Magnetic control system

Abstract

The magnetic control system (1), comprises: control means (2) for controlling at least one home device (3), the control means (2) being provided with at least one guiding body (4) extending along at least one direction of extension (A) actuating means (5) of the control means (2), the actuating means (5) being provided with at least one magnetic coupling body (6) to the guiding body (4) and with at least one grippable body (7) by a user to move the actuating means (5) along the guiding body (4), so as to actuate the control means (2); wherein the guiding body (4) and the coupling body (6) are movable between: one coupling configuration, wherein the coupling body (6) is magnetically fastened to the guiding body (4) and wherein the actuating means (5) are movable along the guiding body (4) in a sliding manner as a result of the user intervention; one uncoupling configuration, wherein the coupling body (6) is moved away from the guiding body (4), uncoupling itself substantially from the latter, and wherein the actuating means (5) are freely movable within the space by the user; and wherein the control means (2) comprise sensing means (10) configured, in the coupling configuration, to sense contactless the position of the actuating means (5) along the guiding body (4), the system (1) controlling the device (3) depending on the position of the actuating means (5) along the guiding body (4).

Description

[0001] MAGNETIC CONTROL SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a magnetic control system.

[0004] A number of control systems are known to be employed by one or more users to control a wide variety of household devices. Art

[0005] This type of systems generally makes use of control means configured to control the operation of the device and of actuating means used by the user to interact with the control means and thus to control one or more devices.

[0006] Common control systems include light switches, water taps and the like.

[0007] This kind of systems is however susceptible to some refinements.

[0008] In particular, the actuating means and the control means used by the control systems of known type do often have mechanical and / or electrical couplings that significantly complicate the structure of the systems themselves and thus make them complex to use by the user.

[0009] For example, it can be complex to precisely adjust the flow rate and / or temperature of water by means of the common actuating means, such as a lever or knobs, employed by taps.

[0010] In addition, the actuating means are often bulky, unsightly and require timeconsuming maintenance and cleaning.

[0011] For example, the complexity of keeping the tap or the surrounding surfaces clean is well known. In fact, wear and tear due to lime scale or other phenomena further complicates the use of the actuating means by the user.

[0012] In addition, notoriously, different devices require different actuating means, where each actuation must be employed by the user through different modes of operation that can be time-consuming to execute and complex to master.

[0013] Description of the Invention

[0014] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a magnetic control system with a simple and functional structure.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to devise a magnetic control system with pleasing aesthetic features and small overall dimensions. An additional object of the present invention is to devise a universal magnetic control system which can be used for a wide variety of different household devices.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to devise a magnetic control system which can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to be used, as well as inexpensive solution.

[0017] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this system having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a magnetic control system, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic view of the system according to the invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the system according to the invention;

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a possible embodiment of the system according to the invention in a shower;

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic view of another possible embodiment of the system according to the invention in a stove; figure 5 is a schematic view of an additional possible embodiment of the system according to the invention in a roller shutter;

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic view of another possible embodiment of the system according to the invention within a livable room;

[0024] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of the system according to the invention;

[0025] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the system in Figure 7 according to the invention. Embodiments of the Invention

[0026] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a magnetic control system. The magnetic control system 1 comprises control means 2 for controlling at least one home device 3 to be controlled.

[0027] The term “household device” preferably means any device for household use without preferably ruling out devices used in vehicles, such as e.g. boats, recreational vehicles and the like.

[0028] According to the invention, the control means 2 are provided with at least one guiding body 4 extending along at least one direction of extension A.

[0029] Advantageously, the guiding body 4 has a substantially elongated conformation. Preferably, the extension of the guiding body 4 along substantially different directions from the direction of extension A is negligible compared to the extension of the same guiding body along the direction of extension A.

[0030] According to the invention, the system 1 comprises actuating means 5 of the control means 2.

[0031] In particular, the actuating means 5 are provided with at least one magnetic coupling body 6 to the guiding body 4 and with at least one grippable body 7 by a user to move the actuating means 5 along the control means 2.

[0032] Advantageously, the grippable body 7 and the coupling body 6 are associated with each other.

