Door actuator
First Claim
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1. A door operator, comprising:
- a pinion configured to transmit forces between the door operator and a door, wherein the pinion is biased to urge the door in a closing direction;
a power boost assembly in power communication with the pinion for supplemental power boost movement of the door to supplement the biasing force on the pinion as the door is being closed, the power boost assembly comprising;
an actuation member structured to contribute a power in the movement of the door; and
an energy storage device capable of being energized by movement of the actuation member, the energy storage device operable to store a boost energy as a result of a first movement of the actuation member, and configured to release the boost energy at a release position of the actuation member, wherein the boost energy is released through the actuation member as a result of a second movement of the actuation member.
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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, comprising:
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a pinion configured to transmit forces between the door operator and a door, wherein the pinion is biased to urge the door in a closing direction; a power boost assembly in power communication with the pinion for supplemental power boost movement of the door to supplement the biasing force on the pinion as the door is being closed, the power boost assembly comprising; an actuation member structured to contribute a power in the movement of the door; and an energy storage device capable of being energized by movement of the actuation member, the energy storage device operable to store a boost energy as a result of a first movement of the actuation member, and configured to release the boost energy at a release position of the actuation member, wherein the boost energy is released through the actuation member as a result of a second movement of the actuation member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of operating a door operator during movement of a door, wherein the door operator includes a pinion configured to transmit forces between the door operator and the door, and a power boost assembly engaged with the pinion, the method comprising:
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providing, with a spring, a biasing force on the pinion to bias the door in a closing direction; operating the door operator in a first configuration as the door moves through a first movement, wherein operating the door operator in the first configuration includes; rotating the pinion in response to the first movement of the door; driving an actuator of the power boost assembly in a first manner in response to rotation of the pinion; and storing energy in an energy storage device of the power boost assembly in response to the driving the actuator in the first manner; and operating the door operator in a second configuration as the door moves through a second movement in the closing direction, the operating the door operator in the second configuration including; urging the door in the closing direction with the biasing force of the spring on the pinion; releasing the energy from the energy storage device; and driving the actuator in a second manner with the released energy to provide a boost force on the pinion; wherein the boost force supplements the biasing force of the spring on the pinion and further urges the door in the closing direction. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification