Patent Description:
In such a rotary tablet press, the turret is positioned in the compression section in a position of use of the rotary tablet press, i.e. when the tablet press is in working operation. The turret comprises a number of parts or components including a die disc secured between a top punch guide and a bottom punch guide. Alternatively, the die disc is integral with the top and/or bottom punch guide in a one-part, two-parts turret or multi-parts turret. The turret is driven in rotation by means of a spindle coupled to driving means and the entire turret thus rotates during operation. A powder or granular material is fed into the die bores of the rotary tablet press by means of a feeder connected to the press housing. The rotation entails, i. , that the punches accommodated in the top and bottom punch guides are reciprocated to compress the material to tablets.

In order to carry out a change-over in the production, e.g. from one material to another or from one tablet size or shape to another, or from one press station to multiple press stations, or change-over from single layer to multilayer (such as bilayer or several layers) production, and/or to and from dry-coated tablet production, the entire turret and auxiliary components are traditionally removed in order to clean the turret or to replace the punches and dies in the turret or to install or remove various components (e.g. switch from single layer to double layer). Subsequently, the turret and auxiliary components are positioned back into the compression section and possibly adjusted.

However this arrangement has a number of drawbacks. First, various auxiliary components need to be removed from press, before turret can be removed, which in turn affects the change-over time. Second, auxiliary components can also only be installed if the turret is positioned back in the press housing, in particular said components being accurately positioned regarding the die plate surface.

In order to solve this, solutions have been suggested to remove auxiliary components together with turret. Examples of prior art tablet presses are described in <CIT>, and in <CIT> resulting in <CIT> to Courtoy and the commercially available tablet press MODUL™ making use of the Exchangeable Compression Module (ECM) concept. However, when the turret is shifted from one press to another, re-adjustment might therefore be needed, again increasing change-over time. Even in the suggested solution, the auxiliary components are however referenced to press housing, in particular the frame thereof, and the position of the components can only be adjusted when the turret is installed inside the press.

In the prior art tablet press described in <CIT> disclosing a rotary tablet press according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, the casing and correspondingly the auxiliary components are designed to be "floating" around the turret, i.e. with no fixed linkage between the turret and itself.

Adjustment of components inside press is not easy due to limited accessibility in the press, especially in case of multilayer configuration with several components present in the turret and the housing as such, and also in the case of dry-coated tablets where an intake system is needed to place the cores inside the die bores. This is also the case in prior art apparatus in which the possibility of keeping the compression zone contained and washing the ECM off line is provided, in order to ensure that no cleaning of press housing is needed, hence facilitating fast change-over. However, accessibility and cleanability are not necessarily made more easy, especially when several components are present such as in multilayer production.

In all of the above prior art tablet presses, it is a challenge to ensure that all parts of the rotary tablet press are positioned accurately in order to secure proper functioning. A recent example of prior art setting out to solve this challenge is <CIT>. Here, a bearing assembly is connected to the turret and provides support to at least one auxiliary component of the rotary tablet press and comprises a bearing and a support means for the at least one auxiliary component. The bearing is positioned outside the pitch of the turret in the radial direction. In this way, a reference point relative to the turret is provided. However, this provides for a somewhat complex design and the bearing assembly needs to accommodate the relatively large speed.

Thus, although the above prior art tablet presses provide well-functioning solutions, there is still room for improvement.

An object of the present invention is to address the above-mentioned drawbacks, in particular to obtain a reliable supporting device.

This and further objects are achieved by a rotary tablet press according to claim <NUM>, said rotary tablet press being characterized in that the support assembly comprises a suspension device positioned above the top punch guide of the turret, as seen in the axial direction, and that the suspension device comprises a carrier plate and at least one connection element connecting the carrier plate to at least one non-rotating part of the turret.

By the provision of a suspension device provided above the top punch guide, the bottom side of the ECM is kept free of any supporting devices. In turn, this improves the cleanability and water draining. The carrier plate may thus be used for suspending a given configuration of auxiliary components from the above and functions as the desired reference point for positioning of such auxiliary components due to its connection via the connection element(s) to the non-rotating part or parts of the turret.

