WO2016146129A1

WO2016146129A1 - A magnet protector, a method for adapting a magnet protector and use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2016146129A1
Application number: PCT/DK2016/050063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lars Birkkjær Nielsen
Original assignee: Your Global Solution Aps
Priority date: 2015-03-16
Filing date: 2016-03-07
Publication date: 2016-09-22
Also published as: DK201570149A1; DK178643B1

Abstract

Disclosed is a magnet protector(1)comprising at least one protector contact surface (2)arranged to form contact with a magnet contact surface (3)of a magnet (4). The magnet protector also comprises releasable fixation means (5)arranged to releasably hold the at least one protector contact surface (2) and the magnet contact surface (3) together and position means (6)arranged to substantially prevent relative displacement between the magnet protector and the magnet (4)at least in one direction in a contact plane formed by the at least one protector contact surface (2). Furthermore, the magnet protector comprises a guard surface (7)arranged opposite the at least one protector contact surface (2), wherein properties of the magnet protector(1)are defined in accordance with one or more magnetic properties of the magnet (4) to reduce the magnetic attraction force at the guard surface (7). A method for adapting a magnet protector(1)for use on a magnet (4), a method for mounting a magnet (4) on a mounting surface(18)comprising ferromagnetic material and use of a magnet protector(1)is also disclosed.

Description

A MAGNET PROTECTOR, A METHOD FOR ADAPTING A MAGNET PROTECTOR AND USE

THEREOF

Field of the invention

The invention relates a magnet protector comprising at least one protector contact surface arranged to form contact with a magnet contact surface of a magnet. The invention also relates to a method for adapting a magnet protector for use on a magnet, a method for mounting a magnet on a mounting surface comprising ferromagnetic material and use of a magnet protector.

Background of the invention

It is know that magnets can be used for mounting devices, arrangements and equipment - such as lamps, ladders, signs, gangways, scaffolds and platforms - on structures - such as ships, metal reinforced buildings, metal towers, pressure tanks or other - made from or at least containing ferromagnetic material.

However, when large objects are mounted by means of magnets, the magnets has to be relatively strong and in such case there is a risk of getting a body parts - such as a finger, a toe, a hand, a foot or even an arm or a leg - caught between the mounting surface and the magnet. And besides being painful this can lead to tissue damage or even crushing of the stuck body part - particularly in relation with magnets generating a magnetic field of a great strength.

An object of the invention is therefore to provide for an advantageous technique for protecting against personal injury in relation with magnet.

The invention

The invention provides for a magnet protector comprising at least one protector contact surface arranged to form contact with a magnet contact surface of a magnet. The magnet protector also comprises releasable fixation means arranged to releasably hold the at least one protector contact surface and the magnet contact surface together and position means arranged to substantially prevent relative displacement between the magnet protector and the magnet at least in one direction in a contact plane formed by the at least one protector contact surface. Furthermore, the magnet protector comprises a guard surface arranged opposite the at least one protector contact surface, wherein properties of the magnet protector are defined in accordance with one or more magnetic properties of the magnet to reduce the magnetic attraction force at the guard surface. Defining properties of the magnet protector in relation to one or more magnetic properties of the magnet is advantageous in that this will reduce or eliminate the risk of personal injury or unintended mounting of the magnet, in that it enables that the specific magnet protector can be specifically adapted to the specific magnet - onto which it is to be attached - e.g. so that the strength of the magnetic field, as measured at the guard surface, does not exceed a certain level e.g. as defined in local and/or national laws or regulations.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide the magnet protector with releasable fixation means and position means so that the magnet protectors position on the magnet is relatively fixed during normal use. This will reduce the risk of the magnet protector accidentally being removed or torn off the magnet e.g. during handling.

