Sliding support device

Abstract

A support device (MC2) for slidingly supporting an object such as a fan blade along a longitudinal axis (X) and causing it to move linearly. A magnetic restoring force is generated on the object, which is produced by the cooperation of a magnetic flux generator (54, 56) and an element (10) responsive to a magnetic field. The element can slide parallel to the (X) axis during displacement of the object and accordingly presents a cross-section (62) which, when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the axis (X), has a width varying along the length of the first element (10) parallel to said axis (X).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for slidably supporting an object along an axis and for linearly moving the object. The object is, for example, a door or a leaf for a window, an interior room or a cold storage chamber, and is chosen as the main example hereinafter. Background Art

[0002] Refrigerated counters or cold storage chambers usually have one or more sliding doors to open the refrigerated space for storing food. Especially for upright counters, the doors are large and heavy. To minimize the volume and avoid hinges, the doors are mounted to slide horizontally back and forth, but they are not always user-friendly. Their rather large weight requires complex and expensive guiding systems, which are usually assisted by counterweights to allow any user to easily use the counter.

[0003] To improve the thermal efficiency, the door is temporarily locked when closed with a magnetic device to prevent the door from being accidentally opened, see for example US2446336, but the magnetic device sometimes requires a great deal of force to release. The door may hit the stopper either when pulling hard on the door to unlock the magnetic latch or when closing the door under the thrust of the counterweight. Such an impact can damage the counter, so a damping device is introduced in this structure.

[0004] Another known drawback of the prior art is that the locking / resetting device based on molded profiles is prone to rapid wear.

[0005] Thus, it can be understood that the door structure is very expensive, complex and generally not very user-friendly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Thus, a main object of the present invention is to overcome one or more of these problems by proposing a device for slidably supporting an object along an axis and for linearly moving the object, wherein for example the device is simple and reliable in structure.

[0007] Another object is to manufacture a device for slidably supporting and linearly moving, for example, the door of a refrigerated counter so as to overcome one or more of the above problems.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a supporting device for slidably supporting an object such as a door along a longitudinal axis and for linearly moving the object, the supporting device comprising:

[0009] An empty channel extending parallel to the longitudinal axis,

[0010] A magnetic flux generator or a device for generating a magnetic flux, which is used to generate a magnetic flux across a section of the empty channel, wherein all the magnetic lines of force have the same direction (equiverse),

[0011] A first element responsive to a magnetic field, which is mounted in the empty channel and extends along the longitudinal axis, and the first element is capable of sliding relative to the channel parallel to the longitudinal axis during the displacement of the object.

[0012] Wherein, the first element presents a cross-section at the section, and when observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the cross-section has a dimension (width) along the width of the channel, wherein

[0013] The first element comprises or consists of a displaceable element (or means) for increasing or decreasing the width of the cross-section, that is, the first element is configured such that its movement causes an increase or decrease in the width of the section.

[0014] For example, the displaceable element (or equivalent means) is configured to increase or decrease the width of the cross-section by displacing into the channel or by displacing out of the channel, respectively.

[0015] For example, the displaceable element (or equivalent means) can increase or decrease the width of the cross-section by cooperating with a fixed part in the channel.

[0016] The displaceable element and the fixed part (if any) are made of ferromagnetic material.

[0017] Since the magnetic flux preferably impinges on the path of more ferromagnetic material (the part with a larger cross-section), a force for dragging the first element relative to the magnetic field generator is accordingly generated. Then, by moving the displaceable element into or out of the channel, a path with a smaller or larger magnetic resistance to the magnetic flux can be generated, thereby generating a drag force for the device.

[0018] For example, by the displacement of the displaceable element, the door can move from right to left, or vice versa.

[0019] When observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the change in the cross-sectional dimension of the first element along the longitudinal axis causes a magnetic restoring force between the first element and the magnetic field lines present in the channel section.

[0020] The physical explanation is that at the point where the above-mentioned dimension (or width) of the cross-section decreases (increases), and only at this point, a force is generated that tends to cause the first element to move relative to the channel along the longitudinal axis, such that the section of the first element with a smaller (larger) cross-section moves away from (into) the empty channel, that is, such that the section with a smaller (larger) cross-section is no longer (more) impinged by the magnetic field lines.

