Sliding Support Device

Abstract

A support device (MC2) for slidably supporting an object (e.g., a movable part) along a longitudinal axis (X) for linearly moving the object, wherein a magnetic return force is generated on the object by the cooperation of magnetic flux generators (54, 56) and elements (10) in response to a magnetic field. The elements are slidable parallel to the (X) axis during displacement of the object, and optionally exhibit a cross-section (62) viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis (X), the cross-section (62) having a width that varies along the length of the first element (10) parallel to the axis (X).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for slidably supporting and linearly moving an object along an axis, the object being selected below as the main example hereof being, for example, a door or moving part for a window, an interior or a refrigerator compartment. [Background technology]

[0002] Refrigerated counters or compartments typically have one or more sliding doors to open the refrigerated space where food is stored. Particularly for vertical counters, the doors are large and heavy. To minimize bulk and avoid the use of hinges, the doors are mounted to slide back and forth horizontally, but this does not necessarily make them accessible to users. Their considerable size and weight often require complex and expensive guidance systems, often assisted by counterweights, to allow easy access to the counter for any user.

[0003] To improve thermal efficiency, doors are sometimes prevented from accidentally opening by temporarily locking them when closed using magnetic means (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,446,336). However, sometimes excessive effort is required to unlock the door. Both when actively pulling on the door to unlock the magnetic catch and when closing under the thrust of the counterweight, the door can strike the end stop hard. To prevent such impacts from damaging the counter, damping devices are introduced into the structure.

[0004] Another known drawback of the prior art is that lock / return devices based on molded profiles can be subject to rapid wear.

[0005] It is then understood that door structures can be quite expensive and complex, yet are often not very user friendly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 2,446,336 [Patent Document 2] PCT / IB2017 / 052588 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The main object of the present invention is then to overcome one or more of these problems by proposing a device for slidably supporting and linearly moving an object along an axis, aiming, for example, at making the device easier to assemble and more reliable.

[0008] Another object is to create a device for slidably supporting and linearly moving a door (eg, a door of a refrigeration cabinet) to overcome one or more of the problems noted above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a support device for slidably supporting and linearly moving an object, such as a door, along a longitudinal axis, the support device comprising: an empty channel extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; a generator or means for generating magnetic flux for creating a magnetic flux that crosses a segment of the empty channel with all equal magnetic field lines; a first element mounted within the void channel and extending along a longitudinal axis in response to a magnetic field; the first element is capable of sliding relative to the channel parallel to the longitudinal axis during displacement of the object; a first element of the segment represents a cross section seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, having a dimension (width) along the width of the channel; The first element comprises or consists of a displaceable element (or means) for increasing or decreasing the width of the cross section, i.e. the first element is configured such that movement thereof causes an increase or decrease in the width of the segment.

[0010] For example, the displaceable elements (or equivalent means) are configured to achieve an increase or decrease in cross-sectional width by displacing into or out of the channel, respectively.

[0011] For example, the displaceable element (or equivalent means) can cooperate with a fixed portion within the channel to achieve an increase or decrease in cross-sectional width.

[0012] The displaceable element and the fixed part (if present) are made from a ferromagnetic material.

[0013] The magnetic flux prefers paths that impinge on more ferromagnetic material (those with larger cross sections), thereby creating a force that pulls the first element toward the magnetic field generator, as appropriate. Displacing the displaceable element in or out of the channel can then create a path that offers less or more magnetic resistance to the magnetic flux, thereby creating a pulling force for the device.

[0014] For example, displacement of the displaceable element can cause the door to move from right to left, or vice versa.

[0015] The change in cross-sectional size along the longitudinal axis of the first element, as seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, induces a magnetic return force between the first element and the magnetic field lines present in the channel segment.

[0016] The physical explanation is that at the point where the above dimension (or width) of the crossing segment decreases (increases), and at that point, a force is created that tends to move the first element relative to the channel along the longitudinal axis, so that the segment of the first element with a smaller (larger) cross section moves out of (into) the empty channel, i.e., the segment with the smaller (larger) cross section is less (more) struck by the magnetic field lines.

