Electro-permanent magnetic system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electro-permanent magnetic system. An electro-permanent magnetic system (10) comprising: an electro-permanent magnetic module (12) and an electronic control panel (11) configured to supply electric current to the electro-permanent magnetic module (12) in order to magnetize or demagnetize it; and an electrical connection system (13) between the control panel (11) and the electro-permanent magnetic module (12), the electro-permanent magnetic module (12) comprising a magnetization indicator (14) stably associated therewith, the magnetization indicator (14) comprising an electronic paper screen (EP) configured to display at least one piece of information (SM) relating to the state of magnetization of the electro-permanent magnetic module (12) in a first area (Z1) even when the electronic paper screen is not powered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an electro-permanent magnet system.

[0002] Specifically, this utility model relates to an electro-permanent magnet system equipped with a magnetic state indicator. Background Technology

[0003] Electro-permanent magnet systems are magnetic devices designed to anchor ferromagnetic materials. These devices are characterized by the fact that they can be activated (and thus magnetized) by means of a suitable electrical energy supply, and can be activated (and thus demagnetized) in the same way by the same suitable energy supply.

[0004] A key characteristic of this system is that energy supply is provided through electrical control equipment and is time-limited, typically reduced to a few seconds.

[0005] This feature makes them energy-efficient, and most importantly, they do not require an electrical control system to be constantly connected to the anchoring equipment.

[0006] Therefore, if the electro-permanent magnet anchoring devices are arranged on the worktable of a machine tool (e.g., a lathe, a milling machine, etc.), they can be equipped with connectors that connect them only when necessary, and they can be activated or deactivated respectively at the start or end of machining.

[0007] In this way, the need to create permanent wiring on the working surface of the machine tool is avoided, as this operation is always complicated due to the particularly unfavorable environment for cables (the presence of hot shavings, lubricating oil, water, oil, etc.).

[0008] Furthermore, electro-permanent magnet systems allow for “offline” loading of material to be machined on multi-pallet systems (such as jigs), eliminating loading downtime—an operation certainly impossible with electromagnets. However, unlike jigs, they do not require geometric grippers and leave five of the six surfaces of the object to be machined (and thus available for machining).

[0009] Based on what has been described, electro-permanent magnet systems only require energy to "turn on" or "turn off" (and are therefore in a magnetizing or demagnetizing transient state), and their characteristic is that the power can be particularly large relative to the energy supplied.

[0010] To avoid high power output, manufacturers of magnetic systems can partition them into sub-blocks that are activated sequentially. By doing so, the same amount of energy will be supplied, thus extending the time and reducing electrical power.

[0011] In other cases, for various reasons, the partitioned activation surface of the electro-permanent magnet system may be a required feature for the application using the system. Specifically, a variable-configuration anchoring system can be obtained, where S is the total anchoring surface, which we will partition as follows:

[0012] S = S1 U S2 U S3 U S4…

[0013] S1, S2, S3, and S4 are surfaces that can be activated independently of each other.

[0014] Generally, the electrical control equipment (also known as the control unit) of a magnetic anchoring system, in addition to activating one or more surfaces that constitute the magnetic plane, checks whether the system is properly activated or deactivated by transmitting the magnetic state of the system to the general user (person or machine).

[0015] Essentially, electro-permanent magnet systems are characterized by their magnetic states, which we will list and describe for convenience.

[0016] Demagnetization: A magnetic system has a neutral surface on which no force field (magnetic field) is established. If the system is under its foreseeable operating conditions, it will remain in this state indefinitely without requiring any energy to maintain it.

[0017] Magnetization: A magnetic system has a magnetically active surface with a force field (magnetic field) present thereon. If the system is under the operating conditions foreseeable by the device itself, the system will maintain this state indefinitely without requiring any energy to maintain it.

[0018] The transition from magnetization to demagnetization; the surface of the magnetic system gradually becomes neutral as the force field present on it is relatively annihilated. The system maintains this state for a defined and finite time. The transition in question requires an electrical power supply from an electrical control device, to which the magnetic system must be connected.

