Apparatus for transporting objects

Abstract

A transport device (10) for transporting an object (11) comprising a reference surface (13), at least one transport member (18) for supporting and transporting the object (11) relative to the reference surface (13), a magnetic member (23), and an electrically conductive member (15) that interacts with the magnetic member (23) to cause selective displacement of the transport member (18), the transport device (10) comprising a safety attachment (27) for preventing damage to the at least one transport member (18).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for the automated transport of one or more objects, such as products or components for producing packaging, from or to a number of processing stations. The apparatus of the present invention can be used, for example, in machines for producing packaging for products, such as bottles, flasks, caps, ferrules or other objects of comparable size, in the chemical, cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical fields, for example, in particular packaging for small batches. [Background technology]

[0002] In the industrial sector of packaging chemical, cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical products, various machines and methods are known for the automated transport of one or more components for producing packaging, particularly for small batches of products, such as bottles, flasks, caps, ferrules or similar sized objects, to or from one or more processing stations, many of which have been designed, manufactured and sold by the applicant of the present application.

[0003] In this field, there is an increasing demand for machines capable of moving components between processing stations to create packages in a safe, sterile, environmentally friendly and quiet environment without generating contaminants or agents that may contaminate the product and / or its contents, and which minimize, if not completely eliminate, human intervention to perform the normal operations in the field (cleaning, mold changes, maintenance, monitoring biological tests, etc.).

[0004] In particular, electromagnetic transport devices, also referred to as "planar motors", have been developed, which comprise magnetic means cooperating with associated current carrying means configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields affecting said magnetic means. In planar motors, the magnetic means are typically configured as coils mounted on a movable transport member, and the current carrying means are contained within a fixed plane in which the transport member is movable without contact due to a controlled electromagnetic field generated between the magnetic means and the current carrying means.

[0005] This planar motor has a high degree of versatility, provided that it can follow a linear or curved trajectory or path relative to the surface of movement by appropriately controlling the current supplying means.

[0006] This planar motor has the further advantage that it can be used on both horizontal and inclined surfaces of motion, or alternatively on vertical or upturned surfaces of motion.

[0007] However, when using the above-mentioned planar motor on a vertical moving surface, there is a risk that the planar motor may be damaged, even seriously damaged, for example in critical situations and / or situations where there is no proper interaction between the magnetic field generated by the current-carrying means and the magnetic field on the transport device.

[0008] Such a critical situation may arise, for example, when the supply of electrical energy to the current carrying means is interrupted, thereby cancelling the magnetic field and therefore the magnetic attractive forces that can keep the transport device in position relative to the surface of travel.

[0009] DE 10 2015209 625 A1 describes a planar motor incorporating a device configured as a safety system which intervenes in the event of a sudden interruption of the supply of electrical energy.

[0010] However, critical situations can arise if control of one or more of the magnetic means is lost, even without any interruption in the electrical energy supply.

[0011] Such a situation may arise when there is excessive dynamic performance demand from the transport equipment, or may arise when a collision occurs between two or more transport equipment, for example due to imbalance or deceleration of one or more of the transport equipment. Additionally, a collision of the transport equipment with another machine part may also cause a critical situation.

[0012] In any of the above critical situations, gravity may cause the vehicle to fall as it is not properly supported and fully controlled by the electromagnetic field generated by the energizing means.

[0013] As a result of carrying out operational tests on a machine equipped with such a transport device, the Applicant has found that if the planar motor or the transport device is dropped, it may be very seriously damaged by impact, in particular the magnetic means may be broken, rendering the transport device unusable.

[0014] As is known, such vehicles are very expensive and difficult to repair in case of significant damage to the magnetic means, so measures must be taken to ensure proper operation of the magnetic means even on inclined and / or vertical surfaces.

[0015] Thus, there exists a need for an apparatus for transporting objects that overcomes at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0016] To achieve this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of ensuring that each planar motor, i.e., the moving part of each transport device, can operate normally according to its design specifications, while at the same time preventing the moving part from falling uncontrollably with any kind of movement in the event of any malfunction.

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a reliable apparatus for transporting objects without the risk of damage or destruction to the object or objects.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for transporting objects that is able to respond quickly and effectively to any critical situation while at the same time safeguarding the integrity of the transport equipment.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for the safe transport of objects which is also suitable for use in machines for the chemical, cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical fields which usually require a substantially sterile working environment free from contaminants.

