The closer is a device for returning the door to its original position in the automatic operation mode. This device silently and softly covers the open sash. If necessary, it holds the door leaf open. Many doors are equipped with a modern practical device. However, like any technique, the door closer needs maintenance, adjustment and troubleshooting.
Types of mechanisms and their device
To better understand the principle of the functioning of the mechanism, you need to analyze its basic varieties, so it will be easier to figure out how to correctly debug the door closer.
For the most part, these two types of this device are practiced:
- cam slide - performs soft sliding, practiced for canvases with low weight;
- gear lever - the most common type of mechanism, the movement of the spring is realized through gears, it can be used even for massive door panels.
According to the method of mounting, fixtures can be divided into three main types:
- Overhead structures (overhead)- these are the most uncomplicated devices to use, their functions can be adjusted using a few screws or valves located on the case panel. They are mounted at the top of the sash, which is extremely convenient for installation. For input street doors specialized oil-filled devices are manufactured, adapted to function in hot or cold climates.
- Floor. Floor-mounted systems are also relatively easy to set up. They proved to be excellent in banking institutions, offices, shopping and entertainment centers and where high demands are placed on the appearance of doors. These devices are integrated into the floor and are almost invisible to visitors. Sliding type regulator mechanisms are used, designed for doors weighing no more than 100 kilograms.
- Hidden devices it is quite problematic to adjust it yourself, since they are removed inside the door leaf or on the floor, which complicates access to them. Devices are in demand where a thorough cosmetic finish and an ideal main facade are needed.
According to the principle of operation of the device are as follows:
- hydraulic;
- pneumatic;
- electrical.
fixture structure
In the structure of this device the following parts and mechanisms are included:
- die-cast aluminum body;
- spring;
- piston;
- adjusting screws (valve);
- gears;
- needle bearing;
- rubber seals;
- fixture.
The principle of operation of the closer
The basic component of the design is a spring system, which, when the door is opened, is compressed and accumulates the energy required to close the door. The compression process is carried out by transferring the force of the traction device to the spring. Toothed gears and racks move the piston, while the oil flows through the internal channels into the free part of the housing. During the reverse stroke of the door, the spring straightens and provides a soft closing.
In what cases is the procedure necessary?
Correction of the door closer is quite a simple matter. Setup can be done without problems with my own hands. It is worth understanding in what situations it may be necessary to adjust the parameters of this mechanism. The first thing to remember is that the duration of the uninterrupted functioning of any mechanism is directly based on the quality of its maintenance throughout the entire period of operation. As a result, 1-2 times a year, it is required to inspect the door closer and eliminate minor malfunctions. This is especially important during the transitional change of seasons.
In summer and winter, the climate conditions are enormously different. Most of closers are filled with oil, and as you know, any liquid changes its state when the temperature changes environment. In particular, in winter, the oil becomes thicker and the door leaf moves more slowly. In summer, everything turns out the opposite, so you need to prepare the door closer to the required level. Adjustment of the device is also needed if you notice any malfunctions or you simply do not like the settings you have set. If the device starts to slow down or the closing of the door leaf is too hard and fast, jumps, does not attract for a long time, you can try to correct all this. Things get a little more complicated when the device is out of order, since a simple setup will no longer be effective and repair work will need to be done.
Instructions for setting up a door closer with your own hands
To adjust the device, it is not necessary to invite the master. It is enough to have a minimum set of tools and certain skills. The whole procedure will take minimal amount time and will enable you to achieve the desired result by following the steps listed below.
- Before proceeding with the procedure itself, remember that the main thing is not to overdo it with the control valves (screws). It is acceptable to make only 2 turns, then difficulties may arise. The oil in the pressurized reservoir may spill out and the hydraulic system of the closer will eventually lose its functionality.
- To adjust the closing speed of the door leaf, it is necessary to learn only one trend - by turning the valve clockwise, it will gradually decrease. If the action is performed in the opposite direction, the closing speed will increase.
- There is a solution to the problem of only one person being able to get through. Since there is a third valve, the adjustment of which can keep the door in a fixed position for a certain time. Therefore, even a group of people will be able to freely enter the room.
- Such a problem as a lack of effort to completely close the door leaf is eliminated by adjusting the valves responsible for closing speed.
Finding the perfect solution can be a key problem when adjusting a door closer. The main task is to close the door to the end so that there are no gaps. It is necessary to correctly select the ideal time that the door leaf can be in the open state. It is also required to make silent closing possible, hard blows against the door frame are unacceptable. This can cause damage to the canvas. And the worst option could be the loss of efficiency of the mechanisms responsible for proper operation.
