EP3060502A1

EP3060502A1 - Device, system and method for pushing an object across a surface by means of a magnetic contact element driven by another magnetic element

Info

Publication number: EP3060502A1
Application number: EP14805982.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bruno Colin
Original assignee: Biomerieux SA
Current assignee: Biomerieux SA
Priority date: 2013-10-25
Filing date: 2014-10-24
Publication date: 2016-08-31
Also published as: FR3012437B1; US9878849B2; US20160272432A1; JP2016534953A; FR3012437A1; WO2015059430A1; CN105658549A; JP6363704B2; CN105658549B

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for conveying an object across a conveyor surface (46), which includes: at least one conveyor belt (16) located under the conveyor surface (46); a first magnetic means (26) secured to said conveyor belt (16); a second magnetic means (54) positioned on the conveyor surface (46), driven by said first magnetic means (26) through the conveyor surface (46) and adapted to apply a contact force to the outer wall of the object in order to allow the guided movement of said object across the conveyor surface (46).

Description

DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PUSHING AN OBJECT ON A

SURFACE, USING AN ELEMENT OF

MAGNETIC CONTACT TRAINED BY ANOTHER MAGNETIC ELEMENT Technical Field

The invention relates to a device, a system and a method for conveying an object, and more specifically to a container adapted to contain a sample intended to be processed and / or analyzed. State of the art

The use of conveying devices in the field of processing and biological analysis of samples is widespread. In fact, in general, a sample located inside an object such as a container may undergo a specific treatment within a treatment system in order to introduce a suitable culture medium into the interior of the body. container. Then, the sample inside the container may require culturing in an incubator to allow the development of certain bacteria, thanks to the presence of the appropriate culture medium. Finally, the sample within the container can also undergo analyzes within an analysis system, in order to determine the nature and type of bacteria present in the container, following the incubation for example. The different treatment, analysis and incubator systems are usually not arranged close to each other. Conveying devices are therefore provided in order to route the object successively to the various processing and analysis systems for example. In addition, additional systems may be required depending on the type of treatment and / or analysis desired for the sample concerned. Thus, the conveying devices must therefore make it possible to route the object over different distances to different devices and / or systems. In the prior art, there are different types of conveying devices for moving objects such as sample containers. Thus, US Pat. No. 6,571,934 discloses a first type of container conveying device. The containers are located within a container holder. Thus, the conveying device can convey the container support. The contents of a container include a sample. The conveying device makes it possible to avoid the spilling of the contents of the containers during the conveying of the container support on a conveying surface. The container carrier is formed of an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is in contact with the conveying surface and comprises a magnetic element such as a ferromagnetic element. The conveying device also comprises a transmission belt located below the conveying surface and a permanent magnet located on the surface of the transmission belt. More specifically, the permanent magnet is located within a cavity closed so as to slide freely in the closed receptacle, in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane of movement of the container. The ferromagnetic element and the permanent magnet are adapted to cooperate together. Thus, during the rotation of the transmission belt, the permanent magnet is gradually approaching the magnetic element associated with the container support, said container support being stationary on the conveying surface. As the permanent magnet approaches the magnetic element, the attraction force of the permanent magnet towards the magnetic element increases. When the attraction force of the permanent magnet with respect to the magnetic element is greater than the resistance force of the container support vis-à-vis the conveying surface, then the container support is driven. in motion on the conveying surface. Insofar as the permanent magnet is movable within the closed cavity, the initial offset movement created by the attraction force is absorbed by the permanent magnet which then moves within the closed cavity. The setting in motion, or in a similar manner the immobilization, of the support of containers is thus carried out in a progressive way, without causing an abrupt displacement of the support of containers. Thus, the eventual reversal of the contents of one or more containers can be avoided. In addition, the conveying device allows a linear displacement of the container support, along a linear track defined on the conveying surface, and that an angular displacement of the container support using a rotating arm, outside the linear track.

However, the conveying device according to US Pat. No. 6,571,934 requires the provision of a container support adapted for a certain type of container. Thus, when a user wishes to carry out an analysis of a sample located in a first container not adapted to the container support provided for the conveying device, it must transfer the contents, including the sample, of the first container. in a second container adapted to the container holder. This content transfer can lead to contamination of the content detrimental to the sterility of the content. In addition, this transfer step generates an additional step that negatively impacts productivity. In addition, the conveying device according to US Pat. No. 6,571,934 requires having container supports comprising magnetic means and specifically adapting these magnetic means for conveying containers. Thus, the use of such a conveying device generates significant costs related to the manufacture of specific container supports for use with a specific conveying device.

Finally, the conveying device according to US Pat. No. 6,571,934 imposes limited possibilities for moving the container. In addition, these movements apply only to the container carrier, that is to say to a group of containers.

International patent application WO 2005/093433 discloses a second type of conveying device also adapted for a container support. This conveying device comprises bidirectional drive means in order to allow the container support to move in two perpendicular directions. However, the implementation of this conveying device requires the use of two linear drive systems each comprising complex and specific training means. This conveying device is therefore both difficult and expensive to implement.

It is therefore necessary to allow the conveying of objects by means of a conveying device of simple structure, suitable for any type of object and offering various possibilities of movement of the object.

In addition, when conveying a container, the displacement of the container may cause a drop of the container and therefore a spill of the contents of the container on the conveying surface. The conveying surface is then contaminated by the contents of the container. Depending on the nature and structure of the conveyor surface, cleaning and disinfection of the conveying surface is difficult to achieve. It is therefore necessary to provide a conveying device for easy cleaning and disinfection of the conveying surface.

It is also necessary to allow the use of an integrated conveyor device within a conveyor system of simple and inexpensive design while offering a large number of possibilities for moving the object.

Finally, it is necessary to develop a conveying process relative to said device and conveyor system.

Object of the invention

With reference to the above observations, an object of the present invention is to provide a device, a system and a conveying method for solving at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above.

Summary of the invention Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a device for conveying an object for moving said object from an initial position to a final position, on a conveying surface, said conveying device comprising:

at least one conveyor belt, that is to say a first conveyor belt, rotatable by means of corresponding drive means and located under the conveying surface, said at least one conveying belt allowing define a conveying path on the conveying surface; a magnetic drive device comprising: at least one first magnetic means, such as permanent magnetic magnet means, said first magnetic means being integral with said at least one conveyor belt and moving with said conveying belt underneath. the conveying surface; o and at least a second magnetic means, such as a ferromagnetic means positioned on the conveying surface and adapted to move on said conveying surface driven by said at least one first magnetic means through the conveying surface; a contact device adapted to apply a contact force on the outer wall of the object, so that when said at least one conveying belt is moving in the presence of an object on the conveying surface, the second means magnetic moves on the conveying surface, along the conveying path, driven by the first magnetic means, applying a displacement force on the outer wall of the object and the contact device simultaneously applies at least one contact force on the outer wall of the object to allow the guided movement of said object on the conveying surface. Advantageously, the contact device comprises a second magnetic drive device comprising at least a first magnetic means, such as a magnetic means with permanent magnetization, said first magnetic means being integral with at least one second conveyor belt, distinct from the first conveyor belt, and moving with said at least one conveyor belt below the conveying surface and at least one second magnetic means, such as a ferromagnetic means positioned on the conveying surface and adapted for moving on said conveying surface driven by said at least one first magnetic means through the conveying surface.

