EP4053368A1 - Door actuator and door unit - Google Patents
Door actuator and door unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4053368A1 EP4053368A1 EP21160075.4A EP21160075A EP4053368A1 EP 4053368 A1 EP4053368 A1 EP 4053368A1 EP 21160075 A EP21160075 A EP 21160075A EP 4053368 A1 EP4053368 A1 EP 4053368A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- door
- snap
- stopper element
- aperture
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 109
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229930040373 Paraformaldehyde Natural products 0.000 claims description 5
- -1 polyoxymethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920006324 polyoxymethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F3/00—Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checks; Construction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices
- E05F3/04—Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checks; Construction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices with liquid piston brakes
- E05F3/12—Special devices controlling the circulation of the liquid, e.g. valve arrangement
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
- E05F15/50—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using fluid-pressure actuators
- E05F15/53—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using fluid-pressure actuators for swinging wings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B13/00—Details of servomotor systems ; Valves for servomotor systems
- F15B13/02—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors
- F15B13/04—Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2600/00—Mounting or coupling arrangements for elements provided for in this subclass
- E05Y2600/50—Mounting methods; Positioning
- E05Y2600/52—Toolless
- E05Y2600/53—Snapping
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/10—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
- E05Y2900/13—Type of wing
- E05Y2900/132—Doors
Definitions
- the invention concerns a door actuator for opening and/or closing a door, a door unit comprising the door actuator, and a regulating valve.
- door actuators are known to include hydraulic mechanisms for actuating a door and hydraulic fluid for the hydraulic actuating mechanism.
- conventional door actuators include a valve channel in their housing through which the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic actuating mechanism flows during opening and/or closing of the door.
- conventional door actuators commonly comprise a regulating valve for regulating the flow of the hydraulic fluid through the valve channel. By varying the position of the regulating valve in the valve channel, the flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve channel is increased or suppressed.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a door actuator for opening and/or closing a door which can prevent the accidental removal of the regulating valve from the door actuator.
- a door actuator for opening and/or closing a door of the present invention comprises a housing which is configured to house a hydraulic actuating mechanism for actuating the door and hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic mechanism.
- the housing further comprises a valve channel for the hydraulic fluid and at least one aperture in fluid connection with the valve channel.
- the door actuator comprises at least one regulating valve for regulating a flow of hydraulic fluid in the valve channel, wherein the at least one regulating valve is inserted in the at least one aperture.
- the at least one regulating valve comprises a valve stopper element with at least one snap-fit portion which is configured to snap into an undercut of the aperture upon insertion of the regulating valve.
- the door actuator of the present invention has the advantage that the regulating valve is prevented from being accidentally removed from the aperture by the valve stop element which snaps into the undercut of the aperture upon insertion of the regulating valve. Therefore, the regulating valve and its valve stopper element may be easily inserted into the aperture and an accidental removal of the regulating valve is advantageously prevented when a user or installer adjusts the flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve channel via the regulating valve.
- the snap-fit portion of the valve stopper element is configured to elastically deform in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the valve stopper element upon insertion of the regulating valve into the aperture.
- the snap-fit portion is configured to elastically deform upon insertion of the regulating valve such that the regulating valve may be easily inserted into the aperture.
- the elasticity of the snap-fit portion allows for the snap-fit portion to snap into the undercut of the aperture once it reaches said aperture during insertion of the regulating valve.
- the snap-fit portion is a snap finger comprising an outer circumference which has, in a fully inserted state of the valve stopper element, a slanted portion which is slanted from an axial direction of the valve stopper element.
- the slanted portion of the snap finger has an angle between and not including 0° and 90° with respect to the axial direction of the valve stopper element.
- the outer circumference of the snap-fit portion has in axial direction a non-constant diameter, wherein the diameter increases in direction to the end of the regulating valve, where the valve stopper element is located.
- the undercut of the aperture is a groove formed in at least a portion of a circumferential direction of the aperture.
- the undercut of the aperture is formed preferably as a partial-circle shape or a full-circle shape in a circumferential plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the aperture.
- a length of the undercut in an axial direction of the aperture is larger than a length of the valve stopper element in an axial direction of the valve stopper element.
- the length of the undercut is larger than a length of the snap-fit portion of the valve stopper element.
- the snap-fit portion comprises, especially in a top surface thereof, a recess configured to receive a tool for elastically deforming the snap-fit portion during insertion and/or removal of the valve stopper element into and/or from the aperture.
- a tool for elastically deforming the snap-fit portion during insertion and/or removal of the valve stopper element into and/or from the aperture.
- valve stopper element and the undercut of the aperture are arranged in an end portion of the aperture that is opposite to the valve channel of the housing. This has the advantage that the valve stopper element and the regulating valve can be easily inserted into the aperture, even after the door actuator is assembled and/or mounted.
