Abstract:
A temperature management apparatus is provided with: a temperature management furnace having a space in which an article is disposed and temperature is managed; bar-like members containing a magnetic material; facing members, each of which faces a part of the side surface of each of the bar-like members and contains a magnetic material; drive apparatuses, which rotate the bar-like members about their center axes and change the relative positions of the bar-like members and the facing members; and a contact member, which moves in the temperature management furnace in association with changes of the relative positions of the bar-like members and the facing members, and which moves the article by being in contact with the article. The drive apparatuses are disposed outside of the space in which temperature is managed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of and priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-221217, filed on Oct. 30, 2014 and International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2015/078576, filed on Oct. 8, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a transfer technique, and more particularly to a temperature management apparatus, a transfer apparatus, and a transfer base. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0003]    PTL 1 discloses a transfer apparatus in which a slider for transferring an article into a freeze drying furnace is equipped with a driving force transmitting mechanism, such as a toothed wheel or belt. A track that meshes with the teeth of the wheel or the belt of the slider is provided on a transfer plane of the freeze drying furnace, and the slider is allowed to travel on the track in the freeze drying furnace. PTL 2 discloses a transfer apparatus having a slider that is driven by a linear motor for transferring an article inside and outside a furnace. PTL 3 discloses a transfer apparatus that is provided with a rod for conveying an article inside and outside a furnace, which is connected to a tip of a belt-like actuator. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
       [0004]    PTL 1: International Publication No. 2013/136161 
         [0005]    PTL 2: US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0185952 
         [0006]    PTL 3: International Publication No. 2005/121671 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    For example, in a process of processing the article by giving a certain temperature profile to a large number of articles contained in a furnace, such as the freeze drying furnace, unless each article is processed so that a temperature profile of each article is kept uniform, the quality of the articles becomes uneven. In addition, it is difficult to grasp that the quality of articles is uneven by sampling, inspection, or the like. 
         [0008]    For that reason, it is desirable that a temperature distribution in the furnace under a temperature management becomes uniform in a furnace, whose temperature is managed to give a predetermined temperature treatment to the articles, without being limited to the freeze drying process. However, the present inventors have ascertained a fact that heat generation from a device for carrying the articles into the furnace makes the temperature distribution of the furnace and the article uneven, which causes deterioration in quality, through a diligent research. In addition, in the case where the articles to be carried into the furnace with a managed temperature are pharmaceuticals, foods, beverages, precision parts, and so on, it is desirable that the temperature-managed furnace is clean. For that reason, it is desirable that the device that carries the articles into the temperature-managed furnace and carries out the articles from the temperature-managed furnace has a low heat generation property and a low dust generation property. 
         [0009]    However, the slider that enters the freeze drying furnace disclosed in PTL 1 generates dust due to a friction between meshing portions when the toothed wheel, belt, or the like, travels on the track. In addition, a motor that generates a driving force, a battery that serves as a power source for the motor, and so on are internally provided in the slider. For that reason, the slider disclosed in PTL 1 may generate heat and dust in the furnace. 
         [0010]    In the slider driven by the linear motor disclosed in PTL 2, a coil is disposed in a mover within the slider in the case of a moving coil system and in a stator installed in the furnace in the case of a moving magnet system. In generating the driving force for the slider, whichever system is used, the coil in which a current flows in the furnace generates heat. 
         [0011]    Furthermore, in the transfer apparatus disclosed in PTL 3, a guide for guiding the belt across the furnace is provided, and dust may be generated by sliding between the guide and the belt. Further, the guide has a narrow groove, to thereby make it difficult to clean the guide and also to remove foreign matter from the guide. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a temperature management apparatus, a transfer apparatus, and a transfer base with a low heat generation property and a low dust generation property. 
         [0013]    [1] A temperature management apparatus, comprising: (a) a temperature management furnace having a space in which an article is placed and whose temperature is managed; (b) a rod-shaped member that includes a magnetic material; (c) an opposite member that is opposed to a part of a side surface of the rod-shaped member and includes a magnetic material; (d) a driving device that rotates the rod-shaped member or the opposite member around a central axis of the rod-shaped member to change a relative position of the rod-shaped member and the opposite member; and (e) a contact member that moves within the temperature management furnace in association with a change in a relative position between the rod-shaped member and the opposite member and that moves the article by contact with the article, in which (f) the driving device is disposed outside of the space whose temperature is managed. 
         [0014]    [2] The temperature management apparatus according to the item [1], in which when the driving device rotates the rod-shaped member, the opposite member moves along the central axis of the rod-shaped member and the contact member fixed to the opposite member moves. 
         [0015]    [3] The temperature management apparatus according to the item [2], in which the rod-shaped member, the opposite member, and the contact member are disposed inside of the space whose temperature is managed. 
         [0016]    [4] The temperature management apparatus according to the item [3], further comprising a mandrel that penetrates a side wall of the temperature management furnace and connects the rod-shaped member to the driving device. 
         [0017]    [5] The temperature management apparatus according to the item [4], further comprising a sealing member that is disposed in a hole in the side wall of the temperature management furnace through which the mandrel penetrates. 
         [0018]    [6] The temperature management apparatus according to the item [1], in which when the driving device rotates the opposite member, the rod-shaped member moves in a central axis direction, and the contact member fixed to the rod-shaped member moves. 
         [0019]    [7] The temperature management apparatus according to the item [6], in which the contact member is disposed inside of the space whose temperature is managed, and the opposite member is disposed outside of the space whose temperature is managed. 
