JP2015066566A - Rotary type powder compression molding device and its operation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation method for a rotary type powder compression molding device that can be manufactured by holding the mass and thickness of a molding product manufactured by compressing powder within a standard range regardless of temperature changes of a powder compression molding machine.SOLUTION: A calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa and a thickness fluctuation value when a molding product undergoes mass control is obtained, and a calculated thickness Ta is obtained from this thickness fluctuation value and a thickness average value Tx. A calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa and pestle tip interval calculated values IMa, LMa when the molding product undergoes thickness control based on the calculated thickness Ta are obtained to update pestle tip interval set values IM, LM with this pestle tip interval calculated values, thereby controlling the pestle tip interval at the updated pestle tip interval set values IM, LM. Along with this, a pressure control reference calculated value PMa is obtained from the respective calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa, PTa and a molding pressure average value Px, and the pressure control reference value PM of a pressure control part for controlling a height position of the lower pestle that regulates a filling depth of powder into a mold is updated.

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary powder compression molding apparatus such as a rotary tableting apparatus that compresses powder to produce a molded product such as a tablet, and an operation method thereof.

  In order to maintain the weight (mass) and hardness of the molded product produced by compressing the powder within the specified range, a rotary powder compression molding device (hereinafter referred to as a molding device) having a function of controlling the mass of the molded product. Is abbreviated as a prior art (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The control of the mass of the molded product in this molding apparatus is the first detected when the upper and lower ridges moved by the rotation of the rotating disk pass between the upper and lower preliminary compression rolls (hereinafter referred to as preload rolls). Performed based on molding pressure. More specifically, the mass control trajectory is moved up and down by changing the height position of the lower arm relative to the die, and the amount of powder filling into the die is adjusted by the control of the mass control unit to which the first molding pressure is input. Thus, the mass of the molded product is controlled.

  A pressure value (this is commonly referred to as a pressure control reference value or a control set value) that serves as a reference for controlling the first molding pressure is set in the mass control unit.

  In the conventional molding apparatus, during the continuous operation of the rotary powder compression molding machine (hereinafter abbreviated as a molding machine) provided in this apparatus, the average value of the actual mass of a plurality of molded products sampled every predetermined time The molding pressure average value is obtained, and the molding pressure corresponding to the mass reference value of the molded product is calculated using the correlation coefficient established between the molded product mass and the molding pressure, and this calculated value (calculated molding pressure) ) To update the pressure control reference value. For this reason, the control which hold | maintains the mass of a molded product within a specification range is implemented by updating the pressure control reference value set to the mass control part at every sampling.

  By such control, it is determined that the molded product molded with the molding pressure of the pressure control reference value has its mass maintained within the standard range. Conversely, a molded product molded at a molding pressure outside the pressure control reference value may be a defective product whose mass is outside the standard range.

Japanese Patent No. 2941226

  The control of the mass of the molded product in the conventional molding apparatus is based on the premise that the tip interval is constant, and that the mass variation and molding pressure variation are equivalent based on this premise. From the above idea, “the mass is controlled based on the correlation coefficient established between the mass and the molding pressure”. Therefore, the conventional control of the mass of the molded product is, in other words, “controlling the mass of the molded product by adjusting the height of the mass adjusting track in order to keep the molding pressure constant”. Therefore, it is based on the idea that the control of the mass of the conventional molded product is equivalent to the control of the molding pressure.

  However, the control of the mass of the conventional molded product is actually caused by the influence of thermal expansion or the like accompanying the temperature change (for example, rise) of each part of the molding machine (mainly the upper and lower ridges and the pressure roll) that is continuously operated. It does not take into account changes in the tip spacing (eg reduction).

  In other words, the conventional molding apparatus is generally adjusted so that when the temperature of each part of the molding machine is normal temperature (usually around 20 ° C.), the setting value of the tip distance and the actual tip distance are substantially the same ( Calibration). Here, the “tip point setting value” refers to the tip interval that is set by the molding apparatus and displayed on the tip interval indicator.

  In the conventional control of the mass of the molded product, the actual tip defined by the tip of the upper and lower punches (the tip of each punch) of the molding machine is performed in a state where the tip interval setting value (display value) is not changed. It is not considered that the interval (hereinafter, simply referred to as “tip interval”) changes due to the influence of thermal expansion or the like due to temperature change (for example, increase) of each part of the molding machine.

  When the tip interval decreases, the molding pressure increases. For this reason, even if the mass of the molded product itself does not increase, the mass control unit performs control to reduce the molding pressure that has increased due to the temperature increase. By this control, the height of the mass adjustment trajectory is adjusted by a control output for the mass control unit to reduce the mass. Therefore, as a result, the mass of the manufactured molded product may not be kept constant.

  In addition, when compressing and molding powders whose physical properties change due to temperature rise, etc., for example, when molding powders whose binding strength increases with increasing temperature, the mass of the molded product to be manufactured is kept constant. May not be possible.

  That is, with continuous operation, the temperature of each part of the molding machine (mainly the upper and lower punches and mortars, and the rotating disk) that comes into contact with the powder to be molded rises. The power may be increased. When the binding force increases, the degree of springback (re-expansion) after molding decreases, and the thickness of the molded product decreases. For this reason, even if it manufactures with the tip space | interval kept constant, a molding pressure may fall.

  When such a phenomenon occurs, the mass control unit performs control to increase the reduced molding pressure. By this control, the height of the mass adjustment trajectory is adjusted by a control output for the mass control unit to increase the mass. As a result, the mass of the manufactured molded product may not be kept constant.

  In addition, the conventional molding equipment can be manufactured so that the mass of the molded product is within the standard range, but the control is not a device to keep the thickness of the molded product within the standard range. May not be able to be held inside.

  That is, in the manufacture of a molded product, even if the molding pressure on the molded product is kept constant, the thickness of the molded product such as a tablet may change if the tip spacing or mass changes. Similarly, in the manufacture of a molded product, even if the tip spacing is kept constant, the thickness of the molded product may change if the mass or molding pressure changes. In the production of a molded product, even if the mass is kept constant, the thickness of the molded product may change if the tip spacing or the molding pressure changes.

  Thus, the thickness of the molded product may change due to increase / decrease in mass, increase / decrease in the tip interval, and increase / decrease in molding pressure. For example, due to thermal expansion of each part of the molding machine accompanying a temperature increase during continuous operation of the molding machine, the tip interval is narrower than immediately after the start of continuous operation. Therefore, even if the mass (powder amount) of the molded product to be compression-molded is the same, the thickness of the molded product formed by the upper and lower punches and mortars passing between the pressure rolls is reduced.

  Further, the thickness of the molded product may change due to the influence of heat depending on the physical properties of the powder. For example, when a powder whose physical properties change due to an increase in temperature, such as a powder whose binding force increases as the temperature rises, is compressed, the degree of spring back (re-expansion) after molding is reduced due to the increase in binding force. Therefore, the thickness of the molded product may be reduced.

  Therefore, when manufacturing a molded product that needs to maintain the thickness within the standard range, the molding apparatus may be configured to adjust the tip spacing by changing the tip spacing setting value according to the temperature change. By itself, the change in the thickness of the molded product due to the influence of mass and molding pressure cannot be dealt with, and the thickness of the molded product to be manufactured may be out of the standard thickness range.

  The object of the present invention is to make at least the mass and thickness of the mass, thickness and hardness of the molded product produced by compressing the powder within the standard range regardless of the temperature change of the powder compression molding machine and the physical property change of the powder. An object of the present invention is to provide a rotary powder compression molding apparatus capable of producing a molded product by holding it and a method for operating the same.

The method of the present invention is provided in a control device for controlling the operation of a powder compression molding machine including a rotating disk, and is attached to the rotating disk so that the molding pressure of a manufactured molded product is maintained at a pressure control reference value. An operation method of a rotary powder compression molding apparatus having a pressure control unit for controlling the height position of a lower punch that defines the filling depth of powder into a mortar, in order to solve the above problems, the following steps Is provided.
A step of obtaining a calculated thickness of a molded product from a thickness variation value when mass control is performed and a thickness average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation.
A step of calculating a tip interval calculation value from a tip interval variation value and a tip interval setting value when thickness control is performed based on the calculated thickness.
The pressure after obtaining the molding pressure average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value when the mass control is performed, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value when the thickness control is performed. The process of obtaining the control standard calculation value.
Updating the tip spacing setting value with the tip spacing calculated value to control the tip spacing;
Updating the pressure control reference value of the pressure control unit with the pressure control reference calculated value and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit;

  In the method of the present invention, according to the thickness average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation, control is not performed to directly change the setting value of the tip interval set in the control device. When the mass average value of a plurality of molded products obtained in the above is used as the mass control reference value of the molded product (this is referred to as “mass control” in the present invention), what thickness the thickness average value is. (This is referred to as “calculated thickness” in the present invention). Then, together with the mass control, the calculated thickness is used as a thickness control reference value (this is referred to as “thickness control” in the present invention), and the tip spacing variation value and the tip spacing setting value The tip interval calculation value is obtained, the tip interval setting value is updated with the tip interval calculation value, and the tip interval is controlled with the updated value.

  At the same time, in order to prevent the molding pressure from fluctuating and the mass of the molded product from changing with the update of the tip interval setting value, the pressure fluctuation value when the mass control is performed (this is referred to as the present invention) And a pressure fluctuation value when the thickness is controlled (this is referred to as a “second calculated pressure fluctuation value” in the present invention). Further, a pressure control reference calculation value is obtained from the first and second calculated pressure fluctuation values and a molding pressure average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation, and pressure control is performed based on the pressure control reference calculation value. The control pressure value (current value) of the unit is updated.

  In this way, during the continuous operation of the powder compression molding machine, based on the mass control and the thickness control, the tip spacing setting value is updated to control the tip spacing, and the control pressure value of the pressure control unit (current Value). And according to this updated control pressure value, the pressure control part which adjusts the height position of the lower punch which prescribes | regulates the filling depth of the powder to a die controls a molding pressure. Therefore, the mass and thickness fluctuation of the molded product accompanying the change in the physical properties of the powder and the temperature change of the powder compression molding machine are suppressed, and the mass and thickness of the molded product to be manufactured can be kept within the standard range.

  According to the present invention, the mass, thickness, and hardness of the molded product produced by compressing the powder, regardless of the temperature change of each part of the powder compression molding machine and the physical property change of the powder accompanying the continuous operation of the powder compression molding machine. Among these, it is possible to manufacture a molded product while maintaining at least the mass and thickness within the standard range.

It is a figure which expands and shows roughly composition of a rotary tableting device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the acquisition procedure of the trial hit data performed before the continuous operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which selects a control pattern with the rotary tableting apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which selects a control pattern with the rotary tableting apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous driving | operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous driving | operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous driving | operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous driving | operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous driving | operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous driving | operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the continuous driving | operation of the rotary tableting apparatus of 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, definitions of terms used in the following description will be described.

  “Mass control” refers to the mass control reference value WM (described later) in the arithmetic processing in the means responsible for this control when the control based on the present invention is performed. Or, the control is performed to a mass control reference calculation value WMa) described later.

  However, for control aimed at setting the mass W of the molded product manufactured by the powder compression molding machine to the target mass, “control of the mass of the molded product ...” or “control the mass of the molded product ...” This is distinguished from the term “mass control”.

  In addition, in a control pattern that does not control the mass of a molded product that will be described later, the calculation process is performed by replacing the value of the mass control reference calculated value WMa with the value of the calculated mass Wa that is obtained by pressure control that will be described later. The term “mass control” is used.

  “Pressure control” refers to the pressure control reference value PM, which will be described later, when the control based on the present invention is performed. It points to controlling.

  In addition, the powder to the die mounted on the rotating disk is set so that the molding pressure value of the molded product becomes the control pressure value set in the pressure control unit provided in the control device that controls the operation of the powder compression molding machine. The control for changing the height position of the lower eyelid that defines the filling depth is referred to as feedback control (FBC). Conventionally, such control is referred to as “weight (mass) control”, but in the present invention, such control is also referred to as “pressure control”.

  From the above, the “mass control” and the “pressure control” are not equivalent controls, and the definitions of the terms “mass control” and “pressure control” are used separately in the present invention.

  In addition, in the arithmetic processing according to the flowchart adopted in the embodiments described later, pressure fluctuation based on “mass control” when the mass average value Wx is set to a mass control reference value WM (or mass control reference calculated value WMa described later). The value PWa, the calculated thickness Ta, and the calculated hardness Ha are obtained. For this reason, in the control pattern (control pattern 5 and control pattern 6) that does not control the mass of the molded product in the later-described control patterns included in the present invention, the pressure fluctuation value PWa based on “mass control” in the calculation process. Or, the description of obtaining the calculated thickness Ta and the calculated hardness Ha does not seem consistent. However, it is assumed that the mass control reference calculated value WMa used in this case is replaced with the value of the calculated mass Wa obtained by the equation (11) described later, and the equation (11) is expressed as [( WMa−Wx) = (PM−Px) / a]. Therefore, when the mass average value Wx is set to the mass control reference calculation value WMa, that is, when “mass control” represented by (WMa−Wx) is performed, the value is [(PM−Px) / a]. In other words.

Wa = Wx + (PM−Px) / a (Formula 11)
This equation (11) can be expanded as (Wa−Wx) = (PM−Px) / a, and when the calculated mass control reference value WMa is replaced with the calculated mass Wa value, (WMa−Wx) = ( PM-Px) / a.

  From this, in the calculation processing with the control pattern on the assumption that the mass of the molded product is not controlled, the respective calculation values (PWa, Ta, Ha) to be called as “when mass control is performed” are actually Are obtained as calculated values when the pressure average value Px is set to the pressure control reference value PM. That is, it is obtained as a calculated value when “pressure control” is performed. For this reason, the pressure fluctuation value PWa based on “mass control”, the calculated thickness Ta, and the calculated hardness Ha are obtained by the calculation processing in the control pattern (control pattern 5 and control pattern 6) that does not control the mass of the molded product. This statement does not impair consistency.

  "Thickness control" refers to the following, which is obtained from the thickness variation value when the mass control is performed and the thickness average value Tx of the molded product in the arithmetic processing in the means responsible for this control when performing control based on the present invention. This refers to controlling the calculated thickness Ta to a later-described thickness control reference value TM (or a later-described thickness control reference calculated value TMa).

  However, for the purpose of controlling the thickness T of the molded product manufactured by the powder compression molding machine to the target thickness, the expressions “control of the thickness of the molded product” and “control the thickness of the molded product” And the term “thickness control”.

  The “tip distance control” refers to a calculation value (lMa, LMa), which will be described later, based on the thickness control, and a control device for controlling the operation of the powder compression molding machine, which will be described later. This is a control for updating each tip position setting value (current value... 1M, LM) at the position with the value of the tip position calculation value (lMa, LMa) and changing each tip position. The tip spacing control in the present invention controls each tip spacing based on the tip spacing calculated value (lMa, LMa) in a powder compression molding machine having a preload roll and a main pressure roll, which will be described later. It points to that. However, the present invention also includes performing the tip distance control only at the main pressure position, including the case where the present invention is implemented as a rotary powder compression molding apparatus including a powder compression molding machine having no preload roll.

  From the above, the “thickness control” and the “tip tip spacing control” are not equivalent controls, and the definitions of the terms “thickness control” and “tip tip spacing control” are used separately in the present invention.

  “Hardness control” refers to a hardness control described later using a calculated hardness Ha (or a hardness control reference provisional value HMb described later) in a calculation process performed by a unit responsible for the control when performing control based on the present invention. By updating (correcting) the reference calculated value HMa, and to make the calculated hardness Ha the hardness control reference calculated value HMa, the thickness control reference provisional value TMb described later and the mass control reference provisional value WMb described later correspond respectively. By updating (correcting) each control reference calculation value (TMa, WMa) of thickness and mass to be described later, the calculated hardness Ha value and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa are controlled to be the same value. Pointing to do.

  However, regarding the control for the purpose of setting the hardness H of the molded product manufactured by the powder compression molding machine to the target hardness, “control of the hardness of the molded product ...” and “control of the hardness of the molded product ...” This is distinguished from the term “hardness control”.

  Next, a rotary powder compression molding apparatus will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a rotary powder compression molding apparatus, for example, a rotary tableting apparatus 1 for producing a tablet as a molded product, includes a rotary powder compression molding machine, for example, a rotary tableting machine 2, a measuring instrument 3, And a control panel 4 and the like.

  The tableting machine 2 includes a turntable 11 having a mortar mounting portion. A plurality of mortars 12 are attached to the peripheral portion of the mortar mounting portion at a constant interval in the circumferential direction of the turntable 11. The upper surfaces of the mortars 12 are the same height as the upper surface of the mortar mounting portion. The die is also referred to as a die, and the die may have a plurality of die holes, that is, a plurality of molding holes.

  The tableting machine 2 includes a powder feeder 14 disposed at the powder supply position. The lower surface opening of the powder feeder 14 is provided so as to contact the upper surface of the mortar mounting portion of the rotating disk 11. As the rotator 11 rotates, the mortar 12 passes through the lower surface opening of the powder supplier 14, whereby the powder in the powder supplier 14 is supplied (filled) into the mortar hole of the mortar 12. As the powder feeder 14, a powder feeder configured to have a stirring member (not shown) that is rotated to make the density of the powder supplied to the mortar 12 uniform can also be used.

  The tableting machine 2 is provided with an upper punch 15 and a lower punch 16 that are individually disposed corresponding to each die 12. The upper punch 15 is also called an upper punch, and the lower punch 16 is also called a lower punch. The upper rod 15 and the lower rod 16 are supported by the turntable 11 so as to be movable up and down. The distal end portion (lower end portion) of the upper punch 15 is inserted into and removed from the mortar hole of the mortar 12 from above. The distal end portion (upper end portion) of the lower punch 16 holds the state of being inserted upward from below into the mortar hole of the mortar 12 and forms the bottom of the mortar hole. The upper punch 15 and the lower punch 16 slide on various guide tracks (not shown) (excluding the mass adjustment track described below) provided in the tableting machine 2 as the rotating plate 11 rotates, The required amount is moved in the axial direction during compression molding.

  A mass adjusting track (also referred to as a weight adjusting track) 17 on which the lower end of the lower punch 16 slides at the powder supply position is disposed below the mortar mounting portion of the rotating disk 11. The mass adjusting track 17 is supported by a track lifting mechanism 19 so as to be lifted and lowered. The track elevating mechanism 19 includes a track elevating motor 19a, an elevating shaft 19b, a gear 19c, and a drive gear 19d.

  For example, a servo motor can be suitably used for the orbit raising / lowering motor 19a, but a general-purpose motor can also be used. A rotary encoder 19e is attached to the track elevating motor 19a. It is possible to know the height position of the mass adjusting track 17 based on the detection of the rotation amount by the encoder 19e. The elevating shaft 19b is moved up and down along a guide (not shown), and the mass adjusting track 17 is connected to the upper end portion thereof. The gear 19c has an inner peripheral gear portion and an outer peripheral gear portion, and the inner peripheral gear portion is meshed with a male screw portion formed at the lower portion of the elevating shaft 19b. The drive gear 19d is meshed with the outer peripheral gear portion of the gear 19c, and is rotated by the orbit raising / lowering motor 19a. Therefore, the mass adjusting track 17 is lifted and lowered together with the lifting shaft 19b according to the forward and reverse rotation of the track lifting motor 19a of the track lifting mechanism 19.

  The various guide tracks (not shown) include a lowering track disposed below the powder feeder 14 and immediately before the mass adjusting track 17. When the lower punch 16 is lowered according to the lowering trajectory, the powder in the powder feeder 14 is sucked into the mortar hole and supplied (filled). Immediately after this, as the lower iron 16 slides up the inclined surface of the mass adjusting orbit 17 from the lowering orbit, excess powder is discharged into the powder feeder 14. Next, as the lower iron 16 slides on a horizontal plane continuous with the upper end of the inclined surface of the mass adjusting track 17, the upper surface of the die 12 is scraped off at the lower end of the downstream side wall 14a of the powder supplier 14. Thereby, the amount of powder supplied to the mortar 12, in other words, the mass (weight) of the tablet to be manufactured is weighed. Therefore, the mass of the tablet to be manufactured is changed (corrected) by changing the height position of the mass adjusting track 17.

  The tableting machine 2 includes upper and lower preliminary compression molding rolls (hereinafter abbreviated as preloading rolls) 21 and 22 disposed at the preliminary compression molding position (hereinafter abbreviated as preloading position). The preload position is set on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the turntable 11 with respect to the powder supply position. The upper preload roll 21 is disposed above the mortar mounting portion of the turntable 11, and the lower preload roll 22 is disposed below the mortar mounting portion of the turntable 11. When the upper punch 15 and the lower punch 16 pass between them, the preload rolls 21 and 22 move the upper punch 15 and the lower punch 16 so as to approach each other, so that the powder in the die 12 is preliminarily moved. Is provided for compression molding.

  The upper preload roll 21 is held so as not to move in the vertical direction. The lower preloading roll 22 is rotatably supported by a preloading roll support 23 and is rolled by a preloading interval adjusting mechanism 24 in order to adjust a preliminary molding pressure (hereinafter referred to as preloading). It can be moved up and down together with the support 23. Generally, the pre-pressure is set lower than the main pressure described later.

  The preload interval adjusting mechanism 24 is provided to change the tip interval between the upper rod 15 and the lower rod 16 that is about to pass between the preload rolls 21 and 22. The preload interval adjusting mechanism 24 has the same configuration as the track elevating mechanism 19, and includes a roll elevating motor 24a, an elevating shaft 24b, a gear 24c, and a drive gear 24d.

  For example, a servo motor can be suitably used as the roll lifting motor 24a, but a general-purpose motor can also be used. A rotary encoder 24e is attached to the roll lifting / lowering motor 24a. Based on the detection of the rotation amount of the roll lifting motor 24a by the encoder 24e, the height position of the lower preload roll 22, and therefore the height position of the lower punch 16 at the preload position, and thus the lower punch 16 and the upper It is possible to know the tip distance l between the tip 15 and the tip 15. A rotary encoder 24e included in the roll lifting / lowering motor 24a and a calculation unit (not shown) included in a later-described control device 4a that processes the output from the rotary encoder 24e An interval detecting means for detecting an edge interval l between the heel and the lower rod 16 is provided.

  The elevating shaft 24b is moved up and down along a guide (not shown), and the upper end portion supports the roll support 23 for preload from below. The gear 24c has an inner peripheral gear portion and an outer peripheral gear portion, and the inner peripheral gear portion is meshed with a male screw portion formed at the lower portion of the elevating shaft 24b. The drive gear 24d is meshed with the outer peripheral gear portion of the gear 24c, and is rotated by the roll lifting / lowering motor 24a. Accordingly, the lower preload roll 22 is lifted and lowered together with the lift shaft 24b in accordance with the forward / reverse rotation of the roll lift motor 24a of the preload interval adjusting mechanism 24. Accordingly, the height position of the lower rod 16 is changed. As a result, the tip interval l at the preload position is changed (controlled).

  The tableting machine 2 has upper and lower main compression molding rolls (hereinafter abbreviated as main pressure rolls) disposed at the main compression molding position (which may also be referred to as a final compression molding position, but hereinafter referred to as a main pressure position). .) 25 and 26 are provided. The main pressure position is set on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the turntable 11 with respect to the preload position. The upper main pressure roll 25 is disposed above the mortar mounting portion of the turntable 11, and the lower main pressure roll 26 is disposed below the mortar mounting portion of the turntable 11. When the upper punch 15 and the lower punch 16 are about to pass between them, the main pressure rolls 25 and 26 move the upper punch 15 and the lower punch 16 so as to approach each other, and the Is provided for final compression molding.

  The upper main pressure roll 25 is held so as not to move in the vertical direction. The lower main pressure roll 26 is rotatably supported by a main pressure roll support 27 and can be moved up and down by the main pressure interval adjusting mechanism 28 together with the roll support 27 in order to adjust the final molding pressure. is there.

  The main pressure interval adjusting mechanism 28 is provided to change the tip distance between the upper rod 15 and the lower rod 16 that is about to pass between the main pressure rolls 25 and 26. The main pressure interval adjusting mechanism 28 has the same configuration as that of the track elevating mechanism 19, and includes a roll elevating motor 28a, an elevating shaft 28b, a gear 28c, and a drive gear 28d.

  As the roll elevating motor 28a, for example, a servo motor can be suitably used, but a general-purpose motor can also be used. A rotary encoder 28e is attached to the roll lifting / lowering motor 28a. Based on the detection of the amount of rotation of the roll raising / lowering motor 28a by the encoder 28e, the height position of the lower main roll 26, and therefore the height position of the lower punch 16 at the main pressure position, and thus the lower punch 16 and It is possible to know the tip distance L between the upper side 15 and the upper side 15. The rotary encoder 28e of the roll lifting / lowering motor 28a and a calculation unit (not shown) that processes the output from the upper encoder 15 and the lower punch 15 that are about to pass between the main rolls 25 and 26 at the main pressure position. Interval detecting means for detecting the tip interval L with the heel 16 is provided.

  The elevating shaft 28b supports a main pressure roll support 27 from below via a pressure sensor 29 disposed at the upper end thereof, and is moved up and down along a guide (not shown). The gear 28c has an inner peripheral gear portion and an outer peripheral gear portion, and the inner peripheral gear portion is meshed with a male screw portion formed at a lower portion of the elevating shaft 28b. The drive gear 28d is meshed with the outer peripheral gear portion of the gear 28c, and is rotated by the roll lifting / lowering motor 28a. Accordingly, the lower main pressure roll 26 is moved up and down together with the lifting shaft 28b in accordance with the forward / reverse rotation of the roll lifting motor 28a of the main pressure interval adjusting mechanism 28. Accordingly, the height position of the lower punch 16 is changed. As a result, the tip distance L at the main pressure position is changed (controlled).

  As described above, the tip spacing at the preload position and the main pressure position is changed (controlled), but the present invention is not controlled thereby. For example, the tip spacing control mechanism holds the lower compression molding roll at one or both of the preload position and the main pressure position so as not to move up and down, and reverses the above description. It is possible to change the height position of the upper compression molding roll to control the tip spacing, and further, change the height position of both the upper and lower compression molding rolls to It can be set as the structure which controls a tip space | interval.

  The pressure sensor 29 is provided to detect a molding pressure (hereinafter referred to as a main pressure) at the time of the main compression (final compression) molding. For example, the pressure sensor 29 is sandwiched between the main pressure roll support 27 and the lifting shaft 28b from above and below. Arranged. For the pressure sensor 29, a load cell or the like that converts a molding pressure applied thereto into an electric quantity can be suitably used. The pressure sensor 29 is fixed to the upper end of the elevating shaft 28b as described above, and the pressure receiving end 29a receives the lower surface of the main pressure roll support 27.

  The tableting machine 2 is provided with defective product discharge means 31 and non-defective product discharge means 37 at the discharge position. The discharge position is set on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the turntable 11 with respect to the main pressure position. Further, the powder supply position is set on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the turntable 11 with reference to the discharge position.

  The defective product discharging means 31 is arranged on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the turntable 11 with respect to the non-defective product discharging means 37. The defective product discharging means 31 is not limited to the following configuration, but includes, for example, a chamber 32, a chute 33, a jet nozzle 34, and a vent pipe 35.

  The chamber 32 is provided close to the lower end of the chamber 32 so as not to contact the upper surface of the mortar mounting portion of the turntable 11. The chamber 32 intersects the rotational trajectory of the mortar 12. A chute 33 is connected to the chamber 32. The chute 33 extends outside the rotating disk 11 and obliquely downward. The blast nozzle 34 is supported by the chamber 32 so as to eject compressed air from the area toward the chute 33 disposed outside the area surrounded by the rotation locus of the mortar 12.

  One end of the vent pipe 35 is connected to the jet nozzle 34, and the other end of the vent pipe 35 is connected to a compressed air source (not shown). An electromagnetic valve 36 for opening and closing is provided in the middle portion of the vent pipe 35. The electromagnetic valve 36 is normally kept closed and is opened for a predetermined short period of time in accordance with a valve opening signal input based on detection of a pressure abnormality in a pressure control unit 51 described later.

  The chamber 32 has an entrance-side passage port (not shown) and an exit-side passage port 32a that are positioned on the rotation locus of the mortar 12. These passage openings are provided so as to cut out the side wall of the chamber 32 from the lower end, and the tablets extruded by the lower punch 16 can pass through the upper surface of the mortar mounting portion of the turntable 11. Therefore, a tablet (usually a good product) determined to be within the standard range based on the molding pressure can pass through the chamber 32 through an inlet side passage port and an outlet side passage port 32a (not shown). During this passage, the compressed air is not ejected from the jet nozzle 34.

  However, when a tablet (usually a defective product) determined to be out of the standard range based on the molding pressure has been carried into the chamber 32, the electromagnetic valve 36 is opened and compressed from the squirt nozzle 34 at the same timing. Air is ejected and this compressed air is sprayed onto the defective product on the lower rod 16. Therefore, the tablet determined to be out of the standard range is peeled off from the lower punch 16 and simultaneously blown off toward the chute 33 and discharged out of the turntable 11.

  The non-defective product discharging means 37 includes, for example, a scraper 38 that is connected to the chamber 32 of the defective product discharging means 31 so as to be immovable, intersects with the rotational trajectory of the mortar 12, and a discharge chute 39 connected thereto. The tablet (good product) that has passed through the chamber 32 and is determined to be within the standard range is removed from the lower punch 16 by the scraper 38 of the good product discharge means 37, passes through the discharge chute 39, It is taken out of the rotating disk 11 from above the mortar mounting portion.

  The non-defective product discharge means 37 is provided with a sampling means 41 for sampling a plurality of tablets in a timely manner from the tablets that are discharged and molded with an appropriate molding pressure. The sampling means 41 includes a sampling chute 42, a sampling shutter 43, a sampling driver 44, and the like.

  The sampling chute 42 is branched downward from the oblique discharge chute 39. The sampling shutter 43 opens and closes the entrance of the sampling chute 42, and is normally disposed at a closed position for closing the entrance as shown by a solid line in FIG. Thereby, tablets within the standard range can be discharged toward the outlet formed by the opened lower end of the discharge chute 39.

  Further, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the sampling shutter 43 is disposed at an open position where the inlet of the sampling chute 42 is opened, so that the tablet passing through the discharge chute 39 is taken out through the sampling chute 42. The sampling driver 44 is composed of, for example, an actuator such as a rotary solenoid, and normally holds the sampling shutter 43 in the closed position, and moves the sampling shutter 43 to the open position for a predetermined time by the input of the sampling signal.

  The sampling of a plurality of tablets (molded products) during operation is not limited by the above method. That is, it is possible to sample not all good products but all tablets including defective products. In this case, for example, a sampling means (not shown) is also provided on the defective product chute 33 side, and the tablets merged with the tablets discharged from the non-defective discharge chute 39 (mixed with good and defective products) are measured. What is necessary is just to make it supply to the container 3. FIG.

  The measuring device 3 is arranged below the sampling means 41 so as to receive a plurality of tablets discharged from the sampling chute 42 every time an appropriate number of tablets are sampled. The measuring device 3 is preferably an automatic type. The automatic measuring device 3 measures the mass (weight) of a predetermined number (plurality) of tablets (sampling tablets) received, and calculates the mass average value of the tablets measured based on the measurement result. It has a function of calculating and outputting the calculation result to the outside together with the measured value of the mass of each sampling tablet.

  At the same time, the automatic measuring device 3 measures the thickness of the predetermined number of tablets out of the tablets received every sampling, and calculates the average thickness of the tablets measured based on the measurement result. And it has the function to output the calculation result to the outside with the thickness measurement value of each sampling tablet.

  Further, the automatic measuring device 3 measures the hardness of the predetermined number of tablets out of the tablets received every sampling, and calculates the average hardness value of the tablets measured based on the measurement result, And it has the function to output the calculation result to the outside with the hardness measurement value of each sampling tablet.

  The control panel 4 that controls the overall operation of the tableting machine 2 includes a touch panel type input device (not shown) provided on the surface of a control panel casing (not shown), a microcomputer, and the like. And a control device 4a built in the control panel housing. The control device 4a has a function of outputting various input data (trial hit data, sampling data, etc.) to an external recording device.

  The control device 4a is used to control the tablet due to the expansion and contraction of the upper punch 15 and the lower punch 16 due to the temperature change of each part of the tableting machine 2 during the continuous operation of the tableting machine 2 and the change in physical properties of the powder to be compressed. It is configured to perform control to keep the mass, thickness, and hardness of the manufactured tablet at the control reference value while suppressing mass fluctuation, thickness fluctuation, and hardness fluctuation.

  This control device 4a is used not only to maintain the mass of the tablet to be manufactured within the standard range, but also to maintain the molding pressure at the pressure control reference value in order to maintain the thickness and hardness of the tablet within the standard range. A control unit 51 is provided. This pressure control unit 51 is used for the purpose of “controlling the molding pressure to the pressure control reference value”, so that even in the case of a control pattern that does not require the mass to be kept within the standard range, the molding is performed. It functions to control the pressure to the pressure control reference value. Therefore, when the thickness and hardness control (TH control) and the thickness only control (T single control), which will be described later, are performed, control for setting the tablet mass W to the target mass is not performed, but the calculated mass Wa Feedback control is performed to obtain a pressure control reference value that is updated by obtaining each pressure fluctuation value when performing mass control based on the thickness control and thickness control.

  The pressure control unit 51 updates the pressure control reference value (current value) PM set thereto as described later, thereby generating a signal output corresponding to the level of the updated pressure control reference value PM. It is configured to be supplied to the motor 19a for raising and lowering the track of the mechanism 19 so as to change the height position of the lower rod 16 and perform mass correction. In this way, the molding pressure is controlled by changing the height position of the lower eyelid 16 by the mass adjustment track 17 based on the pressure control reference value PM and correcting the mass of the tablet (molded product). This is referred to as feedback control (FBC).

  Furthermore, the control device 4a has a basic data acquisition unit that calculates the following correlation coefficients a to a5 based on various test hit data acquired by the trial hit operation of the tableting machine 2. The correlation coefficients a to a5 are as follows.

