Door closers: device, types, installation and operation

Contrary to popular belief, door closers are a fairly old invention - they were invented at the end of the 19th century. Three mechanical engineers can be considered the authors of the prototypes of modern devices at once: Francis Richards, Lewis Norton and Eugene Blount. Scientists worked independently to create the devices, and in 1873 Richards presented the first model of a spring closer to the world. Seven years later, Norton invented the pneumatic model, and nine years later, thanks to Blount's efforts, a mechanical-hydraulic device was born.

Classic spring-loaded door closers consist of a link arm and a housing with a mechanism. It is the mechanism that is responsible for the slow closing of the door leaf and consists of a cylindrical capsule with a system of thin hydraulic channels, a spring block and a piston. When the door is opened, the force is transferred to the piston due to the linkage, which, in turn, begins to move along the cylinder and compress the spring. As soon as the impact on the door ceases, the piston ceases to exert pressure on the spring and it begins to gradually expand. The speed of closing the web depends on the speed with which the spring returns to its original position.

To increase or decrease this indicator, it is enough to change the size of the section of the hydraulic channels through which the oil moves. This can be achieved by using adjusting screws located at the end of the housing and allowing you to adjust the blade travel depending on external temperatures and personal preferences. The most technologically advanced models of door closers are equipped with a special valve that allows holding the movement of the web, starting from an angle of 70 degrees and up to its complete closure. Moreover, starting from 15 degrees, a fairly tangible pressure is carried out, which ends with a soft, but at the same time powerful clap. This allows the door leaf to overcome the air resistance, as well as the force of the seal and the latch.

In modern devices, instead of outdated spring technology, a gear-rack mechanism or a cam system is more often used. The basis of the first design is a hydraulic circuit, and the moment is transmitted using a mechanical rack and pinion. Such devices are capable of providing a smooth running of the web in a wide range and have a stronger pressure and powerful overcoming of the resistance of the seal and the latch. Cam technology also provides a tighter door closing and has a high efficiency compared to other mechanisms.

In the modern market of door accessories, door closers are presented in a large assortment. The classification of models is carried out according to a number of criteria, the determining of which is the method of transmission of torque. On this basis, there are two types of devices.

In such devices, a folding lever is engaged in the transmission of torque. This is the most common and budgetary type of mechanism, providing a reliable and durable articulated rod.The only drawback of knee devices is a low level of protection against vandals and a not very aesthetic appearance, and if you can still put up with the last moment, then the likelihood of intentional damage to the device is an acute problem and sometimes forces you to abandon the use of these simple and proven mechanisms in favor of more secure models ...

This type of device is less susceptible to attacks by vandals, which allows it to be used more often in public places and all kinds of institutions. The transfer of force in such devices is carried out by means of a sliding rod, the lever of which moves along the channel. Due to the absence of angular structures, the models are more aesthetic and, unlike the previous type, do not have vulnerable protruding elements. In addition, the channel can be easily equipped with an elastic stop that controls the opening of the door leaf.

Devices with this method of placement belong to the largest group and are widely used in residential premises, public buildings and industrial workshops. Installation of the working body is carried out on the door itself or above it and depends on the design of the door system and the model of the device. The devices can have both a gear and a cam design, and operate on both a sliding and a link arm. The advantages of overhead closers are wide consumer availability and simple installation. The disadvantages include the need to perforate the door or wall, the visual clutter of the door leaf and the risk of spoiling the design of the room.

Such models are completely invisible, due to the lack of levers that make the axle move. In fact, the door leaf is located directly on the axis itself, which, in turn, imposes certain restrictions on the scope of their use: such closers can be installed on doors whose weight does not exceed 300 kg. The devices are widely used on plastic and wooden interior doors installed in cinemas and shopping centers.

These devices are intended for installation on door systems, where the visual presence of the device should be as small as possible. Concealed models, in turn, are divided into two types: models with sliding rods and door closer hinges. The first ones in their design are not much different from overhead counterparts, however, they have miniature dimensions and are located in a door niche or in a door frame striker. The advantages of built-in devices include the high strength of the mechanism and a long service life. Among the shortcomings, they note the need to violate the integrity of the door and frame during installation, as well as the impossibility of operation in too heavy and oversized door systems.

Door closer hinges are made in the form of a miniature device, the entire mechanism of which is located inside the door hinge body. The main advantage of the devices is the absence of the need to hammer and ream the door, which allows the models to be widely used on glass sheets. The door closer is mounted according to the principle of a conventional door hinge and is absolutely invisible during visual inspection. The disadvantages include the inability to use on heavy overall systems, as well as the exactingness to comply with the installation rules.

The door must be hung using a building level, otherwise it will be difficult for the closer it will be difficult to control the skewed structure. Door closer hinges are widely used on room doors and have proven to be a very convenient device in homes with small children.In addition, hinge door closers are well suited for doors equipped with magnetic and electric locks, which is due to the absence of the need to overcome the resistance of the latch and the seal.

This category of door closers includes models for sliding and sliding interior systems, as well as sliding doors. By their design, the devices resemble rod-type furniture closers, but differ from them in size and in the initial force created. Installation of devices can be performed both in a box and in a canvas, and consists in the formation of holes of the required diameter at the ends of the box or door, followed by placing the device in them.

When choosing door closers, special attention should be paid to the power of the device. This criterion entirely depends on the size and weight of the door leaf, as well as on the traffic intensity. In some cases, with a large weight of the door structure and high traffic, it is more expedient to install two door closers. This will distribute the load between the devices and significantly extend the life of each of them. The efforts developed by the door closers are clearly regulated by the strict European standard EN1154.

In accordance with the norms of this document, seven power classes of devices are allocated, where products of the first class have the lowest rates and are able to handle a web no more than 75 cm wide and weighing up to 20 kg. Models of the second class will perfectly cope with a door of 85 cm, weighing up to 40 kg. The third class is limited to values ​​of 95 cm per 60 kg, and the fourth class products must be selected if the width of the canvas does not exceed 110 cm and it weighs no more than 80 kg. The next three classes - EN5, EN6 and EN7, include especially powerful models for large and heavy doors, the maximum permissible parameters of which are 125, 140 and 160 cm in width, and 100, 120 and 160 kg of weight.

It should be noted that in addition to focusing on the maximum parameters of the door, external factors must also be taken into account. For example, when choosing a closer for a street door that has a width of more than 125 cm and is exposed to side winds for a long time, you should choose not the fifth, as required by the standard, class, but purchase a model of the sixth or even seventh class. You should also act in a situation where the width of the web corresponds to one class, and the weight to another: in such cases, it is necessary to ensure a margin of safety and choose the higher of these two classes.

An equally important factor when choosing devices for the entrance group is their frost resistance. The modern market offers a huge selection of models capable of withstanding low and high temperatures in the range from -45 to +70 degrees. And the last sign that you should pay attention to is the appearance and color of the model. When buying lever structures, it is better to choose models of the same color with the door, thus leveling the bulkiness and unpretentiousness of the device. For example, a black door closer on a brown canvas looks extremely inharmonious, while on a black door it looks discreet and quite aesthetically pleasing.

The rating of manufacturers of door closers is as follows: German companies Dorma and Boda deservedly took the first and second places. Companies specialize in sliding rod models, which are very popular and much better bought than knee models. German firms are followed by Italian Cisa and Cobra, offering consumers traditional lever and concealed floor units. This is followed by the Korean KDC, which uses German components and produces anti-corrosion models for outdoor installation, and closes the six strongest Finnish Abloy.

The products of this company are equipped with independent valves, which are responsible for smooth running and ensure tight closure. In addition, models from Finland are equipped with a very precise control system, very responsive to the slightest change in settings. Buyers consider the only drawback of foreign models to be a fairly high cost. So, the price of especially powerful models designed to control heavy steel doors can reach 38 thousand rubles.

Russian-made models are also popular and in demand in the domestic market. Devices from well-known companies "Expostroymash Plus" and "Nikirat" are in no way inferior to imported counterparts in their performance characteristics, have many positive reviews and are well bought not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries. Consumers note the high adaptability of the devices to the Siberian frosts and the possibility of using the devices in almost all regions of the country. In addition, Russian closers are much cheaper than their European counterparts, which makes them even more popular and in demand.

Installation of hidden door closers, as well as sliding rod models, should be done by professionals. Such work requires a professional tool and appropriate skills, therefore, self-installation in the absence of experience can lead to damage to the door and improper installation of the device. However, it is quite possible to install overhead overhead devices with linkage by yourself. To do this, you need to carefully read the instructions and clearly follow each paragraph of the manual, and a few simple recommendations will help to carry out the installation quickly and correctly.

The first step is to stick a diagram on the door (it is usually included in the kit), and drill holes of a certain diameter in the right places. Then, in accordance with the instructions, it is necessary to thread the case onto the fasteners, and then tighten the hardware one by one. It is highly undesirable to overtighten the fasteners. This can lead to the self-tapping screws being torn off and scrolling. In some cases, it is necessary to replace the supplied screws with more powerful models, and when installing closers on plastic doors, replace the screws with screws altogether. In this case, the hardware will have to pass through the canvas and be fixed from the back side by means of nuts, wide washers or fastening plates. Otherwise, the screws can simply be pulled out of the hollow plastic sheet, which will ruin the door.

After the closer is installed, it must be adjusted. The adjustment method depends on the location of the adjusting screws, which can be located both at the end of the case and inside it. Usually screws are designated by numbers 1 and 2, where "one" is responsible for changing the door opening angle relative to the box, which can reach 180 degrees, and "two" - for the speed with which the door will close. The opening angle is set first. To do this, set the desired value, which can vary from 90 to 180 degrees, and then proceed to regulate the speed of the web.

It is produced in this way: the door is opened to the maximum possible angle, which has just been set, and released. At this time, they begin to tighten the second screw, achieving smooth running and stable closing.Usually the mechanism is very sensitive to changes in the position of the adjusting screws, after turning which only a quarter of the blade begins to close extremely slowly. Some closers have a door locking function, therefore, when adjusting such models, it will be necessary to adjust the locking actuation point when the door is open.

Correct installation and correct adjustment allow you to use the closer for a long time, however, in order for the device to serve as long as possible, you need to adhere to a number of simple recommendations. So, you should not leave doors with connected door closers open for a long time. This leads to additional loads on the oil seals and pistons and contributes to the squeezing of oil from the cylinders. As a result - a quick failure of the device and the need for repair, and sometimes a complete replacement of the device. The exception is hidden floor models, the device of which involves fixing the door in the open position for a long time.

In addition, it is necessary to take into account the change in oil viscosity depending on the season. So in the summer months it becomes less viscous and the speed of closing the door increases noticeably, in winter, on the contrary, the oil thickens, and the door leaf begins to close very slowly. As a result, the room bears significant heat loss and a working closer brings more inconvenience than benefit. In this regard, it is necessary to monitor the level of oil viscosity and make seasonal adjustment of the door closing speed. It is also necessary to regularly lubricate moving parts and make sure that no water gets on the device. Otherwise, the device will quickly rust and become unusable.

For information on how to install do-it-yourself door closers, see the next video.