[0033] Conveniently, the grippable body 7 defines a cavity 8 within which the coupling body 6 is housed, e.g., by interlocking, by means of gluing and / or the like.

[0034] Preferably, the coupling body 6 faces, substantially exposed, the outside of the cavity 8.

[0035] It cannot, however, be ruled that the coupling body 6 may be hidden from view by the grippable body 7.

[0036] Conveniently, the grippable body 7 and the coupling body 6 define a substantially flat sliding face adapted to slide, in use, resting at least on the guiding body 4.

[0037] According to the invention, the guiding body 4 and the coupling body 6 are movable between: at least one coupling configuration, wherein the coupling body 6 is magnetically fastened to the guiding body 4 and wherein the actuating means 5 are movable along the guiding body 4 in a sliding maimer as a result of the user intervention; at least one uncoupling configuration, wherein the coupling body 6 is moved away from the guiding body 4, uncoupling substantially from the latter, and wherein the actuating means 5 are freely movable within the space by the user.

[0038] In other words, in the coupling configuration, the actuating means 5 are attached to the guiding body 4 and simultaneously can slide, substantially along the direction of extension A of the latter, as a result of the thrust imparted by the user to the actuating means 5 by means of the grippable body 7.

[0039] Appropriately, in the release configuration, the actuating means 5 are disengaged from the guiding body 4 and can therefore be gripped by the user and moved freely in the space.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the invention, the control means 2 comprise sensing means 10, operationally connected to the device 3 and configured, in the coupling configuration, to sense contactless the position of the actuating means 5 along the guiding body 4.

[0041] In other words, the sensing means 10 sense the position of the actuating means 5 along the direction of extension A of the guiding body 4.

[0042] In this way, the system 1 controls the device 3 depending on the position of the actuating means 5 along the guiding body 4.

[0043] Specifically, the sensing means 10 are configured to generate an electrical signal, preferably variable depending on the position of the actuating means 5 along the guiding body 4, and adapted to control the device 3.

[0044] Appropriately, the coupling body 6 and the guiding body 4 are magnetically attracted to each other and therefore couplable in a removable manner between the coupling configuration and the release configuration as a result of this magnetic attraction.

[0045] Usefully, the coupling body 6 is made of a material detectable by the contactless sensing means 10.

[0046] Advantageously, the coupling body 6 is a magnet. Preferably, the coupling body 6 is a permanent magnet.

[0047] In addition, the guiding body 4 is made, at least partly, of a material adapted to attract the magnet.

[0048] Advantageously, the guiding body 4 comprises at least one basic element 4a and one guiding element 4b.

[0049] Specifically, in the coupling configuration, the actuating means 5 are arranged in contact on the guiding element 4b and can be moved in a sliding maimer along the latter as a result of the intervention of the user.

[0050] In more detail, the guiding body 4 comprises a coupling element 4c, positioned between the guiding element 4b and the basic element 4a and magnetically couplable to the coupling body 6.

[0051] In other words, in use, the coupling element 4c is hidden from view by the guiding element 4b and retains, in the coupling configuration, the coupling body 6 to the guiding body 4.

[0052] In this way, the guiding element 4b can be made of any material, such as e.g. brass, ceramic or the like.

[0053] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the guiding element 4b may be made of a material which is adapted to attract the coupling body 6, thus improving the adhesion thereof to the guiding body 4 in the coupling configuration.

[0054] Although the elements 4a, 4b, and 4c are not clearly visible in Figures 1 and 2, it is understandable that they are substantially similar to those illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, except that, in Figures 1 and 2, they have a more elongated conformation than those in Figures 7 and 8.

[0055] Preferably, the guiding body 4 is made at least partly, preferably entirely, of a ferromagnetic material.

[0056] Conveniently, the guiding body 4 and the coupling body 6 are movable between the coupling configuration and the release configuration manually as a result of the intervention of the user.

[0057] In other words, the coupling body 6 and the guiding body 4 are moved from the coupling configuration to the release configuration by means of the close and away movement of the actuating means 5 from the guiding body 4. Conveniently, in use, the guiding body 4 is fastened to a stable surface 9 and, in the coupling configuration, the coupling body 6 is attracted by the guiding body 4 with a substantially greater force than the force of gravity exerted on the actuating means 5.

