Support device for a sliding structure and closing system comprising a sliding structure and at least one support device

Abstract

The present invention refers to a support device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) for a sliding structure (4), wherein the support device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) comprises a base body (12; 112: 212), coupling means (14; 414) for coupling to the sliding structure (4), sliding means (20) adapted to allow the sliding of the support device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) with respect to a support guide (82; 482) of the sliding structure (4) and a magnetic element (24) configured to generate a magnetic force in such a way that the weight of the sliding structure (4) is at least partially sustained by means of said magnetic force. The base body (12; 112: 212) comprises a seat (26; 126; 226) for receiving the magnetic element (24) and the magnetic element (24) is positionable in different fixed positions in said seat (26; 126; 226).

Description

[0001] SUPPORT DEVICE FOR A SLIDING STRUCTURE AND CLOSING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SLIDING STRUCTURE AND AT LEAST ONE SUPPORT DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns the building and furnishing sector. In particular, the present invention concerns the field of systems with sliding structures for interiors and / or exteriors and, more particularly, sliding structures in furnishing elements such as, for example, sliding doors, sliding wings of wardrobes and furniture in general, sliding wings of shower cubicles and the like.

[0004] More particularly, the present invention concerns support devices for such sliding structures.

[0005] DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Sliding structures have long been used in many sectors, from building to furnishing one. Widely used sliding structures consist of sliding doors, or wings, particularly suitable in the realization of closing systems for environments or for wardrobes and furniture in general and / or for shower cubicles and the like.

[0007] Generally, these sliding structures, hereinafter referred to as the “door” for simplicity of presentation, are held in place thanks to one or two guides, one located in the upper part of the door and possibly one at the lower part.

[0008] The door can slide in the guides by suitable sliding means, for example wheels or sliding blocks. These means, if placed in the upper part of the door, bear the entire weight thereof.

[0009] The sliding means are preferably defined by two or more carriages fixed to the side of the door, e.g. the upper side of the door, on which one or more pairs of rollers are identified that couple to respective sustainment tracks identified in the support guide.

[0010] In order to reduce the weight load of the door acting on the sliding means, in particular on the rollers, one or more magnets suitably arranged at the carriage are used so that the weight of the door is at least partially sustained by means of the magnetic force generated by said magnets.

[0011] According to the known technique, a magnet is incorporated in a special seat of the carriage while the guide has a portion of magnetic or ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material to allow the generation of the desired magnetic force.

[0012] Often the operations for mounting the sliding doors and their positioning on site can lead to several problems due, for example, to the need to correctly align the door with respect to the guide and at the same time to correctly size the dimensions and / or position of the magnet inside the carriage to ensure the desired magnetic force.

[0013] The operations for mounting and positioning on site of the door can therefore be laborious and sometimes the final positioning of the magnet is not optimal. In addition, when the type of door varies, and in particular when the weight of the door varies, the use of several carriages is required, each requiring correct mounting and / or sizing to optimize and make the most of the magnetic force exerted by the magnets used.

[0014] It is therefore one of the aims of the present invention to realise systems with sliding structures that make it possible to obviate at least in part the problems of the known systems of the state of the art.

[0015] In particular, an aim of the present invention is to provide a solution that makes it possible to simplify the installation and / or adjustment operations of sliding structures with respect to the systems of known type.

[0016] It is another aim of the present invention to propose a solution that allows to optimize the effect of magnetic sustainment in sliding structures with respect to the systems of known type.

[0017] It is a further aim of the present invention to propose a solution that allows to optimize the installation and adjustment operations of sliding structures of different type, in particular of different dimensions or weight.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0019] In a first aspect thereof, the present invention therefore refers to a support device for a sliding structure, said support device comprising:

[0020] - a base body;

[0021] - coupling means for coupling to said sliding structure;

[0022] - sliding means adapted to allow the sliding of said support device with respect to a support guide of said sliding structure and to sustain at least partially the weight of said sliding structure;

[0023] - at least one magnetic element configured to generate a magnetic force in such a way that the weight of said sliding structure is sustained at least partially by means of said magnetic force; wherein said base body comprises a seat for receiving said at least one magnetic element and said at least one magnetic element is positionable in different fixed positions in said seat in such a way that said at least one magnetic element assumes respective different distances with respect to said support guide with said support device in the working position.