[0021] Substantially, the magnetic force tends to move the system towards an equilibrium state, in which throughout the empty channel, the first element has a cross-section with a larger dimension, corresponding to the minimum magnetic resistance configuration.

[0022] Then, by means of the displaceable element, the cross-section of the first element along the longitudinal axis can be changed, thereby generating a magnetic restoring force that tends to bring the first element and the channel back to a certain relative position, in particular to bring the door back to the closed position.

[0023] Generally speaking, the cross-section of the first element can be reduced to the case where it is completely zero within the channel (the reactive material). In this case, the length of the variable cross-section segment of the first element along the longitudinal axis can be shorter than the length of the channel segment where all the magnetic field lines have the same direction.

[0024] The cross-section of the first element can be reduced in various ways: for example, having a stepped discontinuity or a smoother taper.

[0025] In other words, the said segment of the first element can vary continuously or abruptly along the longitudinal axis from one point of the first element to another point. In any case, the cross-section with the variable dimension (width) has a cross-section increment in one direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0026] The reversal of the magnetic force direction can be obtained by the cooperation of only one movable cross-section (only one displaceable element) of the first element with another fixed cross-section. For example, it is sufficient that the total cross-section of the segment corresponding to the displaceable element is different from the total cross-section of the fixed segment.

[0027] For example, in Figure 2a , it is conceivable to enlarge cross-section 60 so that it is larger than cross-section 62 or to reduce cross-section 60 so that it is smaller than cross-section 62. Or it is conceivable to enlarge cross-section 62 so that it is larger than cross-section 60 or to reduce cross-section 62 so that it is smaller than cross-section 60. The ratio between the two cross-sections generates a drag force. For example, in order to change the two cross-sections or their ratio, one displaceable ferromagnetic element MB1 or MB2 shown by the dashed line in Figure 2b can be juxtaposed or removed.

[0028] In a preferred variant, the first element comprises or consists of a displaceable element (or device) for increasing or decreasing the width of the first cross-section of the first element observed in a plane orthogonal to the axis, while respectively decreasing or increasing the width of the second cross-section of the first element observed in a plane orthogonal to the axis, and vice versa,

[0029] The first and second cross-sections are aligned within the empty channel along the channel axis and are struck by the magnetic flux.

[0030] This allows the simultaneous reversal of the two cross-sections to reverse the direction of the magnetic force and can avoid using a fixed cross-section.

[0031] For example, in this case, as the shiftable ferromagnetic element, one can consider the element given by the overall combination of the elements MB1 and MB2 shown by the dashed lines in Figure 2b In particular, the first element:

[0032] Especially, the first element:

[0033] (a) includes

[0034] Two parts aligned along the axis and integral with each other,

[0035] Each part includes a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part being adapted to engage the empty channel and presenting cross-sections having a first dimension and a second dimension along the channel width when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the axis, respectively.

[0036] The first dimension is greater than the second dimension, and

[0037] The cross-section of the larger dimension of the first part is aligned with the cross-section of the smaller dimension of the second part, and

[0038] The cross-section of the smaller dimension of the first part is aligned with the cross-section of the larger dimension of the second part,

[0039] (b) and is mounted so as to be movable relative to the generator to alternately place the smaller-dimension part of one part and the larger-dimension part of the other part within the channel.

[0040] The first element and / or its said shiftable element can be movably mounted between at least two positions relative to the longitudinal axis (and relative to the magnetic flux generator or the device for generating magnetic flux), and is configured such that when switching / converting from one position to another position, for the said cross-section, there is an inversion of the direction along the longitudinal axis in which the cross-section increases. That is, the switching of the first element from one position to another position results in: taking the direction along the axis as a reference, before switching, the cross-section shows an increasing trend along the reference direction, and after switching, the cross-section shows a decreasing trend along the reference direction, or vice versa.

[0041] Therefore, by switching the position of the first element or its shiftable element, the direction of the magnetic force acting between the first element and the magnetic flux generator or the device for generating magnetic flux can be reversed.

[0042] In particular, to obtain said inversion, the first element comprises two parts which are integral with each other, adjacent (not necessarily continuous) and both extending along said axis. Depending on whether the first element is in the first or second of said two positions, each of said parts can respectively have two cross-sections corresponding to said sections which, when observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, have different dimensions (widths) along the width of the channel. Moreover, in each of said two positions, each part has a cross-section which, when observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, has a dimension (width) along the width of the channel different from that of the other part.

[0043] That is, let S11 be the cross-section of the first part in the first position, S12 be the cross-section of the first part in the second position, S21 be the cross-section of the second part in the first position, and S22 be the cross-section of the second part in the second position.

[0044] S11 > S12; S21 < S22, S11 > S21, and S12 < S22.

[0045] Thus, in each of said two positions, the cross-section discontinuity existing along the first element (e.g., point P or 100P in the drawing) is imparted by the cross-section diversity of the two parts.

[0046] The exchange of the first element from one of these two positions to the other causes the corresponding cross-sections of each part to be exchanged within the empty channel.

[0047] Due to the foregoing, it can be seen that the above switching of the first element reverses the order relationship between the cross-sections of the two parts which are present in the channel simultaneously and which interact with said magnetic flux generator or means for generating magnetic flux simultaneously (if, before the switching, the cross-section of one part is smaller than that of the other part and, after the switching, the cross-section of the same part is larger and vice versa).

[0048] Thus, by means of this switching, the direction of the magnetic force acting on the slide can be reversed, or the magnetic force acting on the slide can be activated or terminated.

[0049] Note that in a variant with a first element having only a shiftable part extending along the axis, depending on whether the first element is in the first or second of the two positions, the part can have two cross-sections corresponding to the sections respectively, which have different dimensions (widths) along the channel width when observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. That is, let S11 be the cross-section of the only shiftable part observed in the plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis in the first position, and let S12 be the cross-section of the only shiftable part observed in the plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis in the second position, where S11 > S12.

[0050] For example, the first element or its shiftable element can rotate about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and / or can translate in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. These displacements enable the cross-section of each part to be replaced with corresponding cross-sections of different widths within the empty channel.

[0051] In the case of a rotatable first element or a rotatable shiftable element, a preferred variant envisages that each part has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section, and the two cross-sections are arranged such that

[0052] the axis of rotation of the first element passes through the intersection of the diagonals of each cross-section, and

[0053] the long side of one cross-section is parallel to the short side of the other cross-section.

[0054] For example, the first element can be formed by two adjacent parallelepipeds with rectangular cross-sections, which are coaxial and offset by 90 degrees around a common axis of rotation.

[0055] Alternatively, the first element can be formed by a bar with a circular cross-section, which is slotted or cut along two chords of the cross-section to remove two domes, thus leaving two parallel surfaces. The thickness between the two parallel surfaces is less than the thickness between its ends (the diameter of the bar), such that rotating the bar 90 degrees within the channel can present two cross-sections with different magnetic flux areas.

[0056] If the first element or the shiftable element is translatable, a preferred variant envisages that each part has a T-shaped cross-section, and the two T-shaped cross-sections are arranged such that

[0057] the central legs of the two Ts coincide, and the heads of the Ts are in diametrically opposite positions.

[0058] For example, the first element can be formed by two adjacent parallelepipeds with T-shaped cross-sections, which are offset by 180 degrees around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0059] For example, the first element is manually shiftable, for example by means of a lever or by means of an electric drive, such as a rotary electric motor.

[0060] The magnetic flux generator or the device for generating magnetic flux is generally a generator for generating a flux that is uniform and always has the same direction in the channel.

[0061] To minimize dispersion, the generator is preferably inserted into a magnetic circuit configured to convey magnetic flux such that the magnetic flux passes through an empty channel. More preferably, the generator is mounted in a magnetic circuit configured to define the channel, particularly in a guide having a U-shaped cross-section.

[0062] The magnetic flux generator or the device for generating magnetic flux can have various embodiments, such as electromagnets or permanent magnets arranged at different points of the magnetic circuit.

[0063] In particular, the magnetic flux generator or the device for generating magnetic flux includes two rows of magnets made of magnets, which are arranged uniformly along and parallel to an axis to define an empty space in the middle of the two rows of magnets, and this space is traversed by magnetic field lines all having the same direction that leave one row of magnets and enter the other row of magnets.