In some embodiments, one or more of the die disc, the top punch guide, the bottom punch guide, and the plurality of punches is/are rotatable part(s), and the at least one non-rotating part is configured to be stationary relative to the rotatable part(s) when the rotatable part(s) rotate, and a plurality of auxiliary components is suspended from the carrier plate of the suspension device.

Presently preferred embodiments and further advantages will be apparent from the subsequent detailed description and drawings.

In the following description embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which.

The present invention will now be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness.

Referring first to the schematic overview of <FIG> showing a first embodiment of a rotary tablet press generally designated <NUM>, the rotary tablet press <NUM> has a press housing <NUM> comprising a frame <NUM> and an outer lining <NUM>. The press housing <NUM> is composed of three sections, which are located on top of each other and are separated by means of partition walls. The lower section, designated the drive section <NUM>, is separated from a central section, designated the compression section <NUM>, by a bottom frame <NUM> of the press, and the compression section <NUM> is separated from an upper section, designated the accessory section <NUM>, by a top frame <NUM> of the press. <FIG> further shows caps <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, which are present to prevent excessive contamination of mechanical parts, and a display <NUM>.

In a manner known per se the housing <NUM> accommodates a turret <NUM>, parts of which are shown in more detail in <FIG>. During operation of the tablet press, the turret <NUM> is positioned in the compression section <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, but may be removed from the compression section <NUM> in order to allow for instance cleaning, change-over of parts, etc. as indicated in <FIG>.

The turret <NUM> comprises a top punch guide <NUM>, a bottom punch guide <NUM>, and a die disc <NUM> between the top punch guide <NUM> and the bottom punch guide <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the die disc <NUM> is substantially plate-shaped and has a number of bores <NUM> accommodating a corresponding number of dies (not shown) adapted for forming the tablets to the desired shape and size.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, elements having the same or analogous function as in the embodiment of <FIG> carry the same reference numerals. The main difference is that in the embodiment of <FIG>, an enclosure <NUM> is provided, in which the turret <NUM> is located. In the same manner, <FIG> correspond to <FIG>.

It is noted that only parts relevant to the present invention will be described in detail. For detailed information regarding the operation of a rotary tablet press, reference is made to the above-mentioned <CIT> and <CIT>). Further reference is made to <CIT>, in particular the embodiment shown in <FIG> thereof.

Referring also to the <FIG>, the bores <NUM> are arranged at a predefined radius defining a pitch p of the turret <NUM>. The bores <NUM> are evenly distributed along a circumferential line near the outer border of the die disc <NUM>, each bore <NUM> being arranged with its axis parallel to an axial direction α defined by the turret and coinciding with the vertical rotational axis of the turret. The bore <NUM> may as mentioned receive a die of a suitable configuration.

The rotating parts of the turret <NUM> are driven in rotation around a shaft <NUM> coupled to driving means located within the drive section <NUM> when the turret <NUM> is in its position of use. Top and bottom punches <NUM> and <NUM> are guided in corresponding guide bores formed in the top punch guide <NUM> and the bottom punch guide <NUM>, respectively. The punches <NUM>, <NUM> are accommodated reciprocally in the turret <NUM> so that a first end of each punch is able to enter a corresponding die, or the bore itself, if no die is present, by displacement of the associated punch in its guide bore, in order to compress material in the die or bore. A second end of each punch <NUM>, <NUM> is in a well-known manner cooperating with top and bottom cams, respectively, arranged stationarily in relation to the rotating parts of the turret <NUM> in order to effect axial displacement of the punches by rotation of the turret. The cams are stationary relative to the rotating parts of the turret <NUM> and only extend along part of the circumference of the turret, namely at that circumferential position where the filling of the material in the bore or die is performed. Outside the extension of the cams, top and bottom pre-compression rollers and top and bottom main compression rollers, respectively, take over the displacement of the punches. Alternatively, compression cams may be used instead of compression rollers for pre- and/or main compression.

