Door actuator

Abstract

A door actuator comprises an elongated housing, an electric drive located within the housing, the electric drive having an output shaft (17), an arm (6) which transmits the rotation of the output shaft to a door which is hingedly connected to a support, and an annular mounting element (30) located within the housing, the output shaft extending through the annular mounting element. The annular mounting element is provided with two through openings located on opposite sides of the output shaft and intended to receive fasteners for mounting the door actuator to the support. Furthermore, two annular bearings are provided between the output shaft and the annular mounting element on opposite sides of the through openings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a door actuator for actuating a door rotatably connected to a support by means of a hinge. The invention also relates to a closing system including the door actuator. Background Technology

[0002] Various types of door actuators are known in the art, such as spring-biased door actuators intended only for closing doors, as disclosed in WO 2012 / 103572; hydraulically damped spring-biased door actuators intended only for closing doors, as disclosed in WO 2018 / 228729; and electric door actuators intended for both opening and closing doors, as disclosed in WO 2019 / 048359. This invention generally relates to the latter type of door actuator, which is operated by an electric actuator. Because of the use of an electric actuator, which is used for both opening and closing the door, this type of door actuator is also frequently referred to by the term "door opener."

[0003] The door actuator disclosed in WO 2019 / 048359 includes: an elongated housing configured to be mounted to a support, wherein the elongated housing extends longitudinally between an upper end and a lower end; an electric actuator within the housing having an output shaft rotatable (i.e., in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal direction) when the electric actuator is activated; an arm extending between a proximal end and a distal end and configured to actuate the door upon rotation of the output shaft, wherein the distal end is configured to be connected to a hinge or door, and wherein the proximal end is coupled to the output shaft; and an annular mounting element within the housing through which the output shaft extends, wherein the annular mounting element has two through openings located on opposite sides of the output shaft and each configured to receive fasteners for mounting the door actuator to the support. The output shaft is typically rotatable in two opposite directions of rotation, i.e., a first direction of rotation (e.g., clockwise) for opening the door and a second direction of rotation (e.g., counterclockwise) for closing the door.

[0004] WO 2019 / 048359 discloses almost no details regarding the connection between the output shaft and the ring-shaped mounting element. This connection is only mentioned in WO 2019 / 048359. Figures 7 to 1 The cross-section of 0 is shown. It can be inferred that the output shaft is approximately pin-shaped and is fitted into a cavity provided for this purpose in the proximal end of the arm. At the top of the annular mounting element, a double bearing is provided between the arm of the door actuator and the housing.

[0005] Description of the present invention The object of this invention is to provide an electric door actuator that improves the connection between the output shaft and the mounting element.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the door actuator further comprising two annular bearings positioned between the output shaft and the annular mounting element, and located on opposite sides of the through opening in the longitudinal direction.

[0007] Arranging the bearings on opposite sides of the mounting opening improves the alignment of the output shaft. More specifically, the output shaft is aligned in two different locations via the bearings, unlike the door actuator disclosed in WO 2019 / 048359, which places two bearings at the top of the output shaft. This ensures that tension applied to one end of the output shaft (e.g., tension generated by the door sinking relative to the support) does not, or at least to a lesser extent, cause undesirable tilting of the output shaft and / or generates lateral forces applied to the motor body of the motor.

[0008] Furthermore, the force transmission between the door actuator and the support is concentrated near the mounting opening, while the force transmission between the door actuator and the door is concentrated near the output shaft. By providing bearings on both sides of the mounting opening between the output shaft and the annular mounting element, any potential torsional effects are avoided. Such torsional effects may occur in the door actuator disclosed in WO 2019 / 048359 because there is a vertical distance between the two bearings and the two mounting openings, resulting in a distance between the force transmission from the arm to the door actuator on one side and the force transmission from the door actuator to the support on the other side. In the door actuator according to the invention, this potential problem is solved by making the force transmission between the arm and the door actuator via the bearings occur on both sides of the force transmission from the door actuator to the support.

[0009] The embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that each annular bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the inner ring acts on the output shaft in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and preferably engages the output shaft, and the outer ring acts on the annular mounting element in a radial direction and preferably engages the annular mounting element.

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention are characterized in that each annular bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the mutually facing surfaces of the two outer rings act on an annular mounting element in the longitudinal direction and preferably engage the annular mounting element, and wherein the mutually distant surfaces of the two inner rings act on an output shaft in the longitudinal direction and preferably engage the output shaft.