[0020] Applicant has conceived, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to achieve these and other objectives and advantages. Summary of the Invention

[0021] The invention is defined in the independent claims, which set out the particular features thereof.The dependent claims set out further features of the invention or variants of the main idea of ​​the invention.

[0022] In view of the above objectives, in order to solve the above technical problems in a novel and original manner and to provide significant advantages over the prior art, the present invention provides a transportation device for transporting one or more objects, comprising: a support wall having at least one reference surface that is vertical or inclined at a certain angle to a horizontal plane; at least one transport member configured to support and transport the one or more objects and movable while remaining at a first distance from the reference surface without contacting the reference surface; and an electric current means configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields associated with the reference surface, the at least one transport member comprising magnetic means configured to cause selective displacement of the at least one transport member by interacting with the electric current means.

[0023] In particular, cooperation of the electric current means and the magnetic means allows at least one transport member to move independently on a reference surface without contact or restriction of direction or path.

[0024] In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a safety attachment extending over a predetermined length, a first end of the safety attachment being stably attached to a surface of the at least one transport member, and a second end of the safety attachment being: - permanently attached to the upper part of the support wall or to a fixing element, or alternatively - configured to temporarily cooperate with the support wall or the fixing element in the event of a lack of power or proper interaction between the current carrying means and the magnetic means.

[0025] A safety attachment is a safety means of the apparatus which intervenes to prevent damage to at least one transport member in the absence of proper interaction between the current carrying means and the magnetic means and to ensure movement of the transport member without contact with a reference surface when proper interaction between the current carrying means and the magnetic means is restored.

[0026] For example, the safety means may be configured to prevent the transport member from moving away from the reference surface a distance greater than the first distance in the absence of proper interaction between the current carrying means and the magnetic means.

[0027] In particular, the safety means are configured to intervene in the event of any critical situation in which the magnetic means does not properly interact with the magnetic field generated by the current carrying means.

[0028] A critical situation may arise whenever the magnetic field generated by the current-carrying means is insufficient to produce a sufficient magnetic attractive force to overcome the gravitational forces acting on the transport member and the object supported thereby, to maintain the transport member at a desired distance from the reference plane.

[0029] A possible critical situation could be, for example, an interruption in the supply of electrical energy to the current-carrying means, which would result in a cancellation of the magnetic field and an imbalance of the transport members relative to a reference plane, resulting in a lack of interaction between one or more of the magnetic means and the magnetic field, or possibly a collision between two or more transport members.

[0030] Other possible critical situations may include a collision or undesired interaction between any one of the transport members and other machine members or possibly an operator.

[0031] Such a collision may occur, for example, due to overloading of the transport member resulting from an excessive weight of the object being transported, which may be caused, for example, by a sudden, unexpected increase in weight, which in turn may cause the transport member to decelerate and / or deviate from a predetermined path.

[0032] The above-mentioned safety accessories thus make it possible to prevent any damage to the transport element in the event of an accidental or undesired interruption in the supply of electrical energy to the energizing means, with the advantage that the operation of the device can be quickly resumed without any particular need for operator intervention.

[0033] In another aspect of the invention, the safety means is mechanical.

[0034] In another aspect of the invention, the safety attachment comprises at least one tether, the tether connected to the upper portion of the support wall or the fixing element corresponding to the second end and connected to the transport member corresponding to the first end opposite the second end, and the length of the flexible member is such that the transport member does not reach the horizontal plane.

[0035] In another aspect of the invention, the tether is of an auto-retractable type.

[0036] In another aspect of the invention, the safety attachment comprises at least one rigid fixing member associated with the transport member by the first end and having the second end adapted to be hung so as to be temporarily securable to the support wall or the fixing element.

[0037] In another aspect of the invention, the fixing element is associated with the support wall.

[0038] In another aspect of the invention, the transport member has at least one front side facing the support surface and a back side opposite the front side, and the safety attachment includes at least a mounting means attached to the back side of the transport member at the first end and is configured to be selectively mounted to a base wall at the second end.

[0039] In another aspect of the invention, the positioning means comprises at least one L-shaped rigid rod.