[0017] Essentially, the magnetic force will tend to move the system across the empty channel to an equilibrium condition where the first element has a large cross-section size corresponding to the configuration of minimum magnetic reluctance.

[0018] The displaceable element can then change the cross section of the first element along the longitudinal axis, thereby creating a magnetic return force that tends to move the first element and the channel back to a particular relative position, specifically, to move the door back to a closed position.

[0019] Generally, the cross section of the first element can be reduced to the point where there is absolutely no reactive material in the channel, in which case the length along the longitudinal axis of the variable cross section segment of the first element can be less than the length of a channel segment having all equal magnetic field lines.

[0020] The cross section of the first element can be reduced in various ways, for example by a step discontinuity or a smooth taper.

[0021] In other words, the segments of the first element may change continuously or abruptly from one point on the first element along the longitudinal axis to another. In either case, the variable size (width) cross section has an increasing cross section along one direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0022] The reversal of the magnetic force direction can be achieved by only one movable section (only one displaceable element) cooperating with another fixed section of the first element, for example, if the entire cross section for the segment corresponding to the displaceable element differs from the cross section of the fixed segment.

[0023] For example, in FIG. 2a, it is possible to enlarge cross section 60 so that it is larger than cross section 62, or to reduce cross section 60 so that it is smaller than cross section 62. Alternatively, it is possible to enlarge cross section 62 so that it is larger than cross section 60, or to reduce cross section 62 so that it is smaller than cross section 60. This is due to the ratio between the two cross sections at which the traction force occurs. To change the two cross sections or their ratio, for example, displaceable ferromagnetic elements MB1 or MB2, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2b, can be juxtaposed or removed.

[0024] In a preferred variant, the first element comprises or consists of a displaceable element (or means) for increasing or decreasing the width of a first cross section of the first element as seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and simultaneously decreasing or increasing, respectively, the width of a second cross section of the first element as seen in a plane perpendicular to the axis, and vice versa; The first and second cross sections are aligned within the empty channel along the channel axis and the magnetic fluxes collide.

[0025] This allows the direction of the magnetic force to be reversed by simultaneously reversing the two cross sections, avoiding the use of fixed cross sections.

[0026] For example, in this case we can consider as displaceable ferromagnetic element the element given by the integral combination of elements MB1 and MB2 shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2b.

[0027] Specifically, the first element is: (a) includes two parts aligned along a longitudinal axis and integral with one another; each portion includes a first portion and a second portion adapted to engage the empty channel and each present a cross section to the respective portion viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis, the cross section having a first dimension and a second dimension along a width of the channel; The first dimension is greater than the second dimension; the major cross-sectional dimension of the first section matches the minor cross-sectional dimension of the second section; the minor cross-sectional dimension of the first section matches the major cross-sectional dimension of the second section; (b) It is movably mounted relative to the generator and is arranged in a channel with alternating small portions of one section and large portions of the other section.

[0028] The first element and / or its displaceable element may be mounted to be movable relative to the longitudinal axis (and relative to the generator or means for generating the magnetic flux) between at least two positions, and configured such that when moving from one position to another, the cross section reverses along the longitudinal axis in the direction in which the cross section increases, i.e., the movement of the first element from one position to another is considered relative to a direction along the axis, such that before the movement, the cross section tends to increase along the reference direction, and after the movement, the cross section tends to decrease along the reference direction (or vice versa).

[0029] Thus, by shifting the position of the first element or its displaceable element, the direction of the magnetic force acting between the first element and the generator (or means) for generating a magnetic flux can be reversed.

[0030] Specifically, to achieve this reversal of direction, the first element includes two mutually integral, adjacent (not necessarily contiguous) portions, both of which extend along the axis. Each of the portions may have two cross-sections, as viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, with different dimensions (widths) along the width of the channel, corresponding to the segments, depending on whether the first element is in a first or second of the two positions. And, in each of the two positions, each portion has a cross-section, as viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, with a dimension (width) along the width of the channel that is different from the dimension of the other portion.

