Door actuator
First Claim
1. A door operator system configured for use with a door mounted in a frame, wherein the door is pivotable relative to the frame in each of a door-opening direction and a door-closing direction, the door operator system comprising:
- a door closer configured for mounting between the door and the frame, the door closer comprising;
a housing configured for mounting to one of the door and the frame;
an arm assembly configured for mounting to the other of the door and the frame;
a pinion rotatably mounted in the housing, the pinion including a body portion, a first end, and an opposite second end, wherein the body portion is located within the housing, wherein the first end extends out of a first side of the housing and is engaged with the arm assembly, wherein the second end extends out of an opposite second side of the housing, wherein the pinion is rotatable in each of a first direction corresponding to the door-opening direction and a second direction corresponding to the door-closing direction; and
a spring seated within the housing and engaged with the pinion, the spring biasing the pinion in the second direction; and
a power boost assembly comprising;
a casing mounted to the second side of the housing of the door closer;
a driver rotatably mounted in the casing, wherein the driver is rotationally coupled with the second end of the pinion, the coupled driver and pinion having a door closed position, a door open position, and a boost position; and
an energy storage device mounted in the casing and in power communication with the driver;
wherein the power boost assembly is configured to convey an energy to the energy storage device as the coupled driver and pinion rotate in a first rotational direction from the door closed position toward the door open position;
wherein the power boost assembly is configured to store the energy in the energy storage device as the coupled driver and pinion rotate in a second rotational direction from the door open position toward the boost position; and
wherein the power boost assembly is configured to release the stored energy as the coupled driver and pinion rotate in the second rotational direction from the boost position toward the door closed position, and to translate the released energy to a torque on the driver, the torque urging the coupled driver and pinion in the second rotational direction toward the door closed position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power boost assembly is disclosed that can be used with a door actuator, such as a door closer. The power boost assembly is structured to store an energy during a first movement of a door and release the stored energy during a second movement of the door. In one form the power boost assembly can be structured as a module that can be added to an existing door and door closer installation. In one form the power boost assembly is used to increase a closing force imparted to a door to ensure a latching event.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A door operator system configured for use with a door mounted in a frame, wherein the door is pivotable relative to the frame in each of a door-opening direction and a door-closing direction, the door operator system comprising:
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a door closer configured for mounting between the door and the frame, the door closer comprising; a housing configured for mounting to one of the door and the frame; an arm assembly configured for mounting to the other of the door and the frame; a pinion rotatably mounted in the housing, the pinion including a body portion, a first end, and an opposite second end, wherein the body portion is located within the housing, wherein the first end extends out of a first side of the housing and is engaged with the arm assembly, wherein the second end extends out of an opposite second side of the housing, wherein the pinion is rotatable in each of a first direction corresponding to the door-opening direction and a second direction corresponding to the door-closing direction; and a spring seated within the housing and engaged with the pinion, the spring biasing the pinion in the second direction; and a power boost assembly comprising; a casing mounted to the second side of the housing of the door closer; a driver rotatably mounted in the casing, wherein the driver is rotationally coupled with the second end of the pinion, the coupled driver and pinion having a door closed position, a door open position, and a boost position; and an energy storage device mounted in the casing and in power communication with the driver; wherein the power boost assembly is configured to convey an energy to the energy storage device as the coupled driver and pinion rotate in a first rotational direction from the door closed position toward the door open position; wherein the power boost assembly is configured to store the energy in the energy storage device as the coupled driver and pinion rotate in a second rotational direction from the door open position toward the boost position; and wherein the power boost assembly is configured to release the stored energy as the coupled driver and pinion rotate in the second rotational direction from the boost position toward the door closed position, and to translate the released energy to a torque on the driver, the torque urging the coupled driver and pinion in the second rotational direction toward the door closed position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A power boost assembly configured for use with a door closer having a housing, a pinion extending out of the housing, and a spring seated within the housing and biasing the pinion in a door closing direction, the power boost assembly comprising:
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a casing configured for mounting to the housing; a driver rotatably mounted in the casing, wherein the driver is configured for coupling with the pinion; an actuation member mounted in the casing and engaged with the driver; and an energy storage device in power communication with the driver via the actuation member; the actuation member conveying an energy to the energy storage device as the driver rotates in a door opening direction through a first rotational range; the energy storage device storing the conveyed energy as the driver rotates through a second rotational range; the energy storage device releasing the stored energy as the driver rotates in the door closing direction through a third rotational range; and the actuation member translating the released energy to a torque urging the driver in the door closing direction, the torque supplementing the biasing force exerted on the pinion by the spring. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A power boost assembly, comprising:
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a casing; a driver rotatably mounted in the casing, wherein the driver is rotatable in a first rotational direction and an opposite second rotational direction; an energy storage device mounted in the casing and in power communication with the driver; and an actuation member mounted in the casing and connected between the driver and the energy storage device; wherein the actuation member is configured to convey an energy to the energy storage device in response to rotation of the driver in the first rotational direction through a first rotational range; wherein the energy storage device is configured to store the energy during rotation of the driver through a second rotational range; wherein the energy storage device is configured to release the stored energy during rotation of the driver in the second rotational direction through a third rotational range; and wherein the actuation member is configured to translate the released energy to a torque on the driver, the torque urging the driver in the second rotational direction. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification