Self-suspension body and magnetic suspension device

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-suspension body and a magnetic suspension device. The suspension body comprises a shell and a magnetic part, the shell and the magnetic part are arranged to be relatively movable, and the relative movement of the magnetic part and the shell is guided through a linear guide mechanism arranged in the suspension body. According to the invention, the magnetic piece capable of linearly moving or vertically moving is arranged in the suspension body, so that self-lifting suspension or landing of the suspension body relative to the suspension device base can be simply realized without arranging a lifting mechanism in the suspension device base. The suspension device base not only has extremely strong visual special effect and magical feeling, but also can keep the original compact or miniaturized flat structure.

Description

Self-suspended body and magnetic levitation device Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a magnetic suspension device. Background Art

[0002] Existing magnetic levitation devices typically include a levitator and a suspended body. The levitator generally takes the form of a base or hanger, while the suspended body can take various suitable forms, such as a globe, Bluetooth speaker, moon lamp, flower pot, or ornament. The suspended body can be suspended or landed relative to the levitator manually or automatically. CN112228734A, CN112087163A, CN110748563A, CN102315805A, CN102570927A, CN207202600U, and others all disclose the installation of a lifting mechanism within the levitator base to achieve automatic levitation and landing of the suspended body. Installing a lifting mechanism within the levitator base inevitably imposes dual constraints of space and cost.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic levitation device which can realize automatic levitation or landing of a suspended body in a simple manner.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a suspension for a magnetic levitation device is provided, which includes a shell and a magnetic member, wherein the shell and the magnetic member are arranged to be relatively movable, and the relative movement of the magnetic member and the shell is guided by a linear guide mechanism provided in the suspension.

[0006] According to the suspension of the present invention, the linear guide mechanism may be formed on the housing and / or the magnetic member.

[0007] According to the suspension of the present invention, the shell is preferably a closed or substantially closed shell, more preferably a sphere or a box, such as a transparent or opaque sphere.

[0008] In the suspension of the present invention, the magnetic member preferably always moves within the housing. Of course, the magnetic member can also extend out of the housing, for example, upward and / or downward. In this case, the magnetic member can serve as a hidden display stand, and the suspension can then function as a storage box.

[0009] The suspension according to the present invention may further include a motor that provides driving force for the relative movement between the magnetic member and the housing. In this case, a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the motor to the magnetic member or the housing may also be included.

[0010] The suspension according to the present invention may further include a limiting mechanism for limiting the upper and / or lower movement limit of the relative movement between the magnetic member and the housing.

[0011] According to the suspension of the present invention, the linear guide mechanism of the housing is preferably a straight cylinder, and the magnetic member is located in the straight cylinder.

[0012] In the case of a straight-tube guide, it is further preferable that the magnetic element and the straight tube form a piston-type vacuum mechanism. Alternatively, the straight tube can also be formed with (upper or lower) limit members, with a compression spring located between the limit member and the magnetic element. Therefore, in this case, the motor can be omitted to achieve automatic lifting and lowering suspension of the suspended object.

[0013] Of course, other linear guide mechanisms such as a lead screw may also be used to cooperate with the nut provided on the magnetic member, or vice versa.

[0014] According to the suspension of the present invention, the housing may further be provided with a positioning mark for indicating the linear motion direction of the linear motion mechanism or the corresponding position of the magnetic member.

[0015] In addition, the suspension can also be provided with electrical equipment such as sound-generating and light-emitting devices, as well as wireless or wired charging equipment.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a magnetic levitation device, comprising a levitator and the above-mentioned suspended body, wherein the suspended body is levitable by the levitator.

[0017] In the magnetic levitation device of the present invention, the levitator may be in the form of a base, and the levitating body can be suspended above the base. In this case, the upper surface of the base is preferably provided with a positioning center point, and when the base is placed horizontally, the magnetic member of the levitating body can be suspended directly above the positioning center point.

[0018] According to the magnetic levitation device of the present invention, the levitator may also be in the form of a hanger, and the suspended body can be suspended below the highest point of the hanger.