- the valve stopper element comprises two or more and/or five or less snap-fit portions. This has the advantage that the valve stopper element can be securely inserted in and attached to the aperture. Further, even if one of the snap-fit portions were to break, the valve stopper element can still prevent an accidental removal of the regulating valve.
- valve stopper element is integral with the regulating valve. This has the advantage that no additional components and/or processes are necessary for providing means with which the regulating valve is prevented from being accidentally removed from the aperture, thereby also lowering the cost of manufacturing for the door actuator.
- the regulating valve and/or the valve stopper element are made of plastic.
- the regulating valve and/or the valve stopper element may be made of or comprise polyoxymethylene and/or polyurethane. This has the advantage that the regulating valve and/or the valve stopper element may be easily manufactured, for instance by injection molding, with a preferably low cost material.
- the regulating valve and/or the valve stopper element may comprise a plurality of materials such as metal and/or plastic.
- the snap-fit portion of the valve stopper element comprises or is made of plastic, especially polyoxymethylene and/or polyurethane.
- the present invention also concerns a door unit comprising a door and the door actuator according to any one of the foregoing advantageous examples.
- the hydraulic actuating mechanism is drivingly connected to the door or to a rod assembly connected to a door frame of the door such that an actuation of the actuating mechanism opens or closes the door.
- the regulating valve can regulate an amount of damping when opening or closing the door.
- the present invention also concerns a regulating valve for regulating a flow of hydraulic fluid in a valve channel of a door actuator, preferably the before mentioned door actuator.
- the regulating valve is preferably designed according to any one of the foregoing advantageous examples.
- the regulating valve is configured to be inserted in an aperture of a housing of the door actuator and the regulating valve comprises a valve stopper element with at least one snap-fit portion which is configured to snap into an undercut of the aperture upon insertion of the regulating valve.
- the snap-fit portion is preferably a snap finger comprising an outer circumference having a slanted portion which is slanted from an axial direction of the valve stopper element.
- the outer circumference of the snap-fit portion has in axial direction a non-constant diameter, wherein the diameter increases in direction to the end of the regulating valve, where the valve stopper element is located.
- the snap-fit portion preferably comprises, especially in a top surface thereof, a recess configured to receive a tool for elastically deforming the snap-fit portion during insertion and/or removal of the valve stopper element into and/or from the aperture.
- the valve stopper element comprises preferably two or more and/or five or less snap-fit portions.
- the valve stopper element is preferably integral with the regulating valve.
- the regulating valve and/or the valve stopper element are preferably formed of plastic, especially of polyoxymethylene and/or polyurethane.
- Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a housing 2 of a door actuator 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- the door actuator 1 comprises a housing 2 which is formed to house a hydraulic actuating mechanism (see: Fig. 5 ) for opening and/or closing a door 101.
- the housing 2 comprises two through holes 18 which receive a spindle connected to the hydraulic actuating mechanism, which is driven by the hydraulic actuating mechanism.
- the door actuator 1 comprises at least one, in this embodiment a plurality, of apertures 6 each containing a regulating valve 5.
- the configuration and functioning of the regulating valves 5 will be explained with reference to figures 2 to 4 .
- figure 2 shows a schematic cross section of a regulating valve 5 of the door actuator 1 according to the present embodiment of the present invention.
- the regulating valve 5 is disposed in the aperture 6 of the housing 2. Further, the housing 2 comprises at least one valve channel 3.
- the hydraulic actuating mechanism drives or dampens the door during opening and/or closing of the door. During these motions, hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic actuating mechanism flows through the housing 2, in particular through the valve channels 3 of the housing 2.
- the regulating valve 5 includes a valve plug 20 which is configured to at least partially seal the valve channel 3.
- the regulating valve 5 which is not fully inserted (compare figures 3a - 3c ), does not seal the valve channel 3, thus allowing a flow of hydraulic fluid through said valve channel 3.
- the regulating valve 5 also seals the aperture 6 such that hydraulic fluid cannot escape therefrom.
- the depth of the regulating valve 5 in the aperture 6 of the housing 2 is set (by an installer or user) in order to configure the damping and/or opening force of the door actuator 1. For example, if the regulating valve 5 is deeper in the aperture 6, the valve plug 20 thereof limits the flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve channel 3 by sealing it at least partially. In this embodiment, this is achieved by a threaded portion 19 of the regulating valve 5. A user or installer can tighten or loosen the regulating valve 5 using a tool such as a screwdriver.
- the regulating valve 5 of the present embodiment further includes a valve stopper element 7 which prevents the regulating valve 5 from falling out of the aperture 6, even when it is loosened.
- the details of the valve stopper element 7 will be discussed with reference to figures 3a - 3c .
- Figures 3a, 3b , and 3c show schematic detail views of cross sections of the regulating valve 5 of the door actuator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, figure 3a shows a state in which the regulating valve 5 is starting to be inserted into the aperture 6 of the housing 2. Further, figure 3b shows an advanced state of insertion, and figure 3c shows the fully inserted state of the regulating valve 5 in the aperture 6 of the housing 2. An insertion direction of the regulating valve 5 into the aperture 6 corresponds to an axial direction 11 of the valve stopper element 7. Once fully inserted, the depth of the regulating valve 5 may be set via tightening or loosening the regulating valve 5 in the aperture 6.
