Patent Description:
The intercom and video intercom systems, which are widely known by themselves, are configured to allow communication between different units, usually fixed, arranged within a building. In particular, in its most usual form, the intercom system comprises at least one common device (hereinafter referred to as "outdoor unit"), set up outside the building or in any case in a freely accessible area and a plurality of devices (briefly referred to as "indoor units") installed inside the building. For the indoor units of the intercom systems, the configuration that provides a base and a removable handset for communication is widely known. In a manner known per se, the base comprises a seat for the handset and a sensor configured for detecting the presence of the handset in the seat.

When an indoor unit detects that its handset is hung up to its seat, the indoor unit is in a "standby" configuration. When all the indoor units of a system detect that their handsets are hung up to their respective seats, the system is in a "free" configuration, that is, it is ready to start communication between the outdoor unit and any of the indoor units. In other words, if a user accesses the outdoor unit, he can send a call to any indoor unit, which will activate its own ringtone to signal the incoming call. If a user accesses the indoor unit that has received the call and picks up the handset to answer the call, the indoor unit switches into the "working" configuration. If any indoor unit switches into a working configuration, the system as a whole switches into a "busy" configuration and momentarily prevents any other communication.

The indoor units are usually configured for being mounted on the wall, in an upright position. For this reason, the seat usually comprises one or more hooks that allow the handset to be kept in the correct position inside its seat and prevent it from falling by gravity.

In the indoor units of the prior art, two different types of sensor are commonly employed to detect the presence of the handset. A first sensor is of a mechanical type and comprises a button, movable under the effect of a spring, which protrudes inside the seat of the handset. When the handset is picked up from its seat, it frees the button which, since it is pushed by the spring, moves and closes a circuit; in this way communication with the system and in particular with the outdoor unit is activated. The indoor unit switches into the working configuration and the entire system switches into the busy configuration. Conversely, when the handset is hung up back in its seat, it pushes the button against the action of the spring. In this way the circuit is opened again, interrupting communication and moving the indoor unit to the standby configuration and the entire system to the free configuration.

A different solution envisages using a Hall sensor, configured for detecting the presence of a magnet provided in the handset. When the handset is picked up from its seat, the magnet moves away from the Hall sensor and this closes the circuit activating the communication. Conversely, when the handset is hung up back in its seat, the magnet is again brought closer to the Hall sensor that opens the circuit again, interrupting communication.

Although widely appreciated, indoor units of known type are not without disadvantages. In fact, in both known solutions, they are subject to relatively frequent malfunctions.

In the indoor units using the mechanical type sensor, it may happen that at the end of the conversation the repositioning of the handset is not correctly detected. In fact, it may happen that the user hangs the handset up in an incorrect way, but that the appropriate hooks still hold the handset in its seat, albeit in a precarious way. In this case, the user does not notice anything, but the button of the mechanical sensor is not pushed correctly and the circuit of the unit remains closed. The entire system thus remains in a busy configuration, preventing any further communication.

On the contrary, in the indoor units using the Hall sensor, it may happen that the removal of the handset is not correctly detected. This malfunction is relatively frequent and can result for example from electromagnetic interferences due to other devices present near the indoor unit. This type of malfunction implies that the circuit remains open even when it should be closed upon removal of the handset from the seat. Failure to close the communication circuit implies two different problems. Firstly, it does not allow any communication between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Furthermore, in the absence of a response, a second call is likely to be generated by the outdoor unit. Since the user of the indoor unit cannot immediately notice the malfunction, he is induced to keep the handset close to his ear. The indoor unit often uses the loudspeaker of the handset as a ringtone, the user therefore risks receiving the second call with the handset resting on the ear, suffering a strong discomfort.

The need is therefore felt to set up an indoor intercom unit that allows to prevent these malfunctions.

Aim of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, a task of the present invention is to make available an indoor unit for an intercom system that allows to immediately make evident to the user the possible incorrect positioning of the handset.

