HK1067231B - Magnetic anchoring module with a system for enabling/disabling and adjusting the magnetic anchoring force and related assemblies - Google Patents

Description

Magnetic fastening module with system for enabling/disabling and adjusting the magnetic fastening force, and related assembly

Technical Field

The invention relates to a magnetic module equipped with a system enabling the magnetic force (enabling) used to fix another magnet or ferromagnetic module on a ferromagnetic surface and to be used when the magnetic module generates a magnetic attraction force that is comparable to or can exceed the manpower limit. The invention also relates to an assembly obtained with these magnetic modules.

Background

European patent application No. ep9902040 by the present applicant discloses an assembly formed by combining a magnetic module with other magnetic and/or ferromagnetic modules. The magnetic module relating to the use comprises: at least one active magnetic element, i.e. an element having two polar surfaces of opposite sign; and at least one ferromagnetic element.

An essential feature of the assembly described in european patent application No. ep9902040 is that the magnetic flux generated at the fixed active magnetic elements between the modules involved is at least partially short-circuited by the ferromagnetic elements of the modules, and that the magnetic potential differences generated at the fixed active magnetic elements between the modules involved are superimposed in series.

Such a fixing system enables a high ratio of fixing force between the modules in the assembly to the weight of the whole assembly, enabling the construction of very complex self-supporting grid structures, such as scaffolding or billboards for theatre stage scenery.

When the magnetic attraction between the modules exceeds the limit of 2-3kg, it is suitable to provide a system that enables/disables fixing between the modules, due to the manpower limitations reached, the ease of assembly and disassembly, and the safety.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic module equipped with a system enabling/disabling (disabling) of the magnetic force used to mount the magnetic module on the ferromagnetic surface of another magnetic or ferromagnetic module.

This object is achieved by equipping the magnetic module with a system capable of enabling/disabling the magnetic fixing force of the magnetic module by means of a magnetic pole reversal system, of the mechanical/manual or mechanical/electrical type, or of the electromagnetic type.

Magnetic module with a mechanical-manual or mechanical-electric pole reversal system characterized in that: it has at least one axially extending head equipped with a system enabling magnetic forces to be used for fixing said magnetic module on a ferromagnetic surface, said at least one head comprising:

a multi-polar magnetic stator coaxial with the head, said multi-polar magnetic stator having a magnetically effective multi-polar stator surface for magnetic fixation on said ferromagnetic surface, said stator surface being formed by arranging magnetically induced poles alternately with poles of opposite sign;

a multi-pole magnetic rotor coaxial with the multi-pole magnetic stator and having a multi-pole rotor surface opposite to the multi-pole stator surface and formed by arranging magnetic poles so as to have magnetic poles of opposite signs alternately; the arrangement of the poles of the multipolar rotor surface is mirrored (specific) to the arrangement of the poles of the multipolar stator surface; the magnetic rotor rotates about the axis of the head between a position in which the poles of the multipole stator surface are completely active, in which they face corresponding poles of the same sign of the multipole rotor surface, so that the magnetic fluxes generated by the magnetic stator and the magnetic rotor are added together and short-circuited through the ferromagnetic surface, and a position in which they face corresponding poles of opposite sign of the multipole rotor surface, so that the magnetic fluxes generated by the magnetic stator are short-circuited completely through the magnetic rotor.

The magnetic stator includes: a plurality of stator permanent magnets arranged around an axis of the magnetic stator; and a plurality of ferromagnetic sector portions, each ferromagnetic sector portion interposed between a respective pair of the plurality of stator permanent magnets; the direction of the polarization axis of the stator permanent magnets is substantially parallel to the multipole stator surface, the stator permanent magnets of each pair of stator permanent magnets being opposed to each other by poles of the same sign; the fixed multipole stator surface is formed by a combination of surfaces of the ferromagnetic sector portions.

The magnetic rotor includes: a plurality of rotor permanent magnets arranged around the axis of the magnetic rotor, the direction of the polarization axis of the rotor permanent magnets being substantially perpendicular to the multi-pole stator surface, the magnetic pole of each rotor permanent magnet being opposite to the magnetic pole of an adjacent rotor permanent magnet; and a ferromagnetic yoke for connecting the magnetic plates of all the rotor permanent magnets opposed to the magnetic stator.

A magnetic module having an electromagnetic pole reversal system characterized by: it has at least one axially extending head equipped with a system enabling magnetic forces to be used for fixing said magnetic module on a ferromagnetic surface, said at least one head comprising:

a first multi-polar magnetic stator coaxial with the head, said first multi-polar magnetic stator having a magnetically effective multi-polar first stator surface for magnetic fixation on said ferromagnetic surface, said first stator surface being formed by arranging magnetically induced magnetic poles with magnetic polarities of opposite sign alternately;

a second multipolar magnetic stator coaxial to the first multipolar magnetic stator and having a multipolar second stator surface opposite to the multipolar first stator surface and formed by arranging the magnetic poles so as to have alternately magnetic polarities of opposite sign; the arrangement of the poles of the multipole second stator surface is a mirror image of the arrangement of the poles of the multipole first stator surface;

means for enabling/disabling the multipolar first stator surface of the first stator by reversing the polarity of the plurality of poles of the second magnetic stator, said means for enabling/disabling the multipolar first stator surface of the first stator shifting said multipolar second stator surface between a state of enabling said multipolar first stator surface and a state of disabling said multipolar first stator surface, in which state of enabling said multipolar first stator surface each pole of the multipolar first stator surface is facing a respective pole of the same sign of the multipolar second stator surface, so that the magnetic fluxes generated by the first and second magnetic stators are added together and short-circuited by said ferromagnetic surface, and in which state of disabling said multipolar first stator surface each pole of the multipolar first stator surface is facing a respective pole of opposite sign of the multipolar second stator surface, thereby shorting the magnetic flux generated by the first magnetic stator completely through the second magnetic stator.

The first magnetic stator includes: a plurality of first stator permanent magnets arranged around an axis of the magnetic stator; and a plurality of ferromagnetic sector portions, each ferromagnetic sector portion interposed between a respective pair of the plurality of first stator permanent magnets; the direction of the polarization axis of the first stator permanent magnets is substantially parallel to the multipole first stator surface, the first stator permanent magnets of each pair of first stator permanent magnets being opposed to each other by poles of the same sign; the first fixed multipole stator surface is formed by a combination of surfaces of the ferromagnetic sector portions.

The second magnetic stator includes: a plurality of electromagnets arranged around the axis of the second magnetic stator, the electromagnets having axes of polarization oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface of the multi-pole stator, each electromagnet having poles opposite to the poles of the adjacent electromagnet; and a ferromagnetic yoke for connecting the magnetic poles of all the electromagnets opposite to the first magnetic stator.

The invention also relates to an assembly of said magnetic modules, which are combined with each other and with ferromagnetic modules, characterized in that: the ferromagnetic fixing surface in the assembly is provided by a ferromagnetic element, either incorporated in the magnetic module or belonging to any individual ferromagnetic module that can be included in the assembly; or the ferromagnetic fixed surface is provided by a fixed multi-pole magnetic stator surface of the head of the other magnetic module. Thus, the head of one magnetic module may be secured directly to the head of another magnetic module, or the heads of one or more magnetic modules may be secured to the ferromagnetic element of another magnetic module, or the heads of one or more magnetic modules may be secured to the ferromagnetic module.

On each ferromagnetic fixed surface of the assembly, providing a magnetic circuit generated by the active heads of one or more of the composite magnetic modules on the ferromagnetic fixed surface; in the magnetic circuit, the magnetic flux generated by the active head of the one or more combined magnetic modules on the ferromagnetic fixing surface generates a short circuit, wholly or at least in part, by the active head of the one or more combined magnetic modules on the ferromagnetic fixing surface and by the ferromagnetic fixing surface provided by the ferromagnetic element; also, in the magnetic circuit, the magnetic potential differences generated by the effective heads of the one or more combined magnetic modules on the ferromagnetic fixed surface are combined and added together in series.

Preferably, the ferromagnetic module can also consist of ferromagnetic elements coated with a non-magnetic matrix, for example a material with a high static friction coefficient.

Preferably, the magnetic module includes a manually actuatable mechanical drive system for rotating said multi-pole magnetic rotor.

Preferably, said magnetic module includes a manually actuable drive system for said magnetic rotor, said drive system including: a cylindrical ring slidably and rotatably supported on the exterior of the pipe ring, and means for transmitting the rotation of the ring to the pipe ring.

