Magnetic equipment for magnetically anchoring ferrous elements

Abstract

Magnetic equipment (10 A) for magnetically anchoring ferrous elements, comprising: a support structure (11, 11 A) having a predetermined width (L), length (1) and thickness (S) and a plurality of polar units (30 A), in said support structure (11,11 A) a first and a second side (12,13) being identified at the opposite surfaces of greater extension, the polar units of said plurality of polar units (30 A) being housed in the thickness (S) of said support structure (11,11A) and comprising a magnetic circuit having at least one respective first polar collector (50) generating in said first side (12) at least a first magnetic flux so as to define a first magnetic anchoring surface for magnetically anchoring first ferrous elements, a lateral portion (50A) of each first polar collector (50) identifying a portion of said first side (12), each first polar collector (50) being integrally formed with the support structure (11), so as to create magnetic equipment (10A) of monolithic type, each first polar collector (50) having a lateral surface (50C) extending between the side portion (50A) and a bottom (SOB); first recesses (Rl) obtained within the thickness (S) from the first side (12) and defining at least in part the outer surface (50C); filling elements (200) arranged within the first recesses (Rl) and configured to identify a portion of the surface of the first side (12); the filling elements (200) are made of a non-ferromagnetic metal alloy.

Description

[0001] Title: "Magnetic equipment for magnetically anchoring ferrous elements

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to monolithic magnetic equipment as defined in the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] Preferably, such magnetic equipment is usually associated with ferrous element machining devices, such as, for example, machine tools or, in general, machines for anchoring ferromagnetic pieces.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] According to the prior art, magnetic anchoring equipment, for example, of the double-magnet electropermanent type, comprises a casing made from a solid rod of ferromagnetic material having a bottom, on the inner surface of which a number of polar units are arranged.

[0008] Alternatively, the casing can be obtained by assembling different components together according to methods well known to a person skilled in the art.

[0009] Each polar unit in the case of electropermanent equipment, comprises at least:

[0010] - one or more polar collectors,

[0011] - one or more magnetic cores;

[0012] - an electrical winding (also called solenoid) for modifying the state of magnetization, which is arranged around the reversible permanent magnetic core.

[0013] Furthermore, according to well-known techniques, the polar units can be associated to the frame, for example, by means of a screw inserted in a suitable hole, so as to tighten the solenoid - reversible magnet assembly as a pack.

[0014] Additionally, it is also envisaged to associate one or more polar units with a respective polar extension if the machining needs of the ferrous elements require use. In addition, a "resin casting" operation is also provided, thanks to which it is possible to make the magnetic equipment substantially impermeable to impurities and / or liquid leak, as well as ensuring the filling of the gaps.

[0015] Specifically, it is provided that recesses within which to insert and retain components of the polar units are defined inside the housing of the equipment. These recesses are obtained both from the bottom surface and from the rest surface.

[0016] Once the aforementioned components of the polar units are positioned, resin casting is provided which allows the rest and bottom surface to be uniform, waterproofing them and retaining the components of the polar units.

[0017] It should be noted that the magnetic equipment can be fixed to a rest surface either by magnetic anchoring when possible or by a typical mechanical fixing.

[0018] In particular, the outer surface of the bottom of the housing of the magnetic equipment is coupled to a surface of the aforementioned machining devices. After fixing the equipment to the surface of the machining device, the anchoring plane is able to magnetically retain the ferrous element for mechanical machining.

[0019] For example, if the bottom of the magnetic equipment is to be removably constrained to a framework (also called a baseplate) of a machine tool, the use of constraint means such as clamps, bolts and / or screws is provided, which are capable of mechanically retaining said magnetic equipment during the machining operations of the ferrous element or the use of the magnetic anchoring.

[0020] In practice, in order to be able to carry out the machining operations on the ferrous element, it is first necessary to couple and retain the bottom of the magnetic equipment to the machining device by combining one or more of the aforementioned constraint means, ensuring an adequate approach between the surface and the machine baseplate. Subsequently, the ferrous element must be positioned on the anchoring plane and the magnetic equipment must be activated to magnetically anchor the ferrous element to the aforementioned anchoring plane.

[0021] Once the ferrous element has been anchored to the anchoring plane and the necessary machining has been carried out on the ferrous element, it often happens that the anchoring plane wears out over time. Specifically, the anchoring plane tends to lose its flatness in order to properly retain the ferrous elements.

[0022] In order to overcome these wear problems, it is known to carry out grinding operations on the anchoring plane by means of relative machinery. These operations voluntarily remove portions of the carcass at the anchoring plane in order to recover the lost flatness.

[0023] Problems of the background art

[0024] The removal of material by grinding to recover the flatness of the anchoring plane progressively reduces the thickness of the carcass itself, causing:

[0025] - the equipment to weaken in terms of mechanical stresses;

[0026] - the gradual elimination of the seats for the components of the polar units;

[0027] - damage to the resin casting and the opening of breaches that cause leak and passage of impurities with the consequent worsening of presentations. Specifically, it is known that resins following one or more grinding processes tend to weaken and shatter.

[0028] Disadvantageously, the magnetic equipment of the prior art has a reduced useful life due to grinding operations which at the same time are necessary to extend the life of the magnetic equipment.

[0029] Summary of the invention

[0030] The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks discussed with reference to the prior art, and in particular to provide magnetic equipment for magnetically anchoring ferrous elements capable of improving the useful life of the magnetic equipment itself.

[0031] These and other objects are achieved by the magnetic equipment according to any one of the appended claims.

[0032] Advantages of the invention

[0033] Advantageously, the magnetic equipment of the present invention allows to maintain impermeability to impurities and / or liquid leak, as well as to avoid filling of the interstices following grinding operations.

[0034] Advantageously, the magnetic equipment of the present invention allows to increase the useful life of the magnetic equipment also following the due grinding operations.

[0035] Further features and advantages of the invention will be recognisable by a person skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0036] Brief Description of the figures

[0037] For a better understanding of the following detailed description, some embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying leaks, wherein:

[0038] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of magnetic equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another magnetic equipment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] - Figure 3 shows a partial sectional view of the magnetic equipment according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] - Figure 4 shows a partial sectional view of the magnetic equipment according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] - Figure 5 shows a partial sectional view of the magnetic equipment according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] - Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a detail of the magnetic equipment of figure 5.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Even if not explicitly highlighted, the individual features described with reference to the specific embodiments shall be understood as accessory to and / or interchangeable with other features described with reference to other embodiments.

[0046] It should be noted that the present invention has as its object a magnetic equipment for magnetically anchoring ferrous elements whose general and operating characteristics are widely described in patents EP2653262B1, EP2476509B1 and EP2280804B1 to which reference is made for any further details.

[0047] In the following, some definitions are taken from the already mentioned patents to make this discussion more intelligible. Therefore, for any further information, the person skilled in the art may refer to the aforementioned patents. In addition, where possible, the same numbering was maintained.

[0048] The term magnetic equipment in the continuation of this description means:

[0049] - magnetopermanent equipment, that is, equipment that does not require power supply during its use in the anchoring step and in the step of modification of the activation state, made with permanent magnets suitably arranged inside the equipment itself;

[0050] - electro-permanent equipment, i.e. equipment that does not require power supply during its use in the anchoring step, but which nevertheless requires power supply in the activation and deactivation step, made with invertible permanent magnets and, if necessary, static permanent magnets appropriately arranged inside it;

[0051] - electromagnetic equipment, i.e. equipment that requires power supply during its use in the anchoring step, whose magnetic core consists of ferromagnetic material.

[0052] For the purposes of the present invention, the term polar collector in the following of the present description refers to an element that normally has a side whose surface is magnetically neutral when the magnetic equipment is deactivated and magnetically active when the magnetic equipment is activated.

[0053] In other words, the polar collector can have four of the six surfaces in which the magnetic field is arranged in a single direction, the fifth surface in which the direction of the magnetic field can be modified so as to have the same or the opposite polarity of the magnetic field present in the other four surfaces and a sixth surface that coincides with the side which is:

[0054] - magnetically neutral when the magnetic field generated on the fifth surface has an opposite polarity with respect to the magnetic field of the other four surfaces (the magnetic equipment is therefore deactivated) or

[0055] - magnetically active when the magnetic field generated on the fifth surface has the same polarity with respect to the magnetic field of the other four surfaces (the magnetic equipment is therefore active).

[0056] In essence, the polar collector is nothing more than an element capable of conveying the magnetic flux generated by the reversible permanent magnetic core towards the surface of the side in order to create a magnetic anchoring plane.