Alternatively, the contact device comprises a guiding device positioned on the conveying surface.

Advantageously, the conveying device comprises a conveyor belt and the guiding device comprises a stationary central support on the conveying surface.

Advantageously, the conveying device comprises a first movement device comprising a first magnetic movement means located removably between a first conveying path and a second conveying path on the conveying surface and adapted to cooperate with a second means. magnetic movement located below the conveying surface for driving the first magnetic means of rotational movement. Advantageously, the conveying device comprises a second movement device comprising a first magnetic movement means located removably inside a first conveying path on the conveying surface and adapted to cooperate with a third magnetic movement means located below the conveying surface to allow free rotation of the first magnetic movement means. Advantageously, the second movement device comprises a second magnetic movement means located removably inside a second conveying path on the conveying surface and adapted to cooperate with a fourth magnetic movement means located below. the conveying surface for rotating the second magnetic movement means.

Advantageously, the conveying device comprises a third movement device comprising a rotating arm located on or above the conveying surface and animated by an angular movement of a determined angle value to move the object over. the conveying surface.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a conveying system comprising at least one conveyor device mentioned above.

Advantageously, the conveying system comprises a detection device such as an electro-optical sensor for detecting the position of the object on the conveying surface. Advantageously, a control device for controlling the movement of at least one conveyor belt.

Advantageously, the control device for controlling the triggering of the first and / or second and / or the third movement device as a function of the detected position of the object on the conveying surface. Advantageously, the conveying system comprises an optical reading device for reading the contents of an information medium located on the object.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a conveying method for moving an object on a conveying surface from an initial position to a final position, at least a first magnetic means being disposed below the conveying surface. said at least one first magnetic means being integral with at least one conveyor belt, a second magnetic means being disposed on the conveying surface and adapted to cooperate with the first magnetic means through the conveying surface and to apply a force movement on the outer wall of the object, said conveying method comprising the following steps:

- Rotating the conveyor belt by means of drive means to allow the displacement of the first magnetic means;

- cooperating the first magnetic means and the second magnetic means to allow guided movement of said second magnetic means along a corresponding conveying path on the conveying surface;

- Applying a displacement force by the second moving magnetic means on the outer wall of the object;

- Application of at least one contact force on the outer wall of the object by a contact device, simultaneously with the application of the displacement force to allow the guided movement of the object on the conveying surface.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention, its functionality, its applications as well as its advantages will be better understood on reading the present description, with reference to the figures, in which: FIG. 1 shows a conveying device according to an external view and a partial interior view, and comprising two conveyor belts, a magnetic drive device and a contact device, said contact device comprising a first and a second magnetic means according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 shows an internal view of a conveying device according to FIG. 1, each conveyor belt comprising a first magnetic means according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a conveying surface of the conveying device according to Figure 1, a plurality of second magnetic means being located on the conveying surface according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of a conveying device according to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 in the presence of second magnetic means according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 shows a partial view of a conveying device according to FIG. 1, with a first movement device comprising a first magnetic movement means located on the conveying surface and a second magnetic movement means located below the surface. conveying system according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 6 shows in detail the first magnetic movement means of the first movement device according to FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 shows a partial view of a conveying device according to FIG. 1, with a second movement device comprising first and second magnetic movement means located on the conveying surface, and third and fourth magnetic means. movement located below the conveying surface according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 8 shows a partial view of a conveying device according to FIG. 1 with a third movement device comprising a mechanical means of transfer, in contact with the conveying surface according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 shows a combination of two conveying devices, each comprising two conveyor belts, and a plurality of third movement devices according to Figure 8 according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 10 shows a combination of a first conveying device comprising two conveyor belts with a second conveying device comprising a conveyor belt according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 11 shows a combination of two conveying devices each comprising a conveyor belt, a magnetic drive device and a contact device comprising a guiding device such as a stationary central support according to one embodiment of the invention. ; FIG. 12 shows a conveying device comprising a conveyor belt, a magnetic drive device and a contact device such as a guiding device such as two stationary lateral supports according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The purpose of the following detailed description is to explain the invention in a sufficiently clear and complete manner, in particular by means of examples, but should in no way be regarded as limiting the scope of the protection to the modes of particular embodiments and the examples presented below. Within the present invention, the object to be conveyed is the shape and dimensions of the conveying device are adapted to the shape and dimensions of the object to be conveyed. Advantageously, the object is a container such as a Petri dish which contains a content such as a culture medium and a sample to be observed and / or analyzed.

Thus, according to the present invention, the sample may be of various origins, for example of food, environmental, veterinary, clinical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic origin. Examples of food-based samples include, but are not limited to, a sample of dairy products (yogurt, cheese, etc.), meat, fish, egg, fruit, vegetable, water, drink (milk, fruit juice, soda, etc.). Of course, these food-based samples may also come from sauces or more elaborate dishes or unprocessed or partially processed raw materials. A food-based sample may also be derived from a feed intended for animals, such as cakes, animal meal.

As mentioned above, the sample may be of environmental origin and may consist of, for example, surface sampling, water, air, etc. The sample may also consist of a sample of clinical origin, which may correspond to samples of biological fluid (urine, whole blood, or derivatives such as serum, saliva, pus, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.), stool ( for example, cholera diarrhea), nose, throat, skin, wound, organ, tissue or isolated cells. This list is obviously not exhaustive.

Preferably the sample is of pharmaceutical origin, and corresponds for example to pharmaceutical preparations or vaccine preparations.

In general, the term "sample" refers to a part or quantity, more specifically a small part or a small quantity, taken from one or more entities for analysis. This sample may possibly have undergone prior treatment, involving for example mixing, dilution or grinding steps, in particular if the starting entity is in the solid state.

The sample taken is, in general, capable of - or suspected of - containing at least one target microorganism and mainly a bacterium.

The term "microorganism" has the same meaning as that generally accepted in microbiology and particularly includes gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, molds and, more generally, unicellular organisms, invisible to the naked eye, which can be manipulated and multiplied in the laboratory.

Advantageously, the sample is brought into contact with at least one culture medium allowing the growth of microorganisms and, in particular, of the target microorganism (s). "Culture medium" means a medium comprising all the elements necessary for the survival and / or growth of the microorganisms and, in particular, the microorganisms sought (for example peptone-buffered water) . The culture medium may contain possible additives, for example: peptones, one or more growth factors, carbohydrates, one or more selective agents, buffers, one or more vitamins, etc. The present invention relates to a conveying device 10 as shown in Figure 1. The conveying device 10 comprises a receptacle 12 with a wall 13. The height of the wall 13 may be 15 to 20 cm. The receptacle 12 contains a conveyor belt and preferably two conveyor belts 14, 16 such as transmission belts.

