Magnet mounting fixture

The magnet mounting device with built-in magnets and protrusions ensures secure, stain-free attachment and cost-effective manufacturing by preventing direct magnet contact and maintaining strong magnetic force.

JP7745874B2Active Publication Date: 2025-09-30MAANA INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021184719
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-11-12
Publication Date
2025-09-30
Estimated Expiration
2041-11-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional magnet-mounted appliances, such as bathtubs, experience magnet wear and reduced attachment strength due to direct contact with the floor, leading to floor stains and increased manufacturing complexity when covers are used to protect the magnets.

Method used

A magnet mounting device with built-in magnets and a cover featuring protrusions, allowing for magnetic attachment without orientation concerns, ensuring secure mounting and preventing magnet exposure while maintaining attachment strength.

Benefits of technology

The solution prevents magnet wear and floor stains while maintaining strong attachment, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs by allowing for easy assembly without orientation adjustments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To facilitate manufacturing even when a cover for protecting a magnet is provided, and prevent a significant deterioration in mounting force of a mating member to a mounting surface.SOLUTION: In a magnet-mounted hot-water tank 1 which has a plurality of magnets 4 built-in between a hot-water tank main body 2 and a cover 3, and is capable of mounting the mounting surface 3a of the cover 3 to the mounting surface of the mating member by the magnetic force of the magnets 4, a mounting surface 3a of the cover 3 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 3b, and at least some of the plurality of magnets 4 are arranged so as to overlap with at least some of the plurality of protrusions 3b when viewed from the front of the mounting surface 3a of the cover 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnet mounting device that incorporates a magnet and can be mounted to a mating member such as a wall by magnetic force. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a bathtub with a magnet attached to its bottom (Patent Document 1). This bathtub is shown in Figure 12. A plurality of magnets 103 are attached to bottom 102 of bathtub 101, allowing bathtub 101 to be attached in an upright position to a bathroom wall to which magnets 103 can be magnetically attracted. Bathroom walls are often designed to be able to attract magnets 103, and by attaching bathtub 101 to the bathroom wall after bathing, bathtub 101 can be put away so that it does not get in the way and also helps to remove any moisture adhering to bathtub 101, accelerating drying. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3220857 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned bathtub 101 has a plurality of magnets 103 exposed on its bottom surface 102, and when the bathtub 101 is slid across the bathroom floor during use, the magnets 103 rub against the floor and wear out, and the marks caused by the magnets 103 rubbing against the floor remain as stains on the floor.

[0005] Therefore, it is possible to cover the magnet 103 with a cover to prevent it from rubbing directly against the floor, but simply providing a cover would increase the manufacturing effort and significantly reduce the attachment strength to the bathroom wall.

[0006] Furthermore, using a magnet to attach to the surface of the opposing component is not limited to the tub 101, but can also be applied to other appliances, and even in such cases the above-mentioned problems may occur.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a magnet mounting device that is easy to manufacture and can prevent a significant deterioration in the mounting force to the mounting surface, even when a cover is provided to protect the magnet that is used to mount the magnet to the mounting surface, such as a wall, using magnetic force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the magnet mounting device of the present invention has multiple magnets built in between the device body and a cover fixed to the device body, and the mounting surface of the cover can be attached to the mounting surface of the opposing member by the magnetic force of the magnets.The mounting surface of the cover has multiple protrusions, and at least a portion of the multiple magnets are arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the multiple protrusions when viewed from the front of the mounting surface of the cover.

[0009] Therefore, the magnet is covered by the cover, preventing contact with external components. Since multiple magnets are provided inside the cover, the mounting surface of the cover can be attached to the mounting surface of a magnetically attractable counterpart component. In other words, the appliance body can be attached to the counterpart component.

[0010] The cover mounting surface has multiple protrusions, which create gaps between the mounting surface and the sides of the protrusions, allowing water droplets to escape through the gaps even if the mounting surface of the cover or the mounting surface of the mating component is wet, ensuring close contact between the mounting surface and the mounting surface.

[0011] Furthermore, since at least a portion of the multiple magnets are arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the multiple protrusions when viewed from the front of the mounting surface of the cover, even if the cover is attached to the device body without regard to the orientation during manufacture of the magnet mounting device, at least a portion of the protrusions can always be positioned between the magnet and the mounting surface of the opposing member.

[0012] In addition, the magnet mounting device of the present invention may have a plurality of magnets arranged in a circle on the cover surface of the device body, and a plurality of protrusions arranged concentrically with the magnets on the mounting surface of the cover, which makes it easier to arrange the plurality of magnets and the plurality of protrusions.

[0013] Furthermore, in the magnet mounting device of the present invention, the plurality of magnets and the plurality of protrusions may be arranged at equal intervals, which also makes it easy to arrange the plurality of magnets and the plurality of protrusions. Furthermore, the magnet mounting device of the present invention may be provided with more protrusions than magnets, and the circumferential width of the magnets may be wider than the circumferential distance between adjacent protrusions.

[0014] Furthermore, the magnet mounting device of the present invention may be configured so that the number of magnets provided is greater than the number of protrusions, and the circumferential width of the protrusions is greater than the circumferential distance between adjacent magnets. In addition, the magnet mounting device of the present invention may be provided with the same number of magnets and protrusions, the circumferential width of the magnets being wider than the circumferential spacing between adjacent protrusions, and the circumferential width of the protrusions being wider than the circumferential spacing between adjacent magnets. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, the cover can be attached to the fixture body without having to worry about the orientation during manufacturing, which makes it easier to manufacture the magnet mounting fixture and prevents a significant increase in manufacturing costs. Furthermore, since the magnet can be positioned inside the protrusion that contacts the mounting surface of the mating member, a significant decrease in mounting force can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the first embodiment of the magnet mounting device of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the magnet mounting fixture of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the magnet mounting fixture of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a side view showing the magnet mounting device of FIG. 1 mounted on a mating member. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] The figure shows the positional relationship between the magnet and the protrusion on the mounting surface of the cover, with (A) being a diagram showing the state when the cover is oriented in the reference position, (B) being a diagram showing the state when the cover has been oriented 15 degrees clockwise from the reference position, (C) being a diagram showing the state when the cover has been oriented 30 degrees clockwise from the reference position, and (D) being a diagram showing the state when the cover has been oriented 45 degrees clockwise from the reference position. [Figure 8] 10 shows a second embodiment of the magnet mounting device of the present invention, illustrating the positional relationship between the magnet and the protrusion on the mounting surface of the cover, where (A) is a diagram showing the state when the cover is oriented in the reference position, (B) is a diagram showing the state when the cover is oriented 15 degrees clockwise from the reference position, (C) is a diagram showing the state when the cover is oriented 30 degrees clockwise from the reference position, and (D) is a diagram showing the state when the cover is oriented 45 degrees clockwise from the reference position. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B show a third embodiment of the magnet mounting device of the present invention, illustrating the positional relationship between the magnet and the protrusion on the mounting surface of the cover, where (A) shows the state in which the orientation of the cover is in the reference position, and (B) shows the state in which the orientation of the cover has been changed 45 degrees clockwise from the reference position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing a fourth embodiment of the magnet mounting device of the present invention. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a side view showing a magnet mounting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, mounted on a mating member. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional water bucket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Next, an example of an embodiment of the magnet mounting device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a water bucket is used as an example of the magnet mounting device, but the magnet mounting device is not limited to a water bucket.

[0018] 1 to 7 show a magnet-mounted tub (magnet mounting device) 1 according to the present invention. The magnet-mounted tub (hereinafter simply referred to as tub) 1 has multiple magnets 4 built in between the tub body (device body) 2 and a cover 3 fixed to the tub body 2, and the magnetic force of the magnets 4 makes it possible to attach the mounting surface 3a of the cover 3 to the mounting surface 5a of a mating member 5 (not shown). The mating member 5 to which the tub 1 is attached is not particularly limited as long as the magnets 4 are attached by magnetic force, but could be the wall of a bathroom, for example.

[0019] The cover 3 is fixed to the bottom surface (covered surface) 2a of the tub body 2. A circular recess 2b is provided in the center of the bottom surface 2a of the tub body 2, and this recess 2b is provided with a recess 2c for positioning the magnet 4. After the magnet 4 is placed in this recess 2c, the entire recess 2b is covered and fixed with the cover 3, thereby forming a tub 1 with a magnet 4 built into the bottom surface 2a of the tub body 2. In this embodiment, four recesses 2c are formed in the recess 2b, and four magnets 4 are built into it. However, the number of built-in magnets 4 is not limited to four. Furthermore, the recesses 2c are formed in a shape that matches the shape of the magnet 4. Since the magnet 4 in this embodiment has a circular planar shape, the recesses 2c are also circular.

[0020] The four magnets 4 are arranged in a circle. That is, four recesses 2c are formed on a circumference CF centered on the center of the recess 2b, and one magnet 4 is arranged in each recess 2c. The four recesses 2c are formed at equal intervals, and therefore the four magnets 4 are also arranged at equal intervals. Inside the four recesses 2c, recesses 2d that are shallower than the recesses 2c are provided.

[0021] The mounting surface 3a of the cover 3 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 3b arranged concentrically with the plurality of magnets 4. In this embodiment, six protrusions 3b are provided. The six protrusions 3b are arranged at equal intervals. By arranging the six protrusions 3b in a circle, recesses 3c are formed between adjacent protrusions 3b, and the six protrusions 3b and six recesses 3c are arranged alternately in a circle. The circumferential width of the recesses 3c, in other words the circumferential distance between adjacent protrusions 3b, is the same as the circumferential width of the protrusions 3b.

[0022] In this embodiment, the boundary between the convex portion 3b and the concave portion 2c is a step to clearly distinguish between them, but the boundary between them may be a smoothly curved surface to make the boundary between them unclear. That is, the boundary may be smoothly changed like a wave from the convex portion 3b to the concave portion 2c and from the concave portion 2c to the convex portion 3b.

[0023] In the tub 1, regardless of the orientation of the cover 3 relative to the tub body 2, i.e., the circumferential orientation of the tub body 2, at least a portion of the four magnets 4 are arranged so that they overlap at least a portion of the six protrusions 3b when viewed from the front of the mounting surface 3a of the cover 3. Figure 7 shows the positional relationship between the magnets 4 and the protrusions 3b when the orientation of the cover 3 relative to the tub body 2 is changed. The magnets 4 are shown as circles, and the protrusions 3b are shown as rectangles. The four magnets 4 are arranged at 90-degree intervals, and the six protrusions 3b are arranged at 60-degree intervals.

[0024] 7(A) is the reference position, and FIG. 7(B) shows the state where the orientation of cover 3 is rotated 15 degrees clockwise from the reference position, FIG. 7(C) shows the state where it is rotated 30 degrees clockwise, and FIG. 7(D) shows the state where it is rotated 45 degrees. Note that, since the protrusions 3b are provided at 60-degree intervals, the state where the orientation of cover 3 is rotated 60 degrees clockwise from the reference position is the same as the state in FIG. 7(A). Therefore, a description of the states where the orientation of cover 3 is rotated more significantly will be omitted.

[0025] As is clear from these figures, in either state, when viewing the mounting surface 3a from the front, there is an overlapping area 6 between the protrusion 3b and the magnet 4. In this way, the size, shape and positional relationship of the protrusion 3b and the magnet 4 are determined so that there will always be an overlapping area 6 between the protrusion 3b and the magnet 4, regardless of the orientation of the cover 3 relative to the tub body 2. In other words, the size, shape and positional relationship of the protrusion 3b and the magnet 4 are determined so that there will always be an overlapping area 6 between the protrusion 3b and the magnet 4.

[0026] In this embodiment, four magnets 4 and six protrusions 3b are provided. That is, there are more protrusions 3b than magnets 4. In this case, by making the circumferential width of the magnets 4 wider than the circumferential spacing between adjacent protrusions 3b, it is possible to ensure that there is an overlapping portion 6 between the protrusions 3b and the magnets 4, regardless of the orientation of the cover 3 relative to the tub body 2.

[0027] The cover 3 is formed and fixed to the tub body 2 as follows: First, the tub body 2 is molded by pouring the resin material into a mold. Magnets 4 are placed in the recesses 2c of the tub body 2 formed in this way. After one magnet 4 has been placed in each recess 2c, a cover molding mold is placed over the bottom surface 2a of the tub body 2, and the resin material is poured in. This molds the cover 3 fixed to the bottom surface 2a of the tub body 2, and forms the tub 1 with four magnets 4 built in between the tub body 2 and the cover 3. The cover 3 is molded from a magnetically conductive resin, such as polypropylene or rubber.

[0028] In the case of the water bucket 1, regardless of the orientation of the cover 3 relative to the water bucket body 2, the overlapping portion 6 between the protrusion 3b and the magnet 4 can always be produced, so the water bucket 1 can be manufactured without worrying about the orientation of the cover 3. In other words, when placing the mold for molding the cover over the bottom surface 2a of the water bucket body 2, there is no need to align the orientation of the mold, making manufacturing easy. Therefore, even if a new cover 3, which is a member for protecting the magnet 4, is added, a significant increase in the manufacturing cost of the water bucket 1 can be prevented.

[0029] Furthermore, since the magnet 4 of the bathtub 1 is covered by the cover 3, even if the bathtub 1 is slid across the bathroom floor during use, the magnet 4 will not be scraped off by the floor and will not stain the floor. Therefore, it can be used cleanly.