[0024] Preferably, the support device comprises a spacer element arranged between said at least one magnetic element and the seat and locking means for locking said at least one magnetic element to the seat.

[0025] Preferably, the support device comprises adjustment means for said at least one magnetic element which are adapted to position said at least one magnetic element in different fixed positions in the seat.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment means comprise at least one spacer element arranged between said at least one magnetic element and the seat and locking means for locking said at least one magnetic element to the seat, wherein said at least one spacer element has a variable thickness and the insertion of the spacer element in different positions between said at least one magnetic element and the seat corresponds to different respective positions of said at least one magnetic element in the seat.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment, the adjustment means comprise at least one screw arranged in a non-rotatable position in the base body that engages a corresponding nut screw portion made in an adjustment screw integral with said at least one magnetic element and rotatable with respect to said at least one magnetic element.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the adjustment means comprise at least one adjustment screw arranged in the base body and rotatable with respect to the base body, said adjustment screw engaging a corresponding nut screw portion associated with said at least one magnetic element.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the nut screw portion is made in a screw fixed to said at least one magnetic element.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjustment means comprise at least two adjustment screws arranged in the base body and rotatable with respect to the base body, said adjustment screws engaging corresponding nut screw portions associated with said at least one magnetic element.

[0031] Preferably, the support device comprises interconnection means of the two screws adapted to transmit the rotational motion from the first screw to the second screw of said two screws.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the interconnection means comprise at least one toothed belt cooperating with respective toothed portions of said two screws. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sliding means comprise rolling means.

[0033] Preferably, the rolling means comprise one or more associated rolling elements and said base body.

[0034] In another aspect thereof, the present invention refers to a closing system comprising a sliding structure and at least one support device for such sliding structure, wherein the support device is made as described above.

[0035] Preferably, the support device is arranged above said sliding structure or it is arranged below said sliding structure.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a support guide that allows to said sliding structure to slide along said support guide.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide comprises at least one portion made of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material or paramagnetic material.

[0038] Preferably, said guide comprises at least one track adapted to receive the sliding means of the support device in support.

[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Further advantages, objects and features as well as embodiments of the present invention are defined in the claims and will be elucidated hereinafter by means of the following description, in which reference is made to the attached drawing tables; in the drawings, features and / or corresponding or equivalent component parts of the present invention can be identified by the same reference numerals. In particular:

[0041] - figure 1 represents an axonometric view of a closing system comprising two support devices for a sliding structure according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0042] - figure 2 shows the closing system of figure 1 partially sectioned;

[0043] - figure 3 shows in axonometric view a support device used in the closing system of figures 1 and 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0044] - figure 3A shows the device of figure 3 from another point of view and partially exploded;

[0045] - figure 4 shows an exploded view of figure 3;

[0046] - figure 5 shows a sectional view at a support device of the closing system of figure 1 in a first operating condition;

[0047] - figure 5 A shows an enlarged detail of figure 5; - figure 6 shows a sectional view at a support device of the closing system of figure 1 in a second operating condition;

[0048] - figure 7 shows an exploded view of an embodiment variant of the support device of the invention;

[0049] - figure 8 shows a sectional view of the support device of figure 7 in assembled configuration and in a first operating condition;

[0050] - figure 9 shows the sectional view of figure 8 with the support device in a second operating condition;

[0051] - figure 10 shows an embodiment variant of figure 8;

[0052] - figure 11 shows an exploded view of another embodiment variant of the support device of the invention;

[0053] - figure 12 shows a sectional view of the support device of figure 11 in assembled configuration and in a first operating condition;

[0054] - figure 12A shows an enlarged detail of figure 12;

[0055] - figure 13 shows the sectional view of figure 12 with the support device in a second operating condition;

[0056] - figure 14 shows an embodiment variant of figure 11 A;

[0057] - figure 15 shows an exploded view of a further embodiment variant of the support device of the invention;

[0058] - figure 16 shows a sectional view of the support device of figure 15 in assembled configuration and in a first operating condition;

[0059] - figure 17 shows the sectional view of figure 16 with the support device in a second operating condition;

[0060] - figure 18 shows a sectional view of an embodiment variant of the support device of the invention applied below in a closing system;

[0061] - figure 19 shows a view of the support device used in figure 18;

[0062] - figure 20 shows a detail of figure 19 from another point of view.