- the regulating valve 5, especially the valve stopper element 7 thereof, are circular in top view.
- valve stopper element 7 of the regulating valve 5 includes two snap-fit portions 9. These snap-fit portions 9 are configured to be elastically deformable (as seen in figure 3b ) and to snap into an undercut 8 of the aperture 6.
- the snap-fit portions 9 and the undercut 8 are of a semi-circular shape in top view. That is, the snap-fit portions 9 are formed in at least a portion of a circumferential direction 16, which is in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction 11. The portions of the circumferential direction 16, in which the snap-fit portions 9 are provided, correspond to the portions of the circumferential direction 16, in which the undercut 8 is provided.
- the snap-fit portions 9 and/or the undercut 8 of the aperture 6 may comprise a full-circle shape. That is, they may be formed along the entire circumferential direction 16 in a top view.
- the valve stopper element 7 may include one or more slits in the axial direction 11 which separate the snap-fit portions 9.
- valve stopper element 7 and the undercut 8 of the aperture 6 are arranged in an end portion of the aperture 6 opposite to the regulating valve 5.
- the valve stopper element 7 and the undercut 8 are arranged in an outer portion of the housing 2.
- the snap-fit portions 9 of the present embodiment are snap fingers which comprise, in their outer circumference, a slanted portion 10 that is slanted from the axial direction 11 of the valve stopper element 7.
- the aperture 6 forces the elastic snap-fit portions 9 to elastically deform in a direction 17 perpendicular to the axial direction 11. More specifically, the bending direction of the snap-fit portions 9 is a vector lying in a plane spanned by the axial direction 11 and the direction 17 perpendicular to the axial direction 11. As a comparison of figures 3a and 3b shows, the top of the snap-fit portions 9 moves in a semi-circular curve towards a center (denoted by the axial direction 11) of the valve stopper element 7.
- the undercut 8 of this embodiment has substantially the same shape as the valve stopper element 7, especially of the snap-fit portions 9 thereof.
- a length 12 of the undercut 8 in axial direction 11 is the same as the length 13 of the valve stopper element 7 in axial direction 11.
- a width of the undercut 8 in the direction 17 perpendicular to the axial direction is larger than the width of the valve stopper element 7, especially of the snap-fit portions 9 thereof, in the direction 17.
- the valve stopper element 7 can loosely fit in the undercut 8 of the aperture 6. This allows for adjustment of the regulating valve 5, since the valve stopper element 7 can be moved in a restricted manner within the undercut 8.
- the length 12 of the undercut 8 may be larger than the length 13 of the valve stopper element 7, especially of the snap-fit portions 9 thereof, in the axial direction 11.
- Figure 4 shows a schematic detail view of a cross section of a regulating valve 5 of a door actuator 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- the valve stopper element 7 of the regulating valve 5 comprises recesses 15 in its upper surface 14. These recesses 15 are configured to receive a tool (not shown) such as for example a pair of plyers or a tweezer tool in order to selectively remove the regulating valve 5 from the aperture 6.
- a tool such as for example a pair of plyers or a tweezer tool
- the tool can elastically deform the snap-fit portions 9 in the same manner as when the regulating valve 5 is inserted into the aperture 6, and thereby allow the regulating valve 5 to be removed therefrom.
- the shape of the recess 15 is not limited to the one shown in figure 4 .
- the recess 15 may be hook-shaped or L-shaped, such that the tool can also exert a pulling force in the axial direction 11 thereon, without sliding out of the recess 15.
- the regulating valve 5 and the valve stopper element 7 are formed integrally, i.e. they constitute a single element. Further, the regulating valve 5 and the valve stopper element 7 may each or both be formed of metal or plastic, especially of polyoxymethylene and/or polyurethane. Each of the regulating valve 5 and the valve stopper element 7 may be made of the same material, or they may comprise or be formed of different materials and fused together, i.e. via welding or soldering.
- the regulating valve 5 may be formed, especially integral with the valve stopper element 7, via injection molding.
- Figure 5 shows a schematic drawing of a door unit 100 of the present invention.
- the door unit 100 includes a door 101 and the door actuator 1 according to the embodiments discussed above.
- the hydraulic actuating mechanism 4 is connected to a rod assembly 102, wherein the rod assembly 102 is further connected to a door frame 103 of the door 101. More specifically, a spindle of the hydraulic actuating mechanism 4 is connected to the rod assembly 102. The spindle is actuated, more specifically rotated, by the actuating mechanism 4.
- the hydraulic actuating mechanism 4 By rotating the spindle, the hydraulic actuating mechanism 4 opens or closes the door 101. Further, the hydraulic actuating mechanism 4 of the door actuator 1 dampens the door 101 when it is closed.
