ES1289719U - Window or door to install in a building, and surveillance system that includes a window or door sensor. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

A window system that includes a window with an integrated impact detection system ready to be installed on a building wall, including the impact detection system a substantially enclosed sensor unit within a structural element of the system of the system of the system of the system of the system of the system of Window, including the sensor unit a housing, an impact sensor, a microprocessor and a RF transmitter, and where the microprocessor is configured, when activated, to respond to the detection of an impact by the impact sensor, controlling The RF transmitter to transmit an impact alert signal to a controller of a surveillance system. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Window or door for installation in a building, and monitoring system including a window or door sensor

The present invention relates to a window or door for installation in a building, and to monitoring systems including a door or window sensor.

Background

The problem of illegal entry into premises goes back a long way, and electrical or electronic systems have been provided for decades to detect the opening of doors or windows of homes and businesses and to activate some type of alarm. Although historically the percentage of households that used systems of this type was relatively small, systems of this type are increasingly being installed in a greater number of premises.

These systems often detect the opening of a door or window using a magnetic sensing arrangement, with a magnet and a magnetic sensor, such as a reed switch or a magnetometer, respectively attached to two relatively movable parts, such as a frame and a door, or a frame and a swing or a leaf. When the door or window is closed, the magnet and sensor are close enough that the sensor is within a magnetic field of the magnet, so that, for example, the reeds of a reed switch stay in contact. . When the door or window is opened even slightly, the magnet and sensor move apart, reducing the strength of the missing magnetic field experienced by the sensor, causing the sensor to change state.

Detecting the opening or closing of a door in this way is interesting not only in the field of security, but also, increasingly, in the context of so-called "smart home" installations. For example, in response to detection of an exterior door opening, a smart home may be set to turn on interior lights, and/or home heating or cooling, and/or may be configured to turn off air conditioning when detect the opening of a window.

Normally, sensors and magnets of this type are mounted on appropriate surfaces of the cooperating elements, regardless of whether the system is installed during the construction/commissioning of the rooms or is adapted to rooms that have been in use for several years. years. Normally, the magnet and the sensor of an installation are mounted on surfaces that are visible even when the door/window is closed, despite the detriment that this entails for the aesthetics of the interior space of the premises and, more importantly, of the risk that the visibility and accessibility of the magnet and sensor increase the probability that the system will be sabotaged or disabled. Sometimes, however, the magnet and/or sensor may be hidden in a cutout or drilled hole in one face of the frame/door/window, although cutting or drilling holes in a modern window or door can significantly impair its structural integrity and/or its insulating properties, and attempts to drill holes of this type can cause significant damage as a result of the holes being formed in the wrong places. Furthermore, the installer of a surveillance system's sensors is unlikely to know where it may be safe to remove parts of a window or door structure, meaning the choice is likely to be between mounting the components of the surface and even then, surface fastening may require drilling holes for fasteners such as screws or rivets, and risking the structural integrity of the door or window by cutting holes to conceal components.

In some surveillance installations, a door or window may be provided with a shock sensor instead of, or in addition to, a magnetic contact sensor, but essentially the same problems arise with mounting the shock sensor, although if an accelerometer is used as the shock sensor there is no need to provide a magnet to cooperate with the shock sensor.

Document EP3053152B1 proposes an alarm kit, as part of a wireless alarm system or a smart home system, which can be installed non-invasively at entrances to existing buildings, for example windows and doors, without harming the aesthetics of the building. design of a house. An elongated sensor assembly is provided having a maximum height of less than 5mm for cooperating with a magnet; in use, the elongate sensor assembly and magnet are configured laterally offset from each other in an opening, void, or cavity formed by a window or door and a corresponding frame in a closed position of the window or door. Although the proposed solution can reduce the visual intrusion represented by the conventional sensor installations, not every door or window can accommodate such a sensor array. Furthermore, there is a risk that said sensor assemblies could be removed by criminals in the event that the window or door is left open.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved approach to door/window sensor installation in which the magnet and sensor are substantially hidden from view when the door/window is closed, and which are therefore better protected against sabotage.

Summary

According to a first aspect, there is provided a window or a door for installation in a building, the window or door comprising: a pair of elements, the elements comprising a frame defining an opening and a closure moving in relation with the frame between the open and closed positions; a first socket secured within a first opening in one of the elements, the first socket having a first externally opening recess that is configured to receive a magnetic sensor unit; a second socket fixed within a second opening in one of the elements, the second socket having a second externally opening recess that is configured to receive a magnet to actuate the magnetically activated sensor; wherein the first and second recesses face each other when the closure is in the closed position.

According to a second aspect, a window or door is provided for installation in a building, the window or door comprising: a pair of elements for mounting within a frame defining an opening, the elements being relatively movable and defining each of them a closure, which can be moved relative to the frame between the open and closed positions; a first socket secured within a first opening in one of the elements, the first socket having a first externally opening recess that is configured to receive a magnetic sensor unit;

a second socket secured within a second opening in one of the elements, the second socket having a second externally opening recess that is configured to receive a magnet for actuating the magnetically activated sensor; where the first and the second recesses face each other when the closure is in the closed position.