In <FIG>, a top cam <NUM> is discernible. For further reference of the rotating and non-rotating parts of the turret <NUM>, confer <FIG>. Above the top punch guide <NUM> a stationary disc <NUM> is positioned in proximity to the top cam <NUM>. Each of these parts is provided with a central bore or aperture for receiving the through-going shaft <NUM>.

In the preceding and following, the turret <NUM> may be described as being in rotation in use. This, as will be appreciated, refers to that the rotatable part(s) of the turret <NUM>, such as the top punch guide <NUM>, the bottom punch guide <NUM>, the punches <NUM>, <NUM>, die disc <NUM>, and/or further rotatable parts of turret <NUM> are in rotation. Correspondingly, it will be appreciated that any non-rotating or stationary parts of the turret <NUM> remain non-rotating or stationary, respectively, also in this case, where the turret <NUM> is described as being in rotation.

In some embodiments, one or more, such as all, of the die disc <NUM>, the top punch guide <NUM>, the bottom punch guide <NUM>, and the plurality of punches <NUM>, <NUM> is/are rotatable part(s). Alternatively or additionally, the die disc <NUM>, the top punch guide <NUM>, the bottom punch guide <NUM>, and/or the plurality of punches <NUM>, <NUM> may be rotating part(s). In some embodiments of the rotary tablet press, the rotatable part(s) is/are configured to rotate about a rotational axis, the rotational axis extending in the axial direction α.

In some embodiments, the turret further comprises a shaft configured to drive the rotatable part(s) into rotation. The shaft may be configured to rotate about the rotational axis. Alternatively or additionally, the shaft may have a shaft rotational axis parallel to the rotational axis.

A number of auxiliary components are provided. A list of such auxiliary components includes, but not exhaustively: a tablet chute <NUM> protruding from the turret <NUM> at an angle for conducting away compressed material in the form of tablets from the die bores; a feeder <NUM> extending in between the die disc <NUM> and the top punch guide <NUM>, from where it provides the die disc with powder or granules; a powder inlet tube <NUM> extending in the vertical, i.e. axial direction of the turret, from here powder or granules enter the turret <NUM> and is fed to the feeder <NUM>. Furthermore, a scraper 14a adapted to scrape off excess powder, thereby ensuring that only the desired amount of powder is present in the die disc is shown. Additional auxiliary components may include an extraction nozzle connected to an extraction tube for extracting dust to a suction system, an ejection finger, a recuperation finger and further cams. Other elements may be present in the tablet press and means for controlling the tablet press according to desired settings may be provided as well.

In the embodiment shown, the single-sided rotary tablet press <NUM> is adapted for production of single-layer tablets. However, configurations with multiple compression stations, multilayer configurations and configurations for dry-coated tablet production are possible with several feeders, scrapers, compression rollers, ejection stations, core-intake elements etc..

<FIG> show perspective views of the turret <NUM> in combination with the enclosure <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>. In other aspects, this embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in which no enclosure is present. In the following, a support assembly for providing support to one or more of the auxiliary components of the rotary tablet press in the axial and/or radial direction will be described with joint reference to both of these embodiments.

The auxiliary components of the rotary tablet press <NUM> may as mentioned in the above include the tablet chute <NUM>, the feeder <NUM> etc., including parts shown and further parts, not indicated, present in such a rotary tablet press <NUM>. The support assembly comprises a suspension device <NUM> positioned above the top punch guide <NUM> of the turret <NUM>, as seen in the axial direction α. The suspension device <NUM> includes a carrier plate <NUM> and at least one connection element, here two connection elements in the form of a first arm <NUM> and a second arm <NUM>, connecting the carrier plate <NUM> to a non-rotating, or stationary, part of the turret <NUM>. In the embodiments presently described, the stationary part comprises a spacer in the form of a disc (not visible in the perspective views, see <FIG>), but in principle any non-rotating part of the turret <NUM> may constitute such a stationary fixpoint. In this way, the auxiliary components may be suspended from the carrier plate <NUM> which furthermore functions as a reference point relative to the turret <NUM>.

