Vibration device and corresponding method for transporting objects

Abstract

A vibration device (10) for automatically transporting an object (11) from a first position (12) to a second position (13) by vibration, comprising one or more transport members (15) and a motion member (18), the motion member (18) being driven based on a vibration motion for vibrating the one or more transport members (15) so as to continuously advance a plurality of the objects (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibrating device and a corresponding method for conveying a lightweight object, such as an object, in particular a bottle, flask, cap, metal ring, or other object of equivalent size in the fields of chemistry, cosmetics and / or pharmaceuticals, along a predefined path from an inlet position to an outlet position. The vibrating device according to the present invention comprises a conveying member, which is configured to vibrate by generating a clearly ordered forward movement of the object arranged on its base surface. In particular, the vibrating device according to the present invention utilizes a magnetic field to enable a movement without friction by being moved, and can also be used in an environment treated with an anti-corrosion treatment, a sterile environment, or a sterilized environment. The objects may be conveyed in an ordered manner or in an unordered manner.

Background Art

[0002] Vibrating devices are known for conveying lightweight objects, such as objects, in particular bottles, flasks, caps, metal rings, or other objects of equivalent size in the fields of chemistry, cosmetics and / or pharmaceuticals, along a predefined conveying path, for example from an inlet position associated with a first processing station of a production line to an outlet position associated with a second processing station, for example.

[0003] Each known vibrating device usually comprises one or more conveying members associated with several moving members, which impart a vibrating motion to the conveying member, i.e., generate vibrations to obtain a forward movement of the object along the conveying path.

[0004] In particular, a device is known that comprises a moving member composed of one or more coils. These coils are mounted on a fixed frame and are configured to generate the vibrational motion of one or more magnets associated with these coils and connected to several conveying members. The conveying members are mounted on the frame by means of elastic elements. In this known device, these conveying members are supported and constrained by the elastic elements to the fixed frame. When these coils are electrically excited, they impart to the conveying members themselves a substantially arc-shaped alternating motion, which is in any case limited by the elastic elements.

[0005] Another prior art vibrator is described in Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 110562675. This vibrator includes multiple linear motors configured to determine a vibrating motion that can orient multiple small objects in a desired direction.

[0006] However, all known vibrating devices have the drawback of inevitably causing friction and generating more or less concentrated particulate matter, which should always be avoided, especially in the chemical, cosmetic, and / or pharmaceutical fields.

[0007] Furthermore, during the design phase, each vibrating conveyor is designed to the appropriate size based on the object to be moved and the specific vibratory motion to be applied to the conveying members. In particular, the mechanical connecting elements between the fixed frame and the conveying members, such as the elastic elements mentioned above, need to be designed to the appropriate size.

[0008] Another drawback of each known vibration device is that its design and manufacture are extremely rigorous. In fact, if one or more parameters of the vibration motion, such as the velocity, acceleration, amplitude, and / or frequency of the vibration itself or the vibration transmitted to the conveying member, are changed according to, for example, the dimensions and / or weight of the object being moved, a person skilled in the art will know that a combination of control logic (software) and mechanical components (hardware) is required, resulting in production stoppages and increased operating costs.

[0009] Furthermore, in each known vibrating device, since the transport member is connected to the frame, the frame must be provided with a very robust base and appropriate damping members to prevent vibrations from being transmitted to the floor and other surrounding equipment. In fact, in some cases, the mass of the frame can be several times, up to 8-10 times, the mass of the transport member.

[0010] One objective of the present invention is to complete a simple, non-particle-generating vibrating device and a corresponding method that can be applied in environments with preservative treatment, sterile environments, or sterilized environments.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly versatile and / or modular vibrator that can be easily sized according to the required production capacity and easily adapted to the available space for installation.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vibrating device that does not require precise mechanical work and the resulting excessive cost for positioning various modules, particularly the first and last modules, when the transport member comprises two or more modules connected to one another.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vibration device in which the moving mass is very small, and vibrations generated in moving the conveying member are absorbed within the device itself, without requiring bulky frames or heavy and complex devices to dampen vibrations.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vibrating device and to complete a corresponding method that allows parameters related to the vibrating motion to be set and / or changed in a simple manner as desired, even after the device itself has been constructed. This is also applicable when the size or weight of the conveyed object changes, or when different types of feed are to be given.