Preferably, the magnetic module includes a safety device for preventing rotation of said drive ring.

Preferably, the magnetic module includes an electrical or mechanical drive system for rotating the multi-pole magnetic rotor.

The system for enabling/disabling the fixing of the magnetic modules in the present invention, which enables a high ratio of the fixing force between the modules of the assembly to the total weight of the assembly to be maintained while it is active, works quickly and easily.

When completely deactivated, the system for activating/deactivating the fixing of the magnetic module enables the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic elements in the head to be completely short-circuited within the head of the magnetic module.

The present invention provides a system for enabling/disabling one or more heads of a magnetic module, which is capable of adjusting the fixing force, and which is also equipped with means to prevent its accidental deactivation.

It also has the advantages that: when the magnetic module has a plurality of heads, the heads can operate independently of each other.

Drawings

These aspects will become apparent from the following description of the preferred mode of carrying out the invention, which is given by way of example and not to limit the general principles of the claims which follow.

The following description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings

Figure 1 shows a side view of a possible application of the head of a magnetic module according to the invention fixed to a ferromagnetic module;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the axis of the head shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal projection of the head shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal projection of the magnetic rotor of the head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the assembly of the module of the present invention in combination with a reinforcing apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the magnetic module of the present invention as it passes through its axis;

FIG. 7 is a side view of another magnetic module of the present invention as it passes through its axis;

fig. 8 is a partially sectioned side view of a magnetic module according to the invention equipped with means for locking it under tensile stress against a reinforcing element into which the magnetic module is to be inserted;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of FIG. 8 with the magnetic rotor in a position such that the head is fully active; and

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of FIG. 8 with the magnetic rotor in a position to deactivate the head.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 4 relate to a magnetic module 1, the magnetic module 1 being equipped with a head 3 that can be magnetically fixed to a ferromagnetic surface of a spherical ferromagnetic module 5.

The head 3 of the module 1 extends in the axial direction indicated by the dash-dot line a-a in fig. 2 and comprises an axially hollow cylindrical pipe ring (ferule) 7, which pipe ring 7 is equipped with a conical tip 8, a magnetic stator 9 and a magnetic rotor 11, which magnetic stator 9 and rotor 11 are arranged opposite and coaxially inside the pipe ring 7.

The axial position of the magnetic stator 9 relative to the pipe ring 7 corresponds to the top end 8 of the pipe ring 7, while the magnetic rotor 11 is in an axially more inner position.

The magnetic stator 9 comprises a main ferromagnetic element or body 13, which main ferromagnetic element or body 13 is radially divided into six identical sectors 15 by six radial slots 17, which six radial slots 17 are arranged at equal angular intervals in a plane passing through the axis of the head 3.

Permanent magnets 19, which are active magnetic elements, are mounted inside the respective slots 17 in the main ferromagnetic body 13 of the magnetic stator 9. The permanent magnets 19 are all identical and are arranged with their polarization axes substantially parallel to the head surface 21 of the magnetic stator, while the same-sign poles of each pair of adjacent permanent magnets 19 are directed towards the ferromagnetic sectors 15 they define. The six sectors 15 of the main ferromagnetic body 13 of the magnetic stator 9 form a fixed multipolar stator surface 21, this stator surface 21 having alternating positive and negative poles magnetically induced by the active magnetic elements 19.

The main ferromagnetic body 13 of the magnetic stator 9 can be in a single piece, as described above, or can be divided into completely separate sectors arranged around an angle of 360 ° and laterally spaced from each other so as to define seats for the permanent magnets of the magnetic stator 9.

The multipolar head surface 21 of the main ferromagnetic body 13 of the magnetic stator 9 is arranged at the top end 8 of the tubular ring 7 and comprises six pole areas with an aperture angle of 60 ° and a mirror-like multipolar base surface 23.

The magnetic stator 9 may be fixed to the tube ring 7 by a mechanical bond between a protrusion 25 in the tube ring 7 and a corresponding recess 27 in the magnetic stator body 9.

The magnetic rotor 11 of the head 3 comprises: six identical active magnetic elements, namely six permanent magnets 29; and a ferromagnetic element or yoke 31 for connecting and supporting the permanent magnet 29, the permanent magnet 29 being arranged on the side opposite to the magnetic stator 9.