Preferably, a window or a door according to the first or second aspects is configured in such a way that the first and second sockets are hidden from view when the latch is in the closed position.

Optionally, the first and second members are formed by metal or plastic extrusions and the first and second openings are formed by machining, and optionally the first and second openings are formed by machining before connecting the first and second openings. second elements.

Optionally, the first recess is defined by an opening of generally rectangular shape, the first recess optionally being wider or longer than it is deep. The first recess may be defined by four side walls, each of which is continuous. Optionally, the side walls have a thickness of between 0.7 and 3 mm, preferably between 0.8 and 2.4 mm, optionally between 0.9 and 2.2 mm, or between 1 and 2 mm.

Preferably, the first socket is made of a plastic material having low attenuation for radio frequencies in the sub-Gigahertz ISM band, the 2.4 Gigahertz ISM band, or both.

Optionally, the first plinth is made of a material selected from the group comprising: ABS, HDPE, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamide; or is made from a poly(p-phenylene oxide) or poly(p-phenylene ether) blended with one of the following: polystyrene, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a polyamide.

Optionally, the first recess is defined by a base, a pair of opposing end walls, and along each of the two intermediate long sides of the end walls one or more sensor unit retaining elements which serve to prevent a sensor unit inserted in the first socket is displaced laterally.

Optionally, the first recess has a length of between 70 and 130 mm, a depth of between 20 and 30 mm and a width of between 10 and 20 mm. Optionally, the first recess is configured to provide a close fit to a sensor unit having approximately 90mm in length, approximately 25mm deep and approximately 15mm wide.

Optionally, the first socket is configured to expose portions of opposite sides of a sensor unit within the first socket, allowing the sensor unit to be grasped between the finger and thumb for easy removal of the sensor unit. inside the first socket.

Optionally, retaining means are provided to secure the sensor unit within the first socket, the retaining means being releasable to allow the sensor unit to be removed from the socket for battery replacement. Optionally, the retention means and corresponding portions of the first socket comprise cooperating features to facilitate releasable retention of the retention means.

Optionally, the first and second sockets are secured within their respective elements by means of threaded fasteners. If used, the screw fasteners are preferably non-metallic.

Optionally, the first and second sockets are secured within their respective elements by means of an adhesive.

Optionally, the first and second sockets include snap-fit features that engage one or more internal surfaces of their respective elements to retain the socket within the element.

Optionally, the first and second sockets each include elastically deformable portions for irreversibly securing the sockets to their respective elements.

Optionally, the window or door is wrapped in protective packaging for shipment.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a window or a door according to any of the above variants of the first or second aspects in combination with: a sensor unit received in the first socket, the sensor unit including a housing, a magnetically activated sensor, a microprocessor, an RF transmitter, and a battery; and a magnet, received in the second socket for driving the magnetically activated sensor of the sensor unit.

Optionally, the sensor unit of the combination of the third aspect includes within the casing an impact sensor, and the microprocessor is configured to cooperate with the impact sensor to detect impacts received by the door or window and to transmit, using the RF transmitter, alerts regarding detected hits. Optionally, the shock sensor comprises an accelerometer.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided a window system including a window with an integrated impact detection system ready to be installed in a wall of a building, the impact detection system including a sensor unit substantially enclosed within a structural element of the window system, the sensor unit including a housing, an impact sensor, a microprocessor and an RF transmitter, and wherein the microprocessor is configured, when activated, to respond to detection of an impact by the shock sensor, controlling the RF transmitter to transmit a shock alert signal to a controller of a surveillance system.

Optionally, the window system of the fourth aspect further comprises a magnet and a magnetically activated position sensor, wherein the magnet and the position sensor are carried by two relatively movable window elements of the window system, the window elements being able to window moving relatively from an open position to a closed position, and the position sensor being configured to determine whether the relatively movable window elements are in the open or closed position. Optionally, a magnetically activated position sensor is mounted in the housing of the sensor unit.

According to a fifth aspect there is provided a window system including a window with an integrated sensor unit including a magnetically activated position sensor, the window system being configured to be installed on a wall of a building, the sensor unit being substantially enclosed within a structural element of the window system, the sensor unit including a housing, the magnetically activated position sensor, a microprocessor, and an RF transmitter, the system further comprising a magnet for activating the position sensor magnetically activated, wherein the magnet and the position sensor are carried by two relatively movable window elements of the window system, the window elements being relatively movable from an open position to a closed position, and the position sensor being configured to determine whether the relatively movable window elements are in the open or closed position, and wherein the microprocessor is configured, when activated, to respond to detection by the magnetically activated position sensor of the window being opened controlling the RF transmitter to transmit an alert to a controller of a surveillance system.

Optionally, the sensor unit of any variant of the fourth or fifth aspects is securely mounted within a socket in the structural element. Preferably, the plinth is an insert in the structural element. Optionally, the insert is an injection molded component. Preferably, the insert is made of a plastic material that has low attenuation for the radio frequencies used by the RF transmitter. Preferably, the radio frequencies used by the radio frequency transmitter are in the sub-gigahertz ISM band, the 2.4 gigahertz ISM band, or both.