[0015] The applicant has conceived, tested, and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to obtain these and other objectives and advantages. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0016] The present invention is characterized by the matters described in the independent claims. Dependent claims describe other features of the present invention or variations of the principal invention.

[0017] Based on the above objective, the vibration device according to the present invention for transporting an object from a first position to a second position by vibration comprises a transport member configured to advance the object along a transport path, and a moving member associated with the transport member, wherein the moving member is configured to be driven based on a vibratory motion to vibrate the transport member so that the object advances along the transport path by vibration. It should be noted that the transport of objects along such a path can be carried out in both an ordered manner, for example, in rows of one or more, and in an unordered, batch manner.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the moving member comprises a movable body magnetically coupled to a base body. The movable body is configured to move non-contact on the base body, driven on the vibration motion such that the object moves from a first position to a second position by vibration, and the transport member is vibrated by the movable body.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a magnetic means or an energizing means is provided on the movable body, and a corresponding energizing means or magnetic means is provided on the base body. The energizing means is configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields to influence the magnetic means and cause a controlled reciprocating motion between the magnetic means and the energizing means.

[0020] According to one embodiment, at least one stator having a magnetic unit for generating a first magnetic field is associated with the base body, and at least one second magnetic unit for generating a magnetic field that magnetically interacts with the first magnetic field generated by the stator is associated with the movable body.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, the vibration device further comprises control means configured to selectively and cooperatively energize the energizing means in order to cause the vibration motion between the energizing means and the magnetic means.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, a base body and a movable body together constitute a drive member, which is commonly known as a "planar motor."

[0023] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the movable body, i.e., the planar motor, is configured to vibrate based on vibrational motion, thereby moving the object forward non-contact (and therefore frictionless) between the base body and the movable body. This differs from conventional solutions, such as cases where the conveying member does not provide a planar motor or the motor is not driven by vibrational motion.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, the conveying member is an integral part of the movable body, or is configured to be integrated with the movable body by connecting means while being separated from the movable body and positioned at a distance. As a result, vibrational motion is transmitted to the conveying member.

[0025] According to one embodiment, according to another aspect of the present invention, when the conveying member is an integral part of the movable body, the conveying member is provided with a housing into which the movable body is inserted.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, the control means is of an electronic and programmable type and can program, in a simple way, one or more laws of motion of the vibratory motion as described above, as a function of the object and / or parameters associated with the forward motion, and reprogram if necessary.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, the same conveying member is associated with two or more movable bodies.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, the conveying member comprises a surface configured to support the object while allowing positioning and conveying of the object, and this surface is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, preferably inclined downwards. For example, it is inclined up to about 2°, more advantageously up to about 0.5°.

[0029] Furthermore, the vibratory motion has a frequency in the range from 20 Hz to 100 Hz and an amplitude of the vibration in the range from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the vibratory motion has at least a component in the vertical direction.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the vibratory motion occurs along a linear path in an alternating forward-backward mode and / or along a closed curve path.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for transporting an object from a first position to a second position by vibration comprises the steps of preparing a moving member and a transport member associated with the moving member, and driving the moving member based on a vibratory motion to vibrate the transport member so that the object is moved forward along the transport path by vibration. According to another aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises the steps of driving the movable body based on the vibratory motion to generate the vibratory motion so that the object moves from the first position to the second position by vibration and the transport member is vibrated on the movable body, wherein the moving member comprises a movable body that is magnetically coupled to the base body.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, all of the plurality of objects move forward along the transport path by vibration, traveling the same distance in the same amount of time.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, the object is a cap.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises a programming step in which at least one law of motion of oscillating motion is programmed in a control means, or reprogrammed as necessary, as a function of parameters associated with the object and / or forward motion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] All aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some non-limiting embodiments, which are given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a vibration device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a side view of the vibration device. [Figure 3] A perspective view of a vibration device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a side view of the vibration device. [Figure 5] A perspective view of a vibration device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a side view of the vibration device. [Figure 7] The first example demonstrating the vibrational motion of a vibration device is shown. [Figure 8] A second example demonstrating the vibrational motion of a vibration device is shown. [Figure 9] A third example demonstrating the vibrational motion of a vibration device is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] In this specification and in the claims, the terms horizontal, downward, upward, high, and low, along with variations of these terms, have the sole purpose of better illustrating the invention with reference to the drawings and shall not in any case be used to limit the scope of the invention itself or the scope of protection defined by the appended claims. For example, with respect to the term horizontal, the axis or plane means that it is parallel to the horizon or inclined at an angle of up to 20 degrees with respect to the horizon.

[0039] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain dimensions or features in the accompanying drawings may be enlarged, modified, or shown in an atypical or disproportionate manner in order to provide a version of the invention that is easily understood. Where dimensions and / or numerical values ​​are specified in the following description, they are provided for illustrative purposes only, except that such dimensions and / or numerical values ​​are included in the accompanying claims, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, all intervals including intervals "between" two numerical values ​​described herein are understood to include the numerical values ​​at both ends.

[0040] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings whenever possible to identify identical common elements. It is understood, without further explanation, that elements and features of one embodiment can be suitably combined with or incorporated into other embodiments.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, the vibrating device 10 according to the present invention is configured to transport an object 11, such as a bottle, flask, cap, metal ring, or other object of similar size, from a first position, i.e., an inlet position 12 associated with a first processing station or transport position (not shown), to a second position, i.e., an outlet position 13 associated with a second processing station (not shown).

[0042] The vibrating device 10 comprises one or more conveying members 15, each conveying member 15 having a shape that defines a path P between an inlet position 12 and an outlet position 13. In the example described herein, the conveying member 15 is linear in shape, but it may have any other shape.

[0043] In particular, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, there is only one transport member 15, but in the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, there are three transport members 15, which are arranged in a continuous sequence.

[0044] It is clear that the number of conveying members 15 can be even greater, as a function of the longitudinal length of the conveying members 15 and the length of the path P.

[0045] Although not shown, in one embodiment, the path P may be formed so that one or more objects 11 are transported after an initial stage common to all objects 11, and may be divided into a plurality of separate paths that are parallel to or branch off from each other. Thus, in this specification and the appended claims, path P means any path that each object 11 being transported follows, which may be different for each object 11. The paths of multiple objects 11 may be common in one or more stages, for example, an initial, intermediate, and / or final stage.

[0046] Each transport member 15 comprises a base 16 having, for example, a flat surface on which the object 11 is placed, and two side walls 17 that guide the object 11 along the path P and prevent it from falling laterally.

[0047] Although not shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the base 16 of each transport member 15 may be shaped to provide multiple tracks or paths for guiding the object 11 along the path P. Furthermore, the vibrating device 10 is configured to impart vibrating motion to each transport member 15 that moves the object 11 forward along the path P, and comprises one or more moving members 18, which are described in detail below.

[0048] According to one aspect of the present invention, each moving member 18 can be configured as a planar motor 19, or as at least a part of a planar motor 19. The planar motor 19 itself may be of a known type.

[0049] In particular, as is already known, the planar motor 19 substantially comprises a base body 20 configured to remain stationary in a predetermined position, and an associated movable body 21 that is movable relative to the base body 20 without contacting the base body 20, that is, capable of reciprocating "non-contact" motion.