  The correlation coefficient a is a correlation coefficient established between the molding pressure fluctuation value ΔP (unit KN) and the mass fluctuation value ΔW (unit mg) at the time of final compression molding (also referred to as main pressure molding) of the tablet. is there. This correlation coefficient a is referred to as a PW correlation coefficient (unit: KN / mg).

  The correlation coefficient a1 is a correlation coefficient established between the tablet thickness fluctuation value ΔT (unit mm) and the mass fluctuation value ΔW (unit mg). This correlation coefficient a1 is referred to as a TW correlation coefficient (unit: mm / mg).

  The correlation coefficient a2 is a correlation coefficient established between the tablet molding pressure fluctuation value ΔP (unit KN) and the thickness fluctuation value ΔT (unit mm). This correlation coefficient a2 is referred to as a PT correlation coefficient (unit: KN / mm).

  The correlation coefficient a3 is a correlation coefficient established between the tip interval variation value ΔL (unit mm) and the thickness variation value ΔT (unit mm) at the time of the main compression molding of the tablet. This correlation coefficient a3 is referred to as an LT correlation coefficient (unit: mm / mm).

  The correlation coefficient a4 is a correlation coefficient established between the tablet thickness fluctuation value ΔT (unit mm) and the hardness fluctuation value ΔH (unit N). This correlation coefficient a4 is referred to as a TH correlation coefficient (unit: mm / N).

  The correlation coefficient a5 is a correlation coefficient established between the tablet mass fluctuation value ΔW (unit mg) and the hardness fluctuation value ΔH (unit N). This correlation coefficient a5 is referred to as a WH correlation coefficient (unit: mg / N).

  Note that there is a correlation among the molding pressure P, the mass W, the thickness T, the hardness H, and the tip interval L (or l) of the molded product, and a correlation coefficient is established for each. For this reason, the correlation coefficients (a to a5) used in the arithmetic processing described later are as follows: a is a P-W correlation coefficient, a1 is a TW correlation coefficient, a2 is a PT correlation coefficient, a3 Is an LT correlation coefficient, a4 is a TH correlation coefficient, and a5 is a WH correlation coefficient.

  For example, regarding the correlation coefficient related to the thickness T of the molded product, by using the LT correlation coefficient established between the thickness T and the tip interval L (or l), the correlation coefficient T -The W correlation coefficient is replaced with the LW correlation coefficient, the PT correlation coefficient is replaced with the PL correlation coefficient, and the TH correlation coefficient is replaced with the LH correlation coefficient. Is also possible.

  Based on this assumption, in the first and second embodiments, a is a PW correlation coefficient, a1 is a TW correlation coefficient, a2 is a PT correlation coefficient, and a3 is an LT phase. The following description will be made with the number of relationships, a4 as a TH correlation coefficient, and a5 as a WH correlation coefficient.

  The control device 4a controls the operation of the tableting machine 2 according to any of the six control patterns described later.

  According to the control pattern 1, the mass W, the thickness T, and the hardness H of the molded product are controlled so as to be within the standard range of the product, and in particular within this range, the target control reference value is manufactured, and a desired molded product is manufactured. Is done. According to the control pattern 2, the mass W and the thickness T of the molded product are controlled so as to be within the standard range of the product, and in particular, within the range, the target control reference value, and a desired molded product is manufactured. According to the control pattern 3, each of the mass W and the hardness H of the molded product is controlled so as to be within the standard range of the product and, particularly, within the range, a target control reference value, and a desired molded product is manufactured. According to the control pattern 4, the mass W of the molded product is independently controlled within the standard range of the product, and in particular within this range, the desired control standard value is controlled to produce the desired molded product. According to the control pattern 5, the thickness T and the hardness H of the molded product are controlled so as to be within the standard range of the product, and particularly within the range, the target control reference value, and a desired molded product is manufactured. According to the control pattern 6, the thickness T of the molded product is independently controlled within the standard range of the product, and in particular within this range, the desired control standard value is controlled to manufacture a desired molded product.

  The relationship between each control pattern and the correlation coefficient will be described below.

  In the calculation performed when the control device 4a controls the tableting machine 2 with the control pattern 1 (this is referred to as “WTH control”), all correlation coefficients a to a5 (where a5 is a5β Used)), and there is no correlation coefficient not used.

  In the calculation performed when the control device 4a controls the tableting machine 2 with the control pattern 2 (this is referred to as “WT control”), the correlation coefficients a to a3 are used, and the correlation coefficients a4 and a5. Is not used.

  In calculations performed when the control device 4a controls the tableting machine 2 with the control pattern 3 (this is referred to as “WH control”), correlation coefficients a and a5 (however, a5α is used as a5). ) Are used, and the correlation coefficients a1 to a4 are not used.

  In the calculation performed when the control device 4a controls the tableting machine 2 with the control pattern 4 (this is referred to as “W single control”), the correlation coefficient a is used, and the correlation coefficients a1 to a5 are Not used.

  In the calculation performed when the control device 4a controls the tableting machine 2 with the control pattern 5 (this is referred to as “TH control”), the correlation coefficients a to a5 (however, a5β uses a5β. ) Is used, and there is no correlation coefficient that is not used.

  In the calculation performed when the control device 4a controls the tableting machine 2 with the control pattern 6 (this is referred to as “T single control”), the correlation coefficients a to a3 are used, and the correlation coefficients a4 and a4 are used. a5 is not used.

  A list of symbols and the like used for explaining the control by the control device 4a includes a control-related symbol of mass W, a control-related symbol of thickness T, a control-related symbol of hardness H, a control-related symbol of pressure P, a main pressure It is divided into the related symbol of the tip interval L and the related symbol of the tip interval l for preload, and is described below.

(Control symbol for mass W)
WO (unit: mg): tablet mass standard value (molded product standard standard value)
WOL (unit: mg): lower limit value of tablet mass control reference value correction range
WOH (mg): Upper limit value of tablet mass control reference value correction range
WM (unit: mg): tablet mass control reference value (current value)
WMa (unit: mg): tablet mass control standard calculation value used for calculation processing
WMb (unit: mg): For calculation processing for obtaining an updated value of the tablet mass control standard calculation value
Provisional value of mass control standard to be used
Wx (unit: mg): mass average value of sampled tablets
Wa (unit: mg): molding pressure average value Px of sampled tablets
The mass fluctuation value corresponding to the pressure control reference value PM,
From the weight average value Wx of the sampled tablets
Calculated mass of tablets that are calculated and used for calculation processing
kw: Mass correction coefficient when correcting the mass control standard calculation value.

(Thickness T control-related symbols)
TO (unit: mm): tablet thickness standard value (molded product standard standard value)
TOL (unit: mm): lower limit value of tablet thickness control reference value correction range
TOH (unit: mm): upper limit value of the tablet thickness control reference value correction range
TM (unit: mm): Tablet thickness control reference value (current value)
TMa (unit: mm): tablet thickness control standard calculation value used for calculation processing
TMb (unit: mm): For calculation processing for obtaining an updated value of the tablet thickness control standard calculation value
Thickness control standard provisional value to be used
Tx (unit: mm): Average thickness of sampled tablets
Ta (unit: mm): Mass average value Wx of sampled tablet is mass control standard
Thickness fluctuation value when calculated value WMa and thickness average value Tx
Calculated thickness of tablets used for calculation processing
kt: Thickness correction coefficient for correcting the thickness control standard calculation value.

(Control symbol for hardness H)
HO (unit N): Tablet hardness standard value (molded product standard standard value)
HOL (unit N): Lower limit value of tablet hardness control reference value correction range
HOH (unit N): upper limit value of tablet hardness control reference value correction range
HM (unit N): tablet hardness control reference value (current value)
HMa (unit N): tablet hardness control standard calculation value used for calculation processing
HMb (unit N): For calculation processing for obtaining an updated value of the tablet hardness control standard calculation value
Temporary value of hardness control standard used
Hx (unit N): hardness average value of sampled tablets
Ha (unit N): mass average value Wx of sampled tablet is mass control standard
Hardness variation when calculated value WMa and calculated thickness of tablet
Hardness fluctuation value when Ta is the thickness control standard calculation value TMa,
It is obtained from the hardness average value Hx,
Calculated hardness of tablets used in arithmetic processing
kh: Hardness correction coefficient for correcting the hardness control standard calculation value.

(Control related symbols for pressure P)
PM (unit KN): pressure control reference value (current value) of the pressure control unit
PMa (unit: KN): pressure control reference calculation value of the pressure control unit used for arithmetic processing
PTa (unit KN): Calculated pressure fluctuation value by thickness control used for calculation processing
PWa (unit KN): Calculated pressure fluctuation value by mass control used for calculation processing
Px (unit KN): molding pressure average value of sampled tablets.

(Related symbol of tip spacing L for main pressure)
LM (unit: mm): Tip distance setting value at the main pressure position (current value)
LMa (unit: mm): a calculated value of the tip distance at the main pressure position used for the calculation process.

(Related symbol of tip spacing l for preload)
1M (unit: mm): Tip distance setting value at the preload position (current value)
lMa (unit: mm): Calculated value of the tip interval at the preload position used for the calculation process
The pressure controller 51 is set with values indicated by the following symbols.

(Symbols related to each control pressure value of the pressure controller)
LLP (unit: KN): Lower limit of abnormal pressure in the pressure control unit
LEP (unit: KN): Defective discharge pressure lower limit value of the pressure control unit
LCL (unit: KN): Mass control pressure lower limit value of pressure control unit
MEAN (unit KN): Pressure reference value of pressure control unit (equivalent to pressure control reference value PM)
HCL (unit: KN): Mass control pressure upper limit of the pressure controller
HEP (unit: KN): Upper limit value of defective discharge pressure in the pressure control unit
HLP (unit KN): Abnormal pressure upper limit value of the pressure control unit.

  Next, basic data acquisition, control pattern discrimination, and control procedures for control of the mass, thickness, and hardness of the tablet by the control device 4a will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the basic data acquisition procedure performed before the rotary tableting device 1 is continuously operated will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the operator performs operations for adjusting mass, thickness, and hardness in order to obtain basic data of tablets to be manufactured.

  After this adjustment operation, the operator performs a first trial driving operation (trial driving operation) with the tableting machine 2, operates the sampling means 41 during this operation, samples a predetermined number of tablets, and stops the operation.

  In this first trial driving operation, pressure data P1, mass data W1, thickness data T1, hardness data H1, pre-press tip position data 11 and main press tip distance data L1 are acquired as test hit data 1 (step S01). ).

  That is, the pressure sensor 29 detects the molding pressure for each of the manufactured tablets. Accordingly, the control device 4a averages the detected molding pressure. The molding pressure average value calculated by this processing is the pressure data P1.

  At the same time, in the first test driving operation, the setting point setting value at the preload position is set as the preloading tip interval data 11 based on the output of the rotary encoder 24e of the preload interval adjusting mechanism 24, and the main pressure interval adjusting mechanism. Based on the output of the 28 rotary encoders 28e, the setting value of the tip distance at the main pressure position is detected as the main pressure tip distance data L1, respectively.

  Further, the measuring device 3 measures the mass W, the thickness T, and the hardness H of each of the plurality of tablets sampled during the first trial driving operation. In connection with this, this measured value is computed with the measuring device 3, and a mass average value, a thickness average value, and a hardness average value are calculated | required. The obtained mass average value is mass data W1, the thickness average value is thickness data T1, and the hardness average value is hardness data H1.

  Next, the operator performs the second trial driving operation by changing only the tablet mass without changing the setting value of the tip interval at the preload position and the main pressure position. In this case, assuming that the molding pressure rises due to the influence of the tip interval narrowed due to the temperature rise in the continuous operation described later, and thereby the pressure control works to reduce the mass, the mass adjustment orbit 17 is desirably formed on the tablet. The molding pressure is lowered by moving in the direction of decreasing mass, and the second trial driving operation is performed. During this operation, a predetermined number of tablets are sampled and the operation is stopped.

  In this second trial driving operation, pressure data P2, mass data W2, thickness data T2, hardness data H2, pre-loading tip interval data 12 and main pressing tip interval data L2 are acquired as test hit data 2 (step S02). ).

  That is, the pressure sensor 29 detects the molding pressure for each of the manufactured tablets. Accordingly, the control device 4a averages the detected molding pressure. The molding pressure average value calculated by this processing is the pressure data P2. At the same time, based on the output of the rotary encoder 24e of the preload interval adjusting mechanism 24, the setting value of the tip interval at the preload position is used as the preload tip interval data l2, and the rotary encoder 28e of the main pressure interval adjusting mechanism 28 is used. Based on this output, the setting value of the tip distance at the main pressure position is detected as the main pressure tip distance data L2. Further, the mass W, the thickness T, and the hardness H of each of the plurality of sampled tablets are measured by the measuring device 3, and the measured values are calculated by the measuring device 3, so that the mass average value and the thickness average value are calculated. A hardness average value is obtained as trial hit data 2. The obtained mass average value is mass data W2, the thickness average value is thickness data T2, and the hardness average value is hardness data H2.

  Thereafter, the operator returns the mass adjusting track 17 so as to be substantially the same as the height position when the trial hit data 1 is obtained, and assumes a tip interval narrowed by a temperature rise in the continuous operation described later. The third trial driving operation is carried out after the tips of the preload position and the main pressure position are narrowed by the same amount, preferably narrowed. During this operation, a predetermined number of tablets are sampled and the operation is stopped.

  In this third trial driving operation, pressure data P3, mass data W3, thickness data T3, hardness data H3, pre-loading tip interval data l3, and main pressing tip interval data L3 are acquired as test hit data 3 (step S03). ).

  That is, the pressure sensor 29 detects the molding pressure for each of the manufactured tablets. Accordingly, the control device 4a averages the detected molding pressure. The molding pressure average value calculated by this processing is the pressure data P3. At the same time, based on the output of the rotary encoder 24e of the preload interval adjusting mechanism 24, the tip interval setting value at the preload position is used as the preload tip interval data l3, and the rotary encoder 28e of the main pressure interval adjusting mechanism 28 is used. Based on these outputs, the setting value of the tip distance at the main pressure position is detected as main pressure tip distance data L3. Further, the mass W, the thickness T, and the hardness H of each of the plurality of sampled tablets are measured by the measuring device 3, and the measured values are calculated by the measuring device 3, so that the mass average value and the thickness average value are calculated. A hardness average value is obtained as trial hit data 3. The obtained mass average value is mass data W3, the thickness average value is thickness data T3, and the hardness average value is hardness data H3.

  Thereafter, the control device 4a executes Step S04. In this step S04, the PW correlation coefficient a, the TW correlation coefficient a1, the PT correlation coefficient a2, the LT correlation coefficient a3, TH Each of the correlation coefficient a4 and the WH correlation coefficient a5 (a5α and a5β to be described later) is obtained by calculation, and each value of these correlation coefficients a to a5 is stored in a control unit 4a (not shown). Register (memorize).

  The correlation coefficients a to a5 are obtained by the following calculation.

The P-W correlation coefficient a obtained in step S04 is a coefficient that is established between the tablet mass W and the molding pressure P, and the trial hit data 1 obtained by the first trial strike operation, the first round, and the wrinkle. Of the trial hit data 2 obtained by the second trial hit operation performed under the same condition of the tip interval, the trial hit data (P1, P2, W1, W2) relating to the molding pressure P and the mass W is used. Calculated. Here, the PW correlation coefficient a is based on the premise that the tablet thickness T changes according to the tablet mass change. This P-W correlation coefficient a is a coefficient used when determining how many KN the molding pressure P changes when the mass W changes. The fluctuation value ΔP of the molding pressure is expressed as the mass fluctuation value ΔW. Calculate by the following equation.
a = ΔP / ΔW = (P1-P2) / (W1-W2) (1).

The TW correlation coefficient a1 obtained in step S04 is a coefficient established between the thickness T and the mass W of the tablet, and the trial hit data 1 obtained by the first trial strike operation, the first round and the tip. Calculated using test hit data (T1, T2, W1, W2) relating to thickness T and mass W among the test hit data 2 obtained by the second test hit operation performed by reducing the mass W under the same interval. Is done. This TW correlation coefficient a1 is a coefficient used when calculating how many millimeters the tablet thickness T changes when the mass W changes, and the thickness fluctuation value ΔT is represented by the mass fluctuation value ΔW. Calculate by the following equation.
a1 = ΔT / ΔW = (T1-T2) / (W1-W2) Equation (2).

  The PT correlation coefficient a2 obtained in step S04 is a coefficient that is established between the tablet thickness T and the tablet molding pressure P, and how much the molding pressure P is when the tablet thickness T changes. It is a coefficient used when determining whether it changes. The LT correlation coefficient a3 obtained in step S04 is a coefficient established between the tablet thickness T and the tip interval L (or l), and when the tip interval L (or l) changes. It is a coefficient used when calculating | requiring how many mm the tablet thickness T changes.

  These correlation coefficients a2 and a3 are the trial hit data 1 obtained by the first trial driving operation, the tablet mass is returned to the vicinity of the tablet mass at the first trial driving operation after the second trial driving operation, and the first and last tip Of the trial hitting data 3 obtained by the third trial hitting operation performed at different intervals, trial hitting data (W1, W3, P1, P3, T1, etc.) relating to the molding pressure P, thickness T, mass W, etc. Calculated using T3).

  However, even if the operator adjusts the mass data W3 of the tablet in the third trial driving operation so that the mass data W1 returns to the same mass as the mass data W1 in the first trial driving operation, the mass data W3 is obtained in the first trial driving operation. Since it cannot be expected to completely match the same mass as the mass data W1, the molding pressure may also fluctuate accordingly. Therefore, it is not accurate to obtain the PT correlation coefficient a2 using the pressure data P3 as it is.

  As a countermeasure, it is determined what pressure the molding pressure P becomes (referred to as a calculated pressure P3a) when the mass data W3 is controlled to be the mass data W1.

That is, in step S04, the calculated pressure P3a for obtaining the PT correlation coefficient a2 is obtained by the following equation.
P3a = P3 + a (W1-W3) (3).

  With this calculated pressure P3a, the mass data reference for obtaining the PT correlation coefficient a2 can be aligned, and the molding pressure error caused by the difference between the mass data W1 and the mass data W3 can be eliminated. It becomes possible.

  As described above, even if the operator adjusts the mass of the tablet in the third trial driving operation so as to return to the same mass as the mass data W1 in the first trial driving operation, the mass data W3 remains in the first trial driving operation. Since it is not expected to completely match the same mass as the mass data W1, the thickness of the tablet may vary accordingly. Therefore, it is not accurate to obtain the PT correlation coefficient a2 using the thickness data T3 as it is. Therefore, the thickness of the tablet (referred to as a calculated thickness T3a) is determined when the mass data W3 is controlled to be the mass data W1.

That is, in step S04, the calculated thickness T3a for obtaining the PT correlation coefficient a2 is obtained by the following equation.
T3a = T3 + a1 (W1-W3) (Formula (4)).

  By this calculated thickness T3a, the mass data reference for obtaining the PT correlation coefficient a2 can be aligned, and the tablet thickness error caused by the difference between the mass data W1 and the mass data W3 can be eliminated. Is possible.

The PT correlation coefficient a2 is obtained by calculating the calculated pressure P3a and the calculated thickness T3a as described above, and dividing the fluctuation value ΔP of the tablet molding pressure corrected by these calculated values by the fluctuation value ΔT of the thickness. Obtained by the formula.
a2 = ΔP / ΔT = (P1-P3a) / (T1-T3a) (5)

The LT correlation coefficient a3 obtained in step S04 is obtained by the following equation that divides the variation value ΔL (or Δl) of the tip interval by the variation value ΔT of the thickness corrected by the calculated thickness T3a.
a3 = ΔL / ΔT = (L1-L3) / (T1-T3a) (6)

  The TH correlation coefficient a4 obtained in step S04 is a coefficient established between the tablet thickness T and the tablet hardness H, and when the tablet hardness H changes, the tablet thickness T is determined in mm. It is a coefficient used when determining whether it changes.

  This correlation coefficient a4 is different from the trial hit data 1 obtained by the first trial driving operation, and the tablet mass is returned to the vicinity of the tablet mass at the first trial driving operation after the second trial driving operation and the tip interval is different from that of the first trial driving operation. Among the test hit data 3 obtained by the third test hit operation performed under the above-described conditions, the test hit data (T1, T3, H1, H3, W1, W3) regarding the hardness H, the thickness T, and the mass W are used. calculate.

  However, as described above, even if the operator adjusts the mass of the tablet in the third trial driving operation to return to the same mass as the mass data W1 in the first trial driving operation, the mass data W3 is changed to the first trial driving operation. Since it cannot be expected to completely match the same mass as the mass data W1 in the operation, the hardness of the tablet may vary accordingly. Therefore, it is not accurate to obtain the TH correlation coefficient a4 using the hardness data H3 as it is. Therefore, the hardness of the tablet (this is referred to as the calculated hardness H3a) when the mass data W3 is controlled to be the mass data W1 is obtained using a WH correlation coefficient a5α described later. .

That is, the calculated hardness H3a for obtaining the TH correlation coefficient a4 is obtained by the following equation.
H3a = H3 + (W1-W3) / a5α (8).

  With this calculated hardness H3a, it is possible to align the standard of mass data for obtaining the TH correlation coefficient a4, and to eliminate the tablet hardness error caused by the difference between the mass data W1 and the mass data W3. Is possible.

The TH correlation coefficient a4 obtained in step S04 is obtained by calculating the calculated hardness H3a and the calculated thickness T3a as described above, and calculating the tablet thickness fluctuation value ΔT corrected by these calculated values as the tablet hardness. It is obtained by the following equation divided by the fluctuation value ΔH.
a4 = ΔT / ΔH = (T1-T3a) / (H1-H3a) (9)

  The WH correlation coefficients a5α and a5β obtained in step S04 are coefficients established between the tablet mass W and the tablet hardness H. When the tablet hardness H changes, the mass W changes by several mg. It is a coefficient used when determining whether to do.

The correlation coefficient a5α used in the control pattern 3 (WH control) that does not include the control of the tablet thickness is based on the assumption that the tablet thickness T changes according to the tablet mass change, and the tablet hardness H changes. It is a coefficient used when calculating how many mg the tablet weight W changes. The WH correlation coefficient a5α is the test hit data 1 obtained by the first test hit operation, and the test hit data 2 obtained by the second test hit operation with the mass reduced under the same conditions as the first and second tip hits. Of these, the trial hit data (W1, W2, H1, H2) regarding the mass W and the hardness H is used for calculation. That is, the WH correlation coefficient a5α is obtained by the following equation that divides the mass fluctuation value ΔW by the hardness fluctuation value ΔH.
a5α = ΔW / ΔH = (W1−W2) / (H1−H2) (7)

  Further, the WH correlation coefficient a5β obtained in step S04 is a correlation coefficient used in control pattern 1 (WTH control) and control pattern 5 (TH control) including control of tablet thickness, and the WH phase. Similar to the relation number a5α, this is a coefficient established between the tablet mass W and the tablet hardness H.

  This correlation coefficient a5β is used under different preconditions from the correlation coefficient a5α used in the control pattern 3 (WH control) that does not include the above-described thickness control. That is, the correlation coefficient a5α is used to determine how many mg of the tablet mass W changes when the tablet hardness H changes, on the premise that the tablet thickness T also changes according to the tablet mass change. Used. On the other hand, the correlation coefficient a5β is based on the assumption that the tablet thickness T changes according to the tablet mass change, and the tablet mass W changes by how many mg when the tablet hardness H changes. This is used to determine whether

  This correlation coefficient a5β is calculated between the test hit data 1 obtained by the first test hit operation and the test hit data 2 obtained by the second test hit operation performed by reducing the mass under the same conditions of the first and tip tips. Of these, calculation is performed using trial hit data (W1, W2, H1, H2) regarding the mass W and the hardness H.

  However, the hardness data H2 of the tablet in the second trial driving operation performed by reducing the mass under the same conditions as the first time and the tip distance are the thickness data T1 and the thickness according to the difference between the mass data W1 and the mass data W2. Since a difference also occurs in the data T2, it is not accurate to obtain the WH correlation coefficient a5β using the hardness data H2 as it is.

  Therefore, the hardness of the tablet (referred to as calculated hardness H2a) is determined when the thickness data T2 is controlled to be the thickness data T1.

That is, the calculated hardness H2a for obtaining the WH correlation coefficient a5β is obtained by the following equation.
H2a = H2 + (T1-T2) / a4 (8a).

  With this calculated hardness H2a, the standard of the thickness data for obtaining the WH correlation coefficient a5β can be aligned, and the hardness error of the tablet caused by the difference between the thickness data T1 and the thickness data T2 can be eliminated. Is possible.

In step S04, using the calculated hardness H2a obtained as described above, the WH correlation coefficient a5β on the premise that the tablet thickness T changed in accordance with the tablet mass change is corrected is calculated as the tablet mass. Is obtained by the following equation, which is obtained by dividing the fluctuation value ΔW by the hardness fluctuation value ΔH.
a5β = ΔW / ΔH = (W1-W2) / (H1-H2a) (7a).

  As described above, the correlation coefficients a to a5 calculated by the control device 4a based on the trial hit data 1 to 3 are automatically registered in the storage unit of the control device 4a as basic data for automatic control during continuous operation. (Memorized).

  Steps S01 to S04 described above constitute a basic data acquisition unit that executes the basic data acquisition process. Steps S01 to S03 are trial hit data acquisition means for executing the trial hit data acquisition step. Step S04 is data registration means for performing a data registration step of obtaining various correlation coefficients and registering (storing) them as basic data together with trial hit data.

  After the various basic data are acquired as described above, the operator operates the input device of the control panel 4 to specify one of the control patterns 1 to 6, and in the specified control pattern. If a correction order of mass, thickness, and hardness (specifically, the correction order of each control reference calculated value, hereinafter referred to as “correction order of each control reference calculated value”) is specified, it is designated. Thereby, the control device 4a discriminates and selects the designated control pattern. Hereinafter, the control pattern determination procedure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1, it is determined whether or not to control the mass of the tablet. If the determination in step S1 is YES (mass control), it is determined in step S2 whether or not to control the tablet thickness. If the determination in step S2 is YES (controls the thickness), it is determined whether or not the hardness of the tablet is controlled in step S3.

  If the determination in step S3 is YES (controls the hardness), the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, registration (designation) of correction ranks of control standard calculation values for mass, thickness, and hardness for controlling tablet hardness, each reference value (also referred to as a standard reference value), and each control reference value. The correction range is registered. Each reference value (standard reference value) registered in step S4 is a mass reference value WO, a thickness reference value TO, and a hardness reference value HO. The correction order of each control reference calculation value is the order in which the control reference calculation values for mass, thickness, and hardness are corrected (updated), and may be automatically registered according to a predetermined order. Alternatively, registration may be performed in an arbitrary order by an artificially performed registration operation. In addition, since the control of the tablet hardness is not performed for the control patterns 2, 4, and 6, it is not necessary to register the correction rank of each control reference calculation value. Since there are a plurality of correction order patterns for each control reference calculation value, one of them may be selected and registered.

  The mass reference value WO is a standard reference value for the mass of the tablet to be produced. The mass control reference value correction range is registered as a range in which the mass control reference value WM of the manufactured tablet may be changed, and the mass control reference value correction range is defined by the upper limit value WOH and the lower limit value WOL. The thickness reference value TO is a standard reference value for the thickness of the tablet to be produced. The thickness control reference value correction range is registered as a range in which the thickness control reference value TM of the manufactured tablet may be changed, and the thickness control reference value correction range is defined by the upper limit value TOH and the lower limit value TOL. The hardness reference value HO is a standard reference value for the hardness of the tablets to be produced. The hardness control reference value correction range is registered as a range in which the hardness control reference value HM of the tablet to be manufactured may be changed, and the hardness control reference value correction range is defined by the upper limit value HOH and the lower limit value HOL.

  When step S4 is executed, the control device 4a selects a control pattern 1 (WTH control described later) via step S17. This step S17 performs a process of replacing a5 with the value of the WH correlation coefficient a5β for the WH correlation coefficient a5 used in the calculation process of the WTH control described later. In this control pattern 1, all of the already acquired correlation coefficients a to a4 and a5 (a5β) are used.

  If the determination in step S3 is NO (the hardness is not controlled), each control reference value for controlling the mass and thickness of the tablet is registered in step S5. The control reference values registered in step S5 are a mass control reference value WM and a thickness control reference value TM.

  When step S5 is executed, the control device 4a selects a control pattern 2 (WT control described later) through the process of step S6. Step S6 defines the handling of correlation coefficients not used in the control pattern 2. Specifically, among correlation coefficients a to a5 that have already been acquired, when correlation coefficients a4 and a5 that are not used in the WT control described later are included in the calculation expression, they are not used in the subsequent calculation expressions. The unary expression including the correlation coefficients a4 and a5 is automatically set as “0”.

  If the determination in step S2 is NO (thickness is not controlled), the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, it is determined whether to control the hardness of the tablet.

  If the determination in step S7 is YES (controls the hardness), the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, registration of correction ranks for each calculation reference value of mass and hardness for controlling the hardness of the tablet, registration of each reference value (standard reference value) for mass and hardness, and correction range for each control reference value are registered. Is done. Here, the correction order of each control reference calculated value is the order in which the control reference calculated values for mass and hardness are corrected (updated), and may be automatically registered according to a predetermined order. Alternatively, registration may be performed by a manual registration operation. The correction range of each control reference value registered in step S8 is as described in step S4.

  When step S8 is executed, the control device 4a selects the control pattern 3 (WH control described later) through the process of step S9. Step S9 determines how to handle correlation coefficients that are not used in the control pattern 3. Specifically, among correlation coefficients a to a5 that have already been acquired, when correlation coefficients a1 to a4 that are not used in the WH control described later are included in the calculation expression, they are not used in the subsequent calculation expressions. The unary expression including the correlation coefficients a1 to a4 is automatically set as “0”. At the same time, this step S9 performs a process of replacing a5 with the value of the WH correlation coefficient a5α for the WH correlation coefficient a5 used in the calculation process of the WH control described later.

  If the determination in step S7 is NO (the hardness is not controlled), a mass control reference value WM for controlling only the mass of the tablet is registered in step S10. The registration here may be performed automatically or manually.

  When step S10 is executed, the control device 4a selects the control pattern 4 through the process of step S11. Step S <b> 11 determines how to handle correlation coefficients that are not used in the control pattern 4. Specifically, among the correlation coefficients a to a5 that have already been acquired, when the correlation coefficients a1 to a5 that are not used in the single control described later for the mass W are included in the calculation formula, In the unary expression including the unused correlation coefficients a1 to a5, the handling item is automatically set as “0”.

  If the determination in step S1 is NO (mass is not controlled), the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, it is determined whether or not the tablet thickness is to be controlled. If this determination is NO (thickness is not controlled), the process returns to step S1. Note that the program may be terminated instead of returning to step S1. If the determination in step S12 is YES (thickness control), it is determined in step S13 whether or not the hardness of the tablet is to be controlled.

  If the determination in step S13 is YES (controls the hardness), the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, registration of correction ranks of control standard calculation values for thickness and hardness for controlling tablet hardness, reference values (standard reference values) for thickness and hardness, and correction ranges for control reference values sign up. Here, the correction order of each control reference calculated value is the order in which the control reference calculated values for thickness and hardness are corrected (changed), and may be automatically registered according to a predetermined order. Alternatively, registration may be performed by a manual registration operation. The correction range of each control reference value for the thickness and hardness registered in step S14 is as described in step S4.

  When step S14 is executed, the control device 4a selects a control pattern 5 (TH control described later) via step S18. At the same time, this step S18 performs processing for replacing a5 with the value of the WH correlation coefficient a5β for the WH correlation coefficient a5 used in the calculation process of the control pattern 5.

  If the determination in step S13 is NO (the hardness is not controlled), a thickness control reference value TM for controlling only the thickness of the tablet is registered in step S15. The registration here may be performed automatically or manually.

  When step S15 is executed, the control device 4a selects a control pattern 6 (T single control described later) through the process of step S16. Step S16 determines how to handle correlation coefficients that are not used in the control pattern 6. Specifically, among the correlation coefficients a to a5 that have already been acquired, when the correlation coefficients a4 and a5 that are not used in the T independent control to be described later with respect to the thickness T are included in the arithmetic expression, the following calculation is performed. The handling item that a monomial including correlation coefficients a4 and a5 that are not used in the equation is calculated as “0” is automatically set.

  Steps S1 to S18 described with reference to FIG. 3 constitute a pattern determination unit. In this pattern discrimination unit, steps S1 to S3, S7, S12, and S13 are control pattern selection means for selecting which of the control patterns 1 to 6 is the designated control pattern. Steps S4, S8, and S14 are correction content registration means for registering each reference value (standard reference value), the correction range of each control reference value, and the correction rank of the control reference calculation value, and steps S5, S10, and S15. Is a reference value registration means for registering each control reference value. Steps S6, S9, S11, and S16 to S18 handle the calculation of unused correlation coefficients and the handling of whether the value of the used WH correlation coefficient a5 is set to a5α or a5β. Correlation coefficient setting means for setting. Note that step S17 may be executed before step S4, and step S6 may be executed before step S5. Step S9 may be executed before step S8, step S11 may be executed before step S10, step S16 may be executed before step S15, and step S18 may be executed before step S14. May be executed.

  The control pattern 4 (W single control) of the first embodiment will be described below.

  A control procedure in the case where, for example, the control pattern 4 (W single control) for controlling only the mass of the tablet is selected in the pattern determination unit described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the pattern discriminating unit selects not to control the thickness of the tablet in step S2 and not to control the hardness in step S7, the control device 4a selects the control pattern 4 and selects the tablet press. Only the mass for tablets produced in 2 continuous runs is controlled.

  That is, when continuous operation of the rotary tableting device 1 is started, first, step S101 shown in FIG. 4 is executed according to a program stored in the control device 4a, and a “sampling command” is output. Instead of this, it is also possible to determine whether or not there is a “forced sampling command” that causes a sampling command to be output artificially.

