Lock and switch assemblies

The lock and switch assembly system addresses the challenge of remote door status detection in sliding doors by integrating actuatable switches and transmitters within the door and frame, ensuring secure and efficient locking and position monitoring.

GB2644674APending Publication Date: 2026-05-20ASSA ABLOY LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
GB · GB
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
ASSA ABLOY LTD
Filing Date
2024-04-12
Publication Date
2026-05-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing sliding door arrangements face challenges in providing remote determination of door leaf position and security status due to limited design envelope, particularly in thin door leaves with narrow frames.

Method used

A lock and switch assembly system where one component is installed in the panel and the other in the frame, allowing for remote signaling of door lock status and position through actuatable switches and transmitters, utilizing resiliently biased members to ensure secure and accurate locking and closing detection.

Benefits of technology

Enables remote monitoring of door leaf position and security status, ensuring secure locking and preventing unauthorized opening, while maintaining compatibility with existing door designs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An arrangement comprising a covering for an opening of a building, a lock assembly 201, and a switch assembly 600, the covering comprises a panel 103 moveable along an axis in a frame member 113, the
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Description

Field of the Invention The present invention concerns locking systems for doors and windows. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns an arrangement comprising a covering for an opening of a building, a lock assembly, and a switch assembly. The invention also concerns a lock assembly and a switch assembly. Background of the Invention A sliding door typically comprises a door leaf that is laterally translatable with respect to a door frame, as opposed to a door leaf that is hinge mounted to a frame. In a residential building such as a house, a hinged door may be used at the main entry point to the building, whereas a sliding door may be more typically used as a secondary entrance point. For example, a sliding door may be used at the rear of a house to provide access to a garden. Sliding or otherwise laterally translatable doors may of course be used in a range of scenarios. A known sliding door 1 arrangement is shown in FIG. 1. The sliding door 1 comprises a frame 2 in which a first door leaf 3 and a second door leaf 5 are slidably mounted. The sliding door 1 is of the type typically referred to as a patio door, where the bulk of each of the respective door leaves 3, 5 is formed by a double-glazed glass panel 4 which is surrounded by a relatively thin outer frame 6. The first door leaf 3 is laterally displaceable with respect to the door frame 2 between a closed position, which is shown in FIG. 1, and an open position, which is shown in FIG. 2. In the open position, an opening 7 is formed between the door frame 2 and the first door leaf 3 for entry into or exit from the building in which the sliding door arrangement 1 is installed. The second door leaf 5 may also be slidable between an open and a closed position in order to provide an opening between the second door leaf 5 and the door frame 2. Sliding door arrangements of this type are well known. Other known sliding door arrangements include so called bi-fold doors, where a plurality of door leaves are pivotally connected to one another and are configured to pivot with respect to one another as the door leaves are laterally translated with respect to the door frame. There is a desire to provide door arrangements of the type described above with functionality which enables a user to remotely determine the condition of the door leaf. For example, a user may wish to remotely determine whether a door leaf is in an open or closed position and, alternatively or additionally, whether the door leaf is secured or locked in the closed position. A problem with implementing this type of functionality is that the design envelope dictated by existing sliding door arrangements is relatively small. In particular, the door leaves 3, 5 are usually relatively thin and the outer frames 6 of the door leaves in which the glass panels 4 are mounted are relatively narrow. The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, an arrangement comprising a covering for an opening of a building, a lock assembly, and a switch assembly. The covering comprises a panel and a frame member, the panel being moveable along an axis with respect to the frame member between an open position and a closed position. One of the lock assembly and switch assembly is provided in the panel and the other of the lock assembly and switch assembly is provided in the frame member. The lock assembly comprises a main body and a bolt member which is spaced apart from the main body. The lock assembly comprises a bolt actuator associated with main body and which is mechanically coupled to the bolt member, the bolt actuator being operable to move the bolt member between a retracted position and an extended position to secure the panel to the frame member when the panel is in the closed position. The lock assembly comprises a locking mechanism having an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration in which the bolt actuator cannot be operated to move the bolt member from the extended position to the retracted position. Configuring the locking mechanism to the locked configuration causes a first switching member to extend out of a housing of the main body. The switch assembly comprises a power source, a first switch, and a transmitter. The switch assembly is positioned such that, when the panel is in the closed position and the locking mechanism is configured to the locked configuration, the first switching