Patent Description:
Some conventional door closers comprise a spring and a hydraulic cylinder containing oil. The spring may be increasingly compressed (or otherwise deformed) during opening of the door leaf. The hydraulic cylinder may provide a damping force proportional to the speed of the door leaf. The use of oil may however not be desired, for example due to fire safety, leakage and sustainability. Moreover, such conventional door closers often have unsatisfactory reliability, for example due to temperature changes and wear. Furthermore, such conventional door closers are often bulky and expensive.

<CIT> discloses a door closer, for controlling the movement of a door as the door is opened and closed. The door closer comprises an input member movable in response to movement of the door, the input member being movable in a first direction and in a second direction; return means for moving the input member in the second direction; and damping means for controlling the movement of the input member in the second direction, the damping means comprising: a rubbing member movable in the first and second directions, and a body for engagement by said rubbing member to produce a surface effect damping force in at least one of the first or second directions.

<CIT> discloses a continuous speed change type door check for closing a door, which comprises: a pivot pin made rotatable; a slider adapted to be linearly moved by the rotations of the pivot pin and to rotate the pivot pin when it returns; a coil spring for biasing the slider to return; a gear train for speeding up the rotations of the pivot pin; brake means connected to the gear train; and a one-way transmission clutch for operating the brake means in a direction to close the door.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a control arrangement for controlling movements of an access member relative to a frame, which control arrangement is cost-efficient.

A further object of the present disclosure is to provide a control arrangement for controlling movements of an access member relative to a frame, which control arrangement has a compact design.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a control arrangement for controlling movements of an access member relative to a frame, which control arrangement has relatively few components.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a control arrangement for controlling movements of an access member relative to a frame, which control arrangement enables accurate control of the movements.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide a control arrangement for controlling movements of an access member relative to a frame, which control arrangement solves several or all of the foregoing objects in combination.

A still further object of the present disclosure is to provide an access member system comprising a control arrangement, which access member system solves one, several or all of the foregoing objects.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a control arrangement for controlling movements of an access member relative to a frame, the control arrangement comprising a base structure; a drive member rotatable relative to the base structure about a rotation axis; an input member arranged to be driven relative to the base structure along an actuation axis by rotation of the drive member about the rotation axis, and arranged to move in a lateral direction with respect to the actuation axis relative to the base structure; an output member arranged to be driven by the input member relative to the base structure along the actuation axis; an electromagnetic generator arranged to be driven by movement of the output member along the actuation axis to generate electric energy; and a force transmitting arrangement arranged to transmit a relative movement between the input member and the output member along the actuation axis to a movement of the input member in the lateral direction towards the base structure for frictional braking between the input member and the base structure.

The drive member may be arranged to rotate about the rotation axis by movement of the access member relative to the frame, such as by rotation of the access member relative to the frame. When installed in an access member system, each rotational position of the access member relative to the frame (e.g. rotation about a hinge axis) may correspond to a unique rotational position of the drive member about the rotation axis.

Throughout the present disclosure, the access member may be a door leaf. In case the drive member is fixed to an arm of a connection device interconnecting the door leaf and the frame, the drive member will only move over small angular distances, at low speeds and with high forces during opening and closing of the door leaf. In order to brake the door leaf with only a generator, a gearbox with a high ratio and a high rating would be required between the drive member and the generator. Such gearbox is bulky and expensive.

Due to the force transmitting arrangement, frictional braking of the input member against the base structure is obtained. The input member and the base structure may thus be said to constitute a friction brake. The frictional braking of the input member and the resistance provided to the input member due to the electric energy harvesting by the generator cause braking of the drive member. The braking of the drive member can in turn be used to brake a closing movement of the door leaf or other access member. The control arrangement may thus be configured to harvest electric energy during closing of the access member. The control arrangement may optionally be configured to also harvest electric energy during opening of the access member.

When the generator is driven to harvest electric energy, the generator provides a certain resistance to the output member against movement along the actuation axis. This resistance may be referred to as a harvesting force. When the force on the input member along the actuation axis is larger than the harvesting force, there will be a relative movement between the input member and the output member along the actuation axis. This relative movement will be transmitted by the force transmitting arrangement to a lateral movement of the input member towards the base structure. The input member will thereby be brought into contact with the base structure, or will be forced harder against the base structure. In this way, the control arrangement enables any excess force from the drive member, with respect to the harvesting force, to be frictionally braked.

