Magnetic attraction device

Abstract

Magnetic attraction device comprising: several permanent magnets (1); and a mounting element (2) with an upper surface (21) and a lower surface (22), wherein the mounting element (2) has several mounting spaces (23) formed in the upper surface (21), wherein each of the several permanent magnets (1) is received into one of the several mounting spaces (23) and fixed therein.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to an attraction device and in particular a magnetic attraction device for attracting and holding tools. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Magnetic attractors are commonly used in both households and industry to secure various tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and the like using the magnetic force they generate. Currently, these devices primarily utilize permanent magnet materials. However, permanent magnets are inherently brittle and tend to crack or break upon impact or accidental drops. When a permanent magnet breaks, its internal magnetic domain structure is destroyed, creating non-magnetic gaps between the fragments that interrupt the magnetic flux. This type of damage is irreversible, as the original magnetic properties and structural integrity cannot be restored simply by splicing or gluing the fragments together.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved magnetic attraction device that solves the problem of brittleness and fragility of permanent magnet materials in the prior art, thereby increasing durability and extending the service life of such devices. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to the present invention, a magnetic attraction device is provided, comprising a mounting element having several mounting spaces formed in its upper surface, and several permanent magnets, each of which is received and fixed in a corresponding mounting space of the mounting element. By embedding each permanent magnet in its respective mounting space and surrounding its circumference with the mounting element, the magnets are effectively protected from direct external impacts, thereby reducing the risk of cracks, chipping, or fractures, which are common problems associated with the brittleness of permanent magnet materials.

[0005] Advantageously, the mounting element is made of a magnetically conductive metal, allowing the permanent magnets to form composite magnetic circuits with the mounting element, thus concentrating the magnetic flux. As a result, the device achieves a superior overall magnetic attraction.

[0006] Further advantages and benefits of the present invention will become clear upon careful reading of the following detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] It is emphasized that various features are not shown to scale and are for illustrative purposes only. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may have been arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for the sake of clarity.

[0008] Included: Fig. Figure 1A is a perspective view of a magnetic attraction device according to some embodiments. Fig. 1B is an enlarged view of section A of the in Fig. 1A magnetic attraction device shown. Fig. 2A is an isometric view of one half of a magnetic attraction device according to some embodiments, such as that shown in Fig. 1A Device shown, in which the assembly spaces are arranged as through holes. Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 2A magnetic attraction device shown. Fig. Figure 3 is an isometric view of one half of a magnetic attraction device according to some embodiments, such as that shown in Fig. 1A Device shown, in which the assembly spaces are arranged as recesses. Fig. Figure 4 is an isometric view of one half of a magnetic attraction device according to some embodiments, such as that shown in Fig. 1A Device shown, in which the mounting spaces are configured as both through holes and recesses. Fig. Figure 5A is a top view of a magnetic attraction device according to some embodiments. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 5A shows a magnetic attraction device along line AA. Additionally, it features Fig. Figure 5B shows an enlarged view of the circled section of the device, which represents a gap between the magnet and the upper surface of the mounting element. Fig. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 5A shows a magnetic attraction device along line AA. Additionally, it features Fig. Figure 5C shows an enlarged view of the circled section of the device, which represents a gap between the magnet and the lower surface of the mounting element. Fig. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 5A shows a magnetic attraction device along line AA. Additionally, it features Fig. Figure 5D shows an enlarged view of the circled section of the device, which represents both a gap between the magnet and the upper surface and a gap between the magnet and the lower surface of the mounting element. Fig. Figure 6A is a top view of a magnetic attraction device according to some embodiments, in which fixing sections are provided in the mounting element near and surrounding each magnet. Fig. 6B is an enlarged view of section B of the in Fig. 6A shown magnetic attraction device. Fig. Figure 7 is a top view of a magnetic attraction device according to some embodiments, in which an annular fixing section surrounds a magnet. Fig. Figure 8 is a top view of a magnetic attraction device according to some embodiments, in which the mounting element is arranged as a plate and magnets are arranged in a matrix pattern. Fig. Figure 9 is a side view of an arrangement of magnetic attraction devices, comprising a stack of several magnetic attraction devices. Fig. Figure 10A is an isometric view of one half of a magnetic attraction device according to some embodiments in which an adhesive layer is applied to the lower surface of the mounting element. Fig. 10B is an enlarged view of section C of the in Fig. 10A shown magnetic attraction device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The present disclosure relates generally to a magnetic attraction device for use in both household and industrial settings, designed to secure various tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers and similar objects.

