EP4642597A1

EP4642597A1 - Electromagnetic working apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4642597A1
Application number: EP23838248.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Claudio Trebbi; Alessandro Farne'; Gianluca ZAULI; Daniele RICCIARDI; Filippo MEARINI; Sergio Manera; Annalisa Malfatto
Original assignee: IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA
Current assignee: IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA
Priority date: 2022-12-28
Filing date: 2023-12-13
Publication date: 2025-11-05
Also published as: CN120500402A; JP2026501569A; WO2024142129A1; IT202200026931A1

Abstract

Electromagnetic working apparatus (10) comprising a plurality of electromagnetic members (15) configured to generate one or more electromagnetic fields, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic members (15) is supported on a support base (16) and covered with a flat driving coat (21) on which electromagnetic movers (100) contactless slide by magnetically cooperating with the electromagnetic members (15).

Description

“ELECTROMAGNETIC WORKING APPARATUS”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an electromagnetic working apparatus comprising an electromagnetic base plane on which electromagnetic movers are present. The electromagnetic working apparatus can be used in machines for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, healthcare, chemical and/or food sectors, in which a sanitized and/or decontaminated environment is required.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the industrial sector of preparing pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic and/or food products, machines are known which comprise an electromagnetic working apparatus provided with an electromagnetic base plane with which a plurality of electromagnetic movers are operatively associated to move one or more objects, such as containers for example. The base plane is mounted on a fixed support frame and comprises a plurality of electromagnetic members associated with each other and coplanar, which are each provided with one or more electric energizing means configured to selectively generate one or more magnetic fields. By way of example, the electric energizing means can be coils. In particular, the electromagnetic members each have a flat upper surface and are interconnected with each other so as to define, as a whole, a flat base surface of the work plane.

The electromagnetic movers comprise respective magnetic means configured to generate one or more magnetic fields that interact with the magnetic fields of the work plane to determine the respective movement. This movement can occur through contactless sliding, without constraint in direction or fixed path, and without generation of particulate caused by rubbing, for example using technology known as “planar motors”.

A configuration of this type is described by patent document CN 216180697 U, in which there is provided a box equipped with work gloves, usually used in the field of biomedicine, chemical engineering or nuclear physics. In this case, the electromagnetic members are placed outside the box, precisely below the box itself, while the electromagnetic mover is movable inside the box.

In some cases, an upper coating plate is associated with the base plane, for example made of stainless steel, placed above the electromagnetic members and defining a uniform upper reference surface substantially free of interruptions. An example of a base plane of this type is described in patent document US 2002/0113496 Al, or in patent document US 2019/348898 Al. The coating plate has characteristics such as not to affect the magnetic fields generated by the electric energizing means and by the magnetic means as above, and has the function of guaranteeing a fluid-tight insulation between the zone below it and the upper work environment, defined by a controlled atmosphere chamber, in which the electromagnetic movers move. By way of example, the chamber can be subjected to decontamination cycles, for example using VHP (Vapour Hydrogen Peroxide).

In general, the electromagnetic members of the base plane are complex members, with a useful life of about ten years at most and, in the event that it is necessary to replace them or perform any maintenance on them, it is necessary to first intervene on the attachments present in their underlying part, with many operational difficulties, because the base plane is attached to the frame. In particular, to do this, it is necessary to intervene on the specific electromagnetic member from above, there is therefore the disadvantage of having to necessarily disassemble the coating plate, consequently increasing maintenance operating times.

This also involves the disadvantage that the work environment in which the electromagnetic movers move is no longer in a protected atmosphere, but is exposed to external contamination.

There is therefore the need to perfect an electromagnetic working apparatus that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

To do this, it is necessary to solve at least the technical problem of providing an electromagnetic working apparatus in which it is possible to perform the maintenance of the electromagnetic base plane without having to remove the coating plate. Therefore, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic working apparatus in which the maintenance of the electromagnetic members is simple and fast.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic working apparatus in which a decontaminated environment is maintained at the electromagnetic movers, even in the event of maintenance and/or replacement of the electromagnetic members.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim.