         [0020]    [8] The temperature management apparatus according to the item [7], in which the rod-shaped member penetrates through the side wall of the temperature management furnace. 
         [0021]    [9] The temperature management apparatus according to the item [8], further including a sealing member disposed in a hole of the side wall of the temperature management furnace through which the rod-shaped member penetrates. 
         [0022]    [10] The temperature management apparatus according to any one of the items [1] to [9], in which the temperature management furnace is a freeze drying furnace. 
         [0023]    [11] The temperature management apparatus according to any one of the items [1] to [10], in which the article includes a medicine. 
         [0024]    [12] A transfer apparatus, comprising: (a) a rod-shaped member that comprises a magnetic material; (b) an opposite member that is opposed to a part of a side surface of the rod-shaped member and comprises a magnetic material; (c) a driving device that rotates the rod-shaped member or the opposite member around a central axis of the rod-shaped member to change a relative position of the rod-shaped member and the opposite member; and (d) a contact member that moves in association with a change in a relative position between the rod-shaped member and the opposite member and that moves an article to be transferred inside and outside a temperature management furnace by contact with the article. 
         [0025]    [13] The transfer apparatus according to the item [12], in which the temperature management furnace comprises a freeze drying furnace. 
         [0026]    [14] The transfer apparatus according to the item [12] or [13], in which the article comprises a medicine. 
         [0027]    [15] The transfer apparatus according to any one of the items [12] to [14], in which when the driving device rotates the rod-shaped member, the opposite member moves along the central axis of the rod-shaped member and the contact member fixed to the opposite member moves. 
         [0028]    [16] The transfer apparatus according to any one of the items [12] to [14], in which when the driving device rotates the opposite member, the rod-shaped member moves in a central axis direction, and the contact member fixed to the rod-shaped member moves. 
         [0029]    [17] A transfer base comprising: (a) a base member; (b) a table that is located on the base member; (c) a table movement rod-shaped member that comprises a magnetic material; (d) a table movement opposite member that is opposed to a part of a side surface of the table movement rod-shaped member and comprises a magnetic material; (e) a table driving device that rotates the table movement rod-shaped member or the table movement opposite member around a central axis of the table movement rod-shaped member and changes a relative position between the table movement rod-shaped member and the table movement opposite member to move the table; (f) a contact member for moving the article by contact with the article placed on the table; (g) a contact member movement rod-shaped member that comprises a magnetic material; (h) a contact member movement opposite member that is opposed to a part of a side surface of the contact member movement rod-shaped member and comprises a magnetic material; and (i) a contact member driving device that rotates the contact member movement rod-shaped member or the contact member movement opposite member around the central axis of the contact member movement rod-shaped member and changes a relative position between the contact member movement rod-shaped member and the contact member movement opposite member to move the contact member. 
         [0030]    [18] The transfer base according to the item [17], in which when the table driving device rotates the table movement rod-shaped member, the table movement opposite member moves along the central axis of the table movement rod-shaped member and the table fixed to the table movement opposite member moves. 
         [0031]    [19] The transfer base according to the item [17], in which when the table driving device rotates the table movement opposite member, the table movement rod-shaped member moves in a direction of the central axis and the table fixed to the table movement rod-shaped member moves. 
         [0032]    [20] The transfer base according to any one of the items [17] to [19], in which when the contact member driving device rotates the contact member movement rod-shaped member, the contact member movement opposite member moves along a central axis of the contact member movement rod-shaped member and the contact member fixed to the contact member movement opposite member moves. 
         [0033]    [21] The transfer base according to any one of the items [17] to [19], in which when the contact member driving device rotates the contact member movement opposite member, the contact member movement rod-shaped member moves along a direction of the central axis and the contact member fixed to the contact member movement rod-shaped member moves. 
         [0034]    [22] The transfer base according to any one of the items [17] to [21], in which the article comprises a medicine. 
         [0035]    [23] The transfer base according to any one of the items [17] to [22], in which the transfer base is configured to transfer the article into a temperature management furnace. 
         [0036]    [24] The transfer base according to the item [23], in which the temperature management furnace comprises a freeze drying furnace. 
         [0037]    [25] The transfer base according to any one of the items [17] to [24], further comprising a wheel that is disposed on the base member. 
         [0038]    According to the present invention, a temperature management apparatus, a transfer apparatus, and a transfer base with a low heat generation property and a low dust generation property can be provided. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a temperature management apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a rod-shaped member and an opposite member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a rod-shaped member and an opposite member according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a rod-shaped member and an opposite member according to another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a temperature management apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a transfer apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a transfer apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a schematic top diagram of a transfer base according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 9  is a schematic side diagram of a transfer base according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating one example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 15  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0056]      FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0057]      FIG. 19  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0058]      FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 22  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0061]      FIG. 23  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0062]      FIG. 24  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0063]      FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0064]      FIG. 26  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0065]      FIG. 27  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0066]      FIG. 28  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0067]      FIG. 29  is a schematic diagram illustrating still another example of use of a transfer apparatus, a transfer base, and a temperature management apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0068]    Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the description of the drawings given below, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference signs. However, the drawings are schematic. Therefore, specific dimensions and so on should be determined by referring to the following description. Among the drawings, portions which are different from each other in dimension and ratio may be included. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0069]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a temperature management apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature management furnace  1  having a space in which articles  5  are placed and whose temperature is managed; rod-shaped members  2 A and  2 B each comprising a magnetic material; opposite members  3 A and  3 B that are opposed to parts of side surfaces of the rod-shaped members  2 A and  2 B, respectively, and each comprising a magnetic material; a driving device  4 A that rotates the rod-shaped member  2 A around a central axis thereof to change a relative position of the rod-shaped member  2 A and the opposite member  3 A; a driving device  4 B that rotates the rod-shaped member  2 B around a central axis thereof to change a relative position of the rod-shaped member  2 B and the opposite member  3 B; and a contact member  6  that moves within the temperature management furnace  1  in association with a change in a relative position between the rod-shaped members  2 A,  2 B and the opposite members  3 A,  3 B and that moves the articles  5  by contact with the articles  5 , in which the driving devices  4 A and  4 B are disposed outside of the space whose temperature is managed. 