[0011] In these embodiments, there are no components (or at least no structural components) between the bearing, output shaft, and ring mount element. Such components could adversely affect the transmission of influence. Furthermore, these components also occupy space, which cannot be used for the bearing, output shaft, and / or ring mount element. Therefore, the bearing, output shaft, and / or ring mount element would need to be designed more compactly, which could result in a reduction in their ability to withstand forces and / or pressures.

[0012] In this context, a structural component refers to an element that forms part of the structure of a door actuator. For example, in a door actuator disclosed in WO2019 / 048359, a bearing transmits force to an annular mounting element via a housing.

[0013] Attaching the outer ring longitudinally to the annular mounting element and the inner ring to the output shaft further ensures the anchoring of the bearing, output shaft, and annular mounting element relative to each other. This is advantageous when the output shaft is subjected to a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis (e.g., due to a sinking door). The output shaft then transmits this force via the inner ring to the bearing, and from the bearing to the annular mounting element via the outer ring.

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that each annular bearing is formed of a rolling bearing, preferably a ball bearing.

[0015] Rolling bearings (especially ball bearings) are well-suited for transmitting both axial and radial forces. Furthermore, unlike other rolling bearings such as needle roller bearings, these, especially ball bearings, can be sealed to prevent dust accumulation.

[0016] An embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the two through openings are located in the same imaginary plane, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and wherein, preferably, the shortest distance between the center points of each through opening is between 35 mm and 80 mm, particularly at least 40 mm or 45 mm, and particularly at most 70 mm or 60 mm.

[0017] The distance between the through openings should preferably be as large as possible, as this allows for greater force transmission between the annular mounting element and the output shaft. However, the door actuator should be adapted to the typical dimensions of supports used as part of a fence in outdoor applications.

[0018] An embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the shortest distance in the longitudinal direction between the intermediate planes of the two bearings is between 10 mm and 60 mm, particularly at least 20 mm or 25 mm, and particularly at most 50 mm, 40 mm or 35 mm.

[0019] The distance between bearings is preferably as large as possible to optimize alignment and provide ample space for through openings (through openings designed, for example, to accommodate M8, M10, M12, or M14 bolts). However, it is also desirable to make the entire door actuator as compact as possible, as this is considered less disruptive by the user.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the electric drive includes a motor and a reducer, wherein the reducer includes the output shaft.

[0021] The electric motor is advantageous due to its compact size, which allows it to be incorporated into a housing (particularly a hollow tube) mounted on the support, i.e., without protruding relative to the outer dimensions of the support. The reducer is designed to reduce the electric motor's speed and increase its torque, enabling sufficient power to actuate the door. In one embodiment, the reducer's reduction ratio is between 1:100 and 1:1000, for example, 1:200 or 1:400.

[0022] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the reducer includes a planetary gear mechanism, which is provided with a sun gear, a plurality of planet gears, a planet carrier and a ring gear, wherein the plurality of planet gears are particularly at least three planet gears.

[0023] Various mechanisms are known to be used as speed reducers, such as planetary gear reducers, worm gear reducers, and right-angle gear reducers. The use of planetary gear mechanisms (i.e., making the reducer form a planetary gear reducer) advantageously allows for manual operation of the door. In fact, planetary gear mechanisms typically have low self-locking capability (unlike worm gears), thus allowing the user to move the door manually. This can be convenient, for example, in the event of a power outage.

[0024] Planetary gear mechanisms used in speed reducers are well known to those skilled in the art. A key advantage of this embodiment is that the planet carrier is directly coupled to the output shaft, thereby eliminating the need for unnecessary intermediate components.

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the planetary gear carrier is fixed to the output shaft.

[0026] The main advantage of this embodiment is that the planetary gear carrier is directly coupled to the output shaft, thereby avoiding the need for unnecessary intermediate components.

[0027] An embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the planetary gear carrier includes a housing that partially surrounds the planetary gears, wherein each planetary gear is mounted to the housing by means of a through shaft, and wherein each through shaft extends between two ends, each end being fixed to the housing.

[0028] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the gear ring is fixed to an annular mounting element.

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the output shaft and the planetary gear carrier are manufactured integrally.

[0030] These embodiments contribute to obtaining planetary gear mechanisms capable of withstanding high torque. High torque here refers to 500 Nm or greater, for example, 700 Nm, 800 Nm, or 900 Nm, or even up to 1000 Nm. Such high torque is likely generated by the user of the door manually pushing it with considerable force, especially against the rotation of the electric motor.

