EP3106268B1 - Tool case - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a tool case for storing, cleaning and transporting tools for a rotary tablet press.

Rotary tablet presses have a rotatingly driven rotor, which typically comprises an upper punch holder, a lower punch holder and a die plate. In the die plate, dies can be releasably attached, which have the bores for mapping the tablets to be produced. However, it is also possible for the press ram of the rotary tablet press to interact directly with bores in the die plate. The die plate can also be constructed from several ring segments. The lower punch holder accepts individual lower punches in axially parallel holes that are aligned with the holes in the die plate. The upper punch holder receives upper punches in axially parallel holes, which are also aligned with the holes in the die plate. In the course of the rotation of the rotor, the press rams interact with suitable guides, for example control cams, and are moved axially by these in the upper and lower ram receptacles. In the area of one or more press stations, including, for example, pressure rollers, the press punches are pressed against one another in the holes in the die plate assigned to them, whereby powdery material filled into the holes is pressed into tablets.

There is a need, in particular, to store and, if necessary, transport unused press punches and / or dies in a simple manner. In the prior art, the dies and press punches are usually stored in permanently installed storage cabinets. The press rams are sometimes hung loosely in wire baskets for storage, which are intended to facilitate the cleaning and subsequent drying of the press rams. A Transporting the dies and ram in these storage cabinets is of course not possible. It is not advisable to transport the press rams in the wire baskets, as this would damage the press rams hitting one another, in particular the sensitive die heads.

There are also transport boxes with a foam insert for transporting press rams, in which recesses are formed that are adapted to the size and shape of certain press rams. During transport, this can prevent the press ram from being damaged, for example by striking the inner surfaces of the transport box. Press punches for different tablets to be produced, however, regularly have a different size and / or shape, for example due to the nature of the rotary press and the desired shape and embossing of the tablets to be produced. With the known transport boxes for press rams, only press rams of a certain size and shape can be transported.

In the prior art, dies are usually transported together with the press rams in one of the aforementioned transport boxes. For this purpose, the transport boxes often have a widened upper edge into which the matrices are inserted. The cover of the transport box protects the dies as well as the ram from falling out. The particular disadvantage of this form of transport of the dies is that the dies are unsecured and therefore collide with one another during transport, which can lead to damage to the dies. A further disadvantage of the aforementioned storage and transport options for both press punches and dies is that frequent insertion and removal of the tools is necessary for use in a rotary press, but also for cleaning. This in turn increases the risk of damage and increases the effort.

Out U.S. 5,004,103 A a transport box for press punches and dies is known, which can also be used for storage. The transport box includes a removable insert that is used to hold the press punches and dies. The rams are used in holders designed for a specific size and shape of the ram in the insert. The dies are movably inserted into an upper edge of the insert in the manner mentioned above.

Out U.S. 2,962,154 A A tool case for drills is known, comprising a tool insert with two holding surfaces arranged one behind the other, which have several holding receptacles for holding tool drills.

DE 3 611 702 A1 describes a container with an insert body for receiving elongated objects, the elongated objects being introduced into openings in the insert body and being fixed by spring tongues arranged in the opening.

EP 0 896 863 A2 describes an insert box for work equipment or work materials with a plurality of equipping positions arranged on a transport container wall, which are used to clamp, for example, chisels and marking pens via clamping legs which can be elastically spread apart.

US 2013/0186794 A1 describes a tool case with an insertable holder for tools, the holder consisting of a plate and a plurality of elongated pockets arranged thereon.

Proceeding from the explained prior art, the invention is based on the object of providing a tool case of the type mentioned at the beginning, which enables the transport and storage of tools for a Rotary tablet press also allows for different sizes and / or shapes of the tools and at the same time protects the tools from damage.

The invention solves the problem 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 means of a tool case for storing and transporting tools for a rotary tablet press, comprising a portable tool case shell in which at least one tool insert is arranged, the at least one tool insert having several holding receptacles for holding tools, the holding receptacles being designed in this way are that tools held in adjacent holding receptacles are spaced apart from one another in such a way that they do not touch one another, and the holding receptacles each have at least two holding surfaces designed to accommodate differently dimensioned tools.

The tool case according to the invention has a tool case shell which, as a rule, has a lower part and an upper part. The upper part can be moved between an open and a closed position relative to the lower part, for example, be pivotable. In addition, the tool case shell has, in particular, a handle comprising a clamp protection, on which the tool case can be carried, in particular with one hand, for transport. The pinch protection can for example comprise a suitable bevel and groove that prevent fingers from being pinched. At least one tool insert for holding tools is arranged in particular in the lower part of the tool case shell. As explained at the beginning, the basic structure of a rotary tablet press is known. The tools to be transported or stored with the tool case according to the invention can in particular be press punches, such as upper and lower punches, or dies. The dies can be detachably arranged in a conventional manner in a die plate, for example they can be screwed into the die plate, the press punches then interacting with bores in the dies in the manner explained.