[0057] It should be noted that the surfaces of the sides of the "N" polar collectors, as a whole, identify the magnetic anchoring plane capable of firmly anchoring the ferrous elements P to be subjected to mechanical machining.

[0058] For the purposes of the present invention, the term activate / deactivate the magnetic equipment means the possibility of being able to modify the magnetisation state of the magnets upon the action of an electrical control suitable for generating an appropriate electromagnetic field in the electrical winding.

[0059] In the continuation of the present description, the invention is described with reference to magnetic equipment of the double-magnet electropermanent type.

[0060] With reference to the annexed figures 1 and 2, magnetic anchoring equipment in accordance with the present invention is indicated as a whole with 10A.

[0061] The magnetic equipment 10A for magnetically anchoring ferrous elements comprises a support structure 11 having a predetermined width L, length 1 and thickness S.

[0062] In particular, the support structure 11 identifies a first and a second side 12, 13 respectively at the opposite surfaces of greater extension.

[0063] Preferably, the first and second side 12, 13 extend parallel to each other so as to define respective planes.

[0064] As will be apparent from the continuation of the present description, one plane, for example that identified by the side 12, is intended to be the surface on which the ferrous elements to be subjected to mechanical machining will be magnetically anchored, while the other plane, for example that identified by the side 13, is intended to be the surface that can be mechanically and / or magnetically anchored to a ferrous material such as, for example, a baseplate of a machine tool.

[0065] It should be noted that the first side 12 as identified below is the side subjected to greater machining and wear and that it is subjected to grinding operations or alternatively also to turning operations.

[0066] The magnetic equipment 10A comprises a plurality of polar units 30A provided with a relative magnetic circuit. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a plurality "N" of polar units 30A is housed in the thickness S.

[0067] In particular, the polar units 30A comprise at least one first polar collector 50. As clarified below, the first polar collector 50 is configured to generate in the first side 12 at least a first magnetic flux so as to define a first anchoring magnetic surface for magnetically anchoring first ferrous elements.

[0068] It should be noted that each first polar collector 50 has a lateral portion 50A that identifies a portion of said first side 12. Furthermore, each first polar collector 50 has a lateral surface 50C extended between the lateral portion 50A and a bottom 50B along a first direction X-X preferably perpendicular to the first and second side 12, 13.

[0069] In particular, it is noted that, advantageously, the first polar collector 50 is made as a single piece with the support structure 11, so as to make magnetic equipment 10A of a monolithic type.

[0070] In fact, as can be seen in figures 3-5, the first polar collector 50 is an integral part of the support structure 11 as it is obtained by mechanical machining processes, such as removal of material, in order to shape the first polar collector 50.

[0071] In accordance with a preferred embodiment for example illustrated in figures 3 and 4, each polar unit 30A comprises at least a first magnetic core 40 and an electric winding 30 arranged around it for changing the magnetization state of the first magnetic core 40.

[0072] For example, the first reversible permanent magnetic core 40 is realised as a reversible permanent magnet of the AlNiCo type.

[0073] Advantageously, the polar units 30A comprise a second polar collector 60, a lateral portion 60 A of which identifies a portion of said second side 13.

[0074] In particular, it is noted that the surface 50A of the first polar collector 50 defines part of the anchoring surface of the first side 12, while the surface 60A of the second polar collector 60 identifies part of the surface of the second side 13.

[0075] The second polar collector 60 is positioned close to the first magnetic core 40 to pack-tighten said magnetic core 40 and the electrical winding 30 against the bottom 50B of the first polar collector 50.

[0076] In accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment illustrated in figures 5 and 6, the polar units 30A may further comprise second magnetic cores 90.

[0077] These second magnetic cores 90 are suitably oriented and arranged near the faces of the first polar collector 50, in accordance with techniques well known to a person skilled in the art and therefore not described in detail.

[0078] The second magnetic cores 90 are preferably realised as permanently magnetized non-reversible magnetic cores, for example made of Ferrite or NdFeB.

[0079] Preferably, the second magnetic cores 90 are configured to generate on said first anchoring surface of said first side 12 a second magnetic flux so as to magnetically anchor said first ferrous elements by means of said first and second flux.

