EP3421703A1

EP3421703A1 - Pressure sensor unit for a window or door

Info

Publication number: EP3421703A1
Application number: EP18180435.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mark Spånberg
Original assignee: Inwido AB
Current assignee: Inwido AB
Priority date: 2017-06-29
Filing date: 2018-06-28
Publication date: 2019-01-02

Abstract

A pressure sensor unit (10) arrangable in a window unit (1) or in a door unit is provided. The pressure sensor unit is configured to be integrated in a cavity of a frame (3) or a sash (4) of the window unit (1) or door unit and configured to detect a state of the window unit (1) or door unit. The pressure sensor unit (10) includes at least one pressure sensor, arranged in or behind a frame sealing or a sash sealing, or arranged on the frame (3) opposite a sash sealing or on the sash (4) opposite a frame sealing of the window unit (1) or door unit. Further, the pressure sensor unit is configured to measure a pressure between the frame (3) and the sash (4) in at least one pressure point by measuring the pressure in said frame sealing or sash seal.

Description

TECHNICAL FILED

The present invention relates to a pressure sensor unit for a window or door, preferably a residential door, and more specifically to a pressure sensor unit integrated in said window or door.

BACKGROUND

Today more and more buildings are constructed with more and more smart devices. Such devices are often capable of notifying a resident or an alarm central if something deviate from normal behavior, if something is missing or if a fire starts. The devices are there to simplify the life of people so that they feel for example safer. Within the field of windows and certain doors, the development has not been as rapid as for example the development for alarm systems for entrance doors. There has therefore been a desire to develop a system or unit that could be used for windows and doors, such doors that usually are not the main entrance door.
Previous attempts can be seen in EP1330801B1 and WO2015/040144A1 .

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a pressure sensor unit for a window or door in a building. This object is achieved by a technique defined in the appended independent claims; certain embodiments being set forth in the related dependent claims.
In a first aspect, there is provided a pressure sensor unit arrangable in a window unit or in a door unit. The pressure sensor unit is configured to be integrated in a cavity in a frame or in a sash of the window unit or door unit, and to detect a state of the window unit or door unit. The pressure sensor unit comprises at least one pressure sensor, arranged in or behind a frame sealing or a sash seal or arranged on the frame opposite a sash seal or on the sash opposite a frame seal of the window unit or door unit. Further, the pressure sensor unit is configured to measure a pressure between the frame and the sash in at least one pressure point by measuring the pressure in the frame seal or sash seal. An advantage with the unit as defined is that it uses a pressure between the frame and the sash, which is already an often important feature of a window or door in order to determine the state of the window or door.
In an embodiment, the pressure sensor unit further comprises memory means configured to store pressure data measured by the pressure sensor. This helps the pressure sensor unit to gather data over time in order to compare the pressure at different occasions.
In another embodiment, the pressure sensor unit further comprises processing means configured to process pressure data measured by the pressure sensor. This helps the pressure sensor unit to calculate and compare data being measured by the pressure sensor.
In yet another embodiment, the pressure sensor unit further comprises communication means configured to communicate the pressure measured by the pressure sensor to an external system or communication unit and/or configured to communication the pressure data processed by the processing means to the external system or communication unit. Different types of data may then be sent to for example a user or alarm central for them to supervise the state of the window or door.
The communication means may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the external communication unit.
Further, the pressure sensor unit may comprise a power source configured to provide power to at least the pressure sensor, where the power source may in one embodiment comprise at least one replaceable battery. A replaceable power source may be advantageous since then, the user is able to change it on his/her own.
In an embodiment, the pressure sensor unit further comprises a body, configured to house at least the pressure sensor, and a detachable lid mountable to the body. The body and the lid may be arranged to be integrated in the frame or sash of the window unit or door unit. The body and lid makes it easier to mount the pressure sensor device in the frame or sash.
Further, the body may comprise an immersed portion and an opening in which the pressure sensor is arranged and which faces the frame sealing or sash sealing of the window unit or door unit.
In another embodiment, the pressure sensor unit comprises a lid sealing arranged between the body and the lid in an assembled state.
In yet another embodiment, the pressure sensor unit comprises an outer sealing arranged at least partly on an outer surface of the body and configured to seal between the body and the frame sealing or sash sealing. The outer sealing may comprise at least one sealing flange configured to seal between the body and the frame or sash, in whichever the pressure sensor unit is mounted in.
The pressure sensor unit may further comprise a tamper switch configured to detect if the pressure sensor unit is being tampered with, a light indicator configured to indicate the state of the window unit or door unit, and/or the state of the pressure sensor unit and/or the state of an external system or communication unit connected to the pressure sensor unit, or a reset button for resetting at least the pressure sensor unit.
In a second aspect, there is provided a window unit or door unit comprising a pressure sensor unit as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following, reference being made to the appended drawings, which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice.