         [0070]    The temperature management furnace  1  is, for example, a freeze drying furnace. For example, a shelf board  7  is disposed in the temperature management furnace  1  and the articles  5 , including an object to be freeze dried, are disposed on the shelf board  7 . The articles  5  are, for example, vials into which a medicine has been injected. 
         [0071]    The cylindrical rod-shaped member  2 A is held in the temperature management furnace  1  by bearings  12 A and  13 A. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the rod-shaped member  2 A is a magnetic screw including a hard magnetic material, and S pole magnetized zones and N pole magnetized zones are alternately provided on an outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member  2 A in a spiral shape. The rod-shaped member  2 A may be inserted into a nonmagnetic thin-walled pipe  20 A. The pipe  20 A is made of, for example, stainless steel. The rod-shaped member  2 A and the pipe  20 A are integrated with each other, and when the rod-shaped member  2 A rotates, the pipe  20 A also rotates around the central axis of the rod-shaped member  2 A. 
         [0072]    The opposite member  3 A held in the temperature management furnace  1  is a magnetic nut including a hard magnetic material and is provided with a hole having an inner circumference larger than an outer circumference of the rod-shaped member  2 A. The rod-shaped member  2 A penetrates through the hole of the nut-shaped opposite member  3 A. S pole magnetized zones and N pole magnetized zones are alternately provided in a spiral shape on an inner peripheral surface of the hole of the opposite member  3 A. The pitch of the magnetized zones in the opposite member  3 A is substantially the same as the pitch of the magnetized zones in the rod-shaped member  2 A. Guide rings  31  and  32  such as bushes may be disposed on an inner peripheral surface of the opposite member  3 A. The inner circumferences of the respective guide rings  31  and  32  are smaller than the inner circumference of the opposite member  3 A and come in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the pipe  20 A. As a result, a constant interval is kept between the magnetized zones of the rod-shaped member  2 A and the magnetized zones of the opposite member  3 A. The guide rings  31  and  32  are made of a material having a small friction coefficient, such as fluororesin. 
         [0073]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the cylindrical rod-shaped member  2 B is held in parallel with the rod-shaped member  2 A by the aid of the bearings  12 B and  13 B in the temperature management furnace  1 . A configuration of the rod-shaped member  2 B is the same as that of the rod-shaped member  2 A. A configuration of the opposite member  3 B held in the temperature management furnace  1  is the same as that of the opposite member  3 A. The contact member  6  held in the temperature management furnace  1  is a plate member and is fixed between the opposite member  3 A and the opposite member  3 B so as to be substantially perpendicular to a surface of the shelf board  7 . 
         [0074]    The driving devices  4 A and  4 B include, for example, rotating motors, and are disposed outside of a space whose temperature is managed by the temperature management furnace  1 . The driving devices  4 A and  4 B may be disposed outside of a housing of the temperature management furnace  1  or may be disposed inside of the housing of the temperature management furnace  1  and outside of the space whose temperature is managed. The driving devices  4 A and  4 B may be covered with a shield, or the like, which prevents diffusion of possible dust, or the like. The driving device  4 A and the rod-shaped member  2 A are connected to each other through, for example, a mandrel  11 A that penetrates through a side wall of the temperature management furnace  1 . The arrangement of the driving device  4 A is fixed, and the rod-shaped member  2 A connected to the driving device  4 A is not allowed to move in the direction of the central axis thereof. The driving device  4 B and the rod-shaped member  2 B are connected to each other through, for example, a mandrel  11 B that penetrates through the side wall of the temperature management furnace  1 . The arrangement of the driving device  4 B is fixed and the rod-shaped member  2 B connected to the driving device  4 B is not allowed to move in the direction of the central axis thereof. The respective holes of the side wall of the temperature management furnace  1  through which the mandrels  11 A and  11 B penetrate are provided with sealing members, such as oil seals. 
         [0075]    The driving devices  4 A and  4 B synchronously rotate the rod-shaped members  2 A and  2 B. When the driving device  4 A rotates the rod-shaped member  2 A, a magnetic force acts between the magnetized zones of the rod-shaped member  2 A and the magnetized zones of the opposite member  3 A. The opposite member  3 A is fixed to the contact member  6  and the opposite member  3 B and is not allowed to rotate. For that reason, when the rod-shaped member  2 A is rotated, the opposite member  3 A moves along the direction of the central axis of the rod-shaped member  2 A. When the driving device  4 B rotates the rod-shaped member  2 B, a magnetic force acts between the magnetized zones of the rod-shaped member  2 B and the magnetized zones of the opposite member  3 B, and the opposite member  3 B moves along the central axis of the rod-shaped member  2 B. The contact member  6  fixed between the opposite members  3 A and  3 B also moves along the central axes of the rod-shaped members  2 A and  2 B on the shelf board  7  along with the movement of the opposite members  3 A and  3 B. The articles  5  placed on the shelf board  7  are pushed by the contact member  6  and move on the shelf board  7 . Furthermore, the articles  5  may be pushed from a door of the temperature management furnace  1  to the outside of the temperature management furnace  1 . 
         [0076]    In the temperature management apparatus according to the first embodiment described above, the driving force is transmitted between the rod-shaped members  2 A,  2 B and the opposite members  3 A,  3 B in a non-contact manner by the aid of the magnetic force. Therefore, when the driving force is transmitted between the rod-shaped members  2 A,  2 B and the opposite members  3 A,  3 B, heat and dust are less likely to be generated. For that reason, even if the rod-shaped members  2 A,  2 B and the opposite members  3 A,  3 B are disposed in the space whose temperature management is performed by the temperature management furnace  1 , an influence of heat generation in the space whose temperature is managed is suppressed, and the space whose temperature is managed can be kept clean. 
         [0077]    Furthermore, since the driving devices  4 A and  4 B are disposed outside of the space whose temperature management is performed by the temperature management furnace  1 , even if dust is generated in the driving devices  4 A and  4 B, the dust is less likely to enter the space whose temperature management is performed by the temperature management furnace  1 . If the driving device is disposed inside of the temperature management furnace, a temperature distribution may be made uneven inside of the temperature management furnace, such as a freeze drying furnace, due to the heated driving device. In that case, the quality of multiple articles placed inside of the temperature management furnace may be made uneven. On the contrary, in the temperature management apparatus according to the first embodiment, because the driving devices  4 A and  4 B are disposed outside of the space whose temperature management is performed by the temperature management furnace  1 , temperature unevenness is less likely to occur inside of the temperature management furnace  1 . 
         [0078]    Still further, in the temperature management apparatus according to the first embodiment, when the contact member  6  is moved, the rod-shaped members  2 A and  2 B do not go out to the outside of the temperature management furnace  1 . For that reason, no foreign matter is drawn into the temperature management furnace  1  by the rod-shaped members  2 A and  2 B from the outside of the temperature management furnace  1 . Therefore, the temperature management apparatus according to the first embodiment can keep the inside of the temperature management furnace  1  clean, and suppress temperature unevenness inside of the temperature management furnace  1 . 
       Modification of First Embodiment 
       [0079]    The configurations of the rod-shaped member  2 A and the opposite member  3 A are not limited to the example illustrated in  FIG. 2 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the rod-shaped member  2 A may be made of a threaded soft magnetic material. The configuration of the opposite member  3 A is the same as that of  FIG. 2 . A pitch of the threads of the rod-shaped member  2 A illustrated in  FIG. 3  is substantially the same as the pitch of the magnetized zones of the opposite member  3 A. The threaded rod-shaped member  2 A may be inserted into the nonmagnetic thin-walled pipe  20 A. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matters from adhering to the threaded groove of the rod-shaped member  2 A. When the rod-shaped member  2 A is rotated, a magnetic force acts between the threads of the rod-shaped member  2 A and the magnetized zones of the opposite member  3 A, and the opposite member  3 A moves. 
         [0080]    Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the opposite member  3 A may be made of a threaded soft magnetic material. The threaded surface of the hole of the opposite member  3 A is covered with a nonmagnetic thin-walled pipe  30 A. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matters from adhering to the threaded grooves of the opposite member  3 A. The configuration of the rod-shaped member  2 A is the same as that of  FIG. 2 . A pitch of the threads of the opposite member  3 A illustrated in  FIG. 4  is substantially the same as the pitch of the magnetized zones of the rod-shaped member  2 A. When the rod-shaped member  2 A is rotated, a magnetic force acts between the magnetized zones of the rod-shaped member  2 A and the threads of the opposite member  3 A, and the opposite member  3 A moves. 
         [0081]    The rod-shaped member  2 B and the opposite member  3 B illustrated in  FIG. 1  may also have a configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 3 or 4 . 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0082]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a temperature management apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature management furnace  1  that stores articles  5  therein; rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B each comprising a magnetic material; opposite members  103 A and  103 B that are opposed to parts of side surfaces of the rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B, respectively, and each comprising a magnetic material; a driving device  104 A that rotates the opposite member  103 A around a central axis of the rod-shaped member  102 A to change a relative position of the rod-shaped member  102 A and the opposite member  103 A; a driving device  104 B that rotates the opposite member  103 B around a central axis of the rod-shaped member  102 B to change a relative position of the rod-shaped member  102 B and the opposite member  103 B; and a contact member  106  that moves within the temperature management furnace  1  in association with a change in a relative position between the rod-shaped members  102 A,  102 B and the opposite members  103 A,  103 B and moves the articles  5  by contact with the articles  5 . 
         [0083]    The driving device  104 A disposed outside of the space whose temperature management is performed by the temperature management furnace  1  rotates the opposite member  103 A disposed outside of the space whose temperature management is performed by the temperature management furnace  1  through a belt  134 A and so on. The arrangement of the driving device  104 A is fixed and the opposite member  103 A is not allowed to move in the direction of the central axis of the rod-shaped member  102 A. The driving device  104 B disposed outside of the space whose temperature management is performed by the temperature control furnace  1  rotates the opposite member  103 B disposed outside of the space whose temperature management is performed by the temperature management furnace  1  through a belt  134 B and so on. The arrangement of the driving device  104 B is fixed and the opposite member  103 B is not allowed to move in the direction of the central axis of the rod-shaped member  102 B. The driving devices  104 A,  104 B and the belts  134 A,  134 B may be covered with a shield or the like which prevents diffusion of possible dust, or the like. 
         [0084]    The rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B are held so as to be movable in the respective central axis directions. On the inside of the temperature management furnace  1 , the contact member  106  is fixed to end portions of the rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B. The rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B protrude to the outside of the temperature management furnace  1  through the side wall of the temperature management furnace  1 . The respective holes of the side wall of the temperature management furnace  1  through which the rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B penetrate are provided with sealing members, such as oil seals. Portions of the rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B projecting outside of the temperature management furnace  1  penetrate through the holes of the nut-shaped opposite members  103 A and  103 B. Because the rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B are fixed to the contact member  106 , the rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B are not allowed to rotate around the respective central axes thereof. 
         [0085]    The driving devices  104 A and  104 B synchronously rotate the opposite members  103 A and  103 B. When the driving device  104 A rotates the opposite member  103 A, the rod-shaped member  102 A moves along the central axis of the rod-shaped member  102 A due to a magnetic force. When the driving device  104 B rotates the opposite member  103 B, the rod-shaped member  102 B moves along the central axis of the rod-shaped member  102 B due to the magnetic force. The contact member  106  fixed between the rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B also moves on the shelf board  7  along the central axes of the rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B along with the movement of the rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B. The articles  5  placed on the shelf board  7  are pushed by the contact member  106  and move on the shelf board  7 . 
         [0086]    In the temperature management apparatus according to the second embodiment described above, the driving force is transmitted between the rod-shaped members  102 A,  102 B and the opposite members  103 A,  103 B in a non-contact manner by the aid of the magnetic force. Therefore, when the driving force is transmitted between the rod-shaped members  102 A,  102 B and the opposite members  103 A,  103 B, heat and dust are less likely to be generated. For that reason, even when the rod-shaped members  102 A,  102 B and the opposite members  103 A,  103 B are disposed in, for example, a clean room, the influence of heat generation in the clean room can be suppressed and the clean room can be kept clean. 
         [0087]    Furthermore, since the driving devices  104 A and  104 B are disposed outside of the space whose temperature management is performed by the temperature management furnace  1 , even if dust is generated in the driving devices  104 A and  104 B, the dust is less likely to enter the space whose temperature management is performed by the temperature management furnace  1 . In addition, because the driving devices  104 A and  104 B are disposed outside of the space whose temperature management is performed by the temperature management furnace  1 , temperature unevenness is less likely to occur inside of the temperature management furnace  1 . Still further, in the temperature management apparatus according to the second embodiment, because the rod-shaped members  102 A and  102 B do not rotate, there is no need to install bearings, and so on, in the temperature management furnace  1 . Therefore, the temperature management apparatus according to the second embodiment can keep the inside of the temperature management furnace  1  clean, and suppress temperature unevenness inside of the temperature management furnace  1 . 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0088]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a transfer apparatus according to a third embodiment comprises rod-shaped members  112 A and  112 B each comprising a magnetic material; opposite members  113 A and  113 B that are opposed to parts of side surfaces of the rod-shaped members  112 A and  112 B, respectively, and each comprising a magnetic material; a driving device  114 A that rotates the rod-shaped member  112 A around a central axis thereof to change a relative position of the rod-shaped member  112 A and the opposite member  113 A; a driving device  114 B that rotates the rod-shaped member  112 B around a central axis thereof to change a relative position of the rod-shaped member  112 B and the opposite member  113 B; and a contact member  116  that moves in association with a change in relative positions between the rod-shaped members  112 A,  112 B and the opposite members  113 A,  113 B and moves the articles  5  by contact with the articles  5  to be transferred inside and outside a temperature management furnace. 
         [0089]    The temperature management furnace into which the articles  5  are carried, is, for example, a freeze drying furnace. The articles  5  are, for example, vials into which a medicine has been injected. 
         [0090]    A shield  40  may be disposed between the rod-shaped members  112 A,  112 B and the driving devices  114 A,  114 B so as to prevent dust and heat that may be generated in the driving devices  114 A and  114 B from reaching the articles  5 . The driving device  114 A and the rod-shaped member  112 A are connected to each other through, for example, a mandrel  121 A that penetrates through the shield  40 . The driving device  114 B and the rod-shaped member  112 B are connected to each other through, for example, a mandrel  121 B that penetrates through the shield  40 . Holes of the shield  40  through which the mandrels  121 A and  121 B penetrate are provided with, for example, sealing members, such as oil seals. A shape of the shield  40  is not limited as long as the shield  40  can prevent the diffusion of possible dust. 
         [0091]    For example, the transfer apparatus according to the third embodiment is disposed on a side of a belt conveyor  401  that conveys the articles  5  to be carried into the temperature management furnace. For example, a transfer base  300  is disposed on an opposite side of the belt conveyor  401 . When the articles  5  are carried to a front of the contact member  116  by the aid of the belt conveyor  401 , the driving devices  114 A and  114 B synchronously rotate the rod-shaped members  112 A and  112 B and move the opposite members  113 A and  113 B along the central axes of the rod-shaped members  112 A and  112 B by the aid of the magnetic force. The articles  5  on the belt conveyor  401  are pushed by the contact member  116  fixed to the opposite members  113 A and  113 B out onto the transfer base  300 . 
         [0092]    With the transfer apparatus according to the third embodiment, the articles  5  can be transferred without allowing heat to be applied or dust to adhere to the articles  5  to be carried into the temperature management furnace, in which temperature distribution unevenness and the presence of dust are undesirable. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0093]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a transfer apparatus according to a fourth embodiment comprises rod-shaped members  122 A and  122 B each comprising a magnetic material; opposite members  123 A and  123 B that are opposed to parts of side surfaces of the rod-shaped members  122 A and  122 B, respectively, and each comprising a magnetic material; a driving device  124 A that rotates the opposite member  123 A around a central axis of the rod-shaped member  122 A to change a relative position of the rod-shaped member  122 A and the opposite member  123 A; a driving device  124 B that rotates the opposite member  123 B around a central axis of the rod-shaped member  122 B to change a relative position of the rod-shaped member  122 B and the opposite member  123 B; and a contact member  126  that moves in association with a change in relative positions between the rod-shaped members  122 A,  122 B and the opposite members  123 A,  123 B and that moves the articles  5  by contact with the articles  5  to be transferred inside and outside a temperature management furnace. 
         [0094]    The driving device  124 A rotates the opposite member  123 A through a belt  154 A and so on. The driving device  124 B rotates the opposite member  123 B through a belt  154 B and so on. 
         [0095]    A shield  40  may be disposed between the contact member  126  and the opposite members  123 A,  123 B so as to prevent dust and heat that may be generated in the driving devices  124 A and  124 B from reaching the articles  5 . In that case, the rod-shaped members  122 A and  122 B penetrate through the shield  40 . Holes of the shield  40  through which the rod-shaped members  122 A and  122 B penetrate are provided with, for example, sealing members, such as oil seals. A shape of the shield  40  is not limited as long as the shield  40  can prevent the diffusion of possible dust. 
         [0096]    When the articles  5  are carried to a front of the contact member  126  by the aid of the belt conveyor  401 , the driving devices  124 A and  124 B synchronously rotate the opposite members  123 A and  123 B and move the rod-shaped members  122 A and  122 B in the respective central axis directions by the aid of the magnetic force. The articles  5  on the belt conveyor  401  are pushed by the contact member  126  fixed to the rod-shaped members  122 A and  122 B out onto the transfer base  300 . 
         [0097]    Similarly, with the transfer apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the articles  5  can be transferred without allowing heat to be applied or dust to adhere to the articles  5  to be carried into the temperature management furnace, in which temperature distribution unevenness and the presence of dust are undesirable. 
         [0098]      96859 / 78   
       Fifth Embodiment 
       [0099]    As illustrated in  FIG. 8  that is a top view and  FIG. 9  that is a side view, a transfer base according to a fifth embodiment comprises a base member  321 , a table  322  that is located on the base member  321 , a table movement rod-shaped member  302 A that is at least partially disposed on the base member  321  and comprises a magnetic material, a table movement opposite member  303 A that is opposed to a part of a side surface of the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A and comprises a magnetic material, and a table driving device  304 A that rotates the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A around a central axis thereof and changes a relative position between the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A and the table movement opposite member  303 A to move the table  322 . 
         [0100]    The transfer base according to the fifth embodiment further comprises a contact member  306  for moving the articles  5  by contact with the articles  5  placed on the table  322 , contact member movement rod-shaped members  312 A and  312 B that are at least partially disposed on the table  322  and each comprising a magnetic material, contact member movement opposite members  313 A and  313 B that are opposed to parts of side surfaces of the contact member movement rod-shaped members  312 A and  312 B, respectively, and each comprising a magnetic material, a contact member driving device  314 A that rotates the contact member movement rod-shaped member  312 A around a central axis thereof and changes a relative position between the contact member movement rod-shaped member  312 A and the contact member movement opposite member  313 A to move the contact member  306 , and a contact member driving device (not shown), which rotates the contact member movement rod-shaped member  312 B around a central axis thereof and changes a relative position between the contact member movement rod-shaped member  312 B and the contact member movement opposite member  313 B to move the contact member  306 . 
         [0101]    The transfer base according to the fifth embodiment is used for carrying the articles  5  into the temperature management furnace or for carrying the article  5  out of the temperature management furnace. The temperature management furnace, into which the articles  5  are carried, is, for example, a freeze drying furnace. The articles  5  are, for example, vials into which a medicine has been injected. 
         [0102]    For example, wheels  323 A and  323 B may be provided on a bottom surface side of the base member  321 . The wheels  323 A and  323 B may rotate on floor rails  324 A and  324 B, respectively. 
         [0103]    The table movement rod-shaped member  302 A is held, for example, by a bearing, or the like, disposed on the base member  321 . The table driving device  304 A is fixed on the base member  321 , and covered with a shield  334 A for prevention of dust. The table driving device  304 A and the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A are connected to each other, for example, through a mandrel. A hole of the shield  334 A through which the mandrel penetrates is provided with, for example, a sealing member, such as an oil seal. 
         [0104]    For example, a table movement rail  325 A is disposed on the base member  321 . In addition, a drive transmission member  328  is disposed over the base member  321  through guides  326 A and  327 A slidable on the table movement rail  325 A. The drive transmission member  328  is fixed to the table movement opposite member  303 A and the table  322 . 
         [0105]    When the table driving device  304 A rotates the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A, the table movement opposite member  303 A moves along the central axis of the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A by the aid of a magnetic force. In association with the above movement, the drive transmission member  328  fixed to the table movement opposite member  303 A moves along the central axis of the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A. Further, the table  322  fixed to the drive transmission member  328  moves along the central axis of the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A. 
         [0106]    On the base member  321 , another set of a table driving device, a table movement rod-shaped member, and a table movement opposite member may be disposed in parallel to the table driving device  304 A, the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A, and the table movement opposite member  303 A. 
         [0107]    The respective contact member movement rod-shaped members  312 A and  312 B are held by bearings, or the like, disposed on the table  322 . The contact member driving device  314 A is fixed to the table  322 . The contact member driving device  314 A and the contact member movement rod-shaped member  312 A are connected to each other, for example, through a belt drive. The contact member driving device  314 A and the belt drive are covered with, for example, a shield  344 A for prevention of dust. For example, a sealing member, or the like, such as an oil seal, is provided in a hole of the shield  344 A through which a mandrel connecting a pulley of the belt drive and the contact member movement rod-shaped member  312 A penetrates. 
         [0108]    When the contact member driving device  314 A rotates the contact member movement rod-shaped member  312 A, the contact member movement opposite member  313 A moves along the central axis of the contact member movement rod-shaped member  312 A by the aid of a magnetic force. When the contact member driving device (not shown) rotates the contact member movement rod-shaped member  312 B in synchronization with the contact member driving device  314 A, the contact member movement opposite member  313 B moves along the central axis of the contact member movement rod-shaped member  312 B by the aid of a magnetic force. In association with the above movement, the contact member  306  fixed to the contact member movement opposite members  313 A and  313 B moves along the central axes of the contact member movement rod-shaped members  312 A and  312 B. The articles  5  placed on the table  322  are pushed by the contact member  306  and move on the table  322 . 
         [0109]    According to the transfer base according to the fifth embodiment, the articles  5  can be transferred without allowing heat to be applied or dust to adhere to the articles  5  to be carried into the temperature management furnace, in which the temperature distribution unevenness and the mixture of dust are undesirable. 
       Modification of Fifth Embodiment 
       [0110]    In the fifth embodiment, the example in which the table driving device rotates the table movement rod-shaped member to move the table movement opposite member fixed to the table has been described. In the alternative, the table movement rod-shaped member may be fixed to the table and the table movement opposite member may be rotated by the table driving device so that the table movement rod-shaped member fixed to the table is moved in the central axis direction by the magnetic force. 
         [0111]    In the fifth embodiment, the example in which the contact member driving device rotates the contact member movement rod-shaped member to move the contact member movement opposite member fixed to the contact member has been described. Alternatively, the contact member movement rod-shaped member may be fixed to the contact member and the contact member movement opposite member may be rotated by the contact member driving device so that the contact member movement rod-shaped member fixed to the contact member is moved in the central axis direction by the magnetic force. 
       Sixth Embodiment 
       [0112]    In a sixth embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a temperature management apparatus  100 , a transfer apparatus  200 , and a transfer base  300  are used in combination. The temperature management apparatus  100  is configured as described in the first embodiment. The transfer apparatus  200  is configured as described in the third embodiment. The transfer base  300  is configured as described in the fifth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, a belt conveyor  401  for transferring the articles  5  to be carried to the temperature management apparatus  100  and a belt conveyor  402  for transferring the articles  5  to be carried from the temperature management apparatus  100  are additionally used in combination. 
         [0113]    The temperature management apparatus  100  is disposed between the belt conveyor  401  and the belt conveyor  402 . The transfer base  300  is movable on the floor rails  324 A and  324 B through the belt conveyor  401 , the temperature management apparatus  100 , and the belt conveyor  402 . The transfer apparatus  200  is disposed so as to face the belt conveyor  401 . Before the articles  5  are carried into the temperature management apparatus  100 , the transfer base  300  is disposed so as to face the transfer apparatus  200  across the belt conveyor  401 . In this situation, the transfer base  300  allows the table driving device  304 A illustrated in  FIG. 9  to rotate the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A so that the table  322  fixed to the table movement opposite member  303 A is brought close to the belt conveyor  401  illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0114]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 10 to 13 , the belt conveyor  401  transfers a predetermined number of articles  5  to be carried into the temperature management apparatus  100  in a line. The driving devices  114 A and  114 B of the transfer apparatus  200  repeat the operation of rotating the rod-shaped members  112 A and  112 B in synchronization, moving the opposite members  113 A and  113 B, and pushing the articles  5  aligned on the belt conveyor  401  onto the table  322  of the transfer base  300  with the use of the contact member  116 . 
         [0115]    As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , when the predetermined number of articles  5  are put on the table  322  of the transfer base  300 , the transfer base  300  allows the table driving device  304 A illustrated in  FIG. 9  to rotate the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A so that the table  322  fixed to the table movement opposite member  303 A is spaced apart from the belt conveyor  401  illustrated in  FIG. 14 . Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the transfer base  300  moves on the floor rails  324 A and  324 B up to a position to face the temperature management apparatus  100 . Thereafter, as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the transfer base  300  allows the table driving device  304 A illustrated in  FIG. 9  to rotate the table movement rod-shaped member  302 A so that the table  322  fixed to the table movement opposite member  303 A is brought closer to the shelf board  7  within the temperature management apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0116]    Further, as illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the contact member driving device of the transfer base  300  rotates the contact member movement rod-shaped members  312 A and  312 B, moves the contact member movement opposite members  313 A and  313 B, and pushes the articles  5  on the table  322  onto the shelf board  7  in the temperature management furnace  1  of the temperature management apparatus  100  by the aid of the contact member  306 . After having pushed all of the articles  5  onto the shelf board  7 , as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the transfer base  300  separates the table  322  from the temperature management apparatus  100 . Further, the transfer base  300  moves the contact member  306  in a direction opposite to the temperature management apparatus  100 . 
         [0117]    Referring to  FIG. 20 , the temperature management apparatus  100  closes a door of the temperature management furnace  1  and subjects the articles  5  in the temperature management furnace  1  to, for example, a freeze drying process. After having completed the freeze drying process of the articles  5 , the temperature management apparatus  100  opens the door of the temperature management furnace  1 , and as illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the transfer base  300  brings the table  322  closer to the shelf board  7  in the temperature management apparatus  100 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the driving devices  4 A and  4 B of the temperature management apparatus  100  synchronously rotate the rod-shaped members  2 A and  2 B to move the opposite members  3 A and  3 B and push out the articles  5  placed on the shelf board  7  onto the table  322  of the transfer base  300  by the aid of the contact member  6 . As illustrated in  FIG. 24 , after all of the articles  5  have been pushed out onto the table  322  of the transfer base  300 , the transfer base  300  separates the table  322  from the temperature management apparatus  100 . 
         [0118]    As illustrated in  FIG. 25 , the transfer base  300  moves on the floor rails  324 A and  324 B up to a position to face the belt conveyor  402 . Thereafter, as illustrated in  FIG. 26 , the transfer base  300  brings the table  322  close to the belt conveyor  402 . Further, as illustrated in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , the contact member driving device of the transfer base  300  pushes out the articles  5  on the table  322  onto the belt conveyor  402  by the aid of the contact member  306 . After having pushed out all of the articles  5  onto the belt conveyor  402 , the transfer base  300  separates the table  322  from the belt conveyor  402 , as illustrated in  FIG. 29 . Further, the transfer base  300  allows the contact member  306  to move in the direction opposite to the belt conveyor  402 . 
         [0119]    The temperature management apparatus  100  described in the first embodiment, the transfer apparatus  200  described in the third embodiment, and the transfer base  300  described in the fifth embodiment are combined together to thereby make it possible to transfer the articles  5  inside and outside the temperature management furnace  1 , while the inside of the temperature management furnace  1  is kept clean and the temperature unevenness inside of the temperature management furnace  1  is suppressed. It should be noted that the same advantages are obtained even if the temperature management apparatus described in the second embodiment may be used, the transfer apparatus described in the fourth embodiment may be used, or the transfer base described in the modifications of the fifth embodiment is used. 
       Other Embodiments 
       [0120]    As described above, the present invention has been described by way of the embodiments, but it should be understood that the description and the drawings constituting a part of the present disclosure do not limit the present invention. From the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques should be clarified. For example, the articles transferred inside and outside the temperature management furnace are not limited to the inclusion of medicines, but may include foods, beverages, precision parts, etc., as well as any articles to be controlled in temperature. The temperature management furnace of the temperature management apparatus is not limited to the freeze drying furnace, but may be a fermentation furnace, or includes any furnace in which it is desirable to suppress the internal temperature distribution unevenness and to suppress the dust generation. Further, the shape of the opposite member is not limited to the nut shape, but may be, for example, a concave shape. In that case, the rod-shaped member passes through a concave portion of a concave opposite member. S pole magnetized zones and N pole magnetized zones are alternately provided on a concave portion side surface of the concave opposite member. As described above, it should be understood that the present invention encompasses various embodiments and the like not described in the present disclosure. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 
       [0121]      1 : temperature management furnace 
         [0122]      2 A,  2 B,  102 A,  102 B,  112 A,  112 B,  122 A,  122 B: rod-shaped member 
         [0123]      3 A,  3 B,  103 A,  103 B,  113 A,  113 B,  123 A,  123 B: opposite member 
         [0124]      4 A,  4 B,  104 A,  104 B,  124 A,  124 B: driving device 
         [0125]      5 : article 
         [0126]      6 ,  106 ,  116 ,  126 ,  306 : contact member 
         [0127]      7 : shelf board 
         [0128]      11 A,  11 B,  121 A,  121 B: mandrel 
         [0129]      12 A,  12 B: bearing 
         [0130]      20 A,  30 A: pipe 
         [0131]      31 ,  32 : guide ring 
         [0132]      40 ,  334 A,  344 A: shield 
         [0133]      100 : temperature management apparatus 
         [0134]      114 A,  114 B: driving device 
         [0135]      134 A,  134 B,  154 A,  154 B: belt 
         [0136]      200 : transfer apparatus 
         [0137]      300 : transfer base 
         [0138]      302 A: table movement rod-shaped member 
         [0139]      303 A: table movement opposite member 
         [0140]      304 A: table driving device 
         [0141]      312 A,  312 B: contact member movement rod-shaped member 
         [0142]      313 A,  313 B: contact member movement opposite member 
         [0143]      314 A: contact member driving device 
         [0144]      321 : base member 
         [0145]      322 : table 
         [0146]      323 A,  323 B: wheel 
         [0147]      324 A,  324 B: floor rail 
         [0148]      325 A: table movement rail 
         [0149]      326 A,  327 A: guide 
         [0150]      328 : drive transmission member 
         [0151]      401 ,  402 : belt conveyor