[0019] According to the magnetic levitation device of the present invention, the levitator base can also be designed as a calendar base, provided with at least one indicator chute and an indicator bead movably positioned within the at least one indicator chute. The at least one indicator chute can include two radially spaced annular indicator chute, one of which is formed with a date marking and the other with a day of the week or month marking, with each indicator chute corresponding to a corresponding indicator bead. Alternatively, the levitator can be a spherical moon phase lamp, with one half illuminated and the other half remaining relatively dimmed.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for lifting and lowering a suspended object using the magnetic levitation device, comprising:

[0021] Place the levitator base substantially horizontally;

[0022] Place the suspension on the levitator base, and align the magnetic part of the suspension along the direction of the linear guide mechanism with the positioning center point of the levitator base;

[0023] Moving the magnetic member along the direction of the linear guide mechanism to a set suspension height so that the magnetic member is in a stable suspension state relative to the levitator base;

[0024] Move the housing of the suspension upward relative to the magnetic member away from the levitator base to the desired height.

[0025] The method according to the present invention may further include: moving the housing of the suspension downward relative to the magnetic member until it reaches a desired height or contacts the levitator base.

[0026] According to the method of the present invention, the relative movement between the shell of the suspension and the magnetic member can be performed by an electric drive mechanism. For example, a motor and a transmission mechanism can be provided in the suspension to control the relative movement between the two.

[0027] According to the method of the present invention, the relative movement between the shell of the suspension and the magnetic member can also be performed by an elastic automatic reset mechanism or a manual reset mechanism. This method omits the use of a motor, simplifies the device structure and further reduces costs.

[0028] According to the method of the present invention, the elastic reset mechanism may be a piston-type vacuum mechanism and / or a spring mechanism.

[0029] The method according to the present invention may further include: providing positioning and matching mechanisms on the levitator base and the levitator, respectively, so that when the levitator is placed on the levitator base, the positioning and matching mechanisms of the two ensure that the magnetic part of the levitator is aligned with the positioning center point of the levitator base along the direction of the linear guide mechanism.

[0030] By incorporating linearly or vertically movable magnetic elements within the levitator, the present invention achieves self-lifting levitation or landing relative to the levitator base without requiring a lifting mechanism within the levitator base. This not only creates a striking visual effect and a sense of wonder, but also allows the levitator base to maintain its original compact or miniaturized flat structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] 1-3 are schematic diagrams of a suspension body and a magnetic suspension device using the same according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] 4-6 are schematic diagrams of a suspension body and a magnetic suspension device using the same according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] 7-8 are schematic diagrams of a variation of the transmission device of the suspension according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] 9-10 are schematic diagrams showing another variation of the transmission device of the suspension according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG11 is a perspective view of a calendar base according to the present invention;

[0036] 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams of a magnetic levitation device with a calendar base according to the present invention;

[0037] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic levitation device having a spherical moon phase lamp and a calendar base according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic levitation device having a spherical moon phase lamp and a calendar base according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG16 is a top view of the calendar base shown in FIG15; and

[0040] FIG17 is a front view of the calendar base shown in FIG16 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present invention is further described below with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these examples and accompanying drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. For example, while the levitating bodies described in the following examples are intended for use with a base-mounted magnetic repulsion levitator, they can also be applied to a hanger-mounted levitator or a magnetic attraction-type magnetic levitation device.

[0042] The magnetic levitation device of the present invention generally comprises a levitator (or also referred to as a "magnetic levitation support mechanism") and a suspension body (or also referred to as an "object to be suspended"). The suspension body can be stably suspended in the air by the levitator. The specific structure and operating principle of this magnetic levitation device are well known in the art and will not be described in detail here for the sake of space. For example, see CN100544183C, CN105790641B, CN112086312A, and US7505243B2, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The levitator is typically in the form of a base or hanger, which is equipped with a magnetic component (e.g., a permanent magnetic ring magnet), a sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor), and a control element such as an electromagnetic coil. The suspension body is provided with a magnetic component such as a permanent magnetic cylindrical magnet.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a suspension LO according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Suspension LO comprises a spherical housing 10, with an optional positioning recess 11 provided at the bottom. A vertical guide cylinder 12 is fixedly mounted within housing 10. The central axis of symmetry of guide cylinder 12 is vertically aligned with positioning recess 11. Optionally, ventilation holes 13 and 14 are provided at the top and bottom of guide cylinder 12.

[0044] The cylindrical magnetic member 20 is disposed in the guide cylinder 12 and is optionally tightly fitted with the inner wall of the guide cylinder 12 via a sealing ring 21 on its outer circumferential wall. A compression spring 15 is optionally disposed between the magnetic member 20 and the top cover 15 of the guide cylinder 12.