[0063] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THIS INVENTION

[0064] Although the present invention is described below with reference to the embodiments thereof depicted in the drawing tables, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and depicted in the drawing tables. On the contrary, the embodiments described below and depicted in the drawing tables clarify certain aspects of the present invention, the object of which is defined by the claims. The present invention finds particular but not exclusive application in the field of the realization of closing systems for environments with sliding wings provided above with one or more support devices according to the present invention.

[0065] It should however be noted that the applications of the present invention are not limited to such type of solution; on the contrary, the present invention finds advantageous application in general in the realization of closing systems with sliding structures, for example closing systems for wardrobes and furniture in general and / or for shower cubicles and the like.

[0066] In the following, with reference to figures 3 to 6, a first embodiment of a support device 10 for a sliding structure 4 will be described, the latter shown in figure 1 together with two support devices 10 according to the present invention to form the closing system indicated overall with 1.

[0067] In the embodiment described herein, the sliding structure 4 comprises a sliding wing 4 used for making a sliding door and preferably comprises a wooden panel or a glass plate.

[0068] The sliding structure 4 will be indicated below for simplicity of presentation with the term “wing”.

[0069] Still, in the embodiment described herein, the support devices 10 are advantageously positioned only above the wing 4 and are two in number.

[0070] In embodiment variants, however, the support devices could be positioned below with respect to the wing, as shown in the embodiment described below with reference to figures 18 to 20.

[0071] Furthermore, the support devices used could be in a different number, preferably more than two or even only one if properly centred with respect to the wing.

[0072] In the closing system 1 according to the embodiment illustrated and described herein, an upper support structure 80 allows to the wing 4 to slide along the support structure 80, preferably along a straight sliding direction X.

[0073] The support structure 80 preferably comprises a support guide 82, better described below.

[0074] The support structure can be, for example, associated with an internal or external wall of a building or the framework or frame of a furnishing element, for example of a wardrobe or a piece of furniture or a shower cubicle.

[0075] The support device 10 according to the present invention is first of all configured to sustain the weight of the wing 4.

[0076] The support device 10 first of all comprises a base body 12, preferably made of plastic.

[0077] The support device 10 then comprises coupling means 14 for coupling to the wing 4. The coupling means 14 preferably comprise an intermediate protruding hooking portion 16, best shown in figure 3 A, which couples above the base body 12 and below the wing 4. The construction details of the coupling means 14 are not described in detail here and in embodiment variants may be of a different type and equivalent to what is illustrated here.

[0078] The support device 10 is provided with sliding means 20 that allow the sliding of the support device 10 with respect to the guide 82 and that at the same time have the task of at least partially sustaining the weight of the wing 4.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in the figures, the sliding means 20 comprise rolling means 20.

[0080] The rolling means 20 preferably comprise two pairs of wheels 22 mounted on the base body 12.

[0081] The pairs of wheels 22 are arranged aligned on the base body 12 to allow, in assembled configuration, the sliding of the base body 12 with respect to the guide 82 along a main direction X, or sliding direction X.

[0082] The guide 82 preferably has a downwardly open shape for internally receiving the support device 10, for example a substantially inverted U-shaped profiled element. Two tracks 84 on which the wheels 22 of the support device 10 are arranged to rest are defined on the guide 82. The wheels 22 therefore guarantee the sliding of the support device 10 and the associated wing 4. Furthermore, the wheels 22 at least partially support the weight of the wing 4.