- the door actuator 1 includes at least one, in particular a plurality, of apertures 6 and regulating valves 5 disposed in these apertures 6.
- the door actuator 1 may comprise the apertures 6 and the regulating valves 5 on any one or a plurality of sides of the housing 2 of the door actuator 1. Therefore, the regulating valves 5 may be easily accessed by a user or installer, especially independent of a mounting orientation of the door actuator 1.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Lift Valve (AREA)
Abstract
The invention concerns a door actuator (1) for opening and/or closing a door, comprising a housing (2) which is configured to house a hydraulic actuating mechanism (4) for actuating the door and hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic actuating mechanism (4), the housing (2) further comprising a valve channel (3) for the hydraulic fluid and at least one aperture (6) in fluid connection with the valve channel (3). Further, the door actuator (1) comprises at least one regulating valve (5) for regulating a flow of hydraulic fluid in the valve channel (3), wherein the at least one regulating valve (5) is inserted in the at least one aperture (6). The regulating valve (5) comprises a valve stopper element (7) with at least one snap-fit portion (9) which is configured to snap into an undercut (8) of the aperture (6) upon insertion of the regulating valve (5). The invention also concerns a door unit (100) comprising a door (101) and the door actuator (1).
Description
- The invention concerns a door actuator for opening and/or closing a door, a door unit comprising the door actuator, and a regulating valve.
- Conventionally, door actuators are known to include hydraulic mechanisms for actuating a door and hydraulic fluid for the hydraulic actuating mechanism. Further, conventional door actuators include a valve channel in their housing through which the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic actuating mechanism flows during opening and/or closing of the door. In order to regulate a damping effect of the door actuator for the closing and the opening movement of the door, conventional door actuators commonly comprise a regulating valve for regulating the flow of the hydraulic fluid through the valve channel. By varying the position of the regulating valve in the valve channel, the flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve channel is increased or suppressed. These common regulating valves pose a problem for a user or installer thereof in that loosening of the regulating valve to increase the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid in the valve channel can lead to an accidental removal of the valve, thereby leading to leakage of hydraulic fluid in conventional door actuators.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a door actuator for opening and/or closing a door which can prevent the accidental removal of the regulating valve from the door actuator.
- This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims contain advantageous embodiments of the present invention.
- A door actuator for opening and/or closing a door of the present invention comprises a housing which is configured to house a hydraulic actuating mechanism for actuating the door and hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic mechanism. Therein, the housing further comprises a valve channel for the hydraulic fluid and at least one aperture in fluid connection with the valve channel. In addition, the door actuator comprises at least one regulating valve for regulating a flow of hydraulic fluid in the valve channel, wherein the at least one regulating valve is inserted in the at least one aperture. The at least one regulating valve comprises a valve stopper element with at least one snap-fit portion which is configured to snap into an undercut of the aperture upon insertion of the regulating valve.
- The door actuator of the present invention has the advantage that the regulating valve is prevented from being accidentally removed from the aperture by the valve stop element which snaps into the undercut of the aperture upon insertion of the regulating valve. Therefore, the regulating valve and its valve stopper element may be easily inserted into the aperture and an accidental removal of the regulating valve is advantageously prevented when a user or installer adjusts the flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve channel via the regulating valve.
- Preferably, the snap-fit portion of the valve stopper element is configured to elastically deform in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the valve stopper element upon insertion of the regulating valve into the aperture. In other words, the snap-fit portion is configured to elastically deform upon insertion of the regulating valve such that the regulating valve may be easily inserted into the aperture. Advantageously, the elasticity of the snap-fit portion allows for the snap-fit portion to snap into the undercut of the aperture once it reaches said aperture during insertion of the regulating valve.
- Advantageously, the snap-fit portion is a snap finger comprising an outer circumference which has, in a fully inserted state of the valve stopper element, a slanted portion which is slanted from an axial direction of the valve stopper element. In other words, the slanted portion of the snap finger has an angle between and not including 0° and 90° with respect to the axial direction of the valve stopper element. This has the advantage that the snap-fit portion can be easily inserted into the aperture while being deformed, especially elastically deformed, thereby. The slanted portion especially allows the snap finger to be easily slid into the aperture of the housing.
- Further advantageously, the outer circumference of the snap-fit portion has in axial direction a non-constant diameter, wherein the diameter increases in direction to the end of the regulating valve, where the valve stopper element is located. This has the advantage, that the regulating valve can be easily inserted into the aperture.
- Further advantageously, the undercut of the aperture is a groove formed in at least a portion of a circumferential direction of the aperture. In other words, the undercut of the aperture is formed preferably as a partial-circle shape or a full-circle shape in a circumferential plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the aperture. This has the advantage that the valve stopper element can securely attach to the aperture and prevent the regulating valve from being accidentally removed therefrom.
- Further advantageously, a length of the undercut in an axial direction of the aperture is larger than a length of the valve stopper element in an axial direction of the valve stopper element. Preferably, the length of the undercut is larger than a length of the snap-fit portion of the valve stopper element. This has the advantage that the valve stopper element, especially the regulating valve, can be variably moved within the aperture while also being prevented from being accidentally removed therefrom.
- Preferably, the snap-fit portion comprises, especially in a top surface thereof, a recess configured to receive a tool for elastically deforming the snap-fit portion during insertion and/or removal of the valve stopper element into and/or from the aperture. This has the advantage that the valve stopper element may be easily removed from the aperture, wherein an accidental removal thereof is still prevented.
- Further preferably, the valve stopper element and the undercut of the aperture are arranged in an end portion of the aperture that is opposite to the valve channel of the housing. This has the advantage that the valve stopper element and the regulating valve can be easily inserted into the aperture, even after the door actuator is assembled and/or mounted.
- Advantageously, the valve stopper element comprises two or more and/or five or less snap-fit portions. This has the advantage that the valve stopper element can be securely inserted in and attached to the aperture. Further, even if one of the snap-fit portions were to break, the valve stopper element can still prevent an accidental removal of the regulating valve.
- Advantageously, the valve stopper element is integral with the regulating valve. This has the advantage that no additional components and/or processes are necessary for providing means with which the regulating valve is prevented from being accidentally removed from the aperture, thereby also lowering the cost of manufacturing for the door actuator.
- Further advantageously, the regulating valve and/or the valve stopper element are made of plastic. Therein, the regulating valve and/or the valve stopper element may be made of or comprise polyoxymethylene and/or polyurethane. This has the advantage that the regulating valve and/or the valve stopper element may be easily manufactured, for instance by injection molding, with a preferably low cost material.
- Further preferably, the regulating valve and/or the valve stopper element may comprise a plurality of materials such as metal and/or plastic. Therein, it is especially preferable that the snap-fit portion of the valve stopper element comprises or is made of plastic, especially polyoxymethylene and/or polyurethane.
- The present invention also concerns a door unit comprising a door and the door actuator according to any one of the foregoing advantageous examples. Therein, the hydraulic actuating mechanism is drivingly connected to the door or to a rod assembly connected to a door frame of the door such that an actuation of the actuating mechanism opens or closes the door. Therein, the regulating valve can regulate an amount of damping when opening or closing the door.
- This has the advantage that a door unit can be provided, wherein an accidental removal of the regulating valve can be prevented, for example when a user or installer attempts to regulate the damping of the door.
- The present invention also concerns a regulating valve for regulating a flow of hydraulic fluid in a valve channel of a door actuator, preferably the before mentioned door actuator. The regulating valve is preferably designed according to any one of the foregoing advantageous examples.
- The regulating valve is configured to be inserted in an aperture of a housing of the door actuator and the regulating valve comprises a valve stopper element with at least one snap-fit portion which is configured to snap into an undercut of the aperture upon insertion of the regulating valve.
- The snap-fit portion is preferably a snap finger comprising an outer circumference having a slanted portion which is slanted from an axial direction of the valve stopper element.
- Further advantageously, the outer circumference of the snap-fit portion has in axial direction a non-constant diameter, wherein the diameter increases in direction to the end of the regulating valve, where the valve stopper element is located. This has the advantage, that the regulating valve can be easily inserted into the aperture.
- The snap-fit portion preferably comprises, especially in a top surface thereof, a recess configured to receive a tool for elastically deforming the snap-fit portion during insertion and/or removal of the valve stopper element into and/or from the aperture.
- The valve stopper element comprises preferably two or more and/or five or less snap-fit portions.
- The valve stopper element is preferably integral with the regulating valve.
- The regulating valve and/or the valve stopper element are preferably formed of plastic, especially of polyoxymethylene and/or polyurethane.
- Further details, advantages, and features of preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the figures.
- Therein,
- Fig. 1
- shows a schematic perspective view of a housing of a door actuator according to embodiments of the present invention,
- Fig. 2
- shows a schematic cross section of a regulating valve of the door actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
- Figs. 3a, 3b, 3c
- show schematic detail views of cross sections of the regulating valve of the door actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
- Fig. 4
- shows a schematic detail view of a cross section of a regulating valve of a door actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and
- Fig. 5
- shows a schematic drawing of a door unit of the present invention.
