Norton
Door Controls
How a Door Closer Works
The basic function of a door closer is to provide a smooth,
controlled closing action to the door after the door has been opened and released. A
modern rack and pinion door closer provides this function in the following manner.
As the door is opened, the closer arm transmits motion to
the piston in the closer housing smoothly and precisely. This action compresses the spring
which provides the energy necessary to close the door.
The force generated by the compressed spring is governed by
a regulated hydraulic circuit within the closer. This hydraulic circuit provides precise
control in the door's closing cycle.
These illustrations simulate the door closer functions just
described. Depending upon the type of closer and the method of mounting, the closer
components will vary. However, the principle is the same.
The gear teeth of the pinion engage with the gear teeth of
a rack milled into the body of the piston. As the pinion rotates, it drives the piston to
the left, compressing the spring.
The movement of the piston forces the hydraulic fluid to
flow from the reservoir side of the closer, to the area vacated by the piston. The fluid
flows through a bored passage. Regulating this flow is the basis of controlling the door's
speed. |