[0030] Furthermore, because the mounting surface 3a of the cover 3 is provided with multiple protrusions 3b, gaps are formed between the mounting surface 5a and the sides of the protrusions 3b. In other words, the recesses 3c form the gaps. Therefore, even if the mounting surface 3a of the cover 3 or the mounting surface 5a of the counterpart member 5 is wet, water droplets can escape through the gaps, allowing the mounting surface 3a and the mounting surface 5a to be tightly attached to each other, and the magnetism of the magnet 4 allows for secure attachment.

[0031] That is, water droplets adhering to the protrusions 3b can be removed by letting them escape into the recesses 3c. The protrusions 3b from which the water droplets have been removed become less likely to slip on the mating member 5. Since the less-slippery protrusions 3b and the magnet 4 are designed to always create an overlapping portion 6, all or part of the magnet 4 always creates a non-slip portion, and the mounting surface 3a can be firmly attached to the mating member 5 by the magnetic force of the magnet 4.

[0032] The above-described embodiment is one example of a preferred mode for carrying out the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above description, there are more protrusions 3b than magnets 4, but this is not limited to this. For example, there may be more magnets 4 than protrusions 3b. An embodiment in this case is shown in Figure 8. The magnets 4 are shown as rectangles and the protrusions 3b are shown as circles. In this embodiment, there are six magnets 4 and four protrusions 3b. The six magnets 4 are arranged at 60-degree intervals, and the four protrusions 3b are arranged at 90-degree intervals.

[0033] 8(A) is the reference position, and FIG. 8(B) shows the state where the orientation of cover 3 is rotated 15 degrees clockwise from the reference position, FIG. 8(C) shows the state where the orientation of cover 3 is rotated 30 degrees clockwise from the reference position, and FIG. 8(D) shows the state where the orientation of cover 3 is rotated 45 degrees clockwise from the reference position. Note that, since the protrusions 3b are provided at 60-degree intervals, the state where the orientation of cover 3 is rotated 60 degrees clockwise from the reference position is essentially the same as the state of FIG. 8(A). Therefore, a description of states where the orientation of cover 3 is rotated more significantly will be omitted.

[0034] In this way, when there are more magnets 4 than protrusions 3b, by making the circumferential width of the protrusions 3b wider than the circumferential spacing between adjacent magnets 4, it is possible to ensure that there is an overlapping portion 6 between the protrusions 3b and the magnets 4 regardless of the orientation of the cover 3 relative to the tub body 2.

[0035] Therefore, even in this case, the tub 1 can be manufactured without worrying about the orientation of the cover 3, and even if a new cover 3, which is a member for protecting the magnet 4, is added, a significant increase in the manufacturing cost of the tub 1 can be prevented.

[0036] The number of magnets 4 and protrusions 3b may also be the same. An embodiment in this case is shown in Figure 9. The magnets 4 are shown as circles and the protrusions 3b as rectangles. In this embodiment, there are four magnets 4 and four protrusions 3b. The magnets 4 and protrusions 3b are arranged at 90-degree intervals.

[0037] 9(A) is the reference position, and FIG. 9(B) shows the state where the orientation of cover 3 is rotated 45 degrees clockwise from the reference position. Note that, since the protrusions 3b are provided at 90-degree intervals, the state where the orientation of cover 3 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the reference position is essentially the same as the state of FIG. 9(A). Therefore, a description of the state where the orientation of cover 3 is rotated more significantly will be omitted.

[0038] In this way, when there are the same number of magnets 4 and protrusions 3b, by making the circumferential width of the magnets 4 wider than the circumferential spacing between adjacent protrusions 3b and making the circumferential width of the protrusions 3b wider than the circumferential spacing between adjacent magnets 4, it is possible to ensure that there is an overlapping portion 6 between the protrusions 3b and the magnets 4, regardless of the orientation of the cover 3 relative to the tub body 2.

[0039] Therefore, even in this case, the tub 1 can be manufactured without worrying about the orientation of the cover 3, and even if a new cover 3, which is a member for protecting the magnet 4, is added, a significant increase in the manufacturing cost of the tub 1 can be prevented.

[0040] Furthermore, in the above description, the shape of the tub body 2 in a plan view (the shape when viewed from directly above or directly below) and the shape of the cover 3 in a front view (the shape when viewed from the front of the mounting surface 3a) are both circular, but this is not limited to this. For example, the shape of the tub body 2 in a plan view may be a shape other than circular, such as a square, a polygon such as a hexagon, octagon, or decagon, an ellipse, a gourd, etc. Alternatively, the shape of the cover 3 in a front view may be a shape other than circular, such as a square, a polygon such as a hexagon, octagon, or decagon, an ellipse, a gourd, etc. In other words, either or both of the shape of the tub body 2 in a plan view and the shape of the cover 3 in a front view may be a shape other than circular.