[0045] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the suspension LO placed on a base LB serving as a levitator. As shown, the upper surface of the base LB is optionally provided with a positioning protrusion P which is inserted into a positioning recess 11 of the suspension LO to provide initial positioning.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2 , when the suspension LO is placed on the base LB, the repulsive force exerted by a magnetic assembly, such as a ring magnet (not shown), within the base LB on the magnetic member 20 within the suspension LO causes the magnetic member 20 to automatically rise from the bottom of the guide cylinder 12 (shown in Figure 1 ) to a set levitation height (determined by the specific configuration of the device) shown in Figure 2 , where it remains stably suspended at this equilibrium position. At this point, for example, if the lower vent 14 is eliminated, or even if the top cover 15 and spring 15 of the guide cylinder 12 are eliminated, the space below the magnetic member 20 within the guide cylinder 12, with its sealing ring 21 acting as a piston, creates a near-vacuum state. Subsequently, the housing 10 of the suspension LO automatically rises due to the vacuum until the bottom of the guide cylinder 12 substantially contacts the magnetic member 20, as shown in Figure 3 . Furthermore, due to the vacuum damping effect, the suspension LO gradually rises from the base LB, creating a striking visual effect.

[0047] In FIG. 2 , the top cover 15 , the spring 16 , the upper and lower vents 13 and 14 , and optionally the sealing ring 21 , may also be retained. In this case, due to the pressure exerted by the spring 16 on the top cover 15 , the housing 10 of the suspension LO will still automatically rise to the position shown in FIG. 3 .

[0048] Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that as a relative reset mechanism between the housing 10 and the magnetic member 20, the above-mentioned piston vacuuming action and spring pressure action can also be used in combination at the same time. In addition, other suitable elastic reset mechanisms can also be used. In addition, the reset mechanism can also be performed manually instead of using an elastic automatic reset mechanism. For example, elastic snap-fit ​​matching mechanisms are respectively provided on the guide cylinder serving as the linear guide mechanism and on the magnetic member 20, and the engagement and disengagement of the two are achieved by applying an external force (for example, pressing the housing 10 downward). In addition, other suitable linear guide mechanisms other than the guide cylinder form, such as guide rods, etc., can also be used.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a suspension LO according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Suspension LO comprises a spherical housing 10, optionally with a positioning recess 11 at its bottom. A cylindrical bracket 17 is fixedly mounted within housing 10, upon which a motor 18 with a hollow, threaded shaft is fixedly mounted. Motor 18 is secured to bracket 17 via a housing, with the hollow, threaded shaft arranged vertically and aligned with positioning recess 11.

[0050] The cylindrical magnetic member 20' is disposed inside the bracket 17, and a threaded column 22 is fixedly mounted thereon. The threaded column 22 extends upward from the bracket 17 and passes through the hollow threaded rotating shaft of the motor 18 in a threaded engagement manner.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the suspension LO placed on a base LB serving as a levitator. As shown, the upper surface of the base LB is optionally provided with a positioning protrusion P which is inserted into a positioning recess 11 of the suspension LO to provide initial positioning.

[0052] As shown in FIG6 , when the suspension LO is placed on the base LB, the magnetic element 20' is initially set or driven by the motor 18 to a set levitation height. At this point, due to the repulsive force exerted on the magnetic element 20' in the suspension LO by a magnetic component in the base LB, such as a ring magnet (not shown), the magnetic element 20' remains stably suspended in this equilibrium position. Next, the hollow threaded rotating shaft of the motor 18 is driven to rotate, for example, by a remote switch (not shown) or remote control provided on the base LB. This causes the motor 18 to drive the housing 10 of the suspension LO upward along the threaded studs 22 on the magnetic element 20' and away from the base LB, until the bottom of the housing 10 approaches the magnetic element 20', as shown in FIG6 . Thereafter, the motor 18 can be controlled to reverse, lowering the housing 10 to the desired height or the initial landing position shown in FIG5 . Furthermore, due to the rotational lifting motion of the housing 10, the suspension LO rotates horizontally when it is lifted from the base, creating a unique visual effect.