Optionally, the insert is made of a material selected from the group comprising: ABS, HDPE, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamide; or is made from a poly(p-phenylene oxide) or poly(p-phenylene ether) blended with one of the following: polystyrene, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a polyamide.

According to a sixth aspect there is provided a kit of parts comprising a window or a door with 2 recesses in relatively movable elements that are arranged adjacent to each other when the elements are in a closed position, two low RF attenuation sockets adapted to fitting into the recesses, a magnet and a magnetic sensor, one of the sockets being configured to receive the magnet, and the other of the sockets configured to receive the magnetic sensor.

According to a seventh aspect, a kit of parts is provided comprising a window/door with 2 recesses in relatively movable elements that are arranged adjacent to each other when the elements are in the closed position, and two low RF attenuation sockets adapted to fit into the recesses, the sockets being adapted to retain a magnet and a magnetic sensor respectively.

The magnetic sensor of the sixth or seventh aspects may be part of a sensor unit that also includes a shock sensor.

According to an eighth aspect there is provided a kit of parts comprising a window or door with a recess in a window or door element, a low RF attenuation socket adapted to fit into the recess, a sensor unit including an RF transceiver, the socket being configured to receive the shock sensor unit.

Optionally, in the sixth to eighth aspects, the socket for receiving the magnetic sensor or the shock sensor unit may be made of a material selected from the group comprising: ABS, HDPE, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamide; or are made from a poly(p-phenylene oxide) or poly(p-phenylene ether) blended with one of the following: polystyrene, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a polyamide.

Brief description of the figures

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a detail of two window or door elements for installation in a building, the elements being provided with respective cooperating sockets, according to one aspect of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-section showing a view along lines A-A of Fig. 1 for the two elements, when the window is closed;

Fig. 3 shows, in a simplified way, another window according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross section showing a view along lines B-B of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5a schematically shows, in cross section, a detail of how a skirting can be retained within a door or window element according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5b is a schematic perspective view of a longitudinal portion of a socket showing a multi-tab snap-fit arrangement, according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 shows examples of sockets, sensor units, and packaged magnets for use with the sensor units, according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 7 corresponds generally to Fig. 6, but shows an open-side rather than a closed-side plinth arrangement, according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 schematically shows a possible arrangement of the components of a sensor unit, according to embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 9 schematically shows the relationship between the main components of a sensor module, according to embodiments of the invention; Y

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main elements of a security surveillance system installation according to one aspect of the invention.

Specific Description

Figure 1 shows a detail of a window or a door for installation in a building, the window or door comprising a pair of elements 10 and 12, the elements comprising a frame 10 defining an opening and a closure 12 which are it can move relative to frame 10 between open and closed positions. A first socket 11 is fixed within a first opening in the first of the elements, in this case the frame 10, the first socket 11 having a first externally opening recess 14 which is configured to receive a sensor unit. A second socket 13 is fixed within a second opening in the other element, in this case the closure 12, and the second socket has a second external opening that is configured to receive a magnet to activate the magnetic sensor.

In the example shown, the closure is a window frame. The figure shows cooperating parts of the frame 10 and the frame 12, here the lower left corner of the window, seen from the inside. The frame is hinged to a frame member, not shown, at the right of the figure. The inside face of the frame has a weather sealing lip 28 which extends up from the bottom rail 16 and in from the side rail 18. When the window is closed, the inside face 20 of the frame closes against the lip. 28. This rim may be provided, on its outer surface, with a dust resistant elastic gasket, not shown. An additional sealing structure, not shown, may also be provided on the top surface of the bottom rail 16, and on the corresponding face of the side rail 18, the additional sealing structure sealing against the corresponding surfaces of the frame when the window is closed. Side rail 18 can, of course, be a stile separating one window element from another. Of course, the window can also have more than one openable element, for example one or more frames and optionally one or more skylights. Preferably, each of the opening elements and their fixed counterpart are provided with a plinth, as shown generally in Figure 1. In Figure 1, the details of the glazing of the frame 12 are not shown. In Figure 1, the black arrow thick indicates the hinge side.

The openings for the baseboards can be formed in the corresponding substrate before the substrate becomes a window or frame, or the openings can be formed after the construction of the corresponding element but before the elements (for example, the window and frame) connect to each other. Similarly, the openings for the plinths can be made before or after the window is glazed, for example before the frame 12 is glazed. It will be understood that, as shown in Figure 1, the glazing will be installed against the face 21 of the vertical side rail and against the top face 22 of the bottom rail 23 of the frame 12.

The window is shown being assembled from extrusions, with some exemplary interior details in the form of ribs 24 and 25 shown for the lower frame and frame rails. The extrusions can be made from an aluminum alloy or a plastic material such as unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC). The use of extrusions, like the use of aluminum or plastic materials, is not essential, of course, since the windows and doors, according to the embodiments of the invention, can also be made of wood, and of course the windows and doors can be made from a combination of plastics, metals, and wood.