-
Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of ahousing 2 of adoor actuator 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. - The
door actuator 1 comprises ahousing 2 which is formed to house a hydraulic actuating mechanism (see:Fig. 5 ) for opening and/or closing adoor 101. Thehousing 2 comprises two throughholes 18 which receive a spindle connected to the hydraulic actuating mechanism, which is driven by the hydraulic actuating mechanism. - Further, the
door actuator 1 comprises at least one, in this embodiment a plurality, ofapertures 6 each containing a regulatingvalve 5. The configuration and functioning of the regulatingvalves 5 will be explained with reference tofigures 2 to 4 . - Therein,
figure 2 shows a schematic cross section of a regulatingvalve 5 of thedoor actuator 1 according to the present embodiment of the present invention. - The regulating
valve 5 is disposed in theaperture 6 of thehousing 2. Further, thehousing 2 comprises at least onevalve channel 3. The hydraulic actuating mechanism drives or dampens the door during opening and/or closing of the door. During these motions, hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic actuating mechanism flows through thehousing 2, in particular through thevalve channels 3 of thehousing 2. - As can be taken from
figure 2 , the regulatingvalve 5 includes avalve plug 20 which is configured to at least partially seal thevalve channel 3. In the shown state offigure 2 , the regulatingvalve 5, which is not fully inserted (comparefigures 3a - 3c ), does not seal thevalve channel 3, thus allowing a flow of hydraulic fluid through saidvalve channel 3. In the fully inserted state, the regulatingvalve 5 also seals theaperture 6 such that hydraulic fluid cannot escape therefrom. - The depth of the regulating
valve 5 in theaperture 6 of thehousing 2 is set (by an installer or user) in order to configure the damping and/or opening force of thedoor actuator 1. For example, if the regulatingvalve 5 is deeper in theaperture 6, thevalve plug 20 thereof limits the flow of hydraulic fluid through thevalve channel 3 by sealing it at least partially. In this embodiment, this is achieved by a threadedportion 19 of the regulatingvalve 5. A user or installer can tighten or loosen the regulatingvalve 5 using a tool such as a screwdriver. - The regulating
valve 5 of the present embodiment further includes avalve stopper element 7 which prevents the regulatingvalve 5 from falling out of theaperture 6, even when it is loosened. The details of thevalve stopper element 7 will be discussed with reference tofigures 3a - 3c . -
Figures 3a, 3b , and3c show schematic detail views of cross sections of the regulatingvalve 5 of thedoor actuator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,figure 3a shows a state in which the regulatingvalve 5 is starting to be inserted into theaperture 6 of thehousing 2. Further,figure 3b shows an advanced state of insertion, andfigure 3c shows the fully inserted state of the regulatingvalve 5 in theaperture 6 of thehousing 2. An insertion direction of the regulatingvalve 5 into theaperture 6 corresponds to anaxial direction 11 of thevalve stopper element 7. Once fully inserted, the depth of the regulatingvalve 5 may be set via tightening or loosening the regulatingvalve 5 in theaperture 6. - As
figure 1 shows, the regulatingvalve 5, especially thevalve stopper element 7 thereof, are circular in top view. - As can be seen in
figure 3a , thevalve stopper element 7 of the regulatingvalve 5 includes two snap-fit portions 9. These snap-fit portions 9 are configured to be elastically deformable (as seen infigure 3b ) and to snap into an undercut 8 of theaperture 6. - For example, the snap-
fit portions 9 and the undercut 8 are of a semi-circular shape in top view. That is, the snap-fit portions 9 are formed in at least a portion of acircumferential direction 16, which is in a plane perpendicular to theaxial direction 11. The portions of thecircumferential direction 16, in which the snap-fit portions 9 are provided, correspond to the portions of thecircumferential direction 16, in which the undercut 8 is provided. - In another example, the snap-
fit portions 9 and/or the undercut 8 of theaperture 6 may comprise a full-circle shape. That is, they may be formed along the entirecircumferential direction 16 in a top view. In this case, thevalve stopper element 7 may include one or more slits in theaxial direction 11 which separate the snap-fit portions 9. - The
valve stopper element 7 and the undercut 8 of theaperture 6 are arranged in an end portion of theaperture 6 opposite to the regulatingvalve 5. In other words, thevalve stopper element 7 and the undercut 8 are arranged in an outer portion of thehousing 2. - The snap-
fit portions 9 of the present embodiment are snap fingers which comprise, in their outer circumference, a slantedportion 10 that is slanted from theaxial direction 11 of thevalve stopper element 7. - As can be taken from
figure 3b , when the regulatingvalve 5 is inserted into theaperture 6, theaperture 6 forces the elastic snap-fit portions 9 to elastically deform in adirection 17 perpendicular to theaxial direction 11. More specifically, the bending direction of the snap-fit portions 9 is a vector lying in a plane spanned by theaxial direction 11 and thedirection 17 perpendicular to theaxial direction 11. As a comparison offigures 3a and 3b shows, the top of the snap-fit portions 9 moves in a semi-circular curve towards a center (denoted by the axial direction 11) of thevalve stopper element 7. - When in the fully-inserted state, as shown in
figure 3c , the snap-fit portions 9 of thevalve stopper element 7 snap into the undercut 8 of theaperture 6. Thereby, when the regulatingvalve 5 is moved outwards of theaperture 6 in the axial direction 11 (direction upwards infigures 3a - 3c ), the snap-fit portions 9 abut against the undercut 8, thereby preventing the regulatingvalve 5 from falling out of theaperture 6. - The undercut 8 of this embodiment has substantially the same shape as the
valve stopper element 7, especially of the snap-fit portions 9 thereof. In this embodiment, alength 12 of the undercut 8 inaxial direction 11 is the same as thelength 13 of thevalve stopper element 7 inaxial direction 11. - A width of the undercut 8 in the
direction 17 perpendicular to the axial direction is larger than the width of thevalve stopper element 7, especially of the snap-fit portions 9 thereof, in thedirection 17. Thereby, thevalve stopper element 7 can loosely fit in the undercut 8 of theaperture 6. This allows for adjustment of the regulatingvalve 5, since thevalve stopper element 7 can be moved in a restricted manner within the undercut 8. - In a further example of the aforementioned configuration, the
length 12 of the undercut 8 may be larger than thelength 13 of thevalve stopper element 7, especially of the snap-fit portions 9 thereof, in theaxial direction 11. With this, it is possible to configure a range of allowable motion in the axial direction for thevalve stopper element 7, especially of the regulatingvalve 5, within theaperture 6 for setting the flow of hydraulic fluid in thevalve channel 3. -
Figure 4 shows a schematic detail view of a cross section of a regulatingvalve 5 of adoor actuator 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. - As can be taken from
figure 4 , thevalve stopper element 7 of the regulatingvalve 5 comprisesrecesses 15 in itsupper surface 14. Theserecesses 15 are configured to receive a tool (not shown) such as for example a pair of plyers or a tweezer tool in order to selectively remove the regulatingvalve 5 from theaperture 6. - Thereby, the tool can elastically deform the snap-
fit portions 9 in the same manner as when the regulatingvalve 5 is inserted into theaperture 6, and thereby allow the regulatingvalve 5 to be removed therefrom. - The shape of the
recess 15 is not limited to the one shown infigure 4 . For example, therecess 15 may be hook-shaped or L-shaped, such that the tool can also exert a pulling force in theaxial direction 11 thereon, without sliding out of therecess 15. - In the foregoing embodiments, the regulating
valve 5 and thevalve stopper element 7 are formed integrally, i.e. they constitute a single element. Further, the regulatingvalve 5 and thevalve stopper element 7 may each or both be formed of metal or plastic, especially of polyoxymethylene and/or polyurethane. Each of the regulatingvalve 5 and thevalve stopper element 7 may be made of the same material, or they may comprise or be formed of different materials and fused together, i.e. via welding or soldering. - In addition, the regulating
valve 5 may be formed, especially integral with thevalve stopper element 7, via injection molding. -
Figure 5 shows a schematic drawing of adoor unit 100 of the present invention. - The
door unit 100 includes adoor 101 and thedoor actuator 1 according to the embodiments discussed above. Thehydraulic actuating mechanism 4 is connected to arod assembly 102, wherein therod assembly 102 is further connected to adoor frame 103 of thedoor 101. More specifically, a spindle of thehydraulic actuating mechanism 4 is connected to therod assembly 102. The spindle is actuated, more specifically rotated, by theactuating mechanism 4. - By rotating the spindle, the
hydraulic actuating mechanism 4 opens or closes thedoor 101. Further, thehydraulic actuating mechanism 4 of thedoor actuator 1 dampens thedoor 101 when it is closed. - As explained with reference to
figures 1 - 4 , thedoor actuator 1 includes at least one, in particular a plurality, ofapertures 6 and regulatingvalves 5 disposed in theseapertures 6. - As shown in
figure 5 , thedoor actuator 1 may comprise theapertures 6 and the regulatingvalves 5 on any one or a plurality of sides of thehousing 2 of thedoor actuator 1. Therefore, the regulatingvalves 5 may be easily accessed by a user or installer, especially independent of a mounting orientation of thedoor actuator 1. -
- 1
- door actuator
- 2
- housing
- 3
- valve channel
- 4
- hydraulic actuating mechanism
- 5
- regulating valve
- 6
- aperture
- 7
- valve stopper element
- 8
- undercut
- 9
- snap-fit portion
- 10
- slanted portion
- 11
- axial direction
- 12
- length of the undercut
- 13
- length of the valve stopper element
- 14
- top surface of snap-fit portion
- 15
- recess
- 16
- circumferential direction
- 17
- direction perpendicular to axial direction
- 18
- through hole in housing
- 19
- threaded portion of regulating valve
- 20
- valve plug
- 100
- door unit
- 101
- door
- 102
- rod assembly
- 103
- doorframe
Claims (15)
- A door actuator (1) for opening and/or closing a door, comprising:• a housing (2) which is configured to house a hydraulic actuating mechanism (4) for actuating the door and hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic actuating mechanism (4), the housing (2) further comprising a valve channel (3) for the hydraulic fluid and at least one aperture (6) in fluid connection with the valve channel (3); and• at least one regulating valve (5) for regulating a flow of hydraulic fluid in the valve channel (3), wherein• the at least one regulating valve (5) is inserted in the at least one aperture (6) and comprises a valve stopper element (7) with at least one snap-fit portion (9) which is configured to snap into an undercut (8) of the aperture (6) upon insertion of the regulating valve (5).