  After this command, step S102 is executed, and the sampling driver 44 of the sampling means 41 is driven. As a result, the sampling shutter 43 is moved to an open position where the inlet of the sampling chute 42 is opened, and the outlet side of the discharge chute 39 is closed by the sampling shutter 43.

  Therefore, a plurality of tablets to be manufactured are sampled and supplied to the measuring device 3 through the sampling chute 42. Such tablet sampling is performed at predetermined time intervals, for example, every 30 minutes, during continuous operation of the tableting machine 2 under the control of the sampling means 41 by the control device 4a.

  Based on the start of the sampling, step S103 is executed by the control device 4a to acquire sampling data. The sampling data acquired here is measured and calculated by the tip distance setting value (current value) 1M at the preload position, the tip distance setting value (current value) LM at the main pressure position, and the measuring device 3. The mass average value Wx, the thickness average value Tx, and the hardness average value Hx. In addition, description of each tip interval setting value (current value) is hereinafter abbreviated as “tip tip interval setting value”, omitting description of (current value). Any data other than the molding pressure average value Px is read into the control device 4a by communication processing. At the same time, in step S103, the control device 4a calculates the molding pressure average value Px for the plurality of sampled tablets based on the pressure data detected by the pressure sensor 29. The acquisition of sampling data and its input (supply) to the control device 4a can be performed manually instead of automatically.

Thereafter, step S104 is performed by the control device 4a, which constitutes a calculated mass calculating means (calculated mass calculating step). In step S104, the calculated mass Wa of the tablet is obtained. Specifically, the mass fluctuation value when pressure is controlled (that is, the mass fluctuation value when the molding pressure average value Px is set to the pressure control reference value PM) is obtained, and the tablet is calculated from this and the mass average value Wx The mass Wa is determined. The arithmetic expression is as follows, where a is a PW correlation coefficient.
Wa = Wx + (PM−Px) / a (Equation 11)

  The reason why step S104 is necessary is as follows.

  The tableting device 1 performs pressure control (feedback control) so that the molding pressure becomes the pressure control reference value PM set in the pressure control unit 51 by changing the filling depth of the powder into the mortar hole. , To produce tablets (molded products). In other words, the tableting device 1 produces tablets having a mass (referred to as a calculated mass Wa) corresponding to the set pressure control reference value PM by feedback control. By this feedback control, even if the calculated mass Wa controlled to the pressure control reference value PM and the mass control reference value WM are the same immediately after the start of production, the pressure control reference The balance between the value PM and the calculated mass Wa may be lost, and the calculated mass Wa and the mass control reference value WM may be different from each other, which affects the thickness and hardness of the tablet.

  Therefore, in the case of the control patterns 1 to 4 for controlling the mass of the tablet, the calculated mass Wa is changed to the mass control reference value by updating the pressure control reference value PM to the control pressure value corresponding to the mass control reference value WM. WM can be controlled.

  On the contrary, in the case of the control pattern 5 or control pattern 6 in which the mass of the tablet is not controlled, a change in the physical properties of the powder occurs over time, and the pressure control reference value PM and the calculated mass Wa for the pressure control are Even if the calculated mass Wa required for each sampling fluctuates due to the balance being lost, the calculated mass Wa is treated (calculated) as the mass control reference calculated value WMa each time, thereby controlling the mass. Instead, only the pressure control according to the control of the tablet thickness is performed and the production is continued.

  Next, the control device 4a executes the determination in step S105 which constitutes a control pattern first selection means (control pattern first selection step). In step S105, it is determined whether or not the control pattern selected by the pattern determination unit includes control of tablet hardness. Specifically, it is determined in step S105 whether any one of the control patterns 1, 3, and 5 is selected. In this case, since the control pattern 4 that controls only the mass of the tablet is selected in the pattern determination unit, the determination in step S105 is NO. Thereby, the operation control system by the control patterns 2, 4, and 6 not including the control of the tablet hardness is selected.

  Accordingly, step S106 is performed by the control device 4a as first control reference calculated value update means (first control reference calculated value update step). This step S106 is provided to ensure the consistency of the subsequent arithmetic processing. In step S106, a process of replacing the corresponding control reference calculated value with each value of each control reference value is performed. That is, the tablet mass control reference calculation value WMa is replaced with the tablet mass control reference value WM, and the tablet thickness control reference calculation value TMa is replaced with the tablet thickness control reference value TM.

  Thereafter, the control device 4a controls the operation of the tableting machine 2 by the following operation control system.

  That is, first, it is determined whether or not the selected control pattern includes control of the mass of the tablet. Specifically, whether or not one of the control patterns 2 and 4 is selected is determined in step S107 which constitutes a control pattern second selection means (control pattern second selection step). In this case, since the control pattern 4 is selected in the pattern determination unit, the determination in step S107 is YES. Next, step S109 which constitutes a first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means (first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step) is executed by the control device 4a.

  When the control pattern 6 that does not include control of the tablet mass is selected, the determination in step S107 is NO. Accordingly, the next step S108 is executed by the control device 4a, and then step S109 is executed. Step S108, which constitutes the second control reference calculated value update means (second control reference calculated value update step), uses the value of the tablet calculated mass Wa to secure the consistency of the subsequent calculation process. The calculated value WMa is replaced.

The calculated pressure fluctuation value (pressure fluctuation value due to mass fluctuation) PWa when mass control is performed by executing step S109 is obtained. That is, in step S109, the calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when the mass average value Wx is controlled to be the mass control reference calculated value WMa is obtained by the following equation. In this case, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is the same value as the mass control reference value WM as described above.
PWa = a (WMa-Wx) (12)

  In this equation (12), a is a P-W correlation coefficient, and a calculated value obtained by calculation of a (WMa-Wx) is a calculated pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed (this is a first calculated pressure fluctuation value). Called PWa).

  When step S109 is completed, step S110, which is a calculated thickness calculation means (calculated thickness calculation step), is executed by the control device 4a. Note that the order of executing step S109 may be performed up to the process of step S115, and step S109 may be executed concurrently with step S110.

Step S110 calculates | requires the calculation thickness Ta of a tablet by following Formula from the thickness fluctuation value and thickness average value Tx when mass control is carried out (When mass average value Wx is made into mass control reference | standard calculation value WMa). The mass control reference value WMa in this case is also the same value as the mass control reference value WM as described above.
Ta = Tx + a1 (WMa−Wx) (Equation 13)

  In this formula (13), a1 is a TW correlation coefficient, and a calculated value obtained by calculation of a1 (WMa-Wx) is a thickness fluctuation value when mass control is performed. Thereby, the calculated thickness Ta when the mass average value Wx is controlled to be the mass control reference calculated value WMa is obtained from the thickness fluctuation value and the thickness average value Tx of the sampling tablet. Here, according to the selection of the control pattern 4 in the pattern discriminating unit, the value of the monomial including the correlation coefficient a1 in the control pattern 4 is handled as “0”. The calculated thickness Ta calculated by the above calculation is equal to the thickness average value Tx.

Next, step S111 is performed by the control device 4a, which constitutes the tip interval calculation value calculation means (tip tip interval calculation value calculation step). In step S111, when the thickness control is performed (when the calculated thickness Ta is set to the thickness control reference calculation value TMa), the tip distance calculation value lMa at the preload position and the tip distance calculation value LMa at the main pressure position are Are obtained by the following equations. The thickness control reference calculation value TMa in this case is the same value as the thickness control reference value TM as described above.
LMa = LM + a3 (TMa-Ta) (15)
lMa = 1M + a3 (TMa−Ta) (16)

  Similarly, in equation (15), LM is the setting value of the tip interval at the main pressure position, a3 is the LT correlation coefficient, and Ta is the calculated thickness obtained in step S110. Here, according to the selection of the control pattern 4 in the pattern discriminating unit, the value of the monomial including the correlation coefficient a3 in the control pattern 4 is handled as “0”, so the value of a3 (TMa−Ta) is “0”. is there. Therefore, the tip distance calculation value LMa at the main pressure position calculated by the equation (15) is equal to the tip distance setting value LM at the main pressure position.

  In Equation (16), 1M is the setting value of the tip interval at the preload position, a3 is the LT correlation coefficient, and Ta is the calculated thickness obtained in step S110. Here, since the value of the monomial including the correlation coefficient a3 is handled as “0” in the control pattern 4 according to the selection by the pattern discriminating unit, the value of a3 (TMa−Ta) is “0”. Therefore, the tip interval calculation value lMa at the preload position calculated by the equation (16) is equal to the preload tip interval setting value 1M.

  After the execution of step S111, the control device 4a executes step S112 that constitutes a second calculated pressure change value calculation means (second calculated pressure change value calculation step). Note that the order in which step S111 and step S112 are executed may be reversed from the above description, and step S111 and step S112 can be executed simultaneously in parallel processing.

In step S112, a calculated pressure fluctuation value (this is referred to as a second calculated pressure fluctuation value) PTa when the thickness control is performed (when the calculated thickness Ta is set to the thickness control reference calculation value TMa) is obtained by the following equation. The thickness control reference calculation value TMa in this case is the same value as the thickness control reference value TM.
PTa = a2 (TMa-Ta) (14)

  In this formula (14), a2 is a PT correlation coefficient, and a calculated value obtained by calculating a2 (TMa-Ta) is a calculated pressure fluctuation value (second calculated pressure fluctuation value). Here, according to the selection by the pattern discriminating unit, the value of the monomial including the correlation coefficient a2 in the control pattern 4 is handled as “0”, and thus is calculated by the calculation of the equation (14) for obtaining the pressure variation due to the thickness variation. The calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa is “0”.

When step S112 ends, the control device 4a executes step S115 which constitutes a pressure control reference calculation value calculation means (pressure control reference calculation value calculation step). In step S115, the pressure control reference calculation value PMa is obtained by the following equation.
PMa = Px + PWa + PTa Equation (17).

  In this equation (17), Px is the molding tablet average pressure value, PWa is the calculated pressure fluctuation value (first calculated pressure fluctuation value) obtained in step S109, and PTa is the calculated pressure fluctuation value (first value) obtained in step S112. 2 calculated pressure fluctuation value). As a result, the pressure control reference calculated value PMa calculated by the equation (17) in step S115 is the sum of the molding pressure average value Px, the calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa by mass control, and the calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa by thickness control. Equal to the value. Here, as described above, the calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa is “0”.

  When the process of step S115 ends, the control device 4a executes the tip interval control unit (tip tip interval control means) KK having steps S116a to S124 (see FIG. 5). The tip interval control unit KK that performs the tip interval control step performs control to change the tip interval in small steps.

  That is, step S116a, which constitutes a flag ON means, turns on the tip interval control flag in order to start control of the tip interval. In the next step S117, it is determined whether or not the tip distance control is performed. That is, step S117, which constitutes the tip interval control determining means (tip tip interval control determining step), determines whether the tip interval setting value LM at the main pressure position is equal to the tip interval calculated value LMa at the main pressure position. Determine whether. Alternatively, it may be determined whether the tip interval setting value 1M at the preload position is equal to the tip interval calculated value 1Ma at the preload position.

  If the determination in step S117 is YES (that is, if it is determined that the tip interval change is not necessary), step S116b serving as flag OFF means is executed by the control device 4a. In step S116b, the determination in step S126, which will be described later, becomes YES, and the tip interval control flag is turned OFF so that the tip interval is not changed continuously.

  When the determination in step S117 is NO (that is, when it is determined that the tip interval needs to be changed), the control device 4a causes the first tip interval determining means (first tip interval determining step) to be performed. The determination in step S119 is performed. In step S119, it is determined whether or not the tip distance calculation value LMa at the main pressure position is smaller than the tip distance setting value LM at the main pressure position. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the tip interval calculation value lMa at the preload position is smaller than the tip interval set value 1M at the preload position.

  If the determination in step S119 is YES (when LM> LMa or 1M> lMa), the control device 4a performs the second tip distance determining means (second tip distance determining step) in the next step S120a. Judgment is made. This step S120a is a value obtained by subtracting the tip distance calculation value LMa at the main pressure position from the tip distance setting value LM at the main pressure position (or alternatively, the tip distance setting value 1M at the preload position). It may be a value obtained by subtracting the tip distance calculation value lMa at the preload position from either of them, and it is determined whether or not the absolute value is smaller than the specified dimension value. In this case, the prescribed dimension value is set to be 1.00 mm or less, for example, 0.01 mm, in the pattern discrimination unit. The specified dimension value is preferably 0.01 mm to 0.50 mm, and more preferably 0.01 mm to 0.25 mm.

  If the determination in step S120a is YES (if the difference between the tip distance setting value and the tip distance calculated value is smaller than the specified dimension value), the control device 4a uses the second tip distance control means (second tip distance control step). Step S121b is executed. In this step S121b, the tip interval L at the main pressure position is updated to the tip interval setting value LM by updating the tip interval setting value LM with the tip interval calculation value LMa. The interval L is changed. Similarly, in step S121b, for the tip interval l of the preload position, the tip interval set value 1M is updated with the value of the tip interval calculated value lMa so that the tip interval set value 1M is obtained. The destination interval l is changed. By such update processing, the setpoint interval setting values of the main pressure position and the preload position can be accurately matched with the respective calculated tip interval values obtained by calculation, and the calculation processing program is prevented from falling into an infinite loop. can do.

  When the determination in step S120a is NO (when the difference between the tip distance setting value and the tip distance calculated value is larger than the specified dimension value), the control device 4a causes the first tip distance control means (first tip distance control). The next step S121a which performs the control step) is executed. In step S121a, control is performed so that the tip-toe-tip interval is narrowed. That is, the tip interval L of the main pressure position is set to the tip interval setting value LM by updating the tip interval setting value LM with a value of (tip interval setting value LM−specified dimension value). The tip distance L is narrowed. Similarly, with respect to the tip interval l of the preload position, the updated tip interval setting value 1M is updated by updating the tip interval setting value 1M with a value of (tip interval setting value 1M−specified dimension value). The tip l is narrowed so that

  In this case, the specified dimension value is as described above, and when the specified dimension value is set to 0.01 as described above, for the tip distance L at the main pressure position, the tip distance setting value is used. The tip distance setting value LM is updated to a value obtained by subtracting 0.01 mm from the LM, and the tip distance L is narrowed to be the updated tip distance setting value LM. Similarly, with respect to the tip interval l at the preload position, the tip interval setting value 1M is updated to a value obtained by subtracting 0.01 mm from the tip interval setting value 1M so that the updated tip interval setting value 1M is obtained. The tip spacing l is reduced.

  If the determination in step S119 is NO (when LM <LMa or 1M <lMa), the determination in the next step S120b that constitutes the third tip distance determining means (third tip distance determining step) is performed. This step S120b is a value obtained by subtracting the tip interval calculation value LMa at the main pressure position from the tip interval setting value LM at the main pressure position (or a tip at the preload position from the tip interval setting value 1M at the preload position). It may be a value obtained by subtracting the previous interval calculation value lMa, where it is determined whether or not the absolute value is smaller than the specified dimension value. The specified dimension value in this case is the same as in step S120a.

    If the determination in step S120b is YES (if the difference between the tip distance setting value and the tip distance calculated value is smaller than the specified dimension value), the control device 4a executes the process in step S121b as described above.

  When the determination in step S120b is NO (when the difference between the tip distance setting value and the tip distance calculated value is greater than the specified dimension value), the control device 4a causes the third tip distance control means (third tip distance). Step S121c, which is a control step), is executed. In step S121c, control is performed so as to widen the tip interval, contrary to the control in step S121a.

  That is, with respect to the tip interval L at the main pressure position, the updated tip interval setting value LM is updated by updating the tip interval setting value LM with the value of (tip tip interval setting value LM + specified dimension value). The tip distance L is increased so that Similarly, with respect to the tip interval 1 at the preload position, the updated tip interval set value 1M is updated by updating the tip interval set value 1M with the value of (tip interval set value 1M + specified dimension value). The tip l is widened so that

  In this case, the specified dimension value is as described above, and when the specified dimension value is set to 0.01 mm as described above, the tip distance L is set for the tip distance L at the main pressure position. The tip interval setting value LM is updated to a value obtained by adding 0.01 mm to the value LM, and the tip interval L is changed (controlled) so as to be the updated tip interval setting value LM. Similarly, for the tip interval l at the preload position, the tip interval setting value 1M is updated to a value obtained by adding 0.01 mm to the tip interval setting value 1M so that the updated tip interval setting value 1M is obtained. The tip interval l is changed (controlled).

  When the process of step S121a, step S121b, or step S121c ends, step S122, which constitutes a first measurement start means (first measurement start step), is executed by the control device 4a. By this step S122, the operation of measuring the rotation of the turntable 11 is started. Thereafter, the control device 4a makes a determination in step S123, which constitutes a first rotation speed determination means (a first rotation speed determination step). In step S123, it is determined whether or not the measured rotation (n rotation) of the turntable 11 has reached a set rotation speed (referred to as PV). This determination is repeated until YES is obtained.

  When the determination in step S123 is YES, step S124, which constitutes a first measurement end means (first measurement end step), is executed by the control device 4a. By this step S124, the operation of measuring the rotation of the turntable 11 is completed.

  After Step S116b or Step S124 is completed, Step S125 shown in FIG. 6 is performed by the control device 4a to determine whether or not to update the pressure control reference value PM. That is, in step S125, which constitutes a pressure control reference value update determination means (pressure control reference value update determination step), whether or not the pressure control reference value (current value) PM of the pressure control unit 51 is equal to the pressure control reference calculated value PMa. Determine whether.

  When the determination in step S125 is YES (when PM = PMa, that is, when it is determined that it is not necessary to update the pressure control reference value PM), the controller 4a performs flag ON determination means (flag ON determination step). Step S126 is performed, and it is determined whether or not the tip distance control flag is ON. Here, when step S126 determines a signal (flag OFF signal) that has passed through step S116b, the determination in step S126 is NO. On the other hand, when step S126 determines a signal (flag ON signal) that has passed through step S124 without passing through step S116b, the determination in step S126 is YES.

  When determination of step S126 becomes YES, the program of the control apparatus 4a returns to step S117. If the determination in step S117 is NO, the control for changing the tip interval (L and l) by the tip interval control unit KK is resumed. Therefore, as long as the determination in step S117 is NO, the control of the tip interval (L and l) is repeated without turning the tip interval control flag OFF.

  By repeating such control in the tip interval control unit KK, the tip interval (L and l) is increased in small increments according to the specified dimension value when updating the tip interval setting values (LM and 1M). It is changed (controlled) in stages (1.00 mm or less, for example, 0.01 mm). Thereby, a rapid fluctuation of the molding pressure P is suppressed. Therefore, the abnormality detection in the pressure control unit 51 is avoided, and the possibility that the operation of the tableting machine 2 is stopped due to the abnormality detection can be avoided.

  If the determination in step S126 is NO, the control device 4a returns to the start and continues control.

  On the other hand, when the determination in step S125 is NO (when PM = PMa is not satisfied, that is, when it is determined that the pressure control reference value needs to be updated), the control device 4a performs steps S127 to S127 shown in FIG. A control pressure value update unit (control pressure value update means) PK having step S135 is executed. The pressure control reference value PM is changed step by step by the control pressure value update unit PK that executes the control pressure value update step, and the molding pressure is stepped by execution of feedback control of the tablet mass in the pressure control unit 51 associated therewith. And it is changed in stages.

  That is, the determination in step S127, which constitutes a first pressure control reference value determination means (first pressure control reference value determination step), is performed. In step S127, it is determined whether or not the pressure control reference value (current value) PM of the pressure control unit 51 is greater than the pressure control reference calculation value PMa.

  When the determination in step S127 is YES (when PM> PMa), step S128 is performed by the control device 4a as second pressure control reference value determination means (second pressure control reference value determination step). In this step S128, it is determined whether or not the monomial value (absolute value) of (PM-PMa) is smaller than the specified pressure value. That is, step S128 determines whether or not a value (absolute value) obtained by subtracting the pressure control reference calculation value PMa from the pressure control reference value (current value) PM of the pressure control unit 51 is smaller than the specified pressure value.

  In this case, the specified pressure value is preferably set to 10.00 kN or less, for example, 0.30 kN in the pattern determination unit, but is not limited thereto. The specified pressure value is more preferably a pressure fluctuation value [value determined by (specified dimension value × a2 / a3)] based on the step-by-step change in the specified dimension value of the tip interval. . The pressure fluctuation value obtained by this (specified dimension value × a2 / a3) is, for example, the pressure fluctuation generated by changing the tip interval by 0.01 mm when the specified dimension value set in the pattern discrimination unit is 0.01 mm. Value.

  If the determination in step S128 is YES (that is, if the difference between the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is smaller than the specified pressure value), the control device 4a causes the second control pressure value updating means (first Step S131 which performs (2 control pressure value update process) is performed. By this step S131, the pressure control reference value (current value) PM is updated with the pressure control reference calculated value PMa, and each control pressure value of the pressure control unit 51 is updated based on the updated pressure control reference value PM. .

  By such update processing, the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculated value PMa obtained by calculation can be made to coincide with each other accurately, and the calculation processing program can be prevented from falling into an infinite loop.

  If the determination in step S128 is NO (that is, if the difference between the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is greater than the specified pressure value), the control device 4a causes the first control pressure value updating means (first Step S129 which performs (1 control pressure value update process) is executed. In step S129, the pressure control reference value (current value) PM is updated with the calculated value of (pressure control reference value PM−specified pressure value), and each control pressure value of the pressure control unit 51 is set based on the pressure control reference value PM. Updated to decrease.

  If the determination in step S127 is NO (when PM <PMa), the control device 4a executes step S130 which constitutes third pressure control reference value determination means (third pressure control reference value determination step), and then performs step S128. Make a similar decision. In this step S130, it is determined whether or not the monomial value (absolute value) of PM-PMa is smaller than the specified pressure value. That is, it is determined in step S130 whether or not the difference between the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculation value PMa is smaller than the specified pressure value.

  If the determination in step S130 is YES, the control device 4a executes step S131. If the determination in step S130 is NO (that is, if the difference between the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is greater than the specified pressure value), the control device 4a causes the third control pressure value updating means (first Step S132 which performs (3 control pressure value update process) is executed.

  In step S132, control is performed to increase the pressure control reference value PM, contrary to the control in step S129. That is, in step S132, the pressure control reference value PM is updated with the calculated value of (pressure control reference value PM + specified pressure value), and each control pressure value of the pressure control unit 51 is increased based on the pressure control reference value PM. Updated to

  When step S129, step S131, or step S132 ends, step S133, which constitutes a second measurement start determination means (second measurement start determination step), is executed by the control device 4a. By this step S133, an operation for measuring the rotation of the turntable 11 is started. Thereafter, the control device 4a makes a determination in step S134 which constitutes a second rotational speed determination means (second rotational speed determination step). In step S134, it is determined whether or not the measured rotation (n rotation) of the turntable 11 has reached the set rotation speed (PV). This determination is repeated until YES is obtained.

  If the determination in step S134 is YES, the control device 4a executes step S135 that constitutes a second measurement ending means (second measurement ending step). By this step S135, the operation of measuring the rotation of the turntable 11 is completed. When step S135 ends, the program of the control device 4a returns to step S117 of the tip interval control unit KK. For this reason, when the determination in step S117 is NO, the control for changing the tip interval by the tip interval control unit KK is resumed. Thus, if the determination in step S126 is YES, the process returns to step S117. As long as the determination in step S117 is NO, the control of the tip interval is repeated, and as long as the determination in step S125 is NO, the pressure control unit 51 Since the update of the pressure control reference value PM is repeated, every change in the tip interval and the molding pressure is performed step by step.

  In this case, as described above, the tip distance control unit KK changes the tip distances L and l in small steps (1.00 mm or less, for example, 0.01 mm) in a stepwise manner according to the updated values of the tip distance setting values 1M and LM. (Control. Thereby, a rapid fluctuation of the molding pressure P is suppressed. Therefore, the abnormality detection in the pressure control unit 51 is avoided, and the possibility that the operation of the tableting machine 2 due to the abnormality detection is stopped can be avoided.

  At the same time, the pressure control reference value PM is also changed in small steps. That is, when the difference between the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculation value PMa is smaller than the specified pressure value in steps S127 to S132, the pressure control reference value PM is calculated with the already calculated pressure control reference calculation value PMa. Is controlled to update. When the difference between the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is larger than the specified pressure value, the pressure control reference value PM is updated with the value of the pressure control reference calculated value PMa calculated according to the specified pressure value. Control is performed.

  Thereby, rapid fluctuations in the molding pressure P are suppressed by small and stepwise control accompanying the update of the pressure control reference value PM. Therefore, the abnormality detection in the pressure control unit 51 is avoided, and the possibility that the operation of the tableting machine 2 due to the abnormality detection is stopped can be avoided.

  The control pattern 4 (W single control) described above does not include control of tablet hardness, which will be described later, and also does not include control of tablet thickness. Therefore, each of the tip interval calculation values lMa and LMa is the tip. This is the same as the interval set values 1M and LM, and therefore the tip interval is not changed.

  Therefore, in the control pattern 4, the pressure control standard calculated value PMa calculated from the calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when the mass average value Wx is controlled to be the mass control standard calculated value WMa and the molding pressure average value Px is the tablet. Feedback control based on the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure control unit 51 updated with the value of the pressure control reference calculation value PMa. FBC). Here, the FBC means that the signal output corresponding to the pressure control reference value (current value) PM set in the pressure control unit 51 is supplied to the track lifting / lowering motor 19a of the track lifting / lowering mechanism 19 and the lower arm 16 Is a control for correcting the mass of a tablet (molded product) by changing the height position of the tablet.

  The control pattern 6 (T single control) of the first embodiment will be described below.

  When the pattern discriminating unit selects not to control the mass of the tablet in step S1 and not to control the hardness of the tablet in step S13, the control device 4a controls the control pattern 6 (T single control). Is selected, and only the thickness control for the tablets manufactured by continuous operation of the tablet press 2 is executed.

  The control procedure by the control pattern 6 is the same as the control by the control pattern 4, but as described above, in the control pattern 6, the correlation coefficients a4 and a5 are not used according to the selection of the control pattern by the pattern discrimination unit. Only the correlation coefficients a to a3 are used in the calculation process.

  For this reason, the calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa calculated in step S109 is replaced with the mass control reference value replaced by the calculated mass Wa value obtained by the calculated mass calculation unit in step S104 in the second control reference value update unit in step S108. It is a pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed using the calculated value WMa.

  In other words, in step S108, the mass control reference calculated value WMa is replaced with the value of the calculated mass Wa obtained by the equation (11) Wa = Wx + (PM−Px) / a used in the calculation of step S104. 11) can be replaced by WMa = Wx + (PM−Px) / a. Substituting this mass control reference calculated value WMa into the equation (12) PWa = a (WMa−Wx) used in the calculation of step S109, PWa = a [Wx + (PM−Px) / a−Wx] and PWa = PM -Can be organized as Px. Similarly, if this first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa is substituted into the equation (17) PMa = Px + PWa + PTa used in the calculation of step S115, PMa = Px + PM−Px + PTa and PMa = PM + PTa can be arranged.

  For this reason, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa obtained through step S104 and steps S108 and S109 can be obtained simply as the difference between the pressure control reference value PM and the molding pressure average value Px. Therefore, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa can be obtained regardless of the mass average value Wx obtained every sampling and the calculated mass Wa obtained in step S104.

  That is, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa in the control pattern 6 is a pressure fluctuation value when the mass is not controlled. As described above, when the pressure control reference value PMa obtained in step S115 is subjected to thickness control with the pressure control reference value PM (current value) by the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa obtained in step S109 via step S108. This is equal to the value obtained from the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa, and only the tablet thickness is controlled.

  In the present invention, since “pressure control by FBC in the pressure controller 51” is premised, the FBC control in the pressure controller 51 also functions in the case of the control pattern 6 in which the mass of the tablet is not controlled. However, in this case, the pressure control reference value that is obtained and updated to control the thickness of the tablet, not the FBC control for maintaining the tablet mass at the mass control reference value WM (or the standard reference value WO). This is executed as FBC control (pressure control) based on PM. The same applies to the case where the thickness and hardness are controlled (in the case of TH control of the control pattern 5 described later, which does not include mass control).

  On the other hand, since the correlation coefficient a3 is used in the control pattern 6, the total value of the value obtained in a3 (TMa-Ta) and the tip interval setting value LM at the main pressure position in the calculation of step S111 is calculated. It is obtained as the tip distance calculated value LMa at the main pressure position when the thickness Ta is set to the thickness control reference calculated value TMa (when the thickness is controlled). Similarly, in the calculation of step S111, the sum of the value obtained in a3 (TMa-Ta) and the tip interval setting value 1M at the preload position makes the calculated thickness Ta the thickness control reference calculated value TMa ( It is obtained as the tip distance calculation value lMa at the preload position (when the thickness is controlled).

  The tip interval setting values 1M and LM are updated little by little by the tip interval control unit KK. The preload interval adjusting mechanism 24 is controlled so as to have the updated tip interval setting value 1M in this way, so that the tip interval at the preload position is changed and the updated tip interval setting value LM is obtained. The main pressure interval adjusting mechanism 28 is controlled to change the tip interval at the main pressure position.

  Therefore, in the control pattern 6, as described above, a molded product having a mass (calculated mass Wa) corresponding to the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure controller 51 is produced. In this case, the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is obtained from the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa, the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa, and the molding pressure average value Px of the molded product as described above, and is obtained at each sampling. The calculated mass Wa is held, and only the tablet thickness is controlled according to the update of the pressure control reference value PM commensurate with the update of the tip interval setting value.

  In this control, tablets (molded products) having a mass (calculated mass Wa) corresponding to the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure control unit 51 are produced as described above. In this case, the calculated mass Wa corresponding to the pressure control reference value PM is obtained in step S104, the mass control reference calculated value WMa is replaced with the calculated mass Wa value in step S108, and the first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculation in step S109 is further performed. Means to obtain a calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa (first calculated pressure fluctuation value) when the mass average value Wx is controlled to the mass control reference calculated value WMa (the same value as the calculated mass Wa). The pressure control reference calculated value calculation means calculates the pressure control reference calculated value from the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa, the above-described second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa obtained in step S112, and the molding pressure average value Px of the sampling tablet. Find PMa. Thereby, only the thickness of the tablet is controlled in accordance with the update of the pressure control reference value PM commensurate with the update of the tip interval setting value, while maintaining the calculated mass Wa that is obtained every sampling.

  As described above, the control pattern 6 is executed under the condition where it is selected not to control the mass of the tablet in step S1 of the pattern discriminating unit, and under the condition where the hardness of the tablet is not controlled in step S13. The For this reason, the change of the tip interval based on the tip interval calculated values lMa and LMa calculated in step S111 (more precisely, the change of the tip interval in consideration of the correction in the tip interval control unit KK), and the step Control of the tablet thickness is performed by changing the control pressure value based on the pressure control reference calculation value PMa calculated in S115 (more precisely, by changing the control pressure value taking into account the update at the control pressure value update unit PK). . Thereby, only thickness control with respect to the tablet manufactured is performed.

  The control pattern 2 (WT control) of the first embodiment will be described below. When control pattern 2 (WT control) is selected under the condition that the pattern discriminating unit has selected not to control tablet hardness in step S3, control device 4a is manufactured by continuous operation of tablet press 2. Control the mass and thickness of the tablets to be produced.

  In this control pattern 2, the correlation coefficients a4 and a5 are not used, and the correlation coefficients a to a3 are used in the arithmetic processing.

  Therefore, the tip spacing at the preload position is controlled and the tip spacing at the main pressure position is controlled by steps S121a to 121c in the tip spacing control unit KK. At the same time, the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure control unit 51 is updated and each control pressure value is updated by step S129, step S131, or step S132 in the control pressure value update unit PK. As a result, the height position of the lower punch 16 is changed via the trajectory elevating mechanism 19, feedback control (FBC) for correcting the mass of the tablet (molded product) is performed, and the thickness and mass of the tablet are controlled. Is called.

  Briefly described, the molding pressure fluctuates due to the change in the tip interval setting values 1M and LM as described above by the operation control system executed in steps S109 to S126 not including the control of the tablet hardness. Thus, it can be controlled so that the mass of the tablet does not change.

  Therefore, first, when the mass control is performed (when the sampled tablet mass average value Wx is set to the mass control reference calculation value WMa), the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa is set between the molding pressure P and the mass W. The thickness fluctuation value when the mass control is performed is obtained using the TW correlation coefficient a1 established between the thickness T and the mass W. The calculated thickness Ta of the tablet is obtained from the thickness variation value and the thickness average value Tx. Next, when the thickness control is performed (when the calculated thickness Ta is set to the thickness control reference calculation value TMa), the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa is established between the molding pressure P and the thickness T and the PT phase relationship. While calculating using the number a2, and calculating the tip spacing variation value when the thickness is controlled using the LT correlation coefficient a3 established between the tip spacing and the thickness, this tip spacing variation The tip distance calculation values LMa and lMa are obtained from the value and the tip distance setting values LM and 1M, respectively. Thereafter, the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is obtained from the molding pressure average value Px, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa by mass control, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa by thickness control. Further, the tip interval setting values LM and 1M are updated with the tip interval calculation values LMa and lMa, respectively, to control the tip interval, and the pressure control reference value PM is updated with the value of the pressure control reference calculation value PMa. Then, each control pressure value is updated, and the molding pressure P is controlled with each updated control pressure value.

  According to such control, during the continuous operation of the tableting machine 2, the tips L and l are controlled in accordance with the thickness control that corrects fluctuations such as a decrease in tablet thickness, and the updated pressure control reference value PM Is used as a reference, and the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the die 12 is adjusted.

  The control pattern 2 selected not to control the tablet hardness in step S3 of the pattern determination unit is a feedback control based on the pressure control reference calculation value PMa commensurate with the mass control and thickness control calculated in step S115, A tablet is manufactured according to the control of the mass and thickness of the tablet by the control of the tip distance based on the tip distance calculation values LMa and lMa calculated in step S111.

  The control pattern 1 (WTH control) in the first embodiment will be described below.

  Next, when the determination in step S105 shown in FIG. 4 is YES, that is, the control procedure when it is determined that the control pattern selected by the pattern determination unit includes control of the hardness of the tablet, First, the case where the control pattern 1 (WTH control) is selected by the pattern determination unit will be described with reference to FIGS. In the control pattern 1, all of the correlation coefficients a to a5 are used in the calculation process as described below.