The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purpose, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, an electromagnetic working apparatus according to the present invention comprises a plurality of electromagnetic members configured to generate one or more electromagnetic fields, the plurality of electromagnetic members being supported on a support base and being covered with a flat driving coat.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the working apparatus further comprises a movement unit configured to selectively move the support base and/or the flat driving coat between an operating position, in which the plurality of electromagnetic members is closer to the flat driving coat allowing electromagnetic movers to contactless slide thereon by magnetically cooperating with the plurality of electromagnetic members, and a maintenance position, in which the plurality of electromagnetic members is distanced from the flat driving coat in order to allow a maintenance intervention on the plurality of electromagnetic members.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, in the operating position, the plurality of electromagnetic members is in contact with the flat driving coat on an underlying surface thereof.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the movement unit is connected to the support base to move the support base, and consequently the supported plurality of electromagnetic members, with respect to the flat driving coat.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the flat driving coat comprises a uniform layer configured to keep a work environment above the flat driving coat hermetically insulated from the maintenance environment therebelow.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the working apparatus further comprises a positioning jig placed around the flat driving coat and configured to maintain a correct position of the plurality of electromagnetic members in the operating position, and to cooperate with the flat driving coat to keep the work environment hermetically insulated.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the movement unit is configured to move the support base and/or the flat driving coat in a direction of movement perpendicular to the flat driving coat.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the movement unit comprises a lifting unit cooperating with the support base and configured to move the plurality of electromagnetic members in a vertical direction between the operating position and the maintenance position. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the lifting unit is placed within the maintenance environment.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the lifting unit comprises at least one movement device having at least one drive shaft driven by means of at least one driving member which is positioned outside the maintenance environment.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the lifting unit comprises a rack and pinion system.

The present invention also concerns an electromagnetic working machine comprising a working apparatus as described above, one or more electromagnetic movers configured to contactless slide on a flat driving coat by magnetically cooperating with the plurality of electromagnetic members.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the machine further comprises a work chamber enclosing the working apparatus at an upper part thereof. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: - fig. 1 is a lateral, schematic and partly sectioned view of an electromagnetic working apparatus according to the present invention;

- fig. 2 is a lateral, schematic and partly sectioned view of the working apparatus of fig. 1, in which an electromagnetic base plane thereof is in a maintenance position;

- fig. 3 is a schematic and simplified three-dimensional view of a part of the working apparatus of fig. 1 ;

- fig. 3 A is a detailed view of a variant of fig. 3;

- fig. 4 is a schematic and simplified representation of an electromagnetic working machine which comprises the electromagnetic working apparatus of fig. 1.

We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings, ft is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, an electromagnetic working apparatus 10 according to the present invention comprises an electromagnetic base plane 11 on which one or more workings can be performed on objects, for example containers, movable by means of one or more movement devices, hereafter defined as electromagnetic movers 100, operatively associated with the base plane 11.

According to some embodiments, the working apparatus 10 is part of an electromagnetic working machine 200 (fig. 4).

The working machine 200 also comprises a controlled and/or protected atmosphere work chamber 201 associated at the upper part with the working apparatus 10, and in which the electromagnetic movers 100 are movable and the aforementioned workings are performed. For example, in the work chamber 201 the environment is decontaminated using VHP (Vapour Hydrogen Peroxide).

To better understand the present invention, we will now briefly describe an electromagnetic mover 100.

Each electromagnetic mover 100 has substantially a square and flattened shape, and is provided with one or more magnetic means, such as for example permanent magnets, configured to generate a respective magnetic field, preferably static, to interact with the electromagnetic base plane 11 and allow the respective and selective movement thereon. In this way, the electromagnetic mover 100 is capable of moving independently with respect to the base plane 11 , remaining distanced from it by a certain distance, that is, without contacting it, advantageously with several degrees of freedom. The working apparatus 10 (figs, from 1 to 3) comprises a first fixed frame, or first frame, 12 configured to support the base plane 11. A movement unit 13 is slidingly associated with the first frame 12 to selectively move, according to a direction of movement Y, the electromagnetic base plane 11 between an operating, or raised, position, PO to cooperate with the electromagnetic movers 100, and a maintenance, or lowered, position, PM to allow its maintenance.

In particular, the direction of movement Y (figs. 1 and 2) is perpendicular to the placement, or orientation, of the base plane 11. In the example given here, the latter is placed in a horizontal plane and the direction of movement Y is vertical.

According to possible embodiments, the first frame 12 is conformed in such a way as to have one or more lateral apertures, selectively re-closable, such as to allow access to its interior, in particular to perform the maintenance of the base plane 11 when it is in the maintenance position PM.

The base plane 11 (figs. 1, 2 and 3) comprises a plurality of electromagnetic members 15 placed side by side and interconnected with each other on a plate, or support base 16, connected to the movement unit 13.