The six permanent magnets 29 of the magnetic rotor 11 have their pole axes perpendicular to the stator multipole surface 21.

The six permanent magnets 29 of the magnetic rotor 11 are arranged equiangularly around the axis of the head 3 and alternate in polarity so as to produce a multi-polar rotor surface 33 that is a mirror image of the fixed multi-polar stator surface 21.

The dimensions of the magnetic and ferromagnetic parts of the magnetic stator 9 and of the magnetic rotor 11 must be such that, when the head 3 is deactivated, the magnetic rotor 11 can completely absorb the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic stator 9 when the poles of the multipolar stator surface 21 are in magnetic series with the corresponding poles of the multipolar rotor surface 33, said flux being completely short-circuited by the ferromagnetic yoke 31, so that the multipolar stator surface 21 of the magnetic stator 9 cannot be used to fix the magnetic module 1 on the ferromagnetic surface of the module 5.

The ferromagnetic module 5 is hollow and its thickness must be kept to a minimum in order to increase the ratio of the magnetic fixing force between the two modules to the weight of the two modules, however, considering that the thickness of the ferromagnetic module 5 cannot be reduced below a certain value in order to guarantee a complete short circuit of the magnetic flux generated by the head 3. However, for a given extended multipole stator surface, a complete short circuit of the magnetic flux can be maintained by compensating for the reduced thickness of the ferromagnetic module 5 by increasing the number of pole pairs of the magnetic stator 9.

In a possible variant of the invention, the part of the magnetic rotor corresponding to the permanent magnets 29 and to the yoke 31 connecting these permanent magnets 29 can be replaced by a body of the same structure as the magnetic stator 9, i.e. the main ferromagnetic body contains a set of active magnetic elements arranged in exactly the same way as the magnetic stator 9. At this point, multipole rotor surface 33 is induced by the active magnetic elements of the magnetic rotor.

The magnet rotor 11 comprises a bell 35 for guiding the rotation of the magnet rotor 11, which bell 35 is coaxial with and inside the pipe ring 7 and projects firmly towards the yoke 31 for supporting the permanent magnets 29 of the magnet rotor 11 from the side of the yoke 31 opposite to the permanent magnets 29.

For guiding the rotation of the magnetic rotor 11, the bell 35 for guiding the magnetic rotor 11 is itself guided by the inner wall of the pipe ring 7.

The multipole rotor surface 33 and the base surface 23 of the magnetic stator 9 are each equipped with high strength steel friction plates designed to facilitate relative rotation between the magnetic stator 9 and the magnetic rotor 11 while minimizing resistance to the passage of magnetic flux from one side to the other.

The head 3 of the magnetic module 1 comprises a cylindrical ring 37, which cylindrical ring 37 is coaxially keyed (key) on the outside of the pipe ring 7 so that it can rotate and slide with respect to the axis of the pipe ring 7 in order to mechanically/manually drive the magnetic rotor 11 in rotation.

In order to transmit the rotation of ring 37 to magnetic rotor 11, ring 37 radially supports a driving rod 39, which driving rod 39 is housed in a pair of radially aligned slots 41 cut in an edge 43 of the end of bell 35 axially opposite magnetic stator 9.

The slot 41 is axially elongated so as to keep the driving rod 39 engaged and free to slide in the axial direction of the collar 7.

The drive rod 39 is arranged to pass over two slits 45 cut along diametrically opposite extensions of the outer periphery of the pipe ring 7.

The slit 45 in the pipe ring 7 also has an opening in the axial direction of the pipe ring 7 so as to allow the rod 39 and the connection ring 37 to move in the axial direction of the pipe ring 7.

The lip of each slit 45 in the collar 7, axially furthest from the top end 8 of the collar 7, forms a series of grooves 47, these grooves 47 being cut at angular intervals and diametrically opposed to the grooves 47 in the opposite slit.

The driving rod 39 is pressed against this lip of the slit 45 of the collar 7 by a stud 49, which stud 49 is axially movable in a hub 53 of the guide bell 35, which stud is coaxial with the head 3 and is spring-loaded by a helical spring 51 arranged between this stud 49 and a shoulder in the hub 53.

