Object Transfer Device

Abstract

A moving device (10) for moving an object (C) filled with a product (P) over a base plane (101) having a drive surface (102) and comprising electrical current-carrying means (103) configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields, the moving device (10) comprising: a conveying member (11) with magnetic means (15) configured to generate respective magnetic fields that interact with the magnetic fields of the electrical current-carrying means (103) to cause the conveying member (11) to slide contactlessly over the drive surface (102); and a support member (16) configured to support the object (C) as the conveying member (11) slides over the drive surface (102).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer device for transferring objects, in particular small containers (e.g. vials, bottles or flasks) that can be filled with fluid, solid, powder or gel-like products. For example, the transfer device can be used in machines and / or equipment in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, healthcare, chemical and / or food sectors. [Background technology]

[0002] In the industrial sector, such as in the manufacturing of chemical, cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical products, various machines and / or apparatuses are known in which electromagnetic moving or conveying devices are used to move objects, such as containers, between one or more work stations, for example to fill, close and package the containers.

[0003] In particular, such devices allow the movement of objects to be achieved by electromagnetic type actuation, without constraints of direction or fixed path, and without the generation of particles due to friction, for example by using technology known as "planar motors".

[0004] Such planar motors each comprise magnetic means configured to cooperate with electrical current carrying means operatively associated therewith to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields capable of influencing and interacting with the magnetic means.

[0005] In particular, such magnetic means are mounted on or within a moving device, and electrical current carrying means, such as a coil, are integrated into a fixed reference or drive surface in the base plane of the apparatus, and a controlled electromagnetic field generated between the magnetic means and the electrical current carrying means enables the moving device to move contactlessly over the fixed reference or drive surface. Furthermore, planar motors are very versatile, as they can follow straight and curved trajectories and paths relative to the reference surface by appropriately controlling the electrical current carrying means.

[0006] Object movement devices are known from WO 2018 / 176137, US 2017 / 225814 and US 2022 / 227008.

[0007] However, the aforementioned magnetic fields may also affect objects moved by the moving device, in particular certain types of products that may be present therein.

[0008] In this respect, magnetic fields can directly affect certain types of products, interacting with them and causing morphological or functional reactions that can result in biological or health effects. Biological effects in this context refer to effects that, as a result of the interaction, cause detectable physiological changes in the product, but which are usually compensated for by the product. In particular, the only effects that have been established on a scientific basis are so-called acute effects, i.e., effects that occur over a short period of time when exposure levels to electromagnetic fields exceed a certain threshold. Therefore, the relevant biological effects at minimum exposure levels serve as scientific criteria for defining exposure limits for products present inside objects and for protecting them from the aforementioned acute effects.

[0009] Typically, in these known apparatuses, the moving device moves within a controlled atmosphere chamber whose upper portion is associated with a base plane, and within the atmosphere chamber, a unidirectional or laminar flow of filtered air, or a turbulent flow of filtered air substantially parallel to the base plane, is generated.

[0010] These filtered air flows allow air to be recirculated, reducing the risk of contamination to objects. Potential contaminants, such as contaminant particles and / or dust, are dragged along with the air flow, while the object on the moving device is continuously cleaned by clean air. For example, if the object is an open container containing a particular product, the air flow acts directly on the opening of the container, preventing contaminant particles from entering or falling into the container.

[0011] However, this action of the air flow can also have undesirable indirect effects, such as the disadvantage that, since the container is very close to the base plane, the air flow also interacts with the base plane, and this interaction raises the risk of small particles and / or dust particles present at the base plane being lifted up and falling into the objects and products inside the container.

[0012] Therefore, the applicant has carried out numerous studies to overcome the problems and drawbacks of the prior art in order to perfect a device for moving objects in which the objects or products present therein are not affected or changed by the aforementioned magnetic field. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe further features of the invention or variants of the main inventive idea.

[0014] To achieve the above object, while also achieving considerable advantages over the prior art, the present invention provides a transfer device according to the present invention for transferring an object filled with product over a flat base surface having a drive surface, the transfer device comprising electrical conduction means configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields, a transfer member provided with magnetic means configured to generate respective magnetic fields that interact with the magnetic fields of the electrical conduction means to cause the transfer member to slide contactlessly over the drive surface, and a support member for supporting the object as the transfer member slides over the drive surface.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, the moving device further comprises one or more shielding elements positioned on the moving device so as to be interposed between the upper surface of the conveying member and the object when the object is supported by the support member.

