Adjustment of Kinematic Relationships between Components

Abstract

To describe a device 1 comprising members in a kinematic relationship.SOLUTION: A kinematic relationship is at least partially governed by at least one magnetic induction force that introduces a threshold value of a force. This, in fact, provides a threshold value with respect to a partial movement and a hysteresis degree, and brakes movement until a sufficiently large energizing force E is applied. The effect can be further altered by use of additional magnetic induction force interaction with at least one additional member, and energizes or slows once started movement, and / or brakes the movement when once reached a new location.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Related Applications] This application has priority based on New Zealand Patent Application No. 627630, which is incorporated herein by reference. This specification describes an apparatus having members in kinematic relationship, the kinematic relationship being at least partially governed by at least one magnetic induction force that introduces a force threshold, which can in effect provide a threshold and impart a degree of hysteresis, preventing movement until a sufficiently large biasing force is applied. This effect can be further modified by use of additional magnetic induction force interactions with at least one further member, biasing or retarding movement once initiated and / or preventing movement once a new position is reached.

Background Art

[0002] Eddy current formation can be used in various ways to regulate the rotational speed of a member. There are various devices, for example controlling the descent of a climber in a rappel or preventing a fall that could cause injury in a personal protective equipment scenario. Other uses of eddy current generation are in the control of the payout of ropes for trains, cable cars, zip line devices and roller coasters.

[0003] One technical device is disclosed as US2012 / 0055740. This device utilizes a rotor assembly having arms that move relative to a rotor. The arms themselves may be conductive or magnetic, or may have conductive or magnetic members attached to them. When a rotational force is applied to the rotor, the arms move outward from the central axis by centrifugal force and enter a magnetic (or conductive) field. As the arms move through the field, eddy currents are generated, the intensity of which depends on the rotational speed. When the rotational speed decreases, the arms are pulled back towards the axis of rotation by a spring and / or by a reduction in the centrifugal force acting on the arms. This device is widely used and provides an excellent means of varying the relative speed of components.

[0004] One aspect of the above-described device is that there is only minimal hysteresis between the actuation and non-actuation of the braking effect. As a result, rapid on-off switching of the braking effect, called "chatter," may occur. Chatter is particularly undesirable in certain applications. For example, in fall safety applications, an automatic brake may be attached to a harness worn by a person at risk of falling. When a fall occurs, the device brakes and / or stops the fall, thereby preventing injury or loss of life. Chatter can be an obstacle in fall safety applications. For example, an unnecessary actuation of the braking effect may occur when the user suddenly moves (but not during a fall). The malfunction may result in fatiguing the user, causing the user to lose balance and fall, or the malfunction may simply be generally annoying. In the worst case, chatter can cause a loss of willingness to use the fall safety device and lead to serious injury or loss of life.

[0005] Depending on the end use of the device, it may also be useful to bias or slow down the movement of an arm once started in the above device by further input.

[0006] As can be appreciated, it may be useful, or at least provide the public with options, to provide means for both slowing down and / or completely stopping the relative movement between components in a means that can be adjusted to avoid unintended braking and can induce an adjustable degree of hysteresis.

[0007] Further aspects and advantages of the present device will become apparent from the following description, which is given for illustrative purposes only. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This specification describes an apparatus having members in kinematic relation, the kinematic relation being at least partially governed by at least one magnetic induction force introducing a force threshold which, in effect, can provide a threshold and impart a degree of hysteresis and prevent motion until an applied biasing force is large enough. This effect can be further modified by use of additional magnetic induction force interactions with at least one further member to bias or retard motion once initiated and / or prevent motion once a new position is reached.

[0009] In a first aspect, an apparatus comprising at least one first member or part thereof and at least one second member or part thereof, said first and second members being substantially adjacent to each other and in a limited kinematic relation with each other, the apparatus comprising at least one magnetic attractive relationship between the members forming a magnetic induction force between at least one of the first and second members or parts thereof, the magnetic induction force providing a force threshold that resists motion between the members, and when this threshold is exceeded by the application of a biasing force, relative motion occurs by a dynamic system according to the kinematic relation between at least one first member and at least one second member, an apparatus is provided.