[0058] Thus, in the coupling configuration, the actuating means 5 normally remain fastened in place to the guiding body 4 even though the stable surface 9 is a substantially vertical or horizontal surface that exposes the actuating means 5 to fall freely under the effect of gravity.

[0059] Advantageously, the guiding body 4 comprises an exposed face 11 on which, in the coupling configuration, the actuating means 5 are movable by sliding. In addition, the exposed face 11, in use, is coupled to the stable surface 9 so as to be substantially coplanar to the latter and / or at least partly overlapping the latter.

[0060] In other words, the exposed face 11 and the stable surface 9 substantially define a single surface, preferably flat and preferably seamless, and / or define a step between them.

[0061] In particular, the exposed face 11 is defined by the guiding element 4b.

[0062] Usefully, the exposed face 11 is a substantially flat surface on which the actuating means 5 can slide.

[0063] In other words, the exposed face 11 and the stable surface 9 are substantially parallel to each other and / or coplanar.

[0064] Conveniently, the sensing means 10 are configured to sense the magnetic field generated by the magnet to sense the position of the actuating means 5 along the guiding body 4.

[0065] Preferably, the sensing means 10 are of the type of an electronic board or the like, e.g. provided with one or more sensors configured to sense the magnetic field generated by the magnet.

[0066] Advantageously, in the coupling configuration, the guiding body 4 is positioned between the actuating means 5 and the sensing means 10.

[0067] In other words, the sensing means 10 are configured to sense the magnetic field generated by the magnet through the guiding body 4. Appropriately, the guiding body 4 is made, at least partly, of a material adapted to be passed through, from side to side, by the magnetic field generated by the magnet.

[0068] Usefully, the guiding body 4 defines a housing 12 adapted to at least partly house the sensing means 10.

[0069] In particular, the housing 12 is arranged opposite the exposed face 11 and is arranged, in use, hidden from view.

[0070] Specifically, the guiding body 4 defines the housing 12.

[0071] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises at least one supporting body 13 defining the stable surface 9.

[0072] Specifically, the guiding body 4 is fastened to the supporting body 13.

[0073] In even more detail, the supporting body 13 defines a groove 14 and the guiding body 4 is fitted to size within the groove 14.

[0074] Specifically, the basic element 4a is fitted to size within the groove 14.

[0075] Conveniently, the basic element 4a comprises fastening means 26 adapted, in use, to abut against the inner walls of the groove 14, thus improving the coupling with the groove itself.

[0076] Preferably, the supporting body 13 is arranged, in use, attached to a wall, e.g. of a livable, recreational, work room or the like.

[0077] Conveniently, the supporting body 13 is a coating slab for walls and / or worktops. In fact, it cannot be ruled out that the supporting body 13 may be of the type of a ceramic slab and / or cooktop, such as e.g. for induction stoves.

[0078] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the supporting body 13 may be of a different type, such as e.g. an electrical plate 25 for switches or the like, as shown in Figure 5.

[0079] Usefully, the system 1 comprises a plurality of control means 2, each configured to control a different device 3 and / or different components of the same device 3. Advantageously, one or more control means 2 are mounted on the same stable surface 9.

[0080] It cannot, however, be ruled out that one or more control means 2 may be mounted on different stable surfaces 9. It cannot also be ruled out that one or more control means 2 may be located within different areas of a livable room 15.

[0081] The term “areas” preferably relates to different spaces in the livable room intended for different uses, such as e.g. a kitchen area, sleeping area, bathroom area and the like.

[0082] According to a possible, but not exclusive, embodiment, the system 1 comprises actuating means 5 in the same number as the control means 2.

[0083] In this way, each of the control means 2 operates in conjunction with corresponding actuating means 5. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the actuating means 5 may be interchangeable, that is, one or more of the actuating means 5 can operate in conjunction with different control means 2.

[0084] According to an alternative embodiment than the one just described, the system 1 comprises actuating means 5 in a lower number than the control means 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the actuating means 5 are couplable in a removable maimer to different control means 2 in a plurality of coupling configurations. In other words, in this embodiment, the user employs one of the actuating means 5 in combination with different control means 2.

[0085] Preferably, the system 1 comprises connection means, not shown in the figures, to an electrical plant configured to supply the same system with the electrical power needed for its operation.

[0086] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the sensing means 10 may be of the passive type, for example, as a result of the phenomenon of magnetic induction caused by the magnetic field generated by the magnet. In other words, it cannot be ruled out that the system 1 may operate without being provided with connection means to the power supply means.

[0087] Conveniently, the system 1 is configured to control a device 3 selected from at least one of: a hydraulic system 16 for water delivery, the control means 2 being configured to adjust the flow rate and / or temperature of the water delivered; a gas system 17 for gas delivery, the control means 2 being configured to adjust the flow rate of the gas delivered; a lighting system 18, the control means 2 being configured to adjust the intensity and / or color of lighting; an electrical system 19 provided with at least one actuator for the movement of one or more bodies to be moved, the control means 2 being configured to adjust the speed and / or position of the actuator.

[0088] Preferably, the system 1 comprises one or more devices 3.

[0089] Advantageously, by varying the position of the actuating means 5 along the guiding body 4, e.g. towards a first end: the flow rate and / or temperature of the water delivered is increased; and / or the gas flow rate delivered is increased; and / or the intensity of lighting is increased; and / or the speed and / or position of the actuator is increased.

[0090] On the contrary, by placing the actuating means 5 towards the opposite end: the flow rate and / or temperature of the water delivered is reduced; and / or the gas flow rate delivered is reduced; and / or the intensity of lighting is reduced; and / or the speed and / or position of the actuator is reduced.

[0091] A further embodiment of the system 1 is shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0092] This embodiment differs from the previous one in that the guiding body 4 has a substantially circular conformation.

[0093] As a result, in this embodiment, the actuating means 5 are movable smoothly in rotation around an axis of rotation B, in contact with the guiding body 4 as a result of the intervention of the user.

[0094] Advantageously, in this embodiment configuration, the actuating means 5 comprise a reference body 25 made of a material detectable by the contactless sensing means 10.

[0095] Preferably, the reference body 25 is a magnet.

[0096] For example, the coupling body 6 is a permanent magnet.

[0097] Specifically, the reference body 25 is arranged radially spaced apart with respect to the axis of rotation B. In this way, the sensing means 10 are configured to sense the rotation of the reference body 25 around the axis of rotation B.

[0098] In fact, in this embodiment, the sensing means 10 are configured to detect the reference body 25. It cannot, however, be ruled out that, in this embodiment too, the sensing means 10 may also be configured to detect the coupling body 6.

[0099] It cannot be ruled out that in this embodiment the actuating means 5 and / or the guiding body 4 may comprise a reference notch (not shown in the figures) where the initial (angular) position of the actuating means 5 is defined.

[0100] Barring the differences listed above, one or more of the characteristics described with reference to the embodiment of the system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are also believed to apply to the embodiment of the system 1 shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0101] According to a possible, but not exclusive embodiment, the system 1 is a control system of a shower 20 and comprises at least one of: a hydraulic system 16 of the shower 20; a lighting system 18 for the chromotherapy of the shower 20.

[0102] In addition, according to this embodiment, the system 1 comprises control means 2 configured to: adjust the flow rate of water delivered by the hydraulic system 16; and / or adjust the water temperature delivered by the hydraulic system 16; and / or adjust the intensity of the lighting provided by the lighting system 18; adjust the color of the lighting provided by the lighting system 18.

[0103] Preferably, in this embodiment, the system 1 comprises separate control means 2 for each adjustment of each of the above-mentioned systems 16, 17, 18, 19.

[0104] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a shower 20 comprising a system 1, e.g., according to the previously described embodiment. Preferably, the system 1 described with reference to the shower 20 is considered to have one or more of the characteristics of the system 1 described above.

[0105] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a shower 20 comprising a system 1, wherein the control means 2 are configured to adjust at least one of either the flow rate and / or the temperature of the water delivered by the shower 20.

[0106] Preferably, the system 1 described with reference to the shower 20 is considered to have one or more of the characteristics of the system 1 described above.