[0010] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples of implementations of various features of the invention. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present invention.

[0011] Fig. Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a magnetic attraction device, while Fig. Figure 1B provides an enlarged view of section A of the magnetic attraction device. As shown in Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the magnetic attraction device comprises a mounting element 2 with several mounting spaces 23, each dimensioned to accommodate a permanent magnet 1. The magnetic attraction device further comprises several permanent magnets 1, which are received and fixed in the corresponding mounting spaces 23. Each permanent magnet 1 is inserted into its respective mounting space 23, with its circumferential sides surrounded by the mounting element. By embedding the permanent magnets in the mounting spaces of the mounting element, the magnets are effectively protected from direct external impacts, particularly in the event of a fall of the device from a height. This design helps to reduce the risk of cracks, chipping, or fractures, which are common problems associated with the brittleness of permanent magnet materials.

[0012] In some embodiments, the permanent magnets 1 comprise neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB), which exhibits an exceptionally high magnetic energy product and consequently a strong magnetic attraction. This makes NdFeB magnets particularly suitable for applications requiring strong magnetic attraction. In other embodiments, the permanent magnets 1 may comprise ferrite, a material known for its stability, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mounting element 2 is made of a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel or rubber. In other embodiments, the mounting element 2 is made of a magnetic material, for example, iron, carbon steel, iron-nickel alloys, or cold-rolled steel plates. By utilizing magnetic materials with excellent magnetic permeability, the mounting element 2 can effectively guide and close magnetic flux lines once a permanent magnet 1 is fixed within it. In principle, the permanent magnet 1 and the mounting element 2 together form a new magnetic circuit. As a result, the device reduces the dispersion of the magnetic flux density and concentrates the direction of the magnetic flux at the output, thereby increasing the magnetic field strength and significantly improving the holding power of the magnetic attraction device compared to using the permanent magnets 1 alone.

[0014] With reference to Fig. 2A, which is an isometric view of one half of a magnetic attraction device, as well as Fig. 2B, which shows a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. In the device shown in Figure 2A, in some embodiments the mounting spaces 23 of the mounting element 2 are designed as through holes extending from an upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2 to a lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2. The through holes can be circular, square, rectangular, or polygonal, or have another suitable shape. In some embodiments, the through holes can have different shapes; for example, a first through hole can be square, while a second through hole can be circular or rectangular. In some embodiments, all through holes are designed with the same shape.

[0015] The depth of the mounting spaces 23, configured as through-holes, is defined as the distance between the upper surface 21 and the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2. Each permanent magnet 1 has a top surface 13 and a bottom surface 14, the thickness of the permanent magnet 1 corresponding to the distance between these two surfaces. In some embodiments, the thickness of the permanent magnets 1 is equal to the depth of the mounting spaces 23, the top surface 13 of each permanent magnet 1 is flush with the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2, and the bottom surface 14 of each permanent magnet 1 is flush with the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2. This arrangement ensures that the permanent magnets 1 do not protrude beyond the mounting element 2, thus allowing the mounting element 2 to provide effective protection for the magnets.