[0080] It should be noted that the components of the polar units 30A can be held together by means of constraint elements such as screws and / or resin adapted to fix the aforementioned components within the thickness S.

[0081] Advantageously, in the preferred embodiment of the magnetic equipment 10 A, the aforementioned elements are realised as elements having a circular plan section.

[0082] In particular, we have for example that:

[0083] - the first magnetic core 40 is realised as a cylindrical body of thickness and diameter,

[0084] - the electrical winding 30 is realised as an annular element of greater thickness and diameter than the diameter of the first magnetic core 40, - the second polar collector 60 is realised as a cylindrical body of predefined thickness and diameter equal to the diameter of the magnetic core 40,

[0085] - if present, the second magnetic core 90 is realised as a plurality of portions of an annular element of diameter and thickness.

[0086] It should be noted that the thickness of the second polar collector 60 is suitable for making the magnetic flux or most of it generated by the magnetic cores 40 exit in order to have the surface of said second side 13 magnetically active, i.e. having a magnetic force value sufficient to anchor the magnetic equipment 10A through the second side 13.

[0087] Alternatively, the elements constituting the N polar units 30A could have a quadrangular or rectangular plan section or any other shape.

[0088] It should be noted that the "N" polar units 30A can be freely arranged within the structure 11, i.e. they can be arranged without a predefined geometric pattern being respected.

[0089] However, according to a preferred embodiment, the "N" polar units 30A are arranged in the structure 11 according to a predefined scheme; for example, the "N" polar units 30A can be arranged according to a matrix-like scheme (figure 1).

[0090] Preferably, the centre C of the "N" polar units 30A lies along the lines and / or columns constituting the matrix.

[0091] Advantageously, according to the usual methods of use of the equipment 10 A, holes or grooves 15 can be made on the first side 12.

[0092] It should be noted that a fixing device can be associated with each hole 15.

[0093] The shank of a pole extension (not illustrated) can be associated with this fixing device 16.

[0094] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the support structure 11 comprises first recesses R1 contained in the thickness S of the support structure 11. In accordance with a preferred embodiment and combinable with the previous one, the support structure 11 comprises second recesses R1 contained in the thickness S of the support structure 11.

[0095] These recesses are shaped, in addition to defining the first polar collector 50, also to house the elements constituting the polar unit 30a, as described in more detail below.

[0096] The first recesses R1 are defined starting from the outer surface of the first side 12 within the thickness S of the support structure 11.

[0097] These first recesses R1 define at least in part the lateral surface 50C of the first polar collector 50.

[0098] It should be noted that the lateral surface 50C of the first collector 50 extends in a direction substantially transverse to the first and / or second side 12 and / or 13.

[0099] In particular, the lateral surface 50C does not identify any portion of the side 12.

[0100] The second recesses R2 are obtained within the thickness S from the second side 13. It should be noted that the second polar collector 60, the first magnetic core 40, and the electrical winding 30 are housed in the second recess R2.

[0101] In accordance with the preferred embodiment with the second magnetic cores 90, the second recesses R2 are configured to also house the second magnetic cores 90.

[0102] In other words, each second recess R2 is configured to receive the second polar collector 60, the first magnetic core 40, the electrical winding 30 and, if present, the second magnetic core 90 of a relative polar unit 30A.

[0103] Preferably, said second recesses R2 define the bottom 50B of the first collector 50.

[0104] In fact, it is envisaged that in the thickness S of the support structure 11 starting from the outer surface of the second side 13 the aforementioned second recesses R2 of depth S’ are made suitably shaped to identify the bottom 50B of the first polar collector

[0105] 50 and optionally at least a portion of the lateral surface 50C.

[0106] In accordance with an embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the first recess R1 defines a first portion of the lateral surface 50C’ of the first polar collector 50 and the second recess R2 defines a second portion of the lateral surface 50C” of the first polar collector 50. In the present embodiment, the second magnetic core 90 is configured to be housed in the second recess R2 in the portion defining the second portion of the lateral surface 50C”.

[0107] It should be noted that the first recesses R1 are limited by a recess bottom 220 defined in a single piece by the support structure 11, by the lateral surface 50C of the first polar collector 50 and a recess wall 221 surrounding the lateral surface 50C obtained in the support structure 11.

[0108] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each first recess R1 has a recess depth Pr comprised between 5 and 25mm.

[0109] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each first recess R1 has a recess width Lr measured from the lateral surface 50C to the recess wall 221 comprised between 3 and 12mm.

[0110] Preferably, the second recesses may have a circular and / or quadrangular in shape as respectively illustrated in figure 1 and 2.

[0111] The magnetic equipment 10A comprises filling elements 200 arranged within the first recesses R1 and configured to identify a surface portion of the first side 12.

[0112] It should be noted that the filling elements 200 together with the support structure 11, in which the first recesses R1 are obtained, define a panel integrated into the thickness of the support structure 11. In detail, the equipment A has an integrated panel of monolithic type with the support structure 11.

[0113] This integrated panel extends from the first side 11 up to a panel depth equal to the recess depth Pr. In this way, the integrated panel allows grinding and turning machining on the first side 11 for an increased thickness before compromising the relative polar units 30A, protecting the first recesses R1 with the filling elements 200.

[0114] Advantageously, the integrated panel increases the useful life of the equipment by avoiding the addition of external panels and thus simplifying machining.

[0115] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the filling elements 200 are made of a non-ferromagnetic metal alloy.

[0116] Advantageously, the filling elements 200 in non-ferromagnetic metal alloy in addition to avoiding interference to the magnetic fluxes of the polar units 30 A allow to improve the resistance to continuous grinding processes. Furthermore, the filling elements 200 in non-ferromagnetic metal alloy, thanks to their improved resistance compared to the resin, guarantee impermeability by avoiding leak and the passage of impurities inside the support structure even after having undergone one or more grinding processes.

[0117] Preferably, the non-ferromagnetic metal alloy is selected from brass and steel.

[0118] It should be noted that each filling element 200 conforms to the first recess R1 in order to be inserted therein.

[0119] Advantageously, the recess depth Pr in the aforesaid ranges provides a greater thickness to be ground thus increasing the groundable thickness of both the first pole collector 50 and the support structure 11.

[0120] Advantageously, the recess width Lr in the aforementioned ranges allows easier formation of the first recesses R1 in the aforementioned depth ranges.

[0121] Advantageously, the use of the filling elements 200 in non-ferromagnetic metal alloy guarantee resistance to grinding and correct structural support in the relative first recesses R1 having recess depth Pr and optionally recess width Lr in the aforementioned ranges.

[0122] Advantageously, the magnetic equipment of the present invention increases its useful life by having the possibility to support a high number of grinding processes.

[0123] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each filling element 200 has at least one annular body 210 configured to be inserted into the first recess Rl. Specifically, the annular body 210 extends between a tail portion 211 and a head portion 212 along a first direction X-X. The annular body 210 defines a passage channel 213 adapted to receive the portion of the first polar collector 50 defined by the first recess Rl . It should be noted that the head portion 212 is configured to define a portion of the surface of the first side 12. Specifically, the head portion 212 defines a portion of the surface of the first side 12 once the relative filling element 200 is inserted into the recess.

[0124] Preferably, the tail portion 211 is configured to abut at least in part at the bottom of the recess 220.

[0125] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the annular body 210 has at the tail portion 211 a surface chamfered towards the centre of the passage channel 213.

[0126] Advantageously, the chamfered surface facilitates insertion of the annular body 210 into the first recess Rl.

[0127] Preferably, the filling element 200 is inserted within a relative first recess Rl in an integral manner with the support structure 11.

[0128] More preferably, each filling element 200 is made integral to the support structure 11 by applying an adhesive-type fastener between the first recess Rl and the filling element 210. For example, the adhesive-type fastener may be glue.

[0129] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each electrical winding 30 has a number of turns depending on the recess depth Pr. In order to avoid the reduction of magnetic fluxes, it is necessary to increase the number of turns in the electrical winding 30 up to 30% and to control the magnetization as the recess depth Pr and therefore the thickness S are reduced with the continuous grinding processes. Specifically, the electrical winding 30 has an increase in the number of turns as a function of the recess depth Pr up to 30%.

[0130] It should be noted that the magnetic flux on the surface of the first side is a function of the recess depth Pr moving the first side 12 away from the first magnetic core 40, from the electrical winding 30 and optionally from the second polar collector 60 and if present from the second magnetic core 90.

[0131] Advantageously, a control unit is provided operatively connected to the magnetic equipment 10A in order to control the operating conditions of the equipment itself.

[0132] In particular, the control unit is electrically associated with the magnetic equipment 10A by means of an electrical connection for controlling the electrical windings 30 so as to modify the magnetization state of the magnetic cores 40 as a function of the specific operating conditions.

[0133] The control unit comprises a plurality of keys where by pressing them the operator can command the magnetic equipment to operate in accordance with the operating conditions, as described in more detail below.

[0134] Until now, the static characteristics of the magnetic equipment 10A have been described, for the operating characteristics reference is made to patents EP2653262B1, EP2476509B1 and EP2280804B 1 except for the specifications below.

[0135] In particular, it should first be noted that the polar units 30a generate at least a first magnetic flux on said first side 12 when the magnetic equipment 10A is in a working condition and therefore magnetically active.

[0136] This magnetic flux is capable of magnetically anchoring first ferrous elements.

[0137] Advantageously, the first magnetic flux defines at the second side 13 a further magnetic anchoring surface so as to magnetically anchor second ferrous elements.

[0138] In other words, the polar units 30A generate on said second side 13, when the magnetic equipment 10A is in a working condition, at least the same magnetic flux capable of magnetically anchoring second ferrous elements.

[0139] It should be noted that the magnetic flux leaving a polar unit 30A has a direction opposite to the flux leaving the adjacent polar unit so as to concatenate with the latter and thus create a so-called bidirectional circuit.

[0140] For a description of the operation and advantages of using the bidirectional magnetic circuit, reference may be made to US 4356467.

[0141] Then, the at least one first magnetic flux exits the second side 13 for a predetermined depth of field.

[0142] It should be noted that by depth of field, in the following of the present description, is meant the minimum distance starting from the outer surface of the second side 13 within which all the magnetic flux can be short-circuited between two different adjacent polar units 30 A.

[0143] In particular, the magnetic field, generated by the magnetic equipment 10A starting from the surface of the side 13 and exiting from said second side 13, can have a depth of field equal to the maximum value of the maximum linear dimension of the second polar collector 60.

[0144] Thus, starting from the surface of the side 13 it is possible to generate a magnetic flux whose depth of field T is such as to generate a sufficient magnetic force value capable of firmly blocking a ferrous element to the magnetic equipment 10 A. It should be noted that by magnetic force value sufficient to firmly block a ferrous element to the magnetic equipment 10A is meant a force value at least greater than 15% with respect to the maximum value that the same magnetic equipment 10A can exert on the surface of the first side 12.

[0145] It should be specified that in the usual conditions of use of the magnetic equipment 10 A, illustrated, the anchoring condition of the surface of the second side 13 is better than the anchoring condition of the surface of the first side 12.

[0146] In fact, the surface of the second side 13 is totally covered as this second side 13 is in complete contact with the baseplate of the machine tool, while the first side 12 is associated with the ferrous pieces to be subjected to mechanical machining, which are usually smaller than the surface of this first side 12 and generally with a higher air gap-

[0147] This means that the air gap between the machine tool baseplate and the second side 13 of the magnetic equipment 10A will be minimal, while there will be a more or less marked air gap between the first side 12 and the ferrous workpieces Pl.

[0148] Under these conditions, therefore, the value of the magnetic force developed on the surface of the second side 13 is comparable to the value of the magnetic force developed on the surface of the first side 12.

[0149] If the magnetic cores 90 are also actually housed in the relative recesses, the latter are able to generate a second magnetic flux on said first anchoring side 12 so as to magnetically anchor said first ferrous elements by means of said first flux and said second flux.

[0150] The magnetic equipment 10A can therefore have three different operating conditions, such as those described below:

[0151] - activation; - deactivation;

[0152] - mounting / dismounting

[0153] In order to use the magnetic equipment 10A it is necessary to use the control unit capable of appropriately modifying the magnetic field generated by the first magnetic core 40.

[0154] In particular, this control unit is realised as an electrical command that performs a current control during the aforementioned three different operating conditions.

[0155] In particular, the control unit performs a specific control for each of the three different operating conditions, such as those described below:

[0156] - in the case of activation, a polarization cycle is provided in one direction of the first magnetic core 40,

[0157] - in the event of deactivation, a polarization cycle is provided in the opposite direction of the first magnetic core 40,

[0158] - in the case of mounting / dismounting, a demagnetization cycle of the first magnetic core 40 is provided.

