Device for manipulating an object, method for filling an object and corresponding application

Abstract

The invention provides a device (1) for manipulating an object (3), wherein the object (3) can be moved contactlessly on a drive surface (7) by at least one mover (4) which is magnetically coupled to a stator device (5), the drive surface (7) being designed as a sealed boundary, in particular a boundary wall (8), of a protected interior space (9). Such a flexible device (1) is preferably used in the food industry or the pharmaceutical industry, but is not limited to these areas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for manipulating an object, wherein the object can be moved contactlessly on a drive surface by at least one mover which is magnetically coupled to a stator arrangement.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for filling objects, which are conveyed by a mover over a boundary wall of a protected interior space to a filling device and are filled by the filling device.

[0003] The invention also relates to the use of a boundary wall of a protected interior space as a drive surface. Background Art

[0004] Often, special manufacturing methods requiring a controlled and / or sterile environment are implemented in protected interiors. Such protected interiors also include clean rooms, such as isolators, containments or radioactively contaminated spaces. Protected interiors are widely used, in particular, in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace technology and in the aseptic production or packaging of foods and pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. Although semi-automated or fully automated process steps are used to optimize special manufacturing methods to the greatest extent possible, various process steps are often carried out manually, which can still lead to contamination of the product to be manufactured, even if the method is carried out within a protected interior.

[0005] Devices for manipulating objects are known in industry. In this context, for example, any process that takes place in a device for the purpose of processing and / or manufacturing a product can be considered as a manipulation. In the pharmaceutical industry, for example, injection vials are first transported to a filling device by means of conventional conveyor belts, star conveyors or conveyor rakes, where they are filled in order to be subsequently transported to further processing stations by means of conveyor belts. Such systems can be relatively inflexible, prone to malfunctions and have high maintenance costs.

[0006] Recently, there have been devices for manipulating objects in which a transport body, called a mover, can be moved and / or rotated in at least two degrees of freedom in an electromagnetic field, preferably contactlessly. The mover is magnetically coupled to a stator arrangement (planar motor system) and is suspended contactlessly a few millimeters above the stator arrangement. The stator arrangement comprises at least one brick and can be positioned and changed modularly to suit given spatial conditions. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention is based on the object of expanding the use of protected interior spaces and making them more flexible.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned task, according to the present invention, a device for manipulating an object is provided, wherein the object can be moved contactlessly on a drive surface by at least one mover, which is magnetically coupled to a stator device, and characterized in that the drive surface is constructed as a sealed boundary of a protected interior space.

[0009] In particular, in order to achieve the stated task in a device of the type described above, the drive surface is designed as a sealing boundary, in particular a boundary wall, of the protected interior. According to the invention, this can include the sum of the boundary walls or parts thereof. Thus, the drive surface can also be extended to other, possibly non-horizontal surfaces within the protected interior, thereby enabling extended functionality and / or production capacity and greater flexibility. The stator arrangement can thus be constructed on the boundary wall of the protected interior, thereby simultaneously saving space and material.

[0010] The advantage here is that the transport in the protected interior is wear-free. Therefore, less cleaning effort is required. This also ensures that no particles are released during production, which could cause contamination, for example during filling.

[0011] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the stator arrangement is arranged outside the protected interior. The stator arrangement can thus be separated from the conditions in the interior. For example, it can be provided that the stator arrangement is fastened to a boundary wall. This allows a particularly space-saving solution. It can be provided that the boundary wall is arranged vertically and / or horizontally and / or obliquely. Thus, a plurality of boundary walls of different orientations can be used.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one mover is arranged in a protected interior space. It is advantageous here that a plurality of processes, in particular conveying and / or transport processes, can be carried out in the protected interior space without manual intervention. Thus, a controlled exchange of, for example, air between the interior space and the environment can be achieved. Such a controlled exchange is very important in sterile applications with isolators or in toxic methods in containment. In addition, if necessary, expensive and time-consuming clean room tests in the form of, for example, microbial contact plates can be reduced. This embodiment can, for example, allow the at least one mover to operate in an interior space into which no substances can enter uncontrolledly from the outside and / or from which no substances can escape uncontrolledly to the outside.