[0016] With reference to Fig. Figure 3, which is an isometric view of one half of a magnetic attraction device, shows that in some embodiments the mounting spaces 23 of the mounting element 2 are designed as recesses extending from the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2 to a predetermined depth. The recesses can be circular, square, rectangular, or polygonal, or have another suitable shape. In some embodiments, the recesses can have different shapes; for example, a first recess can be square, while a second recess can be circular or rectangular. In some embodiments, all recesses are designed with the same shape.

[0017] Each recess has a recess bottom, and the depth of the corresponding mounting space 23 is defined as the distance between the recess bottom and the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2. In some embodiments, the mounting element 2 is made of magnetic material, for example, iron, carbon steel, iron-nickel alloys, or cold-rolled steel plates. This allows the recess bottom of each recess to further guide and concentrate the magnetic flux, thereby directing the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet 1 within the recess more effectively toward the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2, which serves as the working surface to which objects are attracted and thus fixed. This arrangement enhances the magnetic attraction of the magnetic attraction device to the working surface.In one embodiment, the depth of the mounting recesses is half the thickness of the mounting element and is equal to the thickness of the permanent magnets 1. In this embodiment, the thickness of the permanent magnets 1 corresponds to the distance from the bottom of each recess to the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2, which is also the thickness of the remaining section of the mounting element below the recess after its formation. This structure creates symmetrical magnetic paths that balance the magnetic resistance properties of the magnetic mounting element 2 with the magnetic potential of the permanent magnets 1. As a result, magnetic saturation is effectively suppressed, and the magnetic flux is directed toward the working surface, thereby significantly increasing both the magnetic field strength and the holding power of the magnetic attraction device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the multiple mounting spaces 23 have at least one through-hole 231 and at least one recess 232. In one embodiment, recesses 232 and through-holes 231 are arranged alternately, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows an isometric view of one half of a magnetic attraction device.

[0019] In some embodiments, as above with reference to Fig. As described in 1A to 4, the thickness of the permanent magnets 1 is equal to or less than the depth of the mounting spaces 23, so that the permanent magnets 1 can be completely embedded in the corresponding mounting spaces 23.

[0020] To better protect the permanent magnets 1 from direct impacts, in some embodiments – for example, in those described in Fig. In the devices shown in Figures 5A to 5D, the thickness of the permanent magnets 1 is less than the depth of the mounting spaces 23. This arrangement allows the permanent magnets 1 to be completely embedded and recessed within the mounting spaces 23, preventing an attracted object from coming into direct contact with the magnets. As a result, friction between the attracted object and the upper surface of the magnets is avoided, thus reducing the risk of damage to the magnets by the attracted object.

[0021] Fig. Figure 5A is a top view of a magnetic attraction device according to some embodiments. The mounting element 2 has a generally rectangular cross-section with rounded ends and is provided with several mounting spaces, which may be configured as through holes, recesses, or a combination of both.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 5B, which shows a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A of the magnetic attraction device along line AA, and in an enlarged view of the circled section of the device, the mounting spaces are designed as through-holes. A gap is provided between the upper surface 13 of a permanent magnet 1 and the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2. More precisely, as can be seen in the enlarged view of the circled section, the upper surface 13 of the permanent magnet 1, which is fixed in a corresponding through-hole of the mounting element 2, is positioned below the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2. In this embodiment, the lower surface 14 of the permanent magnet 1 is flush with the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2. By positioning the upper surface 13 of the permanent magnet 1 below the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2, the magnet 1 is protected from direct contact with an attracted object.As a result, any object attracted by the magnet 1 comes into contact with the mounting element 2 and not with the magnet itself, thereby reducing friction and abrasion on the magnet's surface and extending the service life of the magnetic device. In some embodiments, a gap is present between the upper surface 13 of each permanent magnet 1 and the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2.

