EP3222414B1

EP3222414B1 - Rotation press with stamps with at least two stamp tips at staggered heights for carrying out multiple pressing processes during a rotation

Info

Publication number: EP3222414B1
Application number: EP16174530.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Weissbach; Ingo Klaer; Stephan Mies
Original assignee: Korsch AG
Current assignee: Korsch AG
Priority date: 2016-03-24
Filing date: 2016-06-15
Publication date: 2019-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-15
Also published as: EP3222414A1; CN108883593A; WO2017162848A4; JP2019510637A; US20190099972A1; JP6782786B2; WO2017162848A1; PL3222414T3; KR20180126543A; ES2747984T3

Description

The invention relates to a rotary press with punches with at least two vertically graduated punch tips for carrying out at least two pressing operations, preferably based on one another. Furthermore, the invention relates in particular to rotary presses and to processes for the production of different single-layer and multi-layer and coated core cores as well as for pressing tablets into cups during a concentricity.

Background and state of the art

The invention relates to the field of rotary presses, which are used in the pharmaceutical, technical or chemical industry or in the food industry to produce from powdered materials tablets or compacts in large quantities. In the known state of the art, concentric presses preferably perform a pressing operation during a run to produce a sort of tablets or compacts. For this purpose, known concentric tablet presses include upper punches and lower punches, which compress the powdered material by their interaction in Matrizenhohlräumen a die plate. However, for a variety of applications - especially to produce multi-component compacts - it is necessary to perform different pressing operations sequentially.
For example, rotary presses are used in the technical-chemical field to produce batteries in particular button cells. Button cells are usually constructed as follows in the prior art. The button cell usually consists of a cup into which a tablet of metal oxide powder, the so-called cathode, is inserted and pressed. During the subsequent assembly of the button cell, a separator is placed on the pressed-in metal oxide tablet, a sealing ring with the source sheet introduced into the cup, the zinc powder (the anode) dosed on a source sheet and the lid (the negative pole) introduced. Subsequently, the opening of the cup can be crimped with a tool to the inside, wherein the lid is pressed down on the pressure of the seal and the button cell is sealed gas-tight.
At least the following steps are necessary for the production of a cathode for a button cell with the aid of a rotary press: i) pressing a tablet of metal oxide powder, ii) placing a cup in the matrix, iii) placing a tablet in the cup and iv) pressing in the tablet in the cup.
It is known in the art with a first rotary press to produce the tablets of metal oxide powder. Subsequently, the tablets are fed to an automatic assembly machine in which the tablets can be placed in cups. The cups with the inserted tablets are then fed to a second rotary press. In this, the cups with the tablets are successively inserted into matrices. During the subsequent pressing operation, the tablet is compressed again by the punches, the tablet becoming flatter as the diameter increases. As a result, the now pressed tablet is free of joints on the bottom of the cup before and at the edge of the cup. Thus, in this known method, three machines, i. two rotary presses and an automatic assembly machine, mechanically coupled with each other. For this reason, the described production process is expensive, expensive and prone to failure.
In the prior art, it is therefore also known to use a production method in which only two concentricity presses are used, and these are not mechanically connected to each other. In this case, the pressing of the tablet of metal oxide powder in a first rotary press and inserting the tablet in the cup and the subsequent pressing of the tablet is carried out on the cup base on a second separate rotary press. For each of these production steps one complete revolution of the rotor is needed. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a single rotary press that can perform these sequential steps during a run.
As another application example in which a sequential performance of various pressing operations is necessary, the preparation of multi-layered tablets or wrapper core tablets (tablet in tablet) may be mentioned. Sheath cores are made of different materials and have a core which is enveloped by a sheath material. For example, the core may include an active ingredient which is delivered at a later time, ie after dissolution of the shell material. In the known state of the art, the core or the core tablet is first produced on a first rotary press to produce a jacket core tablet. Subsequently, the cores are placed in dies on a separate rotary press. Wherein the matrices before and after inserting the cores a powder for the jacket is supplied, so that the jacket is pressed with the core to a Mantelkerntablette. For the steps of the production of the core, as well as the pressing of the core with the jacket thus several rotary presses are necessary in the known state of the art. This leads to increased costs and increased space requirements. On the other hand, due to the necessary coordination between the rotary presses, the production process is prone to failure.
Documents CN202573048U and GB191507881 disclose a rotary press according to the preamble of claim 1. For a variety of applications, it would therefore be advantageous if sequential if necessary consecutive production steps can be performed on a single rotary press during a concentricity.