[0064] Preferably, the device not only generates a restoring force but also generates a force to support the sliding object against its weight. To generate the said force, the flux generator can be used, or an auxiliary magnetic circuit can be provided. In a preferred variant, the device includes:

[0065] A second pair of rows of magnets composed of equal, parallel and spaced-apart rows of magnets, which are arranged parallel to the axis to define an empty space between the two rows of magnets, and this space is traversed by magnetic field lines that leave one row of magnets and enter the other row of magnets, and

[0066] A second element responsive to the magnetic field, which extends parallel to the axis between the two rows of magnets in the second pair of rows of magnets,

[0067] The rows of magnets in the second pair of rows of magnets and the second element are able to slide relative to each other parallel to the axis to move the object between two positions,

[0068] wherein the second element corresponding to the said space presents a cross-section that, when observed in a plane orthogonal to the axis,

[0069] remains constant along the axis,

[0070] but along a direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane containing the two rows of magnets - that is, the direction in which the weight of the object acts - will have a decreasing width as it moves away from this plane.

[0071] The decrease in the width as it moves away from the plane results in a magnetic reaction force orthogonal to the plane and directed towards the space, which magnetic reaction force tends to bring the second element back into the space if an external force, such as the weight of an object, tends to pull it out.

[0072] For example, the second element has a cross-section at the space that includes a T-shaped or a “+”-shaped or an H-shaped portion when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the axis.

[0073] In a variant, the cross-section of the second element can be obtained by joining portions of materials with different permeabilities, such as an aluminum rail portion and an iron portion.

[0074] The magnets of the second pair of magnet rows can be mounted such that the magnetic field lines all have the same direction or have alternating directions within the second space. In the second case, due to the eddy currents induced in the second element, the magnets of the second pair of magnet rows also exert a braking action on the second element.

[0075] However, it should be noted that magnetic braking can also be achieved by using equiverse magnets coupled to a conductive material (such as aluminum) contained in a track (such as an aluminum coating on an iron portion).

[0076] By only using the magnetic flux generator to enhance the generated force and / or generate a bearing force, preferably the cross-section of the first element in a direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane containing the magnetic flux lines of the two rows of magnets and / or the transverse channel also has a width that decreases as it moves away from the plane.

[0077] The first pair of magnet rows and the second pair of magnet rows are preferably located in corresponding parallel planes, which is conducive to the construction of the device and promotes the symmetry of the magnetic forces. For the same reason, one magnet row of the first pair of magnet rows and one magnet row of the second pair of magnet rows are preferably located in a plane parallel to the plane in which the other magnet row of the first pair of magnet rows and the other magnet row of the second pair of magnet rows are located.

[0078] The first and / or second element is preferably made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron to minimize the magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit into which they are inserted.

[0079] The device preferably includes an elongated support with a constant U-shaped cross-section, where the first pair of magnet rows and / or the second pair of magnet rows are mounted on the inner opposing surfaces of the legs of the U-shape. In addition to facilitating the installation of the magnets and making the structure compact, the elongated support closes the magnetic circuit to which the magnets belong with its U-shaped cross-section. In other words, the elongated support helps to close the magnetic flux along a low magnetic resistance path.

[0080] In the second element, it is not necessary for it to have a characteristic of a constant cross-section along the axis when observed in a plane orthogonal to the axis corresponding to the space, and this characteristic can be absent if the second element includes a displaceable element as in the first element.

[0081] A second aspect of the invention relates to a door or flap of a cold storage chamber, which comprises the device as described in one or each variant of the invention.

[0082] A third aspect of the invention relates to a building door or window, which comprises the device as described in one or each variant of the invention.

[0083] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a cold storage chamber, which comprises the device as described in one or each variant of the invention.

[0084] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a door or window of a vehicle or passenger compartment, which comprises the device as described in one or each variant of the invention.

[0085] A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling the displacement direction of the first element included in the support device,

[0086] wherein the magnetic force acting on the first element is reversed by increasing or decreasing the width of the first cross-section of the first element observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0087] At the same time, the width of the second cross-section of the first element observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis can be increased and decreased respectively, and vice versa,

[0088] The first and second cross-sections are located in the empty channel and are struck by the magnetic flux.

[0089] In particular, the first element or its displaceable part is displaced to place different pairs of parts of the first element in the empty channel,

[0090] Each pair has two different widths when observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0091] The width of one pair is inversely proportional to that of the other pair.

[0092] In particular, in order to obtain the above cross-section change, the first element or its displaceable part is rotated or translated.