Furthermore, a task of the present invention is to make available an intercom system that allows to avoid the continuation of the busy configuration beyond the desired time.

These and other objects and tasks of the present invention are achieved by an indoor unit for an intercom system and an intercom system incorporating the features of the appended claims, which form an integral part of the present disclosure.

In accordance with a first aspect, the invention concerns an indoor unit for an intercom system comprising:.

Furthermore, in the indoor unit of the invention:.

Thanks to the particular structure of the indoor unit of the invention, the user immediately notices if the handset is not correctly hung up in the seat, because in this case the correct interaction between the two magnetically active elements is not established and the handset is not stable in its seat.

Preferably the seat is configured for housing the handset in a predefined position.

The presence of a predefined position of the handset in the seat helps the user in correctly hanging up the handset, thus ensuring that the two magnetically active elements approach each other, so as to establish the correct interaction between them.

In accordance with some embodiments, the seat defines a longitudinal axis l, a transversal axis t and an axis a of approach/removal of the handset, wherein l, t and a are perpendicular to each other.

Preferably the seat defines a shape constraint preventing the handset from translating in the directions of axes l and t, when the handset is placed in the seat, preferably in the predefined position. Advantageously, the shape constraint allows the handset to translate in the direction of axis a, when the handset is placed in the seat.

This shape constraint allows to very precisely define the predefined position of the handset in the seat, while allowing the user to easily remove the handset.

Preferably the interaction between the magnetically active element of the base and the magnetically active element of the handset is suitable for constraining the handset in the direction of approach/removal of the handset with respect to the base, when the handset is placed in the seat, preferably in the predefined position.

Preferably the magnetically active element of the base is configured for mechanically acting on the switch.

This solution makes it possible to avoid the typical malfunctions of the Hall sensors of the prior art.

Preferably the magnetically active element of the base is configured for moving due to interaction with a second magnetically active element outside of the base. Typically the magnetically active element of the base moves due to interaction with the magnetically active element of the handset.

Preferably the magnetically active element of the base acts on the switch through the interposition of a kinematic mechanism. The presence of the kinematic mechanism allows to place the switch more freely inside the base and/or to modulate force and displacement differently from how they are achieved by the magnetically active element.

In a second aspect, the invention concerns an intercom system comprising at least one outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit in accordance with what is described above.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more evident from the description of the accompanying drawings.

The invention is described hereinbelow with reference to certain examples provided by way of non-limiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings illustrate different aspects and embodiments of the present invention and reference numerals illustrating structures, components, materials and/or similar elements in different drawings are indicated by similar reference numerals, where appropriate. Moreover, for clarity of illustration, certain references may not be repeated in all drawings.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described hereinbelow in detail. It must in any case be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated, but, on the contrary, the invention intends covering all the modifications, alternative and equivalent constructions that fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

The use of "for example", "etc.", "or" indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise indicated. The use of "comprises" and "includes" means "comprises or includes, but not limited to", unless otherwise indicated.

The invention is intended to be used in the presence of acceleration due to gravity g. In the following discussion, it is understood that the acceleration due to gravity g unambiguously defines the vertical direction and, consequently, the horizontal directions. Furthermore, the terms "high", "above", "upper" and the like are considered to be uniquely defined in relation to the terms "low", "below", "lower" and the like, based on the acceleration due to gravity g.

In accordance with a first aspect, the invention concerns an indoor unit for an intercom system, indicated with <NUM> in the accompanying figures. The indoor unit <NUM> in accordance with the invention comprises:.

Furthermore, in the indoor unit <NUM> of the invention:.