The figure shows a first plinth 11, partly figured, where the dotted lines indicate features that are not actually visible in the view shown, fixed within a first opening in the frame 10. The first socket 11 has a first externally opening recess 14 which is configured to receive a sensor unit. The sensor unit is not shown here. In general, the sensor unit, and optionally also the corresponding magnet to actuate the magnetically activated sensor, is not installed until after the window/door has been installed in the building. That is, in general, windows and doors according to embodiments of the invention are manufactured and shipped with the skirting boards in place, but without the sensor unit and magnet. This is because it has been considered preferable that the person installing the surveillance system be able to optimize the system to accommodate the expected loss of RF signal strength received by the surveillance system controller or mainframe, as a result of mounting the sensor unit inside a window or door body. For example, if the sensor unit is installed inside an aluminum bodied window, the signal strength received by the central unit can be up to 20dB less than would be expected from a surface mounted sensor. With good RF system design, this level of additional attenuation should generally be manageable, but may involve adjusting the RF settings of the RF transmitter/transceiver in the sensor and the corresponding receiver in the system control unit. Attenuation levels are likely to be lower for both PVC and wood windows and doors. Sometimes the metal construction of a window or door can provide one or more cavities that function effectively as Faraday cages, so locating a sensor unit in such a cavity prevents the sensor from communicating with the central unit of the control system. These situations can usually be predicted based on an analysis of the window/door construction and in any case can be determined by simple trial and error.

The figure also shows, fully figuratively, the second socket 13 fixed within a second opening in the frame 12, the second socket 13 having a second externally opening recess which is configured to receive a magnet for actuating the magnetically activated sensor. When the window is closed, the first open recess and the second open recess face each other, as shown in Figure 2, thus largely or entirely obscuring the skirting boards from view. In this way, when the window is closed, the two skirting boards are hidden. However, it is appreciated that when the window is open the two skirting boards are not only visible, but can also be exposed to sunlight. For this reason, it is preferred to make the skirting boards of a material UV-resistant plastic, whose structural strength is less affected by UV radiation. Also, especially if the baseboard is white plastic, yellowing or other discoloration of the plastic as a result of UV radiation can be a problem, unless care is taken to select a UV-resistant plastic. UV resistance can be achieved by the use of a suitable additive or combination of additives, and/or by the choice of an appropriate base plastic. For example, various formulations of polycarbonate (PC) plastics have been shown to have good tolerance to solar radiation even when formulated in white. For this reason, polycarbonate, which is also an excellent plastic for injection moulding, is a preferred material for the manufacture of skirting boards.

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section showing a view along lines A-A of Figure 1 of both the frame 10 and frame 12 when the window is closed. It shows the second externally opening recess 32 of the second socket. Also shown is the alignment of the longitudinal axes of the first and second skirtings, illustrated by dashed line 34, which occurs when the window is closed, and although not essential, is a preferred configuration. The frame glazing is schematically represented by unit 36, which includes a gasket 38.

As a general rule, it is preferred to install the sensor unit on a fixed part of a window/door, rather than on a moving part, as the sensor unit is more sensitive to rain and impacts, both of which are more likely to for an element mounted on a part of the window/door that moves, particularly if the window or door swings outwards, as does the frame shown in figures 1 and 2. This is also true if the sensor unit it is configured to detect impacts, for example, based on an accelerometer (as will be discussed later) instead of including or in addition to a magnetic contact switch.

Figure 3 shows, in a simplified way, another window according to an embodiment of the invention. In this case, the window includes a pair of sliders 40 and 42 for mounting within a frame 44 defining an opening. The two elements 40 and 42, which may also be referred to as leaves, are relatively movable and each defines a lock that is movable relative to frame 44 between open and closed positions. When the window is closed, the matching stiles of the two elements overlap, in the sense that the right stile of the more Outer 40 is located forward of the left strut of rear member 42. Normally, these mating struts are the same width, although this is not essential. A first socket, not shown, is secured within a first opening in the rear face of the mating post of the outermost member 40, or in the front face of the mating post of the rear member 42. The first socket has a first recess that is configured for receiving a sensor unit, the sensor unit including a housing, a magnetically activated sensor, a microprocessor, an RF transmitter, and a battery. A second socket secured within a second opening in the other of the elements, the second socket being configured to receive a magnet to actuate the magnetically activated sensor. The first and second recesses face each other, and the first and second sockets are hidden from view, when the window is closed. Each of the first and second recesses has an open side, the two open sides facing each other when the window is closed. Once again, it will be appreciated that when the window is closed, the two skirting boards are hidden from view.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross section showing a view along lines BB of Figure 3. The outermost element or sash 40 has a mating post 46 shown to include the second socket 48, while the element The innermost or sash 42 has a mating stile 50 which includes the first socket 52. The open sides of the two sockets face each other when, as shown, the window is in the closed position. Each one of the leaves is glazed, indicating the position of the glazing (the glazing is indicated in this figure with the number 49). Also shown are bottom rails, 54 and 56, on which the two sashes 40 and 42 can slide when the window lock, not shown, is released. Incidentally, the window lock is normally provided at corresponding portions of the two mating struts 46 and 50, but additionally or alternatively a lock may be provided between each sash and frame 44. The sensor is mounted on the innermost sheet instead of the outermost one because in this way the other sheet does not get in the way of the signal between the RF transmitter/transceiver of the sensor and the RF transceiver of the system control unit, avoiding thus an unwanted and potentially significant attenuation. In figure 4, the upper part of the figure would be the part that faces the exterior and the lower part the part that faces the interior of the premises.