[0050] In the embodiments described herein, one or more energizing members 22, for example consisting of multiple coils or windings and configured to selectively generate one or more distinct magnetic fields, are arranged inside the base body 20. Inside the movable body 21 are one or more magnetic members 23, for example consisting of multiple permanent magnets and configured to interact with the magnetic fields generated by the energizing members 22. The reciprocating motion between the base body 20 and the movable body 21 is caused by the interaction between the electrically energizing members 22 and the magnetic members 23 when properly energized, i.e., the interaction of magnetic attraction and repulsion.

[0051] In another alternative embodiment, although not shown, the conductive member 22 may be located within the movable body 21, and the magnetic member 23 may be located within the base body 20, for the purposes of those skilled in the art.

[0052] For example, each transport member 15 is connected to a corresponding movable body 21 so that they become one unit, and when one moves, the other moves in conjunction with it.

[0053] According to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connection between the transport member 15 and the movable body 21 is achieved by several connecting bars 25. According to the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connection between the transport member 15 and the movable body 21 is achieved by several spacer bars 25.

[0054] On the other hand, according to the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, the transport member 15 is formed in a shape that has a movable body 21, or at least a magnetic member 23, or a housing 26 into which an energizing member 22 is inserted instead of the magnetic member 23.

[0055] In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, although not shown, the movable body 21 of the planar motor 19 can replace the transport member 15. The movable body 21 itself is formed in a shape having side walls for defining the path P, and a track or path.

[0056] Furthermore, the vibration device 10 includes, for example, an electronically programmable control unit 27. The control unit 27 is connected to several moving members 18 and is configured to selectively energize energizing members 22 in the moving members 18 by acting, for example, on the values ​​of the current and / or voltage supplied to these moving members 18.

[0057] The control unit 27 may be any known or future-developed configuration. The control unit 27 is programmed, or reprogrammed as needed, so that the energizing member 22 works in conjunction with the magnetic member 23 to generate a vibrational motion of the carrier member 15 having desired parameters, including at least the frequency and amplitude of vibration, according to one or more desired laws of motion.

[0058] In another embodiment, in order to facilitate the transport of the object 11 along the path P, the upper surface of the base 16 of each transport member 15 may be inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal plane such that the entrance position 12 is higher than the exit position 13.

[0059] Furthermore, according to another embodiment not shown, for example, if the power of each planar motor 19 is insufficient to move a particularly heavy conveying member 15, taking into account the weight of the object being conveyed 11, or to ensure greater stability of the conveying member 15 itself, each conveying member 15 can be connected to at least two movable bodies 21.

[0060] Furthermore, according to another embodiment not shown, a single movable body 21 can be connected to two or more transport members 15 in order to equalize the movement of multiple transport members 15 as a function of the power of the planar motor 19 and the multiple moving masses.

[0061] The vibrational motion permitted by the planar motor 19 can occur in all six possible degrees of freedom in space of the transport member 15. Note that this vibrational motion may cause some coordinates to remain fixed while others move. For example, based on the above emphasis, if the transport member 15 is straight, even a slight rotation along an axis in the horizontal plane can be used to prioritize / modify / optimize the motion of the object 11 by tilting the same transport member 15.

[0062] Figures 7, 8, and 9 show some examples of vibrational motions that can be acted upon the transport member 15 by the moving member 18 controlled by the control unit 27, on a plane formed by a transverse coordinate X representing the longitudinal horizontal component of transport along the path P and a vertical coordinate Y representing the upward movement of the object 11 relative to the base 16 against gravity.

[0063] The purpose of the vibration motion is to generate a kind of "micro-launch" of the object 11 in a manner that creates transport of the object 11 by vibration along the longitudinal direction of the transport member 15 along the path P.