Preferably the indoor unit <NUM> in accordance with the invention also comprises other elements well known to the skilled person. Such elements will be described only briefly below because they are not closely related to the structure and operation of the invention. For example, the base <NUM> may advantageously comprise one or more of the following elements: a connection to a communication circuit <NUM> of an intercom system <NUM>, one or more door opener buttons <NUM>, a screen <NUM> for reproducing a video signal, one or more auxiliary operating devices such as buttons for turning on lights (not shown). Still, the handset <NUM> advantageously comprises a microphone <NUM> and a loudspeaker <NUM> for audio communication. The handset <NUM> and the base <NUM> are preferably connected together by a cable <NUM>; <FIG> and <FIG> schematically show the cable <NUM>, while in the other figures the cable <NUM> is not shown for simplicity's sake. In accordance with other embodiments, the handset <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be connected together by a wireless communication system. Still, the indoor unit <NUM> advantageously comprises a ringtone which, depending on the embodiments, can be placed in the base <NUM> or can exploit the loudspeaker <NUM> of the handset <NUM>.

In accordance with some embodiments, both the magnetically active elements <NUM>, <NUM>, that of the handset <NUM> and that of the base <NUM>, are magnets, preferably permanent magnets. In accordance with other embodiments, only one of the two magnetically active elements <NUM>, <NUM>, or that of the handset <NUM> or that of the base <NUM>, is a magnet, preferably a permanent magnet, while the other magnetically active element is a ferromagnetic mass.

Advantageously the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> is movable between a standby position in which it keeps the switch <NUM> open, and a working position in which it closes the switch <NUM>. Preferably the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> is configured for mechanically acting on the switch <NUM>, through its movement. In particular, the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> is configured for moving from the working position to the standby position thanks to the interaction with a second magnetically active element external to the base <NUM>, typically the magnetically active element <NUM> of the handset <NUM>.

Preferably, the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> comprises a recall element (not visible in the figures) which tends to bring it from the standby position to the working position.

The magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> acts mechanically on the switch <NUM> and can act directly as schematically shown in <FIG>, or it can act through the interposition of a kinematic mechanism <NUM>, for example to allow a freer placement of the switch <NUM> in the base <NUM>, or to vary the extent of the force and of the displacement with respect to those obtained directly by the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

In accordance with the embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying figures, the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> acts on the switch <NUM> through a double rocker kinematic mechanism <NUM> which will be described in greater detail below.

As the skilled person can well understand, when the handset <NUM> is correctly hung up in its seat <NUM>, the magnetically active element <NUM> of the handset <NUM> attracts the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> to itself, bringing it into the standby position and keeping the switch <NUM> open (see in this regard the diagram of <FIG>). When, on the other hand, the handset <NUM> is removed from the seat <NUM>, and therefore in the absence of magnetic interaction, the action of the recall element spontaneously returns the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> to the working position, closing the switch <NUM> (see in this regard the diagram of <FIG>).

The recall element preferably exploits a form of energy storage in potential form. By way of example, the recall element may comprise a spring or a mechanism actuated by a mass exerting the recall action by gravity.

The switch <NUM> for opening/closing a communication circuit <NUM>, arranged in the base <NUM>, causes the passage of the indoor unit <NUM> from the standby configuration to the working configuration and vice versa. Consequently, the same switch <NUM> causes the passage of the entire intercom system <NUM> from the free configuration to the busy configuration.

Preferably the seat <NUM> is configured for housing the handset <NUM> in a predefined position. In some embodiments, the seat <NUM> defines a longitudinal axis l, a transversal axis t and an axis a of approach/removal of the handset <NUM>, wherein l, t and a are perpendicular to each other (see in this regard <FIG>).

The indoor unit <NUM> of the invention is intended to be installed, preferably in a fixed manner, with the axis t substantially horizontal, i.e. horizontal except for the unavoidable assembly inaccuracies. In most cases, the indoor unit <NUM> of the invention is installed with the axis l substantially vertical, i.e. vertical except for the unavoidable assembly inaccuracies (see for example <FIG>). This configuration, which is obtained with the wall installation, is certainly the most common, but nothing prevents installing the indoor unit <NUM> of the invention with the axis l deliberately inclined with respect to the vertical, for example with installation on a console, or even with the horizontal axis l, for example with installation on a table.