[0010] In a second aspect, an apparatus comprising at least one first member or part thereof coupled to a second member and at least one third member or part thereof, the first and third members being substantially adjacent to each other and in a limited kinematic relation with each other, the apparatus comprising at least one magnetic attractive relationship between the members forming a magnetic induction force between at least one of the first and third members or parts thereof, the magnetic induction force providing a complementary force overcoming a force threshold resisting motion at least between said first and third members, such that when this threshold is exceeded by the application of a biasing force, (a) A relative motion is generated by a dynamic system that follows a kinematic relationship between at least one first and third member, (b) The induced force accelerates the motion of the first member relative to the third member, (c) The induced force provides a holding force that resists reversal of the relative motion. An apparatus is provided.

[0011] In a third aspect, A brake comprising an apparatus substantially as described above, wherein at least one first member or a portion thereof is at least partially electrically conductive and has a further kinematic relationship with an independent magnetic field, such that (a) Prior to a sufficient biasing force, at least one first member and at least one second member remain magnetically coupled, resulting in a first no or low eddy current braking effect, (b) When a biasing force sufficient to overcome the magnetic induction force is applied, at least one first member moves into the magnetic field, thereby inducing an eddy current braking effect on the motion of at least one first member or a portion thereof relative to the magnetic field. A brake is provided.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, a line dispensing device incorporating at least one apparatus substantially as described above is provided.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, an occupant seat restraint device incorporating at least one apparatus substantially as described above is provided.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, a transmission drive device incorporating at least one apparatus engaging a rotary drive device substantially as described above is provided.

[0015] In a seventh aspect, a linear guided lifeline incorporating at least one apparatus substantially as described above is provided.

[0016] As will be outlined in more detail below, many other device applications may also be possible.

[0017] One advantage of the above device is that it includes the ability to control the point in time at which a motion defined by kinematic relationships occurs. Additionally, a further advantage of the device is that it can also affect the dynamic relationships even after the motion has started. The magnitude of the inertia effect can be adjusted between both extremes, from high resistance to motion to low resistance to motion. Additionally, by using additional magnetic members, it is also possible to have a greater or smaller impact on the kinematic thresholds and motion speeds. Adjusting in this way can have the effect of avoiding on / off chatter and can impart a degree of hysteresis in the operation of the device. The third member can also be used to adjust the non-operation, for example, to avoid accidental release from a latch. Another further advantage of the above device is its extensive ability to control and change motion by kinematic relationships, which means that the device can be used in a wide variety of different ways and applications and that the possibility of malfunction can be minimized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] A further aspect of the device will become apparent from the following description given for illustrative purposes only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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[0019] As described above, in this specification, an apparatus is described that includes members in kinematic relationship, and this kinematic relationship is at least partially governed by at least one magnetic induction force that introduces a force threshold, which can in fact provide a threshold and impart a degree of hysteresis, and prevents movement until a sufficiently large biasing force is applied. This effect can be further modified by the use of additional magnetic induction force interactions with at least one further member, which biases or slows down the movement once initiated and / or prevents the movement once a new position is reached.

[0020] For the purposes of this specification, the terms "about" or "substantially" and their grammatical variations mean a quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by at most 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% relative to a reference quantity, level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

[0021] The term "substantially" or its grammatical variations refers to at least about 50%, such as 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.

[0022] The terms "comprising", "including" and their grammatical variations are to be construed as having an inclusive meaning, i.e., they are to be interpreted to mean not only the recited components directly referred to, but also other unspecified components or elements.

[0023] The term "energizing force" and its grammatical variations refer to a force that acts to impart a velocity of movement to an object.

[0024] The term "dynamic" and its grammatical variations, in the context of the movement of a device or part of a device, refers to a force induced by mechanical means, excluding forces that may result from liquid fluid movement or pressure, for the purposes of this specification.

[0025] In a first aspect, a device comprising at least one first member or part thereof and at least one second member or part thereof, wherein the first and second members are substantially adjacent to each other and in a kinematic relationship that restricts movement relative to each other, the device comprising at least one magnetic attractive relationship between the members that forms a magnetic induction force between at least one of the first and second members or parts thereof, the magnetic induction force providing a force threshold that inhibits movement between the members, and when this threshold is exceeded by the application of an energizing force, relative movement occurs by a dynamic system that follows the kinematic relationship between at least one first member and at least one second member, a device is provided.

[0026] The relative movement between at least one first member and at least one second member in the above aspect can be blocked in the initial state by the above device, and the device further comprises at least one further magnetic attraction relationship between a third member and at least one first member and / or at least one second member, and forms a second magnetic induction force between at least one third member or a portion thereof and one or more first and / or second members or a portion thereof, the second magnetic induction force provides a complementary force that overcomes the force threshold that resists the movement between the members, and as a result, when this threshold is exceeded by the application of a biasing force, (a) relative movement is generated by the kinematic relationship between at least one first and second member, (b) the second induction force accelerates the movement of the first and / or second member relative to one or more third members, (c) the second induction force provides a holding force that resists the reversal of the relative movement.

[0027] The first and second members can be coupled together. The coupling can be direct or indirect, for example via a spring or other member.

[0028] In a second aspect, a device comprising at least one first member or a portion thereof coupled to a second member and at least one third member or a portion thereof, wherein the first and third members are substantially adjacent to each other and have a restricted kinematic relationship with each other, the device comprises at least one magnetic attraction relationship between the members that forms a magnetic induction force between at least one first and third member or a portion thereof, the magnetic induction force provides a complementary force that overcomes the force threshold that resists the movement between at least the first and third members, and as a result, when this threshold is exceeded by the application of a biasing force, (a) relative movement is generated by the kinematic relationship between at least one first and third member, (b) The guiding force accelerates the movement of the first member relative to the third member, (c) The guiding force provides a holding force that resists the reversal of the relative movement, and an apparatus is provided.

[0029] The complementary force can act on one or more first members together with the inertial force to overcome the initial magnetic attraction relationship, thereby changing the movement characteristics of the apparatus.

[0030] The magnetic guiding force described in the above aspect can exist between at least one ferromagnetic element and / or region on and / or within at least one first member and at least one magnetic element and / or region on and / or within at least one second member.

[0031] The magnetic guiding force can exist between at least one ferromagnetic element and / or region on and / or within at least one second member and at least one magnetic element and / or region on and / or within at least one first member.

[0032] The magnetic guiding force can exist between at least one magnetic element and / or region on and / or within at least one first member of a first polarity and at least one magnetic element and / or region on and / or within at least one second member of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

[0033] As can be recognized from the above examples, the manner in which the magnetic guiding force is generated is not limited to the combination of adjacent magnets, or the order or arrangement of ferromagnetic elements and magnetic elements with their respective members, and can be changed. Moreover, the magnetically attractive material need not be limited to ferromagnetic materials and can be extended to paramagnetic materials. Therefore, it should be recognized that the term "ferromagnetic" or its grammatical variations also encompass other magnetically attractive materials including, but not limited to, paramagnetic materials.

[0034] Once the first member has overcome the magnetic induction force, the movement of the first member can be direct, i.e., the first member moves directly due to the biasing force. Instead, the first member can move at least partially indirectly due to or on behalf of the biasing force, which causes the movement or interaction with the first member in at least one additional mechanical part or dynamic means, thereby continuously causing the movement of the first member. The indirect means can be dynamic force transmission through another part such as a joint or gear, or centrifugal force applied to the first member by a direct force on another part. Indirect or proxy force transmission can have the advantage of being able to amplify the biasing force.

[0035] Adjustment of the static or dynamic position and / or intensity of the point of action of the magnetic induction force can also (a) adjusting the position of the magnetic element or conductive region on at least one first member or its part as the first member or the second member moves, and / or (b) adjusting the position of the magnetic element or conductive region on at least one second member as at least one first member or the second member moves can be accomplished by.

[0036] As an example, the first member can include a slot, and a part of the first member having a magnetic element or conductive region moves within the slot as the biasing force is applied and the first member moves as a whole. This additional means of adjusting the movement can be useful for further changing the dynamics of the force and thus the way the parts interact, and thus for further changing the force threshold.

[0037] The relative movement between the first member and one or more additional members can be a frictionless movement. Magnetic forces such as the above-described induction force and any force acting on the first member thereafter can avoid frictional contact. This can be useful for minimizing mechanical wear on the parts.