The term "fixation means" is in this context to be understood as any kind of screws, bolts, adhesives, matching meshing parts, special fittings or other kinds of fixation devices suited for releasably holding the at least one protector contact surface and the magnet contact surface together so that the protector contact surface and the magnet contact surface may easily be separated again. The term "fixation means" also includes arranging ferromagnetic material in the magnet protector so that the protector contact surface and the magnet contact surface are held together by means of magnetic attraction forces. The term "position means" is in this context to be understood as any kind of screws, bolts, adhesives, matching meshing parts or surfaces, special fittings or other kinds of position holding devices suited for substantially preventing relative displacement between the magnet protector and the magnet in the contact plane.

In an aspect of the invention, the properties of the magnet protector comprise a field reducing distance between the guard surface and the protector contact surface. The force of a magnet is drastically reduced the further away from the magnet it is measured. It is therefore advantageous to adapt the distance between the guard surface and the protector contact surface in accordance with one or more magnetic properties of the magnet - either by adjusting this distance on a specific magnet protector or by choosing a specific magnet protector having the desired distance between the guard surface and the protector contact surface.

In an aspect of the invention, the field reducing distance is between 1 and 500, preferably between 5 and 100 and most preferred between 15 and 50 millimetres times a factor equivalent to the strength of the magnetic field at the magnet contact surface of the magnet as measured in Tesla.

If the field reducing distance becomes too small the risk of crushing between the guard surface - of a magnet protector mounted on a magnet - and e.g. a steel surface is increased. However, if the field reducing distance becomes too big, the magnet protector becomes so large that it is difficult to handle and the risk of accidentally tearing it of the magnet during use is increased. The present distance ranges therefore provides for an advantageous relationship between functionality and safety.

It should also be noted that it is advantageous to multiply the distance of the mentioned ranges with a factor equivalent to the strength of the magnetic field at the magnet contact surface in that the required field reducing distance is dependent on the strength of the specific magnet.

In an aspect of the invention, the properties of the magnet protector comprise guard distance adjusting means for adjusting a field reducing distance between the guard surface and the protector contact surface.

Providing the magnet protector with guard distance adjusting means for adjusting a field reducing distance is advantageous in that it hereby is possible to easily adjust the field reducing distance of a given magnet protector in relation to a given magnet so that the strength of the magnetic field as measured at the guard surface does not exceed a certain level.

In an aspect of the invention, the properties of the magnet protector comprise arranging magnetic field shielding material at or between the guard surface and the protector contact surface.

Arranging magnetic field shielding material or adjusting the amount of magnetic field shielding material arranged between the magnet and the guard surface is an easy way of adjusting the strength of the magnetic field as measured at the guard surface so that it does not exceed a certain level.

In an aspect of the invention, the releasable fixation means comprises an amount of ferromagnetic material.

Since the magnet protector inherently is designed for use on a magnet it is advantageous to fix the magnet protector on the magnet by means of the magnetic attraction forces of the magnet since these means are readily available. In an aspect of the invention, the properties of the magnet protector comprise amount adjusting means arranged for adjusting the amount of ferromagnetic material.

It is obviously important that there is no crushing risk between the magnet protector and the magnet. On the other hand it is also important that the magnet protector is relatively firmly fixed to the magnet. It is therefore advantageous that the amount of ferromagnetic material in the magnet protector can be adjusted in relation to the specific magnet.

In an aspect of the invention, the amount adjusting means comprises one or more washer means made at least partly from steel.

Metal washers are readily available and therefor simple and inexpensive means for adjusting the amount of ferromagnetic material in the magnet protector.

The term "washer means" is in this context to be understood as any kind of disc, plate, block, ring, mass or other kinds of washer suited for substantially acting as an adjustable amount of ferromagnetic material in a magnet protector.

In an aspect of the invention, the amount adjusting means comprises releasable connection means - such as a screw or a bolt - for connecting the one or more washer means to the magnet protector.

Releasable connection means are readily available and therefor simple and inexpensive means for use in relation with adjusting the amount of ferromagnetic material in the magnet protector.