[0064] It should be noted that the vibrational motion of the transport member 15 is the same as the motion of the movable body 21 to which the transport member 15 is firmly connected. As clearly shown in Figures 7 to 9, the transport member 15, and by extension the movable body 21, perform the same periodic motion relative to the base body 20 below over time. Basically, regardless of the laws of motion, the movable body 21 does not move forward relative to the base body 20, but moves relative to the base body 20 according to a periodic vibrational motion that always returns to the same point.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, the path of the vibration motion of the conveying member 15 is a straight line that is inclined upward and moves alternately back and forth from point A to point B, or vice versa, thereby generating vibration motion similar to the arc motion that generally occurs in conventional vibrating conveyors. During the upward motion phase, when the intended movement of the conveying member 15 changes, that is, when the conveying member 15 returns to its starting position, a thrust force is transmitted to the object 11 so that micro-launches of the object 11 relative to the base 16 of the conveying member 15 occur due to inertia. The return motion to the starting position occurs while the object 11 is away from the surface of the base 16 of the conveying member 15, and this return motion enables conveyance by vibration.

[0066] Figure 8 shows the movement of the transport member 15, which is substantially arc-shaped, having a first upward phase from point C to point D, a second forward downward phase from point D to point E, and a third return phase from point E to point D that is substantially linear. Micro-launching of objects 11 occurs near the end of the upward phase of the transport member 15, resulting in these objects 11 temporarily separating from the mounting surface on the base 16. On the other hand, transport of objects 11 due to vibration occurs during the downward and return phases of the transport member 15, and the objects 11 return to contact the surface of the base 16 of the transport member 15 at a point further forward than their starting position on the surface of the base 16, sometimes at a faster speed.

[0067] Figure 9 shows the substantially diamond-shaped movement of the transport member 15, with the starting point represented by point F. First, there is upward and forward movement to point G, followed by downward and forward movement to point H, and then a return movement to the starting point F occurs, which includes a first downward and backward movement to point I and a second upward and backward movement to the starting point F. Micro-launching of the object 11 involves a temporary detachment of the object 11 from the mounting surface on the base 16, and occurs near point G, particularly during the downward phase and the return phase to the starting point F of the transport member 15. As a result, vibrational transport of the object 11 occurs, sometimes at a higher speed, and the object 11 returns to contact the surface of the base 16 of the transport member 15 at a point further forward than its starting position on the surface of the base 16.

[0068] As non-limiting indicators, the following three parameters may have values ​​such as: a) the downward inclination of the base 16 and / or the planar motor 19 of the transport member 15 relative to the horizontal plane is up to about 2°, preferably up to about 0.5°; b) the frequency of vibrations generated by the planar motor 19 is from about 20Hz to about 100Hz; c) the amplitude of vibrations is from about 0.05mm to about 0.3mm. Furthermore, the above parameters can be detected and / or measured using any suitable equipment or means of a type known and not shown in the drawings, and can be modified as necessary.

[0069] It should be noted that the vibration device 10 makes it possible to modify parameters to optimize the forward motion of the objects 11 based on their different masses and volumes, simply by programming the control unit 27, or reprogramming the control unit 27 in an appropriate manner as needed, without substantially intervening in the transport member 15 and / or moving member 18. Thus, unlike known vibration devices that require at least mixed intervention, the operator can operate only the control unit 27 (software) without operating any mechanical parts (hardware).

[0070] The parameters described above can be obtained by numerical analysis, or alternatively or in addition to that, by experimental testing of the vibration device 10 itself, for example, by changing the frequency and amplitude of the vibration, and by measuring the actual vibration motion of the object 11 using, for example, appropriate sensors and / or other measuring instruments such as a high-frequency video camera.

[0071] Therefore, in addition to the two (X,Y) coordinates mentioned above, countless complex laws of motion can be created for the movement of the transport member 15, including other degrees of freedom.

[0072] Furthermore, it should be noted that the vibration device 10 can be manufactured using multiple modules that can be appropriately linked to one another, and as a result, the vibration device 10 itself is modular and modular, and can be adjusted as a function of the length of the path P. Each of the above modules may include one or more planar motors 19 controlled by a control unit 27, and one or more transport members 15.