[0038] In one embodiment, the movement between components is primarily governed by dynamic forces. The device can be without a liquid fluid, and all movement between components is due to dynamic forces. Alternatively, the device can have some liquid fluid present, but the main biasing force on the device members is a dynamic force. There are also liquid-based systems that utilize magnetics to alter kinematic relationships, but these devices often differ from the devices described herein in that they are often bistable, i.e., the components are stable only at two positions. Additionally, the movement relies primarily or entirely on forces or pressures accumulated from a liquid fluid, as opposed to dynamic forces. Liquid-based devices also have inherent difficulties associated with sealing the liquid and require more regular maintenance to ensure reliable operation.

[0039] The kinematic relationship can be rotational or linear.

[0040] Regarding the rotational relationship, · At least one first member can be one or more claw-shaped or arm-shaped members, which can be mechanically coupled to a second member that can be a rotor that rotates when a biasing force is applied. And / or · At least one first member can be disposed adjacent to the rotor, and a portion of the at least one first member can move outside the region defined by the rotor when a biasing force large enough to overcome the magnetic induction force is applied. And / or · At least one first member can be pivotally attached to the rotor about a pivot axis offset from the rotor axis.

[0041] Regarding the linear relationship, · At least one first member can be one or more claw-shaped or arm-shaped members, which can be mechanically coupled to a second member that can be a carriage that translates when a biasing force is applied. And / or · At least one first member can be linearly attached to the carriage about a pivot axis offset from the direction of movement of the carriage.

[0042] At least one first member or a portion thereof can be arranged to engage a at least one latch member when at least one first member and at least one second member move when a biasing force is applied. As a result of the engagement between at least one first member and at least one latch member, relative movement between at least one second member and at least one latch member can be prevented.

[0043] The third member can be at least one latch member arranged to engage at least one first member when at least one first member moves when a biasing force is applied.

[0044] At least one first member or a portion thereof can be electrically conductive, and relative movement after overcoming a threshold value moves at least one first member into a magnetic field where an eddy current drag effect occurs when at least one first member moves.

[0045] The device can include a magnetic field that interacts with the movement of the first member, thereby inducing an eddy current drag force on the first member, causing linear and / or rotational translation of at least one first member around a line or point that is inclined or offset respectively from the line of action of the eddy current drag force.

[0046] At least one first member can move at least partially orthogonally to the direction of movement of a second member defined by kinematic relationships when a biasing force is applied, and / or can pivot with respect to a magnetic field.

[0047] The kinematic relationships can be limited by the use of an opening in at least one first member that defines a range of movement, and a stop that defines one or more distal points of the opening. The magnetic attraction relationship can be present near each distal point of the opening.

[0048] The magnetic field can be stationary with respect to at least one first member or move at a different relative speed.

[0049] The speed at which at least one first and second member move relative to each other is (a) the magnetic surface area, (b) the magnetic force strength, (c) the proximity of at least one magnetic element and / or region adjacent to at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic element and / or region, (d) the geometric shape and / or magnetic properties of at least one magnetic element, (e) the ferromagnetic content of at least one ferromagnetic element and / or region, (f) the magnetic susceptibility of the ferromagnetic material can be further adjusted by changing at least one of the above.

[0050] As can be recognized from the above, the members can take various shapes or weights, which are factors affecting the operation and / or movement speed of one or more members once the movement has been initiated. The magnetic interaction can be, for example, continuous, spaced apart, or of varying dimensions over the length of the first member, thereby regulating the magnetic flux generation. The magnetic interaction portion of the first or other member can be the entire member or only a portion thereof. When only a portion of the member magnetically interacts, the position of the interaction portion, which can be external, internal, or on the part of the member, can be changed.

[0051] In a third aspect, a brake provided with an apparatus substantially as described above, wherein at least one first member or a portion thereof is at least partially electrically conductive and in a kinematic relationship with an independent magnetic field, such that (a) prior to the biasing force becoming sufficient, the at least one first member and the at least one second member remain magnetically coupled and no first eddy current braking effect or a low first eddy current braking effect occurs, (b) When a biasing force sufficient to overcome the magnetic inductive force is applied, at least one first member moves into the magnetic field, thereby inducing an eddy current braking effect on the movement of at least one first member or a portion thereof relative to the magnetic field. A brake is provided.

[0052] In a fourth aspect, a rope payout device incorporating at least one device substantially as described above is provided. Rope payout devices, such as automatic belay devices, are widely used in both recreational and industrial applications to prevent falls. In some cases, the magnetic attraction relationship can be useful for adjusting the characteristics of an automatic belay device.