The conveyor belt 14 has a belt surface 15 and is driven by two drive means 18, 20 as shown in Fig. 2. The conveyor belt 16 has a surface 17 and is driven by two drive means 22, 24 as shown in FIG. 2. The surfaces 15, 17 designated below by the belt surfaces 15, 17 are disposed in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the receptacle 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the belt surfaces 15, 17 have a minimum distance of distance dmin and a maximum distance of distance dmax.

The minimum distance dmin is the minimum distance between a portion of the belt surface 15 and a portion of the belt surface 17, i.e., when the portions of the belt surfaces 15, 17 concerned are located in a central zone inside the receptacle 12 remote from the wall 13 of said receptacle 12.

The maximum distance of distance dmax is the maximum distance between a portion of the belt surface 15 and a portion of the belt surface 17, i.e., when the portions of the belt surfaces 15, 17 concerned are located in an interior area of the receptacle 12 and close to the wall 13 of said receptacle 12. The drive means 18, 20, 22, 24 comprise any type of suitable means such as a cylindrical stud powered by an electric motor such as a stepper motor. The drive means 18, 20 drive the conveyor belt 14 in a first direction of rotation. The drive means 22, 24 drive the conveyor belt 16 in a second direction of rotation, contrary to the first direction of rotation. The conveyor belts 14, 16 describe a rotation of the ellipsoidal or circular type, for example. Thus, the conveyor belts 14 and 16 move so that, when considering a portion of the belt surface 15 and a portion of the belt surface 17 disposed at a minimum distance of min. belt 15, 17 move in the same direction and the same direction relative to each other. The direction of movement of the belt surfaces 15, 17 in the central zone of the receptacle 12 and away from the wall 13 is therefore contrary to the direction of movement of the belt surfaces 15, 17 in the peripheral zone of the receptacle 12 located near the wall 13 of the receptacle 12.

According to a preferred embodiment, the conveying device 10 comprises a first magnetic drive device and a contact device constituted by a second magnetic drive device. The first and second magnetic drive devices are described below.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first magnetic drive devices 26, 28 are each associated with a conveyor belt 14, 16.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to the preferred embodiment, the magnetic drive devices each comprise a first magnetic means 26, 28 and a second magnetic means 52, 54 adapted to cooperate with the first magnetic means 26, 28 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the first and second magnetic drive devices comprise the first magnetic means 26, 28 fixed to the conveyor belt 14, 16. The first magnetic means 26, 28 comprise a retaining stud 30, 32 fixed on the belt surface 15, 17. The fastening can be carried out by means of any type of fastening element, such as an adhesive material element or a mechanical fastening element such as a screw. The first magnetic means 26, 28 comprise a permanent magnet 34, 36. The permanent magnet 34, 36 is made from an alloy comprising neodymium, samarium or any other rare earth as well as iron, boron and boron. cobalt for example. The permanent magnet 34, 36 has the shape of a ball. Alternatively, the permanent magnet 34, 36 may take the form of a cylindrical stud for example. The permanent magnet 34, 36 is connected to the holding stud 30, 32 by a holding rod 38, 40 which corresponds to the vertical central axis of the holding stud 30, 32. The holding rod 38, 40 is assembled between the permanent magnet 34, 36 and the retaining stud 30, 32 by means of a mechanical element having elastic properties, such as a spring. Thus, the permanent magnet 34, 36 can be fixed to the holding stud 30, 32 while guaranteeing freedom of movement of the permanent magnet 34, 36. According to a preferred embodiment, the permanent magnet 34, 36 is located in a magnet support 42, 44 to ensure a stable position of the permanent magnet 34, 36. The magnet support 42, 44 comprises a cavity adapted to receive the permanent magnet 34, 36 The magnet support 42, 44 is fixed to the holding stud 30, 32 to allow a freedom of movement of the magnet support 42, 44 and thus a freedom of movement of the permanent magnet 34, 36 associated with the displacement of the magnet support 42, 44. Thus, during the displacement of the conveyor belt 14, 16 the holding stud 30, 32 moves simultaneously, in the same direction of rotation as that of the conveyor belt 14, 16. Therefore, the permanent magnet 34, 36 moves simultaneously with the holding stud In a preferred initial position, the first magnetic means 26, 28 are arranged on the belt surfaces 15, 17 symmetrically. Thus, first magnetic means 26, 28 and the second magnetic means 52, 54 move synchronously.

Each permanent magnet 34, 36 may be located at a distance or in contact with the conveying surface 46. Preferably, each permanent magnet 34, 36 is situated at a determined distance from the conveying surface 46 in order to avoid the presence of frictional forces between each permanent magnet 34, 36 and the conveying surface 46 during the displacement of the first magnetic means 26, 28. Thus, the production of noise caused by these friction forces is avoided. The determination of the distance between each permanent magnet 34, 36 and the conveying surface 46 depends on the desired magnetic coupling between the first magnetic means 26, 28 and the second magnetic means described below. As shown in FIG. 1, the conveying device 10 also comprises a conveying plane 46. The conveying plane 46 is made of an insulating material comprising an essentially smooth surface, such as glass, stainless steel, laminate, wood or copper. The thickness of the conveying plane 46 is relatively small, of the order of a few millimeters (mm) and generally less than 10 mm. Alternatively, the conveying plane 46 may be made of an insulating material comprising a substantially rough surface. Thus, during the displacement of an object on the conveying plane 46, the speed of displacement of said object can be controlled as a function of the quality of the roughness of said conveying plane 46. The point accelerations of the object can then be reduced. when said object collides with other objects disposed on the conveying plane 46. Given the small thickness of the conveying plane 46, in the following description, the conveying plane 46 is similar to a conveying surface 46 The conveying surface 46 is adapted to rest on the walls 13 of the receptacle 12 in order to cover the conveyor belts 14, 16, the drive means 18, 20, 22, 24 and the first magnetic means 26, 28 shown on FIG. Figure 2. As shown in Figure 1, the conveying surface 46 comprises two conveying paths 48, 50 respectively associated with the location of the conveyor belts 14, 16 located below the conveying surface 46.

The belt surface 15, 17 defines an interior volume located below the conveying surface 46 which corresponds to a surface delimitation on the conveying surface 46. Thus, the surface delineation of the belt 15 corresponds to a first inner surface SI on the conveying surface 46 and a second inner surface S2 on the conveying surface 46. The first and second inner surfaces S1 and S2 occupy the same area.