According to the invention, the at least one tool insert has a number of holding receptacles in which tools for a rotary tablet press can be held. The holding receptacles are designed so that tools held in adjacent holding receptacles are spaced from one another and held securely in such a way that they do not touch one another even during transport, and in particular the associated movements and different spatial arrangements. The holding receptacles, for example all holding receptacles of the tool insert, each have at least two holding surfaces in which tools of different dimensions can be received. A tool of a first dimension, for example a first diameter, can be held by the first holding surface of a holding receptacle and, alternatively, a tool of a second, different dimension, for example a second, different diameter, can be held by the second holding surface of the same holding receptacle. A third holding surface can also be provided on the same holding receptacle that is used for holding a tool third, again another dimension, for example a third, again another diameter, is formed. Of course, more than three such holding surfaces can also be provided. The holding surfaces can be designed to fit the respective tools precisely. The holding surfaces can hold the tools so that they cannot move. In particular, the tools can be held in such a way that they cannot be displaced laterally on the tool insert, so that they touch one another.

According to the invention, particularly when the tool case is closed, it is possible to store and transport the tools without the risk of damage. The tools are held securely in their respective position. At the same time, the holding surfaces of the holding receptacles allow tools of different dimensions to be held securely in a flexible manner with only one tool insert. A tool insert is therefore used to accommodate and hold tools of different sizes. The tools can differ, for example, in their height and / or in their diameter. In the case of press punches, for example, the height and / or the diameter of the respective punch heads can differ.

The holding receptacles can have a circular cross-sectional area. However, other cross-sectional areas are also conceivable. In particular, the holding surfaces designed for the respective tool dimensions can also have circular cross-sectional areas. However, other cross-sectional areas are also conceivable here.

The tool case according to the invention allows easy handling of different tools, such as different sizes and / or shapes. A uniform transport and storage concept is provided. The tool life is extended by avoiding damage. The tools do not have to be moved between different storage or Means of transport are repacked, which further simplifies the process. The tools can be carried with one hand by an operator in the tool case according to the invention, which results in ergonomic advantages and a reduction in the burden on health. Storage of tools arranged in several tool cases is possible in a simple manner, for example by stacking the tool cases. The tool cases can have stacking aids, such as stacking ribs, for simple stacking of two or more tool cases.

The tool case according to the invention can also accommodate several tool inserts designed in the manner according to the invention. Several tool inserts can also be arranged next to one another and / or one above the other in the tool case shell. In particular, both tool inserts for dies and tool inserts for press rams can be arranged in the tool case shell. The tool case shell can have indentations of different depths for receiving the tool inserts for dies and the tool inserts for press punches.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one tool insert can be held detachably in the tool case shell so that tools held in the holding receptacles of the at least one tool insert can be removed from the tool case shell for cleaning together with the at least one tool insert. This results in a simplification of the regularly required cleaning of the tools, since the respective tools can be removed from the tool case shell together with the tool insert and inserted into a cleaning device for cleaning. It is not necessary to repackage the tools. This further reduces the risk of damage and the physical strain for an operator as well as the cleaning effort. A simple cleaning of the tool insert is also possible in this way without the tools used.

The at least one tool insert can for example be held in a detachable manner by clamping in a holding frame of the tool case shell, in particular a lower part of the tool case shell. However, other releasable holding mechanisms are also conceivable.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the at least one tool insert is fixedly arranged in the tool case shell, in particular is connected in one piece 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 can then be designed in such a way that the tool case shell can be cleaned together with the tool insert which is fixedly arranged in the tool case shell and the tools arranged in the tool insert.

According to a further embodiment, the holding receptacles of the at least one tool insert can be designed in such a way that tools held in the holding receptacles protrude by the same height over an upper side of the at least one tool insert. The upper sides of the tools, for example the mirror surfaces of press punches that interact with a pressing device, in particular pressure rollers, of the rotary tablet press or the upper sides of dies in this embodiment are therefore in a common plane. In particular, the at least two holding surfaces of the holding receptacles can be designed in such a way that tools of a first height overlie holding surfaces of a first depth and tools of a second, greater height overlaying surfaces of a second, greater depth, so that both tools are essentially the same height over a Project the top of the at least one tool insert. The aforementioned configuration ensures that, for example, an inside of an upper part of the tool case shell is secure on all in the closed state Tool tops. The tools are thus held particularly securely.