member actuates a first switch of the switch assembly and the switch assembly is configured to transmit a signal indicating that the first switch has been actuated. The first switch is actuated only when the locking mechanism is in the locked configuration. The transmitter is configured to transmit a signal indicating that the first switch has been actuated. By transmitting a signal that the first switch has been actuated, the switch assembly therefore effectively transmits a signal indicating that the panel is locked in the configuration in which the panel is secured to the frame member. The transmitter may comprise any suitable type of transmitter capable of transmitting a signal indicating that the first switch (and second switch, where present) has been actuated. As used herein, the term “covering for an opening of a building” should be understood to encompass doors and windows and the like, which serve to selectably cover openings in buildings by means of a panel (for example, a door leaf or window leaf) which is movably mounted within a frame. The panel may be moveable along an axis with respect to a frame member of the frame. In many embodiments, the lock assembly will be installed in the panel and the switch assembly will be installed in the frame member of the frame. However, in some embodiments, the switch assembly will be installed in the panel and the lock assembly will be installed in the frame member of the frame. Furthermore, it is also within the scope of the present invention for the frame member to form part of a second panel; for example, some embodiments of the invention may comprise a pair of sliding door leaves which are movably mounted within a frame and are movable along respective axes away from and towards one another in order to move the panels between respective open and closed positions, in such embodiments the lock assembly may be installed in a first door leaf of the pair and the switch assembly may be installed in frame member forming part of a second door leaf of the pair. The lock assembly and switch assembly must be adjacent one another when the panel is in the closed position so that the switching member of the main body actuates the first switch of the switch assembly. For example, the lock assembly may be installed at an edge of the panel that is closest to the frame member when the panel is in the closed position and the switch assembly will be installed on an edge of the frame member that is closest to the panel when the panel is in the closed position. The panel may slide or otherwise translate along an axis with respect to the frame member. In particular, the axis may be substantially orthogonal to an edge face of the panel and to an opposing edge face of the frame member such that, when the panel is moved from its open position to its closed position, the edge of the panel is moved along the axis towards the opposing edge face of the frame member. The axis may be linear or arcuate. The panel may be a door leaf, in which case the frame member may be a part or jamb of a door frame. The door leaf may be a sliding door which is laterally translatable with respect to the frame member. The door leaf may comprise a panel which is restricted to translate only along the axis. In some embodiments the panel may form part of a bifold door. In some embodiments, the covering may not be intended for human ingress or egress into a building. For example, the panel may be a window leaf, in which case the frame member may be part of the window frame. The window leaf may be a sliding window leaf. In some embodiments, the first switch may be a physically actuatable switch which is depressed or otherwise physically actuated by the switching member. For example, the first switch may be a micro switch. In other embodiments the switch may be a non-contact switch. For example, the first switch may comprise a light beam which is configured to be broken by the switching member. The first switch may be configured to be actuated by the presence of a magnetic field. For example, the first switch may be a Reed switch which is configured to be actuated by a magnet in the switching member. Alternatively, the first switch may be an inductive proximity switch configured to sense the proximity of the switching member. The main body may comprise a resiliently biased member which is resiliently biased to a position in which it extends out of the housing. Moving the panel to its closed position may cause the resiliently biased member to be pushed against its resilient bias into a depressed position in which the resiliently biased member is moved into the housing. The kinetic energy of the panel being moved from its open position to its closed position may push the resiliently biased member against its resilient bias into its depressed position as the panel moves into proximity with the frame member. For example, where the lock assembly is mounted within the panel, the resiliently biased member will abut with and be pushed against its resilient bias by the frame member or a part mounted thereto prior to the panel moving into contact with the frame member. Conversely, where the lock assembly is mounted within the frame member, the resiliently biased member will abut with and be pushed against its resilient bias by the panel or a part mounted thereto prior to the panel moving into contact with the frame member. In some embodiments, the resiliently biased member may be what is sometimes referred to as an “anti-slam plunger”, where the resilient bias provided by, for example, a spring of relatively high stiffness, which is configured to dampen the impact of the panel upon the frame member when the panel is moved to a closed position with excess force. The switch assembly may comprise a second switch positioned such that, when the panel is in the closed position, the resiliently biased member actuates the second switch. The switch assembly may be configured to transmit a signal indicating that the second switch has been actuated. The