By varying an electric load on the generator, the harvesting force can be varied. As a consequence, the frictional braking between the input member and the base structure, and a consequential braking of the access member, can be controlled by controlling an electric load on the generator. The generator thereby functions as a servo.

The input member may move laterally relative to the base structure from a position entirely separated from the base structure to one or more positions with frictional contact therebetween. Alternatively, the input member may always be in frictional contact with the base structure. In any case, the input member may comprise a first brake pad for frictionally contacting the base structure. The first brake pad may be resilient.

When the input member frictionally contacts the base structure, friction losses occur. For this reason, not all energy input to the drive member is transmitted to the output member. The control arrangement is thus intentionally built with low efficiency. Even if large forces act on the drive member, only small forces can be transmitted by the force transmitting arrangement to the output member. One major advantage with this is that the components on the output side can be made of a relatively simple, weak and cheap design. For example, the rating of the generator can be low and cheap materials, such as plastic, can be used. The control arrangement can thereby be made very cost-efficient and compact. At the same time, the generator enables smartness and movements of the drive member (and e.g. a door leaf connected thereto) to be accurately controlled. The control arrangement thus enables a small generator to cause a large braking force of the drive member.

The force transmitting arrangement may optionally be arranged to transmit a relative movement between the input member and the output member along the actuation axis to a movement of the output member in the lateral direction towards the base structure for frictional braking between the output member and the base structure. Thus, both the input member and the output member may be frictionally braked against the base structure. The output member may move laterally relative to the base structure from a position entirely separated from the base structure to one or more positions with frictional contact therebetween. Alternatively, the output member may always be in frictional contact with the base structure. In any case, the input member may comprise a second brake pad for frictionally contacting the base structure. The second brake pad may be resilient.

The drive member and the input member may be configured such that each rotational position of the drive member about the rotation axis corresponds to a position of the input member along the actuation axis relative to the base structure. The drive member may comprise a drive gear wheel. In this case, the control arrangement may further comprise an input gear rack meshing with the drive gear wheel. The input gear rack may be locked to the input member along the actuation axis. According to one variant, the input gear rack is rigidly connected to, or integrally formed with, the input member.

The control arrangement may further comprise a control system. The control system may comprise at least one data processing device and at least one memory having at least one computer program stored thereon, the at least one computer program comprising program code which, when executed by the at least one data processing device, causes the at least one data processing device to perform, or command performance of, various steps as described herein. According to one variant, the control system is configured to change the electric load of the generator.

The base structure may be fixed to either the access member or the frame. The base structure may comprise a housing. In this case, the drive member, the input member, the output member, the generator and the force transmitting arrangement may be provided inside the housing.

The force transmitting arrangement may comprise an inclined surface, inclined relative to the actuation axis. One inclined surface may be provided on each of the input member and/or the output member.

The inclined surface may be inclined <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees with respect to the actuation axis.

The control arrangement may further comprise one or more rollers arranged to engage the inclined surface. The rollers contribute to prevent locking between the input member and the output member. In case the inclined surface is provided on the input member, the one or more rollers may be provided on the output member, and vice versa. One or more rollers may also be provided between an input inclined surface on the input member and an output inclined surface on the output member.

As an alternative or complement to the inclined surface, the force transmitting arrangement may comprise a force transmitting arm between the input member and the output member. An input end of the force transmitting arm may be pivotally connected to the input member at an input pivot, and an opposite output end of the force transmitting arm may be pivotally connected to the output member at an output pivot.

When the input member moves faster than the output member during closing of the access member, the force transmitting arm will rotate about the output pivot. In this way, the input member will be pressed, or further pressed, against the base structure for frictional braking.

The control arrangement comprising the force transmitting arm may further comprise a base structure force device, such as a base structure spring connected between the output member and the base structure. The base structure force device may be arranged to force the output member in the opening direction. In this way, an angle of the force transmitting arm relative to the actuation axis can be maintained substantially constant during movement of the input member in the opening direction.

The input member may be movable along the actuation axis in an opening direction and in a closing direction, opposite to the opening direction. If the drive member is arranged to rotate about the rotation axis by rotation of the access member relative to the frame, the input member may move in the opening direction and in the closing direction during opening and closing, respectively, of the access member relative to the frame. Alternatively, or in addition, the opening direction may be a direction from the generator to the drive member, and vice versa.