According to the preferred embodiment described above, the two magnetic drive devices each comprise a second magnetic means 52, 54 intended to cooperate with the first magnetic means 26, 28. The second magnetic means 52, 54 are positioned on the contours of the inner surfaces SI and S2 on the conveying surface 46.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second magnetic means 52, 54 are adapted to move on a conveying path 48, 50 in the direction of the movement arrows 51, 53. The movement of the second magnetic means 52, 54 is synchronous so that for a pair of second magnetic means 52, 54, a second magnetic means 52 is located symmetrically on the conveying path 48 with respect to the other second magnetic means 54 on the conveying path 50. According to a preferred initial position the second magnetic means 52, 54 are located above the first magnetic means 26, 28. Thus, the second magnetic means 52, 54 are driven in motion as soon as the belts 14, 16 are driven in motion. Alternatively, in the situation where the initial position of the second magnetic means 52, 54 does not correspond to the preferred initial position described above, the second magnetic means 52, 54 are driven simultaneously in motion only when the first magnetic means 26, 28, driven by the belts 14, 16 in motion, are at a determined distance, relatively small, second magnetic means 52, 54 and defined according to specific conditions. These specific conditions require that the respective attractive force of the first magnetic means 26, 28 on the respective second magnetic means 52, 54 is greater than the set of forces applied to the second magnetic means 52, 54 by considering the thickness of the This set of forces comprises, on the one hand, the resistance force of the second magnetic means 52, 54 with respect to the conveying surface 46. The resistance force is dependent on the material and the regularity of the the conveying surface 46. The set of forces comprises, on the other hand, the gravitational force of the second magnetic means 52, 54. Thus, the second magnetic means 52, 54 are made of a ferromagnetic material or a material allowing a permanent magnetization. The second magnetic means 52, 54 may take the form of a ball, a ball bearing or a cylindrical stud, for example. In the situation where the second magnetic means 52, 54 each have the shape of a cylindrical stud, a ferromagnetic material can be inserted inside said cylindrical stud to obtain a magnetic coupling with the first magnetic means 26, 28 arranged below the conveying surface 46. Preferably, the cylindrical stud may comprise a minimum contact surface with the conveying surface 46. Thus, during a period of immobilization, of the order of a few hours of the cylindrical stud, the presence of adhesion forces between the cylindrical stud and the conveying surface 46 can be minimized. The cylindrical stud may therefore comprise, for example, three separate supports in contact with the conveying surface 46. Thus, during a setting in motion of said second magnetic means 52, 54 in the form of a cylindrical stud and after a period of stopping extended, said second magnetic means 52, 54 move smoothly, without saccade. The second magnetic means 52, 54 therefore each constitute a removable element which can easily be removed from the conveying surface 46 in order to be disinfected, cleaned or replaced and also in order to clean, disinfect or replace the conveying surface 46, for example . The dimensions and the material of the second magnetic means 52, 54 depend on the dimensions and the material of the first magnetic means 26, 28. According to the present invention, a magnetic coupling, through the conveying surface 46, between the first magnetic means 26 , 28 and the second magnetic means 52, 54 is necessary. Indeed, according to a determined magnetic coupling, the rotation of the conveyor belt 14, 16 generates a displacement of the second magnetic means on the conveying surface 46. Thus, the dimensions and the material of the second magnetic means 52, 54 are adapted to allow obtaining a determined magnetic coupling between the first magnetic means 26, 28 and the second magnetic means 52, 54.

Thus, in the presence of a strong magnetic coupling, when the second magnetic means 52, 54 move on a conveying path 48, 50 and come into contact with an obstacle or an object such as a petri dish 60 shown on FIG. 4, then the second magnetic means 52, 54 are not deviated from the conveying path 48, 50.

Alternatively, in the presence of a weak magnetic coupling, when the second magnetic means 52, 54 move on a corresponding conveying path 48, 50 and come into contact with an obstacle or an object such as a Petri dish 60 then the second magnetic means 52, 54 are appropriately deflected from the conveying path 48, 50. Thus, the second magnetic means 52, 54 can undergo a displacement which corresponds to a gap according to a spacing zone defined with respect to conveying path 48, 50 corresponding, while maintaining the effect of the magnetic coupling between the first magnetic means 26, 28 and the second magnetic means 52, 54. This spacing allows the second magnetic means 52, 54 to remain in contact with the conveying path 48, 50 and continuing driving and guiding the Petri dish 60 on the conveying surface 46.

The magnetic coupling can therefore be modulated by adapting the dimensions and the materials of the first magnetic means 26, 28 with the dimensions and the second magnetic means 52, 54. Thus, depending on the type of magnetic coupling, the second magnetic means 52, 54 have a predetermined separation zone with respect to the respective conveying paths 48, 50 when rotating. conveyor belts 14, 16.

As shown in FIG. 3, second additional magnetic means 56, 58 can be arranged on the conveying surface 46 when first additional magnetic means (not visible) are placed on the conveyor belts 14, 16. The second additional magnetic means 56, 58 are arranged on the respective conveying paths 48, 50 according to the initial position described above. The second magnetic means 52, 54, 56 and 58 operate in pairs. The second additional magnetic means 56 moves synchronously with the second additional magnetic means 58. The second additional magnetic means 56, 58 are respectively driven by the first additional magnetic means (not visible) moving.

The second additional magnetic means 56, 58 can be arranged on the conveying surface 46 in a determined manner, so that in the presence of the petri dish 60, the second magnetic means 52, 54 and the second additional magnetic means 56, 58 are all in contact with said petri dish 60. Thus, the Petri dish 60 can be guided optimally on the conveying surface 46. Alternatively, the second additional magnetic means 56, 58 can be arranged on the conveying surface 46 to guide a second petri dish (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 4, the function of the conveying surface 46 is to allow the conveying of a Petri dish 60. The Petri dish 60 may comprise a receptacle 61 and a cover 62. The cover 62 may also comprise a support information 63 to identify, in particular, the type of object and / or the nature of the contents of the Petri dish 60, for example. The information carrier 63 may be a label provided with a bar code to allow a subsequent reading of the bar code by an optical reading device, for example. A determined surface or contact surface of the Petri dish 60, of determined size, is in contact with the conveying surface 46. The petri dish 60 can be initially placed on the conveying surface 46 so that the receptacle 61 is in contact with the conveying surface 46. Alternatively, the petri dish 60 may be initially disposed on the conveying surface 46 so that the cover 62 is in contact with the conveying surface 46. The Petri dish 60 comprises a wall also referred to herein as an outer wall or outer side wall of the Petri dish 60. The outer side wall of the Petri dish 60 includes the lateral outer wall of the receptacle 61 and the lateral outer wall of the lid 62. Petri dish 60 can be placed in any initial position. Preferably, the Petri dish 60 is placed at a determined initial position, for example, at one end of the conveying surface 46. The shape and size of the various elements of the conveying device 10, such as the conveyor belts the first and second magnetic means must be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the petri dish 60, in particular to the shape and dimensions of the contact surface. The dimensions of the conveying device 10 are defined so that when the petri dish 60 is in the initial position, the contact surface of the petri dish 60 is included in an area delimited by the distances dmin and dmax associated with the surfaces of the petri dish. belts 15, 16. Preferably, in an initial position, the Petri dish 60 is disposed between the two conveying paths 48, 50 in a centered manner, as shown in FIG. 4. The Petri dish 60 can be manually conveyed, or automatically by means of a suitable supply device (not visible), to the initial position on the conveying surface 46.

Preferably, for the Petri dish 60, the diameter value of the Petri dish contact surface 60 may be between 60 and 100 mm. Advantageously, the value of the diameter is between 60 and 90 mm. The values of the dimensions dmin and dmax between the belt surfaces 15, 17 are adapted to that the diameter value of Petri dish 60, in its initial position, is greater than the value of dmin and less than the value of dmax.

Optionally, the diameter value of the contact surface of Petri dish 60 may be greater than 100 mm. Indeed, a layer of absorbent material may be applied on the circumference of said contact surface of the Petri dish. The presence of the absorbent material makes it possible to dampen the shocks caused when the second magnetic means 52, 54 come into contact with the Petri dish 60, in particular when said second magnetic means 52, 54 strike the Petri dish 60 at the same time. stopping on the conveying surface 46.

The Petri dish 60 contains, for example, a sample intended to undergo a treatment and / or an analysis. Indeed, the sample may, for example, have already been cultured by means of a culture medium adapted to allow the development of specific bacteria. Thus, the sample requires incubation within an incubator to place the sample under favorable conditions for the development of bacteria. This incubation requires conveying the Petri dish 60 to this incubator (not visible). The petri dish 60 may also be specifically conveyed to a particular destination such as a storage area, a scrap area or a specific analysis system.

Thus, different possibilities of conveying or routing the petri dish 60 may be necessary according to the needs of a user.

During the operation of the conveying device according to the invention, the petri dish 60 is disposed on the conveying surface 46, the conveyor belts 14, 16 are rotated and the second magnetic means 52, 54 are thus also driven by movement according to the conveying paths 48, 50.

The second magnetic means 52, 54 can then come into contact with the outer wall of the petri dish 60 in a time dependent on the initial position. second magnetic means 52, 54, relative to the Petri dish 60 when rotating the conveyor belts 14, 16.

Thus, in the situation where the second magnetic means 52, 54 are located at a distance from the initial position of the petri dish 60 on the conveying surface 46, then the second magnetic means 52, 54 come into contact with the outer wall of the the petri dish 60 after a time corresponding to the time of travel of the second magnetic means 52, 54 on the conveying surface 46 to reach the stationary Petri dish 60 on the conveying surface 46.

Alternatively, in the situation where the second magnetic means 52, 54 are located at a suitable distance from the initial position of the Petri dish on the conveying surface 46, then the second magnetic means 52, 54 come into contact with each other. with the outer wall of the petri dish 60 as soon as the conveyor belts 14, 16 are put into rotation.

The conveying device 10 may be integrated within a conveying system comprising for example a control device (not visible), a detection device or an optical reading device as described below.

The control device (not visible) makes it possible to control the operation of the drive means 18, 20, 22, 24. Thus, a user can decide to stop the movement of the conveyor belts 14, 16 at any time depending on the position of the second magnetic means 52, 54 and / or according to the position of the petri dish 60 on the conveying surface 46 or before the arrival of the Petri dish 60 on the conveying surface 46, for example. The user therefore has the possibility of minimizing the consequences relating to a high speed of the driving means 18, 20, 22, 24 such as the overturning of the contents of the Petri dish 60 or a bouncing effect of the petri dish. 60 in the presence of an obstacle which hinders the displacement of the petri dish 60 on the conveying surface 46. The detection device (not visible) such as an electro-optical sensor is electrically connected to the control device. Thus, the detection device can detect the position of the petri dish 60 and / or the second magnetic means 52, 54 at any time and transmit the information relating to the different positions, in a regular manner, to the control device. Thus, the control device can, automatically, using a suitable computer program, manage the movements of the conveyor belts 14, 16, the second magnetic means 52, 54 and thus control the conveying of the box. Petri dish 60.

The optical reading device makes it possible to read the contents of the information medium 63 and to transmit the contents of the information medium to a data processor for processing and / or analyzing said information content. The conveying device 10 also comprises various optional movement devices all suitable for use within the conveying device 10. The optional movement devices can be used separately or in combination within a conveyor device 10. Thus, a conveying device 10 may comprise one or more optional movement devices. Alternatively, various optional movement devices may be arranged within different conveying devices thus forming a set of devices. The present invention thus makes it possible to obtain a large number of possible combinations for producing a conveying device 10 adapted to different constraints such as the dimensions of the Petri dish 60, the space available for the conveying device, the location of the devices. necessary for the reception of the Petri dish for the treatment and / or analysis of the petri dish 60, or the contents of the petri dish 60.

Thus, the conveying device 10 may comprise a first movement device as shown in FIG. 5. The first movement device can be combined with the conveying device 10 in order to add a first optional conveying function. The first optional ferry function corresponds to a rotation of the petri dish 60 around its vertical central axis without translation of the Petri dish 60, by means of the contact surface of the Petri dish 60, that is to say the surface of the Petri dish 60, Petri dish 60 which is in contact with the conveying surface 46. This first function is hereinafter called lower rotation.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first movement device comprises a first magnetic movement means 64 removably positioned on the conveying surface 46. The first magnetic movement means 64 is rotatable and is made of a non-magnetic material such as plastic. As shown in detail in FIG. 6, the first magnetic movement means 64 comprises a first surface 65 in contact with the conveying surface 46 and smaller in size than the contact surface of the Petri dish 60. This first surface 65 comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic elements 66, 68, 70 in contact with the conveying surface 46. According to a variant of this embodiment, the ferromagnetic elements 66, 68, 70 may not be directly in contact with the conveying surface 46 Indeed, the ferromagnetic elements 66, 68, 70 may be suitably integrated so as not to be visible on the surface 65. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic elements 66, 68, 70 may be replaced by permanent magnets. The first magnetic movement means 64 also comprises a second surface (not visible) which is not in contact with the conveying surface 46. The second surface comprises a receiving zone (not visible) in order to receive the Petri dish 60 in motion on the conveying surface 46. Thus, to facilitate insertion and placement of the petri dish 60 within the receiving zone, the first magnetic means 64 comprises suitable borders, for example bevelled, in order to that Petri dish 60 can be inserted within the reception area without manual intervention of a user. As shown in FIG. 5, the first movement device also comprises, beneath the conveying surface 46, a second magnetic movement means 72 comprising a rotatable element 74 provided with a plurality of permanent magnets 76, 78, 80. The rotatable member 74 is connected at its center, via an axis of rotation 82, to a drive means 84 such as a step motor. -not. The permanent magnets 76, 78, 80 and the ferromagnetic elements 66, 68, 70 are dimensioned and positioned to cooperate, during the rotational drive of the rotatable element 74. Thus, the first magnetic movement means 64 is also rotated on itself by the magnetic attraction forces of the permanent magnets 76, 78, 80 on the ferromagnetic elements 66, 68, 70. In the presence of a petri dish 60 within the receiving zone of the first magnetic movement means 64, when the first magnetic movement means 64 is rotated, the Petri dish 60 is also rotated. By means of the control device (not visible), a user can therefore decide to stop the rotation of the petri dish 60 in order to place the Petri dish 60 in a determined orientation to allow in particular the reading of the information medium 63 at means of the optical reading device (not visible). Alternatively, the reading can be performed during the rotation of the Petri dish 60. The conveying device 10 can also comprise a second movement device as shown in FIG. 7. The second movement device can be added to the conveying device 10 to add a second optional conveyor function. The second optional conveying function corresponds to a rotation of the petri dish 60 around its vertical central axis without translation of the petri dish 60, by means of the lateral surface of the petri dish 60. This second function is called rotation. lateral.