The first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> each has a first end <NUM>, <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the arms <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned radially opposite relative to each other as seen in the axial direction. Further arms may be provided, or only a single arm could possibly be provided. The first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> are connected to each other at a transition portion <NUM> comprising an aperture <NUM> co-axial with the axial direction α of the turret <NUM>.

Outer connection portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective first arm <NUM> and second arm <NUM> are provided, such that the outer connection portions <NUM>, <NUM> are located at the respective second end <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiments shown, the connection portions <NUM>, <NUM> are shaped with an inclination such that the carrier plate <NUM> is located below the arms <NUM>, <NUM>, as seen in the axial direction, at a distance from a lower face of an intermediate portion of each arm such that an axial gap is formed between an upper face of the carrier plate <NUM> and the lower face of the intermediate portion of each arm. Here, the suspension device <NUM> furthermore comprises a clamping plate <NUM> configured to cooperate with the carrier plate <NUM> and accommodated in the gap provided. The connection between the carrier plate <NUM> and the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> is here shown as being an integral connection but may in principle be any suitable mechanical connection.

In the embodiments shown, the carrier plate <NUM> extends to the outside of each second end <NUM>, <NUM>, as seen in the radial direction. This makes it possible to suspend auxiliary components located at the periphery of the turret <NUM> from the carrier plate <NUM>. Thus, for instance the tablet chute <NUM> is suspended from the carrier plate <NUM> via a bracket <NUM> depending from the carrier plate <NUM> in the vicinity of the connection portion <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the first arm <NUM>. This is visible not only in <FIG>, but also in <FIG> where the bracket <NUM> protrudes even outside the enclosure, as seen in the radial direction. In embodiments including an enclosure, it also conceivable to connect the tablet chute <NUM>, or other auxiliary components, to the suspension device <NUM> via the enclosure <NUM> which is directly suspended from the suspension device <NUM>.

Other auxiliary components are suspended within the circumference of the carrier plate <NUM>, cf. for instance the feeder <NUM> connected to a suspension plate <NUM> which is connected to the carrier plate <NUM> via a number of rods <NUM> depending from the clamping plate <NUM> cooperating with the carrier plate <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press <NUM> in the second embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>. The non-rotating part is here constituted by a spacer in the form of a stationary disc <NUM> which has an outer diameter enclosed inside the pitch p in the radial direction r. The stationary disc <NUM> is interposed between a bearing assembly <NUM> and the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM>. The bearing assembly <NUM> comprises a bearing <NUM> with a radially inner part <NUM> and a radially outer part <NUM>. The radially inner part <NUM> of the bearing <NUM> is connected to the stationary disc <NUM>. The radially outer part <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the top punch guide <NUM>.

The first end <NUM>, <NUM> of each arm <NUM>, <NUM> is directly in contact with the stationary disc <NUM>. Each first end <NUM>, <NUM> is also positioned substantially at the radial position of the bearing <NUM>.