How to adjust the closing force so that the door does not slam?
For self setting you will need a flat head screwdriver or wrench. The door opens to the end, fixed special valves located at the end of the device. Full fixation is carried out with the door leaf closed. By changing the degree of tightening of the valves, you can adjust the door to an extremely comfortable closing. Valve number 1 is responsible for the closing force of the door.
If the fully open door closes too quickly at the beginning, the valve must be tightened, and if it is slow and it is necessary to increase the speed, on the contrary, unscrew it. Valve number 2 is responsible for the speed of complete closing of the door leaf (slam). Separate modifications have a third valve that adjusts all the efforts of the door closer. With proper adjustment, the door leaf moves smoothly, without jerking. result correct installation and a competent attitude of the door closer will become a long service life.
Important! You can not turn the control valves completely. Otherwise, they will cease to fulfill their functional purpose even after they return to their place.
How to weaken the opening?
Quite often, the closer requires additional configuration. If the mechanism works hard, and in the process of opening the door, efforts are required, it is necessary to release the valve, the door will begin to function smoothly. Valves can be placed on the end or on front side, it all depends on the modification of the device. You can find out the location of the valves by looking in the manual, where the manufacturer indicates the location of all the components and elements of the door closing mechanism.
Position open
At times there is a need for open door over a relatively long period of time. It is worth figuring out how to adjust the device so that the doors do not close, but stay open. In many modifications of door closers, there is an auxiliary hold open option for this. To configure it for this mode, you need to open the door approximately 90 degrees, and then tighten the specialized latch. After such simple actions, it will be possible to leave the door leaf open when opening it to the configured degree. A special latch will be activated in the device and will hold the door in this position for as long as necessary. If you need to close the door, you just need to pull it towards you, and it will be removed from the latch. If the door is not opened to the limit, it will move in the same way as always, without stopping.
A very useful and almost invisible element is an automatic door closer. In a private house at the entrance with your own hands, it is installed very rarely, but for industrial and public institutions where a huge number of people pass, a door closer for the passage door is relevant.
It is very simple to understand the reason for the demand, because such a simple device ensures that the door to the room will always be closed, which means that precipitation, dust and noise will not penetrate inside.
Principle of operation
The essence of the mechanism is very simple, when the door leaf opens, there is pressure on the spring, and it is compressed. At this point, the oil flows into the chamber, which is free, and when the door closes, the spring pushes the piston and the oil returns to the first reservoir.
But, this is the simplest mechanism, there are devices that have additional valves, for example, to close and close, or, conversely, to delay closing, and so on. They also differ in the place of installation - they are on top of the door leaf, in the middle or on the floor.
Despite the seeming simplicity of work, front door closers are one of the most complex mechanisms from the lock and hardware segment - it is almost impossible to make it yourself.
Why do you need a conductor
The mechanism that regulates the closing of the front door is necessary not only to keep warm, but also so that in the summer the outside air does not mix with the cooled air conditioner.
The closer for the fire door is relevant, which is installed on evacuation routes. It is recommended to mount the mechanism on the passages where the access control system is installed.
Types and varieties of devices
Depending on where the mechanism is installed, the following types of closers are distinguished:
- floor-mounted, that is, which is attached to the floor (you cannot install it with your own hands, without special equipment);
- an automatic hidden door closer can be placed directly in the front door leaf;
- mounted on the door leaf;
- upper mechanisms, with a crank or gear drive (the most common are to install them yourself according to the scheme).
There are also specialized closers sliding doors. As a rule, such mechanisms are used in the manufacture of furniture. They can crash into the door leaf itself or into the furniture body.
According to the type of mechanism device, there is also a classification:
- knee, that is, the lever is made in the form of a knee - it is floor-standing or standard, but the principle of operation is the same;
- slide or sliding, are made without a knee, and the adjustment element is located directly on door frame and slides in a parallel direction when moving. But, such mechanisms have a slight minus compared to lever technology, it will take more effort to open the door.
Depending on the size and weight of the door, oil door closers are also chosen, the more massive and heavier the leaf, the more force the mechanism must work. Hence there are device classes. For example, class 1 is designed for a door leaf width of 750 mm, and its weight should not exceed 20 kg. For entrance doors with a weight of 100 kg and a width of 1250, class 5 is suitable.
DIY installation
The installation work of the mechanism that will regulate the closing of the door is quite complicated. And on how exactly they will be carried out preliminary calculations, will depend on the life of the device.
To begin with, the type and class of the closer is selected, depending on its location, weight and width of the door leaf.
For very heavy metal doors, it is sometimes more rational to install two mechanisms so that the load is evenly distributed.