Summary of the invention

The invention is therefore based on the object to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a rotary press, which can perform successively different, possibly successive pressing operations during a run.
According to the invention the object is achieved by the independent claims 1, 10 and 15. The dependent claims represent preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention.
The invention therefore relates to a rotary press for carrying out at least two pressing operations during a concentricity of the rotary press comprising a rotor, a die plate, an upper punch guide for receiving upper punches and a lower punch guide for receiving lower punches, wherein the upper punches have at least two upper punch tips, wherein a first Oberstempelspitze a length smaller by a length difference (L D1 ) than a second upper punch tip and the lower punches have at least two lower punch tips, a first lower punch tip having a length greater by the length difference (L D2 ) than a second lower punch tip, the die disc having first die cavities are aligned towards the first upper and Unterstempelspitzen, so that in a first pressing operation, a first pressed material in the first Matrizenhohlräumen and in a second pressing a second pressed material in the second Matrizenhohlräumen can be pressed during a run.
The rotary press according to the invention belongs to the category of rotary presses as they are known in the art. In this case, the rotor preferably has an upper and lower punch guide for receiving punches, so that in the die cavities of a die plate, together with the interaction of upper and lower punches, powdered material is pressed into a compact or a tablet. For the purposes of the invention, the upper or lower punches with the die cavities of the die plate preferably form the pressing tools for pressing a material into a compact or a tablet. The pressing tools in the context of the invention preferably denote a unit of upper punches, lower punches and dies, which are guided together during a concentricity. It is preferred that the rotary press has a plurality of pressing tools which are arranged concentrically in the upper or lower punch guide and in the die plate. The upper and lower punches in the sense of the invention preferably designate a unit of upper and lower punch tips, which are guided together during a pressing operation. In one embodiment, a punch may consist of several punch tips, which are guided together. However, it may also be preferred that the punch comprises a punch shaft and two or more punch tips which can be screwed or inserted with the punch shaft. As a result, it is advantageously possible with little effort to exchange the punch tips of the stamp. However, it may also be preferred that the stamp consist of a punch shaft and two or more punch tips, wherein the punch shaft and the punch tips are integrally connected to one another. Due to the design of the upper punch, the arrangement and length of Oberstempelspitzen which belong to the upper punch, can be set. The same applies to the lower stamp, comprising at least two Unterstempelspitzen. For the purposes of the invention, the length of the punch tips preferably designates the extent of the punch tips along the pressing direction perpendicular to the plane of the die plate. In the case where the punches have a punch shaft, the length of the punch tips is preferably measured from the bottom surface of the punch shaft, whereas the length of the punch tips is measured from the top surface of the punch shaft. For insert punch tips, the length thus preferably corresponds to the outstanding length of the insert punch tips. For example, a preferred upper punch may have a first upper punch tip with a length of 12 mm, a second upper punch tip with a length of 14 mm, a preferred lower punch a first lower punch tip with a length of 15 mm and a second lower punch tip with a length of 13 mm. For this example, the length difference between the first and second top punch tips L D1 = 2 mm. Likewise, the length difference between the first and second lower punch tips L D2 = 2 mm. According to the invention, in particular the length difference of upper or lower punch tips in a punch is crucial. Thus, according to the invention, the upper punches preferably comprise a first upper punch tip which has a length which is smaller by a length difference (L D1 ) than a second upper punch tip. This difference in length of the upper punch tips causes the second upper punch tip to be first introduced into a second die cavity during a pressing movement. Only when the second upper punch tip is already introduced by the length difference (L D1 ) in the second die cavity, the first upper punch tip is in a position where it terminates with the upper surface of the die plate and is inserted into the first die cavity. In a reciprocal manner, the inventive difference in length L D1 of the lower punch tips results in staggered insertion of the lower punch tips into the first and second die cavities.
For the purposes of the invention, the punches, comprising upper and lower punches, each having at least two puncture tips with different lengths with respect to the plane of the Matrizenhohlräume, also preferably referred to as height staggered or staggered punch. A rotary press with vertically staggered punches represents a departure from the prior art. While it is known to operate rotary presses with punches having two or more punch tips, so-called multiple punches to produce tablets or other compacts in large quantities, have the stamp of the prior art the technique always identical lengths of the punch tips. Thus, the prior art multiple punches are typically used to formulate identical tablets or pellets on a press. A person skilled in the art would therefore have assumed that the use of upper or lower punches with different lengths of the punch tips leads to fluctuations in the properties of the tablets or pellets. For example, different lengths of the individual die tips of a multi-punch press tool could alter tablet weight, web height, or tablet hardness. The height-graduated punches of the rotary press according to the invention therefore represent a departure from the prior art. According to the invention, it has been recognized that this height graduation leads to a series of surprising advantages for a rotary press.
Thus, due to the height graduation of the punch tips of the upper or lower punch during a concentricity succession independent pressing operations can be performed on a single rotary press. For example, it may be preferable on a first half of a concentricity of the rotary press with interaction of the first and lower die tips in the first die cavities to produce a first type of tablets. Preferably, no material to be pressed is located in the second die cavities during this first pressing operation. In a second half of the concentricity, a second type of tablets can be pressed into the second die cavities by the design according to the invention of the staggered punches. Due to the staggered stamp, it is possible to make these two pressing operations independently. For example, the first pressed material can be ejected upward by the first lower punch tip, while the second lower punch tip is located at a position below the surface of the die plate and thus does not interfere with the discharge of the first pressed material.
In a preferred embodiment, the length difference L D1 is almost equal to the length difference L D2 . For the purposes of the invention, the terms "almost" or "approximately" preferably mean a tolerance range of ± 15%, preferably ± 10%. Thus, in this preferred embodiment there is a reciprocal height graduation of the punches so that the distance between the lower surface of the first upper punch tip to the upper surface first lower punch tip is nearly equal to the distance of the lower surface of the second upper punch tip to the upper lower second punch tip. This is advantageous, for example, for the production of first and second pressings of the same web height. Preferred height-graduated punches may have, for example, the following differences in length: L D1 = 1 mm and L D2 = 1 mm, L D1 = 1.4 mm and L D2 = 1.5 mm, L D1 = 2.5 mm and L D2 = 2, 5 mm, L D1 = 2 mm and L D2 = 1.9 mm, L D1 = 3 mm and L D2 = 3 mm, L D1 = 4 mm and L D2 = 4 mm, L D1 = 6 mm and L D2 = 6.3 mm, L D1 = 2.5 mm and L D2 = 2.5 mm, L D1 = 8 mm and L D2 = 8.2 mm L D1 = 10 mm and L D2 = 10 mm or L D1 = 15 mm and L D2 = 14.8 mm.
It may also be preferred that the length difference L D1 is not equal to the L D2 for the production of tablets of different height or hardness. This flexibility for the production of different pressings or successive pressings is a particular advantage of the rotary press according to the invention. Thus, for example, preferred staggered stacks may also have the following differences in length: L D1 = 1 mm and L D2 = 1.5 mm, L D1 = 1.4 mm and L D2 = 1.9 mm, L D1 = 2 mm and L D2 = 2.5 mm, L D1 , L D1 = 2 mm and L D2 = 4 mm, L D1 = 3 mm and L D2 = 5 mm, L D1 = 4 mm and L D2 = 5 mm, L D1 = 6 mm and L D2 = 7 mm, L D1 = 6 mm and L D2 = 8 mm, L D1 = 7 mm and L D2 = 5 mm, L D1 = 6 mm and L D2 = 4.5 mm, L D1 = 8 mm and L D2 = 5 mm or also L D1 = 3.5 mm and L D2 = 2 mm, L D1 = 1.5 mm and L D2 = 0.8 mm, L D1 = 2.2 mm and L D2 = 1.5 mm or even L D1 = 0.9 mm and L D2 = 0, 6 mm.
In addition, due to the height-graded stamp it is possible to process the first material to be pressed in a second pressing process during a single concentricity. Thus, for example, after a first pressing operation, the first lower punch tip can be moved so that its upper end terminates with the surface of the die plate. Due to the height graduation, the second lower punch tip in this position is preferably within the second die cavity, i. below the surface of the die plate. As a result, the first material to be pressed can be transferred into the second die cavity with the aid of, for example, a slider, a turnstile or another conveying device. Subsequently, by adding further materials in the second Matrizenhohlräume a second pressed material can be produced, which comprises the first pressed material. The height graduation of the stamp advantageously allows a particularly reliable sequential production and optionally further processing of press products during a single run of the rotary press. As a result, multi-layered pressed goods can be produced during a concentricity in the first and second die cavities.
Furthermore, it may also be preferred that the punches comprise at least three or at least four punch tips each comprising the die plate for at least three or at least four aligned die cavities. These stamp tips can each have staggered length differences. However, it may also be preferred that in the case of an even number of upper punch tips, in each case a first half of the upper punch tips has a length shorter by a length difference L D1 than a second half of the upper punch tips. Correspondingly, it would be preferable for this embodiment that a first half of the lower punch tips has a length longer by a length difference L D2 than a second half of the lower punch tips. Advantageously, a plurality of first and second pressed products can thereby be produced during a first and second pressing operation. By increasing the number of punch tips for the staggered stamps can thus simultaneously increase the number and complexity of the pressed products produced.
For the purposes of the invention, a die cavity preferably designates a recess or an opening within a die plate into which pressed material is introduced, in order to then be pressed into a compact by interaction of the upper and lower punches become. The cross section of the Matrizenhohlräume may be different depending on the desired shape of the compacts. For example, the Matrizenhohlräume may preferably take circular, rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, elliptical, oval or other shapes. However, it is preferred that the upper and lower punches each have a congruent cross-section to the corresponding Matrizenhohlräumen to effectively press as a molding tools, the material.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the extension of the first die cavities and the extension of the first die and die tips are smaller than the extension of the second die cavities and the extension of the second die and die tips. For the purposes of the invention, the expansion of the die cavities is preferably understood to mean a characteristic extent of the cross section of a die cavity. For a preferred embodiment in which the die cavity is characterized by a circular cross section, the expansion preferably corresponds to the diameter of the circle. In the case of a square-shaped die cavity, the expansion preferably corresponds to the length of the square. The stamp tips corresponding to the die cavities preferably have a congruent cross-section and thus a nearly same extent as the die cavities. The extent of the punch tips is adapted so that they can be accurately inserted into the Matrizenhohlräume. The compacts produced by the interaction of the punch tips in the die cavities also preferably take on the cross section and thus the expansion of the die cavities. Due to the configuration of the first die cavities and the second die cavities with different sized expansions, the first pressed material and the second pressed material receive a different expansion in cross section. As a result, the first material to be compacted, which has a smaller extent, advantageously fits geometrically into the second die cavities. For example, it may be preferred that the die cavities have a circular cross-section, with the diameter of the first die cavities being 3 mm and the diameter of the second die cavities being 4 mm. However, it may also be preferred that the die cavities have different shaped cross-sectional area. For example, preferably, the first die cavities may be squares of 3 mm side length, while the second die cavities may be 5 mm diameter circular aperture. The different dimensions of the first die cavities and the second die cavities thus preferably lead to the first Pressed goods can be transported in the second Matrizenhohlräumen. As a result, it is possible to produce complex products, such as multilayer tablets or mantle core tablets in a concentricity, by means of pressing operations that build on each other sequentially.
The die cavities may be formed in the die plate in various ways. For example, it may be preferred that the die plate is present on the rotor as a whole and the die cavities are formed by recesses or opening in the die plate. For circular die cavities, it is preferable to shape them by bores in a die plate. In addition, it may be preferable to segment the die plate, wherein there are a plurality of pairs of first and second die cavities in each segment of the die plate. In this case, the first and second die cavities are changed by a change of the die segments.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the die plate has recesses for die inserts, wherein in a die insert the first die cavity and the second die cavity are present. In this preferred embodiment, therefore, the die cavities are present in so-called die inserts. The preferred die inserts allow a particularly precise adaptation of the die cavities to the at least in pairs height staggered stamp. Furthermore, the expansion of the die inserts together with the stamps, particularly effective and fast possible. For example, instead of using a die insert for each of a first and a second die cavity, both die cavities can be replaced by changing a single die insert.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a rotary press, which comprises a transport device, wherein the transport device transports the first pressed material into the second die cavity after the first pressing operation. By this preferred embodiment, it is advantageously possible to realize successive stamp during a concentricity of the rotary press. Thus, in a first pressing operation, a first pressed material, for example a tablet with a first active ingredient, can be produced. Subsequently, this first tablet can be transferred into the second template cavity and processed with the addition of another active ingredient or shell material to form a multilayer tablet. Various types of transport device may preferably be used. These include, for example, slides, Scrapers, turnstiles, transport stars, grapples, vacuum heads, loops or other mechanical conveyors. According to the invention, the staggered stacks permit the use of particularly efficient transport devices which can push the first material to be pressed over the surface of the die plate.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transport device is characterized in that the transport device comprises a turnstile or a slider and after the first pressing operation, the lower punch is movable to a position in which the first lower punch tip terminates at its upper end with the surface of the die plate and the transport of the first material to be pressed into the second die cavity takes place by turning the turnstile or by the slide. By the preferred transport device as a turnstile or as a slide a particularly fast clocked transfer of the first material to be pressed into the second Matrizenhohlräume is possible. While the first lower punch may be driven to a position where the upper end of the first lower punch tip terminates with the surface of the die plate, advantageously the second lower punch tip is below the surface of the die plate and within the second die cavities. As a result, the second die cavities are closed from below with the second lower die tip as a counterpart and ready for receiving the first material to be pressed. It was surprising that the stamp can be moved quickly into this position, while using a turnstile and or a slider displacement of the material to be pressed into the second Matrizenhohlräume. Furthermore, the preferred transport devices not only allow a particularly high timing, but are also surprisingly accurate. Thus, a centered position of the first material to be pressed in the second Matrizenhohlräumen can be realized in particular using a turnstile or a slide. It was surprising that the preferred transport devices accurately and securely place both first pressed goods with significantly smaller and approximately the same size in comparison to the second Matrizenhohlräumen.
In a preferred embodiment, the rotary press is characterized in that the first die cavities and the first upper and lower punch tips are arranged concentrically on an inner pitch circle and the second die cavities and the second upper and lower punch tips are concentrically arranged on an outer pitch circle. Preferably, the "inner" pitch circle denotes a pitch circle with a smaller diameter about the axis of rotation in comparison to the "outer" pitch circle, which preferably the encloses inner circle. It has been found that a transport of the first pressed material after the first pressing operation to the second Matrizenhohlräumen can be particularly fast and accurate when the first Matrizenhohlräume are arranged concentrically on an inner circle in comparison to the second Matrizenhohlräumen. For example, using a gripper arm, a slider or a turnstile a swift, timed movement can move the first pressed material from the inside out. This transport along the centrifugal force was surprisingly more precise than in the opposite direction. Furthermore, due to the radial alignment of the first and second die cavities on an inner and outer circle, a particularly high density of die cavities can be arranged concentrically on the die plate. The preferred arrangement of the first and second die cavities not only allows sequential pressing operations to be performed rapidly one after another but also results in increased productivity of the rotary press.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a rotary press which is suitable for pressing tablets in cups and comprises a first filling station, a first pressing station, a cup inserting station, a transporting device and a second pressing station, wherein the first filling station is designed to preferably introduce powder Dosing metal oxide powder into the first die cavities, the first pressing station is configured to press the powder into a tablet in a first pressing operation in the first die cavities, the cup inserting station is designed to insert cups into the second die cavities, the transport apparatus is formed, to insert the tablet in the cups, which are located in the second Matrizenhohlräumen and the second pressing station is adapted to press the tablet in the cups in a second pressing operation.
With this preferred embodiment it is advantageously possible during a concentricity to first produce a tablet or a compact in the first die cavities and then pass them on to beakers in the second die cavities for further processing. Subsequently, the tablet or the compact is pressed in a second pressing operation in the cup bottom. In the known state of the art, at least two concentric presses are necessary for the pressing of tablets into cups. Various auxiliary processes are required for this purpose, such as storing, conveying and feeding the tablets produced on a first rotary press to a second one Rotary press. The rotary press is therefore characterized by a saving in space and material costs. On the other hand - as the auxiliary processes are eliminated - the preferred rotary press saves energy and makes the production process more efficient. It is particularly preferred that the rotary press be suitable for pressing metal oxide powders in cups, whereby a cathode can be provided, which is further processed into a button cell. However, the preferred rotary press is not only suitable for use in the chemical-technical industry for battery production, but has the advantages mentioned for other applications in which tablets or pellets are pressed into containers.
It is preferred that the filling station, the first pressing station, the cup inserting station, the conveying device and the second pressing station are arranged sequentially one after the other along the direction of rotation of the rotary press. Various known filling stations can be used in order to ensure the metering of pulverulent material into the first die cavities. For this purpose, the filling station preferably comprises a filling shoe, which comprises a material feed and is constructed for metering pulverulent material into the first die cavities. For the manufacture of button cell cathodes, it is preferred that the first and second die cavities have a circular cross section, wherein the diameter of the first die cavities is smaller than the diameter of the second die cavities. For other applications, different shapes of die cavities may also be preferred. After filling the powdered material into the first die cavities, a metering device preferably adjusts the amount of powder material in the first die cavities. For example, for this purpose, before filling a first die cavity, the first die can be moved to a low suction position to be subsequently raised to the desired height. The excess powder material is preferably removed with a scraper. The volume of the remaining powder is thus well defined and allows the production of homogeneous tablets of constant weight. It is preferred that the first pressing station adjoins the filling station. As a pressing station, for example, a pressure roller station may be preferred. In a pressure roller station, a force is preferably exerted on the upper or lower punch by upper and lower pressure rollers, so that the powdered material is pressed into the first Matrizenhohlräumen by an interaction of the first upper and lower punch tips.
The cup inserting station preferably adjoins the pressing station along the direction of rotation. Preferably, the cups are positioned by the cup insertion station in the second Matrizenhohlräume. For this purpose, a cup feeding device, for example, a conveyor belt, perform the cup of Bechereinlegestation. The cup insertion station preferably comprises a takeover and transfer device for the cup, which is designed for example as a turnstile. Preferably, the cups are separated before loading, preferably gripping arms are used. These allow precise positioning of the cups in the second Matrizenhohlräume. Advantageously, other known from the prior art devices for inserting the cup can be combined with the rotary press.
The subsequent transport device is constructed such that it can convey the tablet produced in the first pressing operation into the cups, which are inserted in the second Matrizenhohlräumen. Preferably, the transport device is a turnstile, which has radially expiring sliding arms, by the rotation of the tablet can be moved on the die plate. For this purpose, it is preferred that the first lower punch tip is moved to a position in which the upper end of the first lower punch tip terminates with the surface of the die plate. In this position, the tablet is located on the first lower punch tip lying on the level of Matrizenscheibe. Advantageously, therefore, no lifting of the tablets, for example, with grippers necessary for insertion into the cups for transport. Instead, moving the tablets quickly and precisely conveys the tablets. In particular, this will effectively prevent abrasion or damage to the tablets during transport. Due to the height graduation of the lower punch according to the invention is located during the transport of the tablets, the second lower punch tip in the second Matrizenhohlräumen below the die surface. It is preferred that the length difference L D2 between the first lower punch tip and the second lower punch tip be at least equal to the height of the cups, so that in this position the upper edge of the cup which rests on the second lower punch tip is also positioned below the die surface. Thus, the tablet falls by gravity into the cup. In comparison to the prior art, this allows a particularly fast, precise and gentle insertion of the tablets into the cups.
Preferred length differences for the staggered punches for pressing tablets into cups for cathodes are, for example, an L D1 between 1 mm and 6 mm, and an L D2 between 1 mm and 6 mm, wherein it is particularly preferred that L D1 is almost equal to L D2 is. Advantageously, the loading takes place immediately after the preparation of the tablets, so that even sensitive or brittle tablet can be safely inserted into the cup. In the prior art, during the transport of fragile tablets, a first rotary press to a second rotary press often causes damage and thus an increased scrap. The transport device is preferably followed by the second pressing station, which presses the tablet into the cup with the aid of the second upper and lower punch tips. Advantageously, the insertion of the tablets can be optimized by adjusting the length differences L D1 and L D2 of the staggered punch. During this second pressing operation, it is preferable that the second lower punch tip almost does not move while the second upper punch tip pushes the tablet into the cup bottom from above. As the dies pass the second press station, the bottom die tip effectively acts as an anvil, holding the cup in a fixed position. The pressing force is mainly applied to the tablet via the top punch tip. As a result of the force applied, the inserted tablet is pressed flat against the base of the cup. This makes the tablet flatter, but at the same time it grows in diameter and thus gets intimate contact with the inner wall of the cup. In a preferably centrically inserted tablet this is pressed symmetrically into the cup bottom and thus includes particularly homogeneous to the cup rim. As a result, the tablet is firmly and securely pressed into the cup and can survive without the risk of damage further assembly steps. The pressed in the cups tablet is a multi-layer, second pressed material, which builds on the first pressed material (the tablet). In addition, the rotary press preferably comprises an ejection station which ejects the finished-pressed cups. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tablets are metal oxide powder tablets and the cups are metal cups. The cups with pressed-in metal oxide tablets preferably correspond to cathodes for the production of a button cell. Due to the sequence of the production steps on a single rotary press, it is surprisingly possible to produce button cells with a particularly constant, high-quality quality. In particular, fluctuations can be avoided, which can occur in the prior art by the separate production of the tablets on separate rotary presses and their storage and transport.
In a preferred embodiment, the first pressing station comprises a measuring device for determining the pressing force during the first pressing operation and the rotary press comprises an ejection station, which is designed to eject tablets, during which the pressing force deviates from a specified normal range during the pressing. In this preferred embodiment, an additional quality control of the tablets can advantageously be carried out. Thus, it is known that pressing stations, such as pressure roller stations, have a measuring device, e.g. a measuring cell, which determines the pressing force during a pressing operation. For example, this may be within the pressing station, a measuring cell with a measuring arm, the diffraction allows a conclusion about the expended for pressing force. Depending on the material property and the desired web height or hardness, a standard range for the applied pressing force is preferably determined. The standard range preferably has a tolerance that reflects the allowed variations in tablet properties. If a pressing force is used during the first pressing process, which deviates from this standard range, then there is a fault. For example, it may be that not enough material was dosed into the first die cavities. But it may also be that the first crop is contaminated. In the case of a pressing force deviating from the normal range, it is preferably possible to remove defective tablets by means of an ejection station. In a preferred embodiment, the defective tablet is dug in the ejection station by the first lower die tip, so that it reaches a discharge rail and can be removed. It has been found that the vertical graduation of the lower punch allows a particularly accurate ejection, since the second lower punch tip is preferably below the surface of the die plate meanwhile.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the second pressing station comprises a measuring device for determining the pressing force during the second pressing operation and the rotary press comprises a sorting station, which is adapted to cathodes depending on the pressing force during the second pressing a transport path for suitable cathodes or to supply a transport path for unsuitable cathodes, provided that the pressing force deviates from a specified normal range. With this preferred embodiment, it is possible to monitor the correct compression of the tablets in the cup and, if appropriate, to sort cups with pressed tablets which do not meet the requirements. This embodiment is particularly preferred for monitoring cathodes. Preferably, a standard range is determined, which corresponds to the pressing force in the second pressing process, which leads to a particularly homogeneous Pressing the tablets and thus preferably suitable cathodes leads. If a deviation from this standard range is detected using the pressure force measuring gauge, this indicates that the tablet is faulty or incorrectly inserted into the cup. If, for example, a faulty broken tablet has been pressed into the cup, the required pressing force is smaller due to the smaller surface of the eg half tablet. Thus, a faulty cathode can be detected and reliably sorted out via the press force control so that it does not get into the further manufacturing process. It is preferred that the sorting station route defective cathodes to the transport path for inappropriate cathodes. For this purpose, it may be preferred that the sorting station comprises a two-part ejector rail, with suitable cathodes being dug into one section of the ejector rail and unsuitable cathodes being dug into the other section of the ejector rail. It is preferred that during ejection of the cathode, the top punch tip remain on the pressed metal oxide tablet until the bottom of the cup has reached the top of the die plate. Preferably, an automatic hold-down prevents the top punch tip from sticking to the inner wall of the cup and lifting the cup above the level of the die plate. Via a stripping device, the good cathodes can also preferably be fed to a discharge chute and thus directed into a collecting container, while faulty cathodes are conveyed by means of a pneumatic individual sorting into a separate waste container.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the rotary press, both pressing stations have measuring devices for the pressing force, so that both faulty tablets and faulty cathodes can be sorted out. This combined security check enables a particularly high quality of the pressed cathodes to be ensured. Due to the double quality assurance, the preferred rotary press is characterized by a consistently high quality of the cathodes, even at a greatly increased production frequency.