[0013] It can also be provided that the at least one mover is arranged outside the protected interior. Thus, for the functional arrangement, the corresponding stator arrangement can be enclosed within the protected interior. Thus, processes can advantageously be performed outside the protected interior. Thus, particles and / or pollutants generated and / or released by or on the stator arrangement can be prevented from being discharged uncontrolled from the interior.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the boundary wall of the protected interior has a coupling region formed by the stator arrangement and the at least one mover, in particular, the area within the coupling region can be smaller than the area of ​​the boundary wall. It is advantageous here that other devices, such as non-magnetically neutral devices and / or structures, which can influence and interfere with the magnetic field or the range of motion of the mover, can be installed outside the coupling region and / or in the protected interior.

[0015] For example, gripping devices, scales, closing systems, filling devices or conventional transport systems can be installed outside the coupling area for handling the containers.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the boundary wall and / or in particular the coupling region already mentioned is made of a magnetically neutral separating layer. "Magnetically neutral" in the sense of the invention means that interference or influences of the magnetic coupling between the shifter and the stator arrangement can be reduced or avoided by the materials used.

[0017] For example, the partition layer can be made of a stainless steel layer and / or a glass layer or include such a layer. Alternatively or additionally, the partition layer can also be made of an airtight plastic or composite material. Thus, particularly suitable materials can be used for the protected interior space.

[0018] Preferably, the thickness of the separation layer is less than 2 mm. Thus, the mover can be brought very close to the stator arrangement to achieve a strong magnetic coupling.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the boundary wall and / or the coupling region, for example, mentioned above, is stabilized by a support element. The use of a support element is beneficial to the statics of the device.

[0020] It is advantageous here if the support element is made of a magnetically neutral material. Thus, interference with coupling and / or deformation of the magnetic field can be reduced or even avoided. This is particularly advantageous in combination with a magnetically neutral separating layer.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the stator arrangement is formed in at least one bracket. It is advantageous here that the stator arrangement can be stabilized in the at least one bracket.

[0022] It is advantageous if the at least one bracket is supported directly on the boundary wall and / or, for example, the coupling region already mentioned. As a result, the stator arrangement can be brought very close to the shifter for the magnetic coupling.

[0023] As an alternative, the carrier can also be freely positioned on the boundary wall and / or the coupling region to allow a more flexible movement of the carrier.

[0024] Preferably, the at least one bracket can be moved to and from the place of use and / or can be adjusted at the place of use between a working position close to the boundary wall and a position remote from the boundary wall. Since the stator arrangement must be accessible, for example for maintenance and / or repair work, it is advantageous to construct the stator arrangement in a movable bracket. It is also advantageous if the bracket can be moved to a position remote from the boundary wall, whereby the stator arrangement can be removed without damaging the stator arrangement itself or the boundary wall.

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the boundary wall and / or the separating layer can be removed from the device. It is advantageous here that the boundary wall and / or the separating layer can be removed from the interior, thereby enabling cost-effective maintenance of the stator arrangement.

[0026] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the protected interior has at least two chambers, in particular the at least two chambers are separated by an intermediate wall, which preferably has at least one small access opening. Advantageously, different process steps of a method can be separated from one another in order to eliminate further sources of contamination and / or particles. According to the invention, the at least one small access opening allows, for example, the transport of open containers from one chamber to the other chamber in order to fill and / or close the containers there.

[0027] Preferably, the intermediate wall is designed as a boundary wall, on which further processing can be carried out separately from one another.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, an overpressure can be generated in one of the chambers, so that contaminants or particles from the other chamber do not enter this chamber through the at least one small inlet opening.

[0029] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one processing station is fixedly mounted or located on a mover in the protected interior. Thus, objects can be processed flexibly during the entire handling process in the protected interior.

[0030] For example, the filling device can be fixedly mounted, or positioned on the mover.The filling device allows the liquid level of the object to be adjusted.

[0031] Preferably, the at least one processing station is located on the boundary wall and / or in the coupling region, for example, already mentioned. This makes it possible to implement a multi-stage production method in a modular and dynamic manner in a very advantageous manner, since the mover can be moved substantially freely on the drive surface and the travel path can be easily modified, especially in closed interior spaces and / or without movable parts. The modularity and dynamism of the invention make it possible to quickly adjust and change methods and / or processes without endangering the protected clean room.