transmitter may be configured to transmit a signal indicating that the second switch has been actuated. The second switch, where present, is therefore actuated only when the panel is in the closed position. By transmitting a signal that the second switch has been actuated, the switch assembly therefore effectively transmits a signal indicating that the panel is in the closed position. Providing the switch assembly with a second switch which is actuatable by a resiliently biased member therefore provides the arrangement with the ability to transmit a signal confirming that the panel is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the second switch may be a physically actuatable switch which is depressed or otherwise physically actuated by the resiliently biased member. For example, the second switch may be a micro switch. In other embodiments the second switch may be a non-contact switch. For example, the second switch may comprise a light beam which is configured to be broken by the resiliently biased member. The second switch may be configured to be actuated by the presence of a magnetic field. For example, the second switch may be a Reed switch which is configured to be actuated by a magnet in the resiliently biased member. Alternatively, the second switch may be an inductive proximity switch configured to sense the proximity of the resiliently biased member. In some embodiments, the bolt actuator cannot be operated move to the bolt member from the retracted position to the extended position unless the resiliently biased member is in the depressed position. For example, the bolt actuator may comprise an actuating rod which is mechanically coupled to the bolt member and is configured to move the bolt member between its extended position and its retracted position, and the resiliently biased member may be configured to engage with and prevent movement of the actuating rod unless the resiliently biased member is depressed. This arrangement ensures that the bolt member can be extended only when the panel is in the closed position (unless the resiliently biased member is manually over-ridden, for example). Configuring the locking mechanism from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration may cause the first switching member to move from a first position to a second position in which the first switching member extends out of the housing of the main body. Conversely, configuring the locking mechanism from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration may cause the first switching member to move from the second position to the first second position in which the first switching member is positioned at least partially within the housing of the main body. Moving the first switching member from the first position to the second position may cause the first switching member to extend out of the housing of the main body. Moving the first switching member from the second position to the first position may cause the first switching member to retract into the housing of the main body. The lock assembly may be configurable between the locked and unlocked configurations by moving a locking slider of the locking mechanism between a first and a second position. The first switching member may form part of the locking slider. Movement of the locking slider may be configured to be effected by a cam of a cylinder lock. The cam of the cylinder lock may be configured to be moved by a key or a thumb turn, for example. The main body may be configured to receive the cylinder lock. For example, the main body may be provided with an opening having a suitable shape (e.g. a “europrofile” opening) into which a cylinder lock can be inserted. In some embodiments the main body may comprise an integrated cylinder lock. In the locked configuration of the lock assembly, the locking slider may be moved to a position in which the locking slider prevents the bolt member being moved from the extended position to a retracted position. For example, the locking slider may be configured to engage with an actuating rod which is configured to move the bolt member between its extended position and its retracted position. In some embodiments, when in the second position, the locking slider may be positioned in an aperture or slot formed in the actuating rod. The locking slider may comprise a plate portion and the first switching member. The first switching member may be a projecting portion. The projecting portion may extend from a side edge of the plate portion. The switching member may be integrally formed with the plate portion. The switching member may be attached to the plate portion. The switch assembly may comprise a removable module and a housing configured to removably receive the removable module. The removable module may comprise a transmitter. The removable module may be provided with a power source. The power source may comprise one or more batteries. The transmitter may be a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter may be configured to transmit the signal over a Wi-Fi network, for example. In some embodiments, the wireless transmitter may comprise a Bluetooth transmitter, or any other suitable type of wireless transmitter. The housing may comprise the first switch. In embodiments comprising a second switch, the housing may comprise the second switch. The housing and module may comprise complementarily arranged electrical contacts which are configured to electrically connect with one another when the module is inserted into the housing in order to electrically connect the first switch and, where present, second switch, with the transmitter and power source. The housing may comprise a switch holder comprising the first switch. In embodiments comprising a second switch, the switch holder may comprise the second switch. The switch holder may be arranged such that the first switch is positioned on an edge of the panel or frame member, opposite the first switching member. The switch holder may be arranged such that the second switch is positioned on an edge of the panel or frame member, opposite the second switching member. The switch holder may form part of a face plate of the housing. The faceplate may be provided with an aperture or slot through which the removable module is inserted. The housing may comprise a module holder which is configured to receive the removable module. The module holder may comprise opening into which the removable module is removably received. The opening may be positioned on the edge of the panel or the frame member. The module holder may extend from a rear of the face plate. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a main body suitable for use as the main body of the lock assembly of the first aspect of the invention. The main body comprises a bolt actuator which is mechanically couplable to a bolt member and comprises a part which is actuatable to move the bolt member between a retracted position and an extended position, the bolt actuator comprises an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration in which the part of the bolt actuator cannot be actuated to move the bolt member from the extended position to the retracted position, and configuring the bolt actuator to the locked configuration causes a first switching member to extend out of a housing of the main body. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a lock assembly suitable for use as the lock assembly of the first aspect of the invention. The lock assembly comprises a main body, a first actuating rod, and a first bolt member. The first actuating rod is mechanically coupled to the first bolt member and to a bolt actuator of the main body. The bolt actuator is operable to move the first actuating rod to move the first bolt member between a retracted position and an extended position. The lock assembly may comprise a second actuating road and a second bolt member. The second actuating rod may be mechanically coupled to the second bolt member and to the bolt actuator of the main body. The bolt actuator may be operable to move the second actuating rod to move the second bolt member between a retracted position and an extended position. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a switch assembly suitable for use as the switch assembly of the first aspect of the invention. The switch assembly comprises a power source, a first switch, a face portion and a transmitter, wherein the switch assembly is configured to be installed on an edge of a frame member or a panel with the face portion flush with the edge of the frame member or panel, and the switch is positioned on the face portion. It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the main body of the second aspect of the invention and the switch assembly of the fourth aspect of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the arrangement of the first aspect of the invention and vice versa. Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a prior art sliding patio door with the door leaves shown in a closed position; FIG. 2 is schematic drawing of the patio door of FIG. 1 with one of the door leaves in an open position; and FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of an arrangement comprising a lock assembly, a switch assembly, and a sliding door in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 shows the anti-slam plunger of the lock assembly in isolation; FIG. 5 is a first view illustrating the internal components of the main housing of the lock assembly; FIG. 6 is a second view illustrating the internal components of the main housing of the lock assembly; FIG. 7 shows the locking slider of the lock assembly in isolation; FIG. 8 is a third view illustrating the internal components of the main housing of the lock assembly; FIG. 9 shows the switch assembly in isolation; FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the switch assembly; FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing illustrating the electrical connection between the removable module and housing of the switch assembly; FIG. 12 shows the removable module of the switch assembly in a position in which it is removed from the housing; FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the internal components of the main housing of the lock assembly when the door leaf is in an open position; FIG. 14 shows the sensor assembly within the vertical frame member and the main housing of the lock assembly within the door leaf with the door leaf in an open position; FIG. 15 shows the configuration of the internal components of the main housing of the lock assembly when the door leaf is in a closed position with the lock mechanism in a locked configuration; FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the sensor assembly and the lock assembly when the door leaf is in a closed position with the lock mechanism in an unlocked configuration (but with the cam of the cylinder lock being rotated towards a position in which it engages with the locking slider); and FIG. 17 shows the configuration of the sensor assembly and the lock assembly when the door leaf is in a closed position with the lock mechanism in a locked configuration. Detailed Description An arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. The arrangement comprises a lock assembly 200, a switch assembly 600, and a covering for an opening of a building in the form of a sliding door 100. The sliding door 100, which is similar to the sliding door 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, comprises a frame 101 in which a first door leaf 103 and a second door leaf 105 are slidably mounted. The first door leaf 103 is laterally moveable with respect to the door frame 101 along an axis X between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, which is shown in FIG. 3, an opening 107 is formed between the door frame 101 and the first door leaf 103 for entry into or exit from the building in which the sliding door arrangement 100 is installed. The lock assembly 200 comprises a main body 201, an