The electromagnetic members 15 comprise respective electric energizing means 17 configured to generate one or more magnetic fields, preferably low frequency, capable of interacting with the magnetic fields generated by the electromagnetic movers 100 to cause the selective movement of the latter so as to determine their drive. For example, the electric energizing means 17 comprise a plurality of electric coils or windings which, during use, are connected to an electric energy supply network having suitable electric voltage and current values.

In particular, each electromagnetic member 15 has substantially the shape of a parallelepiped and is provided with a flat upper surface 19 such as to define, in combination with the flat upper surfaces 19 of the other electromagnetic members 15, a corresponding flat surface 20 of the base plane 11.

The first frame 12 is provided at the upper part with a coating plate, hereafter defined as flat driving coat 21.

We must clarify that the expression “flat driving coat” is used because this plane is interposed between the electromagnetic members 15 therebelow, which are configured as the driving members of the electromagnetic movers 100, and the latter, which are moved, or driven, precisely on this plane. The flat driving coat 21 is operatively associated with the base plane 11, in particular to be in contact with the flat surface 20 thereof. Specifically, the flat driving coat 21 comprises a uniform layer having the function of guaranteeing an effective fluid-tight insulation between the work environment 202 above it, defined by the work chamber 201, and the zone below it defining a maintenance environment 203, in which the base plane 11 and the movement unit 13 are present.

By way of example, the flat driving coat 21 can be a sheet made of stainless steel and has characteristics such as to be substantially inert to the aforementioned magnetic fields, so as to influence the movements of the electromagnetic movers 100 in a labile manner. We must clarify that, in the operating position PO, the electromagnetic members 15 are in contact with the flat driving coat 21 on an underlying surface thereof.

Furthermore, a positioning jig 23 can also be associated with the first frame 12, placed perimetrically to the flat driving coat 21 and configured both to keep the electromagnetic members 15 correctly positioned and also to cooperate with the flat driving coat 21 in order to create the aforementioned insulation.

The movement unit 13 comprises a lifting unit 24 cooperating with the support base 16 and configured to move the plurality of electromagnetic members 15 in a vertical direction between the operating position PO and the maintenance position PM. The lifting unit 24 is placed within the maintenance environment 203, that is, underneath the flat driving coat 21.

The lifting unit 24 comprises, or consists of, movement means 25 (figs, from 1 to 3) for moving, in a vertical direction, a second movable frame, or second frame, 26 which is connected to the support base 16 by means of a plurality of connection elements 27. Specifically, the movement means 25 are configured to lower or raise the second frame 26 in the direction of movement Y to selectively bring the support base 16, that is, the base plane 11 , into the maintenance position PM or into the operating position PO.

According to preferred embodiments, the movement means 25 comprise at least one movement device 30 attached to a lower part of the first frame 12.

As best seen in fig. 3, the movement device 30 comprises a central drive shaft 31 connected to two angular bevel gears 32a, 32b, coaxial with each other and perpendicular to the latter, able to transmit the rotary motion of the drive shaft 31 to corresponding transmission and movement members 33a, 33b, each configured as a worm screw capable of moving the second frame 26. The transmission and movement members 33a, 33b are each provided with a vertical rotating shaft 35a, 35b able to make, in the direction of movement Y and by means of the respective rotation, a respective movable element 36a, 36b attached to the second frame 26 slide.

Specifically, in relation to the direction of rotation of the drive shaft 31 , the two transmission and movement members 33a, 33b are capable of making the corresponding rotating shaft 35a, 35b rotate, in order to make the respective movable element 36a, 36b selectively translate downward or upward, lowering or raising the second frame 26, and therefore the same base plane 12, between the operating position PO and the maintenance position PM.

The rotating shafts 35a, 35b are opposing and specular with respect to the drive shaft 31 and each movable element 36a, 36b is attached perimetrically to the second frame 26.

In accordance with possible embodiments, the drive shaft 31 is driven by means of at least one driving member 37, 38 external to the maintenance environment 203.

Specifically, the drive shaft 31 is connected to a manually driven crank 37. Alternatively, the drive shaft 31 is connected to a driving member 38 (fig. 3A), in particular an electric motor.

Moreover, the movement means 25 can comprise four vertical guide rods 39 (figs, from 1 to 3) for stably guiding the sliding of the second frame 26, which is provided with hollow coupling elements 40, each able to cooperate with a respective guide rod 39. In the example given here, the guide rods 39 are placed in proximity to the four corners of the first frame 12.