[0019] The transition from demagnetization to magnetization; the magnetic system has a surface where a force field is gradually established. The system maintains this state for a defined and finite time. The transition in question requires an electrical power supply from an electrical control device, to which the magnetic system must be connected.

[0020] It is easy to understand that, in both transition states, an electrical connection must exist between the magnetic device and the control unit because the supply of electrical power by the electrical control equipment is necessary. This connection can be removed when one of the two stable states is reached.

[0021] For electro-permanent magnet systems, the anchoring force can also be adjusted by appropriately varying the electrical power used to activate the system.

[0022] A common scenario in the management of electro-permanent magnet anchoring systems involves using a single control unit to activate multiple magnetic systems or sub-blocks.

[0023] In this case, the information transmitted by the control unit may be completely inconsistent with the magnetic state of the anchoring system existing in the considered environment.

[0024] Another common use of such systems is the presence of multiple control units and multiple magnetic systems.

[0025] As long as the control unit is connected to the magnetic plane, we can be certain that the information related to the magnetic state of the plane is consistent with the information presented by the corresponding control unit. However, once the connection is removed, this certainty no longer exists.

[0026] The aforementioned circumstances have prompted manufacturers of various magnetic systems to attempt to design a type of device that allows the display of the system's magnetic state. In particular, EP2742363A1, belonging to the same applicant, describes a bistable electromechanical device that is integrated with an anchoring system to indicate its magnetic state.

[0027] The indicator is operated by the control unit of the magnetic system, which is after the magnetic surface of the anchoring device has been activated or deactivated.

[0028] It uses a communication channel to rotate the internal motor of the status indicator so as to display a colored surface showing the status of the electro-permanent magnet.

[0029] This operation transmits magnetization / demagnetization information from the control unit to the "magnetic system".

[0030] The bistable device described in patent EP2742363 A1 is characterized by the fact that it does not require energy to maintain the desired specific indicated state, which is extremely important for all systems in which it is connected that can be removed.

[0031] In fact, users can understand the magnetization state of the magnetic system with just a glance at the indicator.

[0032] Moreover, since the indicator does not require energy (e.g., a battery) to continue showing its status, the indicator can permanently indicate the magnetization state of the system even when the wiring to the control unit is disconnected and a long time has passed since the last magnetization / demagnetization.

[0033] The drawback of the indicator described above is that it can only transmit a single binary indicator to the user. Utility Model Content

[0034] The purpose of this invention is to provide a magnetic system that is an improvement over known technologies.

[0035] Advantageously, this magnetic system provides users with more information compared to known systems.

[0036] The magnetic system that conforms to the technical teachings of the appended claims achieves this and other objectives.

[0037] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide an electro-permanent magnet system (10) comprising: an electro-permanent magnet module (12) and an electronic control panel (11) configured to supply current to the electro-permanent magnet module (12) to magnetize or demagnetize it; and an electrical connection system (13) between the electronic control panel (11) and the electro-permanent magnet module (12), the electro-permanent magnet module (12) including a magnetization indicator (14) stably associated therewith, characterized in that the magnetization indicator (14) includes an electronic paper screen (EP) configured to display at least one piece of information (SM) related to the magnetization state of the electro-permanent magnet module (12) in a first area (Z1) even when the electronic paper screen is not powered.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the electronic paper screen (EP) displays the information (SM) for at least two years, preferably at least four years, even without any power supply.

[0039] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic paper screen (EP) includes a second region (Z2) configured to display time information (TSM) linked to the state displayed in the first region (Z1).

[0040] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic paper screen (EP) includes a third region (Z3) configured to permanently and immutably display technical data related to the electro-permanent magnet module (12) during normal use.

[0041] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic paper screen (EP) is controlled by a control unit (CPU-UC, CPU-M), which is associated with and configured to determine the magnetization state of the electro-permanent magnet module (12) based on data obtained from the sensors (RT, AM, AP, AMP, FLUX) and to write the at least one piece of information (SM) on the electronic paper screen (EP).

[0042] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic paper screen (EP) is controlled by a control unit (CPU-UC) integrated in the electronic control panel (11), the control unit determining the information (SM) via readings from at least one mains voltage sensor (RT) and one current sensor (AM) present in the electronic control panel (11).