The at least one tool insert can have at least one identifier which indicates which tools can be held in the at least one tool insert. In particular, the identification can indicate which types of tools the at least two holding surfaces of the holding receptacles of the tool insert are suitable for holding. The identification can in particular indicate whether two or more tool types can be held in the holding receptacles of the tool insert. For example, a designation of the tools to be held can be provided as identification. The aforementioned configuration allows simple and quick recognition of whether the tool insert contains a required tool and / or whether the tool insert is suitable for receiving a specific tool. The tool insert can be made of plastic, for example in an injection molding process. In this case, the inscription can be incorporated into or applied to the tool insert through the injection mold during the manufacture of the latter.

According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the tool case shell has a lower part accommodating the at least one tool insert and an upper part that can be pivoted between an open position and a closed position relative to the lower part, the upper part in the closed position with an inside facing the at least one Tool insert held tools rests, so that the tools are firmly held between the at least one tool insert and the inside of the upper part. In particular, the at least one tool insert can be locked in the tool case according to the invention, for example by means of a plug connection. A secure hold of the at least one tool insert in the tool case can thus be ensured even when no tools are held in the holding receptacles. The tool case shell can also be a Have a lock with which the tool case can be locked. In the closed state, the tool is held securely in position between the tool insert and the inner surface of the upper part, also with regard to a direction of movement perpendicular to the top of the tool insert. In particular, it is advantageous in this embodiment if the tools protrude by the same height over an upper side of the at least one tool insert. A movement of the tool in the tool case and an associated risk of damage can then be completely prevented. One or more hinges connecting the upper part and the lower part can also take part in holding the tool in a secure position.

The upper part and / or the lower part of the tool case shell can be designed in one piece, in particular from a plastic material. The upper part and the lower part can therefore also be connected to one another in one piece, for example by one or more film hinges. However, it is also conceivable that the upper part and the lower part are separate parts that are connected by one or more separate hinges. The tool insert can also be designed in one piece, for example from plastic material. All parts of the tool case made of a plastic material can be manufactured in a particularly simple manner in terms of manufacturing technology in a plastic injection molding process or the like.

According to a further embodiment, the inside of the upper part of the tool case shell can have an insert made of a softer material, preferably a plastic or foam material, opposite the upper part, which in the closed position of the upper part rests on the tools held by the at least one tool insert. This results in particularly good protection of the tools.

The tool case shell can furthermore have at least one viewing window through which at least one held by at least one tool insert Tool is visible from the outside. In particular, the degree of occupancy of the tool case can thus be recognized. If no tool is held in the at least one tool case, no tool is of course visible from the outside through the viewing window. Labeling fields can also be provided which, for example, identify a tool type stored in the tool case and / or a manufacturer of the tool and / or a user of the tool, etc. Identifying coloring of at least part of the tool case is also possible, by means of which it can be seen from the outside that the tool case is used to hold certain tools.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one tool insert can have a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the tool insert being reversible so that the at least two differently dimensioned tools from the first or from the second side into the holding receptacles of the at least one Tool insert can be used. In particular, the at least two holding surfaces of the holding receptacles can each be arranged on one of the opposite sides of the tool insert. This enables the insertion of a tool of a first dimension onto a holding surface in the holding receptacle from a first side and the insertion of a tool of a second dimension onto the other holding surface in the same holding receptacle. The ability of the tool insert to optionally accommodate a plurality of tools of different dimensions can thus be given in a simple manner (also) by turning the tool insert.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least two holding surfaces are designed to be offset from one another in a step-like manner. The at least two holding surfaces can lie parallel to one another and be offset by a step in such a way that one of the holding surfaces lies deeper in the holding receptacle than the other holding surface. For example, if two holding surfaces are provided, a tool of a first dimension can be received by the first holding surface and, alternatively, one Tool of a second, different dimension are received by the second holding surface, the second dimension tool, for example, can have a different diameter than the first dimension tool. If matrices are provided as tools, then for example a lower holding surface lying deeper in the holding receptacle can be designed as a closed surface and at least one overlying holding surface offset therefrom as an open surface. In the case of holding receptacles with a circular cross section, the lower-lying holding surface can be designed as a circular surface and the at least one holding surface lying offset above it can be designed as a surface surrounding the lower holding surface in a ring shape. This enables a first or a second tool of different sizes to be accommodated in the same holding receptacle while simultaneously securing the respective tool in the holding receptacle in a manner that is secure against displacement. However, three or more holding surfaces offset from one another in a step-like manner can also be provided in order to enable three or more than three tools of different dimensions to be optionally received.