upper bolt member 203, and a lower bolt member 205. The upper bolt member 203 is spaced apart from the main body 201 and is situated towards the upper edge 109 of the door leaf 103. The lower bolt member 205 is spaced apart from the main body 201 and situated towards a lower edge 111 of the door leaf 103. The respective upper and lower bolt members 203, 205 are mechanically coupled to a bolt actuator 210 which is associated with the main body 201 and configured to move the bolt members 203, 205 between a retracted position and an extended position. Part of the main body 201 is shown in more detail in FIG. 5, where it can be seen that the bolt actuator 210 comprises a rotatable member 211 which is rotatably mounted within the housing 202 of the main body 201. The rotatable member 211 is formed with a square aperture 213 configured to receive a bar having a square crosssection. The rotatable member 211 is mechanically coupled to a lower actuating rod 215 and to an upper actuating rod 217 via mechanical linkages 209 such that rotation of the rotatable member 211 displaces the lower actuating rod 215 and the upper actuating rod 217 along a Y axis, the Y axis being oriented substantially vertically when the lock assembly 200 is installed within the door leaf 103. The lower actuating rod 215 is mechanically coupled to the lower bolt member 205 and the upper actuating rod 217 is mechanically coupled to the upper bolt member 203 in a manner that will be well understood by the skilled person so that the bolt actuator 210 can be operated to extend or retract the upper and lower bolt members 203, 205. The lock assembly further comprises an anti-slam plunger 219 which is configured to dampen the impact of the door leaf 103 upon the vertical frame member 113 of the door frame 101 in the event that the door leaf 103 is moved from and open position to a closed position with excess force. The anti-slam 219 plunger is also configured to prevent the bolt members 203, 205 being moved to their extended positions when the door leaf 103 is not in the closed position, which thereby prevents the door leaf 103 being moved to the closed position with the bolt members 203, 205 extended (in which case they would impact upon and possibly damage the vertical frame member 113). Anti-slam plungers will be known to the skilled person. Nevertheless, the anti-slam plunger 219 is described below for completeness. The anti-slam plunger 219, which is shown in isolation in FIG. 4, comprises a body portion 221 and a projecting portion 223 which projects from the body portion 221. The projecting portion 223 has a first part 225 which is contiguous with the body portion 221 and a second part 227 which extends from the first part 225. The first part 225 of the projecting portion 223 is therefore situated between the second part 227 and the body portion 221. The second part 227 of the projecting portion 223 has a reduced diameter, relative to the first part 225. As can be best seen in FIG. 6, the lower actuating rod 215 is formed with an elongate slot 229 that is oriented along the length of the actuating rod (i.e. along the Y axis). The width of the slot 229 is approximately equal to the width of the second part 227 of the projecting portion 223 of the anti-slam plunger 219 along the majority of the length of the slot 229. However, the slot 229 has an enlarged region 231 towards its lower end which is shaped to receive the first part 225 of the projecting portion 223 of the anti-slam plunger 219. As such, the slot 229 is configured to receive the second part 227 of the protecting portion 223 of the anti-slam plunger 219 along its entire length, whereas the first part 225 can only be received within the enlarged region 231 of the slot 229. The anti-slam plunger 219 is mounted within the housing 202 of the main body 201 with the projecting portion 223 located within the slot 229 of the lower actuating rod 215, such that a distal end 233 of the projecting portion 221 and the body portion 221 of the anti-slam plunger 219 are positioned on opposite side of the lower actuating rod 215. The anti-slam plunger 219 is resiliently biased into a position in which the projecting portion 223 is received in the slot 229 by a spring 235, which can be best seen in FIG. 5. The lock assembly 200 also comprises a locking mechanism 300 configured to prevent movement of the lower actuating rod 215 and upper actuating rod 217 when the bolts 203, 205 are in the extended position to thereby secure the door leaf 103 in the closed position. The locking mechanism 300 comprises a locking slider 301, which has been removed from the views of the main body 201 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, but which is shown in FIG. 8. The locking slider 301, which is shown in isolation in FIG. 7, comprises a plate portion 303 formed with two elongate apertures 305 and a projecting portion 307, which extends from a side edge of the plate portion 303. The projecting portion 307 projects from the plate portion 303 in a direction aligned with the direction in which the elongate apertures 305 extend, which corresponds to a substantially horizontal direction when the lock assembly 200 is in use within the door leaf 103. A lower edge of the plate portion 303 is formed with a cam receiving formation 309. The locking slider 301 is mounted upon two pins 217 which are fixed within the housing 202 of the main body 201. Each pin 217 is received in a respective one of the elongate apertures 305 of the locking slider 300 such that the locking slider 301 is slidably mounted upon the pins 217 and slidable along an X direction (i.e. perpendicular to the Y direction), which corresponds to a substantially horizontal direction when the lock assembly 200 is in use within the door leaf 103. The housing 202 of the main body 201 is formed with an opening 219 situated below the locking slider 301 which is configured to receive a cylinder lock 250 which, if present, forms part of the lock mechanism 300. The locking slider 301 