[0043] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic paper screen (EP) is controlled by a control unit (CPU-M) integrated in the electro-permanent magnet module (12), which determines the information (SM) by reading a current sensor (AP) present in the electro-permanent magnet module (12).

[0044] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (CPU-UC, CPU-M) verifies the information (SM) by means of at least one magnetic flux detector (FLUX) associated with at least one magnet of the electro-permanent magnet module (12) before writing the information (SM) onto the electronic paper screen (EP).

[0045] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit (CPU-M) is associated with a static memory that stores a history of magnetic states written on the electronic paper screen (EP).

[0046] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit (CPU-M) is associated with or integrated with a real-time clock (RTC), the control unit reads the current time and date from the real-time clock before writing the information (SM) on the screen, and writes the time information (TSM) obtained at least in the second region (Z2).

[0047] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the technical data includes one or more of the following fields: serial number of the electro-permanent magnet module, production date, last revision date, manufacturer's name, operating voltage, resistance, operating current, and weight.

[0048] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic control panel (11) is configured to partially or completely magnetize the electro-permanent magnet module.

[0049] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the electrical connection system (13) is removable and includes magnetization wiring of the electro-permanent magnet module (12) and optional data bus wiring.

[0050] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the information (SM) includes at least three states: magnetized state, demagnetized state, and error state. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Further features and advantages of the innovation will become apparent from the description of the preferred, but not the only, form of the device, illustrated by way of example and therefore not in a limiting sense, wherein:

[0052] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the electro-permanent magnet system according to this utility model;

[0053] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A simplified perspective view of a portion of a magnetic system;

[0054] Figure 2A yes Figure 2 Partial cross-sectional details of the magnetic poles in this section;

[0055] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified and more detailed exploded view of the portion enclosed by the circle;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a detailed view of a portion of the screen of the magnetization indicator of this utility model; and

[0057] Figure 5 It is a block diagram representing the logical / physical components of a magnetic system. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Referring to the cited figure, an electro-permanent magnet system is shown overall, indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0059] The electro-permanent magnet system 10 includes an electro-permanent magnet module 12 and an electronic control panel 11 configured to supply current to the electro-permanent magnet module 12 to magnetize or demagnetize it.

[0060] The electro-permanent magnet module 12 can be an electro-permanent magnet chuck. Alternatively, it can have different configurations, such as a magnetic lifting system, a magnetic system integrated with a robotic wrist for pick-and-place applications, etc.

[0061] It is configured to use the magnetic anchoring force generated by the electro-permanent magnet module 12 to hold the ferromagnetic workpiece waiting to be processed, for example, during any type of machining.

[0062] The electro-permanent magnet module 12 can also be configured to fix a ferromagnetic workpiece during transport. In this case, the electro-permanent magnet module is associated with a moving element (e.g., a crane).

[0063] The electro-permanent magnet module 12 can have multiple ferromagnetic poles 120 ( Figure 2AThe plurality of ferromagnetic poles are associated with an irreversible magnet 300 (preferably neodymium) and a reversible magnet 301 (preferably AlNiCo); each reversible magnet 301 may be associated with at least one reversing coil 302, which is connected to the control panel 11 at least for power supply purposes.

[0064] The operation of the electro-permanent magnet module 12 and its industrial applications are well known and will not be described further.

[0065] like Figure 1 As can be seen, there is an electrical connection system 13 between the control panel 11 and the electro-permanent magnet module 12.

[0066] The electrical connection system may include a C-type connector associated with the electro-permanent magnet module 12 and control panel 11 to which the cable is connected. In this case, the electrical connection 13 is removable.

[0067] Electrical connection 13 includes magnetization wiring for electro-permanent magnet module 12 to thus excite the inverting coil, and optional data bus wiring, the utility of which will be explained later.

[0068] like Figure 2 As can be seen in, but Figure 3 More clearly, the electro-permanent magnet module 12 includes a magnetization indicator 14 stably associated with it.