  If the determination in step S105 is YES, the control device 4a executes step S137 which constitutes third control reference calculated value update means (third control reference calculated value update step). Step S137 shown in FIG. 7 is provided in order to ensure the consistency of the subsequent arithmetic processing, similarly to step S106.

  In step S137, a process for replacing the corresponding control reference calculation value with each reference value (each standard reference value) is performed. In other words, the tablet mass control standard calculated value WMa is the tablet mass standard value WO, the tablet thickness standard TO value is the tablet thickness control standard calculated value TMa, and the tablet hardness standard value HO is the tablet. The hardness control reference calculation values HMa are replaced respectively. At this time, the mass reference value WO and the mass control reference calculation value WMa are the same value, the thickness reference value TO and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa are the same value, and the hardness reference value HO and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa are the same value. .

  Next, the control device 4a makes a determination in step S138 which constitutes a control pattern third selection means (control pattern third selection step). In step S138, it is determined whether any one of the control patterns 1 and 3 is selected.

  If either one of the control patterns 1 and 3 is selected by the pattern determination unit, the determination in step S138 is YES. In response to this, the control device 4a executes the first calculated hardness determination unit (first calculated hardness determination means) WK1 that includes the steps S140 and S141 and calculates the calculated hardness Ha of the tablet.

That is, first, step S140 which constitutes a first calculated hardness calculating means (first calculated hardness calculating step) is executed. Step S140 includes a hardness fluctuation value (this is referred to as a first hardness fluctuation value) when mass control is performed (when mass average value Wx is set to mass control reference calculation value WMa), and when thickness control is performed (thickness average). The calculated hardness Ha of the tablet is obtained by the following equation from the hardness fluctuation value (this is called the second hardness fluctuation value) when the value Tx is set to the thickness control reference calculation value TMa and the hardness average value Hx.
Ha = Hx + [(WMa−Wx) / a5] + [(TMa−Tx) / a4] (18)

  In this formula (18), Hx is the hardness average value of the sampling tablets, a5 is the WH correlation coefficient, and the value calculated by [(WMa-Wx) / a5] is the first hardness variation value. In addition, Tx of the sampling tablet is an average thickness value, a4 is a TH correlation coefficient, and a value calculated by [(TMa-Tx) / a4] is a second hardness variation value. Therefore, in equation (18), the hardness average value Hx, the first hardness variation value, and the second hardness variation value are summed to obtain the calculated hardness Ha.

  Next, the control device 4a makes a determination in step S141 which constitutes a calculated hardness first determining means (calculated hardness first determining step). The determination in step S141 is based on the following two phenomena. The first is that the thickness T of the tablets to be produced is the same, in other words, the hardness of the tablets to be produced if the control is performed to reduce the mass W of the tablets under the condition that the tip spacing of the tablet press 2 is kept constant. This is a phenomenon that H decreases. Second, if the tablet thickness T is increased under the condition that the mass W of the manufactured tablet is kept constant, in other words, the hardness of the manufactured tablet is controlled by increasing the gap between the tips of the tablet press 2. This is a phenomenon that H decreases.

  Based on this premise, step S141 determines whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is appropriate (the tablet hardness can be maintained within the standard range for production). That is, step S141 determines whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range by each control reference value correction to the upper limit value or lower limit value of each control reference value correction range of mass, thickness, and hardness. .

Whether or not the above-described calculated hardness Ha is within the hardness controllable range can be determined based on the following two equations.
HOL <Ha + [(WOH−WMa) / a5] + [(TOL−TMa) / a4]
HOH> Ha-[(WMa-WOL) / a5]-[(TMa-TOH) / a4]
Further, each of the two expressions can be converted as follows.

HOL-[(WOH-WMa) / a5]-[(TOL-TMa) / a4 <Ha]
Ha <HOH + [(WMa-WOL) / a5] + [(TMa-TOH) / a4]
From this, HOL-[(WOH-WMa) / a5]-[(TOL-TMa) / a4] <Ha <HOH + [(WMa-WOL) / a5] + [(TMa-TOH) / It can be determined by substituting the equation of a4].

  Here, HOL − [(WOH−WMa) / a5] − [(TOL−TMa) / a4] is defined as the lower limit value HL of the hardness controllable range, and HOH + [(WMa−WOL) / a5] + [(TMa− TOH) / a4] is the upper limit value HH of the possible hardness range, the lower limit value HL of the hardness controllable range in step S141 is calculated by the following equation.

HL = HOL-[(WOH-WMa) / a5]-[(TOL-TMa) / a4]
The upper limit value HH of the hardness controllable range in step S141 is calculated by the following equation.

HH = HOH + [(WMa-WOL) / a5] + [(TMa-TOH) / a4]
In these equations, HOL is the lower limit value of the tablet hardness control reference value correction range, HOH is the upper limit value of the tablet hardness control reference value correction range, WOL is the lower limit value of the tablet mass control reference value correction range, and WOH is the tablet. The upper limit value of the mass control reference value correction range, TOL is the lower limit value of the tablet thickness control reference value correction range, TOH is the upper limit value of the tablet thickness control reference value correction range, a5 is the WH correlation coefficient, a4 is a TH correlation coefficient.

  Therefore, step S141 determines whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is appropriate (it is possible to produce the tablet while keeping the tablet hardness within the standard range) by the formula of HL <Ha <HH.

  If the determination in step S141 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is outside the range of hardness controllable by correcting the control reference calculation values for mass, thickness, and hardness), all control reference calculation values for mass, thickness, and hardness are corrected. Even so, the hardness of the tablets to be produced cannot be controlled within the standard range. In this case, step S146 is performed by the control device 4a as a notification / stop unit (notification / stop unit step). As a result, a signal for reporting an abnormality (abnormal signal) is output, and for example, the operation of the tableting machine 2 is stopped.

  If the determination in step S141 is YES, the control device 4a makes a determination in step S151 which constitutes a correction destination first determination means (correction destination first determination step) shown in FIG. In step S151, it is determined whether or not the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “hardness”.

  If the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is not “hardness”, the determination in step S151 is NO, and therefore the control device 4a performs correction destination second determination means (correction destination second determination step) in step S161. Judgment is made. In step S161, it is determined whether or not the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “thickness”.

  If the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is not “thickness”, the determination in step S161 is NO, and therefore the control device 4a performs correction destination third determination means (correction destination third determination step) in step S171. Judgment is made. In step S171, it is determined whether or not the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “mass”. Note that these steps S151, S161, and S171 are not means for determining whether or not all are within the hardness controllable range, but are means for determining what is the first correction destination of the control reference calculated value. is there.

  If the determination in step S171 is NO, that is, it is determined that none of the control standard calculation values of hardness, thickness, and mass are set (registered) as the first correction destination according to the order set by the input means. In this case, the control by the control device 4a cannot be performed. For this reason, step S146 is executed by the control device 4a to output a signal notifying abnormality (abnormal signal) and to stop the operation of the tableting machine 2, for example. Note that such an option is not actually possible because the correction order of the control reference calculation value is registered in advance in step S4.

  If the determination in step S151 is YES (the first correction destination of the control reference calculated value is hardness), the control device 4a performs the calculated hardness third determining means (calculated hardness third determining step) in step S152. Judgment is made. In this step S152, it is determined whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the hardness control reference calculated value HMa.

Here, the hardness controllable range is defined by the following equation.
HMa-kh (HMa-HOL) ≦ Ha ≦ HMa + kh (HOH-HMa)
In this equation, kh is a hardness correction coefficient when correcting the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, and is set to an arbitrary value between 0.01 and 1.00. The hardness correction coefficient kh is preferably less than 1.00.

When the hardness correction coefficient kh is 1.00, the hardness controllable range is as follows.
HOL ≦ Ha ≦ HOH
If the determination in step S152 is YES (calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the hardness control reference calculation value HMa), the control device 4a causes the first hardness control reference calculation value updating means (first hardness). Step S153 which performs the control reference calculated value update step) is executed. This step S153 updates the hardness control reference calculated value HMa with the value of the calculated hardness Ha in order to ensure consistency in the subsequent calculation processing.

  Thereafter, the program stored in the control device 4a supplies the hardness control reference calculation value HMa updated in step S153 to the step S109. Therefore, when step S152 is determined to be YES, step S109 to step S126 are executed through step S153. Thereby, the hardness of the manufactured tablet is maintained within the standard range, and the tablet is manufactured.

  If the determination in step S152 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is outside the range of hardness controllable by correcting the hardness control reference calculated value HMa), the control device 4a uses the calculated hardness sixth determining means (calculated hardness sixth determining step). Step S154 is executed. Step S154 shown in FIG. 9 determines whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is smaller than the tablet hardness control reference calculated value HMa by the following equation.

HMa-kh (HMa-HOL)> Ha
If the determination in step S154 is YES (the calculated hardness Ha is smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa), the control device 4a causes the second hardness control reference calculation value update means (second hardness control reference calculation value update step) to be performed. Step S155 to be performed is executed. In step S155 shown in FIG. 9, the hardness control reference provisional value HMb of the tablet is obtained by the following equation using the hardness control reference calculated value HMa and the like.
HMb = HMa−kh (HMa−HOL) (19)

  At the same time, step S155 updates the hardness control reference calculated value HMa with the calculated hardness control reference provisional value HMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing. That is, in step S155, when the calculated hardness Ha is smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, the hardness correction coefficient used in step S152 is added to the difference between the lower limit value HOL of the hardness control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa. A provisional hardness control reference value HMb is obtained from the value multiplied by kh and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is updated with the value of the hardness control reference provisional value HMb. A process of reducing the reference calculation value HMa is performed.

  In this process, in the correction according to the case where the hardness correction coefficient kh is set to be less than 1.00, the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is not reduced at a stretch to the full range within the allowable range, but is processed by the hardness correction coefficient kh. In accordance with the correction, the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is reduced below the limit. In the correction according to the case where the hardness correction coefficient kh is set to 1.00, the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is reduced at a stroke to the full limit of the allowable range.

If the determination in step S154 is NO (calculated hardness Ha is greater than hardness control reference calculation value HMa), the controller 4a uses the second hardness control reference calculation value update means (second hardness control reference calculation value update step). A certain step S156 is executed. In step S156 shown in FIG. 9, the hardness control reference provisional value HMb of the tablet is obtained by the following equation using the hardness control reference calculated value HMa and the like.
HMb = HMa + kh (HOH−HMa) (Equation 20)

  At the same time, step S156 updates the hardness control reference calculated value HMa with the calculated hardness control reference provisional value HMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing. That is, in step S156, when the calculated hardness Ha is larger than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, the difference between the upper limit value HOH of the hardness control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is added to the hardness correction coefficient used in step S152. A provisional hardness control reference value HMb is obtained from the value multiplied by kh and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is updated with the value of the hardness control reference provisional value HMb. Processing to increase the reference calculation value HMa is performed.

  In this process, in the correction according to the case where the hardness correction coefficient kh is set to be less than 1.00, the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is not increased at a stretch to the full limit within the allowable range, but by the hardness correction coefficient kh. According to the correction, the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is increased below the limit. In the correction according to the case where the hardness correction coefficient kh is set to 1.00, the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is increased at a stretch to the full limit of the allowable range.

  As described above, in the correction of the hardness control standard calculation value HMa calculated by the calculated hardness correction unit (calculated hardness correction means) HKA formed in steps S154 to S156 and executing the calculated hardness correction step, the tablet hardness control reference The hardness control reference calculation value HMa is updated so that the calculation value HMa does not fall outside the hardness control reference value correction range. However, the correction of the hardness control reference calculation value HMa cannot optimize the tablet hardness according to the determination in step S152. For this reason, after the end of step S155 or step S156, the control device 4a determines the next correction destination in step S157 as correction destination fourth determination means (correction destination fourth determination step), and sets the correction destination as the correction destination. In step S155 or step S156, the hardness control reference calculated value HMa updated with the value of the hardness control reference provisional value HMb is supplied. The provisional hardness control reference value HMb is an arithmetic value for correcting (updating) the hardness control reference calculation value HMa.

  Specifically, step S157 determines whether or not the next correction destination is “mass”. Thereby, when the next correction destination is “mass” (when the determination in step S157 is YES), the control by the control device 4a proceeds to step S172 for determining the correction processing procedure of the mass control reference calculated value WMa. move on. When the next correction destination is not “mass” (when the determination in step S157 is NO), the control by the control device 4a proceeds to step S162 for determining the correction processing procedure of the thickness control reference calculation value TMa. The determination in step S157 (that is, whether the next correction is “mass” or “thickness”) is in accordance with the correction order of the control reference calculation values designated by the input means.

  When the determination in step S151 is NO and the determination in step S161 executed next is YES (the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is thickness), the control device 4a In step S162, the calculated hardness fourth determining means (calculated hardness fourth determining step) is performed. In step S162, it is determined whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the thickness control reference calculated value TMa.

Here, the hardness controllable range is defined by the following equation.
HMa-kt (TOL-TMa) / a4≤Ha≤HMa + kt (TMa-TOH) / a4
In this equation, kt is a thickness correction coefficient when correcting the thickness control reference calculation value TMa, and is set to an arbitrary value between 0.01 and 1.00. The thickness correction coefficient kt is preferably less than 1.00.

When the thickness correction coefficient kt is 1.00, the hardness controllable range is as follows.
HMa− (TOL−TMa) / a4 ≦ Ha ≦ HMa + (TMa−TOH) / a4
If the determination in step S162 is YES (the calculated hardness Ha is within the hardness controllable range by correcting the thickness control reference calculation value TMa), the control device 4a causes the first thickness control reference calculation value updating means (first thickness). Step S163 which performs a control reference calculated value update step) is executed.

In this step S163, the tablet thickness control reference provisional value TMb is obtained by the following equation using the thickness control reference calculation value TMa and the like.
TMb = TMa + a4 (HMa−Ha) (Expression (21))

  At the same time, step S163 updates the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the calculated thickness control reference provisional value TMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent calculation processing. In addition, the thickness control reference provisional value TMb is a calculation value for correcting (updating) the thickness control reference calculation value TMa.

  Thereafter, the program stored in the control device 4a supplies the thickness control reference calculation value TMa updated in step S163 to the calculation processing steps after step S109. Therefore, if it is determined that step S162 is YES (the calculated hardness Ha is within the range of hardness controllable by correcting the thickness control reference calculated value TMa), steps S109 to S126 are executed via step S163. Thereby, the hardness of the manufactured tablet is maintained within the standard range, and the tablet is manufactured.

  If the determination in step S162 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is outside the range of hardness controllable by correcting the thickness control reference calculated value TMa), the control device 4a uses the calculated hardness seventh determining means (calculated hardness seventh determining step). Step S164 is executed. Step S164 shown in FIG. 10 determines whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is smaller than the tablet hardness control reference calculated value HMa by the following equation.

HMa-kt (TOL-TMa) / a4> Ha
If the determination in step S164 is YES (calculated hardness Ha is smaller than hardness control reference calculated value HMa), the control device 4a causes the second thickness control reference calculated value update means (second thickness control reference calculated value update process) to be performed. Step S165 is performed. In step S165 shown in FIG. 10, the tablet thickness control reference provisional value TMb is obtained by the following equation using the thickness control reference calculated value TMa and the like.
TMb = TMa-kt (TMa-TOL) (Expression (22))

  At the same time, step S165 updates the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the calculated thickness control reference provisional value TMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing. That is, in step S165, when the calculated hardness Ha is smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, the thickness correction coefficient used in step S162 is added to the difference between the lower limit value TOL of the thickness control reference value correction range and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa. The thickness control reference provisional value TMb is obtained from the value multiplied by kt and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa, and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is updated with the value of the thickness control reference provisional value TMb. Processing to reduce the reference calculation value TMa is performed.

  In this processing, in the correction according to the case where the thickness correction coefficient kt is set to be less than 1.00, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is not reduced at a stroke to the full range within the allowable range, but is processed by the thickness correction coefficient kt. According to the correction, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is reduced to be smaller than the above limit. In the correction according to the case where the thickness correction coefficient kt is set to 1.00, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is reduced at a stretch to the full limit of the allowable range.

If the determination in step S164 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is greater than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa), the control device 4a uses the second thickness control reference calculation value update means (second thickness control reference calculation value update step). A certain step S166 is executed. In step S166 shown in FIG. 10, the tablet thickness control reference provisional value TMb is obtained by the following formula using the thickness control reference calculated value TMa and the like.
TMb = TMa + kt (TOH−TMa) (23)

  At the same time, step S166 updates the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the calculated thickness control reference provisional value TMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing. That is, in step S166, when the calculated hardness Ha is larger than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, the thickness correction used in step S162 is added to the difference between the upper limit value TOH of the thickness control reference value correction range and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa. The thickness control reference provisional value TMb is obtained from the value multiplied by the coefficient kt and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa, and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is updated with the value of the thickness control reference provisional value TMb. Processing to increase the control reference calculation value TMa is performed.

  In this processing, in the correction according to the case where the thickness correction coefficient kt is set to be less than 1.00, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is not increased at a stroke to the full range within the allowable range, but is processed by the thickness correction coefficient kt. According to the correction, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is increased below the limit. In the correction according to the case where the thickness correction coefficient kt is set to 1.00, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is increased at a stroke up to the limit of the allowable range.

  When step S165 or step S166 ends, the control device 4a executes step S167, which is the third calculated hardness calculating means (third calculated hardness calculating step), and a new calculated hardness Ha is obtained by the following equation. This formula is the same as the formula (18).

Ha = Hx + [(WMa−Wx) / a5] + [(TMa−Tx) / a4] (18)
As described above, in the correction of the calculated thickness control reference calculation value TMa by the calculated thickness correction unit (calculated thickness correction means) HKB formed in steps S164 to S167 and executing the calculated thickness correction step, the tablet thickness control reference is calculated. The thickness control reference calculated value TMa is updated so that the calculated value TMa does not deviate from the correction range of the thickness control reference value, and a new calculated hardness Ha is calculated using the updated thickness control reference calculated value TMa and the like. However, the hardness control based on the thickness change cannot optimize the hardness of the tablet according to the determination in step S162. For this reason, after the end of step S167, the control device 4a determines the next correction destination in step S168, which is the correction destination fifth determination means (correction destination fifth determination step), and sets the correction destination to step S165 or The thickness control reference calculated value TMa updated in step S166 and the calculated hardness Ha newly calculated in step S167 are supplied.

  Specifically, step S168 determines whether or not the next correction destination is “mass”. Thereby, when the next correction destination is “mass” (when the determination in step S168 is YES), the control by the control device 4a is a step for determining the correction processing procedure of the mass control reference calculated value WMa described later. The process proceeds to S172. When the next correction destination is not “mass” (when the determination in step S168 is NO), the control by the control device 4a proceeds to step S152 for determining the correction processing procedure of the hardness control reference calculated value HMa. . The determination in step S168 (that is, whether the next correction is “mass” or “hardness”) is in accordance with the correction order of the control reference calculation value designated by the input means.

  Along with the determination in step S161 being NO, step S171, which is executed next, determines whether or not the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “mass”. If the determination in step S171 is YES (the first correction destination of the control reference calculated value is mass), the control device 4a performs the calculated hardness fifth determining means (calculated hardness fifth determining step) in step S172. Judgment is made. In this step S172, it is determined whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the mass control reference calculated value WMa.

Here, the hardness controllable range is defined by the following equation.
HMa-kw (WOH-WMa) / a5≤Ha≤HMa + kw (WMa-WOL) / a5
In this equation, kw is a mass correction coefficient when correcting the mass control reference calculation value WMa, and is set to an arbitrary value between 0.01 and 1.00. The mass correction coefficient kw is preferably less than 1.00.

  When the mass correction coefficient kw is 1.00, the hardness controllable range is as follows.

HMa− (WOH−WMa) / a5 ≦ Ha ≦ HMa + (WMa−WOL) / a5
If the determination in step S172 is YES (the calculated hardness Ha is within the range of hardness controllable by correcting the mass control reference calculated value WMa), the control device 4a causes the first mass control reference calculated value updating means (first mass to be updated). Step S173 which performs a control reference calculated value update step) is executed.

In this step S173, the mass control reference provisional value WMb of the tablet is obtained by the following equation using the mass control reference calculated value WMa and the like.
WMb = WMa + a5 (HMa−Ha) (Expression (24))

  At the same time, step S173 updates the mass control reference calculated value WMa with the calculated mass control reference provisional value WMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing. The mass control reference provisional value WMb is a calculated value for correcting (updating) the mass control reference calculated value WMa.

  Thereafter, the program stored in the control device 4a supplies the mass control reference calculation value WMa updated in Step S173 to Step S109. Therefore, if it is determined that step S172 is YES (the calculated hardness Ha is outside the range of hardness controllable by correcting the mass control reference calculated value), the steps S109 to S126 are executed via step S173. Thereby, the hardness of the manufactured tablet is maintained within the standard range, and the tablet is manufactured.

  When step S172 determines NO (calculated hardness Ha is outside the range of hardness controllable by correcting the mass control reference calculated value), step S174, which is the calculated hardness eighth determining means, is executed by the control device 4a. Step S174 shown in FIG. 11 determines whether or not the calculated hardness Ha of the tablet is smaller than the hardness control reference calculated value HMa of the tablet by the following equation.

HMa-kw (WOH-WMa) / a5> Ha
If the determination in step S174 is YES (calculated hardness Ha is smaller than hardness control reference calculated value HMa), the control device 4a causes the second mass control reference calculated value updating means (second mass control reference calculated value updating step). Step S175 to be performed is executed. In step S175 shown in FIG. 11, the mass control reference provisional value WMb of the tablet is obtained by the following equation using the mass control reference calculated value WMa and the like.
WMb = WMa + kw (WOH−WMa) (Equation 25)

  At the same time, step S175 updates the mass control reference calculated value WMa with the calculated mass control reference provisional value WMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing. That is, in step S175, when the calculated hardness Ha is smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, the mass correction coefficient used in step S172 is added to the difference between the upper limit value WOH of the mass control reference value correction range and the mass control reference calculation value WMa. The mass control reference provisional value WMb is obtained from the value multiplied by kw and the mass control reference calculation value WMa, and the mass control reference calculation value WMa is updated with the value of the mass control reference provisional value WMb. Processing to increase the reference calculation value WMa is performed.

  In this processing, in the correction according to the case where the mass correction coefficient kw is set to be less than 1.00, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is not increased at a stretch to the full range within the allowable range, but by the mass correction coefficient kw. According to the correction, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is increased below the limit. In the correction according to the case where the mass correction coefficient kw is set to 1.00, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is increased at a stretch to the full limit of the allowable range.

If the determination in step S174 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is greater than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa), the control device 4a causes the second mass control reference calculation value update means (second mass control reference calculation value update step) to be performed. Step S176 to be performed is executed. In step S176 shown in FIG. 11, the mass control reference provisional value WMb of the tablet is obtained by the following formula using the mass control reference calculated value WMa and the like.
WMb = WMa−kw (WMa−WOL) (Formula (26))

  At the same time, step S176 updates the mass control reference calculation value WMa with the calculated mass control reference provisional value WMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent calculation processing. That is, in step S176, when the calculated hardness Ha is larger than the hardness control reference calculated value HMa, the mass correction coefficient used in step S172 is added to the difference between the lower limit value WOL of the mass control reference value correction range and the mass control reference calculated value WMa. The mass control reference provisional value WMb is obtained from the value multiplied by kw and the mass control reference calculation value WMa, and the mass control reference calculation value WMa is updated with the value of the mass control reference provisional value WMb. Processing to reduce the reference calculation value WMa is performed.

  In this process, in the correction according to the case where the mass correction coefficient kw is set to be less than 1.00, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is not reduced at a stretch to the full range within the allowable range, but the mass correction coefficient kw is used. According to the correction, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is reduced to be smaller than the above limit. In the correction according to the case where the mass correction coefficient kw is set to 1.00, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is reduced at a stroke to the full limit of the allowable range.

When step S175 or step S176 is completed, the control device 4a executes step S177, which is a fourth calculated hardness calculation means, and a new calculated hardness Ha is obtained by the following equation. This formula is the same as the formula (18).
Ha = Hx + [(WMa−Wx) / a5] + [(TMa−Tx) / a4] (18)

  As described above, in the correction of the mass control reference calculation value WMa calculated by the calculation mass correction unit (calculation mass correction means) HKC formed in steps S174 to S177 and executing the calculation mass correction process, the mass control reference calculation value The mass control reference calculation value WMa is updated so that the WMa does not deviate from the correction range of the mass control reference value, and a new calculated hardness Ha is calculated using the updated mass control reference calculation value WMa and the like. However, the hardness control based on such a mass change cannot optimize the hardness of the tablet according to the determination in step S172. For this reason, after the end of step S177, the control device 4a determines the next correction destination in step S178 which constitutes a correction destination sixth determination means, and the mass control updated in step S175 or step S176 to the correction destination. The reference calculated value WMa and the new calculated hardness Ha calculated in step S177 are supplied.

  Specifically, step S178 determines whether or not the next correction destination is “thickness”. Thereby, when the next correction destination is “thickness” (when the determination in step S178 is YES), the control by the control device 4a is step S162 for determining the correction processing procedure of the thickness control reference calculation value TMa. Proceed to When the next correction destination is not “thickness” (when the determination in step S178 is NO), the control by the control device 4a proceeds to step S152 for determining the correction processing procedure of the hardness control reference calculated value HMa. . The determination in step S178 (that is, whether the next correction is “thickness” or “hardness”) is in accordance with the correction order of the control reference calculation value designated by the input means.

  As described above, in control pattern 1 (WTH control), as the determination in step S152 becomes NO, steps S154 to S157 are executed to correct the hardness control reference calculation value HMa to obtain the hardness within the standard range. Is made. When it is determined in step S157 that the correction destination of the next control reference calculation value is “thickness” based on the correction of the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, and the determination in step S162 is NO, step S164 is performed. Step S168 is executed to correct the thickness control reference calculation value TMa for obtaining a hardness within the standard range. If it is determined in step S168 that the correction destination of the next control reference calculation value is “mass”, and if the determination in step S172 is NO, steps S174 to S178 are executed, and the hardness within the standard range Correction of the mass control reference calculation value WMa to obtain the above is performed. Further, the correction processing of each control reference calculated value described above is repeatedly performed according to the correction order of the control reference calculated value registered by the input means until either of step S152, step S162, or step S172 becomes YES. Is called. Thereby, the hardness H of the manufactured tablet is kept within the standard range.

  In this way, the tableting machine 2 controls the hardness of the tablets to be manufactured within the standard range (the hardness is within the standard range of the product) by the control in steps S137 to S178 that executes the hardness control system of the program stored in the control device 4a. It is possible to produce tablets. At the same time, the tableting machine 2 is continuously operated according to steps S109 to S126. Thereby, the tip interval is controlled, and the pressure control reference value (current value) set in the pressure controller 51 is updated. Therefore, it is possible to produce a tablet in which the hardness and the hardness are kept within the standard range.

  As described above, according to the tableting device 1 of the first embodiment, at least one of the mass, thickness, and hardness of the tablet produced by compressing the powder, for example, the mass and thickness, It is possible to provide a tableting device 1 that can be manufactured while being held within a standard range regardless of the temperature change of each part of the tableting machine 2 during continuous operation, and its operating method.

  In the case where each correction coefficient kh, kt, kw is 1.00, and the correction order of the control reference calculation values in the WTH control described above is 1st hardness, 2nd thickness, 3rd mass, As a result of the correction of the thickness control reference calculation value TMa, if the determination in step S168 is NO and the process proceeds to step S172, the determination in step S172 is always YES. The reason is that in step S141, if all the control standard calculated values of mass, thickness, and hardness are corrected to the upper limit value or the lower limit value, it is determined whether the calculated hardness Ha is within the standard range. This is because, in the case of YES, corrections were made in the correction order of the control standard calculation values of hardness H-thickness T-mass W.

  In the control described above, each of the correction factors (kh, kt, kw) for hardness, thickness, and mass is less than 1.00 so that excessively large control is not performed at one time when the tablet hardness is within the standard range. As described above, according to each of these correction factors, the control standard calculation values of hardness, thickness, and mass are corrected in small increments. As a result, it is not always necessary to make corrections up to the limit of the correction range of each control reference calculation value while suppressing fluctuations in the respective control reference values of hardness, thickness, and mass in hardness control to be small. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture tablets that are approximately similar to the respective standard reference values before the correction to the limit of the correction range, and it is possible to improve the quality of the tablets to be manufactured. In addition, although the value of each correction coefficient (kh, kt, kw) was made the same in 1st Embodiment, these may differ.

  In the above description, the correction order of each control reference calculation value in the selected control pattern 1 is the hardness H, the second is the thickness T, and the third is the mass W. In addition, it is possible to designate the correction order of the calculated control reference values as any of the order of description of HWT, the order of description of THW, the order of description of TWH, the order of description of WHT, and the order of description of WTH. And by designating one of these, the hardness control based on the correction of the control reference calculation values of the mass W, the thickness T, and the hardness H according to the correction order of each control reference calculation value was performed. The mass W, the thickness T, and the hardness H are obtained by updating the tip interval setting values 1M and LM and the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure control unit 51 to obtain the corrected control reference calculation values. It is possible to produce tablets that are kept within the product specification.

  The control pattern 5 (TH control) in the first embodiment will be described below. When the control pattern 5 (TH control) for controlling the tablet thickness T and the hardness H is selected, the correction order of the control reference calculation value in the hardness control unit HK is the thickness T, the second is the hardness H The pattern discriminating unit can designate (select) either the case where the first is hardness H or the case where the second is thickness T.

  When the control pattern 5 (TH control) is selected by the pattern determination unit, the determination in step S138 is NO. In response to this, the control device 4a executes step S142 shown in FIG. In this step S142, in order to ensure the consistency of the subsequent arithmetic processing, the mass control reference calculated value WMa is replaced with the calculated mass Wa value obtained in step S104. Step S142 constitutes fourth control reference calculated value update means (fourth control reference calculated value update step).

  Next, the control device 4a includes a step S144 and a step S145, and executes a second calculated hardness determination unit (second calculated hardness determination means) WK2 that calculates the calculated hardness Ha of the tablet.

That is, first, step S144 that constitutes second calculated hardness calculation means (second calculated hardness calculation step) is executed. In step S144, the same as step S140, when the mass control is performed (when the mass average value Wx is set to the mass control reference calculation value WMa), the hardness variation value (this is referred to as the first hardness variation value), and the thickness. From the hardness fluctuation value (this is called the second hardness fluctuation value) when the control is performed (when the thickness average value Tx is set to the thickness control reference calculation value TMa) and the hardness average value Hx, the calculated hardness Ha of the tablet is calculated. Obtained by the following equation.
Ha = Hx + [(WMa−Wx) / a5] + [(TMa−Tx) / a4] (18)
This equation (18) is the same as the equation used in step S140.

  Next, step S145 is performed by the control device 4a, which is the same as the calculated hardness second determining means (calculated hardness second determining step) similar to step S141. In step S145, it is determined whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is appropriate (can be produced while maintaining the tablet hardness within the standard range). That is, in step S145, it is determined whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range by correcting each control reference calculation value for thickness and hardness.

  However, since the mass control reference value is not corrected in the control pattern 5, hardness control by correcting the mass control reference calculated value WMa to the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the mass control reference value correction range is not included.

  Whether or not the above-described calculated hardness Ha is within the hardness controllable range can be determined based on the following two equations.

HOL <Ha + (TOL-TMa) / a4
HOH> Ha- (TMa-TOH) / a4
Further, each of the two expressions can be converted as follows.

HOL- (TOL-TMa) / a4 <Ha
Ha <HOH + (TMa-TOH) / a
From this, it can be judged by substituting the equation HOL- (TOL-TMa) / a4 <Ha <HOH + (TMa-TOH) / a4 shown in step S145.

Here, when HOL− (TOL−TMa) / a4 is the lower limit value HL of the hardness controllable range and HOH + (TMa−TOH) / a4 is the upper limit value HH of the hardness controllable range,
The lower limit value HL of the hardness controllable range in step S145 is calculated by the following equation.
HL = HOL− (TOL−TMa) / a4
The upper limit value HH of the hardness controllable range in step S145 is calculated by the following equation.
HH = HOH + (TMa-TOH) / a4
In these equations, HOL is the lower limit value of the tablet hardness control reference value correction range, HOH is the upper limit value of the tablet hardness control reference value correction range, TOL is the lower limit value of the tablet thickness control reference value correction range, and TOH is the tablet Is the upper limit value of the thickness control reference value correction range, and a4 is a TH correlation coefficient.

  Therefore, step S145 determines whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is appropriate (it is possible to produce the tablet while keeping the hardness of the tablet within the standard range) by an expression of HL <Ha <HH.

  The fact that the judgment in step S145 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is outside the range of hardness controllable by correcting the control values calculated for thickness and hardness) is manufactured even if the control reference values for thickness and hardness are corrected. This means that it is impossible to control the hardness of the tablet to be within the standard range. In this case, step S146 is executed by the control device 4a. As a result, a signal (abnormal signal) for notifying abnormality is output and, for example, the operation of the tableting machine 2 is stopped.

  The fact that the judgment in step S145 is YES (the calculated hardness Ha is within the hardness controllable range by correcting the thickness and hardness control reference calculation values) is manufactured by correcting the thickness and hardness control reference values. This means that it is possible to control the hardness of the tablet to be within the standard range. In this case, the control device 4a controls the hardness control unit (hardness control means) HK shown in FIG. 8 according to the order of correction destinations of the various control reference calculated values that have already been input.

  In the control by the hardness control system under the condition that the control pattern 5 (TH control) in the first embodiment is selected, the calculated hardness correction unit HKA that executes the processes of steps S152 to S157, and steps S162 to S162 The calculated thickness correction unit HKB that executes each step of S168 is executed. These controls are the same as those already described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 in the control pattern 1, and thus description thereof is omitted here to avoid duplication. However, in the control pattern 5, Steps S172 to S178 related to the calculated mass correction unit HKC are not executed.