[0032] In addition, the processing station can also be arranged in one chamber and fixed in the second chamber. Advantageously, the processing station can be fixedly positioned in one chamber to prevent contamination and can be brought into the second chamber for processing. For example, the processing station can be brought into the second chamber through an opening, such as a lock.

[0033] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the stator device is fastened to the boundary walls and / or in particular to the already mentioned coupling region and / or to two adjacent walls of the protected interior space in such a way that the at least one mover can transport the at least one object within the at least two chambers and / or between the at least two chambers through the at least one small access opening of the intermediate wall. Advantageously, the working step of releasing particles or contaminants can be separated from the subsequent working steps. The spread of contamination can thereby be reduced or even prevented.

[0034] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the stator device is preferably arranged vertically within the at least one intermediate wall between the at least two chambers. Advantageously, the at least one intermediate wall serves to provide a drive surface for the mover for the lifting and lowering movement.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one intermediate wall can be designed as a coupling region which can have at least one magnetically neutral region for fastening a gripping device, a scale, a closing system, a filling device or another processing station for handling the containers.

[0036] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the stator arrangement is formed in at least one bracket within the at least one intermediate wall. As a result, the stator arrangement can be moved out of the intermediate wall very easily for maintenance and / or repair work.

[0037] In an alternative or additional embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the boundary wall and / or the separating layer of the intermediate wall are removable. Thus, for maintenance work, the stator arrangement can be reached from the interior, which is advantageous, in particular if the stator arrangement is fixed stationarily in the intermediate wall, such as in a stationary bracket.

[0038] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the protected interior has at least one throughflow region. In the throughflow region, the particle concentration in the air can be advantageously reduced, which is advantageous for the purity of the product to be processed, in particular the purity of the product to be filled.

[0039] In particular, the drive surface can be oriented in such a way that the at least one mover can be moved into and / or in this area. Thus, a flow area can be realized which is smaller than the base area of ​​the protected interior and which can be reached and driven through by the mover. Such a flow area has the advantage that less energy is required for the air flow, thereby saving costs. Advantageously, alternatively or additionally, a further device is provided, by which contaminants can be prevented from entering the working area.

[0040] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the stator arrangement is enclosed by a sealed channel, wherein the drive surface is formed by the enclosure of the channel. Thus, the drive surface can advantageously be formed on the channel in a protected interior, wherein the drive surface and the mover can be introduced into the device in a space-saving manner.

[0041] As an alternative, it can be provided that the drive surface can be configured independently of the enclosure in the protected interior space. Thus, in particular, the mover can be moved independently of the enclosure or the channel, so that the mover can be flexibly moved and used in the protected interior space.

[0042] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the passage is accessible from outside the protected interior on one or both sides. This can be achieved, for example, by means of the access described herein. Thus, the stator of the stator arrangement can be advantageously accessible from outside the protected interior, in particular in the case of maintenance and / or repair.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, provision can be made for the channel to be surrounded by the protected interior space along its entire perimeter extending around its longitudinal extension. The channel can thus be completely integrated into the protected interior space, whereby the integrity of the protected interior space can be particularly high. Furthermore, space outside the protected interior space can advantageously be saved.

[0044] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the protected interior space has a profile body, which has a stator device and a partition layer. As a result, the drive surface for the mover can have a height difference relative to the bottom of the protected interior space, which can reduce contamination from the bottom. The profile body can be inserted or erected in the protected interior space, the profile body in particular having at least one foot, which itself forms a connection with the exterior of the protected interior space, so that, for example, electrical equipment can be advantageously guided to the profile body, in particular the stator device. The at least one foot can also advantageously be used to discharge waste heat from the stator device, so that overheating of the device can be avoided.

[0045] In particular, it can be provided that the separating layer is replaceably fastened to the profile body. The profile body can thus be sealed so that no material exchange occurs between the stator arrangement and the protected interior. The separating layer is replaceable, thereby advantageously making it possible to simply replace a stator arrangement that is defective and / or requires maintenance.

[0046] In particular, it can be provided that the separating layer is adhesively fastened to the profile body. The profile body can thus be sealed particularly easily. In this case, the profile body can even have an adhesive surface for the separating layer, so that the separating layer is not adhesively bonded to the stator arrangement. In particular, in this embodiment, the separating layer rests on the stator arrangement, so that no air gap is produced between the separating layer and the stator arrangement. As a result, the magnetic coupling of the displacer and the stator arrangement can be produced particularly effectively and without interference.

[0047] Preferably, the separating layer is designed in the form of a membrane. A separating layer designed as a membrane is particularly easy to handle, in particular if it is adhesively bonded to the profile body as described above.

[0048] In a preferred and advantageous embodiment, the separating layer configured as a membrane can be a glass fiber composite material. Other magnetically neutral materials can be used as an alternative and according to the wishes of the user to produce the separating layer.

[0049] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the channel and / or the profile body forms an access outside the protected interior. The access is advantageously formed by the top of the channel and / or the profile body. This embodiment makes it possible to simplify, in particular, the removal of the stator arrangement, for example in the case of maintenance, without having to enter the protected interior or contaminate it by manipulation. Thus, the start-up or restart of operation in the device can be carried out particularly quickly.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, according to the invention, a method for filling at least one object with the aid of a device for manipulating objects according to the invention is provided to solve the task, characterized in that the at least one object is moved by a mover on a drive surface of a protected interior space to a filling device and filled by the filling device, the filling device being positioned in the protected interior space or on another mover.

[0051] Therefore, in particular in a method of the type described at the outset, it is proposed according to the invention that the at least one object is moved by a mover on a drive surface of the protected interior space to a processing station, such as a filling device, and is filled by the filling device, which is positioned in the protected interior space, in particular on a drive surface or is fixed to another mover. Preferably, it is provided that the mover with the at least one object performs a lifting movement to the filling device which is located above the horizontal bottom plane of the device. The vertically arranged filling device therefore does not influence the transport path of the device, whereby further movers can be guided to further processing stations in a flexible manner.

[0052] As an alternative, it is also conceivable to move the filling device towards the mover with the at least one object.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the invention provides for the use of a boundary wall of a protected interior space of the device according to the invention for manipulating objects to solve the task, the boundary wall serving as a drive surface for at least one mover, which is coupled to a stator device. Therefore, in particular in an application of the type mentioned at the outset, it is proposed according to the invention that the boundary wall of the protected interior space serves as a drive surface for at least one mover, which is coupled to a stator device. Preferably, provision is made for the stator device to be positioned outside the protected interior space. Thus, a spatial separation of the mover and the stator device can be achieved, which are usually not separated in one space. Advantageously, maintenance and / or modification of the stator device of the protected interior space (such as an insulator or protective shell) can be implemented flexibly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The attached pictures are as follows:

[0055] Figure 1 side views of the apparatus showing stator means and movers with different orientations;

[0056] Figure 2 A side view of the device with a coupling region is shown;

[0057] Figure 3 showing a side view of the device with a bracket;

[0058] Figure 4 A side view showing an apparatus with a vertically arranged processing station;

[0059] Figure 5 A side view of a device with two chambers is shown;

[0060] Figure 6 A side view showing a device with two chambers and a stator arrangement in an intermediate wall;

[0061] Figure 7 A side view of a device having two chambers and a processing station is shown, which is fixed in one chamber and extends into the second chamber;

[0062] Figure 8 A front view of the device is shown with the mover-stator arrangement located in a protected interior space;

[0063] Fig. 9 shows a side view of the apparatus with a stator arrangement enclosed in a channel;

[0064] Fig.10 showing a front view of the apparatus with a stator arrangement enclosed in a channel;

[0065] Fig.11 A front view of the device is shown with a stator arrangement enclosed in a profile body;

[0066] Fig.12 Show Fig.11 A side view of a device in FIG. 1 having a stator arrangement enclosed in a profile body;

[0067] Fig.13 Show Fig.11 A detailed side view of a variation of ; and

[0068] Fig.14 Show Fig.11 Detailed side view of another variant of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Figure 1 The device 1 according to the invention is shown as a whole with the reference numeral 1. The device 1 has a housing 2 with a protected interior 9. For the input and output of the at least one object 3 from the protected interior 9, the device 1 according to the invention has locks and / or clean areas that are common to isolators or protective housings.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the device 1 and / or the housing 2 may be movable.

[0071] In the protected inner space 9, at least one object 3 is located on the bottom, the top, the vertical walls and the inclined walls, said at least one object 3 being positioned on a housing 6 of a mover 4. The at least one mover 4 is magnetically coupled to the stator arrangement 5.

[0072] Figure 1 Four stator devices 5 are shown, each consisting of one stator or a plurality of stators, positioned on a vertical, horizontal or inclined wall outside the protected interior space 9. As an alternative, the stator device 5 can also be positioned in the housing 2 and / or in the boundary wall 8 and / or between the housing 2 and the boundary wall 8.

[0073] The at least one mover 4 can be moved on the drive surface 7 passively, for example by means of integrated permanent magnets (not shown) or actively, for example by means of integrated coil sets (not shown). The active movement of the at least one mover 4 can be achieved by a preferably contactless movement, in particular a movement along the drive surface or a movement with a component transverse to the drive surface, a rotation and / or a tilting relative to the drive surface 7. In the embodiment shown here, the drive surface 7 forms a boundary wall 8 of the device 1. The device 1 according to the invention can additionally have conventional transport means, such as a conveyor belt, a star wheel and / or a computing system, for moving the at least one object 3.

[0074] In accordance with Figure 2 In the embodiment of the invention, the device 1 has a coupling region 10 which is machined into a vertical boundary wall 8 of the housing 2. The area of ​​the coupling region 10 is smaller than the area of ​​the vertical boundary wall 8. The vertical boundary wall 8 can have different processing stations 15 (not shown) located inside or outside the coupling region 10 and on the sides of the protected interior space 9. At least one mover 4 can approach these processing stations 15 in order to manipulate at least one object 3. In Figure 2 In the embodiment, the drive surface 7 is realized as a magnetically neutral separating layer 11, for example made of glass, stainless steel, gas-tight plastic or a composite material. In addition, the coupling region 10 is positioned and stabilized on the housing 2 and / or the boundary wall 8 by magnetically neutral supporting parts 12, such as locking pins and / or angle pieces and / or profile rails and / or ribs and / or other reinforcements.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, the stator arrangement 5 can also be connected to the housing 2 and / or the separating layer 11 via a supporting element 12 .

[0076] In accordance with Figure 3 In an embodiment, the stator device 5 is mounted in a bracket 13 outside the protected inner space 9. For example, for repair and / or maintenance work, the stator device 5 can be moved away from the contact position close to the boundary wall 8 by the bracket 13, so that the stator device 5 can be accessed.

[0077] Furthermore, the carriage 13 may have drive means (not shown) in order to move the stator arrangement 5 and / or individual bricks of the stator arrangement 5 within a drive surface 7 or between a plurality of drive surfaces 7 .

[0078] In accordance with Figure 4 In the embodiment of the invention, a stator device 5 is arranged on a vertical wall. In the protected inner space 9 of the device 1, a mover 4 is arranged, which holds at least one object 3 on the receiving part 6. On the vertical wall, a filling device 14 is fixedly mounted above the mover 4 and a further processing station 15 is fixedly mounted below the mover 4. The mover 4 can be moved to the filling device 14 to fill the at least one object 3. After filling, the mover 4 can be moved together with the at least one object 3 to the processing station 15, which can preferably be a scale in order to measure the liquid level of the at least one object 3.

[0079] As an alternative, the filling device 14 and / or the treatment station 15 can be positioned on the mover 4 (not shown). Thus, the mover 4 can be moved relative to the filling device 14 and / or the treatment station 15.

[0080] In another exemplary embodiment, the processing station 15 and / or the filling device 14 can be arranged on a conventional movement system, in particular as already mentioned.

[0081] Thus, a method for filling objects, preferably vials, syringes, cartridges and / or ampoules or injection bottles, can be carried out with the aid of the device 1 according to the invention, which method can be carried out as follows.

[0082] The mover 4 moves the at least one unfilled or partially filled object 3 to a scale to determine the net weight of the at least one unfilled or partially filled object 3. The mover 4 then moves the at least one unfilled or partially filled object 3 along the vertical drive surface 7 to a filling device 14, by which the at least one unfilled or partially filled object 3 is filled. After filling, the mover 4 can be moved together with the at least one filled object 3 to another processing station 15 for further method steps, for example back to the other scale.