Also, the choice of device depends on the side in which the door opens. The type of opening of the mechanism is laid initially, before manufacturing, so you need to pay attention to this moment in advance. If the opening occurs "on itself", it is recommended to install a mechanism mounted on top of the door leaf. At the same time, the box itself is mounted on the box, and the lever itself on the canvas. It is recommended to trust only specialists to mount the floor and hidden door closer.
Differences in what type of traction the door closer has for installation work No, the technology is the same.
The wiring diagram, which, as a rule, is attached, on a scale of 1: 1, is simultaneously applied to the ceiling or the mechanism itself, and marking is made through the paper with a core.
Now holes are drilled along the markup. Do-it-yourself installation of a closer on metal door It is made with the help of a bonk - a special fastener for steel products. Under such devices, the metal will not be deformed.
At the next stage, self-tapping screws are attached to drilled holes. Using the screws that come with the kit, the body and lever are attached. Superimposed on top of the body decorative box, on which the screw regulating oil door closers is displayed. After completing the installation work, it is necessary to adjust the closing force of the door. To do this, you just need to open the door, and track the speed at which it closes. If you need to increase or decrease it, then you can adjust it with a screw.
The main thing is not to make much effort when adjusting, so that the housing does not depressurize.
Visually, do-it-yourself installation is shown in the video:
Is a thermostat required?
A damper to protect against changes in atmospheric temperature exists in rare models. But the protection allows you not to adjust the mechanism with each decrease or increase in temperature. This is especially true if a floor closer is used. At the same time, its service life increases, and the viscosity of the oil does not increase, or vice versa, it does not expand.
It is very difficult to advise in this case. Eg, street closer with a thermal shutter, especially a floor-mounted one, is more expensive than a conventional mechanism, but will last much longer. Consider the conditions under which the device will operate. If the mechanism is installed on external doors, then it is necessary to take into account temperature differences, which will be on the street, and which one will be indoors.
In conclusion, I would like to note that due to the complexity of the mechanism of the device, it is quite difficult to externally determine its quality. Therefore, the choice should not be based on price, but on the severity trademark manufacturer. The quality of stamping is not the main reason for buying, it is very important how accurately the parts are machined, what seals and oil were used.
Doors that close effortlessly, with a slight movement of the hand, give solidity to the car and provide additional comfort for the driver and passengers. Smooth closing is provided by special mechanisms - closers. These devices can be standardly installed by manufacturers in premium cars. However, owners of less expensive vehicles can install universal-type door closers on their own.
What is a door closer in a car
The door closer of the car provides reliable closing of the vehicle. Thanks to the installation of the mechanism, the owner will not have to re-open and close the doors when they do not fit snugly against the body. If the force applied by the person was not enough to close the door, the device will complete the process on its own. For example, small children do not always cope with the heavy and bulky doors of SUVs. In this case, the closer mechanism will help them.
Universal closer for cars from Slamstop.
Also, the car closer will provide soft, smooth and silent closing. The driver will no longer have to ask passengers to quietly slam the door. If the mechanism is installed in the tailgate, then only a slight pressure on the door is required to close it. Then the device will complete the task on its own.
Benefits of using the design
It becomes clear that installing a door closer in a car has many advantages, which include:
- dense adjoining of doors to a car body without application of efforts;
- extending the life of door mechanisms;
- increased comfort;
- better heat and noise insulation;
- protection against dust and moisture.
The advantages include the compact size of the device: the installation of the door closer will not be noticeable in the cabin.
What cars are equipped with closers
Despite the convenience of the system, door closers are not installed on all cars. Most often, the mechanism is used in premium cars from manufacturers such as Mercedes, Audi, BMW and other major brands.
If the car does not have a regular closer, the car owner can install it himself. In this case, you should purchase a universal mechanism suitable for any model of vehicle.
Principle of operation
The door closer is activated at the moment when the door is closed on the first latch of the car lock. To determine whether the car is closed or not, the door position sensor allows. If there is a gap between the door and the body, the electric sensor will work, after which the closer, using a special cable, will pull the door until it is completely closed.
If there are problems in the operation of the door closing mechanism, the reliable operation of the closers cannot be fully ensured.
Device and types of car door closers
The mechanism that ensures tight closure consists of several main elements:
- a sensor that determines the position of the door;
- electric drive, providing attraction of the door;
- a control unit that receives a signal from a sensor and sends a command to the electric drive.
On modern cars, you can find two main types of door closing mechanisms.
- Electric is the most common option. It, in turn, can be based on the base:
- worm gear, which is installed on SUVs and crossovers instead of regular gas stops;
- clamping mechanism (much more common).
- Hydraulic mechanism, which includes an autonomous hydraulic system with a pump, electronic pressure control and a complex actuator. This device has a high cost, so it is installed only on expensive sports cars.
Closers can also be classified into:
- universal;
- created for the car model (installed regularly at the factory).
Universal devices can be put on any vehicle regardless of its brand and model.
What is a pinless door closer
A pinless closer can also be installed on almost every car. To mount the mechanism, you do not need to cut additional holes in the doors: it is installed in a standard lock. In this case, the mechanical part of the lock is replaced by a device with an electric drive. Then the 12 volt power supply is connected. If the installation is done correctly, the pinless door closer will provide the owner with smooth closing of the doors.
The pinless door closer is installed in the standard hole of the lock. Door closer for cars – handy device, which is installed as standard on premium segment cars. If the car does not belong to this class, the car owner can always install a universal closer on his own, which will also monitor the smooth and tight closing of the doors.
Sections of the article:
In the relatively recent past, to ensure independent tight closing of the front door or gate, such simple mechanisms as a spring, a counterweight with a cable and a block system, rubber bands or their analogues made of rubber tires. Today, in order for the door to close itself tightly, closers of various sizes, colors and shapes are used. What closers for entrance doors are presented on the shelves in specialized departments of stores, what you should pay attention to when buying and how to install them - read on.
Types of closers
The closer is considered to be a mechanical device that is able to accumulate potential energy when opened. door leaf. The consumption of the accumulated energy then goes to a tight, almost silent closing of the door. The basis of the mechanism, which is responsible for its main function, is a powerful spring inside the case, the transfer of force to which and back occurs in two scenarios:
Closers with a hydraulic circuit inside, transmitting forces through the rack, work in such a way that when the door leaf is opened, the gear on the lever axle turns and transmits translational motion through the rack to the piston, which then forces the spring to compress. After the opening is completed, the compressed spring tends to return to its original relaxed state, pushing the piston into reverse side. The movement of the piston provokes the rotation of the gear, which returns the force to the lever axis of the closer, after which the door smoothly and tightly enters the box. Smooth operation of the closer is carried out due to hydraulic system in the form of cavities and channels throughout the body of the mechanism through which oil flows.
Closers with cam mechanism. Inside the device, on the lever axis, there is a cam in the form of a complex eccentric resembling a core. Rollers support the cam mechanism on both sides. Opening the door leaf provokes compression of the spring by the protruding part of the cam. The desire of the spring to take its original position leads to the turning of the cam in the opposite direction and the smooth closing of the door. A similar principle of operation is used when placing hidden mechanisms or in closers with a channel arrangement of thrust.
Advantages and disadvantages of installing closers
When installing a door closer on the front door, you will receive the following advantages:
- Increase the life of the door leaf and fittings, as smooth slamming protects the door from damage by impacts when opening / closing and minimizes the load on the fittings;
- The tight entry of the door leaf into the frame protects the room from cold wind, drafts and extraneous noise from outside;
- The mechanized device does not require an electrical connection;
- The adjusted closing speed allows you to make the operation of the door safe, which is important for families with small children or elderly members who may enter the room for a long time or not hold the sash when opening;
- The disadvantages include possible difficulties in installing and adjusting the door closer, as well as the significant cost of high-quality products equipped with additional functions.
Place of installation of the door closer
The most common are overhead door closers, which are installed in the upper part on the inside or outside of the leaf, depending on the type of opening. Less common are mortise products for entrance doors that are hidden inside the floor, door leaf or frame. Such mechanisms are used when it is impossible to install in the standard position or for aesthetic reasons, for example, on glass door leaves.
Overhead closing mechanisms according to structural features are divided into two types:
Closers equipped with a lever arm of two knees. The advantages are ease of installation, reliability of the mechanism, sufficient high level transmission of force, the possibility of several options for regulation. A significant drawback is the lever protruding beyond the level of the facade perpendicular to the body of the closer, the probability of which to be damaged from the actions of violators is quite high. In addition, the linkage requires effort when opening the door leaf, which is not very convenient for children and people of age.
Closers equipped with a closed sliding channel inside the box, along which the free edge of the hinge with a roller at the end moves. The advantages are high decorative qualities due to the absence of protruding parts, the minimum likelihood of vandalism damage, the possibility of additionally equipping the mechanism with an opening limiter inside the channel, installation in doors close to the wall. Disadvantages: the minimum number of adjustments and additional equipment, higher cost compared to lever ones.
Closer classification
In accordance with the global standardization EN1154, door closers are divided into seven classes EN1-EN7, depending on the closing force that they are able to create. To understand which closer is suitable for a particular door, you need to know the width and weight of the door leaf. If two mandatory parameters do not correspond to one class, a device of a higher classification is selected. For example, the width of the door leaf in mm corresponds to EN3 class, and the weight is EN5, it is recommended to install a class 5 door closer, as a weaker force of class 3 will not cope with the load.
Self-closing mechanisms are on sale, which belong both to one class (the marking indicates one digital value, for example, EN1), and to several (the numerical value is indicated in the marking through a hyphen, for example, EN1-3). The second option is more practical and convenient, since it is possible to adjust the closing speed of the sash depending on weather conditions, but compared to mechanisms of the same class, such devices are much more expensive.
What to look for when buying
How to choose a closer for the front door? First of all, you need to pay attention to a number of important indicators:
- Closing speed does not have a clear digital indicator and is selected by visual observation. For private houses, it is recommended to purchase a door closer with a minimum speed;
- The slamming speed is required for door panels equipped with latch locking mechanisms;
- Opening brake. This indicator is used for installation on doors leading to rooms with high traffic of people, it allows you to apply less effort when opening the door leaf;
- Closing braking is relevant for use in retail premises, as it allows the buyer to calmly leave the hall with packages. A similar indicator will not be superfluous for families with children and the elderly who have difficulty passing the doorway. A significant drawback of the device is irrational use in the cold season, since a long-term open opening will quickly cool the room;
- The presence of a sash latch allows you to fix the door in the open position, which is convenient for long-term ventilation in the summer or the removal of furniture from the house.
It is also worth considering the resistance of the mechanism to temperature extremes: in regions with cold winters, it is recommended to give preference to frost-resistant models that work properly down to a temperature of -40C.
Installation
To install the closer, you will need a minimum set of tools: a drill with a drill corresponding to the size of the fastener, a screwdriver, a simple pencil and a tape measure or ruler. Most manufacturers equip the mechanism with instructions with templates that clearly show how to install the closer. Schematic images closer components in full size on the template and mounting holes for each element greatly facilitate the marking and further installation of the mechanism on the front door. The template is printed on both sides of the sheet with the type of door opening to itself or from itself.
Two red perpendicular lines on the template allow you to set it correctly. The vertical red line is aligned with the centerline door hinges, horizontal - with the upper border of the canvas. It is recommended to mark the center line of the loops with a simple pencil.
Further, with the help of a drill through the template, mounting holes corresponding to the selected class are marked. Complete with a closer, there are usually two types of hardware: for metal-plastic or wooden surfaces. Depending on the material of the door leaf, a drill bit for a drill is also selected, with which recesses for fasteners marked according to the template are drilled. After that, the installation of a self-closing mechanism begins.
Please note that the door closer is installed disassembled, that is, the levers and the housing are separately. When buying an assembled mechanism, it is strongly recommended to disassemble it before installation: first, the fixing washer is unscrewed, then the screw connecting the levers and the housing is removed.
The installation of a door closer that opens in the position towards itself begins with fixing the body box to the door leaf, in which the thrust is then mounted. In the lower body part there is a special recess into which a lever is inserted, which is tightened with a screw. This is followed by a fairly simple connection of the lever and the rod by pressing down with your fingers until a slight click is formed. The connection difference lies in the location of the rod on the front door.
If elementary soft closing is required, the rod is slightly reduced in length and installed perpendicular to the door. If there is a latching mechanism in the sash, solidarity reinforcement is required to overcome its resistance. In this case, the rod is extended and fixed in a position perpendicular to the door.
Adjustment
After installing the door closer, it remains to adjust the speed of closing the door. Depending on the model, closers differ in design and location of the screw for adjusting the speed. detailed information usually contained in the passport or product installation instructions. But the principle of operation of regulation in various models of the door closer is similar:
- Turning the screw clockwise increases the speed of closing the door;
- Turning the screw counterclockwise slows down the closing speed.
When adjusting, it is not recommended to turn the screw several turns at once, since there is a high probability of an imbalance in the closer, which is quite difficult to adjust back. In addition, a few sharp turns of the adjusting screw can cause damage to the mechanism, such as oil leaking from the inside. Most often, a ¼ turn is enough to achieve the required speed.
In order for the door closer to perform its function well for many years, it is strongly not recommended to press the door or slow it down with foreign objects when closing, as this can lead to damage internal parts mechanism. In addition, it is recommended to change the lubricant in the hinge at least once every 2 years when installing door closers for indoor doors and annually when installing the mechanism from the outdoor part of the door. It is recommended to adjust the outdoor closer once every six months to reduce the effects of temperature changes.