[0083] In the embodiment illustrated herein, two pairs of wheels 22 mounted on the base body 12 are advantageously used. In embodiment variants, however, the number of wheels as well as their arrangement may be different from what is illustrated here, as well as different rolling elements, such as rollers and / or balls, may be used. In another aspect thereof, the support device 10 according to the present invention is configured to allow the at least partial magnetic sustainment of the weight of the wing 4. The magnetic sustainment action acts synergistically with the sustainment action exerted by the rolling means 20.

[0084] The support device 10 comprises, for this purpose, a magnetic element 24 configured to generate a magnetic force that at least partially sustains the weight of the wing 4.

[0085] The magnetic force will therefore be a force with at least one component parallel and opposite to the weight force of the wing 4, i.e. a vertical component facing upwards.

[0086] This effect is achieved by using a magnetic or ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material associated with the guide 82. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, a ferromagnetic 86, or metal 86 plate, is fixed to the guide 82, which longitudinally involves the guide 82 over a length equal to at least the total stroke of the wing 4. The rest of the guide 82 can be made of any material, not necessarily of metallic material, for example of wood or plastic.

[0087] The desired magnetic sustainment force will therefore be obtained by the magnetic attraction force between the metal plate 86 fixed to the guide 82 and the magnetic element 24.

[0088] In one embodiment variant, the guide itself is made of a magnetic or ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material and in this case no additional elements, such as the metal plate, are necessary.

[0089] The base body 12 comprises a receiving seat 26 for the magnetic element 24. The receiving seat 26 preferably has a shape conjugated to the shape of the magnetic element 24. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the magnetic element 24 and the receiving seat 26 are both substantially parallelepiped in shape. In embodiment variants, however, the shape of the magnetic element and / or of the receiving seat may be different.

[0090] According to one aspect of the present invention, the magnetic element 24 is positionable in different fixed positions in the seat 26 so that the magnetic element 24 assumes respective different distances with respect to the guide 82.

[0091] By way of example, two of the possible fixed positions of the magnetic element 24 in the seat 26 are shown in figures 5 and 6: figure 5 illustrates a first operating condition in which the magnetic element 24 is in a first fixed position in the seat 26 and figure 6 illustrates a second operating condition in which the magnetic element 24 is in a second fixed position in the seat 26. The different fixed positions of the magnetic element 24 in the seat 26 lead to different magnetic attraction forces between the magnetic element 24 and the metal plate 86. In the first operating condition of figure 5, the magnetic element 24 is at a lower distance from the metal plate 86 than in the second operating condition of figure 6. It follows that the force of mutual attraction between the magnetic element 24 and the metal plate 86 is greater in the first operating condition (figure 5) than in the second operating condition (figure 6), it being known that the magnetic attraction force between two elements is inversely proportional to the distance between them.

[0092] It is, therefore, clear that by positioning the magnetic element 24 in different fixed positions in the seat 26 it will be possible to identify corresponding different magnetic sustainment forces involving the support device 10.

[0093] The support device 10 therefore allows the adjustment of the magnetic sustainment force, in the manner described in detail below.

[0094] The adjustment of the magnetic sustainment force advantageously meets the needs that arise during the design and / or installation phase of the system: wings of different dimensions and / or weight require, in fact, different magnetic sustainment forces or, again, during the installation phase, the situation may arise in which the acting magnetic sustainment force is not perfectly adherent to what is expected. Advantageously, the manufacturer of support devices according to the present invention will be able to provide a single type of support device for the realization of any closing system, regardless of the weight and / or size of the wing to be sustained, since it is possible, as mentioned, to adjust the sustainment force required for correct installation during the installation phase.

[0095] Furthermore, the magnetic sustainment force exerted by a support device 10 will depend on the number of support devices used in the system in question: the weight of the wing 4 to be sustained will be divided between the number of support devices used, which may preferably and advantageously be all equal to each other. The support device 10 of the invention will advantageously allow the adjustment during the installation phase of the system.

[0096] In detail of the first embodiment, the magnetic element 24 is locked in the seat 26 in a fixed position by acting with a special tool, in this case a screwdriver, on respective first fixing elements 30a, 30b, in this case two screws 30a, 30b, or first screws 30a, 30b.