[0023] With reference to Fig. 5C, which shows a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A of the magnetic attraction device along line AA, and in an enlarged view of the circled section of the device, the mounting spaces are designed as through-holes. A gap is provided between the lower surface 14 of a permanent magnet 1 and the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2. More precisely, as can be seen in the enlarged view of the circled section, the lower surface 14 of the permanent magnet 1, which is fixed in a corresponding through-hole of the mounting element 2, is positioned above the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2. In this embodiment, the upper surface 13 of the permanent magnet 1 is flush with the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2. In some embodiments, a gap is present between the lower surface 14 of each permanent magnet 1 and the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 5D, which provides a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. Figure 5A shows a magnetic attraction device along line AA, and an enlarged view of the circled section of the device. The mounting spaces are designed as through holes. A gap exists between the upper surface 13 of a permanent magnet 1 and the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2, and another gap exists between the lower surface 14 of the permanent magnet 1 and the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2. By providing gaps or recesses on both sides of the permanent magnet, the magnet is effectively protected on both sides from direct contact with external objects. The mounting element 2 absorbs and distributes mechanical shocks or stresses instead of transmitting them directly to the magnet.This design significantly reduces the risk of mechanical damage, chipping, abrasion, or friction on the magnet surface during use, thereby increasing the overall durability and reliability of the magnetic attraction device, particularly in applications with frequent use. In some embodiments, a gap is present between the upper surface 13 of each permanent magnet 1 and the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2, and a further gap is present between the lower surface 14 of each permanent magnet 1 and the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2.

[0025] With renewed reference to Fig. In some embodiments, 5B, at least one mounting space of the mounting element 2 is configured as a recess (not shown in the figure), with a gap between the upper surface 13 of the permanent magnet 1 fixed in the recess and the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2. More precisely, the upper surface of the permanent magnet 1 is positioned below the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2.

[0026] In some embodiments, all assembly spaces, as in Fig. 3 shown, as recesses 232 are provided and there is a gap between the upper surface 13 of each permanent magnet 1, which is fixed in a corresponding recess, and the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2.

[0027] In further embodiments, the mounting spaces are configured both as recesses 232 and as through holes 231, which, as in Fig. 4 are arranged alternately, with a gap provided between the upper surface 13 of each permanent magnet 1 and the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2.

[0028] With renewed reference to Fig. In some embodiments, as described in sections 5A to 5D, the mounting element 2 has a length (L) in the range of approximately 4 cm to 10 cm, a width (W) in the range of approximately 1 cm to 5 cm, and a thickness (T) in the range of approximately 0.1 cm to 0.5 cm, wherein the distance (E) from the mounting spaces 23 to the edge of the mounting element 2 is at least 2 mm. In these embodiments, the gap between the upper surface 13 of a permanent magnet 1 and the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2, or the gap between the lower surface 14 of a permanent magnet 1 and the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2, preferably has a depth (D) in the range of approximately 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm. This gap dimension ensures an optimal balance between protecting the magnet and maintaining its magnetic performance.In particular, the depth is sufficient to provide a protective recess for the permanent magnet 1, protecting it from direct contact with external objects and thus preventing surface scratches, chipping, or other mechanical damage. At the same time, this small gap has only a minimal impact on the magnetic flux, so that most of the magnetic flux reaches the working surface, thus maintaining the holding power and operational efficiency of the device.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 6A, which is a top view of a magnetic attraction device, and Fig. 6B, which shows an enlarged view of section B of the device Fig. In some embodiments of 6A, multiple permanent magnets 1 are inserted into corresponding mounting spaces 23 of the mounting element 2 using clearance fits. To securely hold the permanent magnets 1 in the mounting spaces 23 of the mounting element 2 and to prevent slippage or detachment due to vibrations, shocks, or prolonged use, the mounting element 2 is provided with multiple fixing sections 24. In one embodiment, at least one fixing section 24 is provided next to each mounting space 23 and is designed to compress the corresponding permanent magnet, thereby fixing it in the mounting space 23. The fixing sections 24 are formed by local plastic deformation of the mounting element 2, for example, by an embossing process. This local deformation plastically deforms the embossed areas of the mounting element 2 toward the outer walls of the permanent magnets 1, thereby pressing them firmly against the magnets.