According to the invention, the at least two holding surfaces are formed by a plurality of support webs which each extend from an inner wall of the respective holding receptacle in the direction of the center of the respective holding receptacle. In particular, the support webs can extend from an inner wall of the respective holding receptacle so far in the direction of the center of the respective holding receptacle that they touch one another. So the support webs can form continuous webs. Alternatively, the support webs can be designed in such a way that their free ends protruding into the center of the respective holding surface do not touch one another. In particular, the holding receptacles can preferably have a circular cross-sectional area. Furthermore, the holding receptacles can preferably be designed as an opening penetrating the tool insert from the first to the second side. In particular, the at least two holding surfaces can be formed by exactly three support webs or precisely six support webs. Tools, which are held in the holding receptacles of the at least one tool insert can be placed on these support webs. This configuration enables the tools to be held securely and, at the same time, particularly thorough and efficient cleaning of the tools held in the tool insert, since only a small part of the tools is covered by the support webs and, for example, a fluid cleaning agent can therefore easily reach the tools from both sides. The support webs can also each have a stepped design. The support webs can each have one or more steps. In particular, the support webs can be offset in such a way that the holding surfaces formed by the support webs are arranged at different heights in the holding receptacles. Steps of the support webs located at the same height can thus each define a holding surface together.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the support webs can have at least two, in particular exactly two, step-like offset support levels on a first side and at least one, for example exactly one, support level on a second side, so that the at least two step-like offset support levels on the first Side can optionally be accommodated at least two differently dimensioned tools and on the at least one support plane on the second side by turning the tool insert at least one, for example exactly one, tool of a certain size can be added. According to this embodiment, the holding receptacles of the tool insert can optionally accommodate at least three tools of different dimensions. The advantage of this configuration is that a single tool insert is suitable for holding at least three tools of different sizes.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one tool insert is designed to be stackable. In particular, several inventive Tool inserts can be designed to be stacked one on top of the other or one inside the other. The tool inserts can be stackable regardless of whether the holding receptacles of the stackable tool inserts are designed for receiving dies or punches. Tool inserts for dies can be stackable on tool inserts for dies or tool inserts for punches on tool inserts for punches. Tool inserts for dies can also be stackable on tool inserts for punches or tool inserts for punches can be stacked on tool inserts for dies. The at least one tool insert can for example have elevations and / or depressions which can be brought into engagement with depressions and / or elevations of a further tool insert in order to stack the tool inserts.

According to a further embodiment, the tools held in the holding receptacles of the at least one tool insert can be matrices for rotary tablet presses. As is well known, dies are sleeve-shaped inserts which are inserted into corresponding receiving bores in the die plate and are detachably fixed therein, for example by means of a suitable screw connection. The dies each have at least one bore into which the material to be pressed is filled during operation. The upper and lower punches then work together in the bores to produce the tablets.

According to another embodiment, the tools held in the holding receptacles of the at least one tool insert can be pressing punches for rotary tablet presses, in particular upper and lower punches, the pressing punches each having a punch head and a punch shaft and a pressing section formed on the end of the punch shaft facing away from the punch head . The pressing section has the pressing geometry that plunges into the bores of the die plate and produces the tablets. Also the press rams can be designed as guided rams, in particular with a feather key.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one tool insert can be held at an upper end of at least one punch basket and at least one shank insert can be held below the at least one tool insert in the at least one punch basket, the at least one shank insert having multiple shank holding receptacles for holding the punch shanks in the at least can have a tool insert held press ram, wherein the shank holding receptacles can be designed for receiving punch shanks up to a defined diameter. Press punches for rotary tablet presses usually have an elongated shape and, as explained, have a punch head and a punch shaft. The press punches can be held in a tool insert according to the invention by their punch head. For this purpose, the punch head can be held in one of the at least two holding surfaces of one of the holding receptacles. The punch shaft adjoining the punch head can then protrude through the at least one tool insert into the at least one punch basket, in which the at least one tool insert can be held. In order to prevent the press punches held in adjacent holding receptacles of the at least one tool insert from colliding with one another during transport, the punch shafts can project at least in part into a respective shank holding receptacle of at least one shaft insert. This at least one shaft insert can be located deeper in the at least one punch basket below the at least one tool insert, and the shaft holding receptacles can be located essentially centrally below the respective holding receptacles of the at least one tool insert. The shank holding receptacles can be designed to hold punch shanks up to a defined diameter.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one tool insert can be held detachably in the at least one punch basket. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one shaft insert can be held detachably in the at least one punch basket. Detachable tool inserts have the advantage that they can be turned or exchanged in order to enable the inclusion of press punches with punch heads of different dimensions, for example larger diameters, in the punch basket. Both the at least one tool insert and the at least one shaft insert are preferably held detachably in the at least one punch basket. This makes it possible to hold several, in particular all, different stamp sizes and stamp shapes in just one embodiment of the stamp basket.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one stamp basket can be held detachably in the tool case shell, so that press stamps held in the holding receptacles of the at least one tool insert can be removed from the tool case shell for cleaning together with the at least one stamp basket and the at least one tool insert and the at least one shaft insert can be. Removing the stamp basket including the inserts and the press stamps located therein from the tool case is particularly advantageous since the stamps are always held securely and do not have to be removed from the stamp basket for cleaning. This reduces the risk of damage. The at least one punch basket can have meshes that are as large as possible in one, in particular in all, side walls, in order to enable sufficient wetting of the press punch with cleaning agent.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugkoffers in einer ersten Ausführung mit einem Werkzeugeinsatz für Matrizen,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht zweier Seiten eines wendbaren Werkzeugeinsatzes für Matrizen,

