Magnetic adjustment mechanism

Abstract

A magnetic adjustment mechanism of an object, comprising a control module (1A), which generates a magnetic field, and a magnetically coupled executive module (1B) connected to the object (3) whose position is controlled. The executive module (1B) includes a magnet (4) secured within a bracket (5). This bracket is mounted on the head (61) of a screw (62), which is part of a self-resetting screw mechanism (6). The self-resetting screw mechanism (6) is designed to convert the rotary motion of the screw (62) into the translational movement of aslider (7), which is coupled to the self-resetting screw mechanism (6). The slider (7) is configured to slide along a guide (8) parallel to the axis of the screw (62) of the self-resetting screw mechanism (6). The object (3), whose position is controlled, is then configured to slide along the slider (7), either directly or via an intermediate element (2).

Description

[0001] Magnetic adjustment mechanism

[0002] The invention relates to a magnetic adjustment mechanism designed to control the position of device components, particularly those that are difficult to access, such as components located within a closed housing. Such a mechanism proves invaluable during servicing of a device servicing in a closed housing, as it bypasses the need to open the housing, thereby preventing potential damage or unwanted leakage. The magnetic adjustment mechanism is particularly useful for adjusting the direction of light distribution from a light source within a closed lighting fixture, especially when that fixture is mounted in a recess. An example would be outdoor lamps for the garden or terrace, recessed into the ground or floor. Adjustment via the magnetic adjustment mechanism can be performed without powering off the device, which is particularly beneficial for modifying the light source's light distribution direction.

[0003] International patent application WO2017093988A1 discloses a lighting device integrated into a chamber, featuring means for orienting the light source, operable externally from the bottom of the chamber. To adjust the light distribution direction, access to the bottom of the chamber containing the light source is necessary, thereby requiring removal of the chamber and light source from their installed position. Patent document US2016172090A1 discloses a magnetic adjustment mechanism comprising a chamber; a rotatable element including a magnetic component; an element pivotally mounted within the chamber; and a magnetic actuator located outside the chamber, magnetically coupled to the magnetic component of the rotatably mounted element. The rotational movement of the magnetic actuator causes the rotation of an element pivotally mounted within a chamber, between two limiters. In a preferred embodiment of the magnetic adjustment mechanism, the magnetic component coupled to the aperture plate is located within the vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. Rotation of the actuator rotates the aperture plate, thereby enabling the selection of the optimal opening for ion beam transmission.

[0004] The magnetic adjustment mechanism, according to the present invention, consists of a control module (a magnetic field source) and an executive module magnetically coupled thereto and connected to an object whose position is controlled, characterised in that the executive module comprises a magnet housed in a bracket mounted on the head of a screw of a self-resetting screw mechanism, which is configured to convert the rotational movement of the screw into the translational movement of a slider coupled to it and the slider is configured to move along a guide that runs parallel to the axis of a screw of a self-resetting screw mechanism while the object whose position is controlled is configured to slide, either directly or via an intermediate element, along the slider.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the object whose position is controlled comprises a light source situated within a closed lighting fixture.

[0006] Preferably, the object whose position is controlled is an LED module in a closed lighting fixture.

[0007] For a more detailed explanation of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying figure, which depicts an exemplary embodiment and in this example, the magnetic adjustment mechanism is employed to adjust the light distribution of a lighting fixture that is integrated into a ground box, with an LED module serving as the light source.

[0008] Fig. 1 shows a view of a lighting fixture with a magnetic adjustment mechanism installed in a ground box, Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the lighting fixture with a magnetic adjustment mechanism in a ground box, Fig. 3 shows a top view of the lighting fixture, Fig. 4 shows a crosssection the lighting fixture along line AA in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 shows detail C from Fig. 4, Figs. 6A and 6B show a perspective view of the executive module of the magnetic adjustment mechanism and the light source connected to it in two different light source positions, and Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B show a cross-sectional view of the executive module of the magnetic adjustment mechanism and the light source connected to it in two different light source positions. The magnetic adjustment mechanism used to adjust the position of the LED module in a closed lighting fixture 9, installed in a ground box 10, consists of a control module 1A, a source of a magnetic field, and an executive module 1B magnetically coupled to it, connected to the arm 2 of the object 3, which is the LED module in the described embodiment. The executive module 1B comprises a magnet 4 mounted in a bracket 5 mounted on the head 61 of the screw 62 of the self-resetting screw mechanism 6, designed to convert the rotary movement of the screw 62 into the translational movement of the slider 7 along the guide 8 parallel to the axis of the screw 62 of the self-resetting screw mechanism 6. The slider 7 is configured to slide along the arm 2 of the LED module 3. To adjust the LED module 3's luminous surface position relative to the horizontal plane, the control module 1A is placed above the executive module 1B and rotated, which rotation causes the magnetic executive module 1B to rotate, which in turn drives the slider 7 in a reciprocating motion along the guide 8, parallel to the screw axis 62. The slider 7 is configured to slide along the arm 2 of the LED module. Vertical movement of the slider 7 causes the arm 2 of the LED module 3 to slide relative to the slider's surface, which, in turn, adjusts the inclination of the LED module 3's luminous surface with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0009] The magnetic adjustment mechanism enables the repositioning of a device element where direct access is difficult or undesirable, for instance, due to potential damage or leakage. The position of a device component can be adjusted during device operation, a feature particularly critical when the adjusted parameter is the direction of the light beam emitted by the lighting fixture. Moreover, the control module of the magnetic adjustment mechanism requires no electrical power during position control of the object, thus enhancing ease of operation.

Claims

Patent claims1 . The magnetic adjustment mechanism consists of a control module (a magnetic field source) and an executive module magnetically coupled thereto. The executive module is connected to an object whose position is controlled. This mechanism is characterised in that the executive module (1 B) comprises a magnet (4) housed in a bracket (5) mounted on the head (61 ) of a screw (62) of a self-resetting screw mechanism (6). This selfresetting screw mechanism (6) is configured to convert the rotational movement of the screw (62) into the translational movement of a slider (7) coupled to it. The slider (7) is configured to move along a guide (8) that runs parallel to the axis of a screw (62) of a self-resetting screw mechanism (6). The object (3) whose position is controlled is then configured to slide, either directly or via an intermediate element (2), along the slider (7).

2. A magnetic adjustment mechanism according to claim 1 , characterised in that the object (3) whose position is controlled is a light source in a closed lighting fixture.

3. A magnetic adjustment mechanism according to claim 1 , characterised in that the object (3) whose position is controlled is an LED module in a closed lighting fixture.

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