- Door actuator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the snap-fit portion (9) of the valve stopper element (7) is configured to elastically deform in a direction (17) perpendicular to an axial direction (11) of the valve stopper element (7) upon insertion of the regulating valve (5) into the aperture (6).
- Door actuator (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the snap-fit portion (9) is a snap finger comprising an outer circumference having, in a fully inserted state of the valve stopper element (7), a slanted portion (10) which is slanted from an axial direction (11) of the valve stopper element (7).
- Door actuator (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the undercut (8) of the aperture (6) is a groove formed in at least a portion of a circumferential direction (16) of the aperture (6).
- Door actuator (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein a length (12) of the undercut (8) in an axial direction (11) of the aperture (6) is larger than a length (13) of the valve stopper element (7), especially of the snap-fit portion (9) of the valve stopper element (7), in the axial direction (11) of the valve stopper element (7).
- Door actuator (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the snap-fit portion (9) comprises, especially in a top surface (14) thereof, a recess (15) configured to receive a tool for elastically deforming the snap-fit portion (9) during insertion and/or removal of the valve stopper element (7) into and/or from the aperture (6).
- Door actuator (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the valve stopper element (7) and the undercut (8) of the aperture are arranged in an end portion of the aperture (6) opposite to the valve channel (3) of the housing (2).
- Door actuator (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the valve stopper element (7) comprises two or more and/or five or less snap-fit portions (9).
- Door actuator (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the valve stopper element (7) is integral with the regulating valve (5).
- Door actuator (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the regulating valve (5) and/or the valve stopper element (7) are formed of plastic, especially of polyoxymethylene and/or polyurethane.
- A door unit (100), comprising:• a door (101); and• the door actuator (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the hydraulic actuating mechanism (4) is drivingly connected to the door (101) or to a rod assembly (102) connected to a door frame (103) of the door (101) such that an actuation of the hydraulic actuating mechanism (4) opens or closes the door (101).
- Regulating valve (5) for regulating a flow of hydraulic fluid in a valve channel of a door actuator, preferably a door actuator (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 10,• wherein the regulating valve (5) is configured to be inserted in an aperture of a housing of the door actuator• and wherein the regulating valve (5) comprises a valve stopper element (7) with at least one snap-fit portion (9) which is configured to snap into an undercut of the aperture upon insertion of the regulating valve.
- Regulating valve (5) according to claim 12, wherein the snap-fit portion (9) is a snap finger comprising an outer circumference having a slanted portion (10) which is slanted from an axial direction (11) of the valve stopper element (7).
- Regulating valve (5) according to any one of claim 12 or 13, wherein the snap-fit portion (9) comprises, especially in a top surface (14) thereof, a recess (15) configured to receive a tool for elastically deforming the snap-fit portion (9) during insertion and/or removal of the valve stopper element (7) into and/or from the aperture.
- Regulating valve (5) according to any one of the claims 12 to 14, wherein the valve stopper element (7) comprises two or more and/or five or less snap-fit portions (9).
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP21160075.4A EP4053368A1 (en) | 2021-03-01 | 2021-03-01 | Door actuator and door unit |
CN202210163878.1A CN114991613A (en) | 2021-03-01 | 2022-02-22 | Door actuator and door unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP21160075.4A EP4053368A1 (en) | 2021-03-01 | 2021-03-01 | Door actuator and door unit |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4053368A1 true EP4053368A1 (en) | 2022-09-07 |
Family
ID=74856566
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21160075.4A Withdrawn EP4053368A1 (en) | 2021-03-01 | 2021-03-01 | Door actuator and door unit |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4053368A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN114991613A (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2405265A1 (en) * | 1974-02-04 | 1975-08-14 | Ver Baubeschlag Gretsch Co | Suction valve for door closing mechanism - has housing with guide fingers for ball element |
EP1293633A2 (en) * | 2001-09-13 | 2003-03-19 | GEZE GmbH | Door closer |
US20190264486A1 (en) * | 2018-02-23 | 2019-08-29 | Schlage Lock Company Llc | Door closer apparatus and method |
-
2021
- 2021-03-01 EP EP21160075.4A patent/EP4053368A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2022
- 2022-02-22 CN CN202210163878.1A patent/CN114991613A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2405265A1 (en) * | 1974-02-04 | 1975-08-14 | Ver Baubeschlag Gretsch Co | Suction valve for door closing mechanism - has housing with guide fingers for ball element |
EP1293633A2 (en) * | 2001-09-13 | 2003-03-19 | GEZE GmbH | Door closer |
US20190264486A1 (en) * | 2018-02-23 | 2019-08-29 | Schlage Lock Company Llc | Door closer apparatus and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN114991613A (en) | 2022-09-02 |
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