In an aspect of the invention, except for the amount of ferromagnetic material the magnet protector is formed from a non-ferromagnetic material. Forming the magnet protector from a non-ferromagnetic material - such as wood, plastic, composite material, certain metals or other - is advantageous in that it hereby is ensured that the magnet protector itself is not magnetised or attracted to the magnet.

In an aspect of the invention, the properties of the magnet protector comprise ferromagnetic material distance adjusting means of the releasable fixation means arranged for adjusting a ferromagnetic material distance between the amount of ferromagnetic material and the at least one protector contact surface.

Providing the magnet protector with ferromagnetic material distance adjusting means is advantageous in that it hereby easily is possible to adjust how hard the magnet protector is attracted to a given magnet. In an aspect of the invention, the magnet is a rare-earth magnet.

Rare-earth magnets - such as neodymium (Nd₂Fe₁₄B) and samarium-cobalt (SmCo₅) magnets - are strong permanent magnets made from alloys of rare earth elements. A characteristic of rare-earth magnets is that they are extremely brittle. It is therefore particularly advantageous to use a magnet protector according to the present invention in relation with rare-earth magnet in that the magnet protector hereby also will protect the brittle magnet from being damaged during handling.

In an aspect of the invention, the magnet protector is hollow.

Forming the magnet protector substantially hollow is advantageous in that it reduces its weight and thereby simplifies handling. Furthermore, the hollow property enables that magnetic field shielding material, tools, equipment or other can be stored in the hollow space. In an aspect of the invention, the one or more magnetic properties of the magnet comprise a size of the strength of a magnetic field at the magnet contact surface of the magnet and in an aspect of the invention, the one or more magnetic properties of the magnet comprise a size of the density of the magnetic energy at the magnet contact surface of the magnet.

It is advantageous to define properties of the magnet protector in accordance with the strength of the magnet and/or the density of the magnetic energy at the magnet in that it hereby is easier to adapt the magnet protector e.g. so that the magnetic attraction force at the guard surface can be reduced to a desired level.

In an aspect of the invention, the position means comprises one or more position means magnet surfaces on the magnet and one or more position means protector surfaces on the magnet protector, wherein at least some of the one or more position means magnet surfaces and at least some of the one or more position means protector surfaces are meshing.

Hereby is achieved an advantageous embodiment of the invention. In an aspect of the invention, an outer contour of the protector contact surface is adapted to substantially match an outer contour the magnet contact surface.

Forming the magnet protect so that its shape substantially matches the shape of the magnet is advantageous it reduces the risk of the magnet protector being torn of the magnet by accident during handling.

In an aspect of the invention, the position means are arranged to substantially prevent relative displacement between the magnet protector and the magnet in substantially any direction on the contact plane. Substantially fixing the magnet protector and the magnet against mutual

displacement in any direction in the contact plane is advantageous in that the risk of accidentally exposing the magnet contact surface e.g. during handling hereby is reduced.

The invention further provides for a method for adapting a magnet protector for use on a magnet, the method comprising the steps of:

• obtain information regarding a strength of a magnetic field at a magnet contact surface of the magnet, and

• adjusting an amount of ferromagnetic material in or on the magnet protector in accordance with the strength of the magnetic field, and/or

• adjusting a field reducing distance between an amount of ferromagnetic material in or on the magnet protector and at least one protector contact surface of the magnet protector in accordance with the strength of the magnetic field, wherein the at least one protector contact surface is arranged to form contact with the magnet contact surface during normal use of the magnet protector.

Adjusting the amount of ferromagnetic material in the magnet protector and/or adjusting the distance between the ferromagnetic material and the protector contact surface in accordance with information regarding the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet - either measured or obtained in another way - is advantageous in that it hereby is possible to adjust the attraction force between a given magnet protector and a given magnet - e.g. to reduce the crushing risk between the two, to ensure that the magnet protector is firmly attached to the magnet during use, to ensure that the magnet protector can easily be removed from the magnet or other.