[0097] Preferably, the magnetic element 24 comprises two seats 32a, 32b adapted to receive said screws 30a, 30b. Each screw 30a, 30b is axially locked in its respective seat 32a, 32b by means of a stop ring 34a, 34b which is snapped into an annular recess 36a, 36b of the screw 30a, 30b.

[0098] In this configuration, the two screws 30a, 30b can rotate with respect to the magnetic element 24. For this purpose, in particular, the head of the screws 30a, 30b and the two seats 32a, 32b have respective contact surfaces of frustoconical shape.

[0099] Each screw 30a, 30b comprises a nut screw portion 38a, visible only in figure 5 A with reference to one of the two screws, which axially involves the screw 30a, 30b itself.

[0100] Second fixing elements 40a, 40b, in this case two screws 40a, 40b, or second screws 40a, 40b, interact with the respective nut screw portions 38a of the first screws 30a, 30b.

[0101] The second fixing elements 40a, 40b are received in respective seats 42a, 42b of the base body 12 and keep a non-rotatable position with respect to the base body 12. In particular, each screw 40a, 40b has a hexagonal head 44a, 44b that is received in a corresponding hexagonal portion 46a, 46b of the seat 42a, 42b and a threaded shank 48a, 48b that passes through the seat 42a, 42b and engages in the nut screw portion 38a of the first screws 30a, 30b (figure 5A).

[0102] According to one aspect of such an embodiment, a spacer element 50 is interposed between the magnetic element 24 and the receiving seat 26 for the magnetic element 24.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, illustrated herein, the spacer element 50 comprises a shaped thread-like element, preferably shaped to assume a U-shape, insertable between the magnetic element 24 and the seat 26. Preferably, the spacer member 50 is inserted from a lateral position of the base body 12.

[0104] Even more preferably, the spacer element 50 is inserted in position without the need to totally remove the first screws 30a, 30b but simply by bringing them into a loose position adapted to define a sufficient space between the magnetic element 24 and the seat 26.

[0105] The thickness of this spacer element 50, in particular the diameter of the threadlike element 50, defines the position of the magnetic element 24 inside the seat 26. Consequently, the thickness of this spacer element 50 also defines the distance between the magnetic element 24 and the metal plate 86. The use of spacer elements 50 of different thickness consequently results in different distances between the magnetic element 24 and the metal plate 86. This results therefore in an adjustment of the mutual magnetic attraction force and therefore of the magnetic sustainment force of the support device 10.

[0106] By way of example, in the first operating condition of figure 5 the spacer element 50 has a first thickness / diameter and in the second operating condition of figure 6 the spacer element 50’ has a second thickness / diameter less than the first thickness / diameter.

[0107] The spacer element 50, for example the U-shaped thread-like element, preferably extends substantially over the entire length of the magnetic element 24 so as to ensure parallelism between the magnetic element 24 and the metal plate 86.

[0108] Preferably, in fact, the metal plate 86 is maintained with respect to the magnetic element 24 at the same distance everywhere with reference to its entire extension. The magnetic attraction force between the two elements is advantageously optimized.

[0109] During installation, the chosen spacer element 50, 50’ is inserted between the magnetic element 24 and the seat 26: subsequently the first screws 30a, 30b are turned with the screwdriver to lock the various elements in the desired final position.

[0110] Furthermore, advantageously, if the adjustment / variation of the magnetic sustainment force is required, the spacer element is replaced with a new spacer element of different thickness: the first screws 30a, 30b are unscrewed / loosened, preferably without the need to be completely removed; the spacer element 50 is easily removed laterally with respect to the base body and the new spacer element 50’ is inserted in its place; the first screws 30a, 30b are screwed again. The operations for replacing the spacer are therefore simple and do not require the removal and repositioning of elements such as screws or others.

[0111] With reference to figures 7 to 9, a support device 110 according to an embodiment variant of the invention is described.

[0112] The component parts equivalent to the embodiment described above are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0113] This embodiment illustrates a different way to obtain the adjustment of the position of the magnetic element 24 inside the seat 126.