Thus, the rotation of the ring 37 can be step-locked, each time the driving rod 39 snaps into a pair of opposite grooves 47 of the slit 45 of the tube ring 7. Each rotation of the ring 37 corresponds to the effective degree of the head 3.

To adjust the effective degree of the head 3, the ring 37 is manually rotated until the indicated arrow 69 on the outer surface of the ring 37 is aligned with a desired effective degree 70, the effective degree 70 being selected from a plurality of possible degrees engraved on the outer surface of the pipe ring 7.

When head 3 is in the fully active state, the poles of multipole stator face 21 are facing the same-sign poles of multipole rotor face 33 of magnetic rotor 11. The magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet stator 9 is added to the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic rotor 11 and is short-circuited by the ferromagnetic balls 5.

When head 3 is in a completely inactive state by rotating magnetic rotor 11 through 60 °, the poles of multipole stator surface 21 face the poles of opposite sign of multipole rotor surface 33. All the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic stator 9 is short-circuited through the magnetic rotor 11, and the magnetic potential difference in the magnetic stator 9 is added in series to the magnetic potential difference of the magnetic rotor 11 through the ferromagnetic yoke 31.

When the relative angular position between the magnetic stator 9 and the magnetic rotor 11 moves from the fully inactive head 3 position to the fully active head 3 position, the portion of the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic stator 9 and the magnetic rotor 11, which is short-circuited by the ferromagnetic balls 5, gradually increases, and therefore the fixing force between the magnetic module 1 and the ferromagnetic module 5 also gradually increases.

The head 3 of the module 1 can also have different systems for driving the rotation of the magnetic rotor 11, for example of the electrical or mechanical type. The system comprises a hole in the pipe ring and a gear ring mounted coaxially and solidly on the bell of the magnetic rotor. The rotation of the rotor can be controlled by an electric screwdriver with pinion-shaped bits that can be passed through holes in the collar to mesh with the gear ring.

The magnetic module 1 also comprises safety means which prevent any accidental situation from occurring which would render the head 3 ineffective.

The safety device comprises a hole 55 in the ring 37 and a claw 57 with a spring 59, which claw 57 can be aligned with the hole 55 when the magnetic rotor 11 is in a position in which the head 3 is fully active.

The jaws 57 are housed in small cylindrical bodies 61 fitted through the pipe ring 7 and able to project, thanks to the action of the springs 59, into the holes 55 of the ring 37, so as to prevent the rotation of the ring 37. In order to render the head 3 ineffective or adjustable starting from the fully active position, it is only necessary to use a pointed tool inserted in the hole 55 of the ring 37 in order to return the jaws 57 inside their container cylinders 61 against the force of the springs 59.

The magnetic module head may also be used with an electromagnetic system for reversing the magnetic poles of the head without departing from the scope of the invention. This is simply a need to replace the aforementioned magnetic rotor with a second magnetic stator, which is identical to the aforementioned magnetic stator, except that the overall coercivity of the permanent magnets of the second magnetic stator must be lower than that of the first stator, and each permanent magnet of the second magnetic stator must be surrounded by a respective reversing solenoid. Current generated by a suitable dc generator flows through each solenoid in one direction or the other to reverse the magnetic poles of the respective permanent magnets. In this case, the fixing force is adjusted by passing currents of different strengths, and the head is safe in that it can only be rendered ineffective by a current in the opposite direction to that which makes the head active.

Fig. 5 shows a set of magnetic fixed modules comprising two magnetic modules 1 fixed on a ferromagnetic module 5. If desired, the structure can be reinforced by an angular reinforcing element 65, which reinforcing element 65 has a tube 77 for connection to the magnetic module 1, of the same type as described in the patent application MI2001a000608 of the applicant.

When the heads 3 of both magnetic modules 1 are made active, the magnetic flux circulates between the two heads 3 through the ferromagnetic balls 5; in this magnetic circuit, the magnetic potential difference in the magnetic stator and rotor of each head 3 is added magnetically in series to the larger magnetic potential difference in the magnetic stator and rotor of the other head 3.

Thus, the force with which the magnetic module 1 is fixed to the ferromagnetic module 5 increases each time the active head 3 of a further magnetic module 1 is mounted on the ferromagnetic module 5.