  For this reason, on the basis of the designation of the correction rank of one of the control reference calculated values, the hardness control based on the correction of the control reference calculated values of the thickness T and the hardness H according to the correction rank is performed. Thus, the tablet thickness and hardness are controlled by updating the tip interval setting values 1M and LM and the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure control unit 51.

  Thereby, according to the control pattern 5, it is possible to manufacture the tablet in which the thickness T and the hardness H are maintained within the standard range of the product.

  The control pattern 3 (WH control) in the first embodiment will be described below.

  In the control pattern 3 (WH control) for controlling the mass W and hardness H of the tablet, the correction ranking of the control reference calculation value in the hardness control unit HK is the mass W, the second is the hardness H, The case where the first is the hardness H and the second is the mass W can be specified in the pattern discrimination unit.

  In the control by the hardness control system under the condition that the control pattern 3 is selected, the calculated hardness correction unit HKA that executes the processes of steps S152 to S157 and the calculated mass correction that executes the processes of steps S172 to S178. The unit HKC is executed. These controls are the same as those already described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 11 in the control pattern 1, and thus are not described here in order to avoid redundant description. However, in the control pattern 3, steps S162 to S168 relating to the calculated thickness correction unit HKB are not executed.

  For this reason, on the basis of the designation of the correction rank of any control reference calculation value, the hardness control based on the correction of the control reference calculation values of the mass W and the hardness H according to the rank is performed. Thus, pressure control is performed to change the mass by updating the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure control unit 51.

  Thereby, according to the control pattern 3, it is possible to manufacture a tablet in which the mass W and the hardness H are maintained within the standard range of the product.

  In the manufacture of the tablets described above, for the control pattern including control of the mass of the tablet, for example, control pattern 2 (WT control), the mass W and thickness T of the manufactured tablet are held at the respective control reference values, and the tablet is controlled. Can be manufactured.

  The following is a brief description. First, the cause of mass fluctuation will be described. Since the tip spacing changes so as to be narrowed by thermal expansion caused by the temperature rise of each part of the tableting machine 2 accompanying the continuous operation of the tableting machine 2, the molding pressure increases accordingly. Thereby, the feedback control by the pressure control unit 51 performs control to reduce the molding pressure (that is, control to reduce the mass) even if the mass of the tablet does not increase. As a result, the mass may not be kept within the standard range. In addition, when the temperature of the tableting machine 2 is increased, the binding property of the powder may be increased depending on the physical properties of the powder to be compressed. In this case, even if molding is performed while keeping the tip interval constant, the molding pressure decreases. Along with this, the pressure control unit 51 performs control to increase the molding pressure, so that the mass may increase and the mass may not be maintained within the standard range.

  On the other hand, according to the tableting device 1 of the first embodiment, at least one of the mass W, the thickness T, and the hardness H of the tablet produced by compressing the powder, for example, the mass W and the thickness T, It is possible to provide a rotary tableting device 1 capable of producing tablets while being held within a standard range regardless of a temperature change of each part of the tableting machine 2 due to continuous operation of the tableting machine 2 and its operating method. is there. In other words, by automatically controlling the tip interval in the operation control system of the program stored in the control device 4a described above, the tablet is controlled regardless of the temperature change of each part of the tableting machine 2 accompanying the continuous operation of the tableting machine 2. The thickness T can be kept within the standard range. Along with this, the tablet W is manufactured by maintaining the mass W of the tablet within the standard range by controlling the operation control system that automatically updates the pressure control reference value (current value) set in the pressure control unit 51. Is possible.

  Moreover, according to the tableting device 1 of the first embodiment, in addition to being able to control the tablet mass W, thickness T and hardness H by the operation control system, respectively, the tablet mass W and thickness. T, or the tablet mass W and hardness H, or the tablet thickness T and hardness H can be controlled in accordance with each combination, and the tablet mass W can be controlled individually. It is also possible to control the tablet thickness T independently.

  Further, since the tableting device 1 of the first embodiment can use the flowcharts responsible for control of a plurality of control patterns, specifically, the control patterns 1 to 6 described above, There is an advantage that it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated flowchart.

  Next, a rotary powder compression molding apparatus and a method for operating the same according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the following description, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment or the configuration of the second embodiment having the same function as the first embodiment is denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. . In this second embodiment, the basic data acquisition procedure and the basic data acquisition unit for executing this procedure are the same as in the first embodiment. For this reason, the procedure for obtaining each correlation coefficient by the calculation in the basic data acquisition unit is also the same as that in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is also omitted. Together with this, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and the flowchart used in the description of the first embodiment as necessary.

  In the second embodiment, control for maintaining each of the mass W, the thickness T, and the hardness H within the standard range is performed by correcting the control standard calculation values for the mass W, the thickness T, and the hardness H of the tablet in a specified order. It is possible to manufacture a tablet by selecting one of control pattern 1 (WTH control) to be performed and control pattern 2 (WT control) for controlling the mass W and thickness T of the tablet to each control reference value. And the point which has the pattern discrimination | determination part corresponding to this differs from 1st Embodiment. Therefore, the tableting device 1 according to the second embodiment can select one of the two control patterns 1 and 2 and prepares a separate flowchart corresponding to each of the two control patterns 1 and 2. This is different from the first embodiment.

  The pattern discriminating unit in the control device 4a in the second embodiment is shown in FIG.

  The pattern determination unit includes a control pattern selection unit that selects whether the designated control pattern is the control pattern 1 or the control pattern 2, each reference value (standard reference value), and a correction range of each control reference value. The correction content registration means for registering the correction order of the control reference calculation value, the reference value registration means for registering each control reference value, and whether the value of the WH correlation coefficient a5 to be used is a5α or a5β Correlation coefficient setting means for setting the handling of Note that the control pattern selection unit of the second embodiment is configured by omitting step S6 used in the first embodiment, that is, the step that determines the handling of unused correlation coefficients.

  The control pattern selection means has step SA and step SB. In step SA, it is determined whether or not the designated control pattern is “control pattern 1”. If the determination in step SA is YES, step S4, which is a correction content registration unit, is executed. If the determination in step SA is NO, the process proceeds to step SB. Step SB determines whether or not the designated control pattern is “control pattern 2”. If the determination in step SB is YES, step S5 serving as a reference value registration unit is executed. If the determination in step SB is no, the process returns to step SA.

  Steps S4 and S5 are as described in the first embodiment. Step S17 executed after step S4 constitutes a correlation coefficient setting means, and this step S17 is as described in the first embodiment.

  According to the pattern discriminating unit having such a configuration, in addition to the first to sixth control patterns described in the first embodiment, for example, “control of density of molded product” and “control of disintegration of molded product” ”, Etc., or a combination of these patterns, select“ control pattern 1 ”or“ control pattern 2 ”from various control patterns, and control the tablet according to the selected pattern. (Molded product) can be manufactured.

  Note that the control pattern selection means of the pattern determination unit is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 12, and determines whether or not to control the tablet mass and whether or not to control the tablet thickness. An alternative example of the configuration having S2 and step S3 for determining whether or not to control the hardness of the tablet is also possible. Steps S1 to S3 are as described in the first embodiment.

  When the control pattern 1 is selected in FIG. 12 (in the alternative example, when the determination in step S3 is YES (controls the hardness)), the next step S4 is executed to control the hardness of the tablet. Registration (designation) of correction order of each control reference calculation value of mass, thickness, and hardness, and each reference value (standard reference value) and correction range of each control reference value are registered.

  Each reference value registered in step S4 is a mass reference value WO, a thickness reference value TO, and a hardness reference value HO. At the same time, the correction range of each registered control reference value includes the upper limit value WOH of the mass control reference value correction range and the lower limit value WOL of the correction range, the upper limit value TOH of the thickness control reference value correction range, and the correction range. The lower limit value TOL, the upper limit value HOH of the hardness control reference value correction range, and the lower limit value HOL of the correction range.

  When step S4 is executed by the control device 4a, the control pattern 1 (WTH control) for controlling the mass, thickness, and hardness is selected via the next step S17. A step S17 performs a process of replacing the WH correlation coefficient a5 used in the control pattern 1 with the value of the WH correlation coefficient a5β described above.

  In this control pattern 1, all of the already acquired correlation coefficients a to a5 are used.

  If the determination in step S3 is NO (does not control the hardness), the control device 4a executes the next step S5 to control the mass control reference value WM and the thickness for controlling the mass of the tablet. The thickness control reference value TM is registered.

  When the control pattern 2 is selected in FIG. 12 (in the alternative example, when the determination in step S3 is NO (the hardness is not controlled)), the next step S5 is executed.

  When step S5 is executed, the control pattern 2 (WT control) for controlling the mass and thickness of the tablet is selected by the control device 4a. As described above, step S4 is correction content registration means, step S5 is reference value registration means, and step S17 is correlation coefficient setting means.

  A control flow according to the control pattern 1 (WTH control) in the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  In the control pattern 1 of the second embodiment, the step S104 that constitutes the calculated mass calculation means described in the first embodiment and the step S105 that constitutes the control pattern first selection means are omitted. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 13, the control device 4a executes step S137, which is a control reference calculation value update means (control reference calculation value update step), following step S103 of acquiring sampling data. This step S137 is the same as the third control reference calculated value updating means described in the first embodiment.

  The second embodiment does not have the control patterns 3 to 6 described in the first embodiment. For this reason, in the control pattern 1 of the second embodiment, step S138 (control pattern third selection means) described in the first embodiment is omitted. Accordingly, in the control pattern 1 of the second embodiment, step S142 forming the fourth control reference calculated value update unit described in the first embodiment, step S144 forming the second calculated hardness calculation unit, and the calculated hardness Step S145 (see FIG. 7), which is the second determination means, is also omitted.

  Therefore, in the control pattern 1 of 2nd Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, after step S137, each process of the 1st calculated hardness judgment part WK1 is performed by the control apparatus 4a. Thereby, step S140 which makes a 1st calculation hardness calculating means is performed first.

  In the control pattern 1 of the second embodiment, after step S140, the control device 4a makes a determination in step S141 which constitutes a calculated hardness first determining means. If the determination in step S141 is YES, steps S151 to S178 (FIGS. 14 to 17) that form the hardness control unit (hardness control means) HK that performs the hardness control process described in the first embodiment are performed by the control device 4a. Are performed sequentially.

  In the control pattern 1 of the second embodiment, after any one of step S153, step S163, and step S173 of the hardness control unit HK shown in FIG. 14 is executed, the control device 4a performs the first execution as shown in FIG. Step S109, which is the first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means described in the embodiment, is executed, and then step S110, which is the calculated thickness calculating means described in the first embodiment, is executed.

  In this case, step S109 calculates | requires the 1st calculation pressure fluctuation value PWa when mass control is performed using the mass control reference | standard calculation value WMa given via the hardness correction | amendment part HK. Similarly, in step S110, the calculated thickness Ta is obtained from the thickness variation value and the thickness average value Tx when the mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculated value WMa given via the hardness correction unit HK.

  Subsequent to step S110, in the control pattern 1 of the second embodiment, the control device 4a executes step S111 that constitutes the tip distance calculated value calculation means described in the first embodiment. In this case, the step S111 calculates the tip interval from the tip interval variation value and the tip interval setting value when the thickness control is performed using the thickness control reference calculation value TMa given via the hardness correction unit HK. The values (LMa, lMa) are obtained.

  Thereafter, step S112 that constitutes the second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means described in the first embodiment is executed, and then step S115 that constitutes the pressure control reference calculated value calculating means described in the first embodiment is executed. The

  In this case, step S112 calculates | requires the 2nd calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when thickness control is carried out using the thickness control reference | standard calculation value TMa given via the hardness correction | amendment part HK. In step S115, the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is calculated from the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa obtained in step S109, the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa obtained in step S112, and the molding pressure average value Px obtained during operation. Ask for.

  Further, in the control pattern 1 of the second embodiment, after the step S115, the control device 4a uses the preload and main pressure values calculated in the step S111 to calculate the preload and main pressure tip interval (lMa, LMa). Step S118, which is a tip interval control means for controlling the tip interval by updating the tip interval set value (lM, LM), is executed. Thereafter, the control pressure value by which the control device 4a updates the pressure control reference value (current value) PM with the value of the pressure control reference calculation value PMa obtained in step S115 and updates each control pressure value of the pressure control unit 51. Step S149 serving as an updating unit is executed. After executing step S149, the process returns to the start.

  Except for the points described above, the control flow for control pattern 1 (WTH control) is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, when the tableting device 1 is operated by designating this control pattern 1, for the reason already described in the first embodiment, regardless of the temperature change during the operation of the tableting machine 2, the tablet mass W and It is possible to produce a tablet while keeping all of the thickness T and hardness H within the standard range.

  That is, when continuous operation of the rotary tableting device 1 is started, first, step S101 shown in FIG. 13 is executed according to a program stored in the control device 4a, and a “sampling command” is output. Instead of this, it is also possible to determine whether or not there is a “forced sampling command” that causes a sampling command to be output artificially.

  After this command, step S102 is executed, and the sampling driver 44 of the sampling means 41 is driven. As a result, the sampling shutter 43 is moved to an open position where the inlet of the sampling chute 42 is opened, and the outlet side of the discharge chute 39 is closed by the sampling shutter 43. Therefore, a plurality of tablets to be manufactured are sampled and supplied to the measuring device 3 through the sampling chute 42. Such tablet sampling is performed at predetermined time intervals, for example, every 30 minutes, during continuous operation of the tableting machine 2 under the control of the sampling means 41 by the control device 4a.

  Based on the start of the sampling, step S103 is executed by the control device 4a to acquire sampling data. The sampling data acquired here are the tip distance setting value 1M at the preload position, the tip distance setting value LM at the main pressure position, and the mass average value Wx and thickness average measured and calculated by the measuring device 3. The value Tx and the hardness average value Hx. Any data other than the molding pressure average value Px is read into the control device 4a by communication processing. At the same time, in step S103, the control device 4a calculates the molding pressure average value Px for the plurality of sampled tablets based on the pressure data detected by the pressure sensor 29. The acquisition of sampling data and its input (supply) to the control device 4a can be performed manually instead of automatically.

  Thereafter, step S137, which serves as a control reference calculation value update means, is executed by the control device 4a. Step S137 is provided to ensure the consistency of the subsequent calculation processing, and performs processing for replacing the corresponding control reference calculation value with each value of each reference value of the tablet. In other words, the tablet mass control standard calculated value WMa is the tablet mass standard value WO, the tablet thickness standard TO value is the tablet thickness control standard calculated value TMa, and the tablet hardness standard value HO is the tablet. The hardness control reference calculation values HMa are replaced respectively. At this time, the mass reference value WO and the mass control reference calculated value WMa are the same value, the thickness reference value TO and the thickness control reference calculated value TMa are the same value, and the hardness reference value HO and the hardness control reference calculated value HMa are the same value.

Next, step S140 which makes a 1st calculated hardness calculating means is performed by the control apparatus 4a. Step S140 includes a hardness fluctuation value (this is referred to as a first hardness fluctuation value) when mass control is performed (when mass average value Wx is set to mass control reference calculation value WMa), and when thickness control is performed (thickness average). The calculated hardness Ha of the tablet is obtained from the hardness fluctuation value (this is called the second hardness fluctuation value) when the value Tx is set to the thickness control reference calculation value TMa and the hardness average value Hx. This formula is shown below.
Ha = Hx + [(WMa−Wx) / a5] + [(TMa−Tx) / a4] (18)

  In this equation (18), Hx is the hardness average value of the sampling tablets, a5 is the WH correlation coefficient, and the value calculated by (WMa-Wx) / a5 is the first hardness variation value. Together with this, Tx is the thickness average value of the sampling tablets, a4 is the TH correlation coefficient, and the value calculated by (TMa-Tx) / a4 is the second hardness variation value. Therefore, in equation (18), the hardness average value Hx, the first hardness variation value, and the second hardness variation value are summed to obtain the calculated hardness Ha.

  Next, the control device 4a makes a determination in step S141 which is a calculated hardness first determining means. In step S141, it is determined whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is appropriate (the hardness can be maintained within the standard range and production can be continued). That is, in step S141, it is determined whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range by correcting each control reference calculation value of mass, thickness, and hardness. Furthermore, in other words, in step S141, the calculated hardness Ha is the upper limit of the hardness control reference value for the tablet when all the control reference calculated values of mass and thickness are corrected to the upper limit value or the lower limit value. It is determined whether or not the value is within a range defined by the value and the lower limit value, that is, a hardness controllable range. In this case, when the mass is increased to the maximum in the calculation and the thickness is reduced to the minimum, the hardness can be maximized, and conversely, when the mass is reduced to the minimum and the thickness is increased to the maximum in the calculation. The hardness can be made the lowest.

That is, whether or not the above-described calculated hardness Ha is within the hardness controllable range can be determined based on the following two expressions.
HOL <Ha + [(WOH−WMa) / a5] + [(TOL−TMa) / a4]
HOH> Ha-[(WMa-WOL) / a5]-[(TMa-TOH) / a4]
Furthermore, the above two equations can be converted as follows.
HOL-[(WOH-WMa) / a5]-[(TOL-TMa) / a4] <Ha
Ha <HOH + [(WMa-WOL) / a5] + [(TMa-TOH) / a4]
From this, HOL-[(WOH-WMa) / a5]-[(TOL-TMa) / a4] <Ha <HOH + [(WMa-WOL) / a5] + [(TMa-TOH) / It can be determined by substituting the equation of a4].

Here, HOL − [(WOH−WMa) / a5] − [(TOL−TMa) / a4] is defined as the lower limit value HL of the hardness controllable range, and HOH + [(WMa−WOL) / a5] + [(TMa− TOH) / a4] is the upper limit value HH of the possible hardness range, the lower limit value HL of the hardness controllable range in step S141 is calculated by the following equation.
HL = HOL-[(WOH-WMa) / a5]-[(TOL-TMa) / a4]
The upper limit value HH of the hardness controllable range in step S141 is calculated by the following equation.
HH = HOH + [(WMa-WOL) / a5] + [(TMa-TOH) / a4]
In these equations, HOL is the lower limit value of the tablet hardness control reference value correction range, HOH is the upper limit value of the tablet hardness control reference value correction range, WOL is the lower limit value of the tablet mass control reference value correction range, and WOH is the tablet. The upper limit value of the mass control reference value correction range, TOL is the lower limit value of the tablet thickness control reference value correction range, TOH is the upper limit value of the tablet thickness control reference value correction range, and a5 is the WH phase relationship. The number, a4, is a TH correlation coefficient.

  Therefore, step S141 determines whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is appropriate (it is possible to continue production while maintaining the hardness within the standard range) by an expression of HL <Ha <HH.

  If the determination in step S141 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is outside the range of hardness controllable by correcting the control reference calculation values of mass, thickness, and hardness), all control reference values of mass, thickness, and hardness are set to the upper limit value or This means that even if the lower limit value is corrected, it is impossible to control the hardness of the manufactured tablet within the standard range. In this case, the control device 4a executes step S146 as a notification / stop unit. As a result, a signal (abnormal signal) for notifying abnormality is output and, for example, the operation of the tableting machine 2 is stopped.

  If the determination in step S141 is YES (the calculated hardness Ha is within the range of hardness controllable by correcting the control reference calculation values of mass, thickness, and hardness), the control device 4a corrects the control reference calculation values already input by the control device 4a. Accordingly, a hardness control unit (hardness control means) HK for correcting each control reference calculation value for hardness control is executed.

  That is, first, the control device 4a executes step S151 which is a correction destination first determination unit shown in FIG. In step S151, it is determined whether or not the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “hardness”.

  If the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is not “hardness”, the determination in step S151 is NO, and therefore the determination in step S161, which is the correction destination second determination means, is performed by the control device 4a. In step S161, it is determined whether or not the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “thickness”.

  If the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is not “thickness”, the determination in step S161 is NO, and thus the determination in step S171 that constitutes a third correction destination determination unit is performed by the control device 4a. In step S171, it is determined whether or not the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “mass”.

  When all of the determinations in step S151, step S161, and step S171 are NO, that is, according to the order set by the input means, any control reference calculation value of hardness, thickness, and mass is set (registered) as the first correction destination. ), It is determined that the tablet hardness is not controlled by the control device 4a. For this reason, step S146 is executed by the control device 4a to output a signal notifying abnormality (abnormal signal) and to stop the operation of the tableting machine 2, for example. Note that such an option is not actually possible because the correction order of the control reference calculation value is set (registered) in advance in step S4.

If the determination in step S151 is YES (the first correction destination of the control reference calculated value is “hardness”), the control device 4a determines the next step S152 that constitutes the calculated hardness third determining means. . In this step S152, it is determined whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the hardness control reference calculated value HMa. Here, the hardness controllable range is defined by the following equation.
HMa-kh (HMa-HOL) ≦ Ha ≦ HMa + kh (HOH-HMa)
In this equation, kh is a hardness correction coefficient when correcting the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, and is set to an arbitrary value between 0.01 and 1.00, and the hardness correction coefficient kh is preferably less than 1.00.

  If the determination in step S152 is YES (calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the hardness control reference calculation value HMa), the control device 4a serves as a first hardness control reference calculation value update unit. Is executed. This step S153 updates the hardness control reference calculated value HMa with the value of the calculated hardness Ha in order to ensure consistency in the subsequent calculation processing.

  Thereafter, the program stored in the control device 4a supplies the hardness control reference calculation value HMa updated in step S153 to the operation control system described later, and sequentially executes each step of this system. That is, the determination in step S151 is YES (the first correction destination of the control reference calculated value is “hardness”), and step S152 is YES (the calculated hardness Ha is within the hardness controllable range by correcting the hardness control reference calculated value HMa). If it is determined that there is a), each step of the operation control system to be described later is executed through step S153. Thereby, the hardness of the manufactured tablet is maintained within the standard range, and the tablet is manufactured.

When the determination in step S152 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is outside the range of hardness controllable by correcting the hardness control reference calculated value HMa), the control device 4a determines that the determination in step S154, which is the calculated hardness sixth determination means, is performed. Done. In step S154 shown in FIG. 15, it is determined by the following formula whether or not the calculated hardness Ha of the tablet is smaller than the hardness control reference calculated value HMa of the tablet.
HMa-kh (HMa-HOL)> Ha
If the determination in step S154 is YES (the calculated hardness Ha is smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa), the control device 4a causes the second hardness control reference calculation value update means (second hardness control reference calculation value update process) to be performed. Step S155 to be performed is executed. In step S155 shown in FIG. 15, the hardness control reference provisional value HMb of the tablet is obtained by the following equation using the hardness control reference calculated value HMa and the like.
HMb = HMa−kh (HMa−HOL) (19)

  At the same time, step S155 updates the hardness control reference calculated value HMa with the calculated hardness control reference provisional value HMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing. That is, in step S155, when the calculated hardness Ha is smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, the hardness correction coefficient used in step S152 is added to the difference between the lower limit value HOL of the hardness control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa. A provisional hardness control reference value HMb is obtained from the value multiplied by kh and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is updated with the value of the hardness control reference provisional value HMb. A process of reducing the reference calculation value HMa is performed.

  In this process, in the correction according to the case where the hardness correction coefficient kh is set to be less than 1.00, the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is not reduced at a stretch to the full range within the allowable range, but is processed by the hardness correction coefficient kh. In accordance with the correction, the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is reduced below the limit. When the hardness correction coefficient kh is set to 1.00, the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is reduced at a stroke to the full limit of the allowable range.

If the determination in step S154 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is greater than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa), the controller 4a causes the second hardness control reference calculation value update means (second hardness control reference calculation value update step) to be performed. Step S156 to be performed is executed. In step S156 shown in FIG. 15, the hardness control reference provisional value HMb of the tablet is obtained by the following equation using the hardness control reference calculated value HMa and the like.
HMb = HMa + kh (HOH−HMa) (Equation 20)

  At the same time, step S156 updates the hardness control reference calculated value HMa with the calculated hardness control reference provisional value HMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing. That is, in step S156, when the calculated hardness Ha is larger than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, the difference between the upper limit value HOH of the hardness control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is added to the hardness correction coefficient used in step S152. A provisional hardness control reference value HMb is obtained from the value multiplied by kh and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is updated with the value of the hardness control reference provisional value HMb. Processing to increase the reference calculation value HMa is performed.

  In this process, in the correction according to the case where the hardness correction coefficient kh is set to be less than 1.00, the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is not increased at a stretch to the full limit within the allowable range, but by the hardness correction coefficient kh. According to the correction, the hardness control standard calculation value HMa is increased below the limit. In the correction according to the case where the hardness correction coefficient kh is set to 1.00, the hardness control reference calculation value HMa is increased at a stretch to the full limit of the allowable range.

  As described above, in the correction of the calculated hardness control reference value HMa by the calculated hardness correction unit HKA formed in each step of step S154 to step S156, the tablet hardness control reference calculation value HMa is corrected by the hardness control reference value correction. The hardness control reference calculation value HMa is updated so as not to fall outside the range. However, the correction of the hardness control reference calculation value HMa cannot optimize the tablet hardness according to the determination in step S152. For this reason, after the end of step S155 or step S156, the control device 4a determines the next correction destination in step S157 constituting correction destination fourth determination means, and the hardness control is performed in step S155 or step S156 to that correction destination. The hardness control reference calculation value HMa updated with the value of the reference provisional value HMb is supplied.

  Specifically, step S157 determines whether or not the next correction destination is “mass”. Thereby, when the next correction destination is “mass” (when the determination in step S157 is YES), the determination in step S172 for determining the correction processing procedure of the mass control reference calculated value WMa is performed by the control device 4a. Is done. When the next correction destination is not “mass” (when the determination in step S157 is NO), the control device 4a performs the determination in step S162 to determine the correction processing procedure for the thickness control reference calculation value TMa. It is. The determination in step S157 (that is, whether the next correction is “mass” or “thickness”) is in accordance with the correction rank of each control reference calculation value designated by the input means.

  When the determination in step S151 is NO and the determination in step S161 to be executed next is YES (the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “thickness”), the control device Based on 4a, the determination in step S162, which is a calculated hardness fourth determining means, is performed. In step S162, it is determined whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the thickness control reference calculated value TMa.

Here, the hardness controllable range is defined by the following equation.
HMa-kt (TOL-TMa) / a4≤Ha≤HMa + kt (TMa-TOH) / a4
In this equation, kt is a thickness correction coefficient when correcting the thickness control reference calculation value TMa, and is set to an arbitrary value between 0.01 and 1.00, and the thickness correction coefficient kt is preferably less than 1.00.

  If the determination in step S162 is YES (calculated hardness Ha is within the hardness controllable range by correcting the thickness control reference calculation value TMa), the control device 4a serves as a first thickness control reference calculation value update unit. Is executed.

In this step S163, the tablet thickness control reference provisional value TMb is obtained by the following equation using the thickness control reference calculation value TMa and the like.
TMb = TMa + a4 (HMa−Ha) (Expression (21))

  At the same time, step S163 updates the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the calculated thickness control reference provisional value TMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent calculation processing.

  Thereafter, the control device 4a supplies the thickness control reference calculation value TMa updated in step S163 to the operation control system shown in FIG. 18, and the steps S109 to S149 of this system are sequentially executed. That is, the determination in step S161 is YES (the first correction destination of the control reference calculated value is “thickness”), and step S162 is YES (the calculated hardness Ha is within the hardness controllable range by correcting the thickness control reference calculated value TMa). In step S163, steps S109 to S149 of the operation control system are sequentially executed. Thereby, the hardness of the manufactured tablet is maintained within the standard range, and the tablet is manufactured.

If the determination in step S162 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is outside the range of hardness controllable by correcting the thickness control reference calculated value TMa), the control device 4a determines that the calculated hardness seventh determination means is in step S164. Done. Step S164 shown in FIG. 16 determines whether or not the calculated hardness Ha of the tablet is smaller than the hardness control reference calculated value HMa of the tablet by the following equation.
HMa-kt (TOL-TMa) / a4> Ha
If the determination in step S164 is YES (calculated hardness Ha is smaller than hardness control reference calculated value HMa), the control device 4a causes the second thickness control reference calculated value update means (second thickness control reference calculated value update process) to be performed. Step S165 is performed. In step S165 shown in FIG. 16, the tablet thickness control reference provisional value TMb is obtained by the following equation using the thickness control reference calculated value TMa or the like.
TMb = TMa-kh (TMa-TOL) (Expression (22))

  At the same time, step S165 updates the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the calculated thickness control reference provisional value TMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing. That is, in step S165, when the calculated hardness Ha is smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, the thickness correction coefficient used in step S162 is added to the difference between the lower limit value TOL of the thickness control reference value correction range and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa. The thickness control reference provisional value TMb is obtained from the value multiplied by kt and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa, and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is updated with the value of the thickness control reference provisional value TMb. Processing to reduce the reference calculation value TMa is performed.

  In this processing, in the correction according to the case where the thickness correction coefficient kt is set to be less than 1.00, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is not reduced at a stroke to the full range within the allowable range, but is processed by the thickness correction coefficient kt. According to the correction, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is reduced to be smaller than the above limit. In the correction according to the case where the thickness correction coefficient kt is set to 1.00, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is reduced at a stretch to the full limit of the allowable range.

If the determination in step S164 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is greater than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa), the controller 4a causes the second thickness control reference calculation value update means (second thickness control reference calculation value update step) to be performed. Step S166 is performed. In step S166 shown in FIG. 16, the tablet thickness control reference provisional value TMb is obtained by the following formula using the thickness control reference calculated value TMa and the like.
TMb = TMa + kt (TOH−TMa) (23)

  At the same time, step S166 updates the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the calculated thickness control reference provisional value TMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing. That is, in step S166, when the calculated hardness Ha is larger than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, the thickness correction used in step S162 is added to the difference between the upper limit value TOH of the thickness control reference value correction range and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa. The thickness control reference provisional value TMb is obtained from the value multiplied by the coefficient kt and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa, and the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is updated with the value of the thickness control reference provisional value TMb. Processing to increase the control reference calculation value TMa is performed.

  In this processing, in the correction according to the case where the thickness correction coefficient kt is set to be less than 1.00, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is not increased at a stroke to the full range within the allowable range, but is processed by the thickness correction coefficient kt. According to the correction, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is increased below the limit. In the correction according to the case where the thickness correction coefficient kt is set to 1.00, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is increased at a stroke up to the limit of the allowable range.

When step S165 or step S166 ends, the control device 4a executes step S167 which constitutes third calculated hardness calculation means, and a new calculated hardness Ha is obtained by the following equation.
Ha = Hx + [(WMa−Wx) / a5] + [(TMa−Tx) / a4] (18)

  As described above, in the correction of the calculated thickness control reference calculation value TMa by the calculation thickness correction unit HKB formed in each step of step S164 to step S167, the tablet thickness control reference calculation value TMa is corrected by the thickness control reference value correction. The thickness control reference calculation value TMa is updated so as not to fall outside the range. However, the hardness control based on the thickness change cannot optimize the hardness of the tablet according to the determination in step S162. For this reason, after the end of step S167, the control device 4a determines the next correction destination in step S168, which is the fifth correction destination determination means, and the thickness control updated in step S165 or step S166 to the correction destination. The reference calculated value TMa and the calculated hardness Ha newly calculated in step S167 are supplied.

  Specifically, step S168 determines whether or not the next correction destination is “mass”. Thereby, when the next correction destination is “mass” (when the determination in step S168 is YES), the determination in step S172 for determining the correction processing procedure of the mass control reference calculated value WMa is performed by the control device 4a. Is done. When the next correction destination is not “mass” (when the determination in step S168 is NO), the control device 4a performs the determination in step S152 to determine the correction processing procedure for the hardness control reference calculated value HMa. It is. The determination in step S168 (that is, whether the next correction is “mass” or “hardness”) is in accordance with the correction rank of each control reference calculation value designated by the input means.

  With the determination in step S161 being NO, step S171 to be executed next determines whether or not the first correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “mass”. When the determination in step S171 is YES (the first correction destination of the control reference calculated value is “mass”), the control device 4a performs the determination in step S172 that constitutes the calculated hardness fifth determining means. In this step S172, it is determined whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the mass control reference calculated value WMa.

  Here, the hardness controllable range is defined by the following equation.

HMa-kw (WOH-WMa) / a5≤Ha≤HMa + kw (WMa-WOL) / a5
In this equation, kw is a mass correction coefficient when correcting the mass control reference calculation value WMa, and is set to an arbitrary value between 0.01 and 1.00, and the mass correction coefficient kw is preferably less than 1.00.

  If the determination in step S172 is YES (calculated hardness Ha is within the hardness controllable range by correcting the mass control reference calculation value WMa), the control device 4a serves as a first mass control reference calculation value update unit. Is executed.

Step S173 calculates | requires the mass control reference | standard provisional value WMb of a tablet by the following formula | equation using the mass control reference | standard calculated value WMa.
WMb = WMa + a5 (HMa−Ha) (Expression (24))

  At the same time, step S173 updates the mass control reference calculated value WMa with the calculated mass control reference provisional value WMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing.

  Thereafter, the control device 4a supplies the mass control reference calculated value WMa updated in step S173 to the operation control system, and the steps S109 to S149 of this system are sequentially executed.

  That is, the determination in step S171 is YES (when the first correction destination of the control reference calculated value is “mass”), and step S172 is YES (the calculated hardness Ha can be controlled by correcting the mass control reference calculated value WMa). If it is within the range, steps S109 to S149 of the operation control system are sequentially executed through step S173. Thereby, the hardness of the manufactured tablet is maintained within the standard range, and the tablet is manufactured.