[0053] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a variation of the suspension according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the transmission device is different from the embodiment shown in FIG4 , and the other parts remain unchanged.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7 , motor 18', fixed to bracket 17, is a conventional motor having a rotating shaft 19' extending vertically downward. The housing of motor 18' remains fixed to bracket 17 but is offset parallel to the threaded column 22 of magnetic member 20'. Rotating shaft 19' is secured to gear 101, which meshes with transmission gear 102. Transmission gear 102, in turn, forms a threaded connection with threaded column 22 of magnetic member 20', which passes through it. In this case, motor 18' can also drive housing 10 of suspension LO to automatically raise and lower the suspension, as shown in Figure 8 .

[0055] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a variation of the suspension according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the transmission device is different from the embodiments shown in FIG4 and FIG7 , and the other parts remain unchanged.

[0056] As shown in Figure 9, an outer cylinder 103 that can slide up and down is sleeved on the cylindrical bracket 17, and a guide rib 104 is also provided on the outer cylinder 103 so that the outer cylinder 103 can only move up and down relative to the cylindrical bracket 17 but cannot rotate relative to it. The motor 18' fixed on the outer cylinder 103 is also an ordinary motor, having a rotating shaft 19' extending vertically downward. The rotating shaft 19' is vertically aligned with the threaded column 22 of the magnetic part 20' and fixed together. The nut 105 is fixed on the top of the cylindrical bracket 17 and forms a threaded connection with the threaded column 22 of the magnetic part 20' passing through it. In this case, the motor 18' can also drive the shell 10 of the suspension LO to automatically rise and fall, as shown in Figure 10.

[0057] FIG11 illustrates a base LB configured as a calendar base. The disc-shaped base LB includes a housing 30 having a central circular receiving recess 33. Two concentric annular grooves, a first indicator slot 31 and a second indicator slot 32, are radially spaced apart from each other and arranged on the upper surface of the housing 30. A first indicator bead 311 is movable and operable to be positioned in one of a plurality of set positions 310 within the first indicator slot 311, while a second indicator bead 321 is movable and operable to be positioned in one of a plurality of set positions 320 within the second indicator slot 32. The first indicator bead 311 and the second indicator bead 321 may be iron balls. Since the housing 30 further includes annular magnets 35 located below the first and second indicator slots 31 and 32, as described later, the corresponding iron balls can be quickly and conveniently positioned in the desired set positions within the indicator slots by moving or shifting the corresponding iron balls along the indicator slots.

[0058] In the calendar base shown in FIG11 , except for the receiving recessed area and the area where the annular groove is located, the height of the disc body of the base LB gradually decreases radially outward.

[0059] The embodiment shown in Figure 12 is similar to that shown in Figure 2, except that the calendar base LB shown in Figure 11 is used. As shown in Figure 12, a magnetic levitation system is also housed within the housing 30 of the base LB. This system includes a control circuit board 34, an annular magnet 35, an electromagnetic coil 26, and an iron core 37. The suspended body LO can similarly be raised from the position shown in Figure 12 to the position shown in Figure 13, as described above.

[0060] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a suspension LO suspended above the calendar base LB shown in Figure 11 . The suspension LO is in the form of a spherical moon phase lamp. This spherical moon phase lamp can create areas of inconsistent brightness on its spherical outer surface, such as a half-dark area and a half-lit area as shown. This spherical moon phase lamp can have a spherical outer shell that is half transparent and half opaque or translucent, and a light source located within the spherical outer shell.

[0061] Alternatively, the spherical moon phase lamp can have a 3D-printed spherical housing and light source, with the interior of the spherical moon phase lamp divided into two parts by a light-isolating plate, and the light source located in one part. Furthermore, the two parts of the spherical moon phase lamp separated by the light-isolating plate can each have an independently controllable light source to achieve a half-bright or full-bright state as needed.

[0062] The embodiment shown in FIG15 is similar to that shown in FIG14 , except that a calendar base having an overall flat shape is used.

[0063] Figure 16 is a top view of the calendar base shown in Figure 15, wherein the setting position of the arc-shaped indicator slot 31 is also provided with a corresponding week mark, and the setting position of the arc-shaped indicator slot 32 is also provided with a corresponding date mark. Figure 17 is a front view of the calendar base LB shown in Figure 16, which is also provided with a charging port 38. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, although not specifically shown, a wireless charging transmitter is also provided in the base LB, and a wireless charging receiver corresponding to the wireless charging transmitter of the base is also provided in the spherical moon phase lamp to wirelessly power or charge the spherical moon phase lamp. This magnetic levitation calendar device can realistically simulate the changes in the phases of the moon, and the calendar indication is eye-catching and clear.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, when a motor is used, other transmission device variations are also possible. The linear guide mechanism is not limited to the aforementioned thread or nut form, and for example, a cylinder used in a pneumatic drive mode may also be used as the linear guide mechanism.