[0031] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the toothed ring is formed by a spline on the inner side of a hollow cylinder having a free edge and being secured to an annular mounting element by a plurality of fasteners extending through the free edge in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and entering a cavity provided for the plurality of fasteners in the annular mounting element. Preferably, the hollow cylinder forms a serrated surface.

[0032] To achieve a planetary gear mechanism capable of withstanding high torque, it is desirable to give the gear ring the largest possible diameter. Connecting the hollow cylinder to the annular mounting element using transverse fasteners allows the hollow cylinder to have thin walls. This contrasts with a hollow cylinder connected to the annular mounting element using vertical (i.e., longitudinal) fasteners (e.g., threaded rods of size M6 or M8), where the cylinder walls would need to be thick enough to accommodate the vertical fastener. Therefore, the thin walls of the cylinder made possible by transverse mounting, compared to the thicker cylinder walls required for longitudinal fasteners, allow for a larger diameter gear ring.

[0033] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the reducer includes a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms.

[0034] Using multiple planetary gear mechanisms allows for the desired reduction speed to be achieved in a more compact reducer (i.e., with the smallest possible outer diameter).

[0035] The aforementioned advantages are also achieved by means of a closing system comprising a support, a door hinged to the support, and a door actuator as described above, wherein an annular mounting element is mounted to the support by means of two fasteners.

[0036] An embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the closing system further includes a guide rail mounted to the door, wherein the distal end of the arm engages in the guide rail.

[0037] Using guide rails on doors allows door actuators, unlike those disclosed in WO 2019 / 048359, to act directly on the door without the intervention of hinges. Therefore, door actuators can be used in closing systems where hinges (e.g., the hinge between the support and the door) are not easily accessible.

[0038] Brief description of the attached figures The invention will now be further illustrated with the aid of the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of a door actuator according to the invention installed in a closing system is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 A perspective view of a door actuator according to the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The door actuator, in which the housing is removed from the frame.

[0042] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A partial exploded view of the top of the door actuator.

[0043] Figure 5 It shows about Figure 2 The details of the door actuator being installed into the support, where the housing is removed from the frame.

[0044] Figure 6 It shows the through Figure 2 The vertical cross-section of the top of the door actuator.

[0045] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 A partial exploded view of the reducer of the door actuator.

[0046] Figure 8A It shows Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the output shaft of the reducer of the door actuator.

[0047] Figure 8B It shows Figure 8A An exploded view of the output shaft is shown.

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention The invention will now be described with reference to specific embodiments and certain accompanying drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto and is limited only by the claims. The drawings presented herein are merely illustrative and not restrictive. In the drawings, the sizes of some elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes, meaning that the relevant elements are not drawn to scale. Dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to an actual reduction in practice of the invention.

[0049] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a sequence or timing. These terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and embodiments of the invention may operate in a sequence other than that described or shown herein.

[0050] Furthermore, for descriptive purposes, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “rear” are used in the specification and claims. These terms, particularly “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “front,” and “rear,” should be understood and interpreted in the context of the normal positioning of the door actuator, where its longitudinal direction is substantially the same as the vertical direction.

[0051] The term "comprising" as used in the claims and its derivatives should not be construed as limiting oneself to the means listed thereafter; the term does not exclude other elements or steps. The term should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the mentioned feature, integer, step, or component; however, it does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, or components, or combinations thereof. Therefore, the scope of the expression, for example, "device comprising means A and B," is not limited to a device consisting solely of components A and B. Rather, it means that, for the purposes of this invention, only components A and B are relevant.

[0052] The term "substantially" includes variations of + / - 10% or less from the specified conditions, preferably + / - 5% or less, more preferably + / - 1% or less, and even more preferably + / - 0.1% or less, provided that such variations are applicable to the functions disclosed in this invention. It will be understood that the terms "primarily A" or "substantially A" are intended to also include "A" itself.

[0053] This invention generally relates to an electrically driven door actuator 3 for actuating (i.e., opening and closing) a closing system, and more specifically, for actuating a closing system used outdoors (i.e., as part of a fence, barrier, door, etc.). Closing systems (such as...) Figure 1 (As shown) includes a column 1 (more generally a support member, such as a wall, rod, hollow tube, etc.) and a door 2 (more generally a rotatable closing member, such as a gate, door, window, etc.). In the context of an outdoor closing system, the support member 1 is typically constructed of a hollow tube. This hollow tube usually has a square or rectangular cross-section with an outer dimension of 4 cm, 5 cm, or 6 cm (e.g., a rectangular cross-section of 4 cm × 6 cm or a square cross-section of 4 cm × 4 cm). The hollow tube may also have a circular cross-section, with a typical outer diameter of 4 cm, 5 cm, or 6 cm.

[0054] Door 2 is mounted to support 1 by means of hinge 4, particularly eyebolt hinges, such as those disclosed in EP1528202, EP 2778331, or EP 3162997, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. On the other side of door 2, an additional support 5 is provided, which may be equipped with a lock and retainer assembly, such as locks disclosed in EP 1118559, EP 2915939, EP 2186974, EP 3153645, EP 4191007, or EP4245951 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference), and retainers disclosed in EP 1600584, EP 1680567, EP 3153645, EP 4159958, or EP 4245951 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0055] Figure 1 The illustrated door actuator 3 has an arm 6 that directly engages the upper hinge 4. Thus, the arm 6 extends between a proximal end 6a (which is disc-shaped in the illustrated embodiment) and a distal end 6b, with the distal end 6b provided with a protruding pin 9 that engages the hinge 4 to force the door 2 to its closed position. More specifically, the arm 6 engages a coupling mechanism disposed on the eyebolt hinge 4, as disclosed in WO 2019 / 048359, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 6 is made of aluminum, but other materials may also be used.

[0056] Figure 2 A modified door actuator 3 is shown. This door actuator 3 is not intended to act directly on the hinge 4, but rather on the door 2. For this purpose, a guide rail 7 is provided, which is intended to be fixed to the door 2. Thus, the guide rail 7 is attached to the door 2 by means of fasteners 8. Preferably, mounting components disclosed in EP 1907712 or EP 3575617 are used, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. An arm 6 extends between a proximal end 6a (in the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end is disc-shaped) and a distal end 6b, the distal end being provided with a protruding pin 9 that engages the guide rail 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 6 is made of aluminum, but other materials may also be used.

[0057] The door actuator 3 generally comprises an elongated housing 10 that extends longitudinally 11 between an upper end 10a and a lower end 10b. During normal use, the longitudinal direction 11 is generally aligned with the vertical direction. The elongated housing 10 is mounted to the support 1 by means of one or more fasteners 16, which are described in more detail below. Other methods of mounting the door actuator 3 to the closing system are also possible, the details of which are known to those skilled in the art.

[0058] The elongated shell 10 can be manufactured from different materials and using different production methods. In the illustrated embodiment (e.g.) Figure 3 As can be seen in the image, the elongated housing 10 is formed by a frame 12 (specifically, a plastic frame) attached to the support 1. A shell 13 is mounted to the plastic frame, preferably made of extruded aluminum, but other materials, particularly metals, can also be used. Therefore, the housing 10 is a split-type housing. The upper end 10a of the housing 10 is sealed by an upper seal 14, and the lower end 10b of the housing 10 is sealed by a lower seal 15. These seals 14 and 15 can be made of metal or plastic, with plastic being preferred because it is easier to use during the injection molding process.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, frame 12 includes a generally planar rear wall with two opposing upright sidewalls 61 on its outer side. This generally planar rear wall is intended to be mounted against support 1 with its outer side (or rear side) against it. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer side is generally planar, but as described above, it may also follow a cylindrical surface to be mounted against a circular support 1. Grooves 62 extending in the longitudinal direction 11 are provided in the upright sidewalls 61. Each of these grooves is preferably a dovetail groove. The housing 13 has ribs (not shown) on its inner side that slide in the corresponding dovetail grooves 62, allowing the housing 13 to slide onto frame 12 in the longitudinal direction 11.

[0060] Figure 3 In the middle, the outer casing is removed from the frame 12, revealing the internal components of the door actuator 3.

[0061] Figure 3 A mount 22 is shown, which is mounted to the arm 6 at the proximal end 6a of the arm. This is accomplished, for example, in the following manner: such as... Figure 6 As shown, the mounting body 22 is secured to the arm 6 by means of bolts 23 (or generally fasteners). The mounting body 22 is inserted into the upper end 10a of the housing 10. For this reason, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting body 22 is generally cylindrical, allowing it to rotate within the housing 10.

[0062] Figure 3A mounting ring 30 is further shown, which is configured to mount the door actuator 3 to the support 1 via two mounting components 16. For this purpose, the mounting ring 30 is provided with two through openings 31, through which portions of the fasteners 16 extend respectively. The mounting ring 30 is arranged within the housing 10 and is concealed from view by the outer casing 13. Therefore, the mounting ring 30 is a static element that does not rotate with the output shaft. The electric actuator is located below the mounting ring 30 (viewed along the longitudinal direction 11) and encounters the output shaft (i.e., the output shaft of the motor 50 or the output shaft of the reducer 51 (if present)) extending through the mounting ring 30. Further details regarding the mounting ring 30 will be described below.