[0031] That is, the cross section of the first part at the first position is called S11, the cross section of the first part at the second position is called S12, the cross section of the second part at the first position is called S21, and the cross section of the second part at the second position is called S22, and the relationship between them is S11>S12, S21<S22、S11> S21, S12 <S22である。

[0032] Thus, at each of the two locations, there is a cross-sectional discontinuity along the first element (such as point P or point 100P in the accompanying drawings) caused by the difference in cross-section of the two portions.

[0033] As the first element moves from one of these two positions to the other, the respective cross sections of the portions interchange within the empty channel.

[0034] As a result of what has been said, the movement of said first element reverses the order relationship of the cross sections of the two parts, which are simultaneously present in the channel and interact simultaneously with the generator of magnetic flux or the means for generating magnetic flux (if before the movement one part has a smaller cross section than the other, after the movement one part has a larger cross section and vice versa).

[0035] Such movement may therefore reverse the direction of the magnetic force acting on the skid, or the magnetic force acting on the skid may become active or inactive.

[0036] It should be noted that in variants of the first element having only a displaceable portion extending along the axis, such a portion may have two cross sections taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, each having a different dimension (width) along the width of the channel, corresponding to a segment, depending on whether the first element is in a first or second of two positions. That is, the cross section of only the displaceable portion taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the first position is called S11, and the cross section of only the displaceable portion taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the second position is called S12, with the relationship between them being S11 > S12.

[0037] The first element or its displaceable element may, for example, be rotatable about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and / or translatable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, such that these displacements allow the cross-sections of the portions to be interchanged with corresponding cross-sections of different widths within the empty channel.

[0038] In the case of a rotatable first element or a rotatable displaceable element, a preferred variant foresees that each part has a rectangular or approximately rectangular cross section, and that the two cross sections are aligned so that the axis of rotation of the first element passes through the intersection of the diagonals of each cross section, and the long side of one cross section is parallel to the short side of the other cross section.

[0039] For example, the first element may be formed by two adjacent parallelepipeds of rectangular cross section that are coaxial and offset by 90 degrees about a common axis of rotation.

[0040] Alternatively, the first element may be formed by a bar of circular cross section that is grooved or cut along two chords of the cross section to remove two domes so that the two surfaces are parallel to each other. The thickness between the two parallel surfaces is less than the thickness between its ends (the diameter of the bar), allowing the two cross sections of different areas to be exposed to the magnetic flux when the bar is rotated 90 degrees within the channel.

[0041] If the first or displaceable element is translatable, a preferred variant foresees that each section has a T-section and that for two T-sections, the central legs of the two T-sections are aligned so that the tips of the T-sections are diametrically opposite.

[0042] For example, the first element may be formed by two adjacent parallelepipeds of T-section offset by 180 degrees about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0043] For example, the first element can be displaceable manually, for example by means of a lever, or by means of an electric drive (for example a rotary electric motor).

[0044] The generator or means for generating the magnetic flux is generally a generator of a uniform and always equal magnetic flux within the channel.

[0045] To minimize dispersion, the generator is preferably inserted into a magnetic circuit configured to carry the magnetic flux so that the magnetic flux passes through an empty channel. Even more preferably, the generator is mounted on a magnetic circuit configured to define a channel (e.g., a guide having a U-shaped cross section).

[0046] The magnetic flux generator or means for generating magnetic flux may have various embodiments (eg electromagnets or permanent magnets aligned at different points of the magnetic circuit).

[0047] Specifically, the magnetic flux generator or means for generating magnetic flux comprises two rows of magnets uniformly aligned along and parallel to the axis, with a space defined midway between the two rows where all equal magnetic field lines entering one row and exiting the other row intersect.