[0053] In a fifth aspect, an occupant seat restraint device incorporating a stretched and retracted belt webbing is provided, the belt webbing being operably coupled to at least one device substantially as described above. An example of an occupant seat restraint device can be a seat belt used in a vehicle such as an automobile. Seat belts are a critically important safety feature, and the devices described above can provide a useful alternative to existing designs, particularly given the ability to adjust the response in the various ways described above.

[0054] In a sixth embodiment, a transmission drive device incorporating at least one device engaging a rotary drive device substantially as described above is provided.

[0055] In a seventh embodiment, a linear guided lifeline incorporating at least one device substantially as described above is provided.

[0056] Since the described devices can be used in a variety of other applications, the above examples should not be considered limiting, and non-limiting examples are · The rotor of a rotary turbine · Exercise equipment, such as rowing machines, exercise bikes · Roller coasters and other amusement ride vehicles · Elevator and escalator systems · Emergency descent devices and fire evacuation devices · Conveyor systems · Rotating drive devices within factory production equipment · Braking devices within material conveying devices such as conveyor belts or chutes · Dynamic display signboards that control the change speed of rotating signs · Roadside safety systems, for example, by connecting an eddy current brake to the system, it is possible to provide shock attenuation by energy dissipation through the brake. · Seat belts within vehicles · Braking mechanisms for trolleys and carriages including speed control.

[0057] As described above, one advantage of the above device includes the ability to control the point in time at which a motion defined by kinematic relationships occurs. Additionally, a further advantage of the device is to affect the dynamic relationships even after the motion has started. The magnitude of the inertia effect can be adjusted between the two extremes from high resistance to motion to low resistance to motion. Additionally, by using additional magnetic members, it is also possible to have a greater or smaller impact on the thresholds and motion speeds due to kinematic relationships. Adjusting in this way can have the effect of avoiding on / off chatter and can impart a degree of hysteresis in the operation of the device. With a third member, it is also possible to adjust the inactivity to avoid, for example, accidental release from a latch. Another further advantage of the above device is the extensive ability to control and change motion by kinematic relationships, which means that the device can be used in a wide range of different ways and applications and minimizes the possibility of malfunction.

[0058] The above-described embodiments can be generally said to include parts, elements, and features individually or collectively mentioned or shown in the specification of the present application, and any or all combinations of two or more of such parts, elements, or features. Also, when a specific integer having an equivalent range known in the technical field related to the present invention is mentioned in this specification, such a known equivalent range is considered to be incorporated into this specification as if it were individually described.

[0059] When a specific integer having an equivalent range known in the technical field related to the present invention is mentioned in this specification, such a known equivalent range is considered to be incorporated into this specification as if it were individually described.

Example

[0060] Here, the above-described device will be described with reference to specific examples.

[0061] For the sake of facilitating the description in the example, only a single first member is typically shown, but it should be recognized that a plurality of first members can be used.

[0062] The magnetic field through which the first member moves, and the third member or latch member are shown schematically as a continuous region because they would be redundant. The magnetic field (if any exists) can be, for example, a series of discrete magnets, or simply one magnet. Similarly, the third member (if it exists) can exhibit various shapes or surface contours, and only a limited number of examples are shown for clarity.

[0063] In the example, for instance, a specific movement of the first member may be shown, but it should be recognized that the magnetic field, the second member, and / or the third member, if they exist, may also move, or the first member may remain fixed while other members move.

[0064] Example 1 As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the device 1 of the illustrated embodiment includes a first member 2 that moves relative to a second member 5 that is a rotor rotating in direction A around a rotation axis 6 in this illustrated example. A third member 4 is also shown.

[0065] The illustrated first member 2 is attached to the second member 5, and there is a kinematic relationship between the pivot axis 7 of the first member, the position of the third member 4, and the portions restricted by the rotation speed of the second member 5.

[0066] At a predetermined position between the first member 2 and the second member 5, there is a magnetic induction force by one or more magnets 8, shown as block-shaped in this figure, connected to the second member 5. The first member 2 includes a portion 9 that is magnetically attracted to the magnet 8 or is attracted as a whole. The magnetic induction force prevents relative movement between the first member 2 and the second member 5 until the biasing force E exceeds the threshold force F. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the biasing force is generated by the rotation of the second member 5 at a sufficiently high speed, overcoming the threshold force F by centrifugal force and inertial action, and the first member 2 rotates around the pivot axis 7.