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt durch den erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugkoffer aus Figur 1 mit geschlossenem Oberteil mit zwei Werkzeugeinsätzen für Matrizen,

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugkoffers in einer zweiten Ausführung mit einem Werkzeugeinsatz für Pressstempel,

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht zweier Seiten eines erfindungsgemäßen wendbaren Werkzeugeinsatzes für Pressstempel, gehalten in jeweils einem Stempelkorb,

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt durch zwei Ansichten zweier erfindungsgemäßer Werkzeugeinsätze für Pressstempel mit darin gehaltenen Pressstempeln,

Fig. 7

einen Schnitt durch den erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugkoffer aus Fig. 4 mit drei Werkzeugeinsätzen für Pressstempel, gehalten in jeweils einem Stempelkorb.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to figures. They show schematically:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of the tool case according to the invention in a first embodiment with a tool insert for dies,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of two sides of a reversible tool insert for dies,

Fig. 3

a section through the tool case according to the invention Figure 1 with closed upper part with two tool inserts for dies,

Fig. 4

a perspective view of a tool case according to the invention in a second embodiment with a tool insert for press punches,

Fig. 5

a perspective view of two sides of a reversible tool insert according to the invention for press punches, each held in a punch basket,

Fig. 6

a section through two views of two tool inserts according to the invention for press rams with press rams held therein,

Fig. 7

a section through the tool case according to the invention Fig. 4 with three tool inserts for press punches, each held in a punch basket.

Unless stated otherwise, the same reference symbols in the figures denote the same items. Figure 1 shows a tool case according to the invention for storing, transporting and cleaning two tool inserts for dies of a rotary tablet press. The tool case has a lower part 10 of a tool case shell, which in the present example is made in one piece from a plastic material, produced for example in a plastic injection molding process. The lower part 10 is pivotally connected to an upper part 14 of the tool case shell via three hinges 12 in the present case, so that the upper part 14 can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position. The upper part 14 can also consist in one piece of a plastic material, produced for example in a plastic injection molding process. The lower part 10 comprises a handle section 16 and the upper part 14 comprises a handle section 18. In the closed state, the handle sections 16, 18 form a handle for carrying the tool case. In addition, the tool case shell comprises two locks 20 by means of which the tool case can be locked in the closed position.

In the lower part 10 of the tool case shell, a tool insert 26 for dies is releasably held and locked in the insert holders 25 provided for this purpose. The tool insert 26 can be inserted into the insert holders 25 and held in a non-shiftable and / or clamped manner. The tool case from Fig. 1 has two insert holders 25, so it can accommodate up to two tool inserts 26, only one tool insert 26 being included in this illustration.

The tool insert 26 according to the invention for dies Fig. 1 is in Fig. 2 recognizable in detail. The tool insert 26 in FIG Fig. 2 around two views of the same tool insert 26. The tool insert 26 can be turned so that the right view shows a first side and the left view shows a second side of the tool insert 26. A label 27 located on both sides of the tool insert indicates the designation of the dies which can be inserted into the tool insert 26. Furthermore, the tool insert 26 has handles 36 on two opposite sides, only one of which is visible. The handles 36 make it easier to insert the tool insert 26 into the tool case shell and to remove it Tool insert 26 from the tool case shell and the transport of the tool insert 26.

A plurality of holding receptacles 28 with a circular cross-sectional area can be seen. The holding receptacles 28 form holes in the tool insert 26, that is to say protrude through the tool insert 26. In each of the holding receptacles 28, holding surfaces are formed by supporting planes 34, 34 ', 34 ″ of support webs 32. Each holding receptacle 28 in this embodiment has three support webs 32, each of which is directed from the inner wall of the hole-like holding receptacles 28 into the center of the holding receptacles 28 The support webs 32 protrude approximately up to half the radius of the circular holding receptacles 28 into the latter and are arranged at uniform angular intervals of approximately 120 ° on the inner wall of the holding receptacles 28. The support webs 32 point on a first side (right view in Fig. 2 ) two support levels 34, 34 'on and on a second side (left view in Fig. 2 ) a support plane 34 ″. Overall, the tool insert 26 thus has three holding surfaces formed by the three support planes 34, 34 ', 34 ″ for receiving dies. The support planes 34, 34 'of the first side of the support webs 32 are offset in steps such that one support plane 34' lies lower in the respective holding receptacle 28 than the other support plane 34. The support planes 34, 34 ', 34 "lie in planes parallel to one another A die of a different size can be accommodated on each of the support levels 34, 34 ', 34 ". The upper of the step-like offset support planes 34 on the first side of the support webs 32 is designed to accommodate the dies 38. The matrices 38 rest on the corresponding support plane 34 in such a way that they are held in a manner that is essentially secure against displacement at the side, since the matrices 38 and the associated support planes 34 have a comparable diameter. On the other hand, due to a defined depth of the support planes 34, the matrices 38 protrude by a defined height beyond the top of the tool insert 26. The matrices 38 'are held in the holding receptacles 28 by the supporting planes 34' designed for these matrices 38 '. The support planes 34 'are step-like offset somewhat deeper in the holding receptacles 28 than the support planes 34. The matrices 38 'have a smaller diameter than the matrices 38, so that the matrices 38' are also held securely in the assigned support planes 34 'of a smaller diameter. On the second side of the support webs 32, as in the left view of the tool insert 26 in FIG Fig. 2 the third support planes 34 "can be seen. The support planes 34" are designed to accommodate matrices 38 "of a third size. The matrices 38" have a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the matrices 38 and 38 ' . The matrices 38 ″ are accordingly held in the holding receptacles 28 so that they cannot move Figure 2 Also shown are matrices 38 '"of a fourth size, which are also received on the support planes 34'. Since the matrices 38 '" have a smaller diameter than the matrices 38', the matrices 38 '"are essentially secure against displacement on the support planes 34' held with more tolerance.

The tool insert 26 can be inserted into the insert holders 25 of the tool case shell of a tool case according to the invention and removed together with the dies held therein for cleaning. Cleaning can take place, for example, in a dishwasher provided for this purpose. Due to the described shape of the support webs, only a very small area of the matrices is covered, so that the matrices can be washed around particularly well with cleaning agent. The hole-like shape of the holding fixtures also contributes to good cleaning of the dies. It is particularly advantageous that the matrices do not have to be removed from the holding receptacles for cleaning, but can be cleaned together with the tool insert.

Two of the tool inserts 26 according to the invention can be found in the insert holders 25 of the tool case shell of the tool case according to the invention Fig. 1 be included. The inside holds in the closed position of the upper part 14 of the tool case shell, the dies held in the tool inserts are essentially fixed in position. For this purpose, the inside of the upper part 14 can have an insert 39 made of plastic or foam material, which rests on the dies in the closed position of the upper part 14. Figure 3 shows such a tool case according to the invention in the closed state in a sectional view. Two tool inserts 26 each with two different matrices 38, 38 "held in the respective holding receptacles 28 can be seen. The matrices 38 lie on the support planes 34 of the first side of the support webs 32, the matrices 38" lie on the support planes 34 "of the support webs 32 on the second side of an identical but turned tool insert 26. A plastic or foam insert 39 arranged on the inside of the upper part 14 of the tool case shell holds the matrices 38, 38 ″ in a fixed position in the holding receptacles 28. Due to the slight difference in the height of the Support planes 34, 34 ', 34 "of the support webs 32, the matrices 38 protrude somewhat further into the foam insert than the matrices 38".

Figure 4 shows the tool case according to the invention in a second embodiment, which differs from that in Fig. 1 The illustrated embodiment differs in that this tool case is designed to accommodate three tool inserts 126, 126 ', 126 "for press punches. In addition, this tool case has a viewing window 24 in the upper part 14 of the tool case shell, through which it can be seen even when the tool case is closed , which punch sizes are held in the tool case. The tool inserts 126, 126 ', 126 "are held in punch baskets 144 which are shown in FIG Figure 5 can be seen in detail. Tool inserts 126, 126 ', 126 "of different designs for press punches 138 of different sizes can be inserted into the punch baskets 144 Fig. 4 three punch baskets 144 each with different tool inserts 126, 126 ', 126 "for very different punch sizes are inserted into the tool case shell of a tool case according to the invention.