is positioned such that the cam receiving formation 309 is situated adjacent the opening 219, so that when a cylinder lock 250 is installed within the opening 219, operation of the cylinder lock 250 causes the cam 251 of the cylinder lock 250 to abut with the cam receiving formation 309 to move the locking slider 301, as described in more detail below. The switch assembly 600 is shown in isolation in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. The switch assembly 600 comprises a removable module 601 and a module housing 603 configured to removably receive the removable module 601. The removable module 601 comprises a relatively slender approximately cuboidal body portion 605 which contains a PCB comprising a wireless transmitter 607. Electrical contacts 608 are positioned at an outer surface of the removable module 601. The body portion 605 is formed with recesses 609 for receiving batteries 611. The module housing 603 comprises a faceplate 613, a module holder 615 and a switch holder 617. The module holder 615 is formed by a pocket that extends from a rear of the faceplate 613, the faceplate 613 being formed with elongate slot 621 through which the removable module 601 can be inserted into the module housing 603, as shown in FIG. 12. The switch holder 617 forms part of the faceplate 613, adjacent the slot 621, and comprises a first switch 623 and a second switch 625 which are arranged adjacent to one another along the length of the faceplate 613, the length of the faceplate 613 being oriented substantially parallel with the vertical Y direction in use, as shown in FIG. 14. As can be seen in FIG. 12, the switches 623, 625 are provided with a protective impermeable switch cover 626. The switches 623, 625 are electrically connected to electrical contacts 627 provided in the module holder 615 via wires 629. The electrical contacts 627 of the module holder 615 are positioned such that they abut with the electrical contacts 608 of the removable module 601 when the removable module 601 is fully inserted into the module holder 615, as shown in FIG. 9, in order to electrically connect the switches 623, 625 with the wireless transmitter 607. The electrical connection between the removable module 601 and module housing 603 is shown schematically in FIG. 11. The switch assembly 600 is installed in an edge of the vertical frame member 113 of the door frame 101 so that the module holder 615 is contained within the vertical frame member 113 and such that the slot 621 of the faceplate 613 and the switches 623, 625 are provided at the edge surface 117 of the vertical frame member 113 that faces the respective vertical edge surface 119 of the door leaf 103. The module holder 615 may be secured to the vertical frame member by fasteners fixed through the faceplate 613, or via an adhesive, for example. The switch assembly 600 is positioned along the vertical Y direction of the vertical frame member 113 such that the first switch 623 is positioned opposite and is aligned with the projecting portion 307 of the locking slider 301 and such that the second switch 625 is positioned opposite and is aligned with the anti-slam plunger 219, as shown in FIG. 14. While the lock assembly 200 of the presently described embodiment is installed in a door leaf 103 and the switch assembly 600 is installed in the door frame 101, in other embodiments the switch assembly may instead be installed in the door leaf (or a panel of another type of covering for a building, such as a window) and the lock assembly may be installed in the frame member. The switch assembly 600 is configured to detect when the door leaf 103 is in a closed position, whether or not the door leaf 103 is secured in the closed position, and to transmit that information to a remote device via the wireless transmitter 607, as described below. When the door leaf 103 is in an open position, as shown in FIG. 3, the antislam plunger 219 is positioned with first part 225 of the projecting portion 223 located within the enlarged region 231 of the slot 229, as shown in FIG. 13 and 14. In this configuration, the lower actuating rod 215 cannot be moved because the first part 225 of the projecting portion 223 of the anti-slam plunger 219 is too wide to be moved along the slot 229, away from the enlarged region 231. The lower actuating rod 215 is coupled to movement of the upper actuating rod 217 via the mechanical linkages 209 and rotatable member 211 so when the lower actuating rod 215 is locked in place by the anti-slam plunger 219, the upper actuating rod 217 cannot be moved either. As such, the bolt members 203, 205, which are moved via the actuating rods 215, 217, can only be moved to their deployed positions when the anti-slam plunger 219 is depressed. The bolt actuator 210 therefore cannot be operated when the door leaf 103 is in an open position (unless the anti-slam plunger 219 is manually moved against the resilient bias of the spring 235). When the door leaf 103 is moved to its closed position, in the direction of the arrow C shown in FIG. 14, the anti-slam plunger 219 abuts with and depresses the second switch 625, as shown in FIG. 16, to provide the switch assembly 600 with an indication that the door leaf 103 is in the closed position. The switch assembly 600 then transmits the depressed status of the second switch 625 to a remote device. The remote device may, for example, be a central hub located within the building, or a personal device such as a smart phone or tablet. The reaction force between the antislam plunger 219 and the second switch 625 pushes the anti-slam plunger 219 against the resilient bias of the spring 235, thereby moving the first part 225 of the projecting portion 223 of the anti-slam plunger 219 out of the enlarged region 231 of the slot 229. With the first part 225 of the projecting portion 223 of the anti-slam plunger 219 moved out of the enlarged region 231 of the slot 229, the bolt actuator 210 can be operated to move the bolt members 203, 205 from their retracted positions