In an aspect of the invention, the magnet protector is a magnet protector according to any of the previously mentioned magnet protectors. Even further the invention provides for a method for mounting a magnet on a mounting surface comprising ferromagnetic material, the method comprising the steps of: · placing a protector contact surface of a magnet protector on a magnet contact surface of the magnet,

• releasably securing the magnet protector on the magnet,

• bringing the magnet comprising the magnet protector in proximity of the mounting surface, and

· removing the magnet protector from the magnet before bringing the magnet in contact with the mounting surface.

Providing a magnet protector according to the present invention on a magnet during handling is advantageous in that it reduces the risk of crushing during handling - particularly between the magnet and the mounting surface. And it reduces the risk of accidental mounting during handling.

In an aspect of the invention, the magnet protector is a magnet protector according to any of the previously mentioned magnet protectors.

In an aspect of the invention, the magnet protector is adapted for use on the magnet by means of a method according to any of the previously mentioned methods.

Also the invention provides for use of a magnet protector according to any of the previously mentioned magnet protectors for protecting against crush hazard.

In an aspect of the invention, the magnet protector is used on a rare-earth magnet.

A characteristic of rare-earth magnets is that they are extremely strong. The risk of personal injury in relation with handling rare-earth magnets is therefore particularly pronounced and it is therefore particularly advantageous to use a magnet protector according to the present invention in relation with rare-earth magnets.

Figures

An embodiment of the invention will be described, by way of non-limiting example, in the following with reference to the figures in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates schematically an embodiment of a magnet protector in contact with a magnet, as seen from the side,

Fig. 2 illustrates the magnet protector of Fig. 1 in more details, as seen from above, from the side and from below,

Figs. 3a to 3c illustrate the magnet protector of Fig. 2 separated into a magnet protector body and lid, as seen from the side and from above,

Fig. 4 illustrates a component attached to a mounting surface of a structure by use of magnets, as seen from the side,

Fig. 5 illustrates method steps in use of a magnet protector together with a magnet,

Figs. 6a and 6b illustrate a detailed embodiment of a magnet protector including fixation and adjusting means in a partial cross- sectional side view of the magnet protector,

Fig. 6c illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the magnet protector in another embodiment, and

Figs. 7 to 9 illustrate further embodiments of a magnet protector. Detailed description

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a magnet protector 1 in contact with a magnet 4, as seen from the side. The magnet 4 is illustrated as a substantially box shaped permanent magnet 4 with a magnet contact surface 3 on one side and connection means 8 attached to the opposite side. The connection means 8 allow the magnet 4 to be mechanically connected to a component (not illustrated in the figure) e.g. by bolting the connection means to the component via matching holes in the connection means and the component.

The magnet protector 1 is preferably made from plastic material e.g. using a thermoplastic injection moulding process. A protector contact surface 2 of the magnet protector 1 is in contact with the magnet contact surface 3 of the magnet 4. Position means 6 of the magnet protector 1 preferably enclose and/or engage parts of the magnet 4 to substantially prevent relative displacement between the magnet protector 1 and magnet 4 at least in one direction in the contact plane. Position means 6 may for example be walls which enclose the magnet 4 on two or more sides or at least one central elevated area of the protector contact surface 2 which engages a corresponding indentation in the magnet contact surface 3 of the magnet 4. The magnet 4 and the magnet protector 1 meet and engage in the position means 6 at surface areas 16, 17.

The magnetic properties of the magnet 4 will engage with a magnetic attraction force toward a structure in ferromagnetic material when the magnet contact surface 3 is in proximity of the ferromagnetic material. The distance FRD from the protector contact surface 2 to the guard surface 7 on the opposite side of the magnet protector 1 acts as an air gap for the magnet 4 and ensures a reduction of the magnetic attraction force at the guard surface 7. Fig. 2 illustrates the magnet protector of Fig. 1 in more details, as seen from above, from the side and from below but without a magnet 4.