Preferably, the seat <NUM> defines a shape constraint that prevents the handset <NUM> from translating in the directions of axes l and t, when the handset <NUM> is placed in the seat <NUM>. In accordance with some embodiments, the shape constraint allows the handset <NUM> to translate in the direction of axis a, when the handset <NUM> is placed in the seat <NUM>. In these embodiments, it is the interaction between the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> and the magnetically active element <NUM> of the handset <NUM> that constrains the handset <NUM> in the direction of axis a (i.e. in the direction of approach/removal of the handset <NUM> with respect to the base <NUM>), when the handset <NUM> is placed in the seat <NUM>.

The shape constraint between the seat <NUM> and the handset <NUM> may be defined in different ways depending on the embodiments. Typically, the seat <NUM> can assume a shape at least partially complementary to that of the handset <NUM>, such that the handset <NUM> can be inserted into the seat <NUM> with a translation along axis a.

In accordance with the embodiment of the invention represented in <FIG> and <FIG>, the shape constraint is partially defined by an upper shelf <NUM> and by a lower protrusion <NUM>, both provided in the seat <NUM>. The upper shelf <NUM> has a shape complementary to a slot <NUM> provided in the handset <NUM>. In the specific case, the upper shelf <NUM> has a shape complementary to the slot <NUM> provided in the handset <NUM> at the loudspeaker <NUM>. The lower protrusion <NUM> has a shape complementary to a recess <NUM> provided in the handset <NUM>. In this specific case, the lower protrusion <NUM> has a shape complementary to the recess <NUM> provided in the handset <NUM> at the microphone <NUM>.

As can be noted from the accompanying figures, in particular from Figures <NUM> and <FIG>, the particular shape of the upper shelf <NUM> and of the lower protrusion <NUM>, cause that, when the handset <NUM> is arranged in the seat <NUM>, by cooperating respectively with the slot <NUM> and with the recess <NUM> of the handset <NUM>, a shape constraint is generated that prevents the handset <NUM> from translating in the directions of axes l and t, and that allows the handset <NUM> to translate in the direction of axis a.

As the skilled person can well understand, however, the absence of any constraint in the direction of axis a introduces an instability of the positioning of the handset <NUM> in its seat <NUM>. In fact, if the shape constraint prevents the translations along axes l and t, it cannot prevent the rotations, in particular a rotation with respect to an axis parallel to t and passing through the lower end of the handset <NUM>.

If the indoor unit <NUM> is mounted on the wall (with vertical axis l), this rotation is induced by force of gravity, because the centre of mass of the handset <NUM> is far from the seat <NUM> in the direction of axis a and therefore a momentum is generated. A small rotation of this type immediately detaches the handset <NUM> from the upper shelf <NUM> causing it to fall. The instability described is solved by the action of the magnetically active elements <NUM>, <NUM>. In fact, as mentioned above, the interaction between the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> and the magnetically active element <NUM> of the handset <NUM> is suitable for constraining the handset <NUM> in its seat <NUM>.

As the skilled person can well understand, the magnetically active elements <NUM>, <NUM> are configured in such a way that their mutual interaction generates a force that on the one hand is sufficient to constrain the handset <NUM> in its seat <NUM> and on the other hand can be easily overcome by the action of the user at the moment in which he wants to remove the handset <NUM> from the seat <NUM>.

Note that the same magnetic interaction that constrains the handset <NUM> in its seat <NUM> also moves the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> such that it acts on the switch <NUM>. In particular, when the handset <NUM> is correctly hung up in the seat <NUM>, the two magnetically active elements <NUM>, <NUM> attract each other with the dual effect of keeping the switch <NUM> open and of keeping the handset <NUM> in place (<FIG>). Conversely, when the handset <NUM> is removed from the seat <NUM>, the two magnetically active elements <NUM>, <NUM> no longer interact with each other and the switch <NUM> is closed (<FIG>).