to their extended positions. In order to move the bolt members 203, 205 from their retracted position to their extended position positions, the rotatable member 211 is rotated in an anticlockwise direction, in the frame of reference of the image shown in FIG. 5, to move the lower actuating rod 215 downwardly, in the direction L indicated in FIG. 6, and to move the upper actuating rod 217 upwardly, in an opposing direction. The bolt members 203, 205 are coupled to their respective actuating rods 215, 217 such that they are extended and retracted by movement of the actuating rods 215, 217, in manner that will be well understood by the skilled person. It will of course also be understood that, to move the bolts 203, 205 from their extended positions to their retracted positions, the rotatable member 211 is rotated in an opposite direction, which is clockwise in the frame of reference of FIG. 5. Rotation of the rotatable member 211 is effected by manual rotation of a bar having a square cross-section which is mounted within the aperture 213 of the rotatable member 211. A handle or lever will typically be attached to an end of the bar such that the bolts can be extended and retracted by manually moving the handle or lever. The bolt members 203, 205 are typically in the form of hooks or another suitable shape which engage with the vertical frame member 113 of the door frame 102 in a manner that prevents the first door leaf 103 being laterally translated away from the vertical frame member 113 of the door frame 102. The first door leaf 103 can thereby be secured to the door frame 105 when the first door leaf 103 is in the closed position by operating the bolt actuator 210 to move the bolts 203, 205 to the extended position. When the bolt members 203, 205 are in their extended positions, the lower actuating rod 215 will have been moved to the position shown in FIG. 15. The locking mechanism 300 can then be operated to secure the door leaf 3 in the closed position. With reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the cam 251 of the cylinder lock 250 is rotated into abutment with the cam-receiving formation 309 of the locking slider 301 to move the locking slider 301 substantially horizontally, along the X-direction. The locking slider 301 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 16 to the position shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 15 in which the plate portion 303 of the locking slider 301 is positioned within the slot 229 in the lower actuating rod 215. Therefore, when the locking mechanism 300 is in the locked configuration, the lower actuating rod 215 is prevented from being moved upwardly (i.e. in a direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow L in FIG. 6) by the plate portion 303 of the locking slider 301 abutting with the wall of the slot 229. The locking slider therefore prevents the lower actuating rod 215 from being moved to retract the lower bolt member 205. The locking mechanism can be configured to the unlocked configuration by rotating the cam 251 of the cylinder lock 250 in the opposite direction (clockwise as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17) to move the plate portion 303 of the locking slider 301 out of the slot 229 of the lower actuating rod 215. As can be seen in FIG. 17, configuring the locking mechanism 300 to the locked configuration moves the projecting portion 307 of the locking slider 303 to a position in which it extends out of the housing 202 of the main body 201 and in which it abuts with and depresses the first switch 623 to provide the switch assembly 600 with an indication that the door leaf 103 is secured in the closed position i.e. that the bolt members 203, 205 are in their extended positions and that the lock mechanism 300 is in the locked configuration. The switch assembly then transmits the depressed status of the first switch 623 to a remote device. Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. An arrangement comprising a covering for an opening of a building, a lock assembly, and a switch assembly, wherein:the covering comprises a panel and a frame member, the panel being moveable along an axis with respect to the frame member between an open position and a closed position;one of the lock assembly and switch assembly is provided in the panel and the other of the lock assembly and switch assembly is provided in the frame member;the lock assembly comprises a main body and a bolt member which is spaced apart from the main body;the lock assembly comprises a bolt actuator associated with main body and which is mechanically coupled to the bolt member, the bolt actuator being operable to move the bolt member between a retracted position and an extended position to secure the panel to the frame member when the panel is in the closed position;the lock assembly comprises a locking mechanism having an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration in which the bolt actuator cannot be operated to move the bolt member from the extended position to the retracted position;configuring the locking mechanism to the locked configuration causes a first switching member to extend out of a housing of the main body;the switch assembly comprises a power source, a first switch, and a transmitter;the switch assembly is configured such that, when the panel is in the closed position and the locking mechanism is configured to the locked configuration, the first switching member actuates a first switch of the switch assembly; andthe switch assembly is configured to transmit a signal indicating that the first switch has been actuated.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein:the main body comprises a resiliently biased member which is resiliently biased to a position in which it extends out of the housing; and moving the panel to its closed position causes the resiliently biased member to be pushed against its resilient bias into a depressed position in which the resiliently biased member is moved into the housing.