In the Fig. 5 The punch baskets 144 shown are in the insert holders 25 of the tool case shell Fig. 4 usable and lockable and removable from these. The embodiment of the tool insert 126 shown here corresponds to the embodiment in FIG Fig. 4 rightmost. The tool insert 126 according to the invention for press punches, like the tool insert 26 for dies, is suitable for receiving a plurality of differently dimensioned tools. The left and right views in Fig. 5 respectively show a first and a second side of the reversible tool insert 126. A plurality of holding receptacles 128 with a circular cross-sectional area can be seen. The holding receptacles 128 form holes in the tool insert 126, that is to say protrude from a first to a second side of the tool insert 126 through the tool insert 126. In the holding receptacles 128, holding surfaces are formed by the support planes 134, 134 ′ of support webs 132. In this embodiment, each holding receptacle 128 has six support webs 132 which are each directed from the inner wall of the hole-like holding receptacles 128 into the center of the holding receptacles 128. The support webs 132 are arranged at uniform angular intervals of approximately 60 ° on the inner wall of the holding receptacles 128. Of course, fewer or more than six, in particular at least three, support webs 132 can be provided, in which case the respective angular distances between the support webs 132 can then result from an essentially even distribution of the support webs 132 in the holding receptacle 128. The support webs 132 point on a first side, left view in FIG Fig. 5 , a support plane 134 on and on a second side, right view in Fig. 5 , a second support plane 134 '. Overall, the tool insert 126 thus has two holding surfaces formed by the two support planes 134, 134 'for receiving press punches 138, 138' of different sizes. The punch heads 140, 140 'of the press punches 138, 138' each rest on the support webs 132 of the holding receptacles 128, while the punch shafts 142, 142 'protrude through the holding receptacles 128 into the punch basket 144.

The support planes 134 are not arranged in the middle, but rather at one end of the holding receptacles 128. In the left view in Fig. 5 This end lies on an underside of the tool insert 126. Accordingly, the end of the holding receptacles 128 lies on an upper side of the turned tool insert 126 in the right-hand view. Consequently, the support planes 134 in the left-hand view are designed for receiving press punches 138 with a higher punch head 140 , than the support planes 134 ', which are designed to receive press punches 138' with a lower punch head 140 '. In general, both support planes 134, 134 'are designed so that the punch heads of the press punches 138, 138' protrude by the same height above the surface of the respective tool insert 126, as in FIG FIGS. 6 and 7 to recognize. As with the tool inserts for the dies, the reason here is that the press punches are driven by the in Fig. 4 The upper part 14 of the tool case shell shown, in particular by a plastic or foam insert 39 arranged on the inside of the upper part 14, are held in a fixed position in the holding receptacles 128. Furthermore, the press rams 138, 138 'are held on the corresponding support planes 134, 134' in a substantially non-shifting manner.

In addition to the tool insert 126, the punch basket 144 can accommodate different shank inserts 146 for holding the punch shanks 142 of the press punches 138, 138 ', as in FIG Fig. 5 and especially in Fig. 7 to recognize. The shaft inserts 146 are each suitable for receiving punch shafts 142 up to a certain diameter and give the press punches 138 additional support during transport. In particular, the shank inserts prevent the punch shanks 142 of adjacent press punches 138 from hitting one another. These shank inserts 146 can also be removed from the punch basket 144 in order, for example, to be exchanged for shank inserts of a different size.

An advantage of the removability of the tool inserts 126 and the shaft inserts 146 from the punch basket 144 is the possibility of using only one single embodiment of the stamp basket 144. For cleaning, the stamp basket 144 can be removed from the tool case together with the tool insert 126 held therein, the shaft insert 146 and the press rams 138 held therein. Cleaning can take place, for example, in a dishwasher provided for this purpose. Because of the described shape of the support webs 132, only a very small area of the punch heads 140, 140 'is covered, so that the punch heads 140, 140' as well as all of the press punches 138, 138 'can be particularly well washed with cleaning agent. In addition, because of the described shape of the support webs 132, the press die tips 188 inserted into the die basket 144 and the shaft insert 146 are protected by a higher position. It is particularly advantageous that the press rams 138, 138 ′ do not have to be removed from the holding receptacles 128 for cleaning, but can be cleaned together with the tool insert 126 and the shaft insert 146. In order to further improve the cleaning result, the stamp basket 144 has the largest possible meshes or openings without sacrificing stability.