[0030] In some embodiments, the mounting element 2 is made of a rigid material. Preferably, the material has a hardness in the range of 20 HA to 40 HA, for example, pure iron, low-carbon steel, and silicon steel. Using materials within this hardness range ensures that the mounting element 2 is sufficiently deformable under external force, thus facilitating the formation of the fixing sections 24 by local plastic deformation. Furthermore, limiting the hardness to this range prevents the mounting element 2 from fracturing due to excessive brittleness, thereby increasing the durability and reliability of the arrangement.

[0031] More precisely, in one embodiment, the fixing sections 24 are formed by an embossing process. The upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2 has embossing positions located in circumferential regions next to each permanent magnet 1, these embossing positions corresponding to the locations of the fixing sections 24. At each embossing position, an embossing operation is performed from above, in which the embossing tool presses the mounting element 2 inwards in the thickness direction, forming a recessed structure 241 in the upper surface 21. During this embossing operation, the mounting element 2 is not penetrated, but only undergoes local plastic deformation. Since the embossing positions are located close to the side walls of the permanent magnets 1, the recesses 241 formed by the embossing cause lateral deformation of the material of the mounting element 2 in these regions.As a result, sections of the material are displaced inwards to press against the circumferential surfaces of the permanent magnets 1, thereby creating a clamping fixation between the permanent magnets 1 and the mounting element 2. By adjusting the depth of the recessed structure 241 formed by the embossing process, the clamping force exerted by the fixing sections 24 on the permanent magnets 1 can be adjusted accordingly, thus preventing the permanent magnets 1 from being crushed.

[0032] In other embodiments, the permanent magnets 1 are fixed within the mounting spaces 23 of the mounting element 2 by means of an adhesive bond, a snap-fit ​​structure, mechanical press fit or other suitable fastening means.

[0033] With renewed reference to Fig. 6A and Fig. In one embodiment of 6B, multiple fixing sections 24 are arranged circumferentially and symmetrically around each mounting space 23. This symmetrical arrangement of fixing sections 24 ensures that each permanent magnet 1 is subjected to a uniform clamping force from multiple directions during the plastic deformation of the mounting element 2. As a result, the risk of permanent magnet breakage due to excessive local stresses is reduced, thus improving the yield in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the symmetrical distribution of the multiple fixing sections 24 creates a multi-point support structure during use of the device and also prevents the permanent magnets 1 from loosening or slipping.

[0034] In some embodiments, each permanent magnet 1 has a cylindrical structure and the corresponding mounting space 23 has a circular cross-section. In such cases, the multiple fixing sections 24 are arranged symmetrically to the central axis of each mounting space 23. In one embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, four recessed structures 241 are formed in the upper surface 21 of the mounting element 2, each recessed structure 241 extending in an arc along the direction of rotation. In other embodiments, the number of fixing sections 24 can be 2, 5, 6 or any other suitable number.

[0035] In some embodiments, a fixing section 24 is provided next to a mounting space 23. The fixing section 24 is designed as an annular structure located near and surrounding the mounting space 23. The annular structure can be configured either as discrete point-like elements distributed around the mounting space 23 or as a continuous ring enclosing the mounting space 23, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows this design. This design improves the hold of each permanent magnet 1 by providing a uniform clamping force around its circumference.

[0036] As described above, the magnetic attraction device disclosed herein utilizes a mounting element to combine multiple small permanent magnets 1 into a single unit. Each permanent magnet 1 is enclosed in a mounting space 23 of the mounting element 2, thereby forming a larger magnetic component. The small size of the individual permanent magnets 1 makes them less susceptible to breakage from impacts. Furthermore, the mounting element 2 provides a circumferential protective support for the permanent magnets, thereby increasing the durability and service life of the magnetic attraction device. In some embodiments, the combination of multiple permanent magnets 1 with a magnetically conductive mounting element 2 also forms compound magnetic circuits that concentrate the magnetic flux. As a result, the device achieves a superior overall magnetic attraction force compared to a monolithic permanent magnet of the same volume.Consequently, the volume of permanent magnet material required for mass production can be reduced, thus lowering manufacturing costs.

[0037] The magnetic attraction device described above can be provided in various shapes, for example, in an elongated or flat design. In some embodiments, the mounting element 2 is elongated—either straight or curved—with multiple permanent magnets 1 arranged along its length. In one embodiment, the mounting element 2, as shown in Fig. Figures 1A to 6 show a straight strip structure, wherein multiple permanent magnets 1 are arranged along its length in a row with approximately uniform spacing between adjacent permanent magnets 1. In other embodiments, the mounting element 2 has a plate structure with multiple permanent magnets 1 arranged on it, which can assume various shapes, including but not limited to circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, polygons, irregular shapes, or any other suitable shape. In one embodiment, for example, the mounting element is a rectangular plate with multiple permanent magnets 1 arranged in a matrix pattern on its surface, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 illustrates this versatility of the device design. This versatility allows the device to meet a wide range of requirements regarding the attraction shape and the distribution of the magnetic force in various application scenarios.

[0038] With renewed reference to Fig. 1B and Fig. Paragraph 2B points out that each permanent magnet 1 of the magnetic attraction device disclosed herein has a first magnetic pole end 11 and a second magnetic pole end 12, the two ends having opposite polarity. Regardless of whether the permanent magnets 1 are arranged linearly or in a matrix within the mounting element 2, the first magnetic pole end 11 of each permanent magnet 1 is oriented towards the top surface 13 of the permanent magnet 1, while the second magnetic pole end 12 is oriented towards the bottom surface 14. Consequently, the upper surface 21 and the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2 have opposite magnetic polarity. This configuration is essential because a non-uniform orientation of the magnetic poles would cause the magnetic flux between the magnets to close internally instead of being released externally.Such an internal flux closure would lead to a mutual cancellation of the magnetic forces and a disordered magnetic field distribution, thereby impairing the magnetic attraction performance of the device.

[0039] With reference to Fig. Figure 9, which shows a side view of an arrangement of magnetic attraction devices, represents in some embodiments multiple magnetic attraction devices, as described above in connection with Fig. Figures 1A to 8 disclose the arrangement, stacked in the thickness direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the mounting element. This arrangement is made possible by the uniform alignment of the magnetic poles of each magnetic attraction device. Since each magnetic attraction device has the same polarity on its upper surface 21 and lower surface 22, there is no problem of repulsion or mutual cancellation of the magnetic poles between the stacked devices. As a result, stacking multiple magnetic attraction devices in the thickness direction allows their magnetic forces to superimpose, thereby increasing the overall attraction force. This design is particularly suitable for applications requiring a higher load-bearing capacity.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 10A, which is an isometric view of one half of a magnetic attraction device, and Fig. 10B, which shows an enlarged view of section C of the device in Fig.As shown in Figure 10A, in some embodiments the magnetic attraction device further comprises an adhesive layer 3, which is attached to the lower surface 22 of the mounting element 2 for fixing purposes. The adhesive layer 3 can be made of a material such as double-sided adhesive tape, hot melt adhesive, or pressure-sensitive adhesive. The adhesive layer 3 is designed to fix the magnetic attraction device to non-magnetic mounting surfaces such as walls, wooden furniture, plastic surfaces, glass, or ceramic materials. This arrangement enables simple and reliable installation of the magnetic attraction device on a variety of different substrates without the need for mechanical fasteners. The inclusion of the adhesive layer 3 increases the versatility and ease of use of the device, allowing it to be securely mounted on various surfaces.