[0159] It should also be noted that the magnetic equipment 10A is constrainable to the machine tool baseplate only by means of the magnetic force but it is also provided, if the machining needs so require, that there are mechanical constraint means interposed between the magnetic equipment 10A and the baseplate 17.

[0160] As can be appreciated from what has been described, the magnetic equipment according to the invention allows to satisfy the aforesaid need and at the same time to overcome the drawbacks referred to in the introductory part of the present description.

[0161] Obviously, an expert skilled in the art, for the purpose of satisfying specific, contingent needs, can make numerous modifications to the variants described above, all contained within the scope of protection, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Magnetic equipment (1 OA) for magnetically anchoring ferrous elements, comprising:- a support structure (11, 11 A) having a predetermined width (L), length (1) and thickness (S) and a plurality of polar units (30 A),- in said support structure (11,11 A), a first and a second side (12,13) being identified at the opposite surfaces of greater extension,- the polar units of said plurality of polar units (30 A) being housed in the thickness (S) of said support structure (11,11 A) and comprise a magnetic circuit having at least one respective first polar collector (50) generating in said first side (12) at least a first magnetic flux so as to define a first magnetic anchoring surface for magnetically anchoring first ferrous elements, and comprising a first magnetic core (40) and an electrical winding (30) for modifying the state of magnetization of the first magnetic core (40), a lateral portion (50a) of each first polar collector (50) identifying a portion of said first side (12), each first polar collector (50) being integrally formed with the support structure (11), so as to create a magnetic equipment (10A) of monolithic type, each first polar collector (50) having a lateral surface (50c) extending between the lateral portion (50a) and a bottom (50b);- first recesses (Rl) obtained within the thickness (S) from the first side (12) and defining at least in part the outer surface (50c);- filling elements (200) arranged within the first recesses (Rl) and configured to identify a portion of the surface of the first side (12);- the filling elements (200) are made of a non-ferromagnetic metal alloy; characterized in that- each first recess (Rl) has a recess depth (Pr) comprised between 5 and 25mm;- the electrical winding (30) has an increase in the number of turns as a function of the recess depth (Pr) up to 30%.

2. Magnetic equipment (10A) according to claim 1, wherein the non-ferromagnetic metal alloy is selected from brass or steel.

3. Magnetic equipment (10A) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each filling element (200) is shaped at the first recess (Rl).

4. Magnetic equipment (10A) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each filling element (200) has at least one annular body (210) configured to be inserted within the first recess (Rl), said annular body (210) being extended between a tail portion (211) and a head portion (212) along an extension direction (X-X) and defining a passage channel (213) adapted to receive the portion of the first polar collector (50) defined by the first recess (Rl), said head portion (212) defining a portion of the surface of the first side (12).

5. Magnetic equipment (10A) according to claim 4, wherein the annular body (210) has at the tail portion (211) a surface chamfered towards the centre of the passage channel (213).

6. Magnetic equipment (10A) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first recesses (Rl) are limited by a recess bottom (220) defined in a single piece by the support structure (11), by the lateral surface (50c) of the first polar collector (50) and a recess wall (221) surrounding the lateral surface (50c) obtained in the support structure (H).

7. Magnetic equipment (10A) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second recesses may be circular or quadrangular in shape.

8. Magnetic equipment (10A) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, each filling element (200) is inserted within a relative first recess (Rl) in an integral manner with the support structure (11).

9. Magnetic equipment (10A) according to claim 8, each filling element (200) is made integral with the support structure (11) by applying an adhesive-type fastener between the first recess (Rl) and the filling element (210).

10. Magnetic equipment (10A) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein:- each polar unit (30A) further comprises- an electrical winding (30) for changing the state of magnetization of the first magnetic core (40);- second recesses (R2) are obtained within the thickness (S) from the second side (13) and are configured to house said second polar collector (60), said first magnetic core (40) and said electrical winding (30).

11. Magnetic equipment (10A) according to claim 11, wherein- each polar unit (30A) comprises second magnetic cores (90) for generating on such a first anchoring surface of said first side (12) a second magnetic flux so as to magnetically anchor said first ferrous elements by means of said first and second flux;- the second recesses (R2) are configured to house the second magnetic cores (90) and define at least in part the outer surface (50c) of the first polar collector.