[0093] The device may further include a second element similar to the first element defined above. The second element acts within a second channel, generating a second magnetic flux similar to the first magnetic flux within the second channel. The second channel may be used to generate a primary counteracting load force, and the displacement of the second element may be used to adjust the intensity of the counteracting load force. In this case, a change in the cross-sectional area within the channel adjusts the counteracting load force.

[0094] For example, the second channel may be associated with the auxiliary magnetic circuit, in particular defined by the second pair of equal parallel magnet rows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] The advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0096] - Figure 1 a disassembled three-dimensional view of the device is shown;

[0097] - Figure 2a 、 2b certain components of the device are shown in a plan view;

[0098] - Figure 3 a vertical cross-section of the assembled device is shown;

[0099] - Figure 4 a schematic side view of the device is shown;

[0100] - Figure 5 a cross-sectional view taken along the plane V-V is shown;

[0101] - Figure 6 a schematic side view of the device in different configurations is shown; Figure 4 of;

[0102] - Figure 7 a cross-sectional view taken along the plane VII-VII is shown;

[0103] - Figure 8 a schematic side view of another device is shown;

[0104] - Figure 9 a cross-sectional view taken along the plane IX-IX is shown;

[0105] - Figure 10 a schematic side view of the device in different configurations is shown; Figure 8 of;

[0106] - Figure 11 a cross-sectional view taken along the plane XI-XI is shown.

[0107] In the figure, the same reference numerals denote identical or conceptually similar parts; the letters N and S respectively denote the north and south magnetic poles; the arrows denote magnetic flux lines. Detailed implementation

[0108] The device MC is used, for example, to slidably support a door (not shown) along the axis X, and is described herein as the basis for the improvement purpose of the present invention.

[0109] The device MC includes a fixed linear track 10 and a sliding rail 50 movable on the track 10. During the movement of the door, the track 10 and the sliding rail 50 can slide relative to each other parallel to the axis X. In the illustrated example, the door will be mounted on the top of the sliding rail 50, but the device MC also contemplates reversing the roles between the track 10 and the sliding rail 50, such that the former moves while the latter remains fixed.

[0110] The sliding rail 50 includes a body 52 having an inverted U-shaped cross-section. Inside the body 52, two equal, parallel and spaced-apart rows of magnets 54 formed by magnets 56 are mounted. The magnets 56 are uniformly arranged beside the axis X and parallel to the axis X. Thus, an empty channel 58 is formed in the space between the rows of magnets 54, and the empty channel 58 is traversed by magnetic force lines all in the same direction that leave one row of magnets 54 and enter the other row (see Figure 2a 、 2b in the figure).

[0111] The fixed track 10 is mounted inside the channel 58 for sliding.

[0112] The cross-section of the part of the track 10 arranged corresponding to the channel 58, when observed in a plane orthogonal to the axis X and measured on the line connecting the rows of magnets 54 (see the plane P1 in Figure 3 ), has a width L that varies with the position along the axis X.

[0113] The track 10 includes a first part 60 and a second part 62, and the cross-section of the first part 60 is larger while the cross-section of the second part 62 is smaller.

[0114] In the illustrated example, the length of the first part 60 along the axis X is at least equal to the length of the rows of magnets 54. Generally speaking, only when it is necessary to ensure the balance state at full opening, the length of the part 60 needs to be longer than the rows of magnets 54. Otherwise, generally this geometric feature is not necessary.

[0115] At the point P, there is a discontinuity between the cross-sections of the parts 60 and 62. This discontinuity can be sudden, such as in a stepped shape, or can be gradual, such as a slope. At the point P, a magnetic force is generated between the cross-sections of the parts 60 and 62 and the magnetic field generated by the rows of magnets 54.

[0116] At point P, and only at that point, a force is generated that tends to move the track 10 and the row 54 of magnets relative to each other along the axis X such that the portion 60 of the track 10 with the smaller cross-section moves away from the empty channel 58, i.e., such that the portion 60 with the smaller cross-section is no longer struck by the magnetic lines of force.

[0117] This situation is shown in Figure 2a 、 2b .

[0118] When only the portion 62 with the larger cross-section is in the channel 58 ( Figure 2a ), there is no retracting force.

[0119] When ( Figure 2b ) the portion 60 is displaced within the channel 58 (to the left in the figure), a restoring force F appears at point P, which tends to prevent the change in position and return the system to the state as in Figure 2a (to the right in the figure).