[0048] Preferably, the device not only generates a return force, but also generates a force that slidably supports the object in the opposite direction against its weight. To generate the force, a magnetic flux generator may be used or an auxiliary magnetic circuit may be provided. In a preferred variant, the device comprises: a second pair of equally spaced, parallel, equal rows of magnets aligned parallel to the axis, defining a space between the two rows where the magnetic field lines exiting one row and entering the other row intersect; a second element responsive to the magnetic field and extending parallel to the axis between the two rows of the second pair; the second pair of rows and the second element are capable of sliding parallel to one another relative to the axis to move the object between two positions; The second element, corresponding to space, represents the cross section seen in a plane perpendicular to the axis, The cross section remains constant along the axis, However, along a direction perpendicular to an imaginary plane containing the two columns, the width remains constant along the direction in which the weight of the object acts, and decreases as one moves away from the plane.

[0049] The decrease in width away from the plane results in the generation of a magnetic repulsion force directed perpendicular to the plane and towards space, which tends to pull the second element back into space when an external force, such as the weight of an object, tends to pull the second element out.

[0050] For example, the second element in space has a cross section that includes a T-shape or a +-shape or an H-shape when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0051] In one variant, the cross section of the second element can be obtained by combining materials with different magnetic permeabilities (for example, an aluminum rail section and an iron section).

[0052] The second pair of magnets can be positioned in the second space so that the magnetic field lines are all equal or alternate in direction. In the second case, the second pair of magnets also produces a braking action on the second element due to eddy currents induced in the second element.

[0053] However, it should be noted that the magnetic brake can also be achieved by using an equal magnet coupled to a conductive material (e.g., aluminum) contained in the rail (e.g., aluminum coating on the iron parts).

[0054] To enhance the force generation and / or to generate withstand forces by utilizing only the magnetic flux generators, preferably, the cross section of the first element also decreases in width away from the plane along a direction perpendicular to an imaginary plane containing the magnetic flux lines intersecting the two rows and / or channels of magnets.

[0055] The first pair of columns and the second pair of columns preferably lie in respective planes that are parallel, which facilitates construction of the device and promotes symmetry of the magnetic forces. For the same reasons as above, the first pair of columns and the second pair of columns preferably lie in a plane that is parallel to the plane in which the remaining columns of the first and second pairs lie.

[0056] The first element and / or the second element are preferably made from a ferromagnetic material (eg, iron) that minimizes the reluctance of the magnetic circuit in which they are inserted.

[0057] The device preferably includes an elongated support having a constant U-shaped cross-section, with the first pair of rows and / or the second pair of rows mounted on the inscribed surface of the legs of the U. In addition to facilitating magnet mounting and providing a compact structure, the U-shaped cross-section of the elongated support serves to close the magnetic circuit of which the magnet is a part. In other words, the elongated support closes the magnetic flux along a low reluctance path.

[0058] The second element does not necessarily have a feature corresponding to a space that remains constant along the axis and exhibits a cross section seen in a plane perpendicular to the axis, and may be absent if the second element includes a displaceable element similar to the first element.

[0059] A second aspect of the invention relates to a door or moving part of a refrigeration compartment comprising the device in one or each of the variants.

[0060] A third aspect of the invention relates to a door or window of a building comprising the device in one or each of the variants.

[0061] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a refrigeration compartment comprising the device, in one or each of the variants.

[0062] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a door or window, or a passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising the device in one or each of the variants.

[0063] A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling the direction of displacement of a first element included in a support device, wherein the magnetic force acting on the first element is reversed by increasing or decreasing the width of a first cross section of the first element as seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0064] At the same time, each can increase and decrease the width of the second cross section of the first element as seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (and vice versa), so that the first cross section and the second cross section are located within an empty channel and the magnetic fluxes collide.

[0065] Specifically, displacement of the first element or its displaceable portion places different pairs of portions of the first element within the empty channel, each pair having two different widths as seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0066] The width of one pair is inversely proportional to the width of the other pair.

[0067] Specifically, to achieve the aforementioned cross-sectional area change, the first element or its displaceable portion rotates or translates.

[0068] The device may also include a second element similar to the first element defined above. The second element operates within a second channel in which a second magnetic flux, generated similarly to the first element, exists. The second channel may be used to generate a primary load drag force, and the displacement of the second element may be used to adjust the strength of the load drag force. In this case, the load drag force is adjusted by varying the cross section within the channel.