According to some embodiments, the lifting unit 24, or the movement means 25, can comprise two or more rack members, preferably four, defining a rack and pinion system 41 (fig. 3). The rack members of the rack and pinion system 41 are placed at the corners of the second frame 26 and slidingly associated with the first frame 12. The rack members of the rack and pinion system 41 are operatively connected to each other and, by operating simultaneously, are capable of guaranteeing and maintaining the second frame 26 and, therefore, the base plane

11 parallel to a horizontal reference plane PR (figs. 1 and 2). Specifically, the parallelism with respect to the horizontal reference plane PR is fundamental when the base plane 11 is in the operating position PO, so that the electromagnetic members 15, with the respective flat upper surfaces 19, are in contact with the flat driving coat 21 in order to guarantee a uniformity of the electromagnetic fields generated thereby.

In particular, the rack and pinion system 41 comprises an idle toothed wheel 42, mounted at the comers of the second frame 26, and a toothed rod 43 attached to the first frame 12 and configured to cooperate slidingly with the corresponding toothed wheel 42. In order to guarantee the horizontal flatness of the base plane

11 , the toothed wheels 42 are connected to each other two by two, by means of a respective connection rod 45 placed coaxial to the axis of rotation of the two toothed wheels 42 to which it is connected.

According to possible embodiments, the first frame 12 comprises, for each side, one or more sustaining brackets 46 (figs. 1, 2 and 3) attachable to the first frame

12 by means of adjustable screws 47 and configured both to sustain the base plane 11 and also to prevent the accidental fall of the latter, in particular when it is in the operating position PO.

Furthermore, by means of the adjustable screws 47 it is possible to clamp the second frame 26 at the upper and lower part and, consequently, also the base plane

11, in a stable and fixed position with respect to the first frame 12.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the working apparatus 10 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of electromagnetic working apparatuses, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Electromagnetic working apparatus (10) comprising a plurality of electromagnetic members (15) configured to generate one or more electromagnetic fields, said plurality of electromagnetic members (15) being supported on a support base (16) and being covered with a flat driving coat (21), characterized in that it further comprises a movement unit (13) configured to selectively move said support base (16) and/or said flat driving coat (21) between an operating position (PO), in which said plurality of electromagnetic members (15) is closer to said flat driving coat (21) allowing electromagnetic movers (100) to contactless slide thereon by magnetically cooperating with said plurality of electromagnetic members (15), and a maintenance position (PM), in which said plurality of electromagnetic members (15) is distanced from said flat driving coat (21) in order to allow a maintenance intervention on said plurality of electromagnetic members (15). 2. Working apparatus (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that, in said operating position (PO), said plurality of electromagnetic members (15) is in contact with said flat driving coat (21) on an underlying surface thereof.

3. Working apparatus (10) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said movement unit (13) is connected to said support base (16) to move said support base (16), and consequently the supported plurality of electromagnetic members (15), with respect to said flat driving coat (21).

4. Working apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said flat driving coat (21) comprises a uniform layer configured to keep a work environment (202) above the flat driving coat (21) hermetically insulated from a maintenance environment (203) therebelow.

5. Working apparatus (10) as in claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises a positioning jig (23) placed around said flat driving coat (21) and configured to maintain a correct position of said plurality of electromagnetic members (15) in said operating position (PO), and to cooperate with said flat driving coat (21) to keep said work environment (202) hermetically insulated.

6. Working apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said movement unit (13) is configured to move said support base (16) and/or said flat driving coat (21) in a direction of movement (Y) perpendicular to said flat driving coat (21).

7. Working apparatus (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said movement unit (13) comprises a lifting unit (24) cooperating with said support base (16) and configured to move said plurality of electromagnetic members (15) in a vertical direction between said operating position (PO) and said maintenance position (PM).

8. Working apparatus (10) as in claim 7 when it depends on claim 4, characterized in that said lifting unit (24) is placed within said maintenance environment (203).

9. Working apparatus (10) as in claim 8, characterized in that said lifting unit (24) comprises at least one movement device (30) having at least one drive shaft

(31) driven by means of at least one driving member (37, 38) which is positioned outside said maintenance environment (203).

10. Working apparatus (10) as in any claim from 7 to 9, characterized in that said lifting unit (24) comprises a rack and pinion system (41). 11. Electromagnetic working machine (200), characterized in that it comprises a working apparatus (10) as in any claim from 1 to 10, one or more electromagnetic movers (100) configured to contactless slide on a flat driving coat (21) by magnetically cooperating with said plurality of electromagnetic members (15).

12. Electromagnetic working machine (200) as in claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a work chamber (201) enclosing said working apparatus (10) at an upper part thereof.