Fig. 1a is a perspective view of a window unit with a pressure sensor unit according to an embodiment,
Fig. 1b is a perspective view of a door unit with a pressure sensor unit according to an embodiment,
Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the pressure sensor unit in Fig. 1a,
Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a pressure sensor unit according to an embodiment,
Fig. 4a is a perspective front view of the semi-assembled pressure sensor unit in Fig. 3,
Fig. 4b is a perspective back view of the semi-assembled pressure sensor unit in Fig. 3,
Fig. 5a is a perspective view of the pressure sensor unit in Fig. 3 mounted in a window frame behind a frame sealing,
Fig. 5b is a detailed view of the mounted pressure sensor unit in Fig. 5a with a portion of the frame sealing cut away,
Fig. 6a is a top view of the pressure sensor unit in Fig. 3 mounted in a window frame,
Fig. 6b is a detailed view of the mounted pressure sensor unit in Fig. 6a,
Fig. 7 is a cross section view of the pressure sensor unit in Fig. 3 in the area where a pressure sensor is arranged, and
Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the communication between the pressure sensor unit in Fig. 3 and an external system or communication unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, a pressure sensor unit 10 is described in detail below. The pressure sensor unit 10 is configured to be arranged in either a window unit 1 or a door unit 2. The door unit 2 is arrangable in a doorway of a building. The door unit 2 may for example be a terrace door, an entrance door, a balcony door, a back door, an interior door or any other kind of door in a residential building, an office building, or in an office space. The same described features and functions are applicable to both the window unit and the door unit.
The window unit 1 and door unit 2 has a frame 3 and a sash 4. The sash 4 is hinged or connected to the frame 3 and can be moved or rotated in order to open and close the window/ door 1, 2. During the final moments, when closing the window/door, the window/door is latched as the frame 3 and the sash 4 is pressed together, which often happens when the user pulls down the handle. As the user pulls down the handle latching the window/ door unit 1, 2 the sash 4 is pressed a small extra distance towards the frame 4 such that the frame 3 and sash 4 are sealed together. Between the frame 3 and the sash 4 there is a sealing 5a, 5b arranged preferably around the entire frame 3 and sash 4. The sealing can be either a frame sealing 5a located on and preferably around the entire frame 3, or a sash sealing 5b located on and preferably around the entire sash 4. In some cases, there might even be both a frame sealing and a sash sealing. The purpose of the sealing 5a, 5b is to create a tight sealing between the frame 3 and the sash 4 when the window/ door 1, 2 is latched. The tight sealing between the frame 3 and the sash 4 creates a desired predetermined pressure which the pressure sensor unit 10 uses.
In order to arrange the pressure sensor unit 10 in the frame 3 or sash 4 a cavity 6 is created in the frame 3 or sash 4. The cavity 6 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the pressure sensor unit 10 such that the pressure sensor unit 10 is integrated in the frame 3 or sash 4 in its mounted state, i.e. the top and side portions of the pressure sensor unit 10 are substantially flush with the shape of the frame 3 or sash 4. This is advantageous since the pressure sensor unit 10 will be more difficult to spot if its appearance is as similar as possible to the frame 3 or sash 4.
The pressure sensor unit 10 is configured to detect the state of the window unit 1 by means of the pressure in the sealing between the frame and the sash, and more specifically the pressure in the frame sealing 5a or sash sealing 5b. The window may be in an open or unlatched state and in a closed or latched state. The pressure sensor unit 10 is also configured to detect a tampering state, i.e. if for example an intruder tries to tamper with the window, the pressure sensor unit 10 detects vibrations in the window unit 1 that differs from the normal state. Yet further, the pressure sensor unit 10 is able to detect if the pressure decreases over a period of time, i.e. if the sealing starts to lose its ability to seal in a desired manner and it is time for maintenance work.
In order to do this, the pressure sensor unit 10 has at least one pressure sensor 11 which detects and/or measures the pressure in at least one pressure point along the frame 3 or sash 4. The pressure sensor unit 10 and the pressure sensor 11 can be arranged in or behind the frame sealing 5a, in or behind the sash sealing 5b, on the frame 3 opposite the sash sealing 5b or on the sash 4 opposite the frame sealing 5a. In a shown embodiment, see Figs 5a and 5b, the pressure sensor unit 10 is arranged in the frame 3, behind the frame sealing 5a and the pressure sensor 11 detects the pressure in the frame sealing 5a when the window unit 1 is latched. In other embodiments (not shown), there may be further pressure sensors, measuring in other pressure points along the extension of the frame or sash. Although the pressure sensor unit 10 in the shown embodiment is located in the base of the frame it can in other embodiments be located in any desired part of the frame 3 or sash 4. It can also be located in several parts of the frame 3 or sash 4.
In order to detect if the pressure for example decreases over a period of time, the pressure sensor unit 10 includes memory means 13 configured to store the data detected and gathered by the pressure sensor 11. Then, to process the detected pressure data and to be able to compare the data over time the pressure sensor unit 10 further includes processing means 14 for processing, calculating and comparing the data to desired predetermined pressure values. These features are shown in Fig. 3.