The second movement device comprises a first magnetic movement means 86 and a second magnetic movement means 88, rotatable and located on the conveying surface 46, respectively inside the first internal surface SI and the second surface. internal S2, removably and symmetrically with respect to the conveying paths 48, 50. The first magnetic movement means 86 and the second magnetic movement means 88 each have a (non-visible) contact surface made of a ferromagnetic material. The first magnetic movement means 86 and the second magnetic movement means 88 are arranged on the conveying surface 46 so that their respective contact surfaces are in contact with the conveying surface 46.

The second movement device also comprises a third magnetic movement means (not visible) and a fourth magnetic movement means 90 disposed below the conveying surface 46.

The third magnetic movement means (not visible) comprises a permanent magnet to create a determined magnetic coupling with the first magnetic movement means 86, advantageously a weak magnetic coupling. Thus, the first magnetic movement means 86 can rotate freely about its vertical central axis.

The fourth magnetic movement means 90 is sized and positioned to cooperate with the second magnetic movement means 88.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fourth magnetic movement means 90 comprises a rotational member 92 such as a permanent magnet. The fourth magnetic movement means 90 is connected at its center via an axis of rotation 94, to a drive means 96 such as a stepper motor. The fourth magnetic movement means 90 makes it possible to create a determined magnetic coupling with the second magnetic movement means 88, advantageously a strong magnetic coupling. Thus, the second magnetic movement means 88 rotates in a controlled manner about its vertical central axis. Thus, in the presence of a strong magnetic coupling, when the second magnetic means 52, 54 move on a conveying path 48, 50 and come into contact with the Petri dish 60, said second magnetic means 52, 54 are not deviated from the conveying path 48, 50.

Alternatively, in the presence of a weak magnetic coupling, when the second magnetic means 52, 54 move on a corresponding conveying path 48, 50 and come into contact with the Petri dish 60, said second magnetic means 52, 54 are deviated in a suitable way from the conveying path 48, 50. Thus, the second magnetic means 52, 54 can undergo a movement which corresponds to a spacing according to a spacing zone defined with respect to the corresponding conveying path 48, 50, all maintaining the effect of the magnetic coupling between the first magnetic means 26, 28 and the second magnetic means 52, 54. As indicated above, this spacing allows the second magnetic means 52, 54 to remain in contact with the conveying path 48, 50 and continue driving the petri dish 60 on the conveying surface 46.

The magnetic coupling can therefore be modulated by adapting the dimensions and the materials of the first magnetic means 26, 28 with the dimensions and materials of the second magnetic means 52, 54. Thus, depending on the type of magnetic coupling, the second magnetic means 52, 54 have a defined area of separation relative to the respective conveying paths 48, 50 during the rotation of the conveyor belts 14, 16.

The first and the second magnetic movement means 86, 88 are configured so that the first magnetic movement means 86 can freely rotate about its vertical central axis to be freely rotated by a petri dish rotation when the latter is in contact simultaneously with said first magnetic movement means 86 and the second magnetic movement means 88 rotating in a controlled manner about its vertical central axis. Indeed, the second magnetic means of movement 88 rotates the Petri dish which transmits its rotational movement to the first magnetic movement means 86. The rotational drive of the first magnetic movement means 86 is by friction against the wall of the petri dish 60, even moving in frictional rotation against the surface of the second magnetic movement means 88.

The second optional conveyor function can be triggered by means of the control device (not visible). Thus, in the presence of a petri dish 60, in simultaneous contact with the first and second magnetic movement means 86, 88, a user can trigger the rotation of the fourth magnetic movement means 90 to generate the rotation of the magnet. set constituted by the second magnetic movement means 88, the petri dish 60 and the first magnetic movement means 86. Thus, when the Petri dish 60 is being moved on the conveying surface 46 towards the second device magnetic movement, the petri dish 60 comes into contact, at its side wall, simultaneously with the first and second magnetic movement means 86, 88. The second magnetic movement means 88 being driven by a controlled rotational movement, the petri dish 60 rotates about its central vertical axis by friction against the second magnetic movement means 88. simultaneously, the first magnetic movement means 86 being driven by a free rotation movement about its vertical central axis, the rotating Petri dish 60 causes the first magnetic movement means 86 to rotate by friction. The contact between the first magnetic movement means 86 and the side wall of the petri dish 60 makes it possible to guarantee a stable position of the petri dish 60 during the rotation of the petri dish 60. Alternatively, the assembly formed by the first magnetic movement means 86 and the third magnetic movement means (not visible) and the assembly formed by the second magnetic movement means 88 and the fourth magnetic movement means 90 can occupy inverted positions on the conveying surface 46.

The conveying device 10 may also comprise a third movement device as shown in FIG. 8.

The third movement device comprises a mechanical transfer means disposed along the conveying surface 46. The third movement device can be added to the conveying device 10 to add a third optional conveying function. The third optional conveying function corresponds to an angular displacement of the petri dish 60 towards the outside of the conveying surface 46 on which the Petri dish 60 is located. This third function is called angular displacement. The mechanical transfer means comprises a rotary axial support 98 fixed near the conveying surface 46 and made of a relatively rigid material such as a metallic material. The rotational axial support 98 may be tubular in shape and is provided with a drive means (not visible) for driving the rotating axial support 98 in rotation about its vertical central axis.

The rotary axial support 98 is provided with a rotatable arm 100 that is rotatable when the rotary axial support 98 is rotated in a direction of rotation indicated by the arrow 101 or in a direction of reverse rotation indicated by the arrow 102. rotary arm 100 has a contact surface 103 whose dimensions are such that the length of the contact surface 103 is smaller than the width of the conveying surface 46. The rotary arm 100 can move in the direction of rotation 102 , describing a circular arc such as a semicircle from an initial position shown in dashed lines along the conveying surface 46 to a final position shown in dashed lines along the conveying surface 46. The rotary arm 100 may also occupy an intermediate position represented by the rotary arm 100 in a solid line located above the conveying surface 46. The rotary arm 100 is provided with contact rods 106, 108 positioned so as to come into contact with each other. with the conveying surface 46 when the rotary arm 100 is in the intermediate position, without hindering the displacement of the rotary arm 100 during the displacement of said rotary arm 100. The distance between the two contact rods 106, 108 is greater than the distance dmin and less than the distance dmax. The distance between the two contact rods is also adapted to allow the contact rods 106, 108 to come into contact with the petri dish 60 located on the conveying surface 46 during the displacement of said Petri dish 60.