[0107] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a stove 21 comprising a system 1 provided with at least one device 3 of the type of a gas system 17, wherein the control means 2 are configured to adjust the flow rate of the gas delivered.

[0108] It cannot, however, be ruled that the stove 21 may be of the induction type and therefore comprise, as an alternative to the gas system 17, a power supply system 24 for supplying the induction cooktop, which is configured to adjust the power supply to the same cooktop.

[0109] Preferably, the system 1 described with reference to the stove 21 is considered to have one or more of the characteristics of the system 1 described above.

[0110] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a roller shutter 22 comprising a system 1 provided with at least one device 3 of the type of an electrical system 19 provided with at least one actuator, wherein the control means 2 are configured to adjust the speed and / or position of the actuator and thus the downward / upward speed of the roller shutter and / or the position of the roller shutter 22.

[0111] Preferably, the system 1 described with reference to the roller shutter 22 is considered to have one or more of the characteristics of the system 1 described above.

[0112] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to an environment lighting assembly 23 comprising a system 1 provided with at least one device 3 of the type of a lighting system 19, wherein the control means 2 are configured to adjust the intensity and / or color of the lighting; the speed and / or position of the actuator and thus the downward / upward speed of the roller shutter and / or the position of the roller shutter 22.

[0113] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects. In particular, the control means and the actuating means make the structure of the magnetic control system simple and functional.

[0114] In addition, the control means and the actuating means give the magnetic control system aesthetically pleasing features and small overall dimensions. In addition, the control means and the actuating means make the magnetic control system substantially universal, so that it can be used to control a wide variety of different household devices.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Magnetic control system (1), comprising: control means (2) for controlling at least one home device (3) to be controlled, said control means (2) being provided with at least one guiding body (4) extending along at least one direction of extension (A) actuating means (5) of said control means (2), said actuating means (5) being provided with at least one magnetic coupling body (6) to said guiding body (4) and with at least one grippable body (7) by a user to move said actuating means (5) along said guiding body (4), so as to actuate said control means (2); characterized by the fact that said guiding body (4) and said coupling body (6) are movable between: at least one coupling configuration, wherein said coupling body (6) is magnetically fastened to said guiding body (4) and wherein said actuating means (5) are movable along said guiding body (4) in a sliding maimer as a result of the user intervention; at least one uncoupling configuration, wherein said coupling body (6) is moved away from said guiding body (4), uncoupling itself substantially from the latter, and wherein said actuating means (5) are freely movable within the space by the user; and characterized by the fact that said control means (2) comprise sensing means (10), operationally connected to the device (3) and configured, in said coupling configuration, to sense contactless the position of said actuating means (5) along said guiding body (4), said system (1) controlling the device (3) depending on the position of said actuating means (5) along said guiding body (4).2) System (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: said coupling body (6) is a magnet; said guiding body (4) is made, at least partly, of a material adapted to attract said magnet.3) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that, in use, said guiding body (4) is fastened to a stable surface (9)and by the fact that, in said coupling configuration, said coupling body (6) is attracted to said guiding body (4) with a substantially greater force than the force of gravity exerted on said actuating means (5).4) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said sensing means (10) are configured to sense the magnetic field generated by said magnet to sense the position of said actuating means (5) along said guiding body (4).5) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said guiding body (4) defines a housing (12) adapted to at least partly house said sensing means (10).6) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said housing (12) is arranged opposite said exposed face (11) and is arranged, in use, hidden from view.7) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one supporting body (13) defining said stable surface (9).8) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said supporting body (13) is a coating slab for walls and / or worktops.9) System (1) characterized by the fact that it is configured to control a device (3) selected from at least one of: a hydraulic system (16) for water delivery, said control means (2) being configured to adjust the flow rate and / or temperature of the water delivered; a gas system (17) for gas delivery, said control means (2) being configured to adjust the flow rate of the gas delivered; a lighting system (18), said control means (2) being configured to adjust the intensity and / or color of lighting; an electrical system (19) provided with at least one actuator for the movement of one or more bodies to be moved, said control means (2) being configured to adjust the speed and / or position of the actuator.10) Shower (20) comprising at least one system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said control means (2) are configured to adjust the flow rate and / or temperature of the water delivered by said shower (20).

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