[0063] The door actuator 3 includes an electric actuator. This actuator includes at least a motor 50, and may also include a reducer 51, which, if desired, reduces the rotational speed of the motor 50 and increases its torque. In the illustrated embodiment, the reducer 51 is present. The motor 50 is advantageous due to its compact size, which allows it to be incorporated into the housing 10 (particularly a hollow tube) fitted onto the support 1, i.e., without protruding relative to the outer dimensions of the support 1. In one embodiment, the electric actuator includes the reducer 51, which has a reduction ratio between 1:100 and 1:1000, for example, 1:200 or 1:400. Further details regarding the reducer 50 will be described below.

[0064] The electric actuator (specifically, the motor 50) includes a motor body (not shown) with means for rotating an output shaft. This output shaft can be the output shaft 110 of the motor 50, or, if a reducer 51 is present, the output shaft 17 of the reducer 51. The output shaft extends to the upper end 10a of the housing 10. When the motor is activated, the output shaft can rotate about the longitudinal direction 11 in two opposite directions of rotation.

[0065] The electric actuator also includes an electronic control unit 55 for controlling the door actuator 3. In the prior art, this electronic control unit is integrated into the support member 1. The reason for this is that there is ample space inside the support member 1 to accommodate the components. However, this has the disadvantage of requiring a sufficiently large opening to be made in the hollow support member 1, which may damage its finish (e.g., its paint) and adversely affect structural integrity. To prevent this, in the illustrated embodiment, the electronic control unit 55 is located inside the housing 10. The electronic control unit 55 preferably allows for immediate calibration of the rest position of the arm 6 when the door actuator 3 is installed on the closing system. Specifically, Figure 3 Reference numeral 55 in the figure refers to the housing in which the electronic control component is inserted, which helps protect the electronic control component from contamination (e.g., moisture, insects, etc.).

[0066] Below the electronic control unit 55 (viewed along the longitudinal direction 11), there is a power supply 56. This power supply is generally connected to an external power grid via wiring (not shown). This wiring generally extends through the rear wall of the frame 12 into the hollow support 1 so that it is hidden from view and protected from contamination (e.g., moisture, insects, etc.).

[0067] Figure 3 Further illustration shows a double-ring structure inside the housing 10, at the bottom of the frame 12. This structure includes a support ring 57 on which an illumination ring 58 is mounted, specifically an LED light. The illumination 58 is preferably capable of producing light of different colors, such as white light for illumination, red light for warning that the door 2 is moving or about to move, etc. The support ring 57 has a raised inner wall 59 that extends longitudinally 11 beyond the illumination ring 58. Figure 3 The lower seal 15 is also shown to have a transparent portion 63. The transparent portion 63 is annular and corresponds to the illumination ring 58, so that the light generated by the illumination can be viewed from the outside of the door actuator 3.

[0068] Figure 3 A lock cylinder 64 (generally a lock) is further shown located at the bottom of the door actuator 3, and this lock cylinder can be operated by means of a key 65. The lock cylinder 64 is provided with a latch (not shown), which, by operating the lock 64, can be rotated (generally movable) between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the latch engages with a support member fixed to the frame 12, for example via a support ring 57. In this way, the lock 64 ensures that the housing 13 cannot slide relative to the frame 12. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the lock can be mounted to the frame using a latch that engages with the housing.

[0069] Generally, the electronic control unit 55 in the door actuator 3 is a computer system that includes a bus, a processor, local memory, and one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces. The bus includes one or more wires and allows communication between different components of the computer system. The processor includes any type of conventional processor or microprocessor that reads and executes computer program instructions. Local memory is intended to include any form of computer-readable medium for information storage, such as working memory (e.g., random access memory – RAM), static memory (e.g., read-only memory – ROM), hard disk drives, or removable storage media (e.g., DVD, CD, USB storage, SSD, etc.). Local memory is generally used to store information and instructions to be processed by the processor. The I / O interface may include one or more conventional systems that enable communication between the electronic control unit 55 and the user. Examples of such conventional systems include a keyboard, mouse, voice recognition device, biometric device, (touch) display, printer, speaker, keypad, etc. The I / O module also includes a communication interface (e.g., a transceiver system) that allows communication with external systems, such as motor 50 and terminals (e.g., smartphones, tablets, computers, etc., which may optionally support specific applications). Examples of this communication include a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), a low-power wide area network (LPWAN) (e.g., Sigfox, LoRa, narrowband IoT, etc.), a personal area network (PAN) (e.g., Bluetooth), or a local area network (LAN).

