Door Closer Locking Unit with Pivoting Stop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for door leaves require a large amount of installation space due to their design, which is inefficient in terms of compactness and space utilization.

Innovation Solution

A compact locking device is achieved by integrating the switchable holding device and stop for the arm-side guide element within a pivoting unit, utilizing a one-armed lever design with a switchable electromagnet as the holding device, allowing for low-friction pivoting movements and efficient force application, and incorporating a two-armed lever for force adjustment, enabling secure locking and easy release mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional locking device design is used, then reliable locking function is achieved, but installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the holding device and stop into a single integrated pivoting unit, merging previously separate components into one compact assembly. This integration reduces the overall installation space while maintaining the reliable locking function through the coordinated action of the electromagnet, lever arm, and stop within the unified pivoting unit structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting unit is designed to be housed within the guide structure, with the lever arm and stop nested within the available space. The electromagnet is positioned to act on the lever arm without requiring additional external space, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes installation footprint while preserving locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If a compact locking device is designed, then installation space is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: the electromagnet provides holding force, the lever arm translates this force into stop movement, and the stop performs both locking and releasing functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the compact design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting unit employs dynamic movement of the lever arm and stop to achieve locking and releasing functions. The stop can pivot between locked and released positions, and the lever arm dynamically responds to electromagnet activation. This dynamic design allows a compact structure to perform complex sequencing operations without requiring additional control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a compact, functionally reliable locking device that efficiently prevents closing movements when open and allows closing movements when released, with automatic resetting and overload protection, ensuring secure operation while minimizing space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a one-armed lever design with a switchable electromagnet as the holding device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3059364B1Closing device for a door leaf
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 GRETSCH UNITAS GMBH BAUBESCHLAGFABRIK
  • EP3059364B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3059364B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3059364B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A closing device (1) for a door leaf comprises a door closer, a closing arm that can be arranged between the door leaf and a fixed door frame, is connected to the closing shaft of the door closer and is provided with a guide element (3) on the arm side, and a guide (2) provided for the guide element (3) on the arm side. A holding device (8) of the closing device (1) is arranged on the guide (2). The holding device (8) has a stop (22) that can be moved into a locked position and a release position and which is releasably fixed in the locked position by means of a holding device (16) switched to a holding state. The stop (22) is part of a pivot unit (11) that pivots about a pivot axis (13).When the door leaf is opened and the arm-side guide element (3) consequently performs an opening movement, the arm-side guide element (3) can pass the stop (22) due to a pivoting movement of the pivot unit (11) caused by the opening movement of the arm-side guide element (3). After the arm-side guide element (3) has passed the stop (22) during its opening movement, the pivot unit (11) performs a return pivoting movement, and the stop (22), which is fixed in the locked position, projects into the path of the closing movement of the arm-side guide element (3). When the holding device (16) of the stop (22) is switched from the holding state to a release state, the stop (22) releases the arm-side guide element (3) and with it the door leaf to perform a closing movement.The switchable holding device (16) of the stop (22) for the arm-side guide element (3) is provided as part of the swivel unit (11) and can be swivelled together with the stop (22) for the arm-side guide element (3) about the swivel axis (13) of the swivel unit (11).