3. An arrangement according to claim 2, wherein:the switch assembly comprises a second switch positioned such that, when the panel is in the closed position, the resiliently biased member actuates the second switch, andthe switch assembly is configured to transmit a signal indicating that the second switch has been actuated.

4. An arrangement according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the lock assembly is configured such that the bolt actuator cannot be operated to move the bolt member from the retracted position to the extended position unless the resiliently biased member is in the depressed position.

5. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism is configured between the locked and unlocked configurations by moving a locking slider of the locking mechanism between a first position and a second position, the second position being a position in which the locking slider prevents the bolt member being moved from the extended position to the retracted position, the first switching member forms part of the locking slider.

6. An arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the bolt actuator comprises an actuating rod which is mechanically coupled to the bolt member and is configured to move the bolt member between its extended position and its retracted position; and, when in the second position, the locking slider engages with the actuating rod to prevent the bolt member being moved from its extended position to its retracted position.

7. An arrangement according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the locking slider is configured to be moved between he first position and the second position by a cam of a cylinder lock.

8. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the switch assembly comprises a removable module and a housing configured to removably receive the removable module; the removable module comprises a transmitter and a battery; and the housing comprises the first switch.

9. An arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the housing comprises a switch holder comprising the first switch, wherein the switch holder is arranged such that the first switch is positioned on an edge of the panel or frame member, opposite the first switching member.

10. An arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a module holder which is configured to receive the removable module, the module holder comprises opening into which the removable module is removably received, and the opening is positioned on the edge of the panel or the frame member.

11. A main body suitable for use as the main body of the lock assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the main body comprises a bolt actuator which is mechanically couplable to a bolt member and comprises a part which is actuatable to move the bolt member between a retracted position and an extended position, the bolt actuator has an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration in which the part of the bolt actuator cannot be actuated to move the bolt member from the extended position to the retracted position, and configuring the bolt actuator to the locked configuration causes a first switching member to extend out of a housing of the main body.

12. A switch assembly suitable for use as the switch assembly of any of claims 1 to 10, the switch assembly comprising a power source, a first switch, a face plate portion and a transmitter, wherein the switch assembly is configured to be installed on an edge of a frame member or a panel with the face plateportion flush with the edge of the frame member or panel, and the switch is positioned on the face plate portion.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:-Claims1. An arrangement comprising a covering for an opening of a building, a lock assembly, and a switch assembly, wherein:the covering comprises a panel and a frame member, the panel being slidable along an axis with respect to the frame member between an open position and a closed position;one of the lock assembly and switch assembly is provided in the panel and the other of the lock assembly and switch assembly is provided in the frame member;the lock assembly comprises a main body and a bolt member which is spaced apart from the main body;the main body comprises a bolt actuator which is mechanically coupled to the bolt member, the bolt actuator being operable to move the bolt member between a retracted position and an extended position to secure the panel to the frame member when the panel is in the closed position;the main body comprises a locking mechanism having an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration in which the bolt actuator cannot be operated to move the bolt member from the extended position to the retracted position;configuring the locking mechanism to the locked configuration causes a first switching member to extend out of a housing of the main body;the switch assembly comprises a power source, a first switch, and a transmitter;the switch assembly is configured such that, when the panel is in the closed position and the locking mechanism is configured to the locked configuration, the first switching member actuates a first switch of the switch assembly; andthe switch assembly is configured to transmit a signal indicating that the first switch has been actuated.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein:the main body comprises a resiliently biased member which is resiliently biased to a position in which it extends out of the housing; and moving the panel to its closed position causes the resiliently biased member to be pushed against its resilient bias into a depressed position in which the resiliently biased member is moved into the housing.

3. An arrangement according to claim 2, wherein:the switch assembly comprises a second switch positioned such that, when the panel is in the closed position, the resiliently biased member actuates the second switch, andthe switch assembly is configured to transmit a signal indicating that the second switch has been actuated.

4. An arrangement according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the lock assembly is configured such that the bolt actuator cannot be operated to move the bolt member from the retracted position to the extended position unless the resiliently biased member is in the depressed position.

5. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism is configured between the locked and unlocked configurations by moving a locking slider of the locking mechanism between a first position and a second position, the second position being a position in which the locking slider prevents the bolt member being moved from the extended position to the retracted position, the first switching member forms part of the locking slider.

6. An arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the bolt actuator comprises an actuating rod which is mechanically coupled to the bolt member and is configured to move the bolt member between its extended position and its retracted position; and, when in the second position, the locking slider engages with the actuating rod to prevent the bolt member being moved from its extended position to its retracted position.

7. An arrangement according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the locking slider is configured to be moved between he first position and the second position by a cam of a cylinder lock.

8. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the switch assembly comprises a removable module and a housing configured to removably receive the removable module; the removable module comprises a transmitter and a battery; and the housing comprises the first switch.

9. An arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the housing comprises a switch holder comprising the first switch, wherein the switch holder is arranged such that the first switch is positioned on an edge of the panel or frame member, opposite the first switching member.

10. An arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the housing comprises a module holder which is configured to receive the removable module, the module holder comprises opening into which the removable module is removably received, and the opening is positioned on the edge of the panel or the frame member.

11. A main body suitable for use as the main body of the lock assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the main body comprises a bolt actuator, a locking mechanism, and a first switching member; and wherein:the bolt actuator is mechanically couplable to a bolt member and comprises a part which is actuatable to move the bolt member between a retracted position and an extended position,the locking mechanism has an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration in which the bolt actuator cannot be operated to move the bolt member from the extended position to the retracted position, andconfiguring the locking mechanism to the locked configuration causes the first switching member to extend out of a housing of the main body.

12. A kit of parts comprising a lock assembly and a switch assembly, wherein the lock assembly and switch assembly are configured for installation upon a covering of a building to form the arrangement of any of claims 1 to 10.