The upper figure illustrates the magnet protector 1, as seen from the side, with position means 6 including the two opposite walls ready for enclosing and engaging the magnet 4. The upper surface 17 of the central elevated area 9 in the protector contact surface 2 is ready to engage the inner surface of an indentation in the magnet contact surface 3. Further, the opposite protector contact surface 2 and guard surface 7 are separated by a distance FRD as mentioned above. The center figure illustrates magnet protector 1, as seen from above, with the central elevated area 9 illustrated as of a substantially four-sided shape raising up of the protector contact surface 2. The surface 2 also comprises two depression areas 19 wherein the head part of a releasable fixation means 5 is visible in each area. The releasable fixation means 5 may for example a screw or a bolt.

The lower figure illustrates the guard surface 7 of the magnet protector 1 wherein the surface is illustrated as a substantially even and uninterrupted. Figs. 3a - 3c illustrate the magnet protector 1 of Fig. 2 separated into a magnet protector body 15 and magnet protector lid 14, as seen from the side and from above, by removing the releasable fixation means 5 (not illustrated in the figures).

Fig. 3a illustrates the magnet protector body 15 and magnet protector lid 14 together, as seen from the side, after the separation has been performed. The separation of the magnet protector 1 especially reveals the two depression areas 19 below the surface of the magnet protector lid 14.

Fig. 3b illustrates the magnet protector lid 14, as seen from above, wherein the openings are provided in the bottom of the two depression areas 19 for entering releasable fixation means 5.

Fig. 3c illustrates the magnet protector body 15, as seen from above, wherein the inner surfaces of the body walls are provided with a number of vertical supports 22 for supporting the peripheral parts of the magnet protector lid 14 from below. Vertical supports 21 are also provided in the central part of the magnet protector body for supporting the lid 14 in a corresponding central part from below.

Fig. 3c also illustrates two vertical tubes 20 which stretch up from the floor of the magnet protector body 15 and end just below the two depression areas 19 in the lid. The vertical tubes 20 preferably comprise internal threads corresponding to external threads of the releasable fixation means 5.

When the magnet protector 1 is assembled with magnet protector body 15 and lid 14 it is possible to enter the releasable fixation means 5 into the internal threads of the vertical tubes 20 via the two depression areas 19 in the lid 14 which will be further detailed in Fig. 6a and 6b in connection with an embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 3a-c illustrate a hollow embodiment of a magnet protector 1 with the possibility of separating the magnet protector body 15 and lid 14. The embodiment of the magnet protector 1 is especially advantageous for a thermoplastic injection moulding process.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an application with a component 24 attached to a mounting surface 18 of a structure 23 by use of magnets 4, as seen from the side. The component 24 is illustrated as being suspended on the vertical mounting surface 18 using magnets 4 in both ends of the component. Connection means 8 of the magnets 4 ensure the connection to the component and the magnets 4 hold the component in place as the structure 23 is made in ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material ensures that the magnets have the necessary magnetic attraction force when the magnet contact surfaces are in contact with the mounting surface 18. Fig. 5 illustrates method steps in use of a magnet protector 1 together with the magnet 4 e.g. in suspending a component as illustrated in Fig. 4.

The initial method step includes a magnet 4 without a magnet protector 1 such as a magnet 4 freshly delivered from a manufacturing plant or unprotected for other reasons. The magnet 4 is broad in contact with a magnet protector 1 as schematically illustrated above the arrow labelled 1.

The next method step illustrated above the arrow labelled 2 includes the protected magnet 4 and the magnet protector 1 forming a single unit by the contact of surfaces. The single unit may easily be handled as the magnetic attraction force at the guard surface 7 is reduced in relation to the magnetic attraction force at the magnet contact surface 3 because of the distance FRD (not illustrated in the Figure).

The single unit of the protected magnet 4 and magnet protector 1 is moved to the location of a component 24 and connected via the connection means 8 of the magnet to the component 24 which is illustrated in the method step above the arrow labelled 3.