[0120] For example, if the relative position between the track 10 and the row 54 of magnets in Figure 2a corresponds to the closed door position, then when the door is opened ( Figure 2b ), the device MC generates a force F that returns the door to the closed position.

[0121] The force F has a substantially constant magnitude, independent of the position of point P between the two rows 54 of magnets.

[0122] The change in cross-section causes a change in the magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit, and the magnitude of this force remains almost constant because it is related to a magnetic resistance change that is also constant.

[0123] Obviously, all of this is also valid for movement in the other direction along the axis X (i.e., by inverting Figure 2a 、 2b ), sufficient to give the track 10 a symmetric shape with respect to the plane orthogonal to the axis X. Figure 1 This is the case where a magnetic force F is generated on the slide rail 50, which tends to bring it back to the center of the track 10, because the track 10 has two discontinuities for the cross-sections of the portions 60, 62, which are separated by at least as far as the length of the slide rail 50 along the axis X.

[0124] Preferably, the device MC also generates a force to slidably support the slide rail 50 on the track 10.

[0125] To generate such a force against the load W, for example, the track 10 includes T-shaped or "+"-shaped or H-shaped portions at the parts 60, 62, or generally, includes such portions that have a width decreasing as it moves away from the imaginary plane P1 containing the two magnet rows 54 along a direction orthogonal to the plane P1. In other words, preferably, the cross-section of the parts 60, 62 has a width decreasing as it moves away from the plane P1 along a direction orthogonal to the plane P1. Thus, this part of the device MC also generates a bearing capacity.

[0126] To increase the supporting force, the slide rail 50 preferably includes a second pair of magnet rows composed of equal, parallel, and spaced-apart magnet rows 70, which are arranged parallel to the axis X to form a second empty space or channel 72 in between the two magnet rows 70 that is traversed by magnetic force lines leaving one magnet row 70 and entering the other magnet row. A second element 74 of the track 10 is disposed within the space 72, which responds to the magnetic field and extends parallel to the axis X between the two magnet rows 70.

[0127] The portion of the track 10 extending within the space 72 has a cross-section 76 that remains constant along the axis X when observed in a plane orthogonal to the axis X, but has a width decreasing as it moves away from the imaginary plane P2 containing the two rows 70 along a direction orthogonal to the plane P2.

[0128] In the illustrated example, the cross-section 76 is included in a "+"-shaped portion. Other variants include, for example, T-shaped or H-shaped components for the cross-section 76, and / or different materials are used for the respective parts of the cross-section 76.

[0129] As shown in the figure, preferably, the parts 60, 62 and the cross-section 76 belong to a single piece, such as a profile, to simplify the structure, or they are all generated from the same plane.

[0130] According to the physical principle described in PCT / IB2017 / 052588, when the cross-section 76 moves away from the plane P2, a magnetic reaction force orthogonal to the plane P2 and towards the space 72 is generated, and this magnetic reaction tends to bring the cross-section 76 back into the space 72. Thus, the weight W of the object is counteracted.

[0131] A change along the load direction causes a change in the magnetic resistance, thereby generating a magnetic reaction force that tends to bring the system into a configuration with the minimum magnetic resistance. Then, an equilibrium position is reached where the magnetic force is balanced with the load.

[0132] The magnets in the magnet rows 70 can be installed such that all the magnetic force lines have the same direction (as Figure 2aas in [reference] or have alternating directions. In the second case, the device MC incorporates the feature of combined magnetic braking, which is generated by eddy currents induced by an alternating magnetic field in the track 10.

[0133] Magnetic braking is advantageous because it has a viscous-type dynamic response, i.e., the braking effect increases as the speed of the slide rail 50 increases. Therefore, it does not significantly impede the door during normal use but intervenes to prevent unwanted acceleration. Thus, it has the effect of limiting speed.

[0134] Note that the feature of incorporating magnetic braking into the device is independent of the presence of the magnet rows 54 and the mechanism for generating the retracting force F.

[0135] For ease of construction, in the device MC, preferably:

[0136] - The magnet rows 54, 78 are located on corresponding parallel planes P1, P2; and / or

[0137] - One magnet row of the two magnet rows 54 and one magnet row of the two magnet rows 70 are located on a plane parallel to the planes P1, P2.