a) Dosieren von Pulver vorzugsweise von einem Metalloxid-Pulver in erste Matrizenhohlräume mit Hilfe einer Füllstation
b) Verpressen des Pulvers, vorzugsweise des Metalloxid-Pulvers, zu Tabletten mit Hilfe einer ersten Pressstation, wobei optional die Presskraft bestimmt wird
c) Optionales Auswerfen von Tabletten, für welche eine Presskraft während des Schrittes c) bestimmt wurde, welche von einem Normbereich abweicht
d) Einlegen der Becher in die zweiten Matrizenhohlräume mit Hilfe einer Bechereinlegestation
e) Einlegen der Tablette mit Hilfe einer Transportvorrichtung vorzugsweise umfassend ein Drehkreuz in die Becher, welche sich in den zweiten Matrizenhohlräumen befinden
f) Verpressen der Tablette in den Boden der Becher mit Hilfe der zweiten Pressstation und des Zusammenwirkens der zweiten Oberstempelspitzen und der zweiten Unterstempelspitzen, wobei optional die Presskraft bestimmt wird
g) Auswerfen der Kathoden, wobei optional die Kathoden mit Hilfe der Sortierstation in Abhängigkeit von der in Schritt f) bestimmten Presskraft einem Transportweg für geeignete Kathoden oder einem Transportweg für ungeeignete Kathoden zugeführt werden.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method preferably for the production of cathodes for button cells using a rotary press according to the invention comprising the following steps

a) Dosing of powder preferably from a metal oxide powder in the first die cavities by means of a filling station
b) pressing the powder, preferably the metal oxide powder, into tablets by means of a first pressing station, optionally determining the pressing force
c) Optional ejection of tablets for which a pressing force was determined during step c), which deviates from a normal range
d) inserting the cups into the second die cavities by means of a cup inserting station
e) inserting the tablet by means of a transport device preferably comprising a turnstile in the cups, which are located in the second Matrizenhohlräumen
f) pressing the tablet into the bottom of the cups by means of the second pressing station and the interaction of the second upper punch tips and the second lower punch tips, optionally determining the pressing force
g) ejecting the cathodes, wherein optionally the cathodes are fed with the aid of the sorting station as a function of the pressing force determined in step f) to a transport path for suitable cathodes or a transport path for unsuitable cathodes.

With this preferred method, it is possible to produce a large number of cathodes in a particularly cost-saving manner with the aid of a single rotary press. In the method, preference is given to those preferred embodiments of the rotary press according to the invention which are suitable for the compression of tablets in cups. Advantages which have been mentioned for technical features of the preferred embodiment of the rotary press, advantageously also apply to the method described. For example, it is disclosed for a preferred rotary press for pressing tablets that a turnstile as a transport device enables a particularly fast and precise transport of the tablets into the cups. A person skilled in the art concludes from this that a turnstile can thus preferably be used as a transport device in the described method and that the stated advantages with respect to the transport of the tablets into the cups are obtained for the method.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a rotary press for carrying out at least three pressing operations during a concentricity of the rotary press and is characterized in that the rotary press is suitable for the production of Mantelkerntabletten and the rotary press a first filling station, a first pressing station, a second filling station, a second pressing station, a transporting device, a third filling station and a third pressing station, wherein the first filling station is designed to meter a first powder into the first die cavities, the first pressing station is configured to compress the first powder in a first pressing operation in the first Matrizenhohlräumen to a core tablet, the second filling station is adapted to meter a second powder into the second Matrizenhohlräume, the second pressing station is adapted to the second powder in a second Pressing operation in the second die cavities, the transport device is designed to insert the core tablet in the second Matrizenhohlräume on the already pressed second powder, the third filling station is adapted to meter the second powder into the second Matrizenhohlräume, whereby the core tablet with the second Powder is covered and the third pressing station is formed to press in a third pressing operation, the core powder coated by the second powder in the second Matrizenhohlräumen to a Mantelkerntablette.