[0069] In this document, the term "stablely associated" means that the magnetization indicator 14 cannot be separated from the electro-permanent magnet module 12 (or the simpler module 12) during normal use. It is therefore integrated into the module 12.

[0070] Therefore, when viewing module 12, magnetization indicator 14 is always visible, at least from certain angles.

[0071] According to this invention, the magnetization indicator 14 includes an electronic paper screen EP.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the electronic paper screen EP can be part of the indicator 14. For example, the indicator 14 formed by the electronic board and the screen EP can be enclosed in a small box 201 enclosed by a transparent protective screen 202. The small box 201 (and therefore the indicator 14) is embedded in a niche 51 in the frame 50 of the module 12.

[0073] A gasket 200 can be provided between the small box 201 and the niche 51.

[0074] It should be noted that, Figure 3 The electrical connection between indicator 14 and connector C or other components of module 12 (which are present in any case) is not shown.

[0075] The electronic paper screen EP is configured to display at least one piece of information SM about the magnetization state of module 12 in the first area Z1 even when the electronic paper screen is not powered.

[0076] For example, information SM can be, for example, text (such as...) Figure 3 or Figure 4 (As shown), it can also be a symbol or logo associated with or potentially associated with the magnetization state of module 12.

[0077] For example, the electro-permanent magnet module 12 can provide various magnetic states.

[0078] For example, it can be magnetized at maximum power and completely across the entire surface; in this case, the screen can display the text "MAG ON".

[0079] Furthermore, it can be magnetized at 25% on the entire surface; in this case, the screen can have the text "MAG 25%".

[0080] It can also be demagnetized, and in this case, the screen can display the words "MAG OFF".

[0081] Obviously, module 12 can also have other magnetic states (e.g., only some of the magnetic poles 120 can be magnetized).

[0082] Furthermore, for each "magnetic state", the screen can display words or symbols that preferably and clearly return to the magnetic state of the electro-permanent magnet module 12.

[0083] Therefore, advantageously, the information SM (and thus the content written on the electronic paper screen) may include at least three states: magnetized state (fully or partially), demagnetized state, and error state.

[0084] During magnetization or demagnetization, or during any phase of operation on the plane, when any type of difference is detected or any error is detected, a very important error status is “written” onto the electronic paper.

[0085] A typical, obtainable, and observable error condition may be caused by an incorrect current flow in the coil, which implies poor magnetization or demagnetization.

[0086] Similarly, partial damage to the coil may also indicate partial magnetization of the system. This last case is particularly important because the magnet is not fully active; therefore, it does not possess all the expected strength, nor is it completely inactive; therefore, its surface is not completely neutral, and thus it is dangerous to the average operator.

[0087] By combining the use of a flow meter (and therefore a force gauge), it can be indicated that the expected force is lower than the required force, and therefore it is necessary to properly reposition the workpiece or review the cutting parameters to be used for machining.

[0088] Error statuses may also appear when using the plan without regular revisions, or in the case of repeated errors, it is recommended to contact the parent company's "after-sales service" (in addition, leave a possible email address or phone number on the screen) so that these problems can be eliminated in a timely and final manner.

[0089] In the case of a Customer Service Agreement (CSA) based on the number of operations performed by the system, a status indicator can indicate that agreeing to revisions is necessary.

[0090] Electronic paper (EP), or electronic paper screen, is a display designed to simulate ink on paper. Unlike traditional displays, electronic paper does not require backlighting to display images; like a sheet of paper, it is visible using external light. This characteristic makes it perfectly visible even in direct sunlight, but requires auxiliary lighting in dark environments.

[0091] The pixels that make up electronic paper displays can be made using different techniques that utilize more or less the same display principles. One of the most common methods is electrophoresis, which involves moving charged particles electrically using an electric field. In these displays, pixels consist of tiny capsules filled with charged particles carrying pigment suspended in a dielectric fluid.

[0092] Electrodes placed under the capsule can move pigment based on the applied voltage, thereby changing the light reflection on the surface of the display and thus displaying the desired image.

[0093] Once the pixels are polarized, the display can maintain the image without requiring a power supply, which is a very important feature in the application of this invention.