[0069] The second channel, for example the auxiliary magnetic circuit, may in particular be delimited by a second pair of parallel and equal rows of magnets.

[0070] The advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0071] [Figure 1] A three-dimensional exploded view of the device is shown. [Figure 2a] The plan view shows several parts of the device. [Figure 2b] The plan view shows several parts of the device. [Figure 3]1 shows a vertical cross section of the device in an assembled state. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic side view of the device. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view along the VV plane is shown. [Figure 6] 5A-5C show schematic side views of the device of FIG. 4 in different configurations. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view taken along plane VII-VII is shown. [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic side view of another device. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view along the IX-IX plane is shown. [Figure 10] 9A-9C show schematic side views of the device of FIG. 8 in different configurations. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view along the XI-XI plane is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] In the figures, equal numbers indicate equal or conceptually similar parts, the letters N and S indicate the north and south magnetic poles, respectively, and arrows indicate magnetic flux lines.

[0073] The device MC serves, for example, to slidably support a door (not shown) along the X axis and is presented here as a reference for the purposes of enhancing the invention.

[0074] The device MC comprises a fixed linear track 10 and a skid 50 movable on the track 10, which can slide relative to each other parallel to the X axis during movement of the door. In the example shown, the door is mounted on the skid 50, but the device MC also contemplates reversing the roles of the track 10 and the skid 50, whereby the track 10 moves and the skid 50 remains fixed.

[0075] The skid 50 comprises a body 52 with an inverted U-shaped cross section, inside which are mounted two equal, parallel and separated rows 54 of magnets 56 aligned uniformly parallel to the axis X. Thus, between the separated rows 54, an empty channel 58 is created where all equal magnetic field lines exiting one of the rows 54 and entering the other row intersect (see diagrams in Figures 2a, 2b).

[0076] The fixed track 10 is slidably mounted within the channel 58 .

[0077] The portion of track 10 located corresponding to channel 58 has a cross section, viewed in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis and measured on a line connecting rows 54 (see plane P1 in Figure 3), which cross section has a width L that varies with position along the X-axis.

[0078] The track 10 includes a first portion 60 and a second portion 62, with the cross section being larger in the first portion 60 and smaller in the second portion 62.

[0079] In the example shown, first portion 60 has a length along the X-axis at least equal to the length of row 54. Generally, if balance conditions for all openings are to be guaranteed, the length of portion 60 needs to be longer than row 54; otherwise, this approximate geometric feature is not required.

[0080] There is a discontinuity at point P between the cross sections of portions 60, 62. Such discontinuity may be abrupt, e.g., a step, or may be gradual, such as a ramp. At point P, a magnetic force is generated between the cross sections of portions 60, 62, and a magnetic field is generated by magnet array 54.

[0081] At point P, and only at that point, a force is created that tends to move track 10 and column 54 relative to one another along the X axis, causing portion 60 of track 10 with smaller cross section to move out of empty channel 58, i.e., portion 60 with smaller cross section is not impinged by the magnetic field lines.

[0082] The situation is shown in Figures 2a and 2b.

[0083] When only the portion 62 with the large cross section (FIG. 2a) is in the channel 58, there is no retraction force.

[0084] When part 60 is displaced (towards the left of the drawing) into channel 58 (Fig. 2b), a return force F arises at point P, which tends to oppose the change in position and return the system to Fig. 2a (towards the right of the drawing).

[0085] For example, if the relative position between track 10 and column 54 in Figure 2a corresponds to the closed position of the door, when the door is opened (Figure 2b), device MC generates a force F that returns the door to the closed position.

[0086] The force F is independent of the position of the point P between the rows 54 and has a roughly constant amplitude.

[0087] A change in cross section necessarily results in a change in the magnetic resistance of the magnetic circuit, which in turn is related to the change in magnetic resistance being constant, so that the force amplitude remains almost constant.

[0088] Obviously, all of this is also valid for movements in the other direction along the X axis (i.e. movements resulting from turning Figures 2a, 2b upside down), so it is sufficient that the track 10 has a symmetrical shape with respect to a plane perpendicular to the X axis. This is the case in Figure 1, where a magnetic force F is generated for the skid 50 that tends to return the skid 50 to the centre of the track 10. This is because the track 10 has two discontinuities in the cross section of the portions 60, 62 at least at a distance along the X length of the skid 50.

[0089] Preferably, the device MC also generates a force that slidably supports the skid 50 on the track 10 .

[0090] To generate such a force against the load W, the track 10 of the portions 60, 62 may, for example, include a T-shaped portion, a +-shaped portion, or an H-shaped portion. Or, generally, such portions may have a width that decreases with increasing distance from the plane P1 along a direction perpendicular to the imaginary plane P1 that contains the two columns 54. In other words, preferably, the cross-sections of the portions 60, 62 have a width that decreases with increasing distance from the plane P1 along a direction perpendicular to the plane P1. Thus, this portion of the device MC also generates a load-bearing force.

[0091] To increase the supporting force, the skid 50 preferably includes a second pair of parallel, equally spaced rows 70 of magnets aligned parallel to the X-axis, thereby creating a second space or second empty channel 72 between the two rows 70 where the magnetic field lines exiting one row 70 and entering the other row 70 intersect. Within the space 72 is a second element 74 of the track 10, which is responsive to the magnetic field and extends parallel to the X-axis between the two rows 70.

[0092] The portion of track 10 that extends into space 72 has a cross section 76 that, when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the X axis, remains constant along the X axis but along a direction perpendicular to an imaginary plane P2 containing two rows 70, and decreases in width away from plane P2.

[0093] In the example shown, cross section 76 comprises a +-shaped section. Other variations include, for example, T-shaped or H-shaped sections of cross section 76 and / or using different materials for various portions of cross section 76.

[0094] As shown, portions 60, 62 and cross section 76 are preferably part of a single element (eg, a profile) for clarity of construction; however, the portions all originate from the same plane.

[0095] According to the physical principles explained in PCT / IB2017 / 052588, as cross section 76 moves away from plane P2, a magnetic repulsion force is generated, which is directed perpendicular to plane P2 and tends to move cross section 76 towards space 72, returning it to space 72. Thus, the weight W of the object is directed in the opposite direction.

[0096] A change in the direction of the load results in a change in magnetic resistance that generates a magnetic repulsion force that tends to bring the system into a minimum reluctance configuration. An equilibrium position is then reached where the magnetic force balances with the load.

[0097] The magnets in the array 70 can be arranged so that the magnetic field lines are all equal or alternately aligned (as in Figure 2a). In the second case, a mechanism incorporating a magnetic brake is added to the device MC, creating eddy currents induced by the alternating magnetic field of the track 10.

[0098] The magnetic brake is advantageous because it provides a viscous dynamic response, i.e., braking action increases the speed of the skid 50. Thus, it does not significantly impede the door during normal use, but does intervene to prevent unnecessary acceleration, thus providing a speed limiting effect.

[0099] It should be noted that the mechanism by which the magnetic brake is incorporated into the device is independent of the presence of the train 54 and the means for generating the pulling force F.

[0100] For ease of construction, it is preferred that in the device MC: the rows 54, 78 lie in respective planes P1, P2 that are parallel, and / or one of the two rows 54 and one of the two rows 70 lie in a plane parallel to the planes P1, P2;

[0101] Preferably, the portions of track 10 corresponding to portions 60, 62 and / or cross section 76 are made from a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron). Track 10 can be made entirely from a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron), or track 10 can include portion 80 connecting portions 60, 62 and cross section 76, with track 10 made from a different material (e.g., aluminum) than the material of portions 60, 62 and / or cross section 76.

[0102] Preferably, the track 10 has an H-shaped cross section, with two parallel rods of the H forming the cross sections of the portions 60, 62 and the cross section 76.