[0114] According to one aspect of this embodiment, a spacer element 150 having a variable thickness is interposed between the magnetic element 24 and the receiving seat 126 for the magnetic element 24.

[0115] The spacer element 150 is advantageously inserted in different positions between the magnetic element 24 and the seat 126 to define corresponding positions for the magnetic element 24 in the seat 126, as can be seen by comparing figures 8 and 9 relative to two of the possible positions of the spacer element 150.

[0116] Preferably, the thickness of the spacer element 150 varies linearly along the longitudinal extension thereof and substantially defines a wedge-shaped element. In fact, an inclined surface 151 facing towards the seat 126 is identified on the spacer element 150. This inclined surface 151 defines a sliding surface for the spacer element 150 in the seat 126.

[0117] Inside the seat 126 there is defined, in turn, a contact surface 127 adapted to receive the inclined sliding surface 151 of the spacer element 150.

[0118] More preferably, the contact surface 127 is inclined and has the same angle of inclination as the inclined sliding surface 151 of the spacer element 150: in this way, when the insertion extent of the spacer element 150 between the seat 126 and the magnetic element 24 varies, the latter is moved parallel to the metal plate 86 maintaining the same distance everywhere with respect to the latter.

[0119] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the inclined surface 151 of the spacer element 150 and the contact surface 127 of the seat 126 are both preferably flat and can therefore mutually slide in a continuous manner. With reference to figures 10 and 10 A, an embodiment variant is shown in which the inclined surface 151’ of the spacer element 150’ and the contact surface 127’ of the seat 126’ are grooved and can therefore mutually slide to assume discrete positions.

[0120] Preferably, the spacer element 150 is provided with reference means 190 used during the installation phase to identify corresponding predetermined distances between the magnetic element 24 and the metal plate 86 depending on the insertion extent of the spacer element 150.

[0121] The reference means 190 preferably comprises two reference notches 192, 194 spaced apart and defined longitudinally on the upper surface of the spacer element 150. The display or not of such reference notches 192, 194 during the installation operations will give the indication of whether the desired distance between the magnetic element 24 and the metal plate 86 has been reached.

[0122] Figure 8 illustrates the condition in which only the first notch 192 is visible to the operator and the distance between the magnetic element 24 and the metal plate 86 is, for example, equal to 1 millimetre. Figure 9 illustrates the condition in which both notches 192, 194 are visible to the operator and the distance between the magnetic element 24 and the metal plate 86 is, for example, equal to 2 millimetres. It is evident that in embodiment variants, the number of notches may be greater to identify respective adjustment distances between the magnetic element 24 and the metal plate 86.

[0123] During the installation / adjustment phase, the spacer element 150 is inserted in the desired position between the magnetic element 24 and the seat 126: subsequently the first screws 30a, 30b are turned with the screwdriver to lock the various elements in the desired final position. For a subsequent adjustment, the spacer element 150 is moved: the first screws 30a, 30b are unscrewed; the spacer element 150 is moved to the new position; the first screws 30a, 30b are screwed again.

[0124] With reference to figures 11 to 13, a support device 210 according to another embodiment variant of the invention is described.

[0125] The component parts equivalent to the embodiments described above are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0126] This embodiment illustrates a different way to obtain the adjustment of the position of the magnetic element 24 inside the seat 226.

[0127] In particular, as described in detail below, the magnetic element 24 is locked in the seat 226 in a fixed position by acting with a special tool, in this case an Allen key, on respective first fixing elements 240a, 240b, in this case two screws 240a, 240b, or first screws 240a, 240b associated with the base body 212.

[0128] Second fixing elements 230a, 230b, in this case two screws 230a, 230b, or second screws 230a, 230b, interact with the first screws 240a, 240b, as better described below.

[0129] Preferably, the base body 212 comprises two seats 242a, 242b adapted to receive said first screws 240a, 240b.

[0130] Each screw 240a, 240b has a cylindrical head 244a, 244b that is received in a corresponding cylindrical portion of the seat 242a, 242b and a threaded shank 248a, 248b that passes through the seat 242a, 242b and engages in a nut screw portion 238a of the second screw 230a, 230b (best seen in figure 12a with reference to one of the two screws).

[0131] In such a configuration, the two first screws 240a, 240b can rotate with respect to the base body 212. On the cylindrical head 240a, 240b of the two first screws 240a, 240b there are preferably defined hexagonal seats 247a (figure 12a) for receiving a manoeuvring tool (Allen key).

[0132] The second fixing elements 230a, 230b are received in respective seats 232a, 232b of the magnetic member 24 and keep a fixed position with respect to the magnetic member 24.

[0133] During installation / adjustment phase, the magnetic element 24 is arranged in the desired position in the seat 226 by rotating the two first screws 240a, 240b which, by interfering with the respective second screws 230a, 230b, move the magnetic element 24 inside the seat 226.

[0134] By way of example, two of the possible fixed positions of the magnetic element 24 in the seat 226 are shown in figures 12 and 13: in figure 12 the magnetic element 24 is at a lower distance from the metal plate 86 than the operating condition of figure 13.

[0135] In one embodiment variant, not illustrated, the second screws 230a, 230b could be omitted and the nut screw portion 238a could be made directly in the magnetic element 24.

[0136] In a further embodiment variant, illustrated in figure 14, an elastic thrust element 250 which acts against the lower surface of the magnetic element 24 is positioned in the seat 226 of the base body 112. The elastic element 250, preferably a helical spring, ensures the movement of the magnetic element 24 upwards inside the seat 226 when the first screw 240a, 240b is rotated.

[0137] According to the embodiment just illustrated, the positions of the magnetic element 24 in the seat 226 are obtained by acting separately on the two first screws 240a, 240b.

[0138] To simplify these adjustment operations and to make them more precise, the rotation of the first two screws is synchronised and the operator acts by rotating only one of the first two screws. A preferred embodiment implementing such a mechanism is shown in the support device 310 as illustrated in figures 15 to 17.

[0139] The component parts equivalent to the embodiments described above are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0140] This embodiment differs from the embodiment illustrated in figures 11 to 13 in that it comprises interconnection means 350 adapted to synchronise the rotation movement of the two first screws 340a, 340b.

[0141] The interconnection means 350 preferably comprise a toothed transmission belt 352 meshing on respective toothed portions 360a, 360b of the two first screws 340a, 340b.

[0142] The rotation of one of the two first screws 340a, 340b, for example by means of the manoeuvring tool (Allen key), is transmitted to the other of the two first screws 340a, 340b.

[0143] Advantageously, the adjustment operations are simplified and furthermore, the same and simultaneous rotation of the first two screws 340a, 340b and thus parallel displacements of the magnetic element 24 in the seat 226 are guaranteed.

[0144] With reference to figures 18 to 20, a support device 410 according to another embodiment variant of the invention is described which is advantageously used to be positioned below the wing 4. The support device 410 illustrated herein is based on the same principle illustrated above with reference to figures 7 to 9. In embodiment variants, however, any of the previously used embodiments, and equivalents, may be advantageously used. The component parts equivalent to the embodiment described above in relation to figures 7 to 9 are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0145] This embodiment differs first of all from the embodiment illustrated in figures 7 to 9 in that the guide 482 is fixed below, for example to the floor or to the lower part of a framework of a wardrobe.

[0146] The support device 410, which differs from the embodiment illustrated in figures 7 to 9 due to the different embodiment of the coupling means 414 for coupling to the wing 4, can slide on the guide 482. The coupling means 414 preferably comprise an intermediate protruding hooking portion 416, better shown in figure 20, which couples above to the base body 112 and laterally to the wing 4.

[0147] From what has been described it is therefore clear that the support device of the invention allows to achieve the intended purposes and in particular allows to simplify the operations of installation and / or adjustment of sliding structures with respect to the systems of known type.

[0148] In the illustrated embodiments, a single magnetic element has been used, preferably of substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0149] In embodiment variants, it will be possible to use several magnetic elements suitably combined with each other and / or with different shapes, for example of cylindrical shape.