The module 1 can also be used as a system for connection to a reinforcing element of the type described in patent application MI2001a000608, which allows the magnetic module 1 to be firmly mounted on the reinforcing element 65 when the magnetic module 1 is subjected to a tensile stress exceeding the magnetic attraction exerted by said magnetic module 1. The connection system may be arranged on all the magnetic modules or only on specific magnetic modules which are subjected to tensile stresses exceeding the magnetic attraction they are able to generate.

According to a possible embodiment, illustrated in figures 8-10, such a connection system comprises a set of pins 71, in this case three, these pins 71 being hinged on the periphery of the tubular ring 7 and projecting radially through the thickness portion of the tubular ring 7 when the head of the magnetic module 1 is in the active condition, so as to engage in corresponding notches 75 in a connection tube 77 of the reinforcement element 65.

The three pins 71 are arranged at 120 ° angular intervals, they are able to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pipe ring 7, and they are able to be extended or retracted by sliding on respective cams 79, which cams 79 are arranged on the outer periphery of the bell 35, while the bell 35 is firmly mounted on the rotor 11. When the rotor 11 is arranged in a position corresponding to the complete deactivation of the head of the magnetic module 1, each pin 71 leaves its respective cam 79 and is retracted inside the pipe ring 7, thus enabling the magnetic module 1 to slide out of the reinforcement element 65.

Fig. 6 shows a module 1' with two coaxial heads 3, which two coaxial heads 3 can become effective independently of each other. The two heads 3 are keyed on the end of a cylindrical connection tube 67, which cylindrical connection tube 67 may be made, for example, of plastic or carbon fiber or aluminum.

In fig. 6, the magnetic stator of one head 3 has a flat multipolar head surface 21 suitable for being fixed on a flat ferromagnetic surface of a magnetic or ferromagnetic module, while the magnetic stator of the other head 3 has a circular-arc multipolar head surface 21 suitable for being fixed on a spherical magnetic or ferromagnetic module.

Of course, the shape of the surface of the multipole head of the magnetic stator can be varied as required to suit the shape of the surface to be fixed, or can be varied as required to include a plurality of fixing heads 3 in a given magnetic module.

Fig. 7 shows the structure of a magnetic module 1 ", which magnetic module 1" is capable of holding another magnetic module.

The magnetic module 1 "has only one usable head 3, but is equipped with ferromagnetic elements 63 at the axially opposite ends of said head 3.

In this case, the outer surface of the ferromagnetic element 63 of the magnetic module 1 "can be fixed by means of the active head of the further magnetic module.

Of course, the invention also extends to the case where there is non-ferromagnetic material between the head of the magnetic module and the ferromagnetic surface, the head being fixed to the ferromagnetic surface even without direct contact. This may be the case, for example, when the spherical ferromagnetic module of fig. 5 is coated with a non-ferromagnetic matrix of high coefficient of friction.

In the grid structure assembly according to the invention it is sometimes necessary to close the structure by adding a final module between modules with a fixed distance between the centres, for example adding an elongated magnetic module between two spherical ferromagnetic modules which have been fixed in place with a fixed distance between them.

To facilitate said operations, in particular when the modules in the structure are connected by reinforcing elements, the connecting tubes on the heads of the magnetic modules of the invention (for example cylindrical tubes indicated by 67 in fig. 6) can be equipped with a telescopic connection system between the heads.

For example, the connection tube 67 of fig. 6 can be divided into two parts, each of which is firmly mounted on one head of the magnetic module and is capable of telescopic movement and between which a central body with longitudinal bayonet coupling can be inserted. Thus, the heads of the magnetic modules can be brought closer together to insert the magnetic module into the grid structure, then spread it to its final position and rotate the tube to secure the bayonet fittings. This solution can be arranged on one, several or all magnetic modules as desired.