If the determination in step S172 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is outside the range of hardness controllable by correcting the mass control reference calculated value WMa), the control device 4a executes step S174 that constitutes the calculated hardness eighth determining means. The In step S174 shown in FIG. 17, it is determined by the following equation whether or not the calculated hardness Ha of the tablet is smaller than the hardness control reference calculated value HMa of the tablet.
HMa-kw (WOH-WMa) / a5> Ha
If the determination in step S174 is YES (calculated hardness Ha is smaller than hardness control reference calculated value HMa), the control device 4a causes the second mass control reference calculated value update means (second mass control reference calculated value update step) to be performed. Step S175 to be executed is executed. In step S175 shown in FIG. 17, the mass control reference provisional value WMb of the tablet is obtained by the following equation using the mass control reference calculated value WMa and the like.
WMb = WMa + kw (WOH−WMa) (Equation 25)

  At the same time, step S175 updates the mass control reference calculated value WMa with the calculated mass control reference provisional value WMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent arithmetic processing. That is, in step S175, when the calculated hardness Ha is smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value HMa, the mass correction coefficient used in step S172 is added to the difference between the upper limit value WOH of the mass control reference value correction range and the mass control reference calculation value WMa. The mass control reference provisional value WMb is obtained from the value multiplied by kw and the mass control reference calculation value WMa, and the mass control reference calculation value WMa is updated with the value of the mass control reference provisional value WMb. Processing to increase the reference calculation value WMa is performed.

  In this processing, in the correction according to the case where the mass correction coefficient kw is set to be less than 1.00, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is not increased at a stretch to the full range within the allowable range, but by the mass correction coefficient kw. According to the correction, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is increased below the limit. In the correction according to the case where the mass correction coefficient kw is set to 1.00, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is increased at a stretch to the full limit of the allowable range.

If the determination in step S174 is NO (the calculated hardness Ha is greater than the hardness control reference calculated value HMa), the control device 4a performs a second mass control reference value updating means (second mass control reference value updating step). S176 is executed. In step S176 shown in FIG. 17, the mass control reference provisional value WMb of the tablet is obtained by the following formula using the mass control reference calculated value WMa and the like.
WMb = WMa−kw (WMa−WOL) (Formula (26))

  At the same time, step S176 updates the mass control reference calculation value WMa with the calculated mass control reference provisional value WMb in order to ensure consistency with the subsequent calculation processing. That is, in step S176, when the calculated hardness Ha is larger than the hardness control reference calculated value HMa, the mass correction coefficient used in step S172 is added to the difference between the lower limit value WOL of the mass control reference value correction range and the mass control reference calculated value WMa. The mass control reference provisional value WMb is obtained from the value multiplied by kw and the mass control reference calculation value WMa, and the mass control reference calculation value WMa is updated with the value of the mass control reference provisional value WMb. Processing to reduce the reference calculation value WMa is performed.

  In this process, in the correction according to the case where the mass correction coefficient kw is set to be less than 1.00, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is not reduced at a stretch to the full range within the allowable range, but the mass correction coefficient kw is used. According to the correction, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is reduced to be smaller than the above limit. In the correction according to the case where the mass correction coefficient kw is set to 1.00, the mass control reference calculation value WMa is reduced at a stroke to the full limit of the allowable range.

When step S175 or step S176 is completed, the control device 4a executes step S177, which is a fourth calculated hardness calculation means, and a new calculated hardness Ha is obtained by the following equation. This formula is the same as the formula (18).
Ha = Hx + [(WMa−Wx) / a5] + [(TMa−Tx) / a4] (18)

  As described above, in the correction of the calculated mass control reference calculation value WMa by the calculation mass correction unit HKC formed in each step of step S174 to step S177, the tablet mass control reference calculation value WMa is corrected by the mass control reference value correction. The mass control reference calculation value WMa is updated so as not to deviate from the range, and a new calculated hardness is calculated using the updated mass control reference calculation value WMa and the like. However, the hardness control based on such a mass change cannot optimize the hardness of the tablet according to the determination in step S172. For this reason, after the end of step S177, the control device 4a determines the next correction destination in step S178 which constitutes a correction destination sixth determination means, and the mass control updated in step S175 or step S176 to the correction destination. The reference calculated value WMa and the new calculated hardness Ha calculated in step S177 are supplied.

  Specifically, step S178 determines whether or not the next correction destination is “thickness”. Thereby, when the next correction destination is “thickness” (when the determination in step S178 is YES), the determination in step S162 for determining the correction processing procedure of the thickness control reference calculation value TMa is performed by the control device 4a. Is done. When the next correction destination is not “thickness” (when the determination in step S178 is NO), the control device 4a performs the determination in step S152 to determine the correction processing procedure for the hardness control reference calculated value HMa. It is. The determination in step S178 (that is, whether or not the next correction is “thickness”) is in accordance with the correction order of each control reference calculation value designated by the input means.

  Next, control by the operation control system shown in FIG. 18 will be described. This operation control system is controlled as follows by the control device 4a after any one of step S153, step S163, and step S173 of the hardness control unit HK shown in FIG. 14 is executed.

  First, the control device 4a executes step S109, which is a first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculation means, to obtain a pressure fluctuation value due to mass fluctuation. That is, in step S109, when the mass average value Wx is set to the mass control reference calculation value WMa replaced in step S137, or the mass control reference updated (corrected) in any of step S173, step S175, or step S176. The calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when the calculated value WMa is set (that is, when mass control is performed) is obtained by the following equation. In this case, the mass control reference calculated value WMa may not be the same value as the mass reference value WO replaced in step S137.

  PWa = a (WMa-Wx) (12)

  In this equation (12), a is a P-W correlation coefficient, and the calculated value obtained by the calculation of a (WMa-Wx) is mass controlled, that is, the mass average value Wx is the mass control reference calculated value WMa. Calculated pressure fluctuation value (this is referred to as a first calculated pressure fluctuation value) PWa.

  When step S109 is completed, step S110, which is a calculated thickness calculation means, is executed by the control device 4a. Note that step S109 may be executed by the process of step S115 described later, and can be executed simultaneously with step S110 in parallel processing.

Step S110 calculates | requires the thickness fluctuation value when the said mass control is carried out (When mass average value Wx is made into the mass control reference | standard calculation value WMa given via the hardness control part HK), and this and thickness average value The calculated thickness Ta of the tablet is obtained from the following equation using Tx. In this case, the mass control reference calculated value WMa may not be the same value as the mass reference value WO replaced in step S137.
Ta = Tx + a1 (WMa−Wx) (Equation 13)

  In this equation (13), a1 is a TW correlation coefficient, and the calculated value obtained by the calculation of a1 (WMa-Wx) is mass controlled (the mass average value Wx is set to the mass control reference calculated value WMa). ) Thickness fluctuation value. Thereby, the calculated thickness Ta when the mass average value Wx is set to the mass control reference calculated value WMa is obtained from the thickness variation value and the thickness average value Tx of the sampling tablet.

Next, the control device 4a executes step S111 which constitutes a tip distance calculated value calculation means. In step S111, the calculated thickness Ta is set to the thickness control reference calculation value TMa replaced in step S137, or the updated thickness control reference calculation value TMa is updated in any of step S163, step S165, or step S166. When this occurs (that is, when the thickness is controlled), the calculated tip distance lMa at the preload position and the calculated tip distance LMa at the main pressure position are obtained by the following equations. In this case, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa may not be the same value as the thickness reference value TO replaced in step S137.
LMa = LM + a3 (TMa-Ta) (15)
lMa = 1M + a3 (TMa−Ta) (16)

  In Equation (15), LM is the setting value for the tip interval at the main pressure position, a3 is the LT correlation coefficient, and Ta is the calculated thickness obtained in step S110. Similarly, in equation (16), lM is the setting value of the tip interval at the preload position, a3 is the LT correlation coefficient, and Ta is the calculated thickness obtained in step S110.

When step S111 ends, the control device 4a executes step S112 which constitutes a second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means. In step S112, the calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa (this is the second calculated pressure fluctuation) when the thickness is controlled (the calculated thickness Ta is changed to the thickness control reference calculated value TMa given via the hardness control unit HK). (Referred to as a value). In this case, the thickness control reference calculation value TMa may not be the same value as the thickness reference value TO replaced in step 137.
PTa = a2 (TMa-Ta) (14)

  In this equation (14), a2 is a PT correlation coefficient, and a calculated value obtained by the calculation of a2 (TMa-Ta) is a calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa (second calculated pressure fluctuation value).

After execution of step S112, the control device 4a executes step S115 which constitutes a pressure control reference calculation value calculation means. Step S115 is given via the hardness control unit HK and the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when the mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculation value WMa given via the hardness control unit HK. From the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness control is performed using the thickness reference calculated value TMa and the molding pressure average value Px, the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is obtained by the following equation.
PMa = Px + PWa + PTa Equation (17).

  In this equation (17), Px is the molding tablet average pressure value, PWa is the calculated pressure fluctuation value (first calculated pressure fluctuation value) obtained in step S109, and PTa is the calculated pressure fluctuation value (first value) obtained in step S112. 2 calculated pressure fluctuation value). Thereby, the pressure control reference calculated value PMa calculated by the equation (17) in step S115 is equal to the total value of the molding pressure average value Px and the calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa and PTa.

  Next, the control device 4a executes step S118 as a tip interval control means. As a result, the tip interval setting value 1M of the preload position is updated with the tip position calculated value lMa of the preload position obtained in step S111, and the tip of the preload position is updated with the updated tip interval setting value 1M. While the interval l is controlled, the tip interval setting value LM for the main pressure position is updated with the value of the tip interval calculated value LMa for the main pressure position, which is also obtained in step S111, and the updated tip interval setting is updated. The tip distance L at the main pressure position is controlled by the value LM.

  After that, the control device 4a executes step S149 that constitutes the control pressure value updating means described in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the pressure control reference value (current value) PM is updated with the value of the pressure control reference calculated value PMa obtained in step S115, and each control pressure value of the pressure control unit 51 is updated. After executing step S149, the process returns to the start.

  According to the second embodiment described above, the tablet mass W, thickness T, and hardness H can be controlled by the control according to the control pattern 1 shown in FIGS. When the tableting device 1 is operated by designating this control pattern 1, the tablet weight W and the tablet W are controlled regardless of the temperature change during the operation of the tableting machine 2 for the same reason as described in the first embodiment. It is possible to manufacture a tablet while maintaining the thickness T and hardness H within the specified range.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the flow of control when the control pattern 2 (WT control) in the second embodiment is selected will be described.

  The control pattern 2 of the second embodiment is executed using an individual flowchart corresponding to the control pattern 2. In this case, the process of step S106 (first control reference calculation value update means) for ensuring consistency with other control patterns described in the first embodiment, that is, control reference values (WM, The process of replacing TM) with the corresponding control reference calculation values (WMa, TMa) is not necessary and is omitted. For this reason, in the control pattern 2 of the second embodiment, the control reference values corresponding to the respective computation processes of mass control and thickness control in steps S109 to S112 described later are used.

  However, in the control pattern 2 of the second embodiment, the replacement process in step S106 (first control reference calculated value updating means) may be performed as in the first embodiment. Even in this case, since the control reference calculated values (WMa, TMa) corresponding to the control reference values (WM, TM) are the same value, the respective values obtained in steps S109 to S112 and step S115. The calculated values are the same as the calculated values obtained when the replacement process in step S106 is not performed (omitted).

  This is not limited to the case where control patterns other than the control pattern 2 are executed using individual flowcharts corresponding to the control patterns, and the control patterns are selected from control patterns obtained by combining two or more control patterns. This is the same even when the control pattern 2 is selected when executing using an individual flowchart according to the control pattern.

  Furthermore, the control pattern 2 does not include a hardness control system. Accordingly, in the flowchart for executing the control pattern 2 of the second embodiment, Step S137, Step S140, Step S141, Step S146 described with reference to FIG. 13 in the control pattern 1 of the second embodiment, and FIGS. All steps (steps S151 to S178) constituting the hardness control unit described with reference to FIG. 17 are omitted.

  The control device 4a executes step S109, which is a first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculation means, after step S103 for acquiring sampling data in the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that Steps S101 to S103 in FIG. 19 and Steps S109 to S112, Step S115, Step S118, and Step S149 included in the operation control system have the same functions as the corresponding steps described in FIG. It is configured.

  Next, control based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 will be described.

In the operation control system shown in FIG. 19, the control device 4a executes step S109 which constitutes a first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means. In step S109, a calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa (first calculated pressure fluctuation value) when mass control is performed (when the mass average value Wx is set to the mass control reference value WM) is obtained by the following equation.
PWa = a (WM−Wx) Equation (12a).

  Step S109 corresponds to step S109 shown in FIG. In the equation (12a) for executing step S109, a is a PW correlation coefficient, and a calculated value obtained by calculating a (WM-Wx) is mass controlled (mass average value Wx is mass controlled). This is a calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa (when it is set to the reference value WM) (this is referred to as a first calculated pressure fluctuation value).

  When step S109 is completed, step S110, which is a calculated thickness calculation means, is executed by the control device 4a. Note that step S109 may be executed by the process of step S115 for obtaining the pressure control reference calculation value PMa, and can be executed simultaneously with step S110.

In step S110, a calculated thickness Ta is obtained by the following equation from the thickness variation value and the thickness average value Tx when the mass control is performed.
Ta = Tx + a1 (WM−Wx) (Expression (13a))

  Step S110 corresponds to step S110 shown in FIG. In the formula (13a) for executing step S110, a1 is a TW correlation coefficient, and when a calculated value obtained by the calculation of a1 (WM-Wx) performs mass control (mass average value Wx is used as a mass control reference). (When the value is set to WM). Thus, the calculated thickness Ta when mass control is performed is obtained from the thickness variation value and the thickness average value Tx of the sampling tablet.

Next, the control device 4a executes step S111 which constitutes a tip distance calculated value calculation means. In step S111, when the thickness is controlled (when the calculated thickness Ta is set to the thickness control reference value TM), the tip distance calculated value lMa at the preload position and the tip distance calculated value LMa at the main pressure position are: Each is obtained by the following equation.
LMa = LM + a3 (TM-Ta) (Formula (15a))
lMa = 1M + a3 (TM−Ta) (Formula 16a)

  Step S111 corresponds to step S111 shown in FIG. In the equation (15a) for executing this step S111, LM is the setting value of the tip interval at the main pressure position, a3 is the LT correlation coefficient, and Ta is the calculated thickness obtained in step S110. Similarly, in the equation (16a) for executing step S111, 1M is the setting value of the tip interval at the preload position, a3 is the LT correlation coefficient, and Ta is the calculated thickness obtained in step S110.

When step S111 ends, the control device 4a executes step S112 which constitutes a second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means. In step S112, a calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa (this is referred to as a second calculated pressure fluctuation value) when the thickness is controlled (when the calculated thickness Ta is set to the thickness control reference value TM) is obtained by the following equation.
PTa = a2 (TM−Ta) (Expression (14a))

  Step S112 corresponds to step S112 shown in FIG. In the equation (14a) for executing step S112, a2 is a PT correlation coefficient, and a calculated value obtained by calculating a2 (TM-Ta) is a calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa (second calculated pressure fluctuation value). is there.

After execution of step S112, the control device 4a executes step S115 which constitutes a pressure control reference calculation value calculation means. In step S115, the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is obtained from the calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa, PTa by the mass control and the thickness control and the molding pressure average value Px by the following equation.
PMa = Px + PWa + PTa Equation (17).

  Step S115 corresponds to step S115 shown in FIG. In the equation (17) for executing step S115, Px is the molding tablet average pressure value, PWa is the calculated pressure fluctuation value (first calculated pressure fluctuation value) obtained in step S109, and PTa is obtained in step S112. This is the calculated pressure fluctuation value (second calculated pressure fluctuation value). Thereby, the pressure control reference calculated value PMa calculated by the equation (17) in step S115 is equal to the total value of the molding pressure average value Px and the calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa and PTa.

  Next, the control device 4a executes step S118 as a tip interval control means. As a result, the tip interval setting value 1M of the preload position is updated with the tip position calculated value lMa of the preload position obtained in step S111, and the tip of the preload position is updated with the updated tip interval setting value 1M. The interval l is controlled. At the same time, the tip position setting value LM of the main pressure position is updated with the value of the tip position calculation value LMa of the main pressure position obtained in step S111, and the main pressure position is updated with the updated tip distance setting value LM. The tip distance L is controlled. Step S118 corresponds to step S118 shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the control device 4a executes step S149, which constitutes a control pressure value updating means, and the pressure control reference value (current value) PM is updated with the value of the pressure control reference calculation value PMa obtained in step S115. Thereby, after each control pressure value of the pressure control unit 51 is updated, the program returns to the start. Step S149 corresponds to step S149 shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the mass W and the thickness T of the tablet can be controlled by the control according to the control pattern 2 shown in FIG. When the tableting device 1 is operated with this control pattern 2 specified, the tableting machine 2 is operated regardless of temperature change or powder property change for the same reason as described in the first embodiment. It is possible to manufacture tablets by holding the tablet mass W and thickness T at the control reference values registered in step S5.

The operation control system that executes the control pattern 2 (WT control) in the second embodiment described above has the following steps.
1. A step of obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when mass control is performed.
2. A step of obtaining a calculated thickness Ta when the mass control is performed.
3. A step of obtaining the tip distance calculation values lMa and LMa when the thickness is controlled.
4. A step of obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness is controlled.
5. A step of obtaining the pressure control reference calculated value PMa from the molding pressure average value Px, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation.
6. A step of controlling the tip interval by updating the tip interval setting values 1M and LM with the values of the tip tip calculated values lMa and LMa.
7. A step of updating the pressure control reference value PM with the value of the pressure control reference calculation value PMa and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit 51.

  Thereby, when the control pattern 2 of the second embodiment is executed, as already described in the first embodiment, it is directly according to the tablet thickness average value Tx calculated from the sampling data of a plurality of sampled tablets. Instead of controlling to change the setting values 1M and LM of the tip, the tablet mass average value Wx obtained from the sampling data is set to the tablet mass control reference value WM for each sampling (mass The first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa and the calculated thickness Ta are obtained respectively when the control is performed.

  After that, when the calculated thickness Ta is set to the thickness control reference value TM (when thickness control is performed), the tip interval calculated values lMa and LMa and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa are obtained. Here, the calculated tip spacing values lMa and LMa are obtained from the tip spacing variation value and the tip spacing setting value when the thickness is controlled. Thereby, the influence on the tip distance when the tip distance is changed based on the mass average value Wx is evaluated, and the tip distance calculated values lMa and LMa in consideration of this influence (variation of the tip distance) are obtained. . Then, the tip interval setting values 1M and LM are updated with the values of the tip interval calculated values lMa and LMa, and the tip intervals l and L are controlled with the updated values. Thereby, since the tablet thickness fluctuation | variation accompanying a temperature change is correct | amended, the tablet thickness T can be hold | maintained to the thickness control reference value TM.

  At the same time, the control pattern 2 of the second embodiment is adjusted so that the molding pressure fluctuates and the tablet mass W does not change by updating the tip interval setting values 1M and LM. For this adjustment, a pressure control reference calculated value PMa is obtained from the calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa obtained previously, the calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa obtained previously, and the molding pressure average value Px. Then, the pressure control reference value (current value) PM is updated with the value of the pressure control reference calculation value PMa.

  Thus, the pressure control standard obtained in consideration of the influence on the molding pressure by the mass control and the thickness control (that is, the calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when the mass control is performed and the calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness control is performed) By updating the pressure control reference value PM with the calculated value PMa, the pressure control reference value (current value) PM of the pressure control unit 51 is updated.

  Then, by controlling the molding pressure based on the updated pressure control reference value PM, feedback control based on the updated pressure control reference value PM is performed during continuous operation of the tableting machine 2. Thereby, the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the die 12 is adjusted so that the molding pressure of the molded product to be manufactured becomes the pressure control reference value PM.

  As described above, in the operation according to the control pattern 2, as in the first embodiment, the tablet thickness T is registered in advance regardless of the temperature change of each part of the tableting machine 2 accompanying the continuous operation of the tableting machine 2. It is possible to manufacture a tablet while maintaining the thickness control reference value. Along with this, in the operation control system, each control pressure value including the pressure control reference value (current value) set in the pressure control unit 51 by updating the pressure control reference value in step S149 based on the calculation, Since it is automatically updated to meet the mass control and the thickness control, it is possible to manufacture a tablet while maintaining the mass W of the tablet at a mass control reference value registered in advance.

  As described above, the control pattern 2 can manufacture tablets while keeping the mass and thickness at the corresponding control reference values by controlling the mass and thickness of the tablets. In addition, in this control method, the density of the tablet (molded product) can be controlled.

  That is, the density of the tablet is determined by the mass and volume of the tablet. In this case, since the diameters of the tablets to be molded are substantially the same on the basis of the fact that the hole diameters of the respective dies 12 are processed to be substantially the same, they can be handled as fixed values. At the same time, since the change in volume corresponds to the change in thickness, the density of the tablet can be determined based on the respective values of the mass and thickness of the tablet. Thereby, in order to control the density of a tablet, what is necessary is just to control mass and thickness. Therefore, as described above, the control according to the control pattern 2 for controlling the mass and thickness of the tablet is equivalent to “controlling the density of the tablet”.

  In addition, for pharmaceutical tablets, it may be required to keep the properties such as disintegration and dissolution properties of tablets administered into the body constant. In this case, based on the correlation established between the density and disintegration property or dissolution property of the tablet, the disintegration property and dissolution property are within the standard range by controlling the tablet density according to the WT control of the control pattern 2. It is possible to produce a tablet held in the container.

  Furthermore, in the control pattern 1 and the control pattern 2 of the second embodiment, the respective changes (updates) of the preload and main pressure tip intervals and the control pressure value in the pressure control unit are shown in the first embodiment. Steps S116a to S124 and Steps S125 to S135 are used for abrupt molding by gradually changing the tip interval setting value and the control pressure value via the tip interval control unit KK and the control pressure value updating unit PK. It is desirable to be able to suppress the occurrence of abnormal pressure accompanying pressure changes.

  In addition, this invention is not restrict | limited to each said embodiment. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a rotary powder compression molding apparatus that does not include a preload roll, that is, a molding apparatus that includes only one set of compression molding rolls arranged at the main pressure position. When controlling the control target of the control device (for example, the mass, thickness, and hardness of the molded product), the update of each control reference value set in the pressure control unit and the setting value of the tip interval for at least the mass and thickness of the control object These updates may have a time difference or may be simultaneous.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, when the respective calculated reference values (calculated mass, calculated thickness, calculated hardness) corresponding to the respective control reference values of mass, thickness, and hardness are deviated, The tip spacing setting value (current value), the pressure control reference value (current value) of the pressure control unit, and the hardness control control to update each control reference value (current value) for mass, thickness, and hardness. (The values for updating these current values are referred to as “update control target values”.) However, instead of this, a mass control unnecessary range is set for the mass control reference value, a thickness control unnecessary range is set for the thickness control reference value, and a hardness control unnecessary range is set for the hardness control reference value, respectively. Control based on these update control target values may be performed only when the update control target values obtained by calculation are values outside the respective control unnecessary ranges. In this case, if the update control target value obtained by the calculation is a value within a control unnecessary range determined for each control reference value, it is not necessary to perform control based on the update control target value.

  And when the said control unnecessary range is set with respect to each control reference value, the sampling data after the said control are controlled by controlling a sampling means so that a re-sampling is performed by a control apparatus, whenever the said control is performed Can be obtained. Thereby, it is possible to verify whether or not the control is properly performed. At the same time, even when the update control target value obtained by the calculation is negligibly small, re-sampling continues and product loss occurs, and the product in the tablet press 2 It is possible to eliminate the fact that the production of can not be operated efficiently.

  In each embodiment, after registering in the storage unit of the control device based on the acquisition of the trial hit data, the operation switch is manually turned on by the operator to operate the tablet press 2 continuously. However, in the present invention, the data judgment means for judging whether or not the trial hit data of mass, thickness and hardness is within the standard range is provided in the control device, and this data judgment means is the trial hit data of mass, thickness and hardness. Can be configured so that the operation switch is automatically turned on and a transition to continuous production operation can be made. At the same time, when the values of the correlation coefficients a to a5 are obtained in advance corresponding to the item of the tablet to be produced and the specified raw material, these correlation coefficients can be registered in the control device. . Thus, it is possible to automatically shift to the continuous production operation without newly acquiring the correlation coefficient based on the trial hit data by the trial hit operation at the start of production.

  In each embodiment, it is desirable to perform control to change the tip distance control unit KK and the control pressure value update unit PK alternately and gradually to the target control reference value. However, instead of this, control is performed so that either the tip interval control unit KK or the control pressure value update unit PK is gradually changed to the target control reference value first, and the control unit or update executed first After the control of the unit is completed, the control may be performed so as to gradually change to the control reference value targeted for the control of the remaining other control unit or update unit.

  In each of the above embodiments, various correlation coefficients that can be used in the calculation process of the selected control pattern, how to obtain the correlation coefficient based on the trial hit data, and the like are not limited to the above description. As described above, there is a correlation among the molding pressure P, the mass W, the thickness T, the hardness H, and the tip distance L (or l), and each corresponds to this. Since the correlation coefficient is established, the tablet thickness, hardness, and molding pressure change according to the tablet mass change (control), the tablet thickness change (control), or the tip setting value change (control) This is based on the fact that there is a correlation that the hardness of the tablet and the molding pressure change according to the above.

  For example, to give an example of the relationship between the three factors of the tablet mass, thickness, and molding pressure, the method for determining the PW correlation coefficient a in the above-described embodiment is mass control (W2 is changed to W1). The amount of change in the thickness T of the tablet that occurs when the tablet is taken, that is, the value obtained by the equation [a1 (W1-W2)] using the TW correlation coefficient a1 (this is referred to as the “thickness variation value”). No correction processing is performed. In other words, in the calculation process, the correlation coefficient between the molding pressure P and the mass W on the assumption that the tablet thickness T2 that changes according to the tablet mass control is not corrected (thickness control) to the thickness T1 is expressed as P−. W correlation coefficient a. Here, the PW correlation coefficient according to this method is “aα”.

  Unlike this method, when the PW correlation coefficient is assumed to be “aβ” when it is assumed that correction processing of the tablet thickness fluctuation value that changes according to tablet mass control is performed, for example, mass control In the case where the calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa (the first calculated pressure fluctuation value described above) associated with the above is obtained by calculation processing, the value of the P-W correlation coefficient a described above may be calculated as the value of “aα”. Similarly, the value of the PW correlation coefficient “a” may be calculated with the value “aβ”.

  Even if the value of either “aα” or “aβ” is calculated as the P-W correlation coefficient a, the calculated first and second calculated pressure fluctuation values (PTa, PWa) and molding are described. The pressure control reference calculation value PMa calculated from the pressure average value Px is the same value.

In the above-described embodiment, the PW correlation coefficient a is determined from the trial hit data using the trial hit data (P1, W1 and P2, W2) of the molding pressure P and the mass W in the trial hit 1 and the trial hit 2 described above. The PW correlation coefficient a (hereinafter referred to as PW correlation coefficient aα) is obtained by the following equation.
a = ΔP / ΔW = (P1−P2) / (W1−W2) (1)
Here, a = aα.

  The PW correlation coefficient aα thus obtained is a coefficient on the premise that a change in the thickness T of the tablet (thickness variation value = T1-T2) accompanying the mass change when the mass W2 is changed to the mass W1 occurs. It is. However, on the premise that the thickness fluctuation value is not corrected in the calculation process, the thickness is obtained from the fluctuation value of the molding pressure when the mass W2 is changed to the mass W1.

  Specifically, when the PW correlation coefficient aα is calculated as the PW correlation coefficient a on the assumption that the tablet thickness variation value that changes according to the mass control is not corrected, In the value of the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa obtained by the above-described arithmetic expression [PWa = a (WMa−Wx) (Equation 12)], the thickness fluctuation value that changes according to the mass control is corrected. The pressure fluctuation value (fluctuation factor) based on this is not included.

  Accordingly, from the above-described arithmetic expression [Ta = Tx + a1 (WMa−Wx) (Expression (13))], from the thickness variation value that changes according to the mass control and the tablet thickness average value Tx, the mass The tablet thickness (calculated thickness Ta described above) corresponding to the control is obtained, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the calculated thickness Ta is set to the thickness control reference calculated value TMa (when the thickness is controlled). May be obtained from the above-described arithmetic expression [PTa = a2 (TMa−Ta) (Expression (14)]). Thereby, the pressure fluctuation element (pressure) by correcting the thickness fluctuation value [a1 (WMa−Wx) = Ta−Tx], which changes according to the mass control, also in the value of the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa. Calculation processing that does not include (variable value) can be performed.

  As described above, the mass control is performed by performing the calculation process using the PW correlation coefficient aα that does not include the pressure fluctuation value (fluctuation factor) when the thickness fluctuation value that changes according to the mass control is corrected. It is possible to calculate an accurate calculated pressure fluctuation value (PTa, PWa) corresponding to both the thickness control and the thickness control. And if the said pressure control reference | standard calculated value PMa is calculated | required from said 1st, 2nd calculated pressure fluctuation value (PTa, PWa) and molding pressure average value Px, the thickness fluctuation value of the tablet which changes according to mass control will be obtained. The pressure control reference calculation value PMa can be obtained according to the following arithmetic expression using the PW correlation coefficient aα on the assumption that no correction is made.

PWa = aα (WMa−Wx) Expression (12b)
PTa = a2 (TMa-Ta) (14)
PMa = Px + PWa + PTa Equation (17).

  In this case, since the value of the pressure control reference calculated value PWa obtained by the equation (12b) is a = aα, it is obtained by the above-described arithmetic expression [PWa = a (WMa−Wx)... Equation (12)]. It is the same value as the value.

  In the calculation process of the pressure control reference calculation value PMa obtained using the PW correlation coefficient aα on the premise that the tablet thickness fluctuation value (Ta-Tx) that changes in accordance with the mass control is not corrected, When the tablet thickness variation value that changes according to the mass control is corrected (Tx is corrected to Ta), the following equation may be used.

PWa = aα (WMa−Wx) −a2 (Ta−Tx) (Equation 12c)
PTa = a2 (TMa-Ta) + a2 (Ta-Tx) ... Formula (14b)
PMa = Px + PWa + PTa Equation (17)
Here, the value obtained by a2 (Ta−Tx) is a pressure fluctuation value based on the correction of the thickness fluctuation value.

  As described above, even if the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is obtained from the calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa and PTa obtained by the above formula (12b) and the above formula (14) without correcting the thickness fluctuation value, the thickness fluctuation value is obtained. Is corrected from the calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa and PTa obtained from the equations (12c) and (14b), the equations (12c) and (a) Tx)]] is canceled out, and all values become the same value.

  In contrast to this, when calculating the PW correlation coefficient aβ on the assumption that the tablet thickness fluctuation value (Ta−Tx) that changes according to mass control is corrected, the following calculation method is used.

Based on the fact that the molding pressure may fluctuate due to the tablet thickness variation accompanying mass control as described above, when the thickness data T2 is first controlled to the thickness data T1 from the trial hit data described above, molding is performed. What molding pressure the pressure data P2 is (referred to as a calculated pressure P2a) is obtained by the following equation using the PW correlation coefficient a2.
P2a = P2 + a2 (T1-T2) (3a).

Using this calculated pressure P2a, the PW correlation coefficient aβ is obtained by the following equation that divides the fluctuation value ΔP of the molding pressure corrected by the thickness fluctuation value by the fluctuation value ΔW of the tablet mass.
aβ = ΔP / ΔW = (P1−P2a) / (W1−W2) (1a).
Based on the calculated pressure P2a, the standard of the thickness data for obtaining the PW correlation coefficient aβ can be made uniform, and an error (pressure fluctuation factor) in molding pressure caused by the difference between the thickness data T1 and the thickness data T2 can be obtained. It becomes possible to eliminate.

  Therefore, when the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is obtained using the PW correlation coefficient aβ obtained on the assumption that the tablet thickness fluctuation value that changes according to the mass control is corrected, the arithmetic processing according to the following equation: Just do.

PWa = aβ (WMa−Wx) (12d)
PTa = a2 (TMa−Ta) + a2 (Ta−Tx) = a2 (TMa−Tx) (14c)
PMa = Px + PWa + PTa (17)

  Here, the calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa obtained by aβ (WMa−Wx) is obtained by using the PW correlation coefficient aβ obtained on the assumption that the tablet thickness fluctuation value that changes according to mass control is corrected. Therefore, the pressure fluctuation value by the thickness fluctuation value correction is included.

  From these, even if the pressure control reference calculation value PMa obtained under the respective premises is obtained by the following calculation methods, an accurate calculated pressure fluctuation value corresponding to the control of both the mass control and the thickness control ( PTa, PWa) can be calculated, and the pressure control reference calculation value PMa obtained by any method is the same value.

  In the first method, the pressure control reference calculated value is calculated from the calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa and PTa obtained by the formula (12b) and the formula (14) without correcting the thickness fluctuation value that changes according to mass control. Find PMa. In the second method, the equation including correcting the thickness fluctuation value by using the PW correlation coefficient aα obtained on the assumption that the tablet thickness fluctuation value changing according to mass control is not corrected is included. The pressure control reference calculation value PMa is obtained from the respective calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa and PTa obtained by (12c) and the above equation (14b). The third method is to correct the equation (12d) and the thickness fluctuation value using the PW correlation coefficient aβ obtained on the assumption that the thickness fluctuation value of the tablet that changes according to mass control is corrected. The pressure control reference calculation value PMa is obtained from the calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa and PTa obtained by the above equation (14c) including.

  Further, when the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa is obtained using “aα” as the PW correlation coefficient described above, the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa is calculated using the above-described calculation formula [PTa = a2 (TMa−Ta ) ... It is calculated | required by Formula (14)]. However, instead of this calculation formula, a PL correlation coefficient (or Pl correlation coefficient) established between the molding pressure P and the tip interval L (or l) and the tip interval variation value ( It is also possible to obtain the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa using the tip distance calculation value LMa and the difference between the tip distance setting value LM).

  Specifically, the above-described calculation formula [LMa = LM + a3 (TMa−Ta)... (15)] can be expressed as (TMa−Ta) = (LMa−LM) / a3. 2 Substituting into the above-described calculation formula [PTa = a2 (TMa−Ta)... (14)] for obtaining the calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa, PTa = a2 (LMa−LM) / a3, and further PTa = (a2 / a3) × (LMa−LM) Equation (14d) can be obtained.