With the aid of the control device (not visible), a user can control the operation of the mechanical transfer means. Thus, a user can use defined parameters to trigger the operation of the rotary axial support drive means 98 and move the rotary arm 100 from the initial position to the end position. The parameters can be associated with the identification of a specific position of the Petri dish 60, for example. Thus, automatically or manually, when the petri dish 60 is being moved on the conveying surface, a user can actuate the control device (not visible) to rotate the rotary arm 100 as soon as the petri dish 60 passes a given position on the conveying surface 46. Thus, the contact rods 106 and 108 come into contact with the wall of the petri dish 60 and move said petri dish 60 along the path of the rotary arm 100. Petri dish 60 thus moves on the conveying surface 46, from the conveying paths 48, 50 to the outside of the conveying surface 46.

The third movement device thus makes it possible to extract the Petri dish 60 from the conveying surface 46 to transfer the Petri dish 60 to another conveying surface associated with another conveying device or to another destination such as a junk area, for example. According to a specific arrangement of one or more conveying devices, there are a large number of possibilities for moving the Petri dish 60 along a defined path using the different motion devices.

Each type of movement device, that is to say the first, the second and the third, may all be arranged within the same conveying device or each be arranged within a specific conveying device. There is a large number of possible combinations for combining the different types of motion devices within one or more conveying devices.

In addition, the conveying devices can be juxtaposed according to a large number of possibilities, or aligned on the same horizontal plane in order to obtain a global conveying surface comprising all the conveying surfaces of the different conveying devices, or in separate horizontal planes. According to this last embodiment, additional ramps may be provided to enable the Petri dish 60 to be moved from a conveying surface of a first conveying device belonging to a first horizontal plane to a conveying surface of a conveyor. second conveying device belonging to a second horizontal plane for example.

Examples of juxtaposition of conveying devices are shown in Figures 9 and 10. Two conveying devices are juxtaposed on the same horizontal plane.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first conveying device 110 comprises a conveying surface 112 comprising two conveying paths 114, 116 and two second magnetic means 52, 54 for conveying a Petri dish 60. The first conveying device 110 also comprises a movement device 118 relating to an angular displacement of the Petri dish 60 in order to move the latter to an element 120 such as a storage zone and thus to collect the Petri dish 60 after the conveying on the conveying surface 112. As shown in FIG. 9, a second conveying device 122 is juxtaposed with the first conveying device 110, on the same horizontal plane as the first conveying device 110.

The second conveying device 122 comprises a conveying surface 124 comprising two conveying paths 126, 128. A movement device 130 such as a mechanical transfer means relating to an angular displacement of the petri dish 60 is positioned at the interface between the first and second conveying devices 110, 122. The movement device 130 moves the Petri dish 60 from the conveying surface 112 of the first conveying device 110 to the conveying surface 124 of the second conveying device 122 Thus, when the petri dish 60 comes close to the movement device 130, the latter is triggered by means of the control device in order to transfer the Petri dish 60 from the conveying surface 112 to the conveying surface 124 on the conveyor surfaces. conveying paths 126, 128.

The second conveyor device 122 is also provided with a second movement device 132 relating to an angular displacement of the petri dish 60, in order to collect the different objects such as the petri dish 60, after the conveying of these objects on the conveying surface 124.

Each conveying device 110, 122 comprises a control device (not visible). Alternatively, a single control device can be used for all the conveying devices.

Another example of juxtaposition of conveying devices is shown in FIG. 10. Two conveying devices 200 and 300 are juxtaposed on the same horizontal plane.

The conveying device 200 comprises a first conveying belt 202 and a second conveying belt 204. The conveying device 200 also comprises a first magnetic drive device associated with the first conveyor belt 202. The first magnetic drive device comprises a first magnetic means (not visible) and a second magnetic means 206. The conveying device also comprises a second device magnetic driving device associated with the second conveyor belt 204. The second magnetic drive device comprises two first magnetic means (not visible) and two second magnetic means 208. The conveying device 200 can convey an object 210 of a initial position to a final position in the direction indicated by the arrow 211 shown in Figure 10. The object 210 is preferably a Petri dish.

The conveyor device 300 comprises a conveyor belt 302. The conveyor device 300 also comprises a magnetic drive device associated with the conveyor belt 302. The magnetic drive device comprises a first magnetic means (not visible) and a second magnetic means 304.

The conveying devices 200 and 300 are juxtaposed so that an object 310, such as a Petri dish, can be conveyed by means of the magnetic drive devices associated with the conveyor belts 204, 302 respectively of the first device. 200 and the second conveying device 300. Thus, when the object 210 has reached its final position on the conveying device 200, the object 310 can be placed in the initial position between the two conveyor belts 204 and 302. to be conveyed to its final position.

Alternatively, the conveying device 300 may also comprise a second conveying belt to make it possible to convey a third object in the direction indicated by the arrow 211, in a manner similar to the conveying carried out by means of the conveying device 200. The combination possibilities of conveying devices can thus vary according to the structural constraints of the environment in which the conveying of an object, in particular a Petri dish, is necessary.

Alternative embodiments of conveyor devices comprising a single conveyor belt are described below.

Thus, FIG. 11 shows a conveying device 400 comprising a conveyor belt 402 delimiting, on a conveying surface 403, an inner surface 404. The conveying device 400 also comprises a magnetic drive device comprising a first magnetic means ( not visible) and a second magnetic means 406. The conveying device 400 also comprises a contact device comprising a guiding device 408 positioned in the center of the inner surface 404 such as a stationary central support, of plastic for example. The guiding device 408 is removable on the conveying surface 403 and comprises two rectilinear longitudinal surfaces parallel to the direction of the conveying belt 402 indicated by the arrow 409. The conveying device 400 makes it possible to convey an object 410, preferably a box of Petri. Thus, the object 410 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow 409 from an initial position to a final position. The distance between the conveyor belt 402 and the guide device 408 is set so that the second magnetic means 406 can bypass the guide device 408 when the object 410 reaches a final position near the end of the guide device. guidance 408.