The final method step in the Figure illustrates that the component 24 with the single unit of the protected magnet 4 and magnet protector 1 has arrived at the site of the structure 23 which the component is to be suspended at a mounting surface 18 by use of the magnet 4. The method step includes the removal of the magnet protector 1 from the magnet 4 allowing the magnet contact surface 3 to come in direct contact with the mounting surface 18 (as illustrated in Fig. 4).

The removed magnet protector 1 may be reused in protecting another magnet or the magnet protector may be disposed of.

Figs. 6a - 6c illustrate detailed embodiments of a magnet protector 1 including releasable fixation means 5 in a partial cross-sectional side view of the magnet protector.

Fig. 6a illustrates magnet protector 1, as seen from above, with the central elevated area 9 and two depression areas 19 in the protector contact surface 2. The magnet protector 1 is partly divided by a center line A - A stretching from side to side but without dividing the releasable fixation means 5 in the two depression areas 19 as illustrated in more details in Fig. 6b.

Fig. 6b illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the magnet protector 1 and an enlarged view of a section with a releasable fixation means 5 in the magnet protector 1.

The Figure illustrates the field reducing distance FRD between the protector contact surface 2 and the guard surface 7.

The Figure also illustrates the releasable fixation means 5 in the magnet protector 1 as two screws keeping the magnet protector lid 15 fixed to the magnet protector body 14. The side view of the magnet protector 1 especially illustrates the two depression areas 19 and the releasable fixation means 5 located in the areas wherein the means are not illustrated as divided by the centre line for explanative purpose. The releasable fixation means 5 are illustrated in the enlarged section of the Figure with an amount of adjusting means 11 such as one or more washer means 12. The number of washers may be altered in relation to the amount of ferromagnetic material necessary for holding a magnet in contact with the protector contact surface 2. Further, the number of washers may be changed in order to reduce or increase the ferromagnetic material distance FMD between the protector contact surface 2 and the upper point of the releasable fixation means 5.

The enlarged section illustrates an embodiment comprising a screw 13 as the releasable fixation means 5 with the screw head located in the depression areas 19 in a ferromagnetic material distance FMD below the protector contact surface 2. The distance FMD is defined by the thickness FWD of four washers 12 lifting the screw head over the bottom of the depression area while the external screw thread 25 still enters the internal thread in a vertical tube 20 of the magnet protector body 14 via an opening in the bottom of the depression area.

Fig. 6c illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of the magnet protector 1 in another embodiment.

The embodiment illustrates a magnet protector 1 with a magnet protector body 14 and magnet protector lid 15 hold together with releasable fixation means 5 located in depression areas 19.

The field reducing distance FRD between the protector contact surface 2 and the guard surface 7 is defined by the thickness of the magnet protector lid 15 wherein the lid has an increased thickness in comparison with the lid illustrated in Fig. 6b to achieve the necessary field reduction. Lids with different thicknesses may be used as guard distance adjusting means 26 wherein the appropriate field reducing distance FRD for a magnet may be achieved by choosing a lid with a particular lid thickness. Other types of guard distance adjusting means 26 are also possible in order to alter the field reducing distance FRD between the protector contact surface 2 and the guard surface 7 such as inserts adapted for being located between the magnet protector body and lid in reducing or increasing the distance. Figs. 7 - 9 illustrate further embodiments of the magnet protector 1.

Fig. 7 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the magnet protector 1 with ferromagnetic material distance adjusting means 28 in the magnet protector 1.

Ferromagnetic material distance adjusting means 28 are illustrated in the

embodiment as two nuts which may be screwed up or down on a vertical tube having an external thread. The vertical tube is extending from the bottom of the magnet protector body 14 and meets the inner surface of the magnet protector lid 15. The nuts are locked in a given position by being screwed against each other. The magnet protector lid 15 is releasable fixated to the magnet protector body 14 via the illustrated sloping edges of the upper walls of the magnet protector body which engage peripheral parts of the lid such as two opposite edges of the lid. Fig. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the magnet protector 1 in a partial cross- sectional side view wherein the magnet field from the magnet 4 at the guard surface 7 is reduced by a magnetic field shielding material 27 in the magnet protector 1. The magnetic field shielding material 27 is illustrated as having an external connection to a ground potential for a magnet field as a path of low resistance for the magnetic field. In another embodiment the magnetic field shielding material 27 could comprise metal plates or simular for diverting the magnetic field.