[0138] Preferably, the portions of the track 10 corresponding to the portions 60, 62 and / or 76 are made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron. The track 10 can be entirely made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, or can include a portion 80 that connects the portions 60, 62 and the cross-section 76 and is made of a material different from that of the portions 60, 62 and / or 76, such as aluminum.

[0139] Preferably, the track 10 has an H-shaped cross-section, and the two parallel bar portions of the H form the cross-sections of the portions 60, 62 and 76.

[0140] Preferably, for compactness, the magnet rows 70 and 54 are mounted on the inner surface of the body 52.

[0141] Preferably, wheels 90 having a rotation axis orthogonal to the planes P1 and P2 are mounted on the body 52. The wheels (or other centering devices, such as sliding slide rails, etc.) contact the track 10 and slide on the track, and are used to facilitate the sliding of the slide rail 50. The wheels are also used to keep the slide rail centered along the lateral direction (serving as a centering device).

[0142] In all the variants described so far, the device MC has been improved according to the present invention for controlling the linear movement of the slide rail 50, for example, as in Figures 4 - 11 the variant of [[reference]]. This concept can be used in slide rails having magnets for linearly moving a load, with or without a second row of magnets 70 as in Figures 4 - 7 the [reference]. Through appropriate design, even a single row of magnets can support a load, although the load is small.

[0143] Parts shared with the basic device MC retain the same reference numerals with the addition of reference numeral 100 and will not be described further. Different from the device MC, parts 60 and 62 are no longer integral with the track 10 but belong to an elongate element 199 which is mounted in the channel between the magnet rows 154 and is rotatable relative to the slide rail 50.

[0144] The element 199 extends along an axis Z parallel to the axis X and is formed by two (e.g., equal) juxtaposed parallelepipeds 160, 162 having a rectangular cross-section (or base plane).

[0145] The parallelepipeds 160, 162 have a major axis (height) coaxial with the axis Z, are placed adjacent to each other (next to each other) along the axis Z, and are angularly offset by 90 degrees about the axis Z.

[0146] At the junction of the parallelepipeds 160, 162, a cross-sectional discontinuity 100P is formed, similar to the discontinuity between the cross-sections of parts 60, 62 at the point P, because the base plane of the parallelepiped 160 connects to the base plane of the parallelepiped 162 which is orthogonal to it. That is to say, when looking at the element 199 from the front, that is, when positioning oneself on the axis Z, a cross will be seen. The two different cross-sections of the parallelepipeds 160, 162 are visible Figure 5 and 7 in

[0147] The element 199 is movable relative to the slide rail 150, in particular rotatable about the axis Z, for example manually or by means of an electric actuator.

[0148] Thus, a 90-degree rotation of the element 199 can change the cross-section of the material in the channel 158 between the magnet rows 154. If previously the parallelepiped 160 had presented a wide cross-section, corresponding to the long side of its rectangular cross-section, then after rotation, this cross-section becomes narrow, corresponding to the short side of the rectangular cross-section. At the same time, if previously the parallelepiped 162 had presented a narrow cross-section, corresponding to the short side of its rectangular cross-section, then after rotation, its cross-section in the channel becomes wide, corresponding to the long side of the rectangular cross-section.

[0149] Another rotation of the element 199 again reverses the relationship between the widths presented by the cross-sections of the parallelepipeds 160, 162 taken in a plane orthogonal to the axis Z in the channel 158.

[0150] Note that the position of the cross-sectional discontinuity 100P along the axis Z does not change with the rotation of the element 199.

[0151] From the above explanation of apparatus MC, it can be understood that a 90-degree rotation of element 199 causes a reversal of the magnetic force F that moves slide rail 150 along the X (and Z) axes. In Figure 2b this, the rotation effect of element 199 is equivalent to the track 10 being pulled out of the channel, rotated 180 degrees, and then put back into the channel.

[0152] The modification of the cross-section made of ferromagnetic material present in the channel is achieved by the displacement of element 199, in the illustrated case by rotation. If the movable element has, for example, two parts with a T-shaped cross-section - the two T-shaped cross-sections are rotated 180 degrees about axis Z, translation can be employed.

[0153] In a simpler variant, if only one of the parallelepipeds 160, 162 of element 199 is rotatable and the other is fixed, the cross-section discontinuity 100P can also be obtained.

