EP1896678B1

EP1896678B1 - A monitoring system for a window or door

Info

Publication number: EP1896678B1
Application number: EP05753566A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Aage Hald; Torben Holst Nielsen
Original assignee: VKR Holding AS
Current assignee: VKR Holding AS
Priority date: 2005-06-30
Filing date: 2005-06-30
Publication date: 2008-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-30
Also published as: DE602005011344D1; CN101213347A; CN101213347B; PL1896678T3; WO2007003181A1; EP1896678A1; ATE415537T1

Abstract

Monitoring system for a window or door comprising a movable wing (5), a stationary frame (3) and an operator (7) for locking the wing relative to frame, said monitoring system comprising a detection means adapted for detecting the position of the operator (7).

Description

The present invention relates to a monitoring system for a window or door comprising a movable wing, a stationary frame and an operator for locking the wing relative to frame.
Known monitoring systems, such as alarm systems, comprise a detector, such as a switch, for detecting whether the window is closed, see for example US 5 226 256 A .
In a house having a plurality of windows and doors, it is time consuming to check that all windows and doors are securely locked e.g. prior to leaving the house, and there is a risk that windows that are closed and hence at first sight appear secured in fact is not locked.
It is hence an object of the present invention to provide a monitoring system with improved safety against erroneous detection.
This object is achieved by the features of claim 1.
It may be conceivable with only one detection means to detect the position of the operator, however according to an embodiment of the invention, the detection means comprises a first detector element and a second detector element, the first detector element and a second detector element being adapted for mounting on respective wing and frame elements. Hereby a virtually failsafe detection means may be provided, as the detection means may detect the position of the operator, and also the position of the sash in relation to the frame.
A particularly discreet appearance of the monitoring system can be achieved when the first detector element is adapted for mounting on a lock part of a window, and the second detector element is adapted for mounting on a opposite lock part. When the window is closed the detectors will be hidden, as well as any wires to the detectors. Further this embodiment will render the installation of the monitoring system' relatively easy, as there is no need for intervention in other parts of the window. The monitoring system may hence be fitted to lock fittings prior to mounting thereof on the window, or the monitoring system may be retrofitted to lock fittings on mounted windows.
According to an embodiment, the first detector element is a magnet, and the second detector element is a Hall sensor, whereby a reliable detection is possible at a reasonable price. Further it is an advantage that the first detector is passive, i.e. it does not need a power supply. This is particularly convenient if the first detector element is to be mounted on a movable part. Alternatively an opto-electric detection means may be provided, a capacitive or inductive proximity sensor or any other suitable detector.
The monitoring system may further be provided with a sensor adapted for sensing a position of a motor-driven actuator. Hereby valuable information may be provided in case a window or door is equipped with a motor-driven actuator.
The monitoring system may be connected to a signalling device, such as a beeper or a lamp, e.g. a LED, but to improve the functionality of the monitoring system, the system may further comprise an information pick up element adapted to pick up information from the detection means.
According to an embodiment the information pick up element is in communication with a remote control. Hence a user may instantly be provided with the necessary information regarding the situation of the window or door, and further the remote control may be provided with protection against operating error.
The invention further relates to a window or door comprising a monitoring system as outlined above.
In the following the invention will be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the drawing, in which

Fig. 1 is a sketch of a roof window,
Fig. 2 is a close-up sketch of a striking plate and a lock casing of a roof window,
Figs. 3a-3d are side views of a roof window in various situations,
Fig. 4 is a close-up photograph of a lock casing,
Fig. 5 is a close-up photograph of a lock casing in another position,
Fig. 6 is a close-up photograph of a lock casing in yet another position,
Fig. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a striking plate and lock casing of a roof window, and
Fig. 8-11 are face and side views of top hung windows.