[0041] In addition, in the above description, the shape of the tub body 2 in a plan view and the shape of the cover 3 in a front view are the same (circular), but they may also be different shapes (for example, circular and rectangular). For example, as shown in Figure 10, the shape of the tub body 2 in a plan view may be rectangular and the shape of the cover 3 in a front view may be circular, or the shape of the tub body 2 in a plan view may be polygonal and the shape of the cover 3 in a front view may be circular.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above description, six protrusions 3b and six recesses 3c are formed on the mounting surface 3a of the cover 3, but this is not limiting. For example, the circumferential widths of the protrusions 3b and recesses 3c may be narrowed, and the recesses 3c may be formed as grooves extending radially from the center of the cover 3. Water droplets adhering to the mounting surface 3a are removed into the grooves that overlap the magnet 4, making the mounting surface 3a less likely to slip relative to the mating member 5. The grooves may be provided only in the portions that overlap the magnet 4. Even in this case, the mounting surface 3a can be made less likely to slip relative to the mating member 5.

[0043] In the above description, the magnets 4 are arranged in a circle on the bottom surface 2a of the tub body 2, but this is not limited to this. For example, they may be arranged in an oval, square, double or triple circle, star shape, etc. Furthermore, the magnets 4 may be arranged in a straight or curved line. In this case, the protrusions 3b may be arranged in a straight or curved line.

[0044] In addition, in the above description, the magnet 4 is provided on the bottom surface 2a of the tub body 2, but the location of the magnet 4 is not limited to the bottom surface 2a. For example, the magnet 4 may be provided on the side surface 2e as shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, the magnet 4 may be provided on both the bottom surface 2a and the side surface 2e of the tub body 2. In other words, the magnet 4 may be provided in multiple positions. In this case, the degree of freedom in selecting the installation position of the tub body 2 can be improved.

[0045] Furthermore, although the above explanation has been given using the tub 1 as an example, the magnet mounting device is not limited to this. For example, it can also be applied to the following devices. (Bathroom) Hooks, shelves, containers, shower heads, slippers, body towels, dispensers, etc. (Kitchen) Hooks and shelves for use on walls and refrigerators, containers, scissors, kitchen tools (ladles, chopsticks, spatulas, etc.), knives, pot lids, bowls, dispensers, etc. (Bathroom) Hooks, shelves, containers, hangers, clothespins, laundry brushes, etc. (Living room) Interior hooks, shelves, containers, etc. (Outdoor) Hooks, shelves, containers, slippers, etc. (Office) Whiteboard hooks, shelves, pens, cleaners, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1. Magnetic mounting tub (magnetic mounting fixture) 2. Water bucket body (apparatus body) 2a Bottom of the tub body (covered surface) 3 Cover 3a Cover mounting surface 3b Convex part 4. Magnets 5 Counterpart 5a Mounting surface of the mating member 6 The part where the protrusion on the cover's mounting surface and the magnet overlap

Claims

1. A magnet mounting device that has a plurality of magnets built in between a device body and a cover fixed to the device body, and that can mount an attachment surface of the cover to an attachment surface of a mating member by the magnetic force of the magnets, A plurality of protrusions are provided on the mounting surface of the cover, At least some of the magnets are arranged to overlap at least some of the protrusions when viewed from the front of the mounting surface of the cover. A magnet mounting device characterized by:

2. The plurality of magnets are arranged in a circle on the cover surface of the appliance body, The plurality of protrusions are arranged concentrically with the plurality of magnets on the mounting surface of the cover.

2. The magnet mounting device according to claim 1.

3. 3. The magnet mounting device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of magnets and the plurality of protrusions are arranged at equal intervals.

4. 4. The magnet mounting device according to claim 2, wherein the number of said protrusions is greater than the number of said magnets, and the circumferential width of said magnets is greater than the circumferential distance between adjacent said protrusions.

5. 4. The magnet mounting device according to claim 2, wherein the number of magnets provided is greater than the number of convex portions, and the circumferential width of each convex portion is greater than the circumferential distance between adjacent magnets.

6. 4. A magnet mounting device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the magnets and the protrusions are provided in equal numbers, the circumferential width of the magnets is wider than the circumferential spacing between adjacent protrusions, and the circumferential width of the protrusions is wider than the circumferential spacing between adjacent magnets.

Citation Information

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