Claims (20)

1. A magnetic module for use in a structure of an assembly, the magnetic module comprising:

a tubular body (67);

a magnet head (3), the magnet head (3) extending axially from one end of said tubular body (67), said magnet head (11) having a front fixing surface (21) for fixing to a ferromagnetic surface (5), characterized in that: the magnetic head (3) comprises:

a multi-pole magnetic stator (9) axially disposed on said magnetic head (3), said multi-pole magnetic stator (9) comprising a plurality of circumferentially disposed pole elements (15), said pole elements (15) defining a first multi-pole fixing surface (21) at a front end and a second multi-pole surface (23) at a rear end; a plurality of first magnets (19) arranged between said pole elements (15) so as to provide alternating polarity surfaces (N, S) at said first and second multi-polar surfaces (21, 23);

a multi-pole magnetic rotor (11) coaxial with said multi-pole magnetic stator (9), said multi-pole magnetic rotor (11) comprising a rear yoke (31) and a plurality of second magnets (29) circumferentially disposed on said rear yoke (31) for providing a third multi-polar surface (33) having alternating polar surfaces (N, S) facing said second multi-pole rotor surface (33);

said multipolar magnetic rotor (11) being rotatably supported for movement between a first angular position, in which each of said polar surfaces (N, S) of said third multipolar rotor surface (33) faces an associated polar surface (N, S) of said second multipolar rotor surface (23) having the same polarity (N, S) for activating said magnetic head (3), and a second angular position, in which each of said polar surfaces (N, S) of said third multipolar rotor surface (33) faces an associated polar surface (N, S) of said second multipolar rotor surface (23) having the opposite polarity (N, S) for deactivating said magnetic head (3).

2. The magnetic module of claim 1, wherein: the multi-pole magnetic rotor (11) is angularly movable in at least one intermediate position between the first and second angular positions.

3. A magnetic module according to claim 1, characterized in that each magnet (19) of the multi-pole magnetic stator (9) is arranged in a radially extending slot (17) and has a polarization axis extending transversely to the slot (17) parallel to the first multi-pole rotor surface (21).

4. A magnetic module according to any one of claims 1 and 3, characterized in that each magnet (29) of the multi-polar magnetic rotor (11) has a polarization axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the magnetic head (3).

5. A magnetic module for use in a structure of an assembly, the magnetic module comprising:

a tubular body (67);

a magnet head (3), the magnet head (3) extending axially from one end of said tubular body (67), said magnet head (11) having a front fixing surface (21) for fixing to a ferromagnetic surface (5), characterized in that: the magnetic head (3) comprises:

a multi-pole magnetic stator (9) and a multi-pole magnetic rotor (11) coaxial with said magnetic head (3);

said multi-polar magnetic stator (9) comprising a plurality of circumferentially arranged first pole elements (15), said pole elements (15) defining a first multi-polar fixing surface (21) at a front end and a second multi-polar surface (23) at a rear end; a plurality of first magnets (19) arranged between said pole elements (15) so as to provide alternating polarity surfaces (N, S) at said first and second multi-polar surfaces (21, 23);

said multi-polar magnetic rotor (11) comprising a plurality of second magnetic pole elements (15) arranged circumferentially, said magnetic pole elements (15) defining a third multi-polar fixing surface (33) at the front end, and a plurality of second magnets (19) arranged between said magnetic pole elements (15) so as to provide alternating polar surfaces (N, S) at said third multi-polar surfaces (21, 23);

the magnetic rotor (11) is rotatably supported for movement between a first angular position, in which each of the polar surfaces (N, S) of the third multipolar rotor surface (33) faces an associated polar surface (N, S) of the second multipolar rotor surface (23) having the same polarity (N, S) for activating the magnetic head (3), and a second angular position, in which each of the polar surfaces (N, S) of the third multipolar rotor surface (33) faces an associated polar surface (N, S) of the second multipolar rotor surface (23) having the opposite polarity (N, S) for deactivating the magnetic head (3).

6. The magnetic module according to claim 1 or 5, wherein: said magnetic head (1) comprising a hollow tubular ring (7), said hollow tubular ring (7) being coaxial with said magnetic head (3), said hollow tubular ring (7) defining a cylindrical inner wall;

the magnet rotor (11) comprises a cylindrical guide bell (35), which bell (35) extends coaxially within the hollow tube ring (7) and is rotatably guided by the cylindrical inner wall.

7. The magnetic module according to claim 1 or 5, wherein: the magnetic module comprises a mechanical drive system that can be actuated manually in order to rotate said multipolar magnetic rotor (11).

8. The magnetic module of claim 6, wherein: the magnetic module comprises a manually actuatable drive system for the magnetic rotor (11), the drive system comprising: a cylindrical ring (37) slidably and rotatably supported outside the pipe ring (7), and means (39, 41) for transmitting the rotation of the ring (37) to the pipe ring (7).