  As described above, the PT correlation coefficient a2 is a coefficient obtained by ΔP / ΔT, and the LT correlation coefficient a3 is a coefficient obtained by ΔL / ΔT. Therefore, (a2 / a3) in the above formula (14d) for obtaining PTa is obtained by dividing the pressure fluctuation value (ΔP) by the tip interval fluctuation value (ΔL) by the following calculation formula, It can be paraphrased as -L correlation coefficient (for example, a6).

a2 / a3 = (ΔP / ΔT) / (ΔL / ΔT) = ΔP / ΔL
Therefore, the second calculated pressure fluctuation obtained by multiplying the difference (LMa−LM) between the tip distance calculation value LMa and the tip distance setting value LM by the PL correlation coefficient (a6 = a2 / a3). The value PTa is the value of the above-described second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa obtained by multiplying the difference (TMa−Ta) between the thickness control reference calculated value TMa and the calculated thickness Ta by the PT correlation coefficient (a2). It becomes the same value.

  Furthermore, for the WH correlation coefficient a5 used in the control pattern with control of the tablet hardness, the value of a5α is used in the control pattern 3 (WH control), and the control pattern 1 (WTH control) and the control pattern 5 ( In the (TH control), the embodiment using the value of a5β has been described, but it is also possible to perform arithmetic processing by replacing a5β with a5α. This is because, as described above, similar to the method for obtaining the pressure fluctuation values when the mass control and the thickness control are performed, from the correlation established between the tablet mass, the thickness and the molding pressure, as described above. This is based on the fact that the correlation between the mass, the thickness, and the hardness is established, so that it is possible to obtain the respective hardness fluctuation values when the mass control and the thickness control are performed.

  Moreover, in order to manufacture a desired molded product with the above-described control pattern 1 (WTH control), the following methods can be used.

(Single control method for hardness of molded product)
In control pattern 1 (WTH control), the mass control reference value correction range and the thickness control reference value correction range are each set to be greatly expanded. For example, the lower limit value of each control reference value correction range of mass and thickness is set to 0, and the upper limit value of each control reference value correction range is set to the maximum value of the settable range. Next, by minimizing only the hardness control reference value correction range (for example, setting the lower limit value and upper limit value of the hardness control reference value correction range to the same value, etc.), the pressure control reference value PM and The destination interval setting values LM and 1M are updated.

  Thereby, it is possible to manufacture a desired molded product by controlling the hardness H of the molded product to be within the standard range independently (H single control).

(Single control method for the mass of molded products)
In the control pattern 1 (WTH control), the thickness control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference value correction range are set to be greatly expanded. For example, the lower limit value of each control reference value correction range for thickness and hardness is set to zero. Next, the upper limit value of each control reference value correction range is set to the maximum value of the settable range, and only the mass control reference value correction range is minimized (for example, the lower limit value and upper limit value of the mass control reference value correction range are the same value). Thus, the pressure control reference value PM and the tip interval setting values LM and lM are updated according to the mass change.

  Thereby, it is possible to manufacture a desired molded product by controlling the mass W of the molded product to be within the standard range independently (W single control).

(Single control method for thickness of molded product)
In control pattern 1 (WTH control), the mass control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference value correction range are each set to be greatly expanded. For example, the lower limit value of each control reference value correction range of mass and hardness is set to 0, and the upper limit value of each control reference value correction range of mass and hardness is set to the maximum value of the settable range. Next, by minimizing only the thickness control reference value correction range (for example, setting the lower limit value and upper limit value of the thickness control reference value correction range to the same value, etc.), the pressure control reference value PM and The destination interval setting values LM and 1M are updated.

  As a result, it is possible to manufacture a desired molded product by controlling the thickness T of the molded product to be within the standard range (T single control).

(Method for controlling thickness and hardness of molded product)
In control pattern 1 (WTH control), the mass control reference value correction range is set to be greatly expanded. For example, the lower limit value of the mass control reference value correction range is set to 0, and the upper limit value of the mass control reference value correction range is set to the maximum value of the settable range. Next, the thickness control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference value correction range are each minimized (for example, the lower limit value and the upper limit value of each control reference value correction range for thickness and hardness are set to the same value). The pressure control reference value PM and the tip interval setting values LM and 1M are updated in accordance with each change in hardness.

  Accordingly, it is possible to manufacture a desired molded product by controlling (TH control) so that each of the thickness T and hardness H of the molded product is within the standard range.

(Method for controlling the mass and hardness of molded products)
In control pattern 1 (WTH control), the thickness control reference value correction range is set to be greatly expanded. For example, the lower limit value of the thickness control reference value correction range is set to 0, and the upper limit value of the thickness control reference value correction range is set to the maximum value of the settable range. Next, each of the mass control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference value correction range is minimized (for example, the lower limit value and the upper limit value of each control reference value correction range for mass and hardness are set to the same value). The pressure control reference value PM and the tip interval setting values LM and 1M are updated in accordance with each change in hardness.

  Thereby, it is possible to manufacture a desired molded product by controlling (WH control) so that each of the mass W and the hardness H of the molded product is within the standard range.

(Method for controlling the mass and thickness of molded products)
In control pattern 1 (WTH control), the hardness control reference value correction range is set to be greatly expanded. For example, the lower limit value of the hardness control reference value correction range is set to 0, and the upper limit value of the hardness control reference value correction range is set to the maximum value of the settable range. Next, each of the mass control reference value correction range and the thickness control reference value correction range is minimized (for example, the lower limit value and the upper limit value of each control reference value correction range for mass and thickness are set to the same value). The pressure control reference value PM and the tip interval setting values LM and 1M are updated in accordance with each change in thickness.

  Thereby, it is possible to manufacture a desired molded product by controlling (WT control) so that each of the mass W and the thickness T of the molded product is within the standard range.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

  The scope of the invention includes, of course, an embodiment in which only the control pattern 1 (WTH control) or the control pattern 2 (WT control) can be performed alone. It also includes selecting and implementing each control pattern from the combination by combining the control pattern or the control means.

  Moreover, the following invention is included in embodiment described in this specification.

[1]
The control device 4a for controlling the operation of the powder compression molding machine 2 including the rotating disk 11 is attached to the rotating disk 11 so that the molding pressure of the molded product to be manufactured is maintained at the pressure control reference value PM. A rotary powder compression molding apparatus 1 (or an operation method of this apparatus) having a pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the mortar 12, The following means (or each process) for controlling only the thickness are provided.
Calculated mass calculating means (or calculated mass calculating step) for calculating the calculated mass Wa of the molded product from the mass fluctuation value when the pressure is controlled and the mass average value Wx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
First control reference calculation value update means (or first control reference calculation value update step) for replacing the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the value of the thickness control reference value TM.
Second control reference value updating means (or second control reference value updating step) for replacing the mass control reference calculated value WMa with the value of the calculated mass Wa.
First calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when mass control is performed (or a first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step).
Calculated thickness calculating means (or calculated thickness calculating step) for calculating a calculated thickness Ta of the molded product from the thickness variation value when the mass control is performed and the average thickness Tx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
Tip distance calculation value calculation means (or a tip distance calculation value calculation step) for calculating a tip distance calculation value (lMa and LMa) when the thickness is controlled.
Second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness is controlled (or a second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step).
Pressure control reference calculation value calculation for calculating pressure control reference calculation value PMa from the molding pressure average value Px of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation and the first and second calculated pressure fluctuation values (PWa, PTa). Means (or pressure control standard calculation value calculation step).
A tip interval control means (or a tip interval control step) that determines the necessity of controlling the tip interval and changes the tip interval when it is determined that there is a necessity.
Control pressure value update means (or control pressure value update step) for updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit 51 when it is determined that the pressure control reference value PM needs to be updated. ).

[2]
The control device 4a for controlling the operation of the powder compression molding machine 2 including the rotating disk 11 is attached to the rotating disk 11 so that the molding pressure of the molded product to be manufactured is maintained at the pressure control reference value PM. A rotary powder compression molding apparatus 1 (or an operation method of this apparatus) having a pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the mortar 12, and having a thickness and hardness The following means (or each process) for performing the above control are provided.
Calculated mass calculating means (or calculated mass calculating step) for calculating the calculated mass Wa of the molded product from the mass fluctuation value when the pressure is controlled and the mass average value Wx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
Third control reference calculation value update means (or third control reference calculation value update step) for replacing the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the thickness reference value TO and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa with the hardness reference value HO, respectively. ).
Fourth control reference calculation value update means (or a fourth control reference calculation value update step) for replacing the mass control reference calculation value WMa with the value of the calculated mass Wa.
A hardness fluctuation value when mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculated value WMa and a hardness fluctuation value when thickness control is performed using the thickness control reference calculated value TMa are obtained, respectively, Second calculated hardness calculating means (or a second calculated hardness calculating step) for determining the calculated hardness Ha of the molded product from the hardness average value Hx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
Calculated hardness second determining means (or calculated hardness second determining step) for determining whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range when each control reference calculated value of thickness and hardness is corrected. .
When the determination of the calculated hardness second determining means (or the calculated hardness second determining step) is within the hardness controllable range, at least one of the control reference calculated values of thickness and hardness is controlled corresponding to this at least one. Hardness control means (or hardness control step) for updating within the reference value correction range.
First calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means (or first calculation means for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when mass control is performed using a mass control reference calculated value given via the hardness control means (or hardness control step). 1 calculation pressure fluctuation value calculation process).
Calculated thickness calculation means (or calculated thickness calculation step) for calculating a calculated thickness Ta of the molded product from the thickness variation value when the mass control is performed and the thickness average value Tx.
Tip distance calculation value calculation means (or 杵) for obtaining the tip distance calculation values lMa and LMa when the thickness is controlled using the thickness control reference calculation value given via the hardness control means (or hardness control step). Point interval calculation value calculation process).
Second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness is controlled (or a second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step).
Pressure control reference calculated value calculating means (or pressure) for determining the pressure control reference calculated value PMa from the molding pressure average value Px of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation and the first and second calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa and PTa. Control standard calculation value calculation process).
A tip interval control means (or a tip interval control step) that determines the necessity of controlling the tip interval and changes the tip interval when it is determined that there is a necessity.
Control pressure value update means (or control pressure value update step) for updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit 51 when it is determined that the pressure control reference value PM needs to be updated. ).

[3]
The control device 4a for controlling the operation of the powder compression molding machine 2 including the rotating disk 11 is attached to the rotating disk 11 so that the molding pressure of the molded product to be manufactured is maintained at the pressure control reference value PM. A rotary powder compression molding apparatus 1 (or an operation method of this apparatus) having a pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the mortar 12, and having the mass and hardness The following means (or each process) for performing the above control are provided.
Third control reference calculation value update means (or third control reference calculation value update step) for replacing the mass control reference calculation value WMa with the mass reference value WO and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa with the hardness reference value HO, respectively. ).
First calculated hardness calculation means (or first calculated hardness calculation step) for determining the calculated hardness Ha of the molded product from the hardness fluctuation value when the mass is controlled and the average hardness value Hx of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation. .
Calculated hardness first determining means (or calculated hardness first determining step) for determining whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range when each control reference calculated value of mass and hardness is corrected. .
If the determination of the calculated hardness first determining means (or the calculated hardness first determining step) is within the hardness controllable range, at least one of the control reference calculated values of mass and hardness corresponds to this at least one. Hardness control means (or hardness control step) for updating within the control reference value correction range.
First calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means (or first calculation means for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when mass control is performed using a mass control reference calculated value given via the hardness control means (or hardness control step). 1 calculation pressure fluctuation value calculation process).
Pressure control reference calculated value calculating means (or pressure control reference calculated value calculating step) for determining the pressure control reference calculated value PMa from the molding pressure average value Px of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation and the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa. ).
Control pressure value update means (or control pressure value update step) for updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit 51 when it is determined that the pressure control reference value PM needs to be updated. ).

[4]
The control device 4a for controlling the operation of the powder compression molding machine 2 including the rotating disk 11 is attached to the rotating disk 11 so that the molding pressure of the molded product to be manufactured is maintained at the pressure control reference value PM. A rotary powder compression molding apparatus 1 (or an operation method of this apparatus) having a pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the mortar 12, and having the mass and thickness And the following means (or each process) for controlling the hardness.
Calculated mass calculating means (or calculated mass calculating step) for calculating the calculated mass Wa of the molded product from the mass fluctuation value when the pressure is controlled and the mass average value Wx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
Control pattern first selection means (or control pattern first selection step) for determining whether or not the designated control pattern includes control of the hardness of the molded product.
When the control pattern first selection means (or the control pattern first selection step) determines that the designated control pattern does not include the control of the hardness of the molded product, the mass control reference calculated value is the value of the mass control reference value WM. First control reference calculation value update means (or first control reference calculation value update step) for replacing WMa with thickness control reference calculation value TMa by the thickness control reference value TM.
Control pattern second selection means (or control pattern second selection step) for determining whether or not the designated control pattern includes control of the mass of the molded product.
When the control pattern second selection means (or the control pattern second selection step) determines that the specified control pattern does not include control of the mass of the molded product, the mass control reference calculated value is calculated based on the calculated mass Wa. Second control standard calculated value update means for replacing WMa (or second control standard calculated value update step).
If the control pattern first selection means (or the control pattern first selection step) determines that the designated control pattern includes control of the hardness of the molded product, the mass control reference calculated value WMa is calculated by the value of the mass reference value WO. The third control reference calculation value update means (or the third control reference calculation value) replaces the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the thickness reference value TO and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa with the hardness reference value HO, respectively. Update process).
Control pattern third selection means (or control pattern third selection step) for determining whether or not the designated control pattern includes control of the mass of the molded product.
When the control pattern third selection means (or the control pattern third selection step) determines that the designated control pattern includes the control of the mass of the molded product, the hardness variation value when the mass control is performed, and the thickness control The first calculated hardness calculation means (or the first calculated hardness calculation means for determining the calculated hardness Ha of the molded product from the hardness variation value and the average hardness value Hx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation, respectively. 1 calculation hardness calculation process).
Calculated hardness first determination means (or calculated hardness first determination) for determining whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range when each control reference calculation value of mass, thickness, and hardness is corrected. Process).
When the control pattern third selection means (or the control pattern third selection step) determines that the designated control pattern does not include control of the mass of the molded product, the mass control reference calculated value WMa is calculated based on the calculated mass Wa value. 4th control standard calculation value update means (or 4th control standard calculation value update process) which replaces.
The hardness fluctuation value when the mass is controlled and the hardness fluctuation value when the thickness is controlled are obtained, and the calculated hardness of the molded product from these hardness fluctuation values and the average hardness value Hx of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation. Second calculated hardness calculating means for obtaining Ha (or a second calculated hardness calculating step).
Calculated hardness second determining means (or calculated hardness second determining step) for determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range when the thickness and hardness control standard calculated values are corrected.
When the determination of the calculated hardness first determining means (or the calculated hardness first determining step) is within the hardness controllable range, at least one of the control reference calculated values of mass, thickness, and hardness is set to at least one The hardness control means (or hardness control step) updated within the corresponding control reference value correction range, or the judgment of the calculated hardness second judgment means (or calculated hardness second judgment step) is within the hardness controllable range. In this case, hardness control means (or a hardness control step) for updating at least one of the control reference calculation values of thickness and hardness within a control reference value correction range corresponding to the at least one.
When the control pattern second selection means (or control pattern second selection step) determines that the designated control pattern includes control of the mass of the molded product, or the designated control pattern controls the mass of the molded product. If the control pattern second selection means (or the control pattern second selection step) determines that it is not included, and has passed through the second control reference value update means (or the second control reference value update step) In this case, or when the designated control pattern passes through the hardness control means (or the hardness control step), the first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means (or calculating the first calculated pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed) (or First calculation pressure fluctuation value calculation process).
Calculated thickness calculating means (or calculated thickness calculating step) for calculating a calculated thickness Ta of the molded product from the thickness variation value when the mass control is performed and the average thickness Tx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
Tip distance calculation value calculation means (or a tip distance calculation value calculation step) for calculating the tip distance calculation values LMa and lMa from the tip distance variation value and the tip distance setting value when the thickness is controlled.
Second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness is controlled (or a second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step).
Pressure control reference calculated value calculating means for obtaining a pressure control reference calculated value PMa from a molding pressure average value Px of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa. (Or pressure control standard calculation value calculation process).
A tip interval control means (or a tip interval control step) that determines the necessity of controlling the tip interval and changes the tip interval when it is determined that there is a necessity.
Control pressure value updating means for updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit 51 (or control pressure value updating step) when the necessity to update the pressure control reference value PM is determined and it is determined that the necessity exists. .

[5]
[1], [2], [4], rotary powder compression molding apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 4 and 7 (or [1], [2] In the above [4], the operation method of the rotary powder compression molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 5),
The tip spacing control means (or tip spacing control step)
A tip interval control determining means (or a tip interval control determining step) for determining whether the tip interval calculation value and the tip interval setting value are the same;
Each of the following means (or each process) that is repeatedly executed until the determination of the tip interval control determining means (or the tip interval control determining step) becomes YES,
Is further provided.
A first tip that determines whether the tip interval setting value is larger than the tip interval calculated value when the determination of the tip interval control determining means (or the tip interval control determining step) is NO Interval determining means (or first tip interval determining step).
When the determination of the first tip interval determination means (or the first tip interval determination step) is YES, the difference (absolute value) between the tip interval setting value and the tip interval calculation value is a specified dimension value. Second tip interval determining means for determining whether or not it is smaller (or second tip interval determining step).
When the determination of the first tip interval determination means (or the first tip interval determination step) is NO, the difference (absolute value) between the tip interval setting value and the tip interval calculation value is the specified dimension. Third tip interval determining means for determining whether or not the value is smaller than the value (or third tip interval determining step).
When the determination of the second tip interval determining means (or the second tip interval determining step) is NO, the tip interval setting value is updated with a value obtained by subtracting the specified dimension value from the tip interval setting value. The first tip interval control means (or the first tip interval control step) for narrowing the tip interval.
When the determination of the second tip interval determination means (or second tip interval determination step) is YES and when the determination of the third tip interval determination means (or third tip interval determination step) is YES, Second tip interval control means (or second tip interval control step) for updating the tip interval setting value with the calculated tip interval value and changing the tip interval to the updated value.
If the determination of the third tip interval determining means (or the third tip interval determining step) is NO, the tip interval setting value is updated with a value obtained by adding the specified dimension value to the tip interval setting value. The third tip interval control means (or the third tip interval control step) that widens the tip interval.

[6]
[1], [2], [3], [4], [5] The rotary powder compression molding apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 4 and 7 in the claims. (Or [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], or the rotary type according to any one of claims 1 and 3.5 of the claims) In the operation method of the powder compression molding device)
The control pressure value update means (or control pressure value update step)
Pressure control reference value update determining means (or pressure control reference value update determining step) for determining whether or not the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculated value PMa are the same;
The pressure control reference value update determination means (or pressure control reference value update determination step) is further provided with the following means (or steps) that are repeatedly executed until the determination becomes YES.
First pressure control reference value determination means (or first pressure control reference value determination step) for determining whether or not the pressure control reference value PM is greater than the pressure control reference calculation value PMa.
When the determination of the first pressure control reference value determination means (or the first pressure control reference value determination step) is YES, the difference (absolute value) between the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is Second pressure control reference value determining means for determining whether or not the pressure value is smaller than the specified pressure value (or second pressure control reference value determining step).
When the determination of the first pressure control reference value determination means (or the first pressure control reference value determination step) is NO, the difference (absolute value) between the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculation value PMa is: Third pressure control reference value determining means for determining whether or not the pressure value is smaller than the specified pressure value (or third pressure control reference value determining step).
When the determination of the second pressure control reference value determination means (or the second pressure control reference value determination step) is NO, the pressure control reference value PM is calculated by subtracting the specified pressure value from the pressure control reference value PM. First control pressure value updating means for updating and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit based on the updated pressure control reference value PM (or first control pressure value updating step).
When the determination of the second pressure control reference value determination means (or the second pressure control reference value determination step) is YES and the determination of the third pressure control reference value determination means (or the third pressure control reference value determination step) In the case of YES, the pressure control reference value PM is updated with the value of the pressure control reference calculation value PMa, and the second control pressure value of the pressure control unit is updated based on the updated pressure control reference value PM. Control pressure value update means (or second control pressure value update step).
When the determination of the third pressure control reference value determining means (or the third pressure control reference value determining step) is NO, the pressure control reference value PM is set to a value obtained by adding the specified pressure value to the pressure control reference value PM. A third control pressure value updating means for updating and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit based on the updated pressure control reference value PM (or a third control pressure value updating step);

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Rotary tableting apparatus (rotary powder compression molding apparatus), 2 ... Tableting machine (powder compression molding machine), 3 ... Measuring instrument, 4 ... Control board, 4a ... Control apparatus, 11 ... Rotary board, 12 ... Mortar, 15 ... upper arm, 16 ... lower arm, 17 ... mass adjusting orbit, 19 ... orbit lifting mechanism, 28 ... main pressure interval adjusting mechanism, 28e ... part of interval detecting means, 29 ... pressure sensor, 41 ... sampling means , Step S104 ... Calculated mass calculation means, Step S105 ... Control pattern first selection means, Step S106 ... First control reference calculation value update means, Step S107 ... Control pattern second selection means, Step S108 ... Second control reference calculation value Update means, step S109 ... first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means, step S110 ... calculated thickness calculating means, step S111 ... tip distance calculated value calculating means, step S112 ... second calculation Force fluctuation value calculating means, Step S115 ... Pressure control reference calculated value calculating means, Step S117 ... Tip distance control determining means, Step S118 ... Tip distance control means, Step S119 ... First tip distance determining means, Step S120a ... Second tip distance determining means, Step S120b ... Third tip distance determining means, Step S121a ... First tip distance control means, Step S121b ... Second tip distance control means, Step S121c ... Third tip distance control Means, step S125 ... pressure control reference value update judging means, step S127 ... first pressure control reference value judging means, step S128 ... second pressure control reference value judging means, step S129 ... first control pressure value updating means, step S130 ... third pressure control reference value judging means, step S131 ... second control pressure value updating means, step S132: third control pressure value update means, step S137: control reference calculation value update means or third control reference calculation value update means, step S138: control pattern third selection means, step S140: first calculation hardness calculation means, step S141: Calculated hardness first determining means, Step S142: Fourth control reference calculated value updating means, Step S144: Second calculated hardness calculating means, Step S145: Calculated hardness second determining means, Step S149: Control pressure value updating means, Step S151: Correction destination first determining means, Step S152 ... Calculated hardness third determining means, Step S153 ... First hardness control reference calculated value updating means, Step S154 ... Calculated hardness sixth determining means, Steps S155, 156 ... Second Hardness control reference calculated value update means, step S157 ... Correction destination fourth determination means, step S161: Correction destination second determining means, step S162: Calculated hardness fourth determining means, Step S163: First thickness control reference calculated value updating means, Step S164: Calculated hardness seventh determining means, Steps S165, 166 ... Second thickness Control reference calculated value updating means, step S167 ... third calculated hardness calculating means, step S168 ... corrected destination fifth determining means, step S171 ... corrected destination third determining means, step S172 ... calculated hardness fifth determining means, step S173 ... First mass control reference calculated value updating means, step S174 ... Calculated hardness eighth determining means, steps S175, 176 ... Second mass control reference calculated value updating means, step S177 ... Fourth calculated hardness calculating means, step S178 ... Correction destination Sixth judging means, PK: control pressure value updating section (control pressure value updating means), KK: tip distance control section ( Tip spacing control means), HK ... hardness control section (hardness control means)

The method of the present invention is provided in a control device for controlling the operation of a powder compression molding machine including a rotating disk, and is attached to the rotating disk so that the molding pressure of a manufactured molded product is maintained at a pressure control reference value. An operation method of a rotary powder compression molding apparatus having a pressure control unit for controlling the height position of a lower punch that defines the filling depth of powder into a mortar, in order to solve the above problems, the following steps Is provided.
A step of obtaining a calculated thickness of a molded product from a thickness variation value when mass control is performed and a thickness average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation.
A step of calculating a tip interval calculation value from a tip interval variation value and a tip interval setting value when thickness control is performed based on the calculated thickness.
The pressure after obtaining the molding pressure average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value when the mass control is performed, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value when the thickness control is performed. The process of obtaining the control standard calculation value.
Updating the tip spacing setting value with the tip spacing calculated value to control the tip spacing;
The pressure for controlling the height position of the lower punch that defines the filling depth of the powder into the die with the pressure control reference calculation value so that the molding pressure becomes the pressure control reference value to be updated. A control pressure value updating step of updating the pressure control reference value of the pressure control unit;

At the same time, in order to prevent the molding pressure from fluctuating and the mass of the molded product from changing with the update of the tip interval setting value, the pressure fluctuation value when the mass control is performed (this is referred to as the present invention) And a pressure fluctuation value when the thickness is controlled (this is referred to as a “second calculated pressure fluctuation value” in the present invention). Further, a pressure control reference calculation value is obtained from the first and second calculated pressure fluctuation values and a molding pressure average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation, and pressure control is performed based on the pressure control reference calculation value. The pressure control reference value (current value) of the part is updated.

Thus, during the continuous operation of the powder compression molding machine, based on the mass control and the thickness control, the tip interval setting value is updated to control the tip interval, and the pressure control reference value ( (Current value) is updated. And according to this updated pressure control reference value , the pressure control part which adjusts the height position of the lower punch which prescribes | regulates the filling depth of the powder to a die controls a molding pressure. Therefore, the mass and thickness fluctuation of the molded product accompanying the change in the physical properties of the powder and the temperature change of the powder compression molding machine are suppressed, and the mass and thickness of the molded product to be manufactured can be kept within the standard range.

In addition, the molding pressure value of the molded product is adjusted to the pressure control reference value set in the pressure control unit provided in the control device that controls the operation of the powder compression molding machine. Control that changes the height position of the lower eyelid that defines the powder filling depth is referred to as feedback control (FBC). Conventionally, such control is referred to as “weight (mass) control”, but in the present invention, such control is also referred to as “pressure control”.

The “tip distance control” refers to a calculation value (lMa, LMa), which will be described later, based on the thickness control, and a control device for controlling the operation of the powder compression molding machine, which will be described later. This is a control for updating each tip position setting value (current value... 1M, LM) at the position with the value of the tip position calculation value (lMa, LMa) and changing each tip position. The tip spacing control in the present invention controls each tip spacing based on the tip spacing calculated value (lMa, LMa) in a powder compression molding machine having a preload roll and a main pressure roll, which will be described later. It points to that. However, the present invention includes the control of the tip distance only at the main pressure position including the case where the present invention is implemented as a rotary powder compression molding apparatus including a powder compression molding machine having no preload roll.

As described above, the tip distance between the preload position and the main pressure position is changed (controlled), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, Kinesaki spacing control mechanism, Oite be held so as not to move the lower compression molding rolls in the vertical direction in either or both of the position of the preload position and the pressure position, contrary to the description It is possible to change the height position of the upper compression molding roll to control the tip spacing, and further, change the height position of both the upper and lower compression molding rolls to It can be set as the structure which controls a tip space | interval.

Therefore, in the case of the control pattern 1 to control pattern 4 for controlling the mass of the tablet, the calculated mass Wa is changed to the mass control reference value WM by updating the pressure control reference value PM to a value corresponding to the mass control reference value WM. Can be controlled.

In this case, step S112 calculates | requires the 2nd calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when thickness control is carried out using the thickness control reference | standard calculation value TMa given via the hardness correction | amendment part HK. In step S115, the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is calculated from the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa obtained in step S109, the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa obtained in step S112, and the molding pressure average value Px obtained during operation. Ask for.

After execution of step S112, the control device 4a executes step S115 which constitutes a pressure control reference calculation value calculation means. Step S115 is given via the hardness control unit HK and the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when the mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculation value WMa given via the hardness control unit HK. From the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness control is performed using the thickness reference calculated value TMa and the molding pressure average value Px, the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is obtained by the following equation.
PMa = Px + PWa + PTa Equation (17).

After execution of step S112, the control device 4a executes step S115 which constitutes a pressure control reference calculation value calculation means. In step S115, the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is obtained from the calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa, PTa by the mass control and the thickness control, and the molding pressure average value Px by the following equation.
PMa = Px + PWa + PTa Equation (17).

The operation control system that executes the control pattern 2 (WT control) in the second embodiment described above has the following steps.
1. A step of obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when mass control is performed.
2. A step of obtaining a calculated thickness Ta when the mass control is performed.
3. A step of obtaining the tip distance calculation values lMa and LMa when the thickness is controlled.
4. A step of obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness is controlled.
5. A step of obtaining the pressure control reference calculated value PMa from the molding pressure average value Px, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation.
6. A step of controlling the tip interval by updating the tip interval setting values 1M and LM with the values of the tip tip calculated values lMa and LMa.
7. For controlling the height position of the lower punch that defines the filling depth of the powder into the die with the pressure control reference calculation value PMa so that the molding pressure becomes the updated pressure control reference value A control pressure value updating step of updating the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure control unit;

Thus, the pressure control reference obtained by considering the influence on the molding pressure by the mass control and the thickness control (that is, the calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when the mass control is performed and the calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness control is performed) By updating the pressure control reference value PM with the calculated value PMa, the pressure control reference value (current value) PM of the pressure control unit 51 is updated.

Then, the molding pressure is controlled based on the updated pressure control reference value PM . That is, during the continuous operation of the tableting machine 2, feedback control is performed based on the updated pressure control reference value PM. Thereby, the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the die 12 is adjusted so that the molding pressure of the molded product to be manufactured becomes the pressure control reference value PM.

Furthermore, in the control pattern 1 and the control pattern 2 of the second embodiment, each change (update) of each tip pressure setting value of the preload / main pressure and each control pressure value in the pressure control unit 51 is performed in the first embodiment. The tip interval setting value and each control pressure value are gradually changed via the tip interval control unit KK and the control pressure value update unit PK in steps S116a to S124 and steps S125 to S135 shown in the embodiment. However, it is desirable to be able to suppress the occurrence of abnormal pressure accompanying a rapid change in molding pressure.

In addition, this invention is not restrict | limited to each said embodiment. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a rotary powder compression molding apparatus that does not include a preload roll, that is, a molding apparatus that includes only one set of compression molding rolls arranged at the main pressure position. When controlling the control target of the control device (for example, the mass, thickness, and hardness of the molded product), update of each control pressure value set in the pressure control unit 51 and setting of the tip interval for at least the mass and thickness The value update may have a time difference or may be simultaneous.

(Single control method for hardness of molded product)
In control pattern 1 (WTH control), the mass control reference value correction range and the thickness control reference value correction range are each set to be greatly expanded. For example, the lower limit value of each control reference value correction range of mass and thickness is set to 0, and the upper limit value of each control reference value correction range of mass and thickness is set to the maximum value of the settable range. Next, by minimizing only the hardness control reference value correction range (for example, setting the lower limit value and upper limit value of the hardness control reference value correction range to the same value, etc.), the pressure control reference value PM and The destination interval setting values LM and 1M are updated.

(Single control method for the mass of molded products)
In the control pattern 1 (WTH control), the thickness control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference value correction range are set to be greatly expanded. For example, the lower limit value of each control reference value correction range of thickness and hardness is set to 0, and the upper limit value of each control reference value correction range of thickness and hardness is set to the maximum value of the settable range . Next, by minimizing only the mass control reference value correction range (for example, setting the lower limit value and upper limit value of the mass control reference value correction range to the same value, etc.), the pressure control reference value PM and The destination interval setting values LM and 1M are updated.
Thereby, it is possible to manufacture a desired molded product by controlling the mass W of the molded product to be within the standard range independently (W single control).

[1]
The control device 4a for controlling the operation of the powder compression molding machine 2 including the rotating disk 11 is attached to the rotating disk 11 so that the molding pressure of the molded product to be manufactured is maintained at the pressure control reference value PM. A rotary powder compression molding apparatus 1 (or an operation method of this apparatus) having a pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the mortar 12, The following means (or each process) for controlling only the thickness are provided.
Calculated mass calculating means (or calculated mass calculating step) for calculating the calculated mass Wa of the molded product from the mass fluctuation value when the pressure is controlled and the mass average value Wx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
First control reference calculation value update means (or first control reference calculation value update step) for replacing the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the value of the thickness control reference value TM.
Second control reference value updating means (or second control reference value updating step) for replacing the mass control reference calculated value WMa with the value of the calculated mass Wa.
First calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when mass control is performed (or a first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step).
Calculated thickness calculating means (or calculated thickness calculating step) for calculating a calculated thickness Ta of the molded product from the thickness variation value when the mass control is performed and the average thickness Tx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
Tip distance calculation value calculation means (or a tip distance calculation value calculation step) for calculating a tip distance calculation value (lMa and LMa) when the thickness is controlled.
Second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness is controlled (or a second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step).
Pressure control reference calculation value calculation for calculating pressure control reference calculation value PMa from the molding pressure average value Px of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation and the first and second calculated pressure fluctuation values (PWa, PTa). Means (or pressure control standard calculation value calculation step).
A tip interval control means (or a tip interval control step) that determines the necessity of controlling the tip interval and changes the tip interval when it is determined that there is a necessity.
When it is determined that the pressure control reference value PM needs to be updated and it is determined that the pressure control reference value PM is necessary, the pressure control reference calculation value PMa is set so that the molding pressure becomes the pressure control reference value PM to be updated. Then, the control pressure value updating means (or the pressure control reference value PM for updating the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the die 12 (or Control pressure value update process).