FIG. 11 also shows a conveying device 420 juxtaposed with the conveying device 400. The conveying device 420 comprises a conveying belt 422 delimiting, on a conveying surface 423, an inner surface 424. The conveying device 420 also comprises a magnetic drive device comprising a first magnetic means (not visible) and a second magnetic means 426. The conveying device 420 also comprises a contact device consisting of a guiding device 428 positioned outside the inner surface 424. The guiding device 428 is removable on the conveying surface 423 and comprises two rectilinear longitudinal surfaces parallel to the direction of the conveyor belt 422 indicated by the arrow 429. The conveying device 420 conveys the object 410 from the conveying device 400. Thus, the object 410 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow 429 from an initial position to a final position. The distance between the conveyor belt 422 and the guide device 428 is set so that when the object 410 reaches a final position near the end of the guide device 428, the second magnetic means 426 pushes the object 410 to the guide device 428

Thus, when the object 410 reaches a final position near the end of the guide device 408, the object 410 is constrained in its displacement by the second magnetic means 406 and the guide device 408. Thus, the object 410 moves in a guided manner towards the conveying device 420 and is again constrained in its displacement by the second magnetic drive device 426 and the guiding device 428. The object 410 thus moves on the conveying surface 422 of the conveying device 420.

A similar combination of conveying devices could be envisaged for conveying devices comprising two conveyor belts.

Alternatively, FIG. 12 shows a conveying device 500 comprising a conveyor belt 502 delimiting, on a conveying surface 503, an inner surface 504. The conveying device 500 also comprises a magnetic training device comprising a first means magnetic (not visible) and a second magnetic means 506. The conveying device 500 also comprises two contact devices such as two guide devices 508 and 510 positioned on the conveying surface 503, outside the inner surface 504. Guiding devices 508, 510 such as two immovable lateral supports made of plastic material, by for example, are removable on the conveying surface 503. The guiding devices 508, 510 each comprise a longitudinal rectilinear surface parallel to the direction of the conveyor belt 502 indicated by the arrow 509. The conveying device 500 can convey an object 512, preferably a petri dish. The distance between the conveyor belt 502 and each guide device 508, 510 is fixed so that the object 512 is simultaneously in contact with the second magnetic means 506 and the guide device 508 on the one hand and with the second means magnetic 506 and the guide device 510 on the other hand. Thus, the object is conveyed in the direction of the arrow 509 from an initial position to a final position on the one hand and in the direction of the arrow 511 on the other hand.

The conveying device may comprise at least one magnetic driving device associated with a contact device comprising either another magnetic driving device or at least one guiding device. The use of two magnetic drive devices allows an optimal displacement of the petri dish compared with the use of a magnetic drive device associated with a guiding device. Indeed, in the presence of two magnetic drive devices the overall displacement force applied to the petri dish 60 is greater than the single displacement force applied to the Petri dish 60 in the presence of a single magnetic drive device. associated with a guiding device.

According to the present invention the conveying device can be used alone or in combination with other conveying devices.

Each conveying device may comprise at least one belt and optionally one or more movement devices.

Claims

claims

Apparatus for conveying (10) an object (60) to move said object (60) from an initial position to a final position on a conveying surface (46), said conveying device (10) comprising:

at least one conveying belt (14) rotatable by means of corresponding drive means (18, 20) and located under the conveying surface (46), said at least one conveyor belt (14) allowing defining a conveying path (48) on the conveying surface (46); a magnetic drive device comprising: at least one first magnetic means (26), such as permanent magnetic magnet means, said first magnetic means (26) being integral with said at least one conveyor belt (14) and moving with said conveyor belt (14) below the conveying surface (46); at least one second magnetic means (52), such as a ferromagnetic means positioned on the conveying surface (46) and adapted to move on said conveying surface (46) driven by said at least one first magnetic means ( 26) through the conveying surface (46); a contact device adapted to apply a contact force on the outer wall of the object (60), so that when said at least one conveyor belt (14) is in motion in the presence of an object (60) on the conveying surface (46), the second magnetic means (52) moves on the conveying surface (46) along the conveying path (48) driven by the first magnetic means (26), applying a displacement force on the outer wall of the object (60) and the contact device simultaneously applies at least one contact force to the outer wall of the object (60) to enable the guided movement of said object (60) on the conveying surface (46).

The conveying device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the contact device comprises a second magnetic driving device comprising: at least one first magnetic means (28), such as permanent magnetic magnet means, said first magnetic means (28) being integral with at least one second conveyor belt (16) and moving with said at least one second conveyor belt (16) below the conveying surface (46); and at least one second magnetic means (54), such as a ferromagnetic means positioned on the conveying surface (46) and adapted to move on said conveying surface (46) driven by said at least one first magnetic means (28); ) through the conveying surface (46).

Conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the contact device comprises a guiding device (408, 428) positioned on the conveying surface (403, 423).

4. Conveying device according to claim 3, comprising a conveyor belt (402), the guide device comprising a stationary central support (408) on the conveying surface (403).

5. Conveying device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first movement device comprising a first magnetic movement means (64) removably located between a first conveying path (48) and a second path of conveying (50) on the conveying surface (46) and adapted to cooperate with a second magnetic movement means (72) located below the conveying surface (46) for driving the first moving magnetic means (64) in rotation .

6. Conveying device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a second movement device comprising a first magnetic movement means (86) located removably inside a first conveying path (48, 50) on the conveying surface (46) and adapted to cooperate with a third magnetic movement means located below the conveying surface (46) to allow free rotation of the first magnetic movement means (86).

7. Conveying device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second movement device comprises a second magnetic movement means (88) located removably inside a second conveyor path (50). ) on the conveying surface (46) and adapted to cooperate with a fourth magnetic movement means (90) located below the conveying surface (46) for rotating the second magnetic movement means (88).

8. Conveying device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a third movement device comprising a rotary arm (100) located on or above the conveying surface (46) and driven angularly a determined angle value for moving the object (60) on the conveying surface (46).

9. Conveying system comprising at least one conveying device according to one of the preceding claims.

The conveying system of claim 9, comprising a detection device such as an electro-optical sensor for detecting the position of the object (60) on the conveying surface (46).

Conveying system according to claim 10, comprising a control device for controlling the movement of said at least one conveyor belt (14).

Conveying system according to claim 11, said control device for controlling the triggering of the first and / or second and / or third movement device as a function of the detected position of the object (60) on the surface. conveying device (46).

13. Conveying system according to one of claims 9 to 12, comprising an optical reading device for reading the contents of an information carrier located on the object (60).

14. Conveying method for moving an object (60) on a conveying surface (46) from an initial position to a final position, at least a first magnetic means (26) being disposed below the conveying surface (46) said at least one first magnetic means (26) being integral with at least one conveying belt (14), a second magnetic means (52) being disposed on the conveying surface (46) and adapted to cooperate with the first magnetic means (26) through the conveying surface (46) and for applying a displacement force on the outer wall of the object (60), said conveying method comprising the steps of: rotating said at least one belt conveying means (14) with driving means (18, 20) for moving the first magnetic means (26); cooperating the first magnetic means (26) and the second magnetic means (52) to enable the guided movement of said second magnetic means (52) along a corresponding conveying path (48) on the conveying surface (46); applying a displacement force by the second moving magnetic means (52) on the outer wall of the object (60); applying at least one contact force on the outer wall of the object (60) by a contact device, simultaneously with the application of the displacement force to allow the guided movement of the object (60) on the conveying surface (46).