The preferred rotary press is more advantageously suitable for carrying out at least three sequential pressing operations, wherein the pressed goods can be further processed in the successive pressing operations. It is particularly preferred that the first filling station, the first pressing station, the second filling station, the second pressing station, the transport device, the third filling station and the third pressing station are arranged along the rotational direction of the rotary press. With the aid of the first filling station, it is preferably possible to meter powdery material into the first die cavities. In this case, preferably a filling shoe of the known state of the art can be used. Subsequently, by means of the first pressing station, pressing of the first material to be pressed takes place in the first die cavities. It is particularly preferred that for the preparation of the mantle core tablets, the die cavities have a circular cross-section, wherein the diameter of the first die cavities is smaller than the diameter of the second die cavities. By pressing a first powder in the first pressing process, the first pressed material preferably forms the core of the almond kernel tablet. For the purposes of the invention, the terms core and core tablet are preferably used synonymously. The core preferably differs from the shell in terms of its pharmaceutical composition. For example, the core may include a first active ingredient, which is taken after oral intake of the organism with a time delay after digestion of the shell. Preferably, therefore, the second powder is a powdery material which forms the shell of the Mantelkerntablette. Using the second filling station, the second powder can be dosed into the second die cavities while being closed from below by the second die tips. With the help of a second pressing station is preferred by cooperation of the second upper and Unterstempelspitzen the second Powder pressed on the second Unterstempelspitzen. This allows a stable absorption of the core tablet. The pressing is also preferably referred to as tamping in the context of the invention. With the help of the transport device, it is advantageously possible to easily and quickly transport the core produced in the first pressing process into the second die cavities. The height-graduated design of the lower punch shows the advantages mentioned. Thus, the transport of the core is preferred while the first die tip is at a final level with the die surface. In this positioning, the second lower punch tip is present in the second die cavities below the die surface. It is preferred that the length difference L _{D2 is} at least half the web height, preferably at least the web height of the mantle core tablet to be produced. By a transport device preferably by a turnstile or a slide now the core can be pushed with very little abrasion in the second Matrizenhohlräume on the die plate. A lifting, gripping or other susceptible transport movements are not necessary. Instead, the core tablet falls centered on the cladding powder which is present on the second lower die tip in a second die cavity. Advantageously, this allows a precise positioning of the core tablet within the produce Mantelkerntablette.

The person skilled in the art recognizes that the length differences L _D1 and L _{D2 of} the staggered punches are preferably adapted to the production of the desired mantle core tablets. The length differences thus depend not only on the dimensions of the core and Mantelkerntablette, but also on the properties of the press material. In particular, the compression ratio of the molding material plays a crucial role in multilayer or coated core pellets. The compression ratio of the loose powder to a compact may preferably be between 1.5 to 1 and 7 to 1. Preferred differences in length of the staggered dies for the production of mantle core tablets are, for example, an L _D1 between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, and an L _D2 between 0.5 mm and 4 mm. Preferably, the third filling station allows the core to be covered from above with the jacket powder. The third press station preferably joins the third fill station and is configured to press the multilayer third press article through cooperation of the second top and bottom punch tips. The third compact thus preferably consists of an inner core consisting of the first powder and an outer shell consisting of the second powder and forms the Mantelkerntablette.

It was surprising that with the help of a rotary press, which has the invention staggered upper and lower punch, Mantelkerntabletten can be produced during a run. While in the prior art the core tablets are pressed onto respective separate rotary presses and then encased, this is now possible on a single rotary press. As a result, initial costs and energy for the operation of the presses are saved. Furthermore, the production space can be implemented to save space, as is possible in the prior art. It was particularly surprising that the combination of the various pressing operations on a rotary press not leads to a reduction in quality, but even to a quality improvement of the Mantelkerntabletten. In particular, despite the use of different powders in successive steps on a press, a high purity of individual components of the Mantelkerntabletten can be ensured. This is the case, since the staggered stamp in conjunction with a transport device allow an exact execution and separation of the individual production steps and pressing operations.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotary press is characterized in that the pressing stations have upper and lower pressure rollers which act on the punches. It is preferred that the pressing stations are designed as pressure roller stations. Such Druckrollenstation preferably comprise an upper receiving device for upper pressure rollers and a lower receiving device for lower pressure rollers. It has been shown that the force acting on the upper and lower punches by pressure rollers is very precisely controlled. As a result, a homogeneous compression is achieved at high throughput.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first pressing station has a measuring device for determining the pressing force during the first pressing operation and the rotary press comprises an ejection station, which is designed to eject core tablets, during which the pressing force deviates from a specified normal range during the pressing. By this preferred embodiment, the quality of the pressed core tablets is controlled by means of a force measurement in the first pressing station. The pressing station can preferably be a pressure roller station, comprising an upper and a lower pressure roller, wherein the pressing force exerted during the first pressing operation can be determined with the aid of a measuring device. If the required pressing force deviates from a defined standard range during the first pressing process, then it is very likely a fault. For example, it can be determined whether the core tablet is too light or too heavy in weight or deviates from the specified product properties in terms of bar height or tablet hardness. With the aid of an ejection station it is possible to sort out the core tablets quickly and with high accuracy. In the known state of the art, after the quality control, transport and / or storage steps of the core tablets take place in order to supply them to the casing of a second rotary press. Damage which occurs during transport can therefore be detected in the prior art only by additional expensive controls. By carrying out the pressing process of the core tablet on the same rotary press in which the core tablet is placed in the jacket, thus also a higher quality of Mantelkerntabletten can be ensured.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotary press is characterized in that the third pressing station has a measuring device for determining the pressing force during the third pressing process and the rotary press comprises a sorting station, which is designed to wrap core tablets in dependence on the pressing force during the third pressing operation, to supply a transport route for suitable Mantelkerntabletten or a transport route for unsuitable Mantelkerntabletten. In this embodiment, it is thus advantageously possible to monitor the quality of the final product. If the pressing force determined in the third pressing process deviates from a specified standard range, the mantle core tablets are sorted out with the aid of the sorting station. The sorting station can preferably comprise a two-part ejector rail with separate transport paths for correct and defective mantle core tablets. It was surprising that an efficient and fast sorting mechanism can be implemented between suitable casing core tablets and inappropriate casing core tablets on a single rotary press. The quality control of the coated kernel tablet together with a monitoring of the quality of the core tablet on a single concentric press has synergistic advantages, since systematic detection errors are reduced.

a) Dosieren eines ersten Pulvers für den Kern der Mantelkerntablette in erste Matrizenhohlräume mit Hilfe einer ersten Füllstation
b) Verpressen des ersten Pulvers zu Kerntabletten mit Hilfe einer ersten Pressstation, wobei optional die Presskraft bestimmt wird
c) Optionales Auswerfen von Kerntabletten, für welche eine Presskraft während des Schrittes b) bestimmt wurde, welche von einem Normbereich abweicht
d) Dosieren eines zweiten Pulvers für den Mantel der Mantelkerntablette in zweiten Matrizenhohlräume mit Hilfe einer zweiten Füllstation
e) Anpressen des zweiten Pulvers mit Hilfe einer zweiten Pressstation
f) Einlegen der Kerntablette mit Hilfe einer Transportvorrichtung vorzugsweise umfassend ein Drehkreuz auf das angepresste zweite Pulver, welche sich in den zweiten Matrizenhohlräumen befindet
g) Dosieren des zweiten Pulvers in zweite Matrizenhohlräume mit Hilfe einer dritten Füllstation, so dass die Kerntablette mit dem zweiten Pulver bedeckt wird
h) Verpressen der mit dem zweiten Pulver ummantelten Kerntablette zu einer Mantelkerntablette mit Hilfe einer dritten Pressstation, wobei optional die Presskraft bestimmt wird
i) Auswerfen der Mantelkerntablette, wobei optional die Mantelkerntabletten mit Hilfe einer Sortierstation in Abhängigkeit von der in Schritt h) bestimmten Presskraft einem Transportweg für geeignete Mantelkerntabletten oder einem Transportweg für ungeeignete Mantelkerntabletten zugeführt werden.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method for the production of mantle core tablets using a rotary press according to the invention or preferred embodiments thereof comprising the following steps

a) dosing a first powder for the core of the Mantelkerntablette in first Matrizenhohlräume using a first filling station
b) pressing the first powder to core tablets by means of a first pressing station, wherein optionally the pressing force is determined
c) Optional ejection of core tablets, for which a pressing force was determined during step b), which deviates from a normal range
d) dosing a second powder for the jacket of the Mantelkerntablette in second Matrizenhohlräume using a second filling station
e) pressing the second powder by means of a second pressing station
f) inserting the core tablet by means of a transport device preferably comprising a turnstile on the pressed-second powder, which is located in the second Matrizenhohlräumen
g) dosing the second powder into second die cavities by means of a third filling station so that the core tablet is covered with the second powder
h) pressing the coated with the second powder core tablet to a Mantelkerntablette using a third pressing station, optionally the pressing force is determined
i) ejecting the Mantelkerntablette, optionally the Mantelkerntabletten using a sorting station depending on the determined in step h) pressing force a transport path for suitable Mantelkerntabletten or a transport path for inappropriate Mantelkerntabletten be supplied.

The method allows the sequential execution of at least three pressing operations, wherein the pressed goods are processed during a concentricity. This represents a particular development over the prior art. In particular, it was surprising that can be produced by the method Mantelkerntabletten during a run on a rotary press in large quantities. Separate Rundlaupressen and transport of the pressed material between these is advantageously not necessary. In the method, preference is given to using that preferred embodiment of the rotary press according to the invention, which is suitable for carrying out at least three pressing operations. Advantages which have been mentioned for technical features of the preferred embodiment of the rotary press, advantageously also apply to the method described. For example, it is disclosed for a preferred rotary press for pressing shell core tablets that the cores are preferably pressed in the first die cavities which are concentric on an inner pitch circle. The extent of the first die cavities is preferably smaller than the extent of the second die cavities, which are concentrically arranged on an outer pitch circle. For The preferred embodiment of the rotary press results in a particularly gentle and rapid transport of the cores for the following sheathing. A person skilled in the art will recognize that in the described method, for example, the dimension and arrangement of the die cavities are therefore also preferred, and the advantages mentioned in relation to the transport of the core tablets result for the method.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to examples, without being limited to these.

Brief description of the pictures

Fig. 1Fig. 1: Schematische Abbildung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer KathodeSchematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a cathode
Fig. 2Fig. 2: Schematische Darstellung eines Querschnittes eines Rotors einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Rundlaufpresse zur Illustration der höhengestaffelten StempelSchematic representation of a cross section of a rotor of a preferred embodiment of the rotary press for illustrating the staggered stamp
Fig. 3Fig. 3: Schematische Darstellung einer Seitenansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Rundlaufpresse zur Illustration des Ausstoßes gepresster Tabletten mit Hilfe der höhengestaffelten UnterstempelSchematic representation of a side view of a preferred embodiment of the rotary press for illustrating the ejection of pressed tablets using the height-graduated lower punch
Fig. 4Fig. 4: Schematische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Rundlaufpresse zur Herstellung von Kathoden für KnopfzellenSchematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the rotary press for the production of cathodes for button cells
Fig. 5Fig. 5: Schematische Draufsicht auf die bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Rundlaufpresse der Fig. 4 zur Illustration der sukzessiven Arbeitsschritte zur Herstellung einer Kathode für KnopfzellenSchematic plan view of the preferred embodiment of the rotary press of Fig. 4 to illustrate the successive steps for producing a cathode for button cells
Fig. 6Fig. 6: Schematische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Transportvorrichtung als Drehkreuz zum Transfer von Tabletten von den ersten Matrizenhohlräumen zu den zweiten MatrizenhohlräumenSchematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the transport device as a hub for transferring tablets from the first Matrizenhohlräumen to the second Matrizenhohlräumen
Fig. 7Fig. 7: Schematische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Sortierstation zum Ausstoßen und sortieren der gepressten KathodenSchematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the sorting station for ejecting and sorting the pressed cathodes
Fig. 8Fig. 8: Schematische Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform einer Rundlaufpresse zur Herstellung von MantelkerntablettenSchematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a rotary press for the production of Mantelkerntabletten
Fig. 9Fig. 9: Übersicht verschiedener Anwendungsmöglichkeit für bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der RundlaufpresseOverview of various applications for preferred embodiments of the rotary press

Detailed description of the pictures

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the pressing of tablets 1 in 2 cups as it takes place for the preparation of cathodes. The loose metal oxide tablet 1.1 has a preferably smaller diameter than the cup 2 and is inserted into the cup 2. The interaction of upper and lower punches (not shown) reduces the ridge height of the metal oxide tablet as its diameter expands. The tablet 1 is pressed flat against the cup bottom. The flat-pressed metal oxide tablet 1.2 thus has an intimate contact with the inner wall of the cup. During the pressing process, air can escape, so that the flat-pressed metal oxide 1.2 tablet is firmly and securely in the cup 2.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the staggered stamp 10 and 11. The upper punch 10 is in the upper punch guide 17 and has a first upper punch tip 12 and a second upper punch tip 13. The length of the first upper punch tip 12 is smaller by a length difference L _D1 than the length of the second upper punch tip 13. It is further preferred that the first upper punch tip 12 has a smaller diameter than the second upper punch tip 13. On the other hand, the lower punches 11 with help a bottom punch guide 14 (not tightened) and a second bottom punch tip 15 (not tightened). The length of the first lower punch tip 14 is greater than the length of the second lower punch tip 15 by a length difference L _D2 . In the preferred embodiment, the length differences L _D1 and L _{D2 are} identical. Furthermore, the first upper and lower punch tips 12 and 14 have an identical shape and an identical diameter. The same applies to the second upper and lower punch tips 13 and 15. The upper and lower punches 10 and 11 are aligned with the first die cavities 32 and second die cavities 33. The size and shape of the circular die cavities 32 and 33, respectively, correspond to the size and shape of the aligned pairs of top and bottom punch tips 12 and 14 and 13 and 15, respectively In the embodiment shown, the die cavities are formed by openings in die inserts 16, which are located in recesses of the die plate 18.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of a rotary press, which comprises height graded stamp, according to the FIG. 1 , Like in the FIG. 2 As shown, the first upper and lower punch tips 12 and 14 are disposed on an inner pitch circle while the second upper and lower punch tips 13 and 15 are guided on an outer pitch circle. In the middle four die inserts 16, the bottom punch tips 14 and 15 are visible. The outer, second lower die tip 15 is flush with the upper edge of the die plate. The inner, first lower punch tip 14 projects beyond the upper edge of the die due to the length difference L _D2 . Due to the height graduation of the lower punches, the second lower punch tips 15 advantageously do not constitute an obstacle to the ejection of the tablets 1 with the aid of the first lower punch tips 14.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show a schematic perspective view and top view of a preferred rotary press for pressing tablets in cups. The tablets are preferably metal oxide tablets for the production of cathodes for button cells. The components of the rotary press are mounted on a support plate 27. For a better overview, the machine housing, the machine base and the drive of the rotary press are not shown. The rotor 28 of the rotary press comprises an upper and punch guide 17 and 19, a die plate 18 and upper and lower punches 10 and 11. The direction of rotation of the rotor 28 is indicated by an arrow. During the rotation of the rotor, ie a concentricity, the punches rotate together with the die inserts 16 in the die plate 18 through various functional assemblies or stations, which effect the manufacturing process of the cathodes. The assemblies or stations of the rotary press are described according to their order of action along the rotational direction of the rotor 28. With the aid of the first filling station 29, the first powder, preferably the metal oxide powder, is filled into the first die cavities of the die inserts. As in FIG. 5 For this purpose, the filling station 29 preferably comprises a filling shoe with a material feed, vane rotors and a stripping device for filling and metering the metal oxide powder into the first die cavities. After filling the first die cavities 32, the die insert 16 rotates below the first pressing station 20. In the preferred embodiment, it is a pressure roller column station with an upper pressure roller 30 and a lower pressure roller (not visible). During rotation, the upper punch shafts 44 move under the upper pressure roller 30. As a result, the upper punches 10 experience a pressing force downwards. Likewise experienced the lower punches 11 a pressing force upwards, so that the first upper and Unterstempelspitzen the powder in the first Matrizenhohlräumen 32 to tablets 1 press. Preferably, in the first pressing station 20, the pressing force is determined by means of a measuring cell. Should the determined pressing force deviate from a specified normal range, the defective tablet is ejected in the ejection station 23. The ejection station 23 preferably comprises a discharge chute and the ejection takes place by raising the first lower die tips 14. Following the production of the tablets 1 and the quality control by the electronically controlled ejection station 23, the cups 2 are inserted into the second die cavities 33. For this purpose, the cups 2 are fed by means of a cup feeding device 21 in a transport rail of a vibrating conveyor and conveyor belt of the cup inserting station 22. The cup inserting station 22 preferably comprises a turnstile with gripping arms, which takes over the cups 2 and transfers them in a rotational movement to the second die cavities 33. Through the cup insertion station 22, the cups 2 are first separated, to then be inserted precisely. This allows a high timing of the insertion of the cup 2. After inserting the cup is a transfer of the tablets 1 in the cup 2 by means of the transport device 24. Die FIG. 6 schematically shows the operation of the preferred transport device 24. After inserting the tablet 1 in the cups 2, which are located in the second Matrizenhohlräumen 33, the pressing of the tablet 1 is carried out by the second pressing station 25. Preferably, the second pressing station is also a pressure roller column and analogous to the first pressing station 20, an upper pressure roller 31 and a lower pressure roller (not shown) cooperate with the punches. It is preferred that the pressure rollers are adjusted so that the lower punches 11 remain almost constant in their position. During the second pressing operation, therefore, the second lower punch tip 15 acts as an anvil and the second upper punch tip 13 can press the tablet 1 uniformly and uniformly onto the cup bottom. Air pockets can be effectively avoided. In the case of metal oxide tablets, the cups 2 are referred to with the finished pressed-in tablets 1 as cathodes, which can be further processed into button cells. Preferably, the pressing force is determined during the second pressing process. By comparing the pressing force with a specified standard range, suitable and unsuitable cathodes are fed in a sorting station 26 to different containers. FIG. 7 showed a schematic representation of the operation of the sorting station 26th