[0070] The present invention generally relates to the relative placement of a mounting ring 30 (more generally a mounting element) and the output shaft 17 of a motor to optimize force transmission between the door 2 and the door actuator 3 mounted to the support 1.

[0071] to this end, Figure 4 The coupling between output shaft 17 and arm 6 is shown. Figure 4 For clarity, the upper seal 14 and the housing 13 have been omitted. A mounting body 22 is provided at the proximal end 6a of the arm 6. (As shown...) Figure 6 As shown, the mounting body 22 is secured to the proximal end 6a of the arm 6 by means of bolts 23 (generally fasteners). The mounting body 22 is inserted into the upper end 10a of the housing 10. For this reason, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting body 22 is generally cylindrical, allowing it to rotate within the housing 10.

[0072] Figure 4 A mounting ring 30 is further shown, from which the output shaft 17 protrudes. This mounting ring 30 is intended for mounting the door actuator 3 to the support member 1 by means of two fasteners 16. For this purpose, the mounting ring 30 is provided with two through openings 31, portions of the fasteners 16 extending through each through opening respectively. The mounting ring 30 is arranged within the housing 10 and is concealed by the outer casing 13. Therefore, the mounting ring 30 is a static element that does not rotate with the output shaft 17. The electric actuator is located below the mounting ring 30 (viewed along the longitudinal direction 11), and the output shaft 17 (i.e., the output shaft of the motor or the output shaft of the reducer (if present)) extends through the mounting ring 30. Positioning the mounting ring 30 around the output shaft 17 helps to prevent or reduce torsional forces. In fact, the force transmission between the door actuator 3 and the door 2 is concentrated at the location of the output shaft 17 and the mounting body 22, while the force transmission between the door actuator 3 and the support member 1 is concentrated at the location of the mounting ring 30. A large distance between these elements could generate torsional forces, which is undesirable.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, the output shaft 17 has a spline 29 on its outer wall, wherein the spline ridge extends along the longitudinal direction 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the output shaft 17 is a serrated shaft with serrations 29, although other splines may be used, such as a square or rectangular shaft. Figure 6 As shown, the output shaft 17 is inserted into a cavity at the bottom of the mounting body 22. This cavity has a shape corresponding to the spline 29 on the output shaft 17. Rotation of the output shaft 17 thereby causes rotation of the arm 6.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting body 22 further comprises a transverse cavity 35 in which a body 36, at least partially tapered, is placed. The at least partially tapered body 36 includes a head 37, a tapered portion 38, and a free end 39. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 37 is provided with an external thread that mates with a corresponding thread within the transverse cavity 35 for mounting the tapered body 36 within the transverse cavity 35. Due to the mating thread, rotation of the tapered body about its longitudinal axis causes the tapered portion 38 to translate along the longitudinal direction of the at least partially tapered body 36.

[0075] The tapered portion 38 has a reduced diameter and directly contacts the outer wall of the output shaft 17. The tapered body 36 is inserted into the transverse cavity 35, causing the tapered portion 38 to contact the outer wall of the output shaft 17 and apply force to the output shaft in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tapered body 36. The tapered body 36 is inserted into the transverse cavity 35 to a sufficient depth (e.g., by screwing the tapered body 36 into the cavity 35), forcing the output shaft 17 (particularly its spline 29) against the cavity 28 in the mounting body 22 to eliminate any manufacturing tolerances and / or any sliding clearances.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, for this purpose, the outer wall of the output shaft 17 is provided with a hyperboloid section 45 ( Figure 6 (as indicated in the diagram) to achieve line contact between the tapered portion 38 and the output shaft 17.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, an additional fastening element is also provided for the tapered body 36. This fastening element includes a bolt 47 (generally a fastener) that screws into a cavity 44 at the free end 39 of the tapered body 36. The head of the bolt 47 abuts against an inner collar (not shown) within the transverse cavity 35. This fastening element can also completely replace the function of the thread 37 if desired. The bolt 47 can also be replaced by a nut that engages with an external thread on the free end 39 of the tapered body 36. However, for this purpose, the free end 39 needs to be sufficiently thin.