[0103] Preferably, rows 70 and 54 are compactly mounted on the interior surface of body 52 .

[0104] Preferably, wheels 90 having axes of rotation perpendicular to planes P1 and P2 are mounted on body 52. ​​The wheels (or other centering devices, such as sliding skids) contact track 10 and serve to glide smoothly along track 10, facilitating the sliding of skid 50. The wheels also serve to keep the skids laterally centered (acting as centering devices).

[0105] In all the variants described so far, the device MC has been improved in accordance with the invention to control the linear movement of the skid 50, for example in the variants of Figures 4 to 11. As in Figures 4 to 7, the concept can be used with skids having magnets utilized to linearly move a load, with or without a second row of magnets 70. With proper design, even a single row of magnets can support a load, even a small load.

[0106] The parts common to the reference device MC are increased by 100 while the last two digits remain the same and will not be explained again. Unlike device MC, parts 60 and 62 are not integral with the track 10 but are part of an elongated element 199 which is rotatable relative to the skid 50 which is mounted in the channel between the rows 154.

[0107] The element 199 extends along the Z axis parallel to the X axis and is formed by two juxtaposed (eg, equal) parallelepipeds 160, 162, the parallelepipeds 160, 162 having a rectangular cross section (or base).

[0108] Parallelepipeds 160, 162 have major axes (heights) coaxial with the Z axis, are placed in abutment (adjacent) with each other along the Z axis, and are offset by an angle of 90 degrees about the Z axis.

[0109] At the junction of parallelepipeds 160 and 162, a cross-sectional discontinuity 100P is formed, similar to the discontinuity between the cross sections of portions 60 and 62 at point P. This is because the base of parallelepiped 160 joins the base of parallelepiped 162, and they intersect at a right angle. That is, when viewing element 199 from the front, element 199 is positioned exactly on the Z axis, and the intersection is visible. Two different cross sections of parallelepipeds 160 and 162 are visible in Figures 5 and 7.

[0110] Element 199 is movable relative to skid 150, for example manually or by an electric actuator, and in particular is rotatable about the Z axis.

[0111] As a result, when element 199 is rotated 90 degrees, the cross-section of the material in channel 158 between rows of magnets 154 may change. If, before rotation, parallelepiped 160 exhibited a wide cross-section corresponding to the long side of the rectangular cross-section, after rotation, such cross-section becomes narrower (narrower) corresponding to the short side of the rectangular cross-section. At the same time, if, before rotation, parallelepiped 162 exhibited a narrow cross-section corresponding to the short side of the rectangular cross-section, after rotation, such cross-section in the channel becomes wider (wider) corresponding to the long side of the rectangular cross-section.

[0112] Another rotation of element 199 again reverses the width relationship as shown in channel 158 when a cross section of parallelepipeds 160, 162 is taken from a plane perpendicular to the Z axis.

[0113] Note that the position along the Z axis of cross-sectional discontinuity 100P does not change with rotation of element 199.

[0114] It will be appreciated from the above description of device MC that a 90 degree rotation of element 199 reverses the magnetic force F that moves skid 150 along the X-axis (and Z-axis). In Figure 2b, the effect of rotating element 199 is equivalent to truck 10 being pulled out of the channel, rotated 180 degrees, and then pulled back into the channel.

[0115] When indicated by rotation, adjustment of the cross section made of ferromagnetic material present in the channel is performed by displacement of element 199. If the movable element has two parts, for example comprising T-sections, translation may be used, with the two T-sections rotating 180 degrees around the Z axis.

[0116] In a simple variation, if element 199 has only one of the rotatable parallelepipeds 160, 162, the other being fixed, a similar cross-sectional discontinuity 100P can be achieved.

[0117] As already explained in Figure 3, the same concept can be used with a skid 150 having auxiliary magnets 170 for supporting a load. See Figures 8 to 11 for this variation.

[0118] In a variant, even between the magnets 170 there may be displaceable elements (such as element 199) that adjust the load bearing force.