[0094] Therefore, it is only necessary to power the display when the image is updated or refreshed, but even in this case, it is possible to take action only on the part of the display that needs to be modified (e.g., area Z1) while keeping the rest of the display unchanged.

[0095] Therefore, regardless of the technology used to manufacture the electronic paper screen EP, such as Gyricon, electrophoresis (EPD), microencapsulated electrophoretic display, electrowetting display (EWD), electrofluid display, interference modulator (Mirasol), plasma electronic display, etc., for the application in this invention, only those electronic paper screens that do not require any power to retain the specific message displayed will be used.

[0096] Advantageously, the technology used for the electronic paper screen EP can be selected from those listed above, so that the screen can display the information for at least two years, preferably at least four years, even without any power supply.

[0097] Advantageously, the technology used in electronic paper screens (EP) belongs to the active matrix EPD type. It has been verified that content written on the screen using this technology remains readable for at least four years.

[0098] It should be noted that after 1000 hours of power outage, there was a slight decrease in contrast; however, this did not affect readability. After 1000 hours, there was no further decrease in contrast.

[0099] Even more advantageously, the technology used in the electronic paper screen EP can be selected from those listed above, so that it can display the information for a substantially indeterminate period of time, even without any power.

[0100] As can be clearly seen from the above, even when the control panel 11 is disconnected from the electro-permanent magnet module 12, the magnetization indicator 14 can still display the last magnetization state (or error state) applied by the control panel. This is definitely beneficial for the safe use of module 12.

[0101] Advantageously, such as Figure 4 As can be seen, the electronic paper screen EP includes a second region Z2, which is configured to display time information TSM linked to the status displayed in the first region Z1.

[0102] For example, the time information could be the date and time when the magnetization state of module 12 changes to the state represented in region D1 or when an error occurs.

[0103] This information is particularly important for determining the loading order of the magnetic tray sequence and thus operating according to the FIFO strategy, as well as for checking the average waiting time used to implement a specific activity.

[0104] Finally, in the case of mechanical seal problems during processing, having the date is very useful to know when a particular full or partial activation was performed.

[0105] Advantageously, the electronic paper screen EP may include a third region Z3, which is configured to permanently and unmodifiable during normal use or under no circumstances by the user, display technical data related to the electro-permanent magnet module 12.

[0106] For example, the technical data includes one or more of the following fields: serial number of the electro-permanent magnet module, production date, date of last revision, name of the manufacturer, operating voltage, resistance, operating current, and weight.

[0107] In this way, economic savings can be achieved by “writing” such technical data related to the plan onto the electronic paper screen EP, which is linked to the markings of the electro-permanent magnet module 12 itself.

[0108] The electronic paper screen EP can be controlled by control units CPU-UC and CPU-M. These control units are associated with sensors RT, AM, AP, AMP, and FLUX and are configured to determine the magnetization state of the electro-permanent magnet module 12 based on data obtained from the sensors RT, AM, AP, AMP, and FLUX, and to write at least one piece of information SM on the electronic paper screen EP.

[0109] Advantageously, the electronic paper screen EP integrates devices and control logic that allow the display of information sent to the screen EP by the control units CPU-UC and CPU-UM. In this sense, these control units CPU-UC and CPU-UM control the screen EP or "write" to the screen.

[0110] Clearly, the control logic of the screen EP is only electrically powered when the control panel 11 is connected to the module 12 and during the magnetization / demagnetization phase, as the updating activity of the electronic paper display represents its natural extension.

[0111] Now for reference Figure 5 It illustrates a simplified logical / physical scheme for obtaining the information SM to be written on the electronic paper screen EP.

[0112] Figure 5 A very complete solution according to the present invention is shown, but depending on the specific circumstances, even fewer logic / physical units may be provided to control the electronic paper EP.

[0113] For example, the electronic paper screen EP can be controlled solely by a control unit CPU-UC integrated in the electronic control panel 11, which determines information SM by readings from at least one mains voltage sensor RT and one current sensor AM present in the electronic control panel 11.

[0114] In this configuration, a data bus must be provided in both the control panel 11 and the magnetization indicator 14 (or plane 12) for communication with the screen EP. Clearly, the cable 13 must also allow for the transmission of this information using specific wiring.

[0115] In fact, the control unit CPU-UC integrated in the control panel 11, which is the same as the control unit for magnetization via the power block PW control module 12, only writes the magnetization state on the screen EP (or writes information SM in any case) after it has been verified that the magnetization state has changed in the desired direction.

[0116] The CPU-UC is the processing unit of the indicator system, which is responsible for processing requests, activating the magnetic system, and reporting what has happened.

[0117] The input device IN is typically a button, through which a specific action is requested.

[0118] The output device OP is typically a light or display that reports the system status on panel 11.

[0119] Network RT is an energy source.

[0120] A power block (PW) is a device that obtains energy from the network (RT) and supplies it appropriately to the magnetic system.

[0121] The zero-crossing detector (ZC) is a device designed to report network voltage trends to the CPU-UC.

[0122] An ammeter (AM) is a device that reads the current supplied to the load and returns its value to the CPU-UC.

[0123] Typically, in response to a request made via input device IN, and knowing the trend of the network voltage (via zero-crossing detector ZC), CPU-UC activates power block PW within a given time to activate the coil of electro-permanent magnet module 12 connected via connector C.

[0124] Simultaneously, the operation performed is confirmed by measuring the current via AM. If the measured current has appropriate amplitude, average value, and area characteristics, the CPU-UC transmits the correct activation of the magnetic system through the output device OP; otherwise, it transmits the system error status.

[0125] The above also applies to cases of partial demagnetization and magnetization of the system. In fact, the combined use of the zero-crossing detector ZC and the power block PW allows for appropriate regulation of the current supplied to the magnetic system to achieve the desired state.

[0126] Meanwhile, the AM ammeter allows for confirmation of the operation.

[0127] Generally, the output device OP that informs the operator of the system's magnetic status is integrated with the control panel 11.

[0128] In this configuration, the control unit CPU-UC can also directly write the magnetization result (i.e., information SM) onto the electronic paper screen EP via a connector through a BUS present in both the control panel and the magnetic status indicator 14 (and thus on the electro-permanent magnet module 12).

[0129] By disconnecting the connector, the information remains permanently on the screen EP without requiring any power supply to module 12.

[0130] Alternatively, the electronic paper screen EP is controlled solely by the control unit CPU-M integrated into the electro-permanent magnet module 12 (or indicator 14). It determines the information SM by reading the current sensor AP present in the electro-permanent magnet module 12 (or indicator 14).

[0131] A “hybrid” mode is also possible, in which the control unit CPU-UC of panel 11 and the CPU-M on the board of module 12 independently check the magnetization of the plane by separate readings of the current (and thus AM and AP), and only if the checks are consistent will one of them (e.g., the CPU-M on the board of the plane) write information on the electronic paper screen EP. Advantageously, in addition to or as an alternative to the aforementioned ammeter sensor, a magnetic flux detector FLUX associated with at least one magnet MAG (or magnetic pole 120) of the electro-permanent magnet module 12 may also be provided on the board of module 12.

[0132] The signal from the detector FLUX, which is appropriately amplified by the AMP, can be used directly by the control unit CPU-M on the module board and / or sent via BUS to the control unit CPU-UC on the control panel 11 to check the magnetization / demagnetization status (or further check) before writing the information SM on the electronic paper screen EP.

[0133] In order to Figure 5 The description is complete. It should be noted that the control unit CPU-M can be associated with a static memory MS, which stores the history of magnetic states written on the electronic paper screen EP, advantageously, this history is associated with timestamps.

[0134] This allows for the storage of a history of full activation / partial activation / deactivation / errors, which is particularly useful in cases of poor workpiece fixation, as well as time and date data for identifying time slots where specific problems may have occurred.

[0135] The timestamp (both the timestamp written to the static memory MS and the timestamp represented in area Z2 of the electronic paper screen EP) can be obtained from the real-time clock RTC associated with the CPU-M (which in this case may be powered by a battery, or even a rechargeable battery, which is recharged when the control panel 11 is connected to the module 11) or the CPU-UC or both.