[0016] In particular, the shielding element is configured to limit and / or reduce the effects of electromagnetic phenomena caused by the interaction between the electrically conducting means and the magnetic means.

[0017] According to another aspect, the support member comprises at least one base member placed on an upper surface and having a support portion spaced from the base member, and a housing portion provided with one or more housing seatings configured to accommodate an object in an elevated position.

[0018] According to another aspect, the support is slidably mounted on the at least one base member to vary the minimum distance from the top surface.

[0019] According to another aspect, the one or more shielding elements are made from a metallic material having high magnetic permeability.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, one or more shielding elements are associated directly with the top surface, or one or more shielding elements are associated directly with the support member.

[0021] The present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising a base plane with a drive surface provided with electrical conduction means configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields, and a working chamber containing the base plane and in which an air flow is generated, in particular the apparatus comprising one or more movement devices as described above, operatively associated with the base plane and movable within the working chamber.

[0022] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of an object transfer device according to the present invention placed in an apparatus for packaging objects. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the mobile device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the transfer device shown in FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a side view similar to FIG. 3 showing another embodiment of a movement device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the transfer device of FIG. 4 according to a further modification. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the transfer device of FIG. 4 according to a further modification. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of an apparatus including one or more moving devices shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] It must be made clear that the phraseology and terminology used in this specification, as well as the figures of the accompanying drawings (as well as their depiction) have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the invention, the scope of protection being defined by the claims, and their purpose is to give a non-limiting example of the invention itself.

[0025] To facilitate understanding, the figures use the same reference numerals to indicate identical common elements whenever possible, it being understood that elements and features of one embodiment may be combined or incorporated into other embodiments as appropriate without further description.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a transfer device 10 according to the present invention is arranged and usable to transfer an object C to or from one or more work stations of, for example, an apparatus 100 (FIG. 7).

[0027] In the example shown here, object C may, without loss of generality, be a small bottle, vial, flask, or other type of container of small mass and size that can contain one or more fluid products P (specifically, liquids, solids (i.e., powders), or gels).

[0028] The device 100 comprises a base plane 101 having a reference surface, hereinafter defined as drive plane 102, below which associated or provided are electrical energization means 103 (Figures 2 to 6) of known type, configured to selectively generate one or more locally distributed low-frequency magnetic fields along the path of movement of the object C. For example, the electrical energization means 103 comprise a number of electric coils or windings which, in use, are connected to an electric energy supply network with appropriate voltage and current values.

[0029] It should be made clear that the expression "drive surface" is defined in this way because it is the surface on which the drive of the moving device 10 takes place through interaction with the electrical current carrying means 103.

[0030] The apparatus 100 may further comprise a work chamber 105 (FIG. 7). The work chamber 105 preferably has a controlled atmosphere and has an upper portion associated with the base plane 101, within which the mobile device 10 moves and operates. In particular, as mentioned above, a flow of filtered air is supplied and / or generated within the work chamber 105. This prevents contamination of the products P present within the work chamber 105, and in particular within the objects C, which are continuously cleaned by the clean filtered air.

[0031] Specifically, the aforementioned air flow, indicated by the arrows in Figure 7, acts on the open top end of object C, preventing contaminating particles from entering and contaminating the product inside.

[0032] The movement device 10 comprises a base carrier member 11 (FIG. 1) that is substantially square and has a certain thickness S. The carrier member 11 comprises a flat lower surface 12 (FIGS. 2-6) that faces a drive surface 102. The movement device 10 also comprises an upper surface 13 that is located opposite the lower surface 12 (i.e., drive surface 102) and faces upward. According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the thickness S is about 10 mm.

[0033] The movement device 10 is operatively associated with a drive surface 102 and can be moved relative to the drive surface 102 by a low frequency magnetic field generated by the aforementioned electrical current carrying means.

[0034] In particular, the mobile device 10 is provided with magnetic means 15, for example permanent magnets, configured to generate respective static magnetic fields capable of interacting with a low frequency magnetic field to selectively move the same mobile device 10.

[0035] In this way, the movement device 10 can move independently relative to the drive surface 102, preferably with several degrees of freedom (described in more detail below), while remaining a certain lift distance DS away from (i.e., without contact with) the drive surface 102.

[0036] By way of example, this lift distance DS may be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 4.5 mm to allow for proper interaction between the electrical conduction means 103 and the magnetic means 15 .

