert 26. The inner side 48 of the upper part 14 may be provided with a softer use relative to the tool case shell, for example of plastic material or foam material, for special protection of the die segment 38. It is also It is conceivable that the inner side 48 of the upper part 14 is embodied as an insert which can be removed from the upper part 14, for example a grid insert. The die segment 38 can then be removed together with the insert from the tool case shell, whereby the cleaning in a separate cleaning device is further facilitated.

With the tool case shown in the figures, transport and storage of different die segments are possible in a simple and flexible manner. At the same time, a die segment mounted on the segment insert 26 can easily be used for cleaning in a cleaning device.

Claims (14)

Tool case for storing and transporting at least one die segment (38, 38 ') of a die plate of a rotary tablet press, characterized by a portable tool case shell and at least one segment insert (26) arranged in the tool case shell for holding at least one die segment (38, 38'), wherein the Segment insert (26) comprises a plurality of sets of selectively activatable or deactivatable limiting means, each set of limiting means being associated with a die segment (38, 38 ') of a particular size and / or shape, said sets of limiting means having respective die segments (38, 38) associated therewith. 38 ') in the activated state hold on the segment insert (26) so that it can not be displaced. Tool case according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one segment insert (26) is releasably held in the tool case shell, so that at least one on the at least one segment insert (26) held Matrizensegment (38, 38 ') for cleaning together with the at least a segment insert (26) can be removed from the tool box shell. Tool box according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one segment insert (26) is fixedly arranged in the tool box shell, in particular is integrally connected to the tool box shell. Tool case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the limiting means comprise a plurality of sets of limiting recesses formed in the at least one segment insert (26) (28) and a plurality of limiting plugs (34), wherein for activating a set of limiting means, limiting plugs (34) are insertable into said set of limiting recesses (28), said limiting plugs (34) inserted in said limiting recesses (28) for non-shifting Holding the at least one die segment (38, 38 ') protrude beyond the top of the at least one segment insert (26). Tool case according to claim 4, characterized in that the limiting plug (34) can be held by a press connection or by screwing in the limiting recesses (28). Tool case according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the limiting recesses (28) each have at least one marking (30, 32) indicating the affiliation of the limiting recesses (28) to a certain set of limiting recesses (28). Tool case according to claim 6, characterized in that the limiting recesses (28) of the different sets have the same dimensions, and that the limiting plugs (34) have the same dimensions. Tool case according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that limiting recesses (28) of different sets each have different dimensions, and that a plurality of sets of limiting plug (34) are provided, wherein limiting plugs (34) of different sets each have different dimensions, wherein Limiting plug (34) of a set are assigned due to their dimensions in each case a set of limiting recesses (28). Tool case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool case shell has a lower part (10) receiving the at least one segment insert (26) and a top part (14) pivotable between an open position and a closed position relative to the lower part (10) the upper part (14) rests in the closed position with an inner side (48) on at least one of the at least one segment insert (26) held die segments (38, 38 '), so that the at least one die segments (38, 38') between the at least one segment insert (26) and the inner side (48) of the upper part (14) is firmly held. Tool case according to claim 9, characterized in that the upper part (14) and / or the lower part (10) of the tool case shell is integrally formed, in particular of a plastic material. Tool case according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the inside (48) of the upper part (14) of the tool case shell has an insert which in the closed position of the upper part (14) on the at least one of the at least one segment insert (26 ) held die segment (38, 38 ') rests. Tool case according to claim 11, characterized in that the insert in the upper part (14) is releasably held. Tool case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one segment insert (26) at least an engagement recess (36) for gripping at least one die segment (38, 38 ') held by the at least one segment insert (26). Tool case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool case shell has at least one viewing window through which at least one by at least one segment insert (26) held Matrizensegment (38, 38 ') is visible from the outside.

Images