Although there may be enough material in the studs to allow the installation of baseboards without significantly impairing the strength and structural integrity of the studs and thus the window, this is less likely to be the case when the window is configured as a conventional sash window in which the two sashes move vertically between open and closed positions. In such a situation, it is often preferable to mount the sensor on the fixed frame, with one sensor for each pane, and each pane incorporating a magnet for a respective sensor.

Of course, instead of mounting a single sensor unit on the mating rails of the two sashes, as shown in figures 3 and 4, one sensor unit and its corresponding magnet could be arranged on each side of the window, in such a way that so that a sensor is provided for each of the two leaves (sliding units), for example, in the positions indicated by the dashed rectangles 45 in Figure 3. In fact, the preferred arrangement is to mount each sensor unit on one element fixed interior of the frame, even though it requires the use of two sensor unit installations instead of just one. This is in part because, with the position of the sensor unit(s) fixed, the RF performance of the sensor unit(s) RF transmitter is likely to be more coherent, reducing the variability in signal strength seen by the surveillance system controller. In addition, the electronic components of the sensor unit are less likely to be subjected to repeated mechanical shocks and jolts than if they were mounted on a moving part that could be slammed open or slammed shut. Preferably, the side mounted sensor units are located away from the hinges and the locks/latches, in order to preserve the structural integrity of the frame and the corresponding part of the window.

Figure 5a schematically shows, in cross-section, a detail of how a skirting can be retained within a door or window element according to one embodiment of the invention. A socket 60, which may be a first or a second socket, is shown here in section inserted into an opening in a window or door portion 62, portion 62 also shown in section. The socket 60 is received within the portion 62, and the recess 64 of the socket 60 faces outwardly, away from the portion 62. The open end of the recess 64 is bordered by a ridge 66 on each side of the socket, which conceals the edges of the opening formed in the window/door portion 62. The extension of the flange may not be the same for all four sides of the socket, for example the first socket, which is used to receive the sensor unit, may be in the shape of an elongated rectangle, with two long sides separated by two ends shorter, and a rim may be provided on all four sides such that the edges of the opening in the socket receiving part are hidden by the rim. With such an arrangement, the flange portions at the two shorter ends may extend further than the flange portions at the long sides, and additional fixing means, for example a screw or rivet, may be provided on each. of the flange portions at the two shorter ends to fix the skirting to the window/door part. Examples of such a configuration are shown in Figures 6 and 7, described below.

Turning now to Figure 5a, it can be seen that the socket 60 includes, on each side, a protrusion 68 which extends from the socket 60 to the bottom of the part 62, such that the edges of the part 62 defining the opening are located between a boss 68 and a flange portion 66. The bosses 68 are designed to provide a press fit of the skirting to the window/door portion, so that once the skirting has been inserted into the part it is difficult, or even impossible, to remove the socket without damaging it or the part into which it was inserted, particularly if the socket contains a sensor unit or a magnet. In general, it is preferable to provide what can be considered a multi-tab snap-fit arrangement, as shown schematically in Figure 5b, rather than a single continuous snap-fit feature on each side of the socket. A snap-fit arrangement of several such tabs is shown in Figure 5b, which is a schematic perspective view of a longitudinal portion of such a socket. The socket is provided with 2 snap tabs 68 shown on the nearest long face, although in practice many more snap tabs can be provided on each outer long face. It may be preferable, if a socket press-fit arrangement is used for the sensor unit, to provide press-fit features only on the short faces, as this can help minimize the effective width of the socket body you require be accommodated in the window/door portion: This can particularly be a problem if the door/window portion includes internal ribs or other features that may interfere with the press-fit characteristics. Optionally, snap fits may be provided on the long sides only, the short sides only, or even all four sides, although this is less preferred. And, of course, a snap-fit arrangement of any kind can be provided on both types of the socket, and not just on the sockets for receiving a sensor unit.

Figure 6 shows examples of sockets, sensor units, and packaged magnets for use with the sensor units. Shown generally as 600 is a sensor unit 602 partially received in a socket 604. Socket 604 includes substantial flanges or "ears" 608 at each end, and each ear includes a through hole 610 for receiving a screw, or other fastener, for mounting. secure the skirting to the part of the window or door in which it is inserted. Non-metallic fasteners are preferably used to secure the skirting boards to the door or window to prevent them from contributing to RF attenuation and scattering. In addition, although not readily visible in the image, each end of the skirting board includes an optional 611 snap-fit feature which ensures that, once installed in a properly sized opening in a portion of the door or window, it will not You can easily remove the plinth without damage. Preferably, once installed it is not possible to remove a skirting board with a magnet or sensor unit inside it (in the corresponding skirting type) without destroying the socket or significantly damaging the window/door. Each ear 608 may also include a pair of upstanding flange structures 612, as shown, with each flange including a protrusion that cooperates with corresponding flange portions 614 at the bottom of a cap 616. Each cap includes a protrusion or a tab 618 which serves to retain sensor unit 602 in place within socket 604, as best seen in the assembly shown as 620. Also visible in the two assemblies shown as 600 and 620 are cutouts 617 which are formed approximately in the midpoint of each long side of the socket, at the top edge of the socket, and which allow a sensor unit to be grasped within the socket between a finger and thumb, such that the sensor unit can be removed to allow replacement of the battery.