[0083] exist Figure 5 1 shows an apparatus 1 with two chambers 16, 23. The two chambers 16, 23 are formed by an intermediate wall 17 and are connected to each other by at least one small inlet opening 18. The stator device 5 shown here is constructed on the bottom of the apparatus 1. At least one mover 4 can be moved between the two chambers 16, 23 by a horizontal movement through the at least one small inlet opening 18.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, the stator device 5 may also be arranged on a vertical wall and / or an inclined wall in order to move the at least one mover 4 between the at least two chambers 16 , 23 .

[0085] exist Figure 6In the embodiment shown, at least one carriage 13 with at least one stator device 5 is positioned on an intermediate wall 17 of two chambers 16, 23. The at least one mover 4 can be moved vertically and / or horizontally on the intermediate wall 17. The at least one mover 4 can be moved in or between the at least two chambers 16, 23 by means of further stator devices 5 (not shown).

[0086] Figure 7 An apparatus 1 is shown with two chambers 16, 23, in which a processing station 15 is positioned on a vertical wall of the first chamber 16. The processing station 15 shown here projects through an access opening 18 into the second chamber 23, but in alternative embodiments it can also project into a plurality of chambers 16, 23. The stator device 5 is enclosed in an intermediate wall 17. The mover 4 located in the second chamber 23 can be moved towards the processing station 15 by magnetic coupling with the stator device 5, where the object 3 can be processed.

[0087] Alternatively or additionally, the processing station 15 or a part thereof may be movable, for example within a chamber 16 , 23 or between at least two chambers 16 , 23 .

[0088] In accordance with Figure 8 In the embodiment of the invention, the mover 4 together with the corresponding stator device 5 is located within the protected space 9 of the device 1, and the stator device 5 is surrounded on all sides by a sealed and magnetically neutral enclosure 19. The enclosure 19 together with the stator device 5 is firmly positioned in the protected inner space 9 by two anchors 20. The number of supported anchors 20 can be designed optionally, so that the enclosure 19 can be positioned in the protected inner space 9 without, with one or with more than two anchors 20.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, the enclosure 19 together with the displacer 4 and the stator arrangement 5 can be suspended and / or clamped in the protected interior 9 .

[0090] Fig. 9 The side view of the device 1 is shown, in which the object 3 is located on the mover 4 in the throughflow area 21. Here, as is known for clean rooms, filtered air enters from the top into the protected interior 9 to replace the air present therein. Fig. 9 As can be seen in the figure, the mover 4 is magnetically coupled to the stator device 5, which is sealed by the channel 22. The enclosure 19 forming the channel 22 is made of a magnetically neutral material so that the mover-stator application can be utilized without interference. The bracket 13 or other transport means that enables the stator device 5 to be removed from the channel 22 is not shown in this figure.

[0091] Fig.10 The previous view shows that in particular Fig. 9The channel 22 is shown. Here, the drive surfaces 2 , 7 , 8 are formed by the enclosure 19 of the channel 22 .

[0092] In an embodiment not shown, the drive surfaces 2 , 7 , 9 can also be formed in the protected interior 9 separately or independently of the channel 22 or its enclosure 19 , so that the device 1 can be designed flexibly.

[0093] Fig.11 and 12 The passage 22 in the protected interior space 9 can be accessed from both sides from outside. Thus, for example, in maintenance situations, the stator of the stator arrangement 5 can be brought into the exterior space A via the access opening 25, in particular as described with regard to Fig. 9 As has been described, the stator of the stator arrangement 5 can therefore be maintained without having to enter the protected interior 9 or without contaminating the protected interior 9 due to manipulations.

[0094] A similar inlet 25 can also be formed in the profile body 24 , as described below.

[0095] The channel 22 is surrounded by the protected interior space 9 along its entire perimeter extending around its longitudinal extension.

[0096] In addition, Fig.10 As can be seen, the stator device 5 is provided with an adjustment device 26 (see Fig.13 and 14 ) so that it can be directed when needed. Fig.11 1 (front view) and 12 (side view) show a device 1 with a profile body 24 located in a protected interior space 9, which has a stator arrangement 5 and a separating layer 11, in particular a membrane-like separating layer 11 which is replaceably fastened to the profile body 24. The membrane-like separating layer 11 is adhesively applied to the bonding surface of the profile body 24 and closes the profile body.