[0065] Although not specifically shown, the suspension can also be equipped with electrical devices such as sound or lighting. Furthermore, the suspension can also be equipped with wireless or wired charging devices to power the power-consuming devices within. For example, if wireless power is used, a wireless power receiving coil can be installed within the suspension to cooperate with a wireless power transmitting coil installed in the base.

[0066] In addition, although not specifically shown, the suspension of the present invention may further include a limit mechanism for limiting the upper and / or lower limits of relative motion between the magnetic member and the housing. For example, a limit switch may be provided for the motor to automatically stop operation at a predetermined position.

[0067] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above illustrated embodiments are only used to better understand the present invention and are not used for any limiting purpose. For example, the above directional terms are only with respect to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the shell 10 of the suspension LO of the present invention is not limited to this closed spherical shell structure, and other shapes such as a square box or any other suitable closed or semi-closed or open shape can also be used. In addition, the shell 10 can be made of transparent, opaque or non-transparent materials. In addition, the magnetic member 20 or 20' of the present invention is not limited to always being located in the shell 10, and it can also be exposed from the shell 10 upward or downward during movement.

Claims

1. A suspension for a magnetic levitation device, comprising a shell and a magnetic member, wherein the shell and the magnetic member are arranged to be relatively movable, and the relative movement of the magnetic member and the shell is guided by a linear guide mechanism provided in the suspension.

2. The suspension according to claim 1, further comprising a motor for providing a driving force for the relative movement between the magnetic member and the housing.

3. The suspension according to claim 2, further comprising a transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the magnetic member or the housing.

4. The suspension according to claim 1, further comprising a limiting mechanism for limiting the upper and / or lower movement limit of the relative movement between the magnetic member and the housing.

5. The suspension according to claim 1, wherein the linear guide mechanism of the housing is a straight cylinder, and the magnetic member is located in the straight cylinder.

6. The suspension according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic member and the straight cylinder form a piston-type vacuum mechanism.

7. The suspension according to claim 5, wherein the straight cylinder forms a limit member, and the compression spring is located between the limit member and the magnetic member.

8. The suspension according to claim 1, wherein the housing is further provided with a positioning mark for indicating the linear motion direction of the linear motion mechanism or the corresponding position of the magnetic member.

9. A magnetic levitation device comprising a levitator and the suspended body according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the suspended body is levitable by the levitator.

10. The magnetic levitation device according to claim 9, wherein the levitator is in the form of a base, and the suspension body can be suspended above the base.

11. The magnetic levitation device according to claim 10, wherein a positioning center point or mark is provided on the upper surface of the base, and when the base is placed horizontally, the magnetic member of the suspension body can be suspended directly above the positioning center point.

12. The magnetic levitation device according to claim 9, wherein the levitator is in the form of a hanger, and the suspended body can be suspended below the highest point of the hanger.

13. The magnetic levitation device according to claim 10, wherein the base is provided with at least one indicator chute and an indicator bead movably positioned in the at least one indicator chute.

14. The magnetic levitation device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one indicating chute comprises two annular indicating chute radially spaced apart from each other, one of which is formed with a date mark and the other is formed with a day of the week or month mark, and each indicating chute corresponds to a corresponding indicating bead.

15. The magnetic levitation device according to claim 14, wherein the suspended body is a spherical moon phase lamp of which half can be illuminated and the other half can remain relatively dimmed.

16. A method for lifting and lowering a suspended object using the magnetic levitation device of claim 11, comprising: Place the levitator base substantially horizontally; Place the suspension on the levitator base, and align the magnetic part of the suspension along the linear guide mechanism with the positioning center point of the levitator base; Moving the magnetic member along the direction of the linear guide mechanism to a set suspension height so that the magnetic member is in a stable suspension state relative to the levitator base; Move the housing of the suspension upward relative to the magnetic member away from the levitator base to the desired height.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: Move the levitator housing downward relative to the magnetic member until it reaches the desired height or contacts the levitator base.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the relative movement of the housing of the suspension and the magnetic member is performed by an electric drive mechanism.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the relative movement of the housing of the suspension and the magnetic member is performed by an elastic return mechanism.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the elastic reset mechanism is a piston-type vacuum mechanism and / or a spring mechanism.

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