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a preferred transport device 24 for transfer of the tablets 1 in the cup 2. The first Unterstempelspitzen 14 are on a Position driven in which the upper end of the first Unterstempelspitzen 14 (not tightened) with the surface of the die plate 18 is leveled. As a result, the tablets 1 are present at the level of the surface of the die plate 18. It is preferred that the second lower punch tips 15 (not tightened) have a length lesser than the first lower punch tips 14 by a length difference L _D2 , where L _D2 is chosen such that L _{D2 is} greater than or equal to the cup height. Thus, in this position, the cups 2 resting on the second lower punch tips 15 are located in the second die cavities 33 below the surface of the die plate 18. Upon passing into the transport device, the tablet 1 can be inserted into the cups by means of a simple rotary movement of the preferred turnstile 36 become. The turnstile 36 has for this purpose radially expiring arms whose shape and distance is adapted to the tablet size. The rotational frequency of the turnstile 36 is adapted to the rotational speed of the die plate 18, so that the tablets 1 are inserted in the cups 2 precisely timed.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a preferred sorting station 26. The ejection of the cups 2 with the pressed-in tablets 1, which are preferably cathodes, is preferably carried out by raising the second lower punch tips 15. Since the first lower punch tips 14 are arranged on an inner pitch circle, These are located in the direction of ejection behind the cathodes. Due to the staggered stamp the first Unterstempelspitzen 14 protrude at least by the length L _D2 on the surface of the die plate 18, but do not hinder the ejection of the cathodes. The ejection movement takes place in dependence of the pressing force, which was determined during the pressing of the tablets. If the pressing force is within the specified normal range, these are suitable cathodes. If the pressing force deviates from the specified normal range, the cathodes are classified as defective. For defective, unsuitable cathodes the ejection takes place on entry into the sorting station on a first transport path 26b to a reject container (not shown). Suitable cathodes are slightly delayed in a second transport path 26a of the downcomer ejected and fed to a collection container for the appropriate cathodes.

FIG. 8 shows the schematic representation of a preferred rotary press for the production of Mantelkerntabletten. The rotor 28 of the rotary press comprises a top and bottom punch guide 17 and 19, a die plate 18 and height staggered top and bottom punches 10 and 11 (all not tightened). The direction of rotation of the rotor 28 is indicated by an arrow. During rotation of the rotor, ie concentricity, the punches 10 and 11 rotate together with the die inserts 16 in the die plate 18 by various functional assemblies that mediate the manufacturing process of the wrapper core tablets. The assemblies of the rotary press are described according to the sequence of a manufacturing process along the rotational direction of the rotor 28. In the die plate 18 are in recesses female inserts 16, each comprising a first die cavity 32 and a second die cavity 33. The die cavities are preferably circular, with the first die cavity 32 having a smaller diameter than the second die cavity 33. In addition, the first die cavities 32 are present on an inner pitch circle, while the second die cavities 33 are arranged on an outer pitch circle. With the aid of the first filling station 29, the first powder for the core 41 is filled into the first die cavities 32 of the die inserts. Subsequently, by passing through the first pressing station 20 in a first pressing operation, the powder is pressed into a core tablet 41. For this purpose, upper and lower pressure rollers preferably cooperate with the upper and lower punches in the pressing station 20. Meanwhile, the pressing force is preferably determined in the pressing station 20 using a measuring cell and compared with a standard range. A faulty tablet would be detected by the press force control and passed through the individual sorting in the reject channel of the ejection station 23. Preferably, the ejection station 23 comprises a chute and the ejection is accomplished by raising the first lower punch tips 14. Following the production of the core tablets 41, a second powder for the sheath of the core tablets 41 is introduced into the second die cavities on the surface by means of a second filling station 38 the second Unterstempelspitzen 15 dosed. In the second pressing station, the second powder is pre-pressed by an interaction of the upper pressure roller 31 and lower pressure roller (not shown) with the stems. This process is preferably called tamping . By slightly pressing the second powder for the jacket, the core tablet 41 can be positioned particularly precisely. For inserting the core tablets 41 on the already pre-pressed shell bottom in the second Matrizenhohlräumen 33, a transport device 24 is used. The preferred transport device 24, which in Fig. 6 is also preferred for the insertion of the core tablets 41. After the core tablets 41 were placed on the bottom of the jacket in the second Matrizenhohlräumen 33, 39 additional coat powder, the second powder is metered by means of a third filling station. Thus, the core tablet 41 is completely enveloped by the cladding powder. Pressing the Mantelkerntablette 43 is carried out in a third pressing operation using the third pressing station 40 and an upper pressure roller 42 and a lower pressure roller (not shown). Preferably, the pressing force is determined during the third pressing operation. By comparing the pressing force with a specified normal range suitable and unsuitable Mantelkerntabletten be supplied in a sorting station 26 different containers. For this purpose, preference is given to the in FIG. 7 shown sorting station 26 and operation applied.

FIG. 9 illustrates various preferred applications of the rotary press according to the invention with staggered stamp. Due to the height graduation of the stamp can be performed during a concentricity several possibly consecutive pressing operations. This allows the production of complex products during a run. Thus, preferably during a run a Mantelkerntablette be produced as described. Furthermore, it is also preferably possible to produce a multilayer tablet, preferably a three-layer tablet, during a concentricity on a single rotary press. Preferably, for the production of the illustrated multilayer tablet, the first and second die cavities are circular, with the diameter of the first die cavities being only slightly smaller than the diameter of the second die cavities. It is preferred that the first die cavities are located on an inner pitch circle of the die disk while the second die cavities are located on an outer pitch circle. With the aid of a first filling station, the powder of the inner second layer is preferably metered into the first die cavities and then pressed into a tablet with the aid of a first pressing station. A second filling station then doses the material of the third layer into the second die cavities, which is pressed by means of a second pressing station. A transport device may lay the tablet which forms the second layer of the multilayer tablet in the second die cavities on the already pressed third layer. A third filling station and pressing station preferably allows the pressing of the first layer and thus the completion of the multilayer tablet. As already explained in detail, it is furthermore advantageously possible with the aid of the staggered stamp according to the invention to press tablets into cups or other containers. The staggered stamps thus surprisingly allow a particularly simple way to press products from a plurality of components during a concentricity. Advantageously, first compacts such as the core in the case of the Mantelkerntablette, a tablet which forms the second layer in a multilayer tablet or a metal oxide tablet for the production of cathodes, be further processed in subsequent pressing operations. However, the staggered punches also make it possible to produce independent products in independent pressing operations. So it may be preferred as illustrated, for example, to produce smaller diameter tablets in the first die cavities during the first half of the run and to produce larger diameter tablets during the second half of the run in the second die cavities. This makes it possible to produce tablets of different weights with a single rotary tablet for the pharmaceutical industry. Thus, for example, a batch of 50 mg tablets may be produced on the inner pitch circle in the first die cavities, while a 100 mg charge is run on the outer pitch circle in the second die cavities. For the production of these differently dosed tablets, the same pressing material with the same active substance is preferably used. The staggered punches thus allow a significantly increased flexibility compared to the prior art for the number or complexity of the press products.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.1.: Tablettetablet
1.11.1: Lose Metalloxid-TabletteLoose metal oxide tablet
1.21.2: Eingepresste Metalloxid-TablettePressed metal oxide tablet
22: Bechercup
1010: Oberstempelupper punch
1111: Unterstempellower punch
1212: erste Oberstempelspitzefirst upper temple tip
1313: zweite Oberstempelspitzesecond upper temple tip
1414: erste Unterstempelspitzefirst lower punch tip
1515: zweite Unterstempelspitzesecond lower die tip
1616: Matrizeneinsatzdie insert
1717: OberstempelführungUpper punch guide
1818: Matrizenscheibedie table
1919: UnterstempelführungUnder punch guide
2020: erste Pressstationfirst pressing station
2121: BecherzufuhrvorrichtungCup feeding device
2222: BechereinlegestationCup feed station
2323: Auswurfstation für fehlerhafte TablettenEjection station for defective tablets
2424: Transportvorrichtungtransport device
2525: Zweite PressstationSecond pressing station
2626: Sortierstationsorting station
26a26a: Transportweg für geeignete KathodenTransport route for suitable cathodes
26b26b: Transportweg für ungeeignete KathodenTransport route for unsuitable cathodes
2727: Trägerplattesupport plate
2828: Rotorrotor
2929: Erste FüllstationFirst filling station
3030: Obere Druckrolle von erster PressstationUpper pressure roller from first pressing station
3131: Obere Druckrolle von zweiter PressstationUpper pressure roller from second pressing station
3232: erste Matrizenhohlräumefirst die cavities
3333: zweite Matrizenhohlräumesecond template cavities
3434: erstes Pressgutfirst pressed material
3535: zweites Pressgutsecond crop
3636: Drehkreuzturnstile
3737: Ausnehmungenrecesses
3838: zweite Füllstationsecond filling station
3939: dritte Füllstationthird filling station
4040: dritte Pressstationthird pressing station
4141: Kerntablettecore tablet
4242: obere Druckrolle der dritten PressstationUpper pressure roller of the third pressing station
4343: MantelkerntablettenJacket core tablets
4444: OberstempelschaftPunch shank
4545: UnterstempelschaftLower punch shaft

Claims

A rotation press for carrying out at least two pressing processes during a rotation of the rotation press, comprising a rotor (28), a die table (18), an upper stamp guide (17) for receiving upper stamps (10) and a lower stamp guide (19) for receiving lower stamps (11), wherein the upper stamps (10) have at least two upper stamp tips (12, 13) and the lower stamps (11) have at least two lower stamp tips (14, 15), the die table (18) has first die cavities (32) aligned toward first upper and lower stamp tips (12, 14), and has second die cavities (33) aligned toward second upper and lower stamp tips (13, 15), characterized in that the length of a first upper stamp tip (12) is shorter by a length difference (LD1) than a second upper stamp tip (13), and in that the length of a first lower stamp tip (14) is longer by the length difference (LD2) than a second lower stamp tip (15), so that in a first pressing process, a first pressing material (34) can be pressed into the first die cavities (32) and in a second pressing process a second pressing material (35) can be pressed into the second die cavities (33) during a rotation of the rotor of the rotation press.
The rotation press according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that
the dimensions of the first die cavities (32) and the dimensions of the first upper and lower stamp tips (12, 14) are smaller than the dimensions of the second die cavities (33) and the dimensions of the second upper and lower stamp tips (13, 15).
The rotation press according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the rotation press comprises die inserts (16), wherein the die table (18) has recesses (37) for the die inserts (16), and each die insert (16) contains a first die cavity (32) and a second die cavity (33).
The rotation press according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the rotation press comprises a transport device (24), which transports the first pressing material (34) into the second die cavities (33) after the first pressing process.
The rotation press according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that
the transport device (24) comprises a spider wheel (36) or a slider, and after the first pressing process, the lower pressing tool (11) can be moved into a position in which the upper end of the first lower stamp tip (14) is flush with the surface of the die table (18), and the first pressing material (34) is transported into the second die cavities (33) by a rotation of the spider wheel (36) or by the slider.
The rotation press according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the first die cavities (32) and the first upper and lower stamp tips (12, 14) are arranged concentrically in an inner part of a divided circle, and the second die cavities (33) and the second upper and lower stamp tips (13, 15) are arranged concentrically in an outer part of a divided circle.
The rotation press according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the rotation press is suitable for pressing tablets (1) into cups (2), and the rotation press comprises a filling station (29), a first pressing station (20), a cup loading station (22), a transport device (24) and a second pressing station (25),
wherein the filling station (29) is designed to meter powder, preferably a metal oxide powder, into the first die cavities (32),
the first pressing station (20) is designed to press the powder into the first die cavities in a first pressing process to form a tablet (1),
the cup loading station (22) is designed to position cups (2) in the second die cavities (33),
the transport device (24) is designed to place the tablets (1) into the cups (2), which are located in the second die cavities (33),
and the second pressing station (25) is designed to press the tablets (1) into the cups (2) in a second pressing process.
The rotation press according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the first pressing station (20) has a meter for determining the pressing force during the first pressing process, and the rotation press comprises an ejection station (23) designed to eject tablets (1) for which during pressing, the pressing force deviates from an established standard range.
The rotation press according to either of claims 7 and 8,
characterized in that
the second pressing station (25) has a meter for determining the pressing force during the second pressing process, and the rotation press comprises a sorting station (26), which is designed to feed cups with tablets pressed therein, dependent upon the pressing force during the second pressing process, to a transport path (26a) for acceptable cups or, if the pressing force deviates from an established standard range, to a transport path (26b) for unacceptable cups.
A method for producing cathodes for button cells using a rotation press according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps
a) metering powder, preferably a metal oxide powder, into first die cavities (32) with the aid of a filling station (29),

b) pressing the powder, preferably the metal oxide powder, into tablets (1) with the aid of a first pressing station (20), wherein the pressing force is optionally determined,

c) optionally ejecting tablets (1) for which the pressing force determined during step c) deviates from a standard range,

d) loading the cups (2) into the second die cavities (33) with the aid of a cup loading station (22),

e) loading the tablets (1), with the aid of a transport device (24) preferably comprising a spider wheel (36), into the cups (2), which are located in the second die cavities (33),

f) pressing the tablets (1) into the base of the cups (2) with the aid of a second pressing station (25) and the cooperation of the second upper stamp tips (13) and the second lower stamp tips (15), wherein the pressing force is optionally determined,

g) ejecting the cathodes, wherein the cathodes optionally are directed with the aid of a sorting station (26) to a transport path (26a) for acceptable cathodes or to a transport path (26b) for unacceptable cathodes, dependent upon the pressing force determined in step f).
The rotation press according to any one of claims 1-6 for carrying out at least three pressing processes during a rotation of the rotation press,
characterized in that
the rotation press is suitable for the production of core-coated tablets (43), and the rotation press comprises a first filling station (29), a first pressing station (20), a second filling station (38), a second pressing station (25), a transport device (24), a third filling station (39) and a third pressing station (40),
wherein the first filling station (29) is designed to meter a first powder into the first die cavities (32),
the first pressing station (20) is designed to press the first powder into the first die cavities (32) in a first pressing process to form a core tablet (41),
the second filling station (38) is designed to meter a second powder into the second die cavities (33),
the second pressing station (25) is designed to press the second powder into the second die cavities (33) in a second pressing process,
the transport device (24) is designed to load the core tablets (41) into the second die cavities (33) on top of the already pressed second powder,
the third filling station (39) is designed to meter the second powder into the second die cavities (33), thereby covering the core tablets (41) with the second powder,
the third pressing station (40) is designed to press the core tablets (41), which are encased inside the second powder, into the second die cavities (33) in a third pressing process to form a coated-core tablet (43).
The rotation press according to any one of the preceding claims 7-11
characterized in that
the pressing stations have upper and lower pressing rollers that act on the stamps (10, 11).
The rotation press according to either of claims 11 and 12,
characterized in that
the first pressing station (20) has a meter for determining the pressing force during the first pressing process, and the rotation press comprises an ejection station (23), which is designed to eject core tablets (41) for which the pressing force during pressing deviates from an established standard range.
The rotation press according to any one of claims 11-13,
characterized in that
the third pressing station (40) has a meter for determining the pressing force during the third pressing process, and the rotation press comprises a sorting station (26), which is designed to direct coated-core tablets (43) to a transport path (26a) for acceptable coated-core tablets (43) or to a transport path (26b) for unacceptable coated-core tablets (43), dependent upon the pressing force during the third pressing process.
A method for producing coated-core tablets (43) using a rotation press according to any one of the preceding claims 1-6 or 12-14, comprising the following steps
a) metering a first powder for the core of the coated-core tablets (43) into first die cavities (32) with the aid of a first filling station (29),

b) pressing the first powder into core tablets (41) with the aid of a first pressing station (20), wherein the pressing force is optionally determined,

c) optionally ejecting core tablets (41) for which the pressing force determined during step b) deviates from a standard range,

d) metering a second powder for the coating of the coated-core tablets (43) into second die cavities (33) with the aid of a second filling station (38),

e) pressing the second powder with the aid of a second pressing station (25),

f) loading the core tablet (41), with the aid of a transport device (24) preferably comprising a spider wheel (36), onto the pressed second powder, which is located in the second die cavities (33),

g) metering the second powder into second die cavities (33) with the aid of a third filling station (39), so that the core tablet (41) is covered by the second powder,

h) pressing the core tablet (41), which is encased within the second powder, to form a coated-core tablet (43) with the aid of a third pressing station (40), wherein the pressing force is optionally determined,

i) ejecting the coated-core tablet (43), wherein the coated-core tablets (43) optionally are directed, with the aid of a sorting station (26), to a transport path (26a) for acceptable coated-core tablets or to a transport path (26b) for unacceptable coated-core tablets, dependent upon the pressing force determined in step h).