[0097] Fig.13 and 14 Shown in more detail Fig.11 and 12 Two variations of the structure.

[0098] In accordance with Fig.13 In a first variant, the separating layer 11, which can be diaphragmatic for this purpose, is placed on an outer profile 29 of the profile body 24, for example made of sheet metal, and is bonded to it. An inner profile, for example made of aluminum or plastic (such as glass fiber reinforced plastic), is arranged in the space thus formed and connected to the outer space A via the feet 24. The inner profile 28 accommodates the stator device 5 and is mounted on the adjustment device 26 so that the upper side of the stator device 5 is aligned with the end of the outer profile 29.

[0099] In accordance with Fig.14 In the arrangement of the invention, the separating layer 11, which is also diaphragmatic, for example, is defined by an inner profile 28 of the profile body 24, preferably made of aluminum or plastic, such as GFK or another magnetically neutral material. An outer profile 29 of the profile body 24, preferably made of sheet metal, surrounds the inner profile 28 and is sealed relative to the inner profile 28 by a sealing element 30, for example by a sealing material such as silicon or in the form of a sealing lip or a sealing profile, so that contaminants cannot enter the protected interior 9.

[0100] The separating layer 11 is located on the stator arrangement 5 so that no air gap is produced between the separating layer 11 and the stator arrangement 5. The magnetic coupling of the shifter 4 and the stator arrangement 5 is thus designed to be particularly efficient and non-interfering.

[0101] according to Fig.11 and 12 The profile body 24 is inserted or mounted in the protected inner space 9 and has two feet 27 (see Fig.11 ), which themselves form a connection with the outer space A of the protected inner space 9, so that, for example, electrical devices can be advantageously led to or out of the profile body 24, in particular the stator device 5. The two legs 27 are advantageously used to discharge the waste heat generated by the stator device 5. Thus, overheating of the device 1 is avoided. For example, connecting wires of the stator device 5 can be introduced into the outer space A via the legs 24.

[0102] In another exemplary embodiment, the profile body 24 is supported by only one foot 27 or by more than two feet 27 .

[0103] In summary, the invention therefore proposes a device 1 for manipulating an object 3, wherein the object 3 can be moved contactlessly on a drive surface 7 by at least one mover 4, which is magnetically coupled to a stator device 5, and the drive surface 7 is configured as a boundary wall 8 of a protected interior space 9. Such a flexible device 1 is preferably used in the food industry or the pharmaceutical industry, but is not limited to these fields.

[0104] Reference numerals list

[0105] 1 Equipment

[0106] 2 Housing

[0107] 3 Objects

[0108] 4 Mover

[0109] 5. Stator device

[0110] 6. Accommodation

[0111] 7 Drive Surface

[0112] 8 Boundary wall

[0113] 9 Protected interior space

[0114] 10 Coupling area

[0115] 11 separation layers

[0116] 12 Support components

[0117] 13 Bracket

[0118] 14 Filling device

[0119] 15 Processing Stations

[0120] Room 16 (1st)

[0121] 17 Middle wall

[0122] 18 Enter the opening

[0123] 19 Encapsulation

[0124] 20 Anchors

[0125] 21 Area

[0126] 22 channels

[0127] Room 23 (Second)

[0128] 24 profile body

[0129] 25Entrance

[0130] 26 Adjustment device

[0131] 27 24 feet

[0132] 28 Internal profiles

[0133] 29 External profiles

[0134] 30 Sealing element

[0135] AExternal space.

Claims

1. A device (1) for manipulating an object (3), wherein: The object (3) can be moved contactlessly on a drive surface (7) by means of at least one mover (4) which is magnetically coupled to a stator arrangement (5), wherein the drive surface (7) is designed as a sealing boundary of a protected interior space (9).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The drive surface (7) is designed as a boundary wall (8) of a protected interior space (9).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The stator device (5) is arranged outside the protected interior space (9) and the at least one mover (4) is arranged in the protected interior space (9), or the at least one mover (4) is arranged outside the protected interior space (9) and the stator device (5) is enclosed within the protected interior space (9).

4. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The stator device (5) is arranged on the boundary wall (8).

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The boundary wall (8) is vertical or horizontal or inclined.

6. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The boundary wall (8) of the protected interior (9) has a coupling region (10) formed by the stator arrangement (5) and the at least one mover (4).

7. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The area within the coupling region (10) can be smaller than the area of ​​the boundary wall (8).

8. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The boundary wall (8) and / or the coupling region (10) are made of a magnetically neutral separation layer (11), and / or the boundary wall (8) and / or the coupling region (10) are stabilized by a supporting element (12).

9. The device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The partition layer is made of a stainless steel layer or a glass layer or of an airtight plastic or of a composite material.

10. The device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The thickness of the separation layer is less than 2 mm.

11. The device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The supporting component (12) is made of a magnetically neutral material.

12. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The stator arrangement (5) is constructed in at least one bracket (13), the at least one bracket (13) being supported directly on the boundary wall (8) and / or the coupling region (10), and / or the at least one bracket being movable to and from a location of use, and / or the at least one bracket being adjustable at the location of use between an operating position close to the boundary wall (8) and a position remote from the boundary wall (8).

13. The device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The boundary wall (8) and / or the separating layer (11) can be removed from the device (1).

14. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The protected interior space (9) has at least two chambers (16, 23).

15. The device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The at least two chambers (16, 23) are formed by at least one intermediate wall (17).

16. The device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The intermediate wall (17) has at least one small inlet opening (18).

17. The device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The intermediate wall (17) forms the boundary wall (8).

18. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that At least one processing station (15) is fixedly or detachably positioned on a mover (4) in a protected interior space (9) or arranged on a boundary wall (8), and / or is arranged in a coupling area (10), and / or is arranged in one chamber of the protected interior space (9) and fixedly located in a second chamber.

19. The device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that The processing station (15) is a filling device (14).

20. The device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that The stator device (5) is arranged on at least one boundary wall (8) and / or at least one coupling area (10) and / or on two adjacent walls of the protected interior space (9), so that the at least one mover (4) can transport the at least one object (3) within at least two chambers (16, 23) of the protected interior space (9) and / or between the at least two chambers (16, 23) through the at least one small access opening (18) of the intermediate wall (17).

21. The device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The stator arrangement (5) is arranged within the at least one intermediate wall (17) between the at least two chambers (16, 23).

22. The device (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that The stator arrangement (5) is arranged vertically within the at least one intermediate wall (17) between the at least two chambers (16, 23).

23. The device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The stator arrangement (5) is formed in at least one bracket (13) in the at least one intermediate wall (17).

24. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The protected interior (9) has at least one flow-through region (21).

25. The device (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that The drive surface (7) is oriented such that the at least one mover (4) is movable into the throughflow region (21) and / or is capable of moving in the throughflow region (21).

26. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The stator arrangement (5) is enclosed by a channel (22) which is sealed relative to the interior space (9), the drive surface (7) being formed by an enclosure (19) of the channel (22), or the drive surface (7) being constructed independently of the enclosure (19) within the protected interior space (9).

27. The device (1) according to claim 26, characterized in that The passage (22) is accessible from outside the protected interior space (9) on one or both sides and / or the passage (22) is surrounded by the protected interior space (9) along the entire perimeter extending around its longitudinal extension.

28. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The protected interior (9) has a profile body (24) which has a stator arrangement (5) and a separating layer (11).

29. The device (1) according to claim 28, characterized in that The separating layer (11) is fixed on the profile body (24).

30. The device (1) according to claim 29, characterized in that The separation layer (11) is in the form of a membrane.

31. The device (1) according to claim 29, characterized in that The separating layer (11) is replaceably fastened to the profile body (24).

32. The device (1) according to claim 26, characterized in that The channel (22) forms an inlet (25) outside the protected interior space (9).

33. The device (1) according to claim 28, characterized in that The profile body (24) forms an access opening (25) outside the protected interior space (9).

34. Method for filling at least one object (3) by means of a device (1) for manipulating objects (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that The at least one object (3) is moved by a mover (4) on a drive surface (7) of a protected interior space (9) to a filling device (14) and filled by the filling device (14), which is positioned in the protected interior space or on another mover (4).

35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that The filling device (14) is positioned on the drive surface (7).

36. Use of a boundary wall (8) of a protected interior space (9) of a device (1) for manipulating an object (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 33, the boundary wall serving as a drive surface (7) for at least one mover (4) coupled to a stator arrangement (5).

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