The pressure sensor unit further comprises communication means 16 configured to either communicate the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 11 to an external system or communication unit 8 and/or to communicate the data processed by the processing means to the external system or communication unit 8. The communication can be made by means of wired or wireless communication. The memory means 13, the processing means 14 and the communication means 16 are preferably provided on or at least connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) 17 connected to at least the pressure sensor 11 and a power source 18, described below.
The external system or communication unit 8 can for example be a media center or an alarm center arranged in the house where the pressure sensor unit is installed or a mobile device, such as a smart phone, of a user. The possibilities of the external communication unit 8 is unlimited and the invention of the present application is not dependent on it. The external communication unit 8 should be seen as possible applications for the described pressure sensor unit.
To provide power to the parts of the pressure sensor unit 10 it further has a power source 18. In the shown embodiment, the power source is two replaceable batteries 18a, 18b. An advantage with having batteries is that they are easy for a user to change and replace with new ones, also no cables or other means are necessary to connect the pressure sensor unit 10. However, it is possible to be directly or indirectly connected to the power supply of the house if desired.
The power source 18, the communication means 16, the processing means 14, the memory means 13 and the pressure sensor 11 are all arranged within a body 20 of the pressure sensor unit 10. The body 20 is mountable to a detachable lid 21 of the pressure sensor unit 10. The lid 21 may be mounted to the body 20 by means of snap fittings 23. This makes it easy for a user to remove the lid 21, for example when the batteries need to be changed. As described above, the pressure senor unit 10 is shaped to fit a cavity 6 of the frame 3 or sash 4 or vice versa. It is in fact the body 20 and the lid 21 that should be shaped to fit the cavity 6 of the frame 3 or the sash 4 such that the integration of the pressure sensor unit 10 is as plane as possible. Therefore, in the shown embodiment, the body 20 and the lid 21 has an elongate shape, with a width that can contain an AAA battery. The body is screwed to the bottom of the cavity 6 be means of two screws 22a, 22b. In a mounted state, see Figs 5a and 5b, only the top 21a of the lid 21 and one side portion 20a of the body 20 face out from the cavity 6 of the frame 3 or sash 4. Thus, the pressure sensor unit 10 is at least partly enclosed by the frame 3 or the sash 4 in the mounted state.
The side portion 20a further includes an immersed portion 20b and an opening 24, also facing away from the cavity 6, in which the pressure sensor 11 is arranged such that is faces the frame sealing 5a or sash sealing 5b. To mount the pressure sensor 11 in the body 20 it is slipped through the opening 24 and placed in the immersed portion 20b while being connected to the circuit board 17 and the power source 18. Fig. 7 shows the shape of the pressure sensor 11 and how it is arranged.
Arranged along the side portion 20a of the body 20 is an outer sealing 25 covering at least the upper part of the side portion 20a, the immersed portion 20b, the opening 24 and the pressure sensor 11, see Fig. 7. The outer sealing 25 does not affect the ability of the pressure sensor 11 to measure the pressure between the frame 3 and the sash 4. The outer sealing 25 is configured to seal between the body 20 and the frame sealing 5a or sash sealing 5b and it is able to keep especially water and dirt away from the pressure sensor 11 and the interior of the body 20. The outer sealing 25 is provided with at least one flexible sealing flange 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, in this case four, arranged at the ends 25a, 25b of the elongated outer sealing 25. In the shown embodiment, there are two flanges 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d on each end 25a, 25b. The flexible sealing flanges 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d are arranged to seal between the body 20 and the frame 3 or sash 4, in whichever the pressure sensor unit 10 is mounted, against the sides of the cavity 6 in the mounted state.
Between the body 20 and the lid 21, there is provided a lid sealing 28 to prevent water and dirt from entering the body 20. The lid sealing 28 is arranged in a C-shaped groove 29 in a bottom portion of the lid 21 and seals against the inner surface of the body 20 around the entire length of the inner surface, which can be seen in Fig. 7.
The pressure sensor unit 10 can further include some optional features, such a feature is a tamper switch 31 which is configured to detect if the pressure sensor unit 10 is being tampered with. The tamper switch 31 can detect and signal if for example someone is trying to open the lid 21. Preferably, the tamper switch 31 will send information to any suitable external communication unit 8 or make sounds to signal. Another optional feature is to have a light indicator 32 configured to indicate the state of the window 1 or door 2 and/or the state of the pressure senor unit 10 and/or the state of an external system 8 which is connected to the pressure sensor unit 10. For example, the light indicator 32 can indicate with a colour that the window 1 or door 2 is securely latched, or that an external alarm connected to the pressure sensor unit 10 is active/non-active. Yet another optional feature is a reset button 33 for resetting the pressure sensor unit 10 and/or the circuit board 17.
Finally, although the inventive concept has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims and other embodiments that the specific above are equally possible within the scope of these appended claims.