Claims

1. A support device (MC2) for slidably supporting an object and for linearly moving said object along a longitudinal axis (X), comprising: an empty channel (58) extending parallel to said longitudinal axis (X); a magnetic flux generator (54, 56) for creating a magnetic flux that intersects the segment of said empty channel (58) with all of its magnetic field lines in the same direction; a first element (199) responsive to a magnetic field; The first element (199) comprises: a device mounted in said empty channel (58), extending along said longitudinal axis (X), and capable of sliding relative to said empty channel (58) parallel to said longitudinal axis (X) during displacement of said object; A first cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) and a second cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) that is different from the first cross section, When displaced in a direction rotating about a rotation axis (Z) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) and / or in a direction translating perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the widths of the first cross section and the second cross section within the empty channel (58) in a direction along the width direction of the empty channel (58) change with different phases, increasing the width of the first cross section; At the same time, the support device (MC2) includes a displaceable element that can displace the first element (199) in a direction of rotation about a rotation axis (Z) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) and / or in a direction of translation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) so as to reduce the width of the second cross section, and vice versa.

2. The displaceable element a first portion (160) and a second portion (162) aligned along said longitudinal axis (X) and integral with one another; the first portion (160) and the second portion (162) both engage with the empty channel (58); The first cross section is a cross section of the first portion (160), has a cross-sectional shape extending in one direction, and has a first dimension (L) in the longitudinal direction; The second cross section is a cross section of the second portion (162), has a cross-sectional shape extending in one direction, and has a second dimension (L) in the short side direction; the first dimension (L) is greater than the second dimension (L); The longitudinal direction of the first cross section is parallel to the lateral direction of the second cross section, a short-side direction of the first cross section is parallel to a long-side direction of the second cross section, The support device (MC2) according to claim 1, wherein the first portions (160) and the second portions (162) are alternately arranged in the empty channel (58) in a direction along the longitudinal axis (X).

3. 3. The support device (MC2) according to claim 2, wherein the displaceable element is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (Z) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X).

4. the first cross section and the second cross section are rectangular or substantially rectangular; the rotation axis (Z) of the displaceable element passes through the intersection of the diagonals of the first cross section and the second cross section; A support device (MC2) according to claim 3.

5. The support device (MC2) of claim 4, wherein the first portion (160) and the second portion (162) are each formed by adjacent parallelepipeds.

6. Support device (MC2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the displaceable element is mounted translatably relative to the longitudinal axis (X).

7. The magnetic flux generators (54, 56) are inserted into a magnetic circuit (52), and the magnetic circuit (52) comprises: conveying the magnetic flux so that the magnetic flux passes through the empty channel (58); A support device (MC2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, configured to define said empty channel (58).

8. the magnetic flux generator (54, 56) includes two rows (54) of magnets (56) uniformly aligned along and parallel to the longitudinal axis (X); 8. The support device (MC2) of claim 7, wherein a space is identified between the two rows (54) where magnetic field lines, all of which have the same direction, intersect as they exit one row and enter the other row.

9. two other equally spaced parallel rows of other magnets (70) aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), defining a space (72) between the two rows where magnetic field lines exiting one row and entering the other row intersect; a second element responsive to the magnetic field and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) between the other two rows; the other two rows and the second element are capable of sliding parallel to one another relative to the longitudinal axis (X) to move the object between two positions; 9. The support device (MC2) of claim 7 or 8, wherein the second element in the space (72) where the magnetic field lines intersect has a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), and the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) decreases in width along a direction perpendicular to an imaginary plane (P2) containing the other two rows as it moves away from the imaginary plane (P2).

10. A support device (MC2) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the displaceable element is made of a ferromagnetic material.

11. 9. The support device (MC2) of claim 8, wherein the magnetic circuit (52) is constituted by an elongated support having a constant U-shaped cross section, and the two rows (54) are attached to the inner surfaces of the U-shaped legs of the elongated support.

12. A door or moving part of a refrigerator compartment comprising a support device (MC2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A door or window for a building comprising a support device (MC2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A door or window or passenger compartment of a vehicle comprising a support device (MC2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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