In Fig. 6 different versions of press punches 138 can be seen, which differ in particular in the height of their punch heads 140 and the design of their punch shafts 142. The four different illustrated embodiments of press rams 138 are each held in two different sides of two different tool inserts 126, 126 '. It can be clearly seen that all of the press punches 138, in particular the punch heads 140, protrude by the same height above the tool inserts 126, 126 '. The mirror surfaces of the punch heads are therefore in a common plane. This is also in Fig. 7 to recognize. This enables the press ram to be held particularly securely in the tool case, since the upper part 14 of the tool case shell holds the press ram 138 essentially in a fixed position.

Claims (14)

1. A tool case for storing and transporting tools (38, 138) for a rotary tablet press comprising:

   - a portable tool case shell in which at least one tool insert (26, 126) is arranged, wherein

   - the at least one tool insert (26, 126) has a plurality of retaining seats (28, 128) for holding tools (38, 138), wherein

   - the retaining seats (28, 128) are designed so that tools (38, 138) held in adjacent retaining seats (28, 128) are spaced from each other so that they do not touch each other, and

   - the retaining seats (28, 128) each have at least two retaining surfaces designed to accommodate tools (38, 138) with different dimensions, characterized in that the at least two retaining surfaces are formed by several support bars (32, 132) that each extend from an inner wall of the particular retaining surface (28, 128) and toward the center of the particular retaining surface (28, 128).
2. The tool case according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one tool insert (26, 126) is releasably held in the tool case shell so that tools (38, 138) held in the retaining seats (28, 128) of the at least one tool insert (26, 126) can be removed from the tool case shell together with the at least one tool insert (26, 126) for a cleaning.
3. The tool case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining seats (28, 128) of the at least one tool insert (26, 126) are designed so that tools (38, 138) held in the retaining seats (28, 128) protrude by an equivalent height above an upper side of the at least one tool insert (26, 126).
4. The tool case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool case shell possesses a bottom part (10) accommodating the at least one tool insert (26, 126) and an upper part (14) that can be pivoted relative to the bottom part (10) between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, an inner side of the upper part (14) lies on tools (38, 138) held by the at least one tool insert (26, 126) so that the tools (38, 138) are securely held between the at least one tool insert (26, 126) and the inner side of the upper part (14).
5. The tool case according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner side of the upper part (14) of the tool holder shell has an insert consisting of a material softer than the upper part (14), preferably a plastic or foam material that, when the upper part (14) is in the closed position, lies on the tools (38, 138) held by the at least one tool insert (26, 126).
6. The tool case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one tool insert (26, 126) has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the tool insert (26, 126) can be turned so that the at least two tools (38, 138) with different dimensions can be inserted from the first or from the second side into the retaining seats (28, 128) of the at least one tool insert (26, 126).
7. The tool case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two retaining surfaces are designed like steps offset from each other.
8. The tool case according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support bars (32, 132) do not touch.
9. The tool case according to claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the support bars (32) have at least two support levels (34, 34') offset like steps on a first side and have at least one support level (34") on a second side so that optionally at least two tools (38, 38') with different dimensions can be accommodated on the at least two support levels (34, 34') offset like steps on the first side of the support bars (32), and at least one tool (38") with a certain dimension can be accommodated on the at least one support level (34") on the second side of the support bars (32).
10. The tool case according to one of the preceding claims, comprising matrices (38) for rotary tablet presses as tools held in the retaining seats (28) of the at least one tool insert (26).
11. The tool case according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising press punches (138) for rotary tablet presses as tools held in the retaining seats (128) of the at least one tool insert (126), wherein the press punches (138) have a punch head (140) and a punch shaft (142).
12. The tool case according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one tool insert (126) is held at an upper end of at least one punch basket (144) of the tool case, and at least one shaft insert (146) is held below the at least one tool insert (126) in the at least one punch basket (144), wherein the at least one shaft insert (146) has a plurality of shaft retaining seats (128) for holding the punch shafts (142) of the press punches (138) held in the at least one tool insert (126), wherein the shaft retaining seats (128) are designed for accommodating punch shafts (142) up to a specific diameter.
13. The tool case according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one tool insert (126) is releasably held in the at least one punch basket (144), and/or the at least one shaft insert (146) is releasably held in the at least one punch basket (144).
14. The tool case according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the at least one punch basket (144) is releasably held in the tool case shell so that press punches (138) held in the retaining seats (128) of the at least one tool insert (126) can be removed from the tool case shell together with the at least one punch basket (144) and the at least one tool insert (126) and the at least one shaft insert (146) for a cleaning.

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