A centre hung roof window 2 is schematically illustrated in Fig. 1. The window 2 comprises a stationary frame 3, a striking plate 8 (shown in broken line) secured to the top member of the frame 3, a sash 5, which is pivotal about a central, horizontal axis, a lock casing 10 secured to the top member of the sash 5 and an operator 7. The operator 7 is an operating means for unlocking and tilting the sash, but serves also as a ventilation flap.
Fig. 2 is close-up sketch of frame 3 and sash 5 with striking plate 8 and lock casing 10 with locking means 11, respectively, the striking plate 8 on the frame being seen from below, and the lock casing 10 on the sash being seen from above. The locking means 11 may be locking catches, which are movable in grooves 12, so that when the window is closed the locking means 11 engage guideways 29 in the striking plate 8. A second detection element 16 is schematically illustrated.
As will be understood by the skilled person the term plate does not necessarily imply that it is made from sheet metal. The striking plate may thus be manufactured from any other suitable material, for instance wood, metal, ceramics or plastics, and by means of manufacturing methods suitable for these materials, such as for instance sintering, milling, cast moulding, etc.
With reference to Figs. 3a to 3d a centre hung window 2 is shown in side view in various situations. In Fig. 3a the window 2 is shown in a position in which the window is closed and locked, as the sash 5 is in its closed position in relation to the frame 3, and the operator 7 is in a locked position. In Fig. 3b the operator 7 is in a sightly tilted position corresponding to a situation in which the window is still closed and locked. However as the operator 7 is also a ventilation flap, a certain degree of ventilation is achieved without sacrificing security, i.e. this situation may be called "secured ventilation". In Fig. 3c the window 2 is still closed, but the operator 7 is tilted further, thereby releasing the lock, so the sash 5 is not secured with regard to the frame 5. Fig. 3d illustrates the window 2 in an open position, in which the sash 5 is of course not locked in relation to the frame 3.
Fig. 4 is a close-up photograph of a lock casing 10 similar to the lock casing illustrated in Fig. 2 in an embodiment of the invention. For the purpose of illustration the sash 5 is depicted in isolation, i.e. not in engagement with the frame 3. The lock casing 10 comprises a set of locking means 11 movable in a set of grooves 12. The locking means 11 are operated by an operator linkage 14 via a mechanism housed inside the lock casing 10. The mechanism comprises three stable positions, a closed position in which the lock is engaged, an intermediate position in which the lock is engaged (secured ventilation), and an open position in which the lock is released. On the operator linkage 14 a first detector element 15 is mounted. In the embodiment shown, the first detector element 15 is a magnet, such as a magnet of the type Neodym 35 available from Svenska Magnet Fabriken AB. This specific magnet has a magnetic strength of 1.17 - 1.21 T (Tesla). In Fig. 4 the operator linkage 14 is in a position corresponding to a locked operator, i.e. a position in which the locking means 11 is secured in the guideways 29 of the corresponding striking plate 8 (not shown) when the window is closed. When the window is closed and locked, the magnet of the first detector element 15 is close to the second detector element 16, which in this embodiment is a Hall sensor mounted at the striking plate 8 as illustrated in Fig. 2.
In Fig. 5 the operator linkage 14 is in an intermediate position corresponding to secured ventilation, i.e. a position in which the operation linkage 14 is retracted somewhat by tilting of the ventilation flap, e.g. via the hand grip 17, acting as an operator 7, however without moving the locking means 11. Hence in a closed position of the window, the locking means 11 would be secured in the guideways 29 of the striking plate 8, so the sash 5 would still be securely locked relative to the frame 3. Although the operation linkage 14 is retracted, the magnet of the first detector element 15 is still within the reach of the second detector element 16, i.e. the Hall sensor, and hence the Hall sensor will detect that the window is still secured. As can be seen in Fig. 5 the window is prepared for operation by an actuator in that a coupling 18 is provided on the operator 7, said coupling 18 being adapted for cooperation with the end of a chain operator.
Fig. 6 depicts the operator linkage 14 in the released position in which the ventilation flap is tilted further to an end position. The operator linkage 14 in turn moves the locking means 11 via the mechanism in the lock casing 10 to a released position, in which the locking means 11 is released from the guideways 29 in the striking plate 8. In this position of the operator linkage 14, the first detector element 15 is moved further away from the second detector element 16. By suitable matching of the first and second detector element, it is possible to achieve that the second detector element 16 will not detect the first detector element 15 (hidden by the sash 5), when the first detector element 15 is in the released position as shown, even when the window is closed. This means that the movement' of the operator 7, in this case the ventilation flap, to the released position, will be detected by the second detector, even if the sash 5 is not moved away from the frame 3. Hence the second detector can send a signal that the window is not secured.