[0040] In another aspect of the invention, the transport member further comprises a base surface facing the base wall, and one end of the at least one rigid rod is substantially aligned with the base surface, such that when the base surface contacts the base wall, the one end also contacts the base wall, and the front surface of the transport member remains constantly parallel to the reference plane.

[0041] In another aspect of the present invention, the transporting member further has a base surface on the base wall side, and the mounting means has a mounting plate attached to the back surface of the transporting member, the mounting plate having a mounting surface on the base wall side, the mounting surface being spaced away from the transporting member and arranged at a lower height than the base surface, such that when dropped, it is the mounting surface of the mounting plate, rather than the transporting member, that impacts the base wall.

[0042] In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a support wall extending from the base wall, the support wall having an actuating surface disposed parallel to the reference surface at a second distance from the reference surface, the actuating surface cooperating with the mounting plate when the mounting plate impacts the base wall.

[0043] In another aspect of the invention, the second distance is at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the sum of a thickness of the transport member and a thickness of the mounting plate, and optionally the first distance.

[0044] In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a return means for returning the transport member to the vicinity of the support wall, for example after undesired separation of the transport member from the support wall.

[0045] The presence of such a return means has the advantage that operation of the transport device can be quickly resumed after the occurrence of the critical situation described above.

[0046] In another aspect of the invention, the return means is associated with the at least one reference surface and / or with the base wall, if provided.

[0047] In another aspect of the present invention, the return means is configured as a manipulator, and for example, the manipulator is configured as a multi-joint manipulator such as a robot having a plurality of motion axes.

[0048] In view of the above object, in order to solve the above technical problem in a novel and original way and to provide a significant advantage over the prior art, the present invention provides a transport device for transporting one or more objects, comprising: a support wall having at least one reference surface that is vertical or inclined at a certain angle to a horizontal plane; at least one transport member configured to support and transport the one or more objects and movable without contacting the reference surface and remaining at a first distance from the reference surface; and a current-carrying means configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields associated with the reference surface, the at least one transport member comprising a magnetic means configured to cause selective displacement of the at least one transport member by interacting with the current-carrying means. The transport device further comprises a return means, which returns the transport member to the vicinity of the support wall, for example after an undesired separation of the transport member from the support wall.

[0049] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of an apparatus for transporting objects according to a first embodiment of the invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for transporting objects according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for transporting objects according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of an apparatus for transporting objects according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a schematic three-dimensional view of an apparatus for transporting objects according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the device of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of an apparatus for transporting objects according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, showing said apparatus in a first operating state; [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the device of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 9 is a schematic side view of the device of FIG. 8 in a second operating state. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic three-dimensional view of an apparatus for transporting objects according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Since the scope of protection is determined by the claims, it should be noted that the wording and terminology used in this specification and the figures in the accompanying drawings only have the function of making the present invention easier to understand and explain, and their function is to present a non-limiting example of the present invention itself.

[0052] For ease of understanding, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to refer to identical common elements throughout the drawings, and it is understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be readily combined or incorporated into other embodiments without the need for detailed description.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 of the present invention is configured for automated transport of one or more objects 11 from a start point to a destination point along a desired route or direction.

[0054] The apparatus 10 can be used, for example, in machines for packaging products for transporting one or more objects 11 or components to and from one or more work stations in the chemical, cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical fields.

[0055] The object(s) 11 may comprise containers such as flasks, bottles, etc., which may be used in the chemical, medical and pharmaceutical fields, or metering nozzles for filling such containers.

[0056] The above-mentioned machine, which is not shown in the drawings, may, for example, be of the type described in International Publication No. 2021 / 001863 of the same applicant as the present application and essentially comprises a number of work stations arranged in a feed direction having straight and / or curved sections.

[0057] The device 10 comprises a support wall 12 having a reference surface 13, which may be inclined at a certain angle α or vertical (FIGS. 1, 2, 4-10) with respect to a horizontal plane PO of a base wall 14, said certain angle α being of any value. Alternatively, the reference surface 13 may have any progression and may include vertical, horizontal, curved and / or inclined portions.

[0058] The base wall 14 (FIG. 1) can be any substantially horizontal wall or the floor on which the machine itself is placed, said horizontal wall being either the wall of the apparatus 10 or the wall of the machine on which the apparatus 10 is placed.

[0059] Associated with the reference surface 13 is a current-carrying means 15 of known type, not shown in detail, which is configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields with a locally uniform distribution in particular zones of the reference surface 13.

[0060] For example, the current supply means 15 may comprise a number of electric coils or windings, not shown in the drawings, which are suitably arranged, for example in the support wall 12, and which, in use, are connected to a network 16 (FIG. 1) for supplying electric energy having suitable voltage and current values.

[0061] The support wall 12 can be a single wall and can have a plurality of current-carrying means 15 therein arranged in a predetermined pattern, or the support wall 12 can be made of a plurality of modules, each of which has its own current-carrying means 15 arranged next to each other. In the latter case, the reference plane 13 is defined as a whole by the surfaces of said plurality of individual modules.

[0062] A plurality of transport members 18 are associated with the reference plane 13, each of which is movable relative to the reference plane 13 by a magnetic field generated by a current carrying means 15. Only one of the plurality of transport members 18 is shown diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings.

[0063] For example, each transport member 18 can have a base that is a polygonal, regular or irregular polygonal planar shape, in particular a quadrilateral, e.g., a square or a rectangle, or any other polygonal shape defined by a closed dashed line or a combination of straight and curved lines.

[0064] Each transport member 18 has a base surface 19 (FIGS. 6 and 8) on the base wall 14 side, a front surface 20 on the reference surface 13 side, and a back surface 21 opposite to and parallel to the front surface 20.

[0065] In a particular embodiment, each transport member 18 may be provided with magnetic means 23 of known type, such as a permanent magnet, which are not shown in detail in the drawings.

[0066] The magnetic means 23 is configured to interact with one or more of the magnetic fields generated by the current-carrying means 15, such that each transport member 18 can move independently relative to the reference surface 13 while remaining slightly spaced from the reference surface 13, i.e., without contacting the reference surface 13.

[0067] For example, during each displacement, the transport member 18 can be operatively maintained at a specific first distance D1 (FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 10) from the reference plane 13, the first distance D1 being about 0.2 mm to about 4.5 mm. Note that in this specification, the term "first distance D1" refers to a fixed or variable distance that allows proper interaction between the current-carrying means 15 and the magnetic means 23, and thus falls within the range of the above reference values.

[0068] The transport member 18 is preferably made as the moving part of a magnetically driven "planar motor", as is self-evident in the art.

[0069] Each transport member 18 is configured to move and / or rotate with respect to the reference surface 13 independently and without contact, advantageously in six degrees of freedom, without any constraints on path or direction.

[0070] The transport member 18 may be provided with a support means 24, which is disposed relative to the back surface 21 and is configured to at least temporarily, but stably, hold one or more objects 11 thereon.

[0071] The support means 24 may be of a known type and may, for example, comprise gripping means suitable for gripping one component 11 each, or a tray or container on which a number of objects 11 can be placed.

[0072] The apparatus 10 further comprises a control means, for example consisting of or including a control unit 25, which is configured to control the selective energization of the energizing means 15 in relation to the path or trajectory followed by each transport member 18 during its movement.

[0073] The control unit 25 may, for example, comprise one or more programmable processors of any obvious type.

[0074] In particular, the control unit 25 can selectively control, and is programmed to control, the value of the current and / or voltage supplied to the current-carrying means 15 so that the current-carrying means 15 generates a magnetic field suitable for supporting each transport member 18 at a specific position on the reference surface 13 and selectively moving each support member 18 along a predetermined path along the reference surface 13.

[0075] In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 also includes a position sensor 26 associated with at least one of the reference surface 13 or at least one transport member 18, the position sensor 26 being suitable for detecting one or more of the position, forward speed, or possibly other parameters correlated to the movement of each transport member 18, and transmitting corresponding data to the control unit 25.

[0076] In this way, the control unit 25 can perform feedback control of the current supplying means 15 so that each transport member 18 moves along its own path.

[0077] In one aspect of the present invention, the transport device 10 includes a safety attachment 27 configured to prevent disassociation of the transport member 18 from the reference surface 13 in the event of a critical operating condition.

[0078] This critical operating situation may include, for example, a situation in which the magnetic means 23 does not properly interact with the magnetic field generated by the current carrying means 15 .

[0079] The safety attachment 27 may be configured as a mechanical safety means configured to prevent, stop or mitigate the falling of the transport member 18 in the event of a critical operating condition such as those described above.

[0080] 1, 2 and 3, the safety attachment 27 comprises a tether 29 of the inextensible type, a first end of which is connected to the transport member 18 and a second end of which, opposite to the first end, is connected to an upper part of the support wall 12 or to a fixing member associated with or formed integrally with the support wall 12. This fixing member is not shown in the drawings.

[0081] The connection between the second end of the tether 29 and the support wall 12 or a fixing member associated therewith can be either of the rigid or sliding type.

[0082] This configuration has the advantage that the tether 29 can always maintain the front surface 20 of the support member 18 substantially parallel to the reference surface 13 even if the current-carrying means 15 malfunctions.

[0083] The tether 29 may include or consist of a rope, line, cable, chain of multiple links, or any other flexible element configured to maintain the transport member 18 and prevent it from reaching the horizontal plane PO in the absence of proper interaction between the current-carrying means 15 and the magnetic means 23.

[0084] The tethers 29 are provided to prevent the transport members 18 from colliding with the base wall 14 in the event of an accidental or unwanted drop of one or more of the transport members 18 .

[0085] The length of the tether 29 must be such as to ensure that the transport member 18 does not fall uncontrolled onto the base wall 14 in the event of an interruption in the power supply from the network 16 or in the event of a malfunction of the energizing means 15 .

[0086] For making the tether 29, a material is suitable that does not release any particles upon sliding or degradation that may contaminate the working environment and / or damage the object 11 and / or its contents.

[0087] Such an arrangement allows the device 10 to resume operation when proper operation of the current supply means 15 is restored without significant and tedious intervention by the operator.

[0088] Furthermore, in embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, tether 29 may not be directly connected to support wall 12 , but may instead be connected to any fastening element associated with support wall 12 .

[0089] In one possible variant not shown in the accompanying drawings, the tether 29 may for example be of the retractable and / or retractable type.

[0090] The embodiment with the tether 29 is particularly suitable when the movement of the transport member 18 on the reference surface 13 is limited, for example when the transport member 18 alternates between forward and backward movement. By way of non-limiting example, such an embodiment is suitable for use when the support means 24 of the transport member 18 supports one or more metering nozzles corresponding to the metering stations, the nozzles being configured to deposit metered amounts of product onto the object.

[0091] It will be readily appreciated that the above embodiment provided with tether 29 is suitable for many other applications, however, it is preferred that the element not be excessively long so that if tether 29 becomes twisted or entangled with other elements, the presence of this element will not be problematic, e.g., so that the element does not impede the movement of transport member 18 itself.

[0092] In another embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 4 and 5, the safety appendage 27 comprises a rigid fastening member or hook 30 associated with the transport member 18 at a first end.

[0093] The hook 30 is configured to prevent the transport element 18 from accidentally falling onto the base wall 14, for example in the event of a lack of power supply from the network 16 and / or a malfunction of the energizing means 15 (FIG. 1), and by way of non-limiting example the hook 30 has a straight section 32 (FIGS. 4 and 5) attached to the upper surface of the transport element 18, and a curved section 33. The curved section 33 is formed at a second end of the safety attachment 27, which second end has a hook shape in this embodiment.

[0094] In particular, the hook 30 is configured to be secured to an upper surface 35 of the support wall 12 or to a fastening member 36 associated with the support wall 12 .

[0095] The provision of the hooks 30 prevents the corresponding transport element 18 from accidentally falling onto the base wall 14 in the event of an accidental or unwanted interruption of the power supply or a malfunction of the energizing means 15 .

[0096] The length of the hook 30 must be such that it ensures proper mobility of the corresponding transport member 18 .

[0097] Furthermore, the provision of the hook 30 has the advantage that the front surface 20 of the transport member 18 can always be maintained facing the reference plane 13 and parallel to the reference plane 13, even when the current-carrying means 15 and the magnetic means 23 do not interact properly, and even when the transport member 18 is dropped and / or when two or more transport members 18 collide.

[0098] This embodiment in which the hook 30 is provided is also particularly suitable when the movement of the transport member 18 on the reference surface 13 is limited, for example when the transport member 18 alternates between outward and return movements.

[0099] In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the safety attachment 27 comprises a resting means 38 attached to the rear surface 21 of the transport member 18 .

[0100] In one embodiment, the mounting means 38 comprises one or more rods, in this example two rods, each having a horizontal portion 40 attached to the back surface 21 and a vertical portion 41 with one end 42 configured to mount on the base wall 14.

[0101] As an alternative to the two rods 39 mentioned above, the resting means 38 can also comprise, for example, one or more inclined columns or curved plates, which are not shown in the drawings.

[0102] The above-mentioned one end 42 of each rod 39 is substantially aligned with the base surface 19 (FIG. 7) so that when the base surface 19 contacts the base wall 14, each end 42 of the rods 39 also contacts the base wall 14, so that the front surface 20 of the transport member 18 is maintained substantially parallel to the reference surface 13 without being unnecessarily spaced from the reference surface 13, or is slightly tilted relative to the reference surface 13.

[0103] The provision of the rod 39 thus prevents the front surface 20 of the transport member 18 from shifting out of position relative to the reference surface 13 in the event of an uncontrolled or undesired fall of the transport member 18, thereby preventing the transport member 18 from possibly tipping over and providing the advantage of simplifying the resumption of operation of the device 10 when the power supply is properly resumed.

[0104] In another embodiment shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the mounting means 38 comprises at least one mounting plate 43 or consists of at least one mounting plate 43, in this example having the shape of a parallelepiped, but not limited to this shape, and the mounting plate 43 has a mounting surface 44 facing the base wall 14 and a support surface 45.

[0105] The mounting plate 43 is attached to the transport member 18 such that the mounting surface 44 is at a lower height than the base surface 19 of the transport member 18 so that in the event of an uncontrolled or undesired fall of the transport member 18, it is the mounting plate 43, not the transport member 18, that impacts the base wall 14.

[0106] Advantageously, the mounting plate 43 may be made from a resilient or shock absorbing material, for example rubber or a similar material.

[0107] Furthermore, when the mounting plate 43 is provided, the device 10 also has a support wall 46 standing from the base wall 14, and this support wall 46 has an operating surface 47 that is parallel to the reference plane 13 and is positioned at a second distance D2 from the reference plane 13.

[0108] Said second distance D2 is at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the sum of the thickness of the transport member 18 and the thickness of the mounting plate 43 and possibly the first distance D1.

[0109] Advantageously, at least the lower part of the support plate 43 provided with the support surface 44 and the lower zone of the support surface 45 can be flared in order to facilitate coupling with the support member 46 .

[0110] In the event of an uncontrolled or undesired fall of transport member 18 (FIG. 1), support wall 46 prevents front surface 20 of support wall 46 from shifting out of position relative to reference surface 13 and may also prevent transport member 18 from potentially tipping over.

[0111] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the apparatus 10 includes a return means 48 configured to automatically return the transport member 18 to the vicinity of the support wall 12 after undesired separation of the transport member from the support wall occurs, for example due to any of the critical operating conditions described above.

[0112] For example, the returning means 48 may comprise an anthropomorphic robot 49 and / or a mechanical arm that returns the transport member 18 to a position at a distance D1 from the support wall 12 so that the front surface 20 of the transport member 18 faces the reference surface 13.

[0113] In other embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, the return means 48 may be manual, for example selectively actuable by an operator.

[0114] The provision of the return means 48 has the advantage that operation of the transport device 10 can be quickly restored after any of the above-mentioned critical operating situations occur, for example if any of the transport members 18 fall or if the transport members 18 become uncontrolled disassociated from the reference wall 13 and are no longer in the required position.

[0115] In other embodiments, the return means 48 can be combined with the safety attachments of all the above embodiments, even if not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0116] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the return means 48 can be provided without the safety attachment 27.

[0117] It will be apparent that modifications and / or additions of various parts may be made to the apparatus 10 described above without departing from the field and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0118] It is also clear that although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art can certainly achieve other equivalent forms of the device for transporting objects having the features described in the claims, all of which fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims. The purpose of the parenthetical signs in the appended claims is only to facilitate reading and should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A transport device (10) for transporting one or more objects (11), comprising: A support wall (12) having at least one reference surface (13) that is perpendicular or inclined at a specific angle (α) to a horizontal plane (PO); at least one transport member (18) configured to support and transport said one or more objects (11) and movable without contacting said reference surface (13) and remaining at a first distance (D1) from said reference surface (13); current application means (15) configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields associated with said reference surface (13); Equipped with A transport device (10) in which the at least one transport member (18) comprises magnetic means (23) configured to interact with the current carrying means (15) to cause selective displacement of the at least one transport member (18), It further comprises a safety attachment (27) extending over a predetermined length, a first end of the safety attachment (27) being stably attached to a surface of the at least one transport member (18); The second end of the safety attachment (27) permanently attached to the upper part or fixed element of the support wall (12), or alternatively configured to temporarily cooperate with the support wall (12) or the fixing element in the event of a lack of power or proper interaction between the current carrying means (15) and the magnetic means (23); A transport device (10).

