SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT OF A DOOR

Abstract

 A system for automatically closing/opening an aperture (P) comprising a fixed support structure (F) such as a frame or the like, a movable closing element (D) such as a door leaf, a door or the like movable with respect to the fixed support structure (F) between a closing position in which it closes the aperture (P) and an opening position in which the aperture (P) is open. The linear actuator (1) is operatively connected to the fixed support structure (F) and the movable closing element (D) to displace the latter automatically from one from among the opening and closing positions to the other from among the opening and closing positions. At least one flexible element (60) having a first end (61) connected to the slider (21) or to the jacket (10) and an opposite second end (62) connected to the movable closure element (D) and guide means (90) so that the flexible element (60) has - during use - at least one first portion (63) along the axis (X) and at least one second section (64) along the axis (Y) transverse to the axis (X) or parallel and spaced therefrom.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention generally regards the technical field of movement systems, and it particularly regards a system for automatically opening/closing an aperture including a linear actuator. Furthermore, the invention regards a linear actuator to be used in such movement system.

State of the Art

[0002] Various systems for opening/closing an aperture of a partition wall by means of a slidable door comprising actuators so as to allow the automatic opening or closing of the door, are known.

[0003] Some of these known systems used for slidable doors or door-leaves use linear actuators. The latter are of a per se known type, for example they can be linear actuators of the hydraulic, pneumatic and/or mechanical type.

[0004] Gas springs, both of the compression and extension type, are known. In these types of springs, a gas - generally nitrogen - is used to return the stem to the inoperative position once it is pushed or pulled in the working position.

[0005] In any case, such actuators consist of an outer jacket and a stem that slides inside the jacket. In particular, the stem has an end having a sealing cylinder in the jacket and an opposite end for moving the door, door leaf or the like.

[0006] A known disadvantage of such known systems lies in the fact that all the elements involved, i.e. the actuator and the door, must be guided so that the movement thereof occurs exclusively along the same axis, i.e. the axis of mutual sliding of the stem in the jacket, which must also be the sliding axis of the door.

[0007] Misalignment of one of such components leads to damaging the actuator and more generally it leads to the malfunction of the movement system.

[0008] Such misalignment can be caused by an impact, wear of one or more components subject to continuous rubbing and/or carelessness of a user.

[0009] Such movement systems comprising the known linear actuators therefore require appropriate guides to maintain the sliding of the slidable door and of the frame thereof along the defined axis of the actuator jacket.

[0010] In other words, besides not being durable, the known devices are particularly expensive and complicated to manufacture.

[0011] Furthermore, such devices are particularly cumbersome, hence jeopardising the aesthetic appearance of the partition wall comprising such movement systems.

Summary of the invention

[0012] An object of the present invention is to at least partly overcome the drawbacks outlined above, by providing a system for the automatic opening/closing of an aperture, that is highly functional, easy to manufacture and cost-effective.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a system for automatically closing/opening an aperture which is small in size.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a system for automatically closing/opening an aperture which allows the door to be moved along different directions.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a system for the automatic opening/closing of an aperture which requires minimum maintenance.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a system for automatically closing/opening an aperture which aesthetically pleasant.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a system for automatically closing/opening an aperture which guarantees the controlled movement of the closing element.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a system for the automatic opening/closing of an aperture which has a minimum number of components.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a linear actuator that is highly functional, easy to manufacture and cost-effective.

[0020] This and other objects which will be more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a system for the automatic opening/closing of an aperture and by a linear actuator which can be used in such system as described, illustrated and/or claimed herein.

Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent in light of the detailed description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a hinge 1, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are front views of a partition wall comprising a system 100 for automatically closing/opening an aperture P comprising a door D slidable between an opening position in which the aperture P is open and a closing position in which it closes the aperture P;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic views of an embodiment of the system 100 respectively in the open door D and closed door D position comprising a linear actuator 1 having a stem 20, with FIGS. 3C and 3D showing some enlarged details of an actuator 1 of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B respectively;

FIGS. 4A and 5B are schematic views of another embodiment of the system 100 respectively in open door D and closed door D position, with FIGS. 4C and 4D showing some enlarged details of FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are axonometric views of a display counter fridge B comprising the system 100 for automatically closing/opening an aperture P comprising a door leaf D slidable between an opening position in which the aperture P is open and a closing position in which it closes the aperture P;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic views of the system 100 of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B respectively;

FIGS. 7A to 11B are schematic sectional views of different embodiments of the linear actuator 1 respectively in the extended and retracted position;

FIGS. 12A and 5B are schematic views of another embodiment of the system 100 respectively in open door D and closed door D position, with FIGS. 13A and 13B showing some schematised enlarged details of FIGS. 12A and 12B;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic views of another embodiment of the system 100 respectively in open door D and closed door D position, with FIGS. 15A and 15B showing some schematised enlarged details of FIGS. 15A and 15B.

Detailed description of some preferred embodiments

[0022] With reference to the mentioned figures, herein described is a system 100 for closing/opening an aperture P by means of a closing element D movable between a closing position in which it closes the aperture P and an opening position in which the aperture P is open.

[0023] Generally, the stationary support structure F may be of any type, for example a frame of a partition wall, while the closing element D may be of any type, for example a door, a door leaf, a port, a hatch or the like.

[0024] The closing element D may move with any motion, straight along a sliding or rotary plane around a rotation axis. Preferably, the closing element D may move with a straight motion along an axis Y.

[0025] According to an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the aperture P may be an aperture made in a partition wall, and the closing element D may be a door slidable in a plane defined by the door between an open position, illustrated in FIG. 1, and a closed position, illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0026] It is clear that such embodiment is not exclusive. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the closing element D can be the door of a display fridge counter B moved to open/close the aperture P so as to allow/prevent access to the display counter fridge to a user.

[0027] For the sake of descriptive simplicity, hereinafter reference shall be made to a system 100 for moving a slidable door D with respect to a frame F.

[0028] Thus, the system 100 may comprise a linear actuator 1 to promote the movement of the door D from the open position to the closed position and/or vice versa.

[0029] The actuator 1 may be at least partially made according to the disclosures of the patent applications WO2018142342, WO2018142338 on behalf of the Applicant in question.

[0030] In any case, the linear actuator 1 may comprise a jacket 10 defining an axis X and a slider 21 slidable therein between a first and a second operative position.

[0031] In the present description, the concept of sliding between the slider 21 and the jacket 10 and the relative components is to be understood in a relative and not absolute manner. Therefore, even in cases where the sliding of the slider 21 with respect to the jacket 10 is mentioned for the sake of simplicity, it should be understood that the sliding between these components is mutual and relative to each other.

[0032] It is also understood that even if in the illustrated embodiments a single slider 21 and a single jacket 10 are provided for, the linear actuator 1 may include a plurality of jackets and/or a plurality of sliders, just like it may be coupled to other actuators, for example gas springs of the known type, without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

[0033] The jacket 10 may include a tubular element 11 defining the side wall thereof, which may therefore have a pair of opposite ends 13', 13".

[0034] Suitably, the slider 21 may have a stroke extending between a position in which it is proximal to the end 13', i.e. retracted position, and a position in which it is proximal to the opposite end 13", i.e. extended position.

[0035] As mentioned above, in general the slider 21 may slide between a first and a second operative position, which may correspond respectively to the retracted position (FIGS. 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B) and to the extended position (FIGS. 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A) of the slider 21.

[0036] Although in the attached drawings the jacket 10 and the slider 21 are represented in the maximum extension (extended position of the slider 21) and minimum extension (retracted position of the slider 21) positions, it is clear that such an embodiment is not exclusive. For example, the operative positions may be any intermediate position between the maximum and minimum extension position.