The bearing <NUM> may be configured to absorb radial and axial forces on the bearing <NUM> such that the position of any auxiliary components hanging from the suspension device <NUM> maintain their position relative to the reference provided by the turret <NUM> itself. Suitable bearing types are well-known to the person skilled in the art and includes but is not limited to four-point-contact ball bearings that provide high accuracy and high load capacity. Alternative suitable bearing types includes but are not limited to double-row angular contact ball bearings, axial roller bearings, crossed-roller bearing, and combined axial-radial bearings.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press <NUM> in a further embodiment of the invention. This embodiment differs from that of the first and second embodiments shown in <FIG> in that the non-rotating part comprises a spacer <NUM>, which has an outer diameter enclosed inside the pitch p in the radial direction r, and which is furthermore connected to a stationary part of a bearing assembly <NUM>, namely the radially outer part <NUM> which is the stationary part in this embodiment, while the radially inner part <NUM> is rotating. Thus, the first ends, here represented by the first end <NUM> of the first arm <NUM>, of the arms <NUM>, <NUM> is connected to the spacer <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press <NUM> in a further embodiment of the invention. This embodiment differs from that of the first and second embodiments shown in <FIG>, and from the embodiment of <FIG>, in that the first ends, here represented by the first end <NUM> of the first arm <NUM>, of the arms <NUM>, <NUM> are directly connected to the stationary part of a bearing <NUM> of the bearing assembly <NUM>, in particular the radially outer part <NUM>. As in the embodiment of <FIG>, the radially outer part <NUM> is stationary. Contrary to the first and second embodiments, and the embodiment of <FIG>, the separate stationary spacer is removed.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press <NUM> in a further embodiment of the invention. This embodiment differs from that of the first and second embodiments shown in <FIG> in that the carrier plate <NUM> and the connection element form a one-piece element. Here, the connection element comprises a stepped inner ring <NUM>, said ring <NUM> being connected to the top cam <NUM> of the turret <NUM>.

The provision of a connection between the suspension device <NUM> and a non-rotating part inside the pitch p entails that the linear speed is lower than at positions further outwards in the radial direction. In this way, heating of the parts during operation is kept to a minimum, and in turn, accuracy in the position of the auxiliary components is retained.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press <NUM> in a further embodiment of the invention. This embodiment differs from that of the first and second embodiments shown in <FIG> in that the enclosure <NUM> connected to the suspension device <NUM> is a one-piece element. <FIG> shows a perspective view from below of the tablet press in the embodiment of <FIG>. This one-part embodiment allows for improved flexibility in the design of the enclosure <NUM>, which may for instance formed with a rounded shape inside and a seamless construction, increasing greatly the cleanability. This embodiment can be made of a plastic material, or welded or glued steel, possibly with stainless steel sub-components.

<FIG> each show a perspective view from a side of an embodiment of the tablet press <NUM> in a further embodiment of the invention. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press <NUM> in the embodiment shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press <NUM> in the embodiments shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the non-rotating parts of the embodiment of the tablet press <NUM> are indicated by dashed lines The embodiment differs from that of the first, second, and third embodiments shown in <FIG> in that suspension device <NUM> comprises level adjustment devices <NUM>. Like suspension devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the suspension device comprises first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM>. The first <NUM> and second <NUM> arms each comprise a respective first portions <NUM> and <NUM> and a respective connection portion <NUM>, <NUM>. The first portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be similar or identical to and/or may comprise any feature described in relation with first portions <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Correspondingly, and connection portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be similar or identical to and/or may comprise any feature described in relation with connection portions <NUM>, <NUM> and connection portion <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

Suspension device <NUM> may further comprises second portions corresponding to, similar to and/or identical to second portions <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the level adjustment devices <NUM> are configured to adjust a position of at least one of the auxiliary components in the axial (α) direction. The level adjustment devices may alternatively or additionally be configured to adjust a position of the at least one of the auxiliary components in the radial direction (r).

Alternatively or additionally, the level adjustment devices <NUM> may be configured to allow an adjustment of a position of at least one of the auxiliary components in the axial (α) and/or radial direction (r).

The level adjustment devices <NUM> may allow an adjustment of the position of the at least one of the auxiliary components relative to suspension device <NUM> and/or first <NUM> or second arms <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the level adjustment devices <NUM> may allow an adjustment relative to one or more rotating components of turret <NUM>.