Figure 6 also shows two magnet/socket assemblies, indicated generally as 640. As best seen in the assembly to the right of the figure, socket 642 is provided with snap-fit tabs 644 at each end, and these cooperate with the material surrounding the opening in which the skirting board is installed when it is mounted in a window or door. The socket also includes flanges or ears 646 at each end, and also optionally a narrow flange along each of the long sides. These ridges prevent the plinth from being completely swallowed by the opening that receives it, and also serve to hide the edges of the opening. As can be seen, the socket 642 for the magnet 648 has open sides, which is optional, but preferred because it can help eliminate potential problems when the socket is injection molded, and also makes it easier to house the magnet within a footprint. smaller. Conveniently, both types of socket can be formed by injection molding using a suitable technical plastic, such as ABS, HDPE, polypropylene, polycarbonate, HDPC or a polyamide. As mentioned above, selection of a UV resistant formulation or polymer blend, optionally including one or more UV stabilizers, is preferred due to the likelihood of baseboards being exposed to direct sunlight. or indirect when the window/door they are mounted on is open. Although the sockets could possibly be made of a metal, such as an aluminum alloy, it is much less preferable than the use of a plastic material, largely due to the likely much greater attenuation of the RF signals transmitted by the receiver unit. sensor, which is an important consideration unless an external antenna is used to radiate the transmitter signals from the sensor unit. Indeed, even when selecting a plastic material for the plinth, it makes sense to consider its RF properties, especially its transparency. From this point of view, poly(p-phenylene oxide) or poly(p-phenylene ether) mixed preferably with polystyrene or with a styrene-butadiene copolymer or with a polyamide, is potentially very attractive due to its low attenuation in the RF frequencies of interest, these frequencies may be in the sub-Gigahertz European ISM band (or equivalent in other territories), or in the 2.4GHz ISM band (used for Zigbee, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi). Phi).

The "working" face 650 of the magnet, which is either a north pole or a south pole of the magnet, is shown above in the magnet/socket assembly shown on the left of the figure. It is also appreciated that the figure shows the encapsulated magnet. The potting preferably comprises a rigid or substantially rigid plastic material, and preferably one chosen to provide a low-friction interaction with the material used to form socket 642, so that magnet 648 can be easily inserted into socket 642. For example, the socket can be made of polycarbonate and the magnet encased in a PTFE polymer shell. It is highly desirable, although not essential, that the potted magnet be a tight sliding fit in the socket. Similarly, it is highly desirable that the sensor unit slides firmly into its socket, as this can eliminate "noise" in the sensing system, and also help ensure good transfer to the shock sensor (if usa) from any mechanical impact to which the door or window is subjected. However, it should be noted that although it is unlikely that the magnet will need to be removed from its socket once installed, the sensor unit is battery powered and therefore will likely need to be removed from the magnet periodically. its socket to be able to change the battery(ies). To facilitate the introduction of a sensor unit in its socket, as well as its removal from the socket, it is helpful to ensure that the socket includes one or more openings or vents at or near the base of the socket (if the socket is not open sided) , so that air can be displaced from the socket cavity when inserting the sensor assembly, and air can enter the cavity when removing the sensor unit.

Figure 7 corresponds generally to Figure 6, but shows an open sided socket 700 that effectively only has full walls 702 at each short end, but not along the long sides. Instead, each of the long sides includes two protruding ribs or wall sections 704. These ribs or wall sections 704 extend from the base 706, are substantially the same length (or height) as the height of the end walls 702, such that their upper ends will abut the periphery of the opening in the wall. that the socket will be received. In this manner, the ribs 704 serve both to guide the sensor unit within the socket and to prevent it from being inadvertently inserted into an interior door or window void outside the bounds of the socket; in short, the presence of the ribs facilitates the correct placement of a sensor unit. Furthermore, by using ribs instead of full sidewalls, as shown in Figure 6, it may be possible to reduce the width of the space required to house the plinth and sensor unit, such that it may be possible to install a sensor unit. sensor in a narrower section of the door or window. This can be further facilitated by reducing the thickness of the ribs so that they extend as little as possible beyond the width of the socket recess, so that the ribs fulfill their locating/retaining function. As with the sockets shown in Figure 6, the socket 700 includes snap-fit elements on each short end, as well as the cap and plug features described with reference to Figure 6.

It is contemplated that the manufacturer of the doors/windows will machine the openings according to the aspects of the invention to receive the first and second skirting boards, based on the knowledge of the internal structure of the elements in which the skirting boards will be installed, the proper socket locations on the finished window/door, and knowledge of proximity requirements dictated by choice of magnet and sensor. Machining could best be carried out before the relevant components are assembled to make the sash/frame/closure assembly or frame, as this has the advantage of greater freedom to position the workpiece for machining, or the machining could be done after the manufacture of the leaf/frame/closure assembly but before the sash/frame/closure assembly is assembled to the frame. If machining is done before the relevant components are assembled to make the sash/frame/closing assembly or sash, it may be practical to apply internal or external protective or decorative finishes to enhance the durability of the finished window or door, which constitutes an advantage.