The input member may be arranged to push the output member in the closing direction. The output member may be positioned at least partly in front of the input member along the actuation axis in the closing direction.

The input member may be arranged to pull the output member in the opening direction. The input member may comprise an input pulling surface and the output member comprises an output pulling surface. In this case, the input member may be arranged to pull the output member in the opening direction by contact between the input pulling surface and the output pulling surface.

The input pulling surface and the output pulling surface may be substantially perpendicular to, or perpendicular to, the actuation axis. In this way, frictional braking between the input member and the base structure can be avoided in the opening direction.

As an alternative to the input pulling surface and the output pulling surface, the input member may be arranged to pull the output member in the opening direction by the force transmitting arm. In this case, the input member can also push the output member in the closing direction via the force transmitting arm.

The control arrangement may further comprise a connection device for connection between the access member and the frame. In this case, a part of the connection device may be fixed to the drive member for common rotation about the rotation axis. The connection device may comprise one or more connection arms for connection between the access member and the frame. In case a plurality of connection arms are used, these may be arranged in series.

The control arrangement may further comprise a closing force device arranged to force rotation of the drive member about the rotation axis to thereby force movement of the input member along the actuation axis. The closing force device may comprise a spring, such as a linear spring. In one example, the closing force device comprises a compression coil spring. The closing force device and the base structure may or may not be fixed to the same of the access member and the frame. For example, the closing force device may be fixed to the frame and the base structure may be fixed to the access member. Alternatively, each of the closing force device and the base structure may be fixed to the access member.

The control arrangement may further comprise a drive member transmission configured to transmit a force from the closing force device to a rotation of the drive member about the rotation axis. The drive member transmission may comprise a cam profile and a cam follower arranged to follow the cam profile. In one example, the drive member comprises the cam profile and the closing force device comprises the cam follower.

The control arrangement may further comprise a generator wheel arranged to be rotationally driven by movement of the output member along the actuation axis, and a speed increasing generator transmission arranged to transmit a rotation of the generator wheel to a rotation of a rotor of the generator. The generator wheel may be a generator gear wheel.

The control arrangement may further comprise an output gear rack. The output gear rack may be locked to the output member along the actuation axis. According to one variant, the output gear rack is rigidly connected to the output member. The output gear rack may mesh with the generator gear wheel.

The input member and the output member may be made of different types of materials. The input member may be made of metal or alloy. Alternatively, or in addition, the output member may be made of plastic. The output member may be made of a material having a density that is less than <NUM> %, such as less than <NUM> %, than a density of a material of which the input member is made.

The control arrangement may further comprise a release force device arranged to force the input member and the output member away from each other along the actuation axis. In some variants, the release force device contributes to separation of the input member and the output member when the access member is in a closed position.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a door closer for controlling movements of a door leaf relative to a frame, where the door closer comprises a control arrangement according to the first aspect.

According to a further aspect, there is provided an access member system comprising the frame, the access member movable relative to the frame, and a control arrangement according to the first aspect. In this case, the base structure may be fixed to either the access member or to the frame. The access member may be rotatable relative to the frame.

According to a further aspect, there is provided an access member for movement relative to a frame, the access member comprising a control arrangement according to the first aspect. In this case, the base structure may be fixed to the access member.

Further details, advantages and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:.

In the following, a control arrangement for controlling movements of an access member relative to a frame, and an access member system comprising such control arrangement, will be described. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar structural features.

<FIG> schematically represents a front view of an access member system 10a, and <FIG> schematically represents a top view of the access member system 10a. With collective reference to <FIG>, the access member system 10a comprises a frame <NUM> and an access member, here exemplified as a door leaf <NUM>. The door leaf <NUM> is rotatable relative to the frame <NUM> by means of two door leaf hinges <NUM>.

The access member system 10a of this example further comprises a door closer 18a. The door closer 18a here comprises a control arrangement <NUM>. The control arrangement <NUM> comprises a base structure <NUM>. The base structure <NUM> of this example comprises a housing, here illustrated as a cuboid box. In this example, the base structure <NUM> is fixed to the door leaf <NUM>. The base structure <NUM> may be arranged outside or inside the door leaf <NUM>.

The door closer 18a of this specific example further comprises a first connection arm <NUM> and a second connection arm <NUM>. The first and second connection arms <NUM>, <NUM> constitute one example of a connection device according to the present disclosure. The first connection arm <NUM> constitutes one example of a part of a connection device according to the present disclosure. The first connection arm <NUM> is connected to the control arrangement <NUM> and is rotatable relative to the base structure <NUM> about a rotation axis <NUM>. The rotation axis <NUM> is here vertical.

The second connection arm <NUM> is pivotally connected to each of the first connection arm <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. When a user releases the door leaf <NUM> in an open position, the door closer 18a will pull the door leaf <NUM> to the illustrated closed position.

<FIG> schematically represents a front view of a further example of an access member system 10b, and <FIG> schematically represents a top view of the access member system 10b in <FIG>. With collective reference to <FIG>, mainly differences to <FIG> will be described. The access member system 10b comprises a further example of a door closer 18b. The door closer 18b comprises a connection device with only one arm, here represented as the first connection arm <NUM>. Similarly to the door closer 18a, the first connection arm <NUM> of the door closer 18b is rotatable about the rotation axis <NUM>. However, a second end of the first connection arm <NUM> is arranged to travel linearly in parallel with the frame <NUM>. The door closer 18b comprises an external closing spring <NUM> for forcing the second end of the first connection arm <NUM> (to the right in <FIG>) such that the door leaf <NUM> closes. The closing spring <NUM> is one example of a closing force device according to the present disclosure. The closing spring <NUM> is external to the base structure <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a perspective view of one example of a control arrangement 20a, and <FIG> schematically represents a top view of the control arrangement 20a in <FIG>. The control arrangement 20a may be used as the control arrangement <NUM> in any of the door closers 18a, 18b.

The control arrangement 20a comprises a drive member <NUM>. The drive member <NUM> is rotatable about the rotation axis <NUM> relative to the base structure <NUM>. In use, the drive member <NUM> may be fixed to the first connection arm <NUM> for common rotation about the rotation axis <NUM>. The drive member <NUM> of this specific example comprises two drive gear wheels <NUM> and a cam profile <NUM>. The cam profile <NUM> is here provided between the two drive gear wheels <NUM>.

The control arrangement 20a further comprises an input member <NUM>. The input member <NUM> is arranged to be driven linearly relative to the base structure <NUM> along an actuation axis <NUM> by rotation of the drive member <NUM> about the rotation axis <NUM>. The input member <NUM> comprises an input inclined surface <NUM>.

The control arrangement 20a of this specific example further comprises two input gear racks <NUM>. The input gear racks <NUM> are here integrally formed with the input member <NUM>. Each input gear rack <NUM> is in meshing engagement with a respective of the two drive gear wheels <NUM>. The use of two drive gear wheels <NUM> and two input gear racks <NUM> stabilizes the input member <NUM> against rotation about the actuation axis <NUM>. However, only one pair of drive gear wheel <NUM> and input gear rack <NUM> may alternatively be used.

The input member <NUM> of this specific example further comprises an input pulling surface <NUM>. The input inclined surface <NUM> is here positioned between the input pulling surface <NUM> and the input gear rack <NUM> along the actuation axis <NUM>.

The input member <NUM> of this example further comprises a first brake pad 48a. As shown in <FIG>, the first brake pad 48a is arranged to be brought into direct contact with the base structure <NUM>.

The control arrangement 20a further comprises an output member <NUM>. The output member <NUM> is arranged to be driven by the input member <NUM> relative to the base structure <NUM> along the actuation axis <NUM>. The output member <NUM> comprises an output inclined surface <NUM>.

The input inclined surface <NUM> and the output inclined surface <NUM> constitute one example of a force transmitting arrangement according to the present disclosure. In this example, the input inclined surface <NUM> and the output inclined surface <NUM> are parallel and angled approximately <NUM> ° to the actuation axis <NUM>.

The control arrangement 20a of this specific example further comprises an output gear rack <NUM>. The output gear rack <NUM> is here integrally formed with the output member <NUM>.

The output member <NUM> of this specific example further comprises an output pulling surface <NUM>. The output pulling surface <NUM> is here positioned between the output gear rack <NUM> and the output inclined surface <NUM> along the actuation axis <NUM>. The input pulling surface <NUM> and the output pulling surface <NUM> are perpendicular to the actuation axis <NUM>.

The output member <NUM> of this example further comprises a second brake pad 48b. As shown in <FIG>, also the second brake pad 48b is arranged to be brought into direct contact with the base structure <NUM> in this specific example.

The control arrangement 20a further comprises an electromagnetic generator <NUM>. The generator <NUM> is arranged to be driven by movement of the output member <NUM> along the actuation axis <NUM> to harvest electric energy. To this end, the control arrangement 20a of this specific example further comprises a generator wheel <NUM> and a gearbox <NUM>. The generator wheel <NUM> of this example is a generator gear wheel in meshing engagement with the output gear rack <NUM>. The generator wheel <NUM> may however alternatively be driven by friction by an output part other than the output gear rack <NUM>.

The gearbox <NUM> is a speed-reducing gearbox. That is, the gearbox <NUM> is configured to transmit a rotation of the generator wheel <NUM> at a first rotational speed to a rotation of a rotor of the generator <NUM> at a second rotational speed, higher than the first rotational speed. The gearbox <NUM> is one example of a generator transmission according to the present disclosure.

The control arrangement 20a of this specific example further comprises a cam follower <NUM> and an internal closing spring <NUM>. The cam follower <NUM> is arranged to follow the cam profile <NUM>. The cam follower <NUM> and the cam profile <NUM> constitute one example of a drive member transmission <NUM> according to the present disclosure. The drive member transmission <NUM> is configured to transmit a force from the closing spring <NUM> to a rotation of the drive member <NUM> about the rotation axis <NUM>. The closing spring <NUM> is a further example of a closing force device according to the present disclosure.

The closing spring <NUM> is internal to the base structure <NUM>. The closing spring <NUM> is here a compression spring, more specifically a compression coil spring. The closing spring <NUM> forces the cam follower <NUM> against the cam profile <NUM>.

When a user opens the door leaf <NUM>, the drive member <NUM> is caused to rotate about the rotation axis <NUM> (in a clockwise direction in <FIG> and <FIG>), here due to the fixation between the first connection arm <NUM> and the drive member <NUM>. The rotation of the drive gear wheels <NUM> drives the input gear racks <NUM>, and the input member <NUM> fixed thereto, in an opening direction <NUM> along the actuation axis <NUM>. Furthermore, when the drive member <NUM> is caused to rotate about the rotation axis <NUM>, the drive member transmission <NUM> causes a deformation of the closing spring <NUM>. In case the control arrangement 20a is used with the door closer 18b, also the external closing spring <NUM> is deformed.

During movement of the input member <NUM> in the opening direction <NUM>, the input member <NUM> pulls the output member <NUM> in the opening direction <NUM> due to the engagement between the input pulling surface <NUM> and the output pulling surface <NUM>. During this movement, there is little or no frictional contact between the first brake pad 48a and the base structure <NUM> and between the second brake pad 48b and the base structure <NUM>.

Movement of the input member <NUM> in the opening direction <NUM> causes the output gear rack <NUM>, here fixed to the output member <NUM>, to also move in the opening direction <NUM>. The output gear rack <NUM> thereby drives the generator wheel <NUM> such that the rotor of the generator <NUM> is driven to rotate to harvest electric energy. However, energy harvesting during opening is optional. In some implementations, the user should not be required to provide both the force for deforming the closing spring <NUM> and for driving the generator <NUM>.

When the user releases the door leaf <NUM> in an open position, the closing spring <NUM> forces the drive member <NUM> to rotate in an opposite direction about the rotation axis <NUM> (in a counterclockwise direction in <FIG> and <FIG>). The rotation of the drive gear wheels <NUM> now drives the input gear racks <NUM>, and the input member <NUM> fixed thereto, in a closing direction <NUM> along the actuation axis <NUM>, opposite to the opening direction <NUM>. During closing of the door leaf <NUM>, large forces act on the input member <NUM>.

During movement of the input member <NUM> in the closing direction <NUM>, the input member <NUM> pushes the output member <NUM> in the closing direction <NUM> due to the engagement between the input inclined surface <NUM> and the output inclined surface <NUM>. Movement of the output member <NUM> in the closing direction <NUM> causes the output gear rack <NUM> to also move in the closing direction <NUM>. The output gear rack <NUM> thereby drives the generator wheel <NUM> such that the rotor of the generator <NUM> is driven to rotate to harvest electric energy.

The electric energy harvesting by the generator <NUM> provides a counterforce to movements of the input member <NUM> in the closing direction <NUM>. This counterforce may be referred to as a harvesting force. In case the force on the input member <NUM> in the closing direction <NUM> (generated by the closing movement of the door leaf <NUM>) is larger than the harvesting force, the input inclined surface <NUM> will start sliding up on the output inclined surface <NUM>. This causes the input member <NUM> to move in a lateral direction <NUM> such that the first brake pad 48a is pushed against the base structure <NUM>. In this example, also the output member <NUM> is caused to move in a lateral direction <NUM>, opposite to the lateral direction <NUM>, such that the second brake pad 48b is pushed against the base structure <NUM>. The movement of the input member <NUM> in the closing direction <NUM> along the actuation axis <NUM> is thereby frictionally braked. As a consequence, also the closing movement of the door leaf <NUM> is braked.

The input inclined surface <NUM> and the output inclined surface <NUM> thereby constitute one example of a force transmitting arrangement arranged to transmit a relative movement between the input member <NUM> and the output member <NUM> along the actuation axis <NUM> to a movement of the input member <NUM> in the lateral direction <NUM> towards the base structure <NUM> for frictional braking between the input member <NUM> and the base structure <NUM>. When the input member <NUM> moves in the lateral direction <NUM>, the input gear racks <NUM> will pivot slightly about their respective contact points with the drive gear wheels <NUM>.

Since a large part of the energy added to the drive member <NUM> is transformed to heat during the frictional braking, the control arrangement 20a has a low efficiency. Even if large forces act on the drive member <NUM>, only small forces will be transmitted to the output member <NUM>. This is very valuable since the parts on the output side (here the output member <NUM>, the output gear rack <NUM> and the generator wheel <NUM>) can then be made small and with cheap materials. In this example, the drive member <NUM>, the input gear racks <NUM> and the input member <NUM> are exposed to high forces and are made of steel, and the output member <NUM>, the output gear rack <NUM> and the generator wheel <NUM> are exposed to low forces and are made of plastic. Also the rating of the generator <NUM> can be very low while still being capable of controlling braking of the door leaf <NUM>.

An increase of the angle between the inclined surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and the actuation axis <NUM> will cause a reduction of the efficiency of the force transmission arrangement. A decrease of the angle between the inclined surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and the actuation axis <NUM> enables a rating of the generator <NUM> to be further reduced.

<FIG> schematically represents the generator <NUM> and one specific example of a control system <NUM> of the control arrangement 20a. In <FIG>, the rotor <NUM> and a stator <NUM> of the generator <NUM> can be seen. The control system <NUM> of the specific example in <FIG> comprises power management electronics <NUM> and a microcontroller <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> comprises a data processing device <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. A computer program is stored in the memory <NUM>. The computer program comprises program code which, when executed by the data processing device <NUM> causes the data processing device <NUM> to perform, or command performance of, various steps as described herein.

The power management electronics <NUM> in <FIG> comprises energy harvesting electronics including an electric energy storage, here exemplified as a capacitor <NUM>, and four diodes <NUM> arranged in a diode bridge. The diodes <NUM> are arranged to rectify the voltage from the generator <NUM>.

The control arrangement 20a further comprises a disconnection switch <NUM> and a shorting switch <NUM>. The disconnection switch <NUM> and the shorting switch <NUM> are examples of control elements. The disconnection switch <NUM> and the shorting switch <NUM> are electrically powered by the generator <NUM>.

Each of the disconnection switch <NUM> and the shorting switch <NUM> is controlled by the control system <NUM>, more specifically by the microcontroller <NUM>. <FIG> further shows a positive line <NUM> and a ground line <NUM>. The positive line <NUM> and the ground line <NUM> are connected to respective terminals of the generator <NUM>. In this example, the disconnection switch <NUM> is provided on the positive line <NUM>. Each of the disconnection switch <NUM> and the shorting switch <NUM> may be implemented using a transistor, such as a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor).

The disconnection switch <NUM> is arranged to selectively disconnect the generator <NUM>. When the disconnection switch <NUM> is open, the electric resistance becomes high, and the rotor <NUM> rotates lightly, in comparison with when the rotor <NUM> is rotated to harvest electric energy.

The shorting switch <NUM> is arranged to selectively short-circuiting the terminals of the generator <NUM> over an electric resistor <NUM>. When the shorting switch <NUM> is closed, the harvested electric energy is converted to heat in the resistor <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> thereby rotates heavily in comparison with when the rotor <NUM> is rotated to harvest electric energy. Thus, when the shorting switch <NUM> is closed, a high counter torque is provided in the generator <NUM>, making the rotor <NUM> heavy to rotate.

By selectively controlling the disconnection switch <NUM> and the shorting switch <NUM>, the control system <NUM> can selectively change an electric load of the generator <NUM> and thereby adjust the harvesting force. In this way, a movement of the output member <NUM> in the closing direction <NUM> can be controlled. The amount of frictional braking of the door leaf <NUM> can thereby also be controlled. At the end of the closing movement, the frictional braking can be reduced to provide a stronger latching force of the door leaf <NUM>. The control arrangement 20a enables a wide range of different closing behaviors of the door leaf <NUM> to be implemented in software in the control system <NUM>.

The control system <NUM> may be configured to determine the position of the door leaf <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> based on position data from the rotor <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, a dedicated sensor (not shown) for providing the position of the door leaf <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> may be added. Such sensor may for example be positioned in the door leaf hinge <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a perspective view of a further example of a control arrangement 20b, and <FIG> schematically represents a top view of the control arrangement 20b in <FIG>. The control arrangement 20b may be used as the control arrangement <NUM> in any of the door closers 18a, 18b. With collective reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, mainly differences with respect to <FIG> and <FIG> will be described. The control arrangement 20b comprises a first input member 38a and a second input member 38b.

The first input member 38a comprises a first input inclined surface 42a and the second input member 38b comprises a second input inclined surface 42b. The first input member 38a carries the first brake pad 48a and the second input member 38b carries the second brake pad 48b.

The control arrangement 20b further comprises a base portion <NUM> from which the input gear racks <NUM> extend in the opening direction <NUM>. The first input member 38a is movable relative to the base portion <NUM> in the lateral direction <NUM>. The second input member 38b is movable relative to the base portion <NUM> in the lateral direction <NUM>. The base portion <NUM>, and the input gear racks <NUM> fixed thereto, are however locked to the input members 38a, 38b along the actuation axis <NUM>.

In the control arrangement 20b, the output member <NUM> is V-shaped and is positioned laterally between the input members 38a, 38b. The output member <NUM> comprises a first output inclined surface 52a parallel with the first input inclined surface 42a, and a second output inclined surface 52b parallel with the second input inclined surface 42b.

The control arrangement 20b further comprises first rollers 108a between the first input inclined surface 42a and the first output inclined surface 52a, and second rollers 108b between the second input inclined surface 42b and the second output inclined surface 52b. The rollers 108a, 108b reduce friction between the input inclined surfaces 42a, 42b and the output inclined surfaces 52a, 52b, and prevent locking between the input members 38a, 38b and the output member <NUM>.

The control arrangement 20b further comprises a release spring <NUM>. The release spring <NUM> is one example of a release force device according to the present disclosure. The release spring <NUM> is here exemplified as a compression coil spring connected between the base portion <NUM> and the output member <NUM>. The release spring <NUM> is configured to force the input members 38a, 38b and the output member <NUM> away from each other along the actuation axis <NUM>. This enables separation of the input members 38a, 38b and the output member <NUM> in the closed position of the door leaf <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically represents a top view of a further example of a control arrangement 20c. The control arrangement 20c may be used as the control arrangement <NUM> in any of the door closers 18a, 18b. Mainly differences with respect to <FIG> and <FIG> will be described.

The drive member <NUM> of the control arrangement 20c comprises only the cam profile <NUM>. <FIG> also shows how the first connection arm <NUM> is rigidly connected to the cam profile <NUM>.

The control arrangement 20c comprises a drive part <NUM>, here exemplified as a rod, pivotally connected to each of the drive member <NUM> and the base portion <NUM>. The first input member 38a is pivotally connected to the base portion <NUM> by means of a first hinge 114a and the second input member 38b is pivotally connected to the base portion <NUM> by means of a second hinge 114b. In this way, the first input member 38a can move in the lateral direction <NUM> relative to the base portion <NUM>, and the second input member 38b can move in the lateral direction <NUM> relative to the base portion <NUM>, to accomplish the frictional braking.

The control arrangement 20c of this example comprises the input inclined surfaces 42a, 42b, but no output inclined surfaces. Instead, the output member <NUM> is elongated and comprises the output pulling surfaces <NUM> protruding laterally and output rollers 108a, 108b for engaging the input inclined surface 42a, 42b.

<FIG> schematically represents a perspective view of a further example of a control arrangement 20d, and <FIG> schematically represents a top view of the control arrangement 20d in <FIG>. The control arrangement 20d may be used as the control arrangement <NUM> in any of the door closers 18a, 18b. With collective reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, mainly differences with respect to <FIG> and <FIG> will be described.

The control arrangement 20d comprises a force transmitting arm <NUM>. The force transmitting arm <NUM> is a further example of a force transmitting arrangement according to the present disclosure. The force transmitting arm <NUM> is connected to the input member <NUM> at an input pivot <NUM> and to the output member <NUM> at an output pivot <NUM>. The force transmitting arm <NUM> is rigid.

The control arrangement 20d of this example further comprises an optional base structure spring <NUM>. The base structure spring <NUM> is one example of a base structure force device according to the present disclosure. The base structure spring <NUM> is here a tension coil spring connected to the output member <NUM> and to a pin <NUM> fixed to the base structure <NUM>. The base structure spring <NUM> is arranged to force the output member <NUM> in the opening direction <NUM>. As one alternative to the base structure spring <NUM>, the input member <NUM> and/or the output member <NUM> can be made larger such that a lateral play therebetween is reduced or eliminated.

As shown, the control arrangement 20d does not comprise any inclined surfaces or pulling surfaces. Instead, the input member <NUM> pulls the output member <NUM> in the opening direction <NUM> by the force transmitting arm <NUM>. In this example, the base structure pin <NUM> simultaneously pulls the output member <NUM> in the opening direction <NUM> such that the angle of the force transmitting arm <NUM> to the actuation axis <NUM> is maintained. Conversely, the input member <NUM> pushes the output member <NUM> in the closing direction <NUM> by the force transmitting arm <NUM>. When the input member <NUM> moves faster than the output member <NUM> in the closing direction <NUM>, the force transmitting arm <NUM> will rotate about the output pivot <NUM> such that the first and second brake pads 48a, 48b are forced laterally outwards to effect the frictional braking.

Claim 1:
A control arrangement (<NUM>; 20a-20d) for controlling movements of an access member (<NUM>) relative to a frame (<NUM>), the control arrangement (<NUM>; 20a-20d) comprising:
- a base structure (<NUM>);
- a drive member (<NUM>) rotatable relative to the base structure (<NUM>) about a rotation axis (<NUM>);
- an input member (<NUM>; 38a, 38b) arranged to be driven relative to the base structure (<NUM>) along an actuation axis (<NUM>) by rotation of the drive member (<NUM>) about the rotation axis (<NUM>), and arranged to move in a lateral direction (<NUM>, <NUM>) with respect to the actuation axis (<NUM>) relative to the base structure (<NUM>);
- an output member (<NUM>) arranged to be driven by the input member (<NUM>; 38a, 38b) relative to the base structure (<NUM>) along the actuation axis (<NUM>); and
- an electromagnetic generator (<NUM>) arranged to be driven by movement of the output member (<NUM>) along the actuation axis (<NUM>) to generate electric energy;
characterized in that the control arrangement (<NUM>; 20a-20d) further comprises:
- a force transmitting arrangement (<NUM>, <NUM>; 42a, 42b, 52a, 52b; <NUM>) arranged to transmit a relative movement between the input member (<NUM>; 38a, 38b) and the output member (<NUM>) along the actuation axis (<NUM>) to a movement of the input member (<NUM>; 38a, 38b) in the lateral direction (<NUM>, <NUM>) towards the base structure (<NUM>) for frictional braking between the input member (<NUM>; 38a, 38b) and the base structure (<NUM>).