[0037] Preferably, the movement device 10 is made as the moving part of an electromagnetically driven "planar motor", as such is known in the art.

[0038] The transfer device 10 is provided with support means, in the example shown here configured as support members 16, for supporting one or more objects C at a certain minimum distance D1 from the top surface 13, so that the objects C themselves or their contents are not affected by or interact with electromagnetic phenomena resulting from the magnetic field. It should be noted that the minimum distance D1 is measured between the top surface 13 and the lowest point of the product P in the object C (Figure 1).

[0039] In particular, the term "electromagnetic phenomena" refers to the phenomena of magnetic induction, magnetomechanical action and electronic interaction, which are known per se.

[0040] In particular, the minimum distance D1 is greater than at least twice the thickness S of the conveying member 11. In particular, the minimum distance is greater than about 30 mm (FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0041] This prevents the product P present in the object C from being subjected to one or more acute effects resulting from electromagnetic phenomena, as defined above. Furthermore, this minimum distance D1 effectively prevents particles and / or dust from being lifted or dropped onto the object C itself or onto the product P present therein, due to electromagnetic turbulence that may occur on the drive surface 102.

[0042] Furthermore, taking into account the action or indirect effect of the air flow when interacting with the base plane 101, the minimum distance D1 is adjusted to prevent particles and / or dust from being lifted up and falling onto the object C itself. In this case, the minimum distance D1 is greater than about 12 times the thickness S of the conveying member 11. In particular, the minimum distance D1 is greater than about 120 mm (FIG. 4).

[0043] The support member 16 comprises at least one support, which is defined as a base member 17 (FIGS. 1-6) resting on the upper surface 13. The base member 17 comprises a support part or portion 19 perpendicular to the upper surface 13 and spaced from the base member 17, and a housing part or portion 20 configured to support and house an object C.

[0044] The housing portion 20 is provided with a plurality of housing seats 21 (FIG. 1) that are adapted to accommodate (i.e., rest on) respective objects C in a raised position that ensures a minimum distance D1 from the upper surface 13 (FIGS. 2-6).

[0045] In particular, the housing sheeting 21 is configured to cooperate with a portion (preferably only the upper portion) of the object C to stably maintain the object C in an upright position while leaving at least its lower portion exposed.

[0046] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, object C is defined by a vial and is placed within housing sheeting 21 such that the open top end of object C abuts a protruding edge on housing sheeting 21. Product P is inserted through the open top end of object C, which has an edge that protrudes relative to the body of object C itself.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the support 19 is slidably mounted on the base member 17 and can therefore be adjusted in height to suit a desired minimum distance D1 from the upper surface 13, taking into account in particular the action or indirect influence of air flow.

[0048] In order to perform the correct movement of object C, it is clear that, taking into account the shape of base member 17 and the position of object C itself on movement device 10, object C must be placed no more than a certain maximum distance from upper surface 13.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present invention, the mobile device 10 is provided with one or more shielding elements 22 (Figures 5 and 6) placed between the upper surface 13 and the object C, the one or more shielding elements 22 being configured to limit and / or reduce the effects of the aforementioned electromagnetic phenomena caused by the interaction between the electrically conducting means 103 and the magnetic means 15.

[0050] In particular, the shielding element 22 is made from a metallic material having a high magnetic permeability, and is composed primarily of nickel and iron.

[0051] The shielding element 22 is directly associated with the upper surface 13 so as to cooperate with the upper surface 13 (FIG. 5). Alternatively, the shielding element 22 is directly associated with the support member 16 so as to cooperate with the support member 16. Specifically, the shielding element 22 is attached to the base member 17 in a position to shield the object C (FIG. 6).

[0052] For a better understanding of the invention, and as evidence of the values ​​given for the minimum distance D1, below are two tables of values ​​for the magnetic field generated due to movement of the moving device 10. These were measured with a specific measuring instrument placed at a specific distance from the drive surface 102.

[0053] In particular, a first table (Table 1) shows the low frequency magnetic field generated by the base plane 101 and a second table (Table 2) shows the static magnetic field generated by the same mobile device 10.