Machining can also be done before or after glazing windows or doors. By machining before the units are glazed, the risk of expensive glazing units being damaged during machining is eliminated, and in addition, the units will generally be much lighter and therefore easier to handle than when they are glazed.

It is also contemplated that the window/door manufacturer may insert the skirting boards before the windows/doors are packed for shipment (assuming they will not be built on site). Thus, one aspect of the invention is a door or window that includes a plinth already installed to receive a sensor unit and packaged for transportation or shipment. Typically, such a packaged door or window will not include a sensor unit located within the plinth. If the door or window is to be used with a magnetic sensor, the packaged door or window may already have the corresponding magnet installed (with or without the use of a magnet socket). Alternatively, the packaged door or window will include neither a sensor nor a magnet for use in conjunction with a sensor, but will include a socket for each receiving a sensor and a magnet. Of course, if a door or window installation uses only a shock sensor instead of a magnetic sensor (for example, a shock sensor that uses an accelerometer, but without a magnetically activated sensor), which is a contemplated option for various aspects of the invention, there would be no need for a second socket - only one socket could be provided and that would be for the shock sensor unit. Again, it is preferable that the outlet be installed by the window or door manufacturer.

It is contemplated that door and window sockets according to aspects of the invention will be provided with sensors and magnets, as necessary, only after the doors/windows have been installed. This prevents inadvertent damage to sensor units during window/door installation, and reduces the risk of sensors and magnets being lost or stolen during installation and subsequent room fittings.

Sensors are preferably only installed at the stage when the corresponding surveillance system is installed/commissioned, as this offers the advantage that the performance of the door/window sensor in combination with the surveillance system can be optimized. surveillance, for example, by adjusting the radio frequency settings of the system controller and, optionally, of the sensor unit (which may include a transceiver to also receive signals and commands from the control unit, rather than just a transmitter).

Optionally, however, the sensor (and magnet, if required) can be installed on the window or door prior to door installation.

Figure 8 schematically shows a possible arrangement of the components of a sensor unit 900 according to one aspect of the invention. The unit 900 comprises a housing 902. A printed circuit board, pcb, 906 carries the circuitry and functional components of the sensor unit, including a processor 908, a first magnetic sensor 910 which may be a reed relay or equivalent, or a more sophisticated sensor such as a magnetometer, a shock sensor (for example, an accelerometer) 912, an RF transmitter or, more preferably, a transceiver 914, an antenna array 916, and a memory 918. In this figure, the base is indicated by the number 913.

While the first magnetic sensor is indicated to be located towards or adjacent to the top of the sensor unit to accommodate the mutual arrangement of the magnet and sensor shown in particular in Figures 6 and 7, it may be placed elsewhere on the sensor unit to accommodate a different positional relationship between the sensor unit and a magnet. Optionally, as shown in Figure 8, the sensor unit may include more than one magnetic sensor (eg more than one reed switch). The figure shows such an arrangement, with a second magnetic sensor (for example, a reed switch or magnetometer) 923 positioned adjacent to one end of the sensor unit for use in conjunction with a magnet disposed near that end. of the sensor. When a sensor unit that has more than one magnetic sensor (for example, as shown in figure 8) is linked to a particular monitoring installation, the sensor unit is configured, for example, from the central unit of the installation monitoring, to use only the appropriate sensor of the magnetic sensors and ignore the others. Alternatively, said sensor unit may be configured to use the magnetic sensor that first responds to the presence of a magnet, and to ignore any other magnetic sensors unless reset.

Housing 902 also includes a battery power supply 903, for example, a pair of AAA alkaline batteries 905. The antenna array is preferably formed on and carried by pcb 906, and may, for example, be formed on a conductive layer of the pcb.

The pcb can be arranged in such a way, and the unit housing configured or marked in such a way, that, once the sensor unit has been correctly installed in the socket, the antenna is at the open end of the socket in instead of being towards the bottom of the socket recess. In this way, undesirable attenuation of the RF signals from the sensor unit is likely to be reduced.

RF transmitter or transceiver 914 preferably operates in an ISM frequency band for which low-power devices are readily available, such as the appropriate European sub-gigahertz ISM band (or equivalent in other territories), for example , the 863-870Mhz band. Optionally, the RF transmitter or transceiver operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, for example using a protocol such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.

Figure 9 schematically shows the relationship between the main components of a sensor module. It has already been presented to you at least in figure 8 and in its description. However, the processor and transmitter/transceiver may be included in a single common module 950, rather than being two separate units. In this figure, the second magnetic sensor 923 and the shock sensor 912 are presented as optional.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main elements of a security surveillance system installation 1000 according to one aspect of the invention. A premises, which may be a domestic premises or a small commercial premises, is protected by a surveillance system or installation, which may be called a security surveillance system, and in which a controller or a central unit 1010 are in radio frequency communication with several sensors/detectors/cameras distributed throughout the premises. In the event that an incident occurs while the monitoring system is in the armed state, the central unit 1010 sends an alarm communication to a remote monitoring station 1020 which may also be referred to as a central monitoring station. The surveillance station preferably includes human operators who, after viewing the images/videos supplied by the central unit 1010, can react to alarm notifications involving the police, private security personnel or others, as appropriate. The central unit is preferably connected to the Internet 1025 both by a wired broadband connection 1030 (optionally via Wi-Fi between the central unit 1000 and a local router) and through one or more RF connections, optionally including a 4G or 5G connection. The central monitoring station 1020 is connected to the Internet and to a PLMN, represented by the antenna 1021.

The installation includes doors 1040 and windows 1050, each of which includes a magnetic sensor, 1055, as described above, to detect when a door/window is opened, and each of which optionally includes a shock sensor, as described above, to detect impacts caused by attempts to force an entry into the premises or an attempt to break a door or window. The facility may include at least one internal video camera 1060, preferably arranged to monitor the main entrances, eg, the front and back doors, of the premises. There may also be one or more external video cameras. The cameras (which may include cameras for capturing individual images rather than video) include or are associated with a motion or presence sensor, which may be arranged to trigger image capture should motion or presence be detected. The installation may also include microphones, optionally associated with one or more cameras. It is preferable that each of the sensors is battery powered and that each sensor includes an RF transmitter or transceiver to communicate with the central unit 1000. RF communication within the facility may be used in the European ISM band of sub-gigahertz (or its equivalent in other territories), for example in the 863-870Mhz range, for which low-power transceivers are readily available, although the camera(s) may also have the ability to transmit images, in particular video, to the central unit using WiFi or some other high-bandwidth channel. One or more of the video cameras can also be mains powered, with a backup battery, especially if the camera is used for surveillance and not just capturing sporadic incidents. In some applications, it may be desirable to operate in the 2.4 GHz ISM band using protocol such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi).

Although the disclosure has focused on the idea that a door or window manufacturer installs in door or window elements sockets to receive a sensor unit (including one or the other of a shock sensor and a sensor activated magnetically, or both), it will be appreciated that the manufacturer could simply preform or machine conveniently located openings in the elements to receive sockets in order to receive a sensor unit (and a magnet, if required), leaving it to the installer of the surveillance system the installation of the appropriate baseboards. Corresponding openings would preferably be closed (and optionally sealed) with blind plugs or other alternative closures, installed by the manufacturer, and only removable by the installer when installing a sensor (and magnet, if required). This alternative of installing blind plugs or other closures, instead of sockets, can, of course, be applied to any of the previous alternatives and embodiments, and all such combinations are contemplated, insofar as they are possible.

Claims (11)

1. A window system including a window with an integrated impact detection system ready to be installed in a wall of a building, the impact detection system including a sensor unit substantially enclosed within a structural element of the system window, the sensor unit including a housing, a shock sensor, a microprocessor and an RF transmitter, and wherein the microprocessor is configured, when activated, to respond to detection of an impact by the shock sensor by controlling the RF transmitter to transmit a crash alert signal to a surveillance system controller. 2. The window system of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is releasably mounted in a socket that is an insert mounted in the structural member. 3. A window system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a magnet and a magnetically activated position sensor, wherein the magnet and the position sensor are carried by two window elements of the window system which they are relatively movable, the window elements being relatively movable from an open position to a closed position, and the position sensor being configured to determine whether the relatively movable window elements are in the open or closed positions. 4. The window system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the magnetically activated position sensor is mounted in the housing of the sensor unit. 5. A window system including a window with an integrated sensor unit including a magnetically activated position sensor, the window system being configured to be installed in a wall of a building, the sensor unit being substantially enclosed within a structural element of the window system, the sensor unit including a housing, the magnetically activated position sensor, a microprocessor and an RF transmitter, the system further comprising a magnet for activating the magnetically activated position sensor, wherein the magnet and the position sensor are carried by two relatively movable window elements of the window system, the window elements being relatively movable from an open position to a closed position, and the position sensor being configured to determine whether the elements relatively window mobiles are in the open or closed positions, and wherein the microprocessor is configured, when activated, to respond to detection by the magnetically activated position sensor of the window being opened by controlling the RF transmitter to transmit an alert to a controller of a surveillance system. 6. The window system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor unit is releasably mounted within a socket in the structural element. 7. The window system according to claim 6, wherein the socket is an insert in the structural element. 8. The window system according to claim 7, wherein the insert is an injection molded one. The window system according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the insert is made of a plastic material that has low attenuation for the radio frequencies used by the RF transmitter. 10. The window system of claim 9, wherein the radio frequencies used by the RF transmitter are in the sub-Gigahertz ISM band, the 2.4 Gigahertz ISM band, or both. 11. The window system according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the insert is made of a material selected from the group comprising: ABS, HDPE, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamide; or is made from a poly(p-phenylene oxide) or a poly(p-phenylene ether) mixed with one of the following: polystyrene, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, a polyamide.