[0037] However, hereinafter reference shall be made to the retracted and extended positions only.

[0038] For example, as shown in the attached figures, the retracted position of the slider 21 may correspond to the inoperative position of the linear actuator 1 and it may correspond to the closed door D position. Whereas the extended position of the slider 21 corresponding to the working position of the linear actuator 1 may correspond to the open door D position.

[0039] Suitably, the actuator 1 may be configured to promote the sliding of the slider 21 from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0040] In this manner, the linear actuator 1 can automatically close the door D, or, hence the same, the linear actuator 1 may automatically return to the inoperative position.

[0041] It is clear that such embodiment is not exclusive. As a matter of fact, even if not shown in the attached figures, the actuator 1 and more generally the system 100 may be configured to open or keep the door D open without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] As a matter of fact, the retracted position of the slider 21 can correspond to the working position and thus with the door D open and the extended position of the slider 21 may correspond to the inoperative position and thus with the door D closed. From such position, the linear actuator 1 may automatically return to the inoperative position, i.e. automatically open the door D in this case.

[0043] In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the system 100, the actuator 1 may have the following characteristics.

[0044] Essentially, the actuator 1 may comprise the jacket 10, the slider 21 and at least one connection element 60.

[0045] Thanks to this characteristic, the actuator 1 and thus also the system 100 may be particularly simple to obtain. Furthermore, the actuator 1 may comprise a minimum number of components.

[0046] Preferably, the connection element 60 may be flexible. For example, it may be a wire or a cable.

[0047] Preferably, one from among the jacket 10 and the slider 21 may be connected to the frame F while the other from among the jacket 10 and the slider 21 may be connected to the door D, by means of the connection element 60.

[0048] In a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the invention, the jacket 10 may be connected to the frame F while the slider 21 to the door D and the wire 60 may be interposed between the slider 21 and door D. However, even if not shown in the attached figures, should the jacket 10 be connected to the door D and the slider 21 to the frame F, the wire 60 may be interposed between the jacket 10 and the door D.

[0049] Possibly, even if not shown in the attached figures, the wire 60 may be arranged between the slider 21 and the frame F or between the jacket 10 and the frame F.

[0050] The wire 60 may comprise an end 61 connected to the slider 21 and an opposite end 62 connected to the door D.

[0051] Suitably, suitable mutual locking means 66 of per se known type which may comprise through holes 66' for the wire 60, may be provided for so as to allow such connection. Possibly, the door D and/or the slider 21 may comprise such locking means 66 and/or through holes 66'.

[0052] In particular, the wire 60 may have at least one section 63 arranged along the axis X and at least one section 64 arranged along an axis Y different from the axis X and parallel or transverse thereto. Preferably, but not exclusively, the axes X and Y may be substantially perpendicular or parallel and spaced apart.

[0053] The expression "spaced" is used to indicate substantially non-coincident axes. For example, the distance thereof may be at least such that the axis Y does not intercept the jacket 10.

[0054] Suitably, the system 100 may comprise guide means 90 which may interact with the wire 60 so that the sections 63, 64 thereof are transverse or parallel and spaced during use. For example, the system 100 may comprise a pulley 91 interposed between two sections 63, 64 so that the section 63 lies on the axis X and the section 64 lies on the axis Y transverse to the axis X, for example perpendicular thereto as shown IN FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B.

[0055] Preferably, the section 63 may include the end 61, while the section 64 may comprise the end 62.

[0056] In this manner, the sliding of the jacket 10 and of the slider 21 may occur along the axis X, while the door D may be moved along the axis Y, i.e., in a direction transverse to or parallel to the axis X and spaced from the latter.

[0057] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the door D may slide along the axis Y substantially perpendicular with respect to the axis X of the jacket 10.

[0058] On the other hand, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the door D may slide along the axis Y substantially parallel with respect to the axis X of the jacket 10 and spaced therefrom. To this end, a pair of pulleys 91 may be provided for so as to define at least one section 65 interposed between the sections 63 and 64. Preferably, the length of the at least one interposed section 65 may be equal to or greater than the distance between the pair of pulleys 91.

[0059] In any case, the jacket 10 and the pulley 91 may be mutually configured so that the sliding of the slider 21 occurs along the axis X.

[0060] For example, it may be sufficient that the jacket 10 and the pulley 91 be aligned along the axis X so as to allow the sliding of the slider 21 along the same axis X.

[0061] In other words, the system 100 may operate effectively without the need for all the components involved to be rigidly guided to slide along the axis X.

[0062] As a matter of fact, only the slider 21, the jacket 10 and the section 63 may be constrained so as to be aligned along the axis X during use. Possibly, the axis Y of the section 64 of the wire 60 may change the inclination with respect to the axis X during use, i.e. during sliding between the open and closed position of the door D.

[0063] It is clear that any number of pulleys 91 and any corresponding number of sections 65 may vary depending on the needs.

[0064] Advantageously, depending on the mutual configuration of the pulleys 91, a system of pulleys 91 or a so-called simple machine actuated by the actuator 1 may be provided.

[0065] Furthermore, the wire 60 may have any length so as to position the jacket 10 and the door D at any distance.

[0066] The slider 21 may have a dimension substantially smaller than the jacket 10. In this manner, when the slider 21 is in the retracted position, at least one section of the wire 60 can be inside the jacket 10. Preferably, the section 63 can be at least partially arranged inside the jacket 10.

[0067] For example, the slider 21 may be substantially disc-shaped and, preferably, it may be substantially without a stem. In this manner, the slider 21 may remain substantially inside the jacket 10 even in extended position.

[0068] When the end 61 of the wire 60 is connected to the slider 21, the overall dimensions of the actuator 1 may be particularly small. Preferably, the linear overall dimensions along the axis X can be substantially equal to the length of the jacket 10.

[0069] Furthermore, the guide means 90 may advantageously be arranged in any position so as to adapt to the different needs.

[0070] Suitably, the guide means 90 may comprise a pulley 91 arranged in proximity of the jacket 10.

[0071] In this manner, the actuator 1 may be particularly small in size while maintaining the stroke of the slider 21 substantially equal to the length of the jacket 10.

[0072] For example, as schematically shown in FIGS. 12A to 15B, the overall dimension of the linear actuator 1 along the axis X may be substantially equal to or slightly greater than the length of the jacket 10, while the stroke of the slider 21 may be substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the length of the jacket 10.

[0073] Furthermore, the linear actuator 1 can be installed in different systems 100 by modifying the length of the wire 60 and/or the position and number of pulleys 91.

[0074] In this manner, the system 100 and in particular the actuator 1 can be positioned in different positions depending on the needs so as to optimise the spaces and the overall dimensions.

[0075] For example, the linear actuator 1 may be positioned above a sliding door D, or it can be positioned laterally to the door D or below it, using suitable guide means 90, such as pulleys 91.

[0076] Possibly, the system 100 may be inserted into the frame F so as to remain at least partially or fully hidden from view.

[0077] Thanks to this characteristic, the system 100 and more generally the display counter fridge or partition wall may have a pleasant appearance.

[0078] For example, one or more longitudinal profiles defining the frame F may be provided for. In particular, the frame F may comprise at least one substantially vertical upright 102 and at least one substantially horizontal crosspiece 103 arranged above the door D.

[0079] The jacket 10 and the section 63 of the wire 60 may be arranged inside the upright 102 which will therefore define the axis X, while the section 64 can be arranged inside the crosspiece 103 which will define the axis Y. The pulley 91 may be coupled to the frame D in proximity of the ends of the upright 102 and of the crosspiece 103 so as to maintain the sections 63, 64 along the respective axes X and Y during use.

[0080] On the other hand, according to another embodiment, the display counter fridge B may comprise a lower longitudinal profile 104, at least one vertical upright 102 and at least one upper longitudinal profile 103. Suitably, the jacket 10 and the section 63 can be arranged inside the lower longitudinal profile 104, the section 65 inside the upright 102 and the portion 64 inside the upper longitudinal profile 103.

[0081] In any case, the actuator 1 may be configured to promote the sliding of the slider 21 from the extended position to the retracted position. For example, different configurations may be provided for and the actuator 1 may comprise mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic means or a combination thereof.

[0082] For example, motion promotion means 40 of the mechanical type may be provided for and they may comprise one or more springs 41 acting on the slider 21, for example as shown in Figs. 9A to 10B.

[0083] Suitably, the jacket 10 may include an end cap 12 screwed at the end 13' of the tubular element 11 and a closing element 14 screwed at the other end 13" of the tubular element 11. For example, the spring 41 may be interposed between the slider 21 and the end 13" of the tubular element 11.

[0084] On the other hand, according to a different embodiment of the actuator 1, the return of the slider may be promoted without using springs 41.

[0085] For example, the slider 21 may be an end cylinder configured to slide inside the jacket 10. Preferably, the cylinder 21 may be configured to sealingly slide inside the jacket 10 by means of gaskets of the per se known type.

[0086] In particular, the cylinder 21 may divide the jacket 10 into at least one first and one second variable volume compartment 18', 18", which are fluidically independent from each other, i.e. compartments which are not fluidly connected to each other and which do not exchange fluid.

[0087] Suitably, the inner volume of one of the two compartments 18', 18", for example of the compartment 18', may expand when the cylinder 21 passes from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0088] Optionally, the compartment 18' may be fluidically insulated. In this case, the end cap 12 can be tightly screwed onto the tubular element 11.

[0089] On the other hand, the compartment 18" can be fluidically connected to the external, in which case it can be at atmospheric pressure, i.e. at the pressure of the external environment. Possibly, even the compartment 18" may be fluidically insulated.

[0090] According to a particular embodiment of the actuator 1, when the cylinder 21 is in the retracted position, the variable volume compartment 18' has the minimum volume while the variable volume compartment 18" has the maximum volume, while the opposite occurs when the cylinder 21 is in the extended position.

[0091] In any case, the expansion of the compartment 18' and/or the compression of the compartment 18" - when the cylinder 21 passes from the retracted position to the extended position - may generate a force capable of promoting the return of the cylinder 21 from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0092] The actuator 1 may optionally comprise a stem 20 including the slider 21 or the cylinder 21 when the latter is sealingly inserted into the jacket 10.

[0093] For example, FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate the actuator 1 without the stem 20, while FIGS. 8A and 8B schematically illustrate the actuator 1 with the stem 20.

[0094] Suitably, the stem 20 may include the cylinder 21 defining an end and an opposite end 22, both of which may slide integrally joined with each other along the axis X by means of the stem 20.

[0095] More in detail, the opposite end 22 can slide outside the jacket 10 between a position proximal thereto, corresponding to the retracted position of the cylinder 21, and a position distal therefrom, corresponding to the extended position of the cylinder 21.

[0096] In this case, the end 61 of the wire 60 can be connected to the end 22 of the stem 20 without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0097] It is clear that depending on the configurations, the closing element 14 of the jacket 10 may be configured so as to allow the through-passing of the thread 60 (FIG. 7B) or of the stem 20 (FIG. 8B) through the closing element 14 when the cylinder 21 slides inside the jacket 10.

[0098] For example, the closing element 14 may be provided for, arranged at the end 13", which may comprise a bottom wall 14'.

[0099] Suitably, the latter may comprise the through opening 15 which can therefore be configured to allow the passing thereof through the wire 60 or the stem 20.

[0100] According to a further aspect of the invention, the system 100 may comprise means 50 for controlling the movement of the cylinder 21 inside the jacket 10.

[0101] One or both of the compartments 18', 18" may therefore comprise a working fluid, for example air, and valve means to allow/prevent the inflow/outflow into/from the compartment 18' or 18" or both.

[0102] For example, according to a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of the invention, the closing element 14 may include the means 50 for controlling the flow of air flowing into/from the variable volume compartment 18", so as to control the force required to move the movable element D, for example the force to open the door D and/or the closing speed thereof.

[0103] It is clear that the control means 50 may also be configured only for one of the aforementioned functions, and in particular to control the force required for the passing of the cylindrical element 21 from the retracted position to the extended working position or to control the suction speed thereof toward the extended position, without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

[0104] To this end, a first and a second line for the fluidic connection of the variable volume compartment 18" with the external environment and valve means acting thereon may be provided for.

[0105] Suitably sizing the aforementioned components will allow to control both the force required to open the door D and the closing speed thereof.

[0106] The control means 50 can therefore act as damping means, i.e. they can dampen the passage of the cylinder 21 from the extended position to the retracted position and/or vice versa.

[0107] The control means 50 may be of the pneumatic type, i.e. comprise valve systems as described above, and/or they may be of the mechanical type, i.e. comprise springs.

[0108] In any case, the configuration of the actuator 1 and in particular of the motion promotion means 40 and of the control means 50 may be different depending on the preferences and/or needs.

[0109] Although the present description has outlined the linear actuator 1 with the wire 60 for moving the slidable door D or the door of the display counter fridge, it is clear that the linear actuator 1 may be used in any manner.

[0110] As a matter of fact, the actuator 1 may comprise the slider 21 movable along the axis X and it may be configured to move a movable element along a generic axis Y with respect to a fixed element between an open position and a closed position.

[0111] In other words, the linear actuator 1 can be suitable to move any object, mechanism or system.

[0112] In light of the above, it is clear that the invention attains the pre-set objectives.

[0113] The invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants all falling within the inventive concept outlined in the attached claims. All details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different depending on the technical needs, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0114] Even though the invention has been described with particular reference to the attached figures, the reference numbers utilised in the description and in the claims are meant for improving the intelligibility of the invention and thus do not limit the claimed scope of protection in any manner whatsoever.

Claims

1. A system for automatically closing/opening an aperture (P), comprising:

- a fixed support structure (F) such as a frame or the like;

- at least one movable closing element (D) such as a door leaf, a door or the like slidable with respect to said fixed support structure (F) along a first axis (Y) between a closing position in which it closes the aperture (P) and an opening position in which the aperture (P) is open;

- at least one linear actuator (1) operatively connected with the at least one movable closing element (D) to move the latter from one of said opening and closing positions towards the other of said opening and closing positions, the linear actuator comprising at least one jacket (10) defining a second axis (X) and at least one slider (21) inserted into said at least one jacket (10) to mutually slide in relation to the latter between at least one first operative position and at least one second operative position corresponding respectively to said one from among the opening and closing positions of the at least one movable closing element (D) and to said other from among the opening and closing positions of the latter;

- at least one flexible element (60) having a first end (61) mutually connected with one from among said at least one jacket (10) and at least one slider (21) and a second opposite end (62) operatively connected to said at least one movable closing element (D), the other from among said at least one jacket (10) and at least one slider (21) being fixed to the fixed support structure (F);

- guide means (90) interacting with said at least one flexible element (60) to guide the latter during the mutual sliding of said at least one jacket (10) and at least one slider (21) between the first and the second operative position;

wherein the linear actuator is configured so as to promote the automatic sliding of said at least one jacket (10) and at least one slider (21) from said at least one second operative position to said at least one first operative position;
wherein said at least one flexible element (60) and said guide means (90) are mutually configured so that during use said at least one flexible element (60) has at least one first section (63) along said second axis (X) and at least one second section (64) along said first axis (Y), said first section (63) including said first end (61), said second section (64) including said second end (62);
wherein said first axis (Y) and said second axis (X) are mutually transverse or parallel and spaced apart so as to allow the sliding of said movable closing element (D) along said first axis (Y) in response to the sliding of said one of at least one jacket (10) and at least one slider (21) along said second axis (X) and vice versa.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein said first axis (Y) and said second axis (X) are mutually transverse and preferably perpendicular, said guide means (90) comprise at least one guide pulley (91) interposed between said first and second section (63, 64) of said at least one flexible element (60).

3. System according to claim 1, wherein said first axis (Y) and second axis (X) are mutually parallel and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, said guide means (90) comprising at least one pair of guide pulleys (91) interposed between said first and second section (63, 64) of said at least one flexible element (60), the latter including at least one section (65) interposed between said pair of guide pulleys (91).

4. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the distance between said at least one pair of guide pulleys (91) is substantially equal to said predetermined distance between said first and second axis (Y, X).

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first end (61) of said at least one flexible element (60) is mutually connected to said at least one slider (21).

6. System according to the preceding claim, wherein when said at least one slider (21) is in said at least one jacket (10) in one from among said at least one first operative position and at least one second operative position, said at least one first section (63) of said at least one flexible element (60) is at least partially inside said at least one jacket (10).

7. System according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said at least one guide pulley (91) is arranged in proximity of said at least one jacket (10).

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one linear actuator (1) is concealably inserted into said fixed support structure (F) so as to remain hidden from the view of a user.

9. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said fixed support structure (F) has at least one first longitudinal profile (102, 103, 104) defining said second axis (X), said at least one linear actuator (1) being concealably fixed into said at least one first longitudinal profile (102, 103, 104).

10. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said fixed support structure (F) further has at least one second longitudinal profile (102, 103, 104) defining said first axis (Y) substantially transverse to said at least one first longitudinal profile (102, 103, 104) or parallel and spaced apart therefrom, said at least one second longitudinal profile (102, 103, 104) comprising a guide for slidably guiding the movement of said at least one movable closing element (D).

11. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one linear actuator (1), said at least one flexible element (60) and/or said guide means (90) are concealably inserted into said fixed support structure (F) so as to remain hidden from the view of a user.

12. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one slider (21) is sealingly inserted into said at least one jacket (10) to divide it into at least one first and one second variable volume compartments (18', 18") fluidically independent so that upon the passage of said at least one slider (21) and said jacket (10) from said at least one first operative position to said at least one second operative position said inner volume of one of said at least one first and second variable volume compartment (18', 18") expands and said inner volume of the other from among said at least one first and one second variable volume compartment (18', 18") contracts, said at least one of said at least one first and one second variable volume compartment (18', 18") is fluidically insulated and vacuum-sealed so as to promote the return of said at least one jacket (10) and at least one slider (21) from the at least one second operative position to the at least one first operative position.

13. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said linear actuator (1) comprises motion promotion means (40), preferably of the elastic type, acting on said at least one slider (21) and/or at least one jacket (10) for promoting the sliding thereof from the at least one second operative position to the at least one first operative position.

14. A linear actuator which can be used in a system according to one or more of the preceding claims for moving a movable closing element (D) such as a door leaf, a door or the like, the actuator comprising:

- at least one jacket (10) defining a second axis (X) having a first end (13') and a second opposite end (13"); and

- at least one slider (21) sealingly inserted into said at least one jacket (10) to mutually slide with respect to the latter between at least one first operative position in which it is proximal to said first end (13') and at least a second operative position in which it is proximal to said second opposite end (13");

- at least one flexible element (60) having a first end (61) mutually connected with said at least one slider (21) and a second opposite end (62) operatively connectable to the movable closing element (D);

wherein when said at least one slider (21) is in said at least one first operative position said at least one flexible element (60) has at least one first section (63) at least partially inside said at least one sleeve (10).

Drawing