The embodiment is also illustrated with a very small field reducing distance FRDvs between the magnet contact surface 2 and guard surface 7 in suggesting the reduction effect in the magnet field at the guard surface 7 by the magnetic field shielding material 27.

Fig. 9 illustrates two embodiments of the magnet protector body 14 where the field reducing distance FRD of the bodies is different. The upper version of the magnet protector body 14 has a smaller field reducing distance FRDs which will reduce the magnet field at the guard surface 7 less than the larger field reducing distance FRD1 of the lower version of the magnet protector body 14. The manner of choosing between different sizes of magnet protector bodies 14 for adapting a magnet protector 1 to a magnet with a specific magnet field strength is similar to the embodiment in Fig. 6c illustrating a lid with a particular lid thickness.

The invention has been exemplified above with reference to specific examples of a magnet protector 1 and especially examples of a magnet protector body 14, lid 15, fixation and adjusting means 5, 11-13 as well as amount of ferromagnetic material 10. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular examples described above but may be designed and altered in a multitude of varieties within the scope of the invention as specified in the claims.

List

1. Magnet protector

2. Protector contact surface

3. Magnet contact surface

4. Magnet

5. Releasable fixation means

6. Position means in a magnet protector such as walls or elevated area

7. Guard surface

8. Connection means for the magnet

9. Elevated area in the protector contact surface of a magnet protector

10. Amount of ferromagnetic material

11. Amount adjusting means

12. Washer means

13. Releasable connection means

14. Magnet protector body

15. Magnet protector lid

16. Position means magnet surfaces

17. Position means protector surfaces

18. Mounting surface

19. Depression areas in the protector contact surface of a magnet protector

20. Vertical tubes with internal threads in the magnet protector body

21. Vertical supports in the magnet protector body for supporting the central part of the lid

22. Vertical supports in the magnet protector body for supporting the peripheral parts of the lid

23. Structure with a mounting surface

24. Component to be attached to a structure by use of magnets

25. Thread part of the connection means

26. Guard distance adjusting means

27. Magnetic field shielding material Ferromagnetic material distance adjusting means

FRD. Field reducing distance

FMD. Ferromagnetic material distance

FWD. Distance/thickness of ferromagnetic material such as washer means

Claims

1. A magnet protector (1) comprising at least one protector contact surface (2) arranged to form contact with a magnet contact surface (3) of a magnet (4), releasable fixation means (5) arranged to releasably hold said at least one protector contact surface (2) and said magnet contact surface (3) together, position means (6) arranged to substantially prevent relative displacement between said magnet protector (1) and said magnet (4) at least in one direction in a contact plane formed by said at least one protector contact surface (2), and a guard surface (7) arranged opposite said at least one protector contact surface (2), wherein properties of said magnet protector (1) are defined in accordance with one or more magnetic properties of said magnet (4) to reduce the magnetic attraction force at said guard surface (7).

2. A magnet protector (1) according to claim 1, wherein said properties of said magnet protector (1) comprise a field reducing distance (FRD) between said guard surface (7) and said protector contact surface (2).

3. A magnet protector (1) according to claim 2, wherein said field reducing distance (FRD) is between 1 and 500, preferably between 5 and 100 and most preferred between 15 and 50 millimetres times a factor equivalent to the strength of the magnetic field at said magnet contact surface (3) of said magnet (4) as measured in Tesla.

4. A magnet protector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said properties of said magnet protector (1) comprise guard distance adjusting means (26) for adjusting a field reducing distance (FRD) between said guard surface (7) and said protector contact surface (2).