[0136] As already mentioned, the control panel 11 is configured to partially or completely magnetize (or demagnetize) the electro-permanent magnet module 12.

[0137] Furthermore, the electrical connection 13 that mates with connector C is advantageously removable and includes magnetization wiring (and thus power) for the electro-permanent magnet module 12 and optional data bus wiring.

[0138] Various embodiments of the innovation have been described, but other embodiments can be conceived by utilizing the same innovative concept.

Claims

1. An electric permanent magnetic system (10), characterized in that, The electro-permanent magnet system includes: an electro-permanent magnet module (12) and an electronic control panel (11), the electronic control panel (11) being configured to supply current to the electro-permanent magnet module (12) to magnetize or demagnetize it; and an electrical connection system (13) between the electronic control panel (11) and the electro-permanent magnet module (12), the electro-permanent magnet module (12) including a magnetization indicator (14) stably associated therewith, characterized in that the magnetization indicator (14) includes an electronic paper screen (EP), the electronic paper screen being configured to display at least one piece of information (SM) related to the magnetization state of the electro-permanent magnet module (12) in a first area (Z1) even when the electronic paper screen is not powered.

2. The electric permanent magnetic system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic paper screen (EP) displays the information (SM) for at least two years, even without any power supply.

3. The electric permanent magnetic system of claim 1, wherein, The electronic paper screen (EP) includes a second region (Z2) configured to display time information (TSM) linked to the state displayed in the first region (Z1).

4. The electric permanent magnetic system of claim 1, wherein, The electronic paper screen (EP) includes a third region (Z3) configured to permanently and immutably display technical data related to the electro-permanent magnet module (12) during normal use.

5. The electric permanent magnetic system of claim 3, wherein, The electronic paper screen (EP) is controlled by a control unit (CPU-UC, CPU-M), which is associated with sensors (RT, AM, AP, AMP, FLUX) and configured to determine the magnetization state of the electro-permanent magnet module (12) based on data obtained from the sensors (RT, AM, AP, AMP, FLUX) and to write the at least one piece of information (SM) on the electronic paper screen (EP).

6. The electric permanent magnetic system of claim 5, characterized in that, The electronic paper screen (EP) is controlled by a control unit (CPU-UC) integrated in the electronic control panel (11), which determines the information (SM) via readings from at least one mains voltage sensor (RT) and one current sensor (AM) present in the electronic control panel (11).

7. The electric permanent magnetic system of claim 5, wherein, The electronic paper screen (EP) is controlled by a control unit (CPU-M) integrated in the electro-permanent magnet module (12), which determines the information (SM) by reading the current sensor (AP) present in the electro-permanent magnet module (12).

8. An electric permanent magnetic system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that Before writing the information (SM) onto the electronic paper screen (EP), the control unit (CPU-UC, CPU-M) verifies the information by means of at least one magnetic flux detector (FLUX) associated with at least one magnet of the electro-permanent magnet module (12).

9. The electric permanent magnetic system of claim 7, wherein, The control unit (CPU-M) is associated with a static memory that stores the history of magnetic states written on the electronic paper screen (EP).

10. The electro-permanent magnet system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit (CPU-M) is associated with or integrated with the real-time clock (RTC). The control unit reads the current time and date from the real-time clock before writing the information (SM) on the screen, and writes the time information (TSM) obtained at least in the second region (Z2).

11. The electro-permanent magnet system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The technical data includes one or more of the following fields: serial number of the electro-permanent magnet module, production date, last revision date, manufacturer's name, operating voltage, resistance, operating current, and weight.

12. The electro-permanent magnet system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic control panel (11) is configured to partially or completely magnetize the electro-permanent magnet module.

13. The electro-permanent magnet system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical connection system (13) is removable and includes magnetization wiring for the electro-permanent magnet module (12) and optional data bus wiring.

14. The electro-permanent magnet system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information (SM) includes at least three states: magnetized state, demagnetized state, and error state.

15. The electro-permanent magnet system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electronic paper screen (EP) displays the information (SM) for at least four years, even without any power supply.

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