[0078] Figure 5 The mounting assembly used, as disclosed in EP 1907712 or EP 3575617, is shown for mounting a door actuator 3 to a support 1. Each mounting assembly includes a bolt 16 (generally a fastener), a spacer 111, and an anchor 112. The bolt 16 extends through an opening 31 in the mounting element 30 into the hollow support 1. The spacer 111 extends through the wall of the support 1, and its square side fits into a corresponding recess (not shown) at the rear side of the frame 12. Therefore, the spacer 111 does not rotate relative to the door actuator 3. The spacer 111 has an inclined surface such that when the bolt 16 is tightened, the arm of the anchor 112 slides open and thus abuts against the inside of the wall of the support 1. Such mounting assemblies 16, 111, 112 are, as trademarked by the applicant Locinox® under the name Quick Fix®, which is available on the market, can withstand tensile forces of up to approximately 10,000 N.

[0079] Figure 6 The coupling between the output shaft 17 and the mounting ring 30 is shown. More specifically, according to the invention, two bearings are arranged between the output shaft 17 and the mounting ring 30, namely, an upper bearing 115 and a lower bearing 116.

[0080] Bearings 116 and 117 are separated from each other by a vertical distance, thereby allowing fastener 16 to be flanked on both sides in the longitudinal direction 11. Figure 6 In this context, the vertical distance H is shown as the distance between the imaginary mid-planes of bearings 115 and 116. In the illustrated embodiment, this vertical distance H is approximately 33 mm. However, as described above, other values ​​are possible. It is crucial that bearings 115 and 116 exist on both sides of the opening 31 along the longitudinal direction 11 of the door actuator 3.

[0081] Figure 6 The distance D between the center points of the mounting openings 31 in the mounting ring 30 is further shown. In the illustrated embodiment, this distance is approximately 50 mm. However, as described above, other values ​​are possible.

[0082] All of these factors enable the actuation of door 2 to effectively transmit force and avoid torsional effects. In fact, the force transmission from the electric actuator to the output shaft 17 occurs at the bottom of the output shaft 17, where a lower bearing 116 is located (in...). Figure 6 The highest point is at the middle position, and the force transmission from the output shaft 17 to the arm 6 is at the top of the upper bearing 115 on the output shaft 17. Figure 6 The highest point is at the middle position. The fastener 16, which secures the mounting ring 30 to the support member 1, is then positioned between bearings 115 and 116.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, each bearing 115, 116 has an inner ring 120 and an outer ring 121, with a plurality of balls 122 between the inner and outer rings. The inner ring 120 directly contacts the outer wall of the (rotatable) output shaft 17, and the outer ring 121 directly contacts the (stationary) mounting ring 30. Figure 6 Further illustration shows the presence of a retaining ring 125 and a stepped region 127 of the output shaft 17, the retaining ring being arranged in a groove 126 on the outer wall of the output shaft 17. Thus, the inner rings 120 of the bearings 115, 116 are essentially confined between two abutting walls (i.e., one formed by the retaining ring 125 and the other by the stepped portion 127 in the output shaft 17). The outer rings 121 of the bearings 115, 116 also engage along the longitudinal direction 11 with an abutting wall 128 formed by the mounting ring 30.

[0084] Figure 7A partially exploded view of the reducer 51 used in the door actuator 3 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the reducer 51 comprises three separate planetary gear mechanisms. Specifically, a first planetary gear mechanism 130 engages the output shaft 110 of the electric motor 50. Here, the output shaft 110 serves as the sun gear of the first planetary gear mechanism 130. The first planetary gear mechanism 130 has a planet carrier 131, to which the sun gear 136 of the second planetary gear mechanism 135 is mounted. The second planetary gear mechanism 135 then has a planet carrier 137, to which the sun gear 141 of the third planetary gear mechanism 140 is mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the different planetary gear mechanisms 130, 135, and 140 share a single and identical ring gear 145. This ring gear 145 is formed as a spline (preferably, a serrated tooth) within a hollow cylinder, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the hollow cylinder is attached to the mounting ring 30 by means of transverse fasteners 161 (e.g., bolts), which extend through the cylinder wall into the cavity 160 provided for it in the mounting ring 30. The use of multiple planetary gear mechanisms in one and the same reducer 51 allows the desired reduction ratio to be obtained between the output shaft 110 of the motor 50 and the output shaft 17 of the reducer 51.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the third planetary gear mechanism 140 is integrally manufactured with the output shaft 17. This can be achieved... Figure 8A and Figure 8B This can be viewed more clearly. An integrally formed housing 150 is provided at the lower end of the output shaft 17, to which the planetary gears 142 of the third planetary gear mechanism 140 are mounted. More specifically, the housing 150 includes openings 151 and 152 in both its upper and lower walls, into which the shaft 153 is inserted. A sleeve 154 is provided on each shaft 153, on which the planetary gears 142 rotate. Therefore, the housing 150 serves as the planetary carrier of the third planetary gear mechanism 140. Compared to conventional planetary gear mechanisms where the planetary carrier is connected to the planetary gears only on one side, integrally manufacturing the housing with the output shaft 17 and securing the planetary gears 142 to the planetary carrier at both the top and bottom of their shafts 153 allows the planetary gears 142 to withstand greater forces.

[0086] Although certain aspects of the invention have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should be understood that these aspects may be implemented in other forms within the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A door actuator (3) for actuating a door (2), the door being rotatably connected to a support (1) by means of a hinge (4), the door actuator comprising: - An elongated housing (10) extending longitudinally (11) between an upper end (10a) and a lower end (10b) and configured to be mounted to the support; - An electric actuator (50, 51), the electric actuator being located within the elongated housing, the electric actuator having an output shaft that is rotatable when the electric actuator is activated; - An arm (6), positioned at the upper end of the elongated housing, extending between a proximal end (6a) and a distal end (6b), and configured to actuate the door upon rotation of the output shaft, wherein the distal end is configured to connect to the door or the hinge, and wherein the proximal end is coupled to the output shaft; and - An annular mounting element (30) located within the housing, through which the output shaft extends, wherein the annular mounting element is provided with two through openings (31) located on opposite sides of the output shaft, each through opening being configured to receive a fastener (16) for mounting the door actuator to the support. The door actuator is characterized in that it further includes two annular bearings (115, 116), which are positioned between the output shaft and the annular mounting element and are located on opposite sides of the two through openings along the longitudinal direction.

2. The door actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each annular bearing includes an inner ring (120) and an outer ring (121), wherein the inner ring acts on the output shaft in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and preferably engages the output shaft, and the outer ring acts on the annular mounting element in the radial direction and preferably engages the annular mounting element.

3. The door actuator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each annular bearing includes an inner ring (120) and an outer ring (121), wherein the mutually facing surfaces of the two outer rings act on the annular mounting element along the longitudinal direction and preferably engage the annular mounting element, and wherein the mutually distant surfaces of the two inner rings act on the output shaft along the longitudinal direction and preferably engage the output shaft.

4. The door actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each annular bearing is formed of a rolling bearing, preferably a ball bearing.

5. The door actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The two through openings are located in the same imaginary plane, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and wherein, preferably, the shortest distance (D) between the center points of each through opening is between 35 mm and 80 mm, the shortest distance being at least 40 mm or 45 mm, and the shortest distance being at most 70 mm or 60 mm.

6. The door actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The shortest distance (H) between the mid-planes of the two bearings along the longitudinal direction is between 10 mm and 60 mm, and the shortest distance is particularly at least 20 mm or 25 mm, and the shortest distance is particularly at most 50 mm, 40 mm or 35 mm.

7. The door actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The electric drive includes a motor (50) and a reducer (51), wherein the reducer includes the output shaft.

8. The door actuator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reducer includes a planetary gear mechanism (140) which is provided with a sun gear (141), a plurality of planet gears (142), a planet carrier (150) and a ring gear (145), wherein the plurality of planet gears are particularly at least three planet gears.

9. The door actuator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The planetary gear carrier includes a housing that partially surrounds the planetary gears, wherein each planetary gear is mounted to the housing by means of a through shaft (153), and wherein each through shaft extends between two ends, each of the ends being fixed to the housing.

10. The door actuator according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The output shaft is manufactured integrally with the planetary gear carrier.

11. The door actuator according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The gear ring is fixed to the annular mounting element.

12. The door actuator according to claim 11, characterized in that, The toothed ring is formed by a spline inside a hollow cylinder having a free edge and being secured to the annular mounting element by a plurality of fasteners (161) extending through the free edge in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction into a cavity (160) provided for the plurality of fasteners in the annular mounting element.

13. The door actuator according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that, The reducer includes multiple planetary gear mechanisms (130, 135, 140).

14. A closing system comprising a support (1) and a door (2) hinged to said support, characterized in that, The closing system further includes a door actuator (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular mounting element (30) is mounted to the support by means of two fasteners.

15. The shut-off system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The closing system also includes a guide rail (7) mounted to the door, wherein the distal end of the arm engages in the guide rail.

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