[0067] FIG. 2 shows this action by comparing the movement of the first member 2 (referred to as the pawl in FIG. 2) with respect to the applied force F. No movement or only minimal movement occurs until the biasing force is reached (shown as F trigger in FIG. 2), and after that point, the magnetic induction force rapidly dissipates as the first member 2 moves away from the second member 5. As can be recognized, introducing the input of the threshold force slows down the operation of the first member 2, and thus adjusts the timing of all subsequent events caused by the movement of the first member 2.

[0068] The kinematic relationship between the members 2 and 5 can be changed in various ways. One example is to change the threshold force by changing the conductivity of the first member 2 or by changing the dimensions and / or position of the magnet 8 (for example, recessing it into the second member 5).

[0069] Example 2 Figure 3 shows an addition to the apparatus of Example 1. In this example, a third member 4 is added, which applies a magnetic induction force to the first member 2, thereby further changing the kinematic relationships between the various members 2, 4, 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnet is placed on the third member 4, which attracts part or all of the first member 2. The induction force on the third member 4 is not strong enough to overcome the induction force between the first member 2 and the second member 5 until an urging force sufficient to overcome the threshold force is applied (e.g., by the rotation of the second member 5 around the axis 6). When the movement of the first member 2 begins, the magnet on the third member 4 biases the movement of the first member 2 relative to the third member 4. The magnet 8 on the third member 4 can also provide a force sufficient to hold the first member 2 relative to the third member 4. The magnetic field 3 can be positioned adjacent to the first member 2 and can also apply a braking force to the movement of the first member 2 due to the magnetic induction eddy current effect.

[0070] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment that can be used to achieve the above interaction. In this case, the first member 2 is shaped to have a jaw, and a stop connected to the second member 5 is located within the jaw region. The first member 2 is in a kinematic relationship with the second member 5, and when the second member 5 rotates, a centrifugal force is generated on the first member 2, moving the first member outward relative to the axis of rotation of the second member 5 around its pivot axis 7. The jaw of the first member 2 acts to define the maximum movement. The stop can be a magnet 8, which magnetically attracts part or all of the side 9 of the jaw of the first member 2. This embodiment has the same effect as the embodiment of Figure 3, although the jaw of the first member acts as a separate point where the magnetic induction force acts.

[0071] Figure 5 shows a graph of how the force interacts with the first member 2 as it moves in either the embodiment of Figure 3 or Figure 4. The magnetic induction force is high at both extremes of the movement of the first member 2 and low in the middle. Once the urging force overcomes the threshold force indicated by the words "trigger" and "hold" on the graph, it overcomes the magnetic induction force.

[0072] Example 3 FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment in which the first member 2 takes the form of a rod, and the rod 2 translates along the translation line indicated by XX and enters and exits an opening (not shown) in the second member 5. Rotation of the second member 5 about the axis A induces a biasing force which, once overcoming the magnetic induction force between the magnet 8 and the second member 5, translates the rod 2 out of the opening, and one end of the rod 2 can interact with a third member 4 via a further magnet (not shown). This example illustrates how the first member 2 can assume different shapes and forms, and that the movement of the first member 2 can be by means of a rotational axis as in the previous example or by translation as in this example.

[0073] Example 4 FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the latch device 1. In this embodiment, the second member 5 and the first member 2 are placed on the outer periphery of a rotating magnetic field 3 and a third member 4, with the axis of rotation being item 6 and the direction of movement being clockwise. When a biasing force is applied, the first member 2 overcomes the magnetic induction force between the magnet 8 connected to the second member 5 and the first member 2 and then moves around the axis of rotation 7 such that at least a portion of the first member 2 moves into the magnetic field 3. In the illustrated embodiment, an eddy current drag force (not shown) is induced to bias the rotation of the first member 2 until the first member 2 engages with the third member 4 and stops the relative rotation of the third member 4 and the magnetic field 3. The third member 4 does not necessarily have to be present, or alternatively, the third member 4 can simply act as a stop rather than a latch against further rotation of the first member 2.

[0074] Example 5 As shown in FIG. 8, the same principle as shown in FIG. 7 can be applied using the rod-shaped first member 2 first discussed in FIG. 3 above. In this example, the second member 5 and the first member rod 2 are fixed at a predetermined position on a part of the periphery of the device 1, and the magnetic field 3 and the third member 4 rotate in the direction A around the axis 6. It should be noted that the first member rod 2 is offset in a direction inclined with respect to the rotation direction, enabling the rod 2 to translate out of (and back into) the second member 5 under the influence of the inertia effect.

[0075] Example 6 Referring to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment is shown in which linear motion is used as opposed to the rotational motion illustrated in the above embodiment.

[0076] The second member 5 moves along a plane in the direction YY. The first member 2 is shown as a tip in this case, with one end attached to the pivot axis 7 and fixed to the second member 5. The magnet 8 is disposed on the second member 5, which creates a magnetic induction force together with the first member 2. When the second member 5 moves in the linear direction YY, the first member 2 overcomes the threshold force and then moves into the magnetic field 3 and is biased by the eddy current drag force and the inertial force, rotating around the axis 7 until the first member 2 or a part thereof abuts against and engages with the third member 4.

[0077] Example 7 FIG. 10 shows an embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6, where this time a rod is used as the first member 2, which translates along the line XX instead of rotating around an axis. The rod 2 interacts with a magnet 8 disposed on the second member 5. When the second member 5 moves in the linear direction YY, the first member rod 2 is pulled out of the second member 5 due to the eddy current induced drag force and the inertial force resulting from the movement of the rod 2 in the magnetic field 3.

[0078] Example 8 FIG. 11 shows an embodiment similar to the embodiment described in Example 6. In FIG. 11, however, the magnetic field 3 and the third member 4 move in the linear direction YY, and the claw-shaped first member 2 and the second member 5 remain stationary with respect to the movement in the direction YY. The movement of the magnetic field 3 overcomes the magnetic induction force between the magnet 8 and the side or all of the first member 2, thereby biasing the movement of the conductive first member 2 around the shaft 7 until the first member 2 engages with the third member 4, at which point the relative movement stops.

[0079] Example 9 FIG. 12 shows the embodiment of Example 8, but this time the rod-shaped first member 2 described in the previous embodiments is used. As will be appreciated, the shape of the first member 2 can also be changed in this scenario of the fixed second member 5 as well as the moving magnetic field 3 and the latch member 4.

[0080] Example 10 FIG. 13 shows a further modification of the apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the first member 2 is formed as a tube. The first member tube 2 can rotate about the direction B and can translate in the linear direction A along the axis of rotation. The first member tube 2 can be moved in the translational direction A and can enter into the second member, which can be a magnet or a magnetization cylinder 3. The translational movement can be suppressed by the use of a magnet 8 connected to the axis of rotation. The magnet 8 forms a magnetic induction force between the magnet 8 and the first member 2 until a sufficient threshold force is reached by the biasing force. When the threshold is reached, the first member 2 translates into the second member 3. The relative variation in the movement between the first member 2 and the second member 3 induces an eddy current drag, which slows down the rotation of the tube 2 with respect to the magnetization cylinder 3. Optionally, a claw 20 can engage with a third member, in this case a latch 4, which in this example can be a mating recess inside the second member 3, into which the claw 20 engages. A further magnet (not shown) can be incorporated on or in the third member 4 to create a magnetic induction force between the components. The translational movement of the tube 2 can be biased by a drive mechanism such as a threaded shaft 30.

[0081] Although the embodiments of the device have been described for illustrative purposes only, it should be recognized that modifications and additions can be made without departing from the scope of the claims herein.

Claims

1. A first member formed as a tube, the tube being configured to rotate about the axis of rotation of the tube and to translate in a linear direction along the axis of rotation of the tube, the tube or a portion thereof being conductive, the first member; A second member configured as a magnet or a magnetized cylinder, a braking device comprising; The translational movement of the tube is suppressed by the use of a magnet connected to the axis of rotation of the tube; When a threshold force is exceeded, the tube moves in the linear direction along the axis of rotation, enters the cylinder at that time, and when entering, an eddy current drag force is induced to slow down the relative movement between the tube and the cylinder, a braking device.

2. The braking device according to claim 1, wherein when the relative movement between the tube and the cylinder is slowed down by the eddy current drag force, the stop of the tube engages with the latch of the cylinder.

3. The braking device according to claim 2, wherein when the stop and the latch are engaged, the relative movement between the tube and the cylinder stops.

4. The braking device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a further magnet is incorporated on or in the latch to create a magnetic induction force between the stop and the latch and to hold the engagement between the stop and the latch once engaged.

5. The braking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the translational movement of the tube is biased by a drive mechanism.

6. The braking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein before the linear movement of the tube, the tube and the cylinder do not overlap in the axial direction.

7. The braking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein before the linear movement of the tube, the tube and the cylinder overlap in the axial direction.

8. The braking device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, incorporated as a brake in a rope payout device.

9. A method of adjusting the timing and range of relative movement between a tube and a cylinder in a braking device, comprising: Selecting a braking device, the braking device comprising: A first member formed as a tube, the tube being configured to rotate about the axis of rotation of the tube and to translate in a linear direction along the axis of rotation of the tube, the tube or a portion thereof being conductive, the first member; A second member configured as a magnet or a magnetized cylinder, comprising; The translational movement of the tube is suppressed by the use of a magnet connected to the axis of rotation of the tube; When exceeding the threshold force, the tube moves in the linear direction along the rotation axis, enters the cylinder at that time, and when entering, eddy current resistance is induced to slow down the relative movement between the tube and the cylinder. Select a braking device which is a device. Applying a biasing force to the tube. When the biasing force is less than the threshold force, no relative axial movement occurs between the tube and the cylinder. When the biasing force exceeds the threshold force, the method in which the tube moves axially into the cylinder.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein when the biasing force is large enough, the stop of the tube engages with the latch of the cylinder to suppress the relative movement between the tube and the cylinder.

11. A first member formed as a tube, the tube is configured to rotate around the rotation axis of the tube and translate in a linear direction along the rotation axis of the tube, and the tube or a part thereof has magnetism. A first member. A braking device comprising a second member configured as a conductive cylinder. The translational movement of the tube is suppressed by the use of a magnet connected to the rotation axis of the tube. A braking device that when exceeding the threshold force, the tube moves in the linear direction along the rotation axis, enters the cylinder at that time, and when entering, eddy current resistance is induced to slow down the relative movement between the tube and the cylinder.

12. The braking device according to claim 11, wherein when the relative movement is slowed down by the eddy current resistance between the tube and the cylinder, the stop of the tube engages with the latch of the cylinder.

13. The braking device according to claim 12, wherein when the stop and the latch are engaged, the relative movement between the tube and the cylinder stops.

14. The braking device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the latch is a recess inside the cylinder with which the stop engages.

15. The braking device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a further magnet is incorporated on or in the latch to create a magnetic induction force between the stop and the latch and maintain the engagement between the stop and the latch once engaged.

16. The braking device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the translational movement of the tube is biased by a drive mechanism.

17. The braking device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein before the linear movement of the tube, the tube and the cylinder do not overlap axially.

18. The braking device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein before the linear movement of the tube, the tube and the cylinder overlap axially.

19. The braking device according to any one of claims 11 to 18, incorporated as a brake in a rope payout device.

20. A method for adjusting the timing and range of relative movement between a tube and a cylinder in a braking device, comprising: selecting a braking device, wherein the braking device comprises: a first member formed as a tube, the tube being configured to rotate about the axis of rotation of the tube and to translate linearly along the axis of rotation of the tube, the tube or a portion thereof being magnetic; a second member configured as a conductive cylinder; the translational movement of the tube being suppressed by the use of a magnet connected to the axis of rotation of the tube; selecting a braking device, wherein when a threshold force is exceeded, the tube moves in the linear direction along the axis of rotation and enters the cylinder, and when entering, an eddy current drag force is induced to slow down the relative movement between the tube and the cylinder; applying a biasing force to the tube; when the biasing force is less than the threshold force, no relative axial movement occurs between the tube and the cylinder; when the biasing force exceeds the threshold force, the tube moves axially into the cylinder.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein when the biasing force is sufficiently large, the stop of the tube engages with the latch of the cylinder to suppress the relative movement between the tube and the cylinder.

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