[2]
The control device 4a for controlling the operation of the powder compression molding machine 2 including the rotating disk 11 is attached to the rotating disk 11 so that the molding pressure of the molded product to be manufactured is maintained at the pressure control reference value PM. A rotary powder compression molding apparatus 1 (or an operation method of this apparatus) having a pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the mortar 12, and having a thickness and hardness The following means (or each process) for performing the above control are provided.
Calculated mass calculating means (or calculated mass calculating step) for calculating the calculated mass Wa of the molded product from the mass fluctuation value when the pressure is controlled and the mass average value Wx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
Third control reference calculation value update means (or third control reference calculation value update step) for replacing the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the thickness reference value TO and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa with the hardness reference value HO, respectively. ).
Fourth control reference calculation value update means (or a fourth control reference calculation value update step) for replacing the mass control reference calculation value WMa with the value of the calculated mass Wa.
A hardness fluctuation value when mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculated value WMa and a hardness fluctuation value when thickness control is performed using the thickness control reference calculated value TMa are obtained, respectively, Second calculated hardness calculating means (or a second calculated hardness calculating step) for determining the calculated hardness Ha of the molded product from the hardness average value Hx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
Calculated hardness second determining means (or calculated hardness second determining step) for determining whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range when each control reference calculated value of thickness and hardness is corrected. .
When the determination of the calculated hardness second determining means (or the calculated hardness second determining step) is within the hardness controllable range, at least one of the control reference calculated values of thickness and hardness is controlled corresponding to this at least one. Hardness control means (or hardness control step) for updating within the reference value correction range.
First calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means (or first calculation means for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when mass control is performed using a mass control reference calculated value given via the hardness control means (or hardness control step). 1 calculation pressure fluctuation value calculation process).
Calculated thickness calculation means (or calculated thickness calculation step) for calculating a calculated thickness Ta of the molded product from the thickness variation value when the mass control is performed and the thickness average value Tx.
Tip distance calculation value calculation means (or 杵) for obtaining the tip distance calculation values lMa and LMa when the thickness is controlled using the thickness control reference calculation value given via the hardness control means (or hardness control step). Point interval calculation value calculation process).
Second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness is controlled (or a second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step).
Pressure control reference calculated value calculating means (or pressure) for determining the pressure control reference calculated value PMa from the molding pressure average value Px of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation and the first and second calculated pressure fluctuation values PWa and PTa. Control standard calculation value calculation process).
A tip interval control means (or a tip interval control step) that determines the necessity of controlling the tip interval and changes the tip interval when it is determined that there is a necessity.
When it is determined that the pressure control reference value PM needs to be updated and it is determined that the pressure control reference value PM is necessary, the pressure control reference calculation value PMa is set so that the molding pressure becomes the pressure control reference value PM to be updated. Then, the control pressure value updating means (or the pressure control reference value PM for updating the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the die 12 (or Control pressure value update process).

[3]
The control device 4a for controlling the operation of the powder compression molding machine 2 including the rotating disk 11 is attached to the rotating disk 11 so that the molding pressure of the molded product to be manufactured is maintained at the pressure control reference value PM. A rotary powder compression molding apparatus 1 (or an operation method of this apparatus) having a pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the mortar 12, and having the mass and hardness The following means (or each process) for performing the above control are provided.
Third control reference calculation value update means (or third control reference calculation value update step) for replacing the mass control reference calculation value WMa with the mass reference value WO and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa with the hardness reference value HO, respectively. ).
First calculated hardness calculation means (or first calculated hardness calculation step) for determining the calculated hardness Ha of the molded product from the hardness fluctuation value when the mass is controlled and the average hardness value Hx of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation. .
Calculated hardness first determining means (or calculated hardness first determining step) for determining whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range when each control reference calculated value of mass and hardness is corrected. .
If the determination of the calculated hardness first determining means (or the calculated hardness first determining step) is within the hardness controllable range, at least one of the control reference calculated values of mass and hardness corresponds to this at least one. Hardness control means (or hardness control step) for updating within the control reference value correction range.
First calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means (or first calculation means for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa when mass control is performed using a mass control reference calculated value given via the hardness control means (or hardness control step). 1 calculation pressure fluctuation value calculation process).
Pressure control reference calculated value calculating means (or pressure control reference calculated value calculating step) for determining the pressure control reference calculated value PMa from the molding pressure average value Px of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation and the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa. ).
When it is determined that the pressure control reference value PM needs to be updated and it is determined that the pressure control reference value PM is necessary, the pressure control reference calculation value PMa is set so that the molding pressure becomes the pressure control reference value PM to be updated. The control pressure value updating means for updating the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the mortar 12 ( Or control pressure value update process).

[4]
The control device 4a for controlling the operation of the powder compression molding machine 2 including the rotating disk 11 is attached to the rotating disk 11 so that the molding pressure of the molded product to be manufactured is maintained at the pressure control reference value PM. A rotary powder compression molding apparatus 1 (or an operation method of this apparatus) having a pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the mortar 12, and having the mass and thickness And the following means (or each process) for controlling the hardness.
Calculated mass calculating means (or calculated mass calculating step) for calculating the calculated mass Wa of the molded product from the mass fluctuation value when the pressure is controlled and the mass average value Wx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
Control pattern first selection means (or control pattern first selection step) for determining whether or not the designated control pattern includes control of the hardness of the molded product.
When the control pattern first selection means (or the control pattern first selection step) determines that the designated control pattern does not include the control of the hardness of the molded product, the mass control reference calculated value is the value of the mass control reference value WM. First control reference calculation value update means (or first control reference calculation value update step) for replacing WMa with thickness control reference calculation value TMa by the thickness control reference value TM.
Control pattern second selection means (or control pattern second selection step) for determining whether or not the designated control pattern includes control of the mass of the molded product.
When the control pattern second selection means (or the control pattern second selection step) determines that the specified control pattern does not include control of the mass of the molded product, the mass control reference calculated value is calculated based on the calculated mass Wa. Second control standard calculated value update means for replacing WMa (or second control standard calculated value update step).
If the control pattern first selection means (or the control pattern first selection step) determines that the designated control pattern includes control of the hardness of the molded product, the mass control reference calculated value WMa is calculated by the value of the mass reference value WO. The third control reference calculation value update means (or the third control reference calculation value) replaces the thickness control reference calculation value TMa with the thickness reference value TO and the hardness control reference calculation value HMa with the hardness reference value HO, respectively. Update process).
Control pattern third selection means (or control pattern third selection step) for determining whether or not the designated control pattern includes control of the mass of the molded product.
When the control pattern third selection means (or the control pattern third selection step) determines that the designated control pattern includes the control of the mass of the molded product, the hardness variation value when the mass control is performed, and the thickness control The first calculated hardness calculation means (or the first calculated hardness calculation means for determining the calculated hardness Ha of the molded product from the hardness variation value and the average hardness value Hx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation, respectively. 1 calculation hardness calculation process).
Calculated hardness first determination means (or calculated hardness first determination) for determining whether or not the calculated hardness Ha is within a hardness controllable range when each control reference calculation value of mass, thickness, and hardness is corrected. Process).
When the control pattern third selection means (or the control pattern third selection step) determines that the designated control pattern does not include control of the mass of the molded product, the mass control reference calculated value WMa is calculated based on the calculated mass Wa value. 4th control standard calculation value update means (or 4th control standard calculation value update process) which replaces.
The hardness fluctuation value when the mass is controlled and the hardness fluctuation value when the thickness is controlled are obtained, and the calculated hardness of the molded product from these hardness fluctuation values and the average hardness value Hx of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation. Second calculated hardness calculating means for obtaining Ha (or a second calculated hardness calculating step).
Calculated hardness second determining means (or calculated hardness second determining step) for determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range when the thickness and hardness control standard calculated values are corrected.
When the determination of the calculated hardness first determining means (or the calculated hardness first determining step) is within the hardness controllable range, at least one of the control reference calculated values of mass, thickness, and hardness is set to at least one The hardness control means (or hardness control step) updated within the corresponding control reference value correction range, or the judgment of the calculated hardness second judgment means (or calculated hardness second judgment step) is within the hardness controllable range. In this case, hardness control means (or a hardness control step) for updating at least one of the control reference calculation values of thickness and hardness within a control reference value correction range corresponding to the at least one.
When the control pattern second selection means (or control pattern second selection step) determines that the designated control pattern includes control of the mass of the molded product, or the designated control pattern controls the mass of the molded product. If the control pattern second selection means (or the control pattern second selection step) determines that it is not included, and has passed through the second control reference value update means (or the second control reference value update step) In this case, or when the designated control pattern passes through the hardness control means (or the hardness control step), the first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means (or calculating the first calculated pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed) (or First calculation pressure fluctuation value calculation process).
Calculated thickness calculating means (or calculated thickness calculating step) for calculating a calculated thickness Ta of the molded product from the thickness variation value when the mass control is performed and the average thickness Tx of the plurality of molded products determined during operation.
Tip distance calculation value calculation means (or a tip distance calculation value calculation step) for calculating the tip distance calculation values LMa and lMa from the tip distance variation value and the tip distance setting value when the thickness is controlled.
Second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa when the thickness is controlled (or a second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step).
Pressure control reference calculated value calculating means for obtaining a pressure control reference calculated value PMa from a molding pressure average value Px of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value PWa, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value PTa. (Or pressure control standard calculation value calculation process).
A tip interval control means (or a tip interval control step) that determines the necessity of controlling the tip interval and changes the tip interval when it is determined that there is a necessity.
When it is determined that the pressure control reference value PM needs to be updated and it is determined that the pressure control reference value PM is necessary, the pressure control reference calculation value PMa is set so that the molding pressure becomes the pressure control reference value PM to be updated. Then, the control pressure value updating means (or the pressure control reference value PM for updating the pressure control reference value PM of the pressure control unit 51 for controlling the height position of the lower punch 16 that defines the filling depth of the powder into the die 12 (or Control pressure value update process).

[6]
[1], [2], [3], [4], [5] The rotary powder compression molding apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 4 and 7 in the claims. (Or [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], or the rotary type according to any one of claims 1 and 3.5 of the claims) In the operation method of the powder compression molding device)
The control pressure value update means (or control pressure value update step)
Pressure control reference value update determining means (or pressure control reference value update determining step) for determining whether or not the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculated value PMa are the same;
The pressure control reference value update determination means (or pressure control reference value update determination step) is further provided with the following means (or steps) that are repeatedly executed until the determination becomes YES.
First pressure control reference value determination means (or first pressure control reference value determination step) for determining whether or not the pressure control reference value PM is greater than the pressure control reference calculation value PMa.
When the determination of the first pressure control reference value determination means (or the first pressure control reference value determination step) is YES, the difference (absolute value) between the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculated value PMa is Second pressure control reference value determining means for determining whether or not the pressure value is smaller than the specified pressure value (or second pressure control reference value determining step).
When the determination of the first pressure control reference value determination means (or the first pressure control reference value determination step) is NO, the difference (absolute value) between the pressure control reference value PM and the pressure control reference calculation value PMa is: Third pressure control reference value determining means for determining whether or not the pressure value is smaller than the specified pressure value (or third pressure control reference value determining step).
When the determination of the second pressure control reference value determination means (or the second pressure control reference value determination step) is NO, the pressure control reference value PM is calculated by subtracting the specified pressure value from the pressure control reference value PM. First control pressure value updating means for updating (or first control pressure value updating step).
When the determination of the second pressure control reference value determination means (or the second pressure control reference value determination step) is YES and the determination of the third pressure control reference value determination means (or the third pressure control reference value determination step) In the case of YES, second control pressure value updating means (or second control pressure value updating step) for updating the pressure control reference value PM with the value of the pressure control reference calculation value PMa.
When the determination of the third pressure control reference value determining means (or the third pressure control reference value determining step) is NO, the pressure control reference value PM is set to a value obtained by adding the specified pressure value to the pressure control reference value PM. 3rd control pressure value update means to update (or 3rd control pressure value update process).

Claims (10)

It is provided in a control device for controlling the operation of a powder compression molding machine equipped with a rotating disk, and the powder applied to the die mounted on the rotating disk is held at the pressure control reference value so that the molding pressure of the manufactured molded product is maintained at the pressure control reference value. An operating method of a rotary powder compression molding apparatus having a pressure control unit for controlling the height position of the lower punch that defines the filling depth, comprising the following steps.
A first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed.
A calculated thickness calculation step of obtaining a calculated thickness of the molded product from a thickness variation value when the mass control is performed and a thickness average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation.
A tip interval calculated value calculation step of obtaining a tip interval calculated value from the tip interval variation value and the tip interval set value when the thickness is controlled.
A second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value when the thickness is controlled.
A pressure control reference calculated value calculation step for obtaining a pressure control reference calculated value from a molding pressure average value of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value.
A tip interval control step of controlling the tip interval by updating the tip interval setting value with the tip interval calculated value.
A control pressure value updating step of updating the pressure control reference value of the pressure control unit with the pressure control reference calculation value and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit; It is provided in a control device for controlling the operation of a powder compression molding machine equipped with a rotating disk, and the powder applied to the die mounted on the rotating disk is held at the pressure control reference value so that the molding pressure of the manufactured molded product is maintained at the pressure control reference value. A rotary powder compression molding apparatus having a pressure control unit for controlling a height position of a lower punch that defines a filling depth, wherein the control apparatus includes the following units.
First calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed.
Calculated thickness calculation means for obtaining a calculated thickness of a molded product from a thickness variation value when the mass control is performed and a thickness average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation.
A tip interval calculated value calculation means for obtaining a tip interval calculated value from a tip interval variation value and a tip interval set value when the thickness is controlled.
Second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value when the thickness is controlled.
Pressure control reference calculated value calculation means for obtaining a pressure control reference calculated value from a molding pressure average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value.
A tip interval control means for controlling the tip interval by updating the tip interval set value with the calculated tip interval value.
Control pressure value updating means for updating the pressure control reference value of the pressure control unit with the pressure control reference calculation value and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit. It is provided in a control device for controlling the operation of a powder compression molding machine equipped with a rotating disk, and the powder applied to the die mounted on the rotating disk is held at the pressure control reference value so that the molding pressure of the manufactured molded product is maintained at the pressure control reference value. An operating method of a rotary powder compression molding apparatus having a pressure control unit for controlling the height position of the lower punch that defines the filling depth, comprising the following steps.
Control standard calculation value update process that replaces the mass control standard calculation value with the mass standard value of the molded product, the thickness control standard calculation value with the thickness standard value of the molded product, and the hardness control standard calculation value with the hardness standard value of the molded product. .
The hardness fluctuation value when the mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculated value and the hardness fluctuation value when the thickness control is performed using the thickness control reference calculated value are obtained, respectively. A first calculated hardness calculation step for obtaining a calculated hardness of the molded product from the average hardness values of the plurality of molded products obtained in step 1.
A calculated hardness first determining step for determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range when each control reference calculated value of mass, thickness, and hardness is corrected.
When the determination in the calculated hardness first determination step is within the hardness controllable range, at least one of the control reference calculation values of mass, thickness, and hardness is set to a control reference value correction range corresponding to the at least one. Hardness control process renewed within the range.
A first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed using a mass control reference calculated value given via the hardness control step;
Calculated thickness of the molded product from the thickness variation value when mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculated value given via the hardness control step and the thickness average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation Calculated thickness calculation process.
Tip distance calculation value calculation for calculating a tip distance calculation value from a tip distance variation value and a tip distance setting value when thickness control is performed using a thickness control reference calculation value given via the hardness control step Process.
A second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value when the thickness is controlled using the thickness control reference calculated value given via the hardness control step;
A pressure control reference calculated value calculation step for obtaining a pressure control reference calculated value from a molding pressure average value of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value.
A tip interval control step of controlling the tip interval by updating the tip interval setting value with the tip interval calculated value.
A control pressure value updating step of updating a pressure control reference value of the pressure control unit with the pressure control reference calculation value and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit; It is provided in a control device for controlling the operation of a powder compression molding machine equipped with a rotating disk, and the powder applied to the die mounted on the rotating disk is held at the pressure control reference value so that the molding pressure of the manufactured molded product is maintained at the pressure control reference value. A rotary powder compression molding apparatus having a pressure control unit for controlling a height position of a lower punch that defines a filling depth, wherein the control apparatus includes the following units.
Control standard calculation value update means that replaces the mass control standard calculated value with the mass standard value of the molded product, the thickness control standard calculated value with the thickness standard value of the molded product, and the hardness control standard calculated value with the hardness standard value of the molded product. .
The hardness fluctuation value when the mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculated value and the hardness fluctuation value when the thickness control is performed using the thickness control reference calculated value are obtained, respectively. First calculated hardness calculation means for calculating the calculated hardness of the molded product from the average hardness values of the plurality of molded products obtained in step 1.
Calculated hardness first determining means for determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range when each control reference calculated value of mass, thickness, and hardness is corrected.
When the determination of the calculated hardness first determination means is within the hardness controllable range, at least one of the control reference calculation values of mass, thickness, and hardness is set to a control reference value correction range corresponding to the at least one. Hardness control means to update within the range.
First calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed using a mass control reference calculated value given via the hardness control means.
Calculate the calculated thickness of the molded product from the thickness fluctuation value when the mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculated value given via the hardness control means and the average thickness value of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation. Calculated thickness calculation means.
Tip distance calculation value calculation for calculating a tip distance calculation value from a tip distance variation value and a tip distance setting value when thickness control is performed using a thickness control reference calculation value given via the hardness control means means.
Second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value when the thickness control is performed using the thickness control reference calculated value given via the hardness control means.
Pressure control reference calculated value calculation means for obtaining a pressure control reference calculated value from a molding pressure average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value.
A tip interval control means for controlling the tip interval by updating the tip interval set value with the calculated tip interval value.
Control pressure value updating means for updating the pressure control reference value of the pressure control unit with the pressure control reference calculation value and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit. It is provided in a control device for controlling the operation of a powder compression molding machine equipped with a rotating disk, and the powder applied to the die mounted on the rotating disk is held at the pressure control reference value so that the molding pressure of the manufactured molded product is maintained at the pressure control reference value. An operation method of a rotary powder compression molding apparatus having a pressure control unit for controlling a height position of a lower punch that defines a filling depth,
Whether the control pattern selected by the control pattern discrimination unit of the control device from among a plurality of control patterns for controlling the molded product is “control pattern 1” for controlling the mass, thickness, and hardness of the molded product. A control pattern determination step for determining and selecting “control pattern 2” for controlling each of the mass and thickness of the molded product,
The “control pattern 1” selected in the control pattern determination step includes the following steps:
The “control pattern 2” selected in the control pattern discrimination step includes the following steps.
Each step of the “control pattern 1”.
Control standard calculation value update process that replaces the mass control standard calculation value with the mass standard value of the molded product, the thickness control standard calculation value with the thickness standard value of the molded product, and the hardness control standard calculation value with the hardness standard value of the molded product. .
The hardness fluctuation value when the mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculated value and the hardness fluctuation value when the thickness control is performed using the thickness control reference calculated value are obtained, respectively. A first calculated hardness calculation step for obtaining a calculated hardness of the molded product from the average hardness values of the plurality of molded products obtained in step 1.
A calculated hardness first determining step for determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range when each control reference calculated value of mass, thickness, and hardness is corrected.
When the determination in the calculated hardness first determination step is within the hardness controllable range, at least one of the control reference calculation values of mass, thickness, and hardness is set to a control reference value correction range corresponding to the at least one. Hardness control process renewed within the range.
A first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed using a mass control reference calculated value given via the hardness control step;
Calculate the calculated thickness of the molded product from the thickness variation value when mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculated value given via the hardness control step and the average thickness value of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation. Calculated thickness calculation process.
Tip distance calculation value calculation for calculating a tip distance calculation value from a tip distance variation value and a tip distance setting value when thickness control is performed using a thickness control reference calculation value given via the hardness control step Process.
A second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value when the thickness is controlled using a thickness control reference calculated value given via the hardness control step;
A pressure control reference calculated value calculation step for obtaining a pressure control reference calculated value from a molding pressure average value of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value.
A tip interval control step of controlling the tip interval by updating the tip interval setting value with the tip interval calculated value.
A control pressure value updating step of updating a pressure control reference value of the pressure control unit with the pressure control reference calculation value and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit;
Each step of the “control pattern 2”.
A first calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed.
A calculated thickness calculation step of obtaining a calculated thickness of the molded product from a thickness variation value when the mass control is performed and a thickness average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation.
A tip interval calculated value calculation step of obtaining a tip interval calculated value from the tip interval variation value and the tip interval set value when the thickness is controlled.
A second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating step for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value when the thickness is controlled.
A pressure control reference calculated value calculation step for obtaining a pressure control reference calculated value from a molding pressure average value of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value.
A tip interval control step of controlling the tip interval by updating the tip interval setting value with the tip interval calculated value.
A control pressure value updating step of updating the pressure control reference value of the pressure control unit with the pressure control reference calculation value and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit; The operation method of the rotary powder compression molding apparatus according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the hardness control step includes the following steps.
A correction destination first determination step of determining whether or not the correction destination for correcting the control reference calculation value is “hardness”.
A calculated hardness third determining step of determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the hardness control reference calculated value using a hardness correction coefficient.
When the determination in the calculated hardness third determination step is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the hardness control reference calculation value using the hardness correction coefficient, the hardness control reference calculation value is updated with the calculated hardness value. 1 Hardness control standard calculation value update process.
A correction destination second determination step of determining whether or not the correction destination for correcting the control reference calculation value is “thickness”.
A calculated hardness fourth determination step of determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the thickness control reference calculated value using a thickness correction coefficient.
Variation in thickness when the calculated hardness is set to the hardness control reference calculation value when the determination in the calculated hardness fourth determination step is within a hardness controllable range by correction of the thickness control reference calculation value using the thickness correction coefficient A first thickness control reference calculation value update step of updating the thickness control reference calculation value from the value and the thickness control reference calculation value;
A correction destination third determination step of determining whether or not the correction destination for correcting the control reference calculation value is “mass”.
A calculated hardness fifth determination step of determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the mass control reference calculation value using a mass correction coefficient.
When the calculated hardness is determined within the hardness controllable range by correcting the mass control reference calculation value using the mass correction coefficient, the mass fluctuation when the calculated hardness is the hardness control reference calculation value A first mass control reference calculation value update step of updating the mass control reference calculation value from the value and the mass control reference calculation value;
Whether or not the calculated hardness is smaller than the hardness control reference calculated value when the determination in the calculated hardness third determination step is outside the range of hardness controllable by correction of the hardness control reference calculated value using the hardness correction coefficient Calculated hardness sixth judgment step of judging.
When the calculated hardness is determined to be smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value in the calculated hardness sixth determination step, the calculated hardness is calculated based on the difference between the lower limit value of the hardness control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference calculation value. 3 update the hardness control reference calculation value from the value multiplied by the hardness correction coefficient used in the determination step and the hardness control reference calculation value, and conversely, the calculated hardness in the calculated hardness sixth determination step When it is determined that the hardness control reference value is larger than the calculated value, the difference between the upper limit value of the hardness control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference value is the hardness correction coefficient used in the calculated hardness third determination step. A second hardness control reference calculated value update step of updating the hardness control reference calculated value from the multiplied value and the hardness control reference calculated value;
Fourth correction destination determination step of determining whether the next correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “mass” or “thickness”.
Whether or not the calculated hardness is smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value when the determination in the calculated hardness fourth determination step is outside the range of hardness controllable by correction of the thickness control reference calculation value using the thickness correction coefficient Calculated hardness seventh judgment step to judge.
If the calculated hardness is determined to be smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value in the calculated hardness seventh determination step, the calculated hardness is calculated based on the difference between the lower limit value of the thickness control reference value correction range and the thickness control reference calculation value. 4 The thickness control reference calculation value is updated from the value obtained by multiplying the thickness correction coefficient used in the determination step and the thickness control reference calculation value, and conversely, the calculated hardness is calculated in the calculated hardness seventh determination step. When it is determined that the calculated value is larger than the hardness control reference calculation value, the thickness correction coefficient used in the calculated hardness fourth determination step is added to the difference between the upper limit value of the thickness control reference value correction range and the thickness control reference calculation value. A second thickness control reference calculation value update step of updating the thickness control reference calculation value from the multiplied value and the thickness control reference calculation value.
A third calculated hardness calculating step of calculating a new calculated hardness based on the thickness control reference calculated value updated in the second thickness control reference calculated value updating step;
A correction destination fifth determination step of determining whether the next correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “mass” or “hardness”.
Whether the calculated hardness is smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value when the determination in the calculated hardness fifth determination step is outside the range of hardness controllable by correction of the mass control reference calculation value using the mass correction coefficient Calculated hardness eighth judgment step of judging.
If it is determined that the calculated hardness is smaller than the hardness control reference calculated value in the calculated hardness eighth determining step, the calculated hardness is calculated based on the difference between the upper limit value of the mass control reference value correction range and the mass control reference calculated value. 5 The mass control reference calculation value is updated from the value obtained by multiplying the mass correction coefficient used in the determination step and the mass control reference calculation value, and conversely, the calculated hardness is calculated in the calculated hardness eighth determination step. If it is determined that the calculated value is larger than the hardness control reference calculation value, the mass correction coefficient used in the calculated hardness fifth determination step is added to the difference between the lower limit value of the mass control reference value correction range and the mass control reference calculation value. A second mass control reference calculated value update step of updating the mass control reference calculated value from the multiplied value and the mass control reference calculated value.
A fourth calculated hardness calculating step of calculating a new calculated hardness based on the mass control reference calculated value updated in the second mass control reference calculated value updating step.
A correction destination sixth determination step of determining whether the next correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “thickness” or “hardness”. It is provided in a control device for controlling the operation of a powder compression molding machine equipped with a rotating disk, and the powder applied to the die mounted on the rotating disk is held at the pressure control reference value so that the molding pressure of the manufactured molded product is maintained at the pressure control reference value. A rotary powder compression molding apparatus having a pressure control unit for controlling a height position of a lower punch that defines a filling depth,
Whether the control pattern selected by the control pattern discrimination unit of the control device from among a plurality of control patterns for controlling the molded product is “control pattern 1” for controlling the mass, thickness, and hardness of the molded product. And a control pattern discriminating means for discriminating and selecting whether or not the “control pattern 2” is for controlling each of the mass and thickness of the molded product. The “control pattern 1” selected by the control pattern discriminating means is With means,
The “control pattern 2” selected by the control pattern discrimination means includes the following means.
Each means of the “control pattern 1”.
Control standard calculation value update means that replaces the mass control standard calculated value with the mass standard value of the molded product, the thickness control standard calculated value with the thickness standard value of the molded product, and the hardness control standard calculated value with the hardness standard value of the molded product. .
The hardness fluctuation value when the mass control is performed using the mass control reference calculated value and the hardness fluctuation value when the thickness control is performed using the thickness control reference calculated value are obtained, respectively. First calculated hardness calculation means for calculating the calculated hardness of the molded product from the average hardness values of the plurality of molded products obtained in step 1.
Calculated hardness first determining means for determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range when each control reference calculated value of mass, thickness, and hardness is corrected.
When the determination of the calculated hardness first determination means is within the hardness controllable range, at least one of the control reference calculation values of mass, thickness, and hardness is set to a control reference value correction range corresponding to the at least one. Hardness control means to update within the range.
First calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed using a mass control reference calculated value given via the hardness control means.
Calculate the calculated thickness of the molded product from the thickness variation value when mass control is performed using the mass control standard calculated value given via the hardness control means and the average thickness value of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation. Calculated thickness calculation means.
Tip distance calculation value calculation for calculating a tip distance calculation value from a tip distance variation value and a tip distance setting value when thickness control is performed using a thickness control reference calculation value given via the hardness control means means.
Second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value when thickness control is performed using a thickness control reference calculated value given via the hardness control means.
A pressure control reference calculated value calculation step for obtaining a pressure control reference calculated value from a molding pressure average value of the plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value.
A tip interval control means for controlling the tip interval by updating the tip interval set value with the calculated tip interval value.
Control pressure value updating means for updating the pressure control reference value of the pressure control unit with the pressure control reference calculation value and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit.
Each means of the “control pattern 2”.
First calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a first calculated pressure fluctuation value when mass control is performed.
Calculated thickness calculation means for obtaining a calculated thickness of a molded product from a thickness variation value when the mass control is performed and a thickness average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation.
A tip interval calculated value calculation means for obtaining a tip interval calculated value from a tip interval variation value and a tip interval set value when the thickness is controlled.
Second calculated pressure fluctuation value calculating means for obtaining a second calculated pressure fluctuation value when the thickness is controlled.
Pressure control reference calculated value calculation means for obtaining a pressure control reference calculated value from a molding pressure average value of a plurality of molded products obtained during operation, the first calculated pressure fluctuation value, and the second calculated pressure fluctuation value.
A tip interval control means for controlling the tip interval by updating the tip interval set value with the calculated tip interval value.
Control pressure value updating means for updating the pressure control reference value of the pressure control unit with the pressure control reference calculation value and updating each control pressure value of the pressure control unit. The rotary powder compression molding apparatus according to claim 4 or 7, wherein the hardness control means includes the following means.
Correction destination first determination means for determining whether or not the correction destination for correcting the calculated control reference value is “hardness”.
Calculated hardness third determining means for determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the hardness control reference calculated value using a hardness correction coefficient.
When the judgment of the calculated hardness third judging means is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the hardness control reference calculation value using the hardness correction coefficient, the hardness control reference calculation value is updated with the calculated hardness value. 1 Hardness control standard calculation value update means.
Correction destination second determination means for determining whether or not the correction destination for correcting the control reference calculation value is “thickness”.
Calculated hardness fourth determining means for determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the thickness control reference calculated value using a thickness correction coefficient.
When the calculation by the calculated hardness fourth determining means is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the thickness control reference calculation value using the thickness correction coefficient, the thickness variation when the calculated hardness is the hardness control reference calculation value A first thickness control reference calculated value updating means for updating the thickness control reference calculated value from the value and the thickness control reference calculated value;
Correction destination third determination means for determining whether or not the correction destination for correcting the control reference calculation value is “mass”.
Calculated hardness fifth determining means for determining whether or not the calculated hardness is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the mass control reference calculated value using a mass correction coefficient.
When the calculation by the calculated hardness fifth determining means is within a hardness controllable range by correcting the mass control standard calculation value using the mass correction coefficient, the mass fluctuation when the calculated hardness is the hardness control standard calculation value A first mass control reference calculated value updating means for updating the mass control reference calculated value from the value and the mass control reference calculated value;
Whether or not the calculated hardness is smaller than the hardness control reference calculated value when the determination in the calculated hardness third determination step is outside the range of hardness controllable by correction of the hardness control reference calculated value using the hardness correction coefficient Calculated hardness sixth judging means for judging
When the calculated hardness sixth determining means determines that the calculated hardness is smaller than the hardness control reference calculated value, the calculated hardness is calculated based on the difference between the lower limit value of the hardness control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference calculated value. 3 update the hardness control reference calculated value from the value obtained by multiplying the hardness correction coefficient used in the judging means and the hardness control reference calculated value, and conversely, the calculated hardness in the calculated hardness sixth judging means If it is determined that the hardness control reference value is larger than the calculated value, the difference between the upper limit value of the hardness control reference value correction range and the hardness control reference value is the hardness correction coefficient used in the calculated hardness third determination means. Second hardness control reference calculation value updating means for updating the hardness control reference calculation value from the multiplied value and the hardness control reference calculation value.
Fourth correction destination determination means for determining whether the next correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “mass” or “thickness”.
Whether or not the calculated hardness is smaller than the hardness control reference calculation value when the determination of the calculated hardness fourth determination means is outside the range of hardness controllable by correction of the thickness control reference calculation value using the thickness correction coefficient Calculated hardness seventh judging means for judging
When the calculated hardness seventh determining means determines that the calculated hardness is smaller than the hardness control reference calculated value, the calculated hardness is calculated based on the difference between the lower limit value of the thickness control reference value correction range and the thickness control reference calculated value. 4 The thickness control reference calculation value is updated from the value obtained by multiplying the thickness correction coefficient used in the determination means and the thickness control reference calculation value. Conversely, the calculated hardness is determined by the calculated hardness seventh determination means. When it is determined that the calculated value is larger than the hardness control reference calculation value, the thickness correction coefficient used in the calculated hardness fourth determination means is added to the difference between the upper limit value of the thickness control reference value correction range and the thickness control reference calculation value. Second thickness control reference calculated value updating means for updating the thickness control reference calculated value from the multiplied value and the thickness control reference calculated value.
Third calculated hardness calculating means for calculating a new calculated hardness based on the thickness control reference calculated value updated by the second thickness control reference calculated value updating means.
Correction destination fifth determination means for determining whether the next correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “mass” or “hardness”.
Whether the calculated hardness is smaller than the hardness control reference calculated value when the determination of the calculated hardness fifth determining means is outside the range of hardness controllable by correction of the mass control reference calculated value using the mass correction coefficient Calculated hardness eighth judging means for judging.
When the calculated hardness eighth determining means determines that the calculated hardness is smaller than the hardness control reference calculated value, the calculated hardness is calculated based on the difference between the upper limit value of the mass control reference value correction range and the mass control reference calculated value. 5 The mass control reference calculation value is updated from the value obtained by multiplying the mass correction coefficient used in the determination means and the mass control reference calculation value. Conversely, the calculated hardness is determined by the calculated hardness eighth determination means. If it is determined that the calculated value is larger than the hardness control reference calculation value, the difference between the lower limit value of the mass control reference value correction range and the mass control reference calculation value is the mass correction coefficient used in the calculated hardness fifth determination means. Second mass control reference calculated value updating means for updating the mass control reference calculated value from the multiplied value and the mass control reference calculated value.
Fourth calculated hardness calculating means for calculating a new calculated hardness based on the mass control reference calculated value updated by the second mass control reference calculated value updating means.
Sixth correction means for determining whether the next correction destination of the control reference calculation value is “thickness” or “hardness”.   The hardness correction coefficient used in the calculated third hardness determination step and the second hardness control reference calculated value update step, and the thickness correction coefficient used in the calculated hardness fourth determination step and the second thickness control reference calculated value update step. And correction with at least one correction coefficient among the mass correction coefficients used in the calculated hardness fifth determination step and the second mass control reference calculation value update step is performed with a correction coefficient value of less than 1.00. The operating method of the rotary powder compression molding apparatus according to claim 6.   The hardness correction coefficient used in the calculated hardness third determining means and the second hardness control reference calculated value updating means, and the thickness correction coefficient used in the calculated hardness fourth determining means and the second thickness control reference calculated value updating means. And at least one of the mass correction coefficients used in the calculated hardness fifth determining means and the second mass control reference calculated value updating means is a value less than 1.00. The rotary powder compression molding apparatus described in 1.

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