Thanks to this particular structure of the indoor unit <NUM> of the invention, the user immediately notices if the handset <NUM> is not correctly hung up in the seat <NUM>, because in this case there is no correct interaction between the two magnetically active elements <NUM>, <NUM> and the handset <NUM> is not stable in its seat <NUM>. In the widely more common case in which the axis l is substantially vertical, in the absence of the interaction between the two magnetically active elements <NUM>, <NUM> the handset <NUM> falls under the action of gravity, indicating very clearly to the user that the indoor unit <NUM> is still in a working configuration and that therefore the system <NUM> remains in a busy configuration.

The dual rocker kinematic mechanism <NUM> and its operation are described below with particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. A first rocker <NUM> holds the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> at a first end and, at the second end, opposite the first with respect to the oscillation axis, carries an actuator which is configured for acting on the second rocker <NUM>. The second rocker <NUM>, operated at a first end by the first rocker <NUM>, acts through the second end on the switch <NUM>.

In these embodiments, the recall element may comprise one or more springs placed along the kinematic mechanism <NUM>. For example, a torsional spring may be provided around the oscillation axis of the first rocker <NUM>, in addition or alternatively a torsional spring may be provided around the oscillation axis of the second rocker <NUM>, in addition or alternatively a spring may be provided which acts on the switch <NUM> pushing it towards the working configuration.

When the handset <NUM> is correctly hung up in its seat <NUM>, the two magnetically active elements <NUM>, <NUM> interact with each other moving as closely as possible, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. In this configuration, the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> is retained in the standby position and the concatenated action of the two rockers <NUM>, <NUM> acts on the switch <NUM> while also keeping it in the standby configuration (<FIG>).

When instead the handset <NUM> is removed from the seat <NUM> (compare <FIG>) the interaction between the magnetically active elements <NUM>, <NUM> is interrupted and therefore the recall element brings the magnetically active element <NUM> of the base <NUM> into the working position (<FIG>). Consequently, the concatenated action of the two rockers <NUM>, <NUM> acts on the switch <NUM> also bringing it into the working configuration (<FIG> and <FIG>).

In accordance with a second aspect, the invention concerns an intercom system <NUM> comprising at least one outdoor unit <NUM> and at least one indoor unit <NUM> in accordance with what is described above.

Within the scope of this discussion, only the technical characteristics of the indoor unit <NUM> and of the system <NUM> that are closely related to the invention have been described in depth. As the skilled person can well understand, for all the other technical characteristics, by themselves widely known, of the system <NUM>, of the indoor unit <NUM> and of the outdoor unit <NUM>, the description given in the introductory part of this discussion with reference to the solutions of the prior art remains valid.

As the person skilled can well understand, the invention overcomes the drawbacks highlighted above in relation to the prior art.

In particular, the invention provides an indoor unit <NUM> for an intercom <NUM> system <NUM> that allows to immediately make evident to the user the possible incorrect positioning of the handset <NUM>.

Furthermore, the invention makes available an intercom system <NUM> that allows to avoid the continuation of the busy configuration beyond the desired time.

Claim 1:
Indoor unit (<NUM>) for an intercom system (<NUM>), comprising:
- a handset (<NUM>) comprising a magnetically active element (<NUM>); and
- a base (<NUM>) comprising a switch (<NUM>) for opening/closing a communication circuit (<NUM>), wherein the base (<NUM>) defines a seat (<NUM>) configured for housing the handset (<NUM>), wherein:
- the seat (<NUM>) comprises a magnetically active element (<NUM>) arranged at the magnetically active element (<NUM>) of the handset (<NUM>) when the handset (<NUM>) is placed in the seat (<NUM>);
wherein the magnetically active element (<NUM>) of the base (<NUM>) is movable between two positions and is configured for opening/closing the switch (<NUM>);
and wherein the interaction between the magnetically active element (<NUM>) of the base (<NUM>) and the magnetically active element (<NUM>) of the handset (<NUM>) is suitable for constraining the handset (<NUM>) in its seat (<NUM>).