2. The safety attachment (27) comprises at least one tether (29); the tether (29) is connected to the upper portion of the support wall (12) or to the fixing element corresponding to the second end, and is connected to the transport member (18) corresponding to the first end opposite to the second end; The length of the tether (29) is such that the transport member (18) does not reach the horizontal plane (PO). The transport device (10) of claim 1.

3. The tether (29) is of an auto-retractable type. The transport device (10) of claim 2.

4. The safety attachment (27) comprises at least one rigid fixing member (30); the rigid fixing member (30) is associated with the transport member (18) by the first end and has the second end hooked to the support wall (12) or the fixing element (36) so as to be temporarily securable thereto; A transport device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The fixing element (36) is associated with the support wall (12). The transport device (10) of claim 4.

6. The transport member (18) has at least one front surface (20) on the support surface (13) side and a back surface (21) opposite the front surface (20); the safety attachment (27) at least comprises a mounting means (38) attached to the back surface (21) of the transport member (18) at the first end and is adapted to be selectively mounted to the base wall (14) at the second end; A transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. The mounting means (38) comprises at least one L-shaped rigid rod (39); The transport device (10) of claim 6.

8. The transport member (18) further comprises a base surface (19) facing the base wall (14), one end (42) of the at least one rigid rod (39) is substantially aligned with the base surface (19) such that when the base surface (19) contacts the base wall (14), the end (42) also contacts the base wall (14) and the front surface (20) of the transport member (18) remains substantially parallel or slightly tilted relative to the reference surface (13); The transport device (10) of claim 7.

9. The transport member (18) further comprises a base surface (19) facing the base wall (14), The mounting means (38) comprises a mounting plate (43) attached to the back surface (21) of the transport member (18); The mounting plate (43) has a mounting surface (44) on the base wall (14) side, The placement surface (44) is spaced apart from the transport member (18) and is disposed at a lower height than the base surface (19), so that when the product is dropped, it is not the transport member (18) but the placement surface (44) of the placement plate (43) that impacts the base wall (14). The transport device (10) of claim 6.

10. The fixing element includes a support wall (46) extending from the base wall (14); The support wall (46) has an actuation surface (47) disposed parallel to the reference surface (13) at a second distance (D2) from the reference surface (13), said actuation surface (47) co-operates with said mounting plate (43) when said mounting plate (43) impacts said base wall (14); The transport device (10) of claim 9.

11. said second distance (D2) being at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the sum of the thickness of said transport member (18) and said thickness of said mounting plate (43) and possibly said first distance (D1); The transport device (10) of claim 10.

12. Further comprising a return means (48), The returning means (48) returns the transport member (18) to the vicinity of the support wall (12), for example after an undesired separation of the transport member (18) from the support wall (12). A transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. said return means (48) being associated with said at least one reference surface (13) and / or with said base wall (14) if said base wall (14) is provided; The transport device (10) of claim 12.

14. The returning means (48) is configured as a manipulator. A transport device (10) according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The manipulator is a robot having multiple axes of motion. The transport device (10) of claim 14.

16. A transport device (10) for transporting one or more objects (11), comprising: A support wall (12) having at least one reference surface (13) that is vertical or inclined at a specific angle (α) with respect to a horizontal plane (PO); at least one transport member (18) configured to support and transport said one or more objects (11) and movable without contacting said reference surface (13) and remaining at a first distance (D1) from said reference surface (13); current application means (15) configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields associated with said reference surface (13); It is equipped with A transport device (10) in which the at least one transport member (18) comprises magnetic means (23) configured to interact with the current carrying means (15) to cause selective displacement of the at least one transport member (18), Further comprising a return means (48), The returning means (48) returns the transport member (18) to the vicinity of the support wall (12), for example after an undesired separation of the transport member (18) from the support wall (12). A transport device (10).

Images