Specifically, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the level adjustment devices <NUM> are configured to adjust a level of the at least one of the auxiliary components relative to a top surface <NUM> of the die disc <NUM> of the turret <NUM>. As illustrated by <FIG> and <FIG>, the level of the enclosure <NUM> and the tablet chute <NUM>, which are suspended from the suspension device <NUM>, can be adjusted in axial direction by the level adjustment devices <NUM>. Thereby, the top surface <NUM> of the die disc <NUM> can be considered a reference point for the auxiliary components. Alternatively or additionally, the level adjustment devices <NUM> may be configured to adjust a level in an axial and/or radial direction of the at least one auxiliary device relative to another rotating part, such as a rotating part rigidly connected to the die disc <NUM>. Correspondingly, level adjustment devices <NUM> may be configured to allow an adjustment relative to a rotating part, such as the top surface <NUM> of the die disc <NUM>, relative to a non-rotating part, such as suspension device <NUM>, or, where a non-rotating and a rotating part are connected by a bearing, to both parts, such as both the top surface <NUM> and the suspension device <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the level adjustment devices <NUM> comprise one or more threaded portions configured to adjust a level of the at least one of the auxiliary components in the axial direction α. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, each of the level adjustment devices <NUM> comprises a screw with a threaded portion for adjusting the level of the at least one auxiliary component. In other embodiments, each level adjustment devices may comprise a threaded portion and/or may be or comprise a screw, a nut, and/or a bolt for adjusting the level of the at least one auxiliary component. In the embodiment shown in <FIG> a corresponding threaded portion is provided in suspension device <NUM>. In other embodiments, however, a nut with a thread may be provided to as to provide a threaded engagement with level adjustment devices <NUM> in a well-known manner.

The level adjustment devices <NUM> are arranged in the respective connection elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the suspension device <NUM>. Specifically, each level adjustment device <NUM> is arranged in respective adjustment portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first <NUM> and second arms <NUM>, respectively. The adjustment portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to, such as rigidly connected to or formed integrally with, first <NUM> and second arms <NUM>, or removably connected to first <NUM> and second arms <NUM>, e.g. by fastening means such as screws and/or bolts. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the adjustment portions <NUM>, <NUM> are removably connected to connection portions <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, four level adjustment devices <NUM> are provided, two of these being arranged in a respective adjustment portion <NUM> of the first arm <NUM>, and the other two being arranged in a respective adjustment <NUM> of the second arm <NUM>. In this embodiment, the level adjustment allows an adjustment of enclosure <NUM> and tablet chute <NUM> in the axial direction α. Each of the level adjustment devices are configured to allow the adjustment of the auxiliary components including the enclosure and tablet chute <NUM> in the axial direction α. Alternatively or additionally, each of the level adjustment devices <NUM> may allow for an adjustment in a radial direction.

It will be appreciated that fewer or more adjustment devices may be provided in other embodiments allowing for adjustment of enclosure <NUM> and/or any further auxiliary component.

Claim 1:
Rotary tablet press (<NUM>) comprising
a housing (<NUM>) including a compression section (<NUM>), a turret (<NUM>) including a die disc (<NUM>), a top punch guide (<NUM>), a bottom punch guide (<NUM>), and a plurality of punches (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein one or more of the die disc (<NUM>), the top punch guide (<NUM>), the bottom punch guide (<NUM>), and the plurality of punches (<NUM>, <NUM>) is/are rotatable part(s),
wherein the turret (<NUM>) defines an axial direction (α) and a radial direction (r), the punches being arranged at a predefined radius defining a pitch (p) of the turret, said turret being positioned in the compression section in a position of use of the rotary tablet press,
wherein the rotary tablet press further comprises a number of auxiliary components,
wherein the rotary tablet press comprises a support assembly for providing support to at least one of said auxiliary components of the rotary tablet press in the axial and/or radial direction,
characterized in that
the support assembly comprises a suspension device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) positioned above the top punch guide (<NUM>) of the turret (<NUM>), as seen in the axial direction, in that
the suspension device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprises a carrier plate (<NUM>) and at least one connection element (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>) connecting the carrier plate (<NUM>) to at least one non-rotating part (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of the turret (<NUM>), the at least one non-rotating part (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) being configured to be stationary relative to the rotatable part(s) when the rotatable part(s) rotate, and in that
a plurality of auxiliary components is suspended from the carrier plate (<NUM>) of the suspension device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the carrier plate (<NUM>) functions as a reference point relative to the turret (<NUM>).