5. A magnet protector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said properties of said magnet protector (1) comprise arranging magnetic field shielding material (27) at or between said guard surface (7) and said protector contact surface (2).

6. A magnet protector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said releasable fixation means (5) comprises an amount of ferromagnetic material (10).

7. A magnet protector (1) according to claim 6, wherein said properties of said magnet protector (1) comprise amount adjusting means (11) arranged for adjusting said amount of ferromagnetic material (10).

8. A magnet protector (1) according to claim 7, wherein said amount adjusting means (11) comprises one or more washer means (12) made at least partly from steel.

9. A magnet protector (1) according to claim 8, wherein said amount adjusting means (11) comprises releasable connection means (13) - such as a screw or a bolt - for connecting said one or more washer means (12) to said magnet protector (1).

10. A magnet protector (1) according to any of claims 6-9, wherein except for said amount of ferromagnetic material (10), said magnet protector (1) is formed from a non- ferromagnetic material.

11. A magnet protector (1) according to any of claims 6-10, wherein said properties of said magnet protector (1) comprise ferromagnetic material distance adjusting means (28) of said releasable fixation means (5) arranged for adjusting a

ferromagnetic material distance (FMD) between said amount of ferromagnetic material (10) and said at least one protector contact surface (2).

12. A magnet protector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said magnet (4) is a rare-earth magnet (4).

13. A magnet protector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said magnet protector (1) is hollow.

14. A magnet protector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more magnetic properties of said magnet (4) comprise a size of the strength of a magnetic field at said magnet contact surface (3) of said magnet (4).

15. A magnet protector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more magnetic properties of said magnet (4) comprise a size of the density of the magnetic energy at said magnet contact surface (3) of said magnet (4).

16. A magnet protector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said position means (6) comprises one or more position means magnet surfaces (16) on said magnet (4) and one or more position means protector surfaces (17) on said magnet protector (1), wherein at least some of said one or more position means magnet surfaces (16) and at least some of said one or more position means protector surfaces (17) are meshing.

17. A magnet protector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an outer contour of said protector contact surface (2) is adapted to substantially match an outer contour said magnet contact surface (3).

18. A magnet protector (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said position means (6) are arranged to substantially prevent relative displacement between said magnet protector (1) and said magnet (4) in substantially any direction on said contact plane.

19. A method for adapting a magnet protector (1) for use on a magnet (4), said method comprising the steps of:

• obtain information regarding a strength of a magnetic field at a magnet contact surface (3) of said magnet (4), and

• adjusting an amount of ferromagnetic material (10) in or on said magnet protector (1) in accordance with said strength of said magnetic field, and/or

• adjusting a field reducing distance (FRD) between an amount of ferromagnetic material (10) in or on said magnet protector (1) and at least one protector contact surface (2) of said magnet protector (1) in accordance with said strength of said magnetic field, wherein said at least one protector contact surface (2) is arranged to form contact with said magnet contact surface (3) during normal use of said magnet protector (1).

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein said magnet protector (1) is a magnet protector (1) according to any of claims 1-18.

21. A method for mounting a magnet (4) on a mounting surface (18) comprising ferromagnetic material, said method comprising the steps of:

• placing a protector contact surface (2) of a magnet protector (1) on a magnet contact surface (3) of said magnet (4),

• releasably securing said magnet protector (1) on said magnet (4),

• bringing said magnet (4) comprising said magnet protector (1) in proximity of said mounting surface (18), and • removing said magnet protector (1) from said magnet (4) before bringing said magnet (4) in contact with said mounting surface (18).

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein said magnet protector (1) is a magnet protector (1) according to any of claims 1-18.

23. A method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein said magnet protector (1) is adapted for use on said magnet (4) by means of a method according to any of claims 19-20.

24. Use of a magnet protector (1) according to any of claims 1-18 for protecting against crush hazard.

25. Use according to claim 24 on a rare-earth magnet (4).