[0073] The functions and usage of the vibration device 10 described above are as follows:

[0074] In the first step, or idle step, the transport member 15 is stationary, and the energizing member 22 controlled by the control unit 27 is in a non-excited state or a stationary excited state, that is, it is in a state where it generates a magnetic field that keeps the position of the magnetic member 23 constant even as time passes.

[0075] At this position, object 11 is positioned corresponding to the entrance position 12 and is ready to be automatically transported toward the exit position 13.

[0076] In the subsequent second step, or transport step, a control unit 27 programmed according to the type of vibrational motion transmitted to the transport member 15 instructs the energizing member 22 to energize, causing the corresponding magnetic member 23 and the transport member 15 associated with the magnetic member 23 to vibrate, thereby transporting the object 11 along the path P toward the exit position 13.

[0077] In the second step, other objects 11 can be fed onto the base 16 of the first conveying member 15, corresponding to the entrance position 12. This enables feeding and the associated continuous conveying.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, although not shown, any known type of selection member can be provided upstream of the transport member 15, which is adapted to select the object 11 before it is introduced into the first transport member 15. For example, such a selection member can be configured to allow only objects 11 that are oriented in the correct direction according to predetermined criteria to pass toward the final transport track. Others, i.e., objects 11 that are oriented in the wrong direction, are rejected and, in some cases, transported backward for reprocessing.

[0079] Similarly, there may be other transport members associated with one or more planar motors 19 that direct the object 11 upstream, such as transport member 15.

[0080] Advantageously, the vibrating device 10 described above operates without friction, particularly in the moving member 18, thus eliminating the generation of particulate matter. Therefore, it is suitable for use in environments with preservative treatment, sterile environments, or sterilized environments, for example, in the chemical, cosmetic, and / or pharmaceutical fields. Furthermore, in such environments, there is often a need to use smaller components to manufacture more complex or larger members and parts, not only because each part is simpler and less expensive, but above all because it is easier for operators, especially robots, to handle. When the transport member 15 is manufactured from multiple parts, it is easy to impose a maximum size limit on each part. This allows each part to be sterilized in an autoclave and introduced into a sealed and isolated work environment through a so-called rapid transfer door, thus enabling use in the aforementioned environments with preservative treatment, sterile environments, or sterilized environments. Note that standard-sized rapid transfer doors, known to experts in this field as RTPs (Rapid Transfer Ports), are usually not very large.

[0081] However, this presents problems with the precision and reproducibility of manufacturing each component that forms the path P. In practice, the resulting path P is not always exactly the same, and interference may occur after the assembly of individual components.

[0082] This problem occurs not only between the various parts that make up path P, but above all at the interface between the final part of path P and a possible machine located downstream of the vibrating device 10, which is not shown.

[0083] However, the above problem is suitably solved by the vibration device 10. This is because it is possible to associate the various transport members 15 that define the path P with different planar motors 19, and therefore any errors and / or misalignments can be compensated for. This can be done even after installation simply by programming or reprogramming the control unit 27, that is, by changing its program (software) without intervening in the mechanical parts (hardware), and thus does not result in a significant increase in cost.

[0084] Furthermore, advantageously, the characteristics of the planar motor 19 and the conveying member 15 make it easier to dimensionally set and install the vibrator 10 to fit the available space, depending on the required production capacity.

[0085] Furthermore, advantageously, the vibrations generated by moving the very small moving mass and each conveying member 15 are absorbed within the vibration device 10 itself, eliminating the need for a very thick and heavy support structure or a complex damping system. Also, the vibrations are not transmitted to the floor or surrounding equipment.

[0086] Furthermore, the use and control of the planar motor 19 can also compensate for errors in the alignment and orientation of the object 11 and / or transport member 15 along the path P.