[0041] Although the present invention has been explained with reference to its preferred embodiments mentioned above, it is understood that numerous further modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the attached claim(s) include such modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

[1] Magnetic attraction device comprising: several permanent magnets (1); and a mounting element (2) with an upper surface (21) and a lower surface (22), wherein the mounting element (2) has several mounting spaces (23) formed in the upper surface (21), wherein each of the several permanent magnets (1) is received into one of the several mounting spaces (23) and fixed therein. [2] Magnetic attraction device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the multiple mounting spaces (23) is either a through hole (231) extending from the upper surface (21) to the lower surface (22) or a recess (232) formed in the upper surface (21). [3] Magnetic attraction device according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of each of the multiple permanent magnets (1) is equal to the depth of the corresponding mounting space (23) and the upper surface of each of the multiple permanent magnets (1) is flush with the upper surface (21) of the mounting element (2). [4] Magnetic attraction device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the several mounting spaces (23) is a through hole (231) and the thickness of the permanent magnet (1) fixed in the through hole (231) is less than the depth of the through hole (231) and wherein: the upper surface of the permanent magnet (1) fixed in the through-hole (231) is lower than the upper surface (21) of the mounting element (2) and the lower surface of the permanent magnet (1) is flush with the lower surface (22) of the mounting element (2); or the lower surface of the permanent magnet (1) fixed in the through-hole (231) is higher than the lower surface (22) of the mounting element (2) and the upper surface of the permanent magnet (1) is flush with the upper surface (21) of the mounting element (2); or the upper surface of the permanent magnet (1) fixed in the through hole (231) is lower than the upper surface (21) of the mounting element (2) and the lower surface of the permanent magnet (1) is higher than the lower surface (22) of the mounting element (2). [5] Magnetic attraction device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the several mounting spaces (23) is a recess (232), the thickness of the permanent magnet (1) fixed in the recess (232) is less than the depth of the recess (232) and the upper surface of the permanent magnet (1) fixed in the recess (232) is lower than the upper surface (21) of the mounting element (2). [6] Magnetic attraction device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting element (2) is made of a rigid material and has several fixing sections (24), each fixing section (24) being located next to one of the several mounting spaces (23) and engaging with the respective permanent magnet (1). [7] Magnetic attraction device according to claim 6, wherein several fixing sections (24) are distributed around each of the several mounting spaces (23). [8] Magnetic attraction device according to claim 6, wherein each fixing section (24) is ring-shaped and encloses one of the multiple mounting spaces (23). [9] Magnetic attraction device according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 8, wherein the multiple fixing sections (24) are formed by local plastic deformation of the mounting element (2). [10] Magnetic attraction device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the multiple permanent magnets (1) is fixed in one of the multiple mounting spaces (23) by means of an adhesive bond, a snap-fit ​​structure or mechanical press fit. [11] Magnetic attraction device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the multiple permanent magnets (1) has a first magnetic polarity (11) and a second magnetic polarity (12) opposite to the first magnetic polarity (11), and wherein the first magnetic polarity (11) of each of the multiple permanent magnets (1) is oriented towards the upper surface (21) of the mounting element (2) and the second magnetic polarity (12) of each of the multiple permanent magnets (1) is oriented towards the lower surface (22) of the mounting element (2). [12] Magnetic attraction device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting element (2) comprises a magnetically conductive metal and the multiple permanent magnets (1) comprise neodymium-iron-boron magnets or ferrite magnets. [13] Magnetic attraction device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting element (2) has a shape selected from the group comprising an elongated strip, a circle, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a polygon or an irregular shape. [14] Magnetic attraction device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting element (2) is a plate and the multiple permanent magnets (1) are arranged in a matrix therein. [15] Magnetic attraction device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an adhesive layer (3) attached to the lower surface (22) of the mounting element (2). [16] Device arrangement comprising several magnetic attraction devices according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the several magnetic attraction devices are stacked along the thickness direction of the mounting element (2).

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