[0054] The first table (Table 1) shows the measured values ​​when the measuring device was placed at a position 45 mm from the drive surface 102 and the lift distance DS was set to 4 mm. In this case, the thickness of the conveying member 11 was approximately 10 mm. [Table 1] "First configuration" refers to a single mobile device 10. - "Second configuration" refers to two mobile devices 10 placed adjacent to each other. - "Third configuration" refers to three mobile devices 10 placed adjacent to each other. "Fourth configuration" refers to four mobile devices 10 placed adjacent to each other. - "Measurements" are expressed in microteslas. - "Exposure level" is expressed as a percentage and refers to the so-called "Exposure Index", which is the detected exposure to electromagnetic waves divided by the exposure limit value. "Absorption" is expressed in watts and refers to the absorption of current in the electrical current carrying means 103 which generates a magnetic field and interacts with the magnetic means 15, allowing the magnetic means 15 to rise above the base plane 101 and move on it.

[0055] In particular, as shown in Table 1, the exposure level is much lower than 100% and therefore complies with the standards defined by ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) and implemented in Italy by European Council Recommendation n. 1999 / 519 / EC of 12 July 1999. Thus, if the detection point is 45 mm from the drive surface 102, the thickness S of the conveying member 11 is 10 mm and the lift distance is 1 mm, then the minimum distance D1 = 45 - 10 -4 = 31 mm.

[0056] The second table (Table 2) shows the measurements taken with the measuring device placed at different distances from the drive surface 102. The lift distance DS is 4 mm, taking into account the indirect influence of magnetic induction. Again, the thickness S of the transport member 11 is about 10 mm. [Table 2] In the "first configuration", the measuring device is positioned 45 mm from the drive surface 102. In the "second configuration", the measuring device is positioned 75 mm from the drive surface 102. In the "third configuration", the measuring device is positioned 135 mm from the drive surface 102. - "Action values" for indirect effects related to magnetic induction are expressed as percentages and are calculated in a similar way to the "Exposure Level" values.

[0057] As can be seen from the second table, only the "third configuration" has an action value for the indirect effect related to magnetic induction that is less than 100% and is therefore the only configuration that meets the criteria set out in the current regulations on this subject. Taking these regulations into account, the limit value for the "measured value" of 0.5 mT was also taken into account, and in any case the "third configuration" complies with this value.

[0058] Therefore, if the detection point is set to 135 mm from the drive surface 102, the thickness of the conveying member 11 is 10 mm, and the lift distance is 4 mm, then the minimum distance D1=135-10-4=121 mm.

[0059] It will be apparent that modifications and / or additions to components may be made to the mobile device 10 described above without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, it is clear to those skilled in the art that other equivalent forms of object movement devices can be realised which have the features set out in the claims and which therefore all fall within the field of protection defined by the claims.

[0061] In the following claims, references in parentheses are for the purpose of readability only and should not be considered as limiting factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A moving device (10) for moving an object (C) filled with a product (P) on a base plane (101) having a drive surface (102) and comprising electrical energizing means (103) configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields, comprising: The mobile device (10) a conveying member (11) provided with magnetic means (15), the magnetic means (15) being configured to generate a respective magnetic field that interacts with a magnetic field of the electrical current supply means (103) to cause the conveying member (11) to slide contactlessly on the drive surface (102); a support member (16) configured to support the object (C) as the conveying member (11) slides on the drive surface (102); A mobile device (10) comprising: The mobile device (10) further comprises: one or more shielding elements (22) placed on the moving device (10) so as to be positioned between the upper surface (13) of the conveying member (11) and the object (C) when the object (C) is supported by the support member (16); Further provided with The one or more shielding elements (22) are configured to limit and / or reduce the effects of electromagnetic phenomena caused by interactions between the electrically conducting means (103) and the magnetic means (15).

2. The support member (16) At least one base member (17) disposed on the upper surface (13), the at least one base member (17) having a support portion (19) spaced apart from the at least one base member (17); a housing part (20) provided with one or more housing seats (21) configured to accommodate the object (C) in a raised position; The mobile device (10) of claim 1, comprising:

3. The support (19) is slidably mounted on the at least one base member (17) so as to vary its distance (D1) from the upper surface (13). A mobile device (10) according to claim 2.

4. The one or more shielding elements (22) are made from a metallic material having high magnetic permeability. A mobile device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The one or more shielding elements (22) are directly associated with the top surface (13), or The one or more shielding elements (22) are directly associated with the support member (16). A mobile device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a base plane (101) comprising a drive surface (102) provided with electrical energization means (103) configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields; a working chamber (105) that accommodates the base plane (101) and in which an air flow is generated; An apparatus (100) comprising: The apparatus (100) further comprises one or more mobile devices (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The moving device (10) is operatively associated with the base plane (101) and is movable within the working chamber (105). Apparatus (100).

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