[0087] It should be noted that the vibration device 10 is configured to be highly versatile, and by simply programming the control unit 27 in an appropriate manner, or reprogramming it as needed, one or more of the above-mentioned laws of motion for vibrational motion can be obtained, even if they are significantly different from each other, and in some cases even differentiated between one planar motor 19 and other planar motors within the same device 10.

[0088] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts or steps can be made to the vibrating device 10 and the corresponding methods described herein without departing from the field and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0089] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described with reference to several specific examples, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that many other equivalent forms of the vibrating device can certainly be realized, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0090] In the following claims, the symbols in parentheses are for the sole purpose of improving readability and should not be considered as limiting elements relating to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A vibrating device (10) for transporting an object (11) from a first position (12) to a second position (13) by vibration, A transport member (15) configured to move the object forward along a transport path (P), A moving member (18) is configured to move the object (11) forward along the transport path (P) by applying a vibratory motion that causes the transport member (15) to vibrate, and is operably coupled to the transport member (15), Equipped with, The moving member (18) comprises a base body (20) and a movable body (21), The movable body (21) is magnetically coupled to the base body (20) and is configured to be able to move in a desired direction relative to the base body (20) in a levitating manner without physical contact during vibration. The conveying member (15) is mounted on the movable body (21) such that the object (11) is conveyed from the first position (12) to the second position (13) by vibration, and the conveying member (15) is vibrated by the movable body (21), wherein the conveying member (15) is mounted on the movable body (21).

2. A magnetic means (23) or an energizing means (22) is provided on the movable body (21), The base body (20) includes the magnetic means (23) or the energizing means (22) which is installed to interact with the magnetic means (23) or the energizing means (22) in the movable body (21), The vibration device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the energizing means (22) is configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields that generate the controlled vibration motion of the movable body (21) relative to the base body (20).

3. The vibration device (10) according to claim 2, further comprising a control means (27) configured to selectively and cooperatively energize the energizing means (22) in order to cause the vibration motion.

4. The vibrating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transporting member (15) is integrally formed with the movable body (21), or is separated from the movable body (21) by a rigid connecting means (25) and arranged at a distance.

5. The vibrating device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transporting member (15) includes a housing (26) which is integrally formed with the movable body (21) and configured to receive the movable body (21).

6. The vibrating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the conveying member (15) has a surface (16) configured to support the object (11) in a slidable manner, and the surface (16) is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

7. The vibration device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the vibration motion has a frequency in the range of 20 Hz to 100 Hz and an amplitude of vibration in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm.

8. The base body (20) functions as a stator and includes at least one magnetic unit for generating a magnetic field, The vibrating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the movable body (21) functions as a rotor and includes a magnetic material configured to interact with the magnetic field generated by the stator in order to generate the vibrating motion of the movable body (21).

9. The vibration device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the vibration motion has at least one vibration displacement component in a substantially vertical direction.

10. The vibration device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the vibration motion occurs along an alternating forward-backward linear path and / or a closed curved path.

11. A method for transporting an object (11) from a first position (12) to a second position (13) by vibration, The steps include preparing the base body (20) and the moving member (18) including the movable body (21), The steps include providing a transport member (15) to be attached to the movable body (21), The steps include: Vibrating the conveying member (15) by applying vibrational motion to the conveying member (15) via the moving member (18), thereby causing the conveying member (15) to vibrate, and advancing the object along the conveying path (P) from the first position (12) to the second position (13); It has, The movable body (21) is magnetically coupled to the base body (20) and is configured to be able to move in a desired direction relative to the base body (20) in a levitating manner without physical contact during vibration. The method further comprises the transport member (15) being driven by the floating movable body (21), and transporting the object (11) along the transport path (P) by vibration.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the plurality of objects (11) move forward along the transport path (P) by simultaneous vibration, each moving the same distance within the same time interval.

13. The method according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the object (11) is a cap.

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