9. The magnetic module of claim 8, wherein: said means for transmitting the rotation of the external cylindrical ring (37) comprise: a pair of radially aligned slots (41) cut in the end edge (43) of the bell (35) and extending parallel to the axis of the magnetic head (3); and a rod (39) mounted along a diameter of the outer ring (33) and slidably engaged into the pair of slots (41) of the cylindrical ring (37) and into diametrically opposed and circumferentially extending slits (45) of the pipe ring (7).

10. The magnetic module of claim 9, wherein: the magnetic module comprises locking means (47) for preventing rotation of said ring (37), said locking means comprising a set of angularly spaced grooves (47) at diametrically opposed slits (45).

11. The magnetic module of claim 8, wherein: the magnetic module includes a safety device (55, 57) for preventing rotation of the drive ring (37).

12. The magnetic module of claim 11, wherein: the safety device comprises a sprung pawl (57), which pawl (57) is slidably supported by the tube ring (7) in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the head (3), the sprung pawl (57) engaging in a bore (55) in the drive ring (37) in the active state of the magnetically fixed stator surface (21).

13. A magnetic module, for the construction of an assembly of modules, according to claim 12, wherein a reinforcement element (65) is used to connect the module (1), the reinforcement element (65) comprising a connection tube (77) for the insertion of the magnetic head (3), characterized in that a set of locking pins (71) is hinged and projects radially through the tube ring (7) to engage with a corresponding groove (75) in the connection tube (77) of the reinforcement element (65);

the multi-pole magnetic rotor (11) is provided with a set of cams (79), the cams (79) enable the locking pins (71) to extend out of the pipe ring (7) to be matched with the grooves (75) in the connecting pipe (77) under the action state of the magnetic head part (3), and retract the locking pins (71) into the pipe ring (7) to be separated from the connecting pipe (77) under the non-action state of the magnetic head part (3).

14. The magnetic module according to claim 1 or 5, wherein: the magnetic module comprises an electrical or mechanical drive system for rotating the multi-pole magnetic rotor (11).

15. The magnetic module of claim 14, wherein: the electric or mechanical drive system comprises a gear coaxially arranged on the tube ring (7) of the multi-pole magnetic rotor (11) and an electric screwdriver with a pinion-shaped tool bit for cooperation with the gear through a hole in the tube ring (7).

16. A magnetic module for a configuration of an assembly of a plurality of modules, the module comprising:

a tubular body (67);

a magnet head (3), the magnet head (3) extending axially from one end of said tubular body (67), said magnet head (3) having a front fixing surface (21) for fixing to a ferromagnetic surface (5), characterized in that: the magnetic head (3) comprises:

a first multipolar magnetic stator (9), said multipolar magnetic stator (9) being axially arranged on the magnetic head (3), said multipolar magnetic stator (9) comprising a plurality of circumferentially arranged magnetic pole elements (15), said magnetic pole elements (15) defining a first multipolar fixing surface (21) at the front end and a second multipolar surface (23) at the rear end; a plurality of first magnets (19) arranged between said pole elements (15) so as to provide alternating polarity surfaces (N, S) at said first and second multi-polar surfaces (21, 23);

a second multipolar magnetic stator axially arranged on said first multipolar magnetic stator (9), comprising a rear ferromagnetic yoke and a plurality of magnets circumferentially arranged on said yoke, said magnets having alternating polarities to define alternating polar surfaces (N, S) facing a second multipolar rotor surface (33); the magnets are surrounded by respective coils connectable to a DC current generator so as to reverse the alternating polarity of the magnets, thereby rendering the multi-pole magnetic head (3) active and inactive.

17. The magnetic module of claim 1, 5 or 16, wherein: the multipolar fixing surface (21) is in the form of a flat surface.

18. The magnetic module of claim 1, 5 or 16, wherein: the multipole fixing surface (21) is in the form of an arcuate surface.

19. The magnetic module of claim 1, 5 or 16, wherein: it comprises a multi-pole magnetic head (3) at least at the end of the tubular body (67).

20. The magnetic module of claim 1, 5 or 16, wherein: it comprises a multi-pole magnetic head (3) at one end of a tubular body (67) and a ferromagnetic fixture (63) at the other end of said tubular body (67).