Fig. 7 schematically illustrate the situation by a cross-sectional view through the frame 3 and sash 5 at the lock casing 10 and striking plate 8, of which only a part is shown for clarity. The operator 7 is closed, so the first detection element 15 mounted on the operation linkage 14 is in close vicinity of the second detection element 16, and further the locking means 11 is secured to the striking plate, so the sash 5 is secured in relation to the frame 3. In this position, the second detection element 16 will detect the presence of the first detection element 15, and the second detection element 16 may provide information to an information pick up element that the window is secured, and communicate this information to a remote control (not shown) or the like. In phantom it is also illustrated how the operation linkage 14, and thereby the first detection element 15, is retracted when the operator 7 is tilted.
Figs. 8-11 illustrate an embodiment with a window 2 having a frame 3 and a top-hung sash 5. In Fig. 8 the window is closed and secured, as the operator 7 is in a secured position, in which locking means of the sash and frame engage (not shown). In Fig. 9 the window 2 is in a position of secured ventilation, in which the window 2 is slightly open, but the operator 7 is in a secured position, in which locking means of the sash and frame engage. Fig. 10 illustrates an open and released window as the sash 3 is moved to an open position, and the operator 7 is in a released position. The window depicted in Fig. 11 is closed but not secured, as the operator is in a released position, in which the locking means of the sash and frame do not engage.
The position of the operator 7 may be detected by detection means similar to the embodiment discussed above in relation to a centre hung roof window.
The monitoring system according to the invention is particularly convenient in relation to a plurality of windows and/or doors, as would be the case with most buildings. If detection means is installed on all windows and/or doors, it is possible to gain information whether the building is secured, e.g. via a remote control in communication with the detection means.
Further the monitoring system is also particularly convenient in relation to windows provided with electrical actuators, especially in relation to windows which may be operated by the electrical actuator or uncoupled from the actuator and operated manually. In this case the monitoring system may provide information on whether the window is open and the actuator is uncoupled. Hereby it can be avoided that the actuator is advanced if the actuator is uncoupled, so the risk that the actuator is jammed between sash and frame when manually operating the window is eliminated. Further the system may be upgraded by providing auxiliary sensors adapted for sensing the position of the motor-driven actuator.
In the embodiment, the detection means is a set comprising a magnet and a Hall sensor. As an alternative the detection means may be an opto-electric device, which however is sensitive to soiling, a capacitive or inductive proximity sensor or any other suitable detector, however at present these alternatives seems relatively expensive'. It is also possible to use a common switch, but they tend to be less reliable due to the impact of humidity etc. and formation of oxide film on the contact faces, as the voltage and current associated is relatively small.
As a supplement or alternative, the detection means may be provided with a movable shield to switch the detection means on and off when the operator is moved e.g. by interrupting'a signal between the first and second detection element, as will be appreciated by the skilled person.
It is convenient that the detection means is mounted in or at the lock in the illustrated way, as installation is relatively easy and may be provided as a built-in functionality. As an alternative, the detection means may be mounted at the operator in any convenient way, such as at an end of the ventilation flap.

Claims

A window comprising a movable wing, a lock casing with window locking means, detection means, a stationary frame and a ventilation flap for locking the wing relative to the frame, said window lock means are operated by an operator linkage via a mechanism inside the lock casing and said detection means being adapted for detecting the position of the operator linkage and the ventilation flap.
A window according to claim 1, wherein the detection means comprises a first detector element and a second detector element, the first detector element and the second detector element being adapted for mounting on respective wing and frame elements.
A window according to claim 2, wherein the first detector element is adapted for mounting on a lock part of a window, and the second detector element is adapted for.mounting on a opposite lock part.
A window according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first detector element is a magnet, and the second detector element is a Hall sensor.
A window according to any of the claims 1-4, further comprising a sensor adapted for sensing a position of a motor-driven actuator.
A window according to any of the claims above, further comprising an information pick up element adapted to pick up information from the detection means.
A window according to claim 6, wherein the information pick up element is in communication with a remote control.
A window according to any of the claims above, wherein the detection means detects at least one of the three positions, closed, intermediate or open of the ventilation flap.