[0154] The same concept can be used in slide rail 150 with an auxiliary magnet 170 for supporting a load, as Figure 3 already explained. For this variant, see Figures 8 - 11 .

[0155] In one variant, there can even be a displaceable element such as element 199 between the magnets 170 to adjust the load-bearing capacity.

Claims

1. A support device for slidably supporting an object along a longitudinal axis (X) and linearly moving the object, the support device comprising: - An empty channel (58) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), - A magnetic flux generator (54, 56) for generating a magnetic flux, the magnetic flux traversing a section of the empty channel, and wherein all the magnetic field lines have the same direction, - A first element (199) responsive to the magnetic field, the first element (199): Mounted in the empty channel and extending along the longitudinal axis (X), Capable of sliding relative to the channel parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) during the displacement of the object, and Having a cross-section struck by the magnetic flux corresponding to the section, which cross-section has a dimension along the width of the channel when observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first element (199) includes a displaceable element for increasing or decreasing the width of the cross-section, such that the first element (199) is configured such that the displacement of the displaceable element causes an increase or decrease in the width of the cross-section; wherein the first element (199) includes a displaceable element for the following purposes: Increasing the width of a first cross-section of the first element (199) as observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and Simultaneously decreasing the width of a second cross-section of the first element (199) as observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, or vice versa, The first cross-section and the second cross-section are aligned along the axis of the channel within the empty channel and are struck by the magnetic flux.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first element (199): - Comprises two parts aligned along the longitudinal axis and integral with each other, Each part includes a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part being adapted to engage the empty channel and each presenting a cross-section therein, which cross-sections have a first dimension and a second dimension (L) along the width of the channel (58) when observed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (X), The first dimension is greater than the second dimension, and The larger cross-section of the first part is aligned with the smaller cross-section of the second part, and The smaller cross-section of the first part is aligned with the larger cross-section of the second part, - And is mounted to be movable relative to the generator to alternately place the smaller-sized part of one part and the larger-sized part of the other part within the channel.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first element (199) and / or the displaceable element is rotatably mounted about an axis (Z) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X).

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the parts has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section, and the two cross-sections are arranged such that: The axis of rotation of the first element (199) passes through the intersection of the diagonals of each cross-section, and The long side of one cross-section is parallel to the short side of the other cross-section.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The first element (199) is formed by two adjacent parallelepipeds having a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section, the two adjacent parallelepipeds being coaxial and offset by 90 degrees about a common axis of rotation.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first element (199) and / or the displaceable element are mounted for translation relative to the longitudinal axis (X).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The generators (54, 56) are inserted into a magnetic circuit (52) configured to: transmit magnetic flux such that the magnetic flux passes through the empty channel, and define the channel (58).

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein The generators include two rows of magnets (54) formed by a plurality of magnets (56) uniformly arranged along and parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) to define a vacant space therebetween, all having the same orientation and magnetic field lines leaving one row of magnets and entering the other row of magnets cross the vacant space.

9. The device according to claim 1, comprising: a second pair of rows of magnets formed by two equal, parallel and spaced-apart rows of magnets (70), the second pair of rows of magnets being arranged parallel to the axis (X) to define a vacant space (172) therebetween crossed by magnetic field lines leaving one row of magnets and entering the other row of magnets, and a second element responsive to the magnetic field, the second element extending parallel to the axis (X) between the two rows of magnets in the second pair of rows of magnets, the rows of magnets in the second pair of rows of magnets and the second element being slidable relative to each other parallel to the axis (X) to move an object between two positions, wherein the second element has a cross-section at the space (172) which, when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the axis (X), has a width decreasing along the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane (P2) containing the two rows of magnets - i.e. the direction in which the load (W) exerts a gravitational force - as it moves away from the imaginary plane (P2).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The second element includes a displaceable element like the displaceable element of the first element.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The displaceable element is made of a ferromagnetic material.

12. The device according to claim 1, comprising: An elongate support having a constant U-shaped cross-section, wherein the first pair of rows of magnets are mounted on the inner opposing surfaces of the legs of the U-shape.

13. A door or flap of a cold storage room, comprising the device according to claim 1.

14. A building door or window, comprising the device according to claim 1.

15. A door or window of a vehicle or passenger compartment, comprising the device according to claim 1.

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