[0150] While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular embodiments depicted in the figures, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments depicted and described; on the contrary, further variations of the described embodiments fall within the scope of the present invention, which scope is defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Support device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) for a sliding structure (4), said support device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) comprising:- a base body (12; 112: 212);- coupling means (14; 414) for coupling to said sliding structure (4);- sliding means (20) adapted to allow the sliding of said support device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) with respect to a support guide (82; 482) of said sliding structure (4) and to sustain at least partially the weight of said sliding structure (4);- at least one magnetic element (24) configured to generate a magnetic force in such a way that the weight of said sliding structure (4) is sustained at least partially by means of said magnetic force; characterized in that said base body (12; 112: 212) comprises a seat (26; 126; 226) for receiving said at least one magnetic element (24) and said at least one magnetic element (24) is positionable in different fixed positions in said seat (26; 126; 226) in such a way that said at least one magnetic element (24) assumes respective different distances with respect to said support guide (82; 482) with said support device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) in the working position.2) Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a spacer element (50; 50’) arranged between said at least one magnetic element (24) and said seat (26) and locking means (40a, 40b, 30a, 30b) for locking said at least one magnetic element (24) to said seat (26).3) Device (110; 210; 310; 410) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises adjustment means for said at least one magnetic element (24) which are adapted to position said at least one magnetic element (24) in different fixed positions in said seat (126; 226).4) Device (110; 410) according to claim 3, characterized in that said adjustment means comprise at least one spacer element (150; 150’) arranged between said at least one magnetic element (24) and said seat (126) and locking means for locking said at least one magnetic element (24) to said seat (126), wherein said at least one spacer element (150; 150’) has a variable thickness and the insertion of said spacer element (150; 150’) in different positions between said at least one magnetic element (24) and said seat (126) corresponds to different respective positions of said at least one magnetic element (24) in said seat (126).5) Device (110; 410) according to claim 3, characterized in that said adjustment means comprise at least one screw (40a, 40b) arranged in a non-rotatable positionin said base body (112) that engages a corresponding nut screw portion (38a) made in an adjustment screw (30a, 30b) integral with said at least one magnetic element (24) and rotatable with respect to said at least one magnetic element (24).6) Device (210; 310) according to claim 3, characterized in that said adjustment means comprise at least one adjustment screw (240a, 240b; 340a, 340b) arranged in said base body (212) and rotatable with respect to said base body (212), said adjustment screw (240a, 240b; 340a, 340b) engaging a corresponding nut screw portion (238a) associated with said at least one magnetic element (24).7) Device (210; 310) according to claim 6, characterized in that said nut screw portion (238a) is made in a screw (230a, 230b) fixed to said at least one magnetic element (24).8) Device (310) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said adjustment means comprise at least two adjustment screws (340a, 340b) arranged in said base body (212) and rotatable with respect to said base body (212), said adjustment screws engaging corresponding nut screw portions (238a) associated with said at least one magnetic element (24).9) Device (310) according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises interconnection means (350) of said two screws (340a, 340b) adapted to transmit the rotation motion from the first screw to the second screw of said two screws (360a, 360b).10) Device (310) according to claim 9, characterized in that said interconnection means (350) comprise at least one toothed belt (352) cooperating with respective toothed portions (360a, 360b) of said two screws (340a, 340b).11) Device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sliding means (20) comprise rolling means (22).12) Closing system (1) comprising a sliding structure (4) and at least one support device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) for said sliding structure (4), characterized in that said at least one support device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) is made according to any one of the preceding claims.13) System according to claim 12, characterized in that said support device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) is arranged above said sliding structure (4) or is arranged below said sliding structure (4).14) System according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it further comprises a support guide (82; 482) that allows to said sliding structure (4) to slide along said support guide (82; 482).15) System according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that said guide (82; 482) comprises at least one portion (86) made of magnetic material or ferromagnetic material or paramagnetic material.16) System according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that said guide (82; 482) comprises at least one track (84) adapted to receive said sliding means (20) of said support device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) in support.

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