Claims

A pressure sensor unit arrangable in a window unit (1) or in a door unit (2), wherein the pressure sensor unit (10) is configured to be integrated in a cavity (6) in a frame (3) or a sash (4) of said window unit (1) or door unit (2) and configured to detect a state of said window unit (1) or door unit (2), wherein said pressure sensor unit (10) comprises at least one pressure sensor (11), arranged in or behind a frame sealing (5a) or a sash sealing (5b) or arranged on said frame (3) opposite a sash sealing (5b) or on said sash (4) opposite a frame sealing (5a) of said window unit (1) or door unit (2), said pressure sensor unit (10) being configured to measure a pressure between said frame (3) and said sash (4) in at least one pressure point by measuring the pressure in said frame sealing (5a) or sash sealing (5b).
The pressure sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the state of the window unit or door unit is either an open or unlatched state or a closed or latched state.
The pressure sensor unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising memory means (13) configured to store pressure data measured by said pressure sensor (11).
The pressure sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising processing means (14) configured to process pressure data measured by said pressure sensor (11).
The pressure sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising communication means (16) configured to communicate the pressure measured by said pressure sensor (11) to an external system or communication unit (8) and/or configured to communication the pressure data processed by said processing means (14) to said external system or communication unit (8).
The pressure sensor unit according to claim 5, wherein said communication means (16) is configured to wirelessly communicate with said external communication unit (8).
The pressure sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a power source (18) configured to provide power to at least said pressure sensor (11).
The pressure sensor unit according to claim 7, wherein said power source (18) comprises at least one replaceable battery (18a, 18b).
The pressure sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a body (20), configured to house at least said pressure sensor (11), and a detachable lid (21) mountable to said body (20).
The pressure sensor unit according to claim 9, wherein said body (20) and said lid (21) are arranged to be integrated in said frame (3) or sash (4) of said window unit (1) or door unit (2).
The pressure sensor unit according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said body (20) comprises an immersed portion (20b) and opening (24) in which said pressure sensor (11) is arranged and which faces said frame sealing (5a) or sash sealing (5b) of said window unit (1) or door unit (2).
The pressure sensor unit according to any one of the claims 9-11, further comprising a lid sealing (28) arranged between said body (20) and said lid (21) in an assembled state.
The pressure sensor unit according to any one of the claims 9-12, further comprising an outer sealing (25) arranged at least partly on an outer surface (20a) of said body (20) and configured to seal between said body (20) and said frame sealing (5a) or sash sealing (5b).
The pressure sensor unit according to claim 13, wherein said outer sealing (25) comprises at least one sealing flange (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) configured to seal between said body (20) and said frame (3) or sash (4), whichever said pressure sensor unit (10) is mounted in.
The pressure sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tamper switch (31) configured to detect if said pressure sensor unit (10) is being tampered with.
The pressure sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a light indicator (32) configured to indicate the state of the window unit (1) or door unit (2), and/or the state of said pressure sensor unit (10) and/or the state of an external system or communication unit (8) connected to said pressure sensor unit (10).
The pressure sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reset button (33) for resetting at least said pressure sensor unit (10).
A window unit or a building door unit comprising a pressure sensor unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims.