JP7535762B2 - Intercom device and intercom system - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an intercom device and an intercom system.

A conventional intercom device is described in Patent Document 1. This intercom device includes a case, a touch panel, a liquid crystal module, and a decorative cover, and the case has an opening. The operation section of the touch panel and the display section of the liquid crystal module are positioned so as to overlap the opening when viewed from the thickness direction. The decorative cover extends in the thickness direction so as to cover the inner surface of the opening, and is fixed to the case. A pressing section provided on the front side of the decorative cover presses the periphery of the front surface of the touch panel rearward, thereby pressing the touch panel, whose rear side is supported by a support section of the case, toward the support section, and fixing the touch panel to the case.

JP 2005-117445 A

In the above intercom device, the decorative cover presses the periphery of the touch panel backward. This means that the periphery of the touch panel is likely to dent backward, creating steps in the touch panel and making it look unattractive. In addition, the decorative cover requires a pressing part that protrudes inward to press the periphery of the touch panel backward, which can easily lead to increased manufacturing costs.

The objective of this disclosure is to provide an intercom device with a touch panel that is easy to make flat, has a good appearance, and is easy to keep manufacturing costs down, as well as an intercom system equipped with the same.

In order to solve the above problems, the intercom device disclosed herein comprises a housing having a rectangular opening and a recess provided along at least two of the multiple sides defining the perimeter of the opening, an image display panel having a display section that overlaps the opening when viewed from the thickness direction and disposed inside the housing, and a touch panel whose rear surface is fixed to the bottom surface of the recess.

The rectangular opening may be any opening that appears rectangular when viewed by a human. In other words, the edges of the opening may or may not be strictly rectangular.

The intercom device disclosed herein makes it easy to make the touch panel flat, which is aesthetically pleasing and helps keep manufacturing costs down.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an intercom system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 2 is a perspective view of the master unit of the intercom system as viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2, showing the parent unit cut along a plane including the thickness direction and height direction and passing through the center in the width direction. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the touch panel is removed from the parent unit. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2, showing the parent unit cut along a plane including the width direction and thickness direction and passing through the upper side in the height direction. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the parent unit when cut along a plane including the width direction and thickness direction and passing through a hole portion through which light from the light-emitting portion passes. FIG. FIG. 7A is a plan view of the touch panel of the parent unit as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 7B is a plan view of the touch panel to which the power supply members are connected as viewed from the rear side. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a modified parent unit taken along a plane including the width and thickness directions and passing through the upper side in the height direction. FIG.

The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, when multiple embodiments or modified examples are included, it is assumed from the beginning that new embodiments will be constructed by appropriately combining the characteristic parts of those. In the following examples, the same components are given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and duplicated explanations are omitted. In addition, multiple drawings include schematic diagrams, and the dimensional ratios of the length, width, height, etc. of each member do not necessarily match between different drawings. In the following description and drawings of the examples, the X direction indicates the width direction of the parent unit 41 as an example of an intercom device, the Y direction indicates the thickness direction (depth direction) of the parent unit 41, and the Z direction indicates the height direction of the parent unit 41. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are mutually orthogonal. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the parent unit 41 is installed at a predetermined position and the Z direction coincides with the vertical direction, but the Z direction does not have to coincide with the vertical direction when the intercom device is installed at the installation position. Additionally, among the components described below, any components that are not described in the independent claim that represents the highest concept are optional components and are not required components.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an intercom system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The intercom system 1 can be used in, for example, an apartment building or other collective housing. As shown in Figure 1, the intercom system 1 includes a common area system 10, a front door system 30, an indoor system 40, an energy system 60, a security system 70, a reporting system 75, a fire detection system 94, and a control device 90.

The common area system 10 includes a lobby intercom device 11, which includes a lobby intercom main unit 12 and a non-contact key control device 13. The lobby intercom device 11 is installed outside the common gate 14 that separates the inside and outside of the apartment complex, and is shared by all residences. The lobby intercom main unit 12 includes a microphone (not shown) and a speaker (not shown) for inputting and outputting voice, and a camera (not shown) for capturing images of visitors. The lobby intercom main unit 12 also includes an operation unit, which includes an input unit for inputting a house number and a call button. When a person selects a house number on the input unit and then operates the call button, the intercom master unit (hereinafter simply referred to as the master unit) 41 and the sub-master units 42 and 43 installed in the selected residence each output a call tone using a built-in speaker. The intercom master unit 41 is an example of an intercom device.

A non-contact key detector 15 is provided around the lobby intercom main body 12. The non-contact key detector 15 is also provided on the outside of the shared gate 14. The non-contact key detector 15 is composed of, for example, an IC (integrated circuit) card reader or an IC tag reader. When a non-contact key is held over the non-contact key detector 15, the non-contact key detector 15 reads the identification code of the IC chip embedded in the non-contact key. The identification code includes information that can identify the user. The non-contact key control device 13 compares the identification code read via the IC tag reader with the identification code that permits unlocking and is stored in the information storage device. If the compared identification codes match, the non-contact key control device 13 outputs a signal indicating release to a door opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the door of the shared gate 14, and opens the door of the shared gate 14.

The common area system 10 is connected to the indoor system 40 by a control device 90 and a transmission line L via the entrance system 30. In FIG. 1, the transmission line L and the transmission lines L1 to L6 described below are shown as a single wire, but the transmission lines L, L1 to L6 may be composed of multiple wires. In addition, one or more wires constituting each of the transmission lines L, L1 to L6 include wires that transmit signals including audio information. The control device 90 is provided to centrally control the shared devices of the apartment building, and controls the transmission of notification signals to the notification device 76 of the notification system 75 to a specified notification destination, and controls the raising and lowering of an elevator (not shown). The specified notification destinations include, for example, the fire department, the management company, and the security company. The control device 90 is also connected to the management office master unit 92 in the manager's room. The management office master unit 92 can output signals to each device in the intercom system 1 via the control device 90, and each device in the intercom system 1 can output signals to the management office master unit 92 via the control device 90.

The transmission line L includes a transmission line L1 that is connected from the lobby intercom device 11 of the common area system 10 to the splitter 31 of the entrance system 30 via the control device 90, and a transmission line L2 that connects the splitter 31 to the master unit 41 of the indoor system 40. Video and audio signals captured by a camera (not shown) of the lobby intercom main unit 12 are input to the master unit 41 via the transmission line L1 and the transmission line L2.

The splitter 31 of the entrance system 30 is provided to split the transmission line L extending from the control device 90 and connect it to the entrance system 30 of each residence. By appropriately setting the master unit 41 of each residence, it becomes possible to transmit and receive signals to and from the master unit 41 of the desired residence via the splitter 31. The intercom handset (hereinafter simply referred to as the handset) 32 of the entrance system 30 is placed at the entrance of each residence in the apartment building. The handset 32 includes a microphone (not shown) and a speaker (not shown) for inputting and outputting audio, and a camera (not shown) for capturing images of visitors. The video signal and audio signal captured by the camera (not shown) of the handset 32 are transmitted to the master unit 41 via the transmission line L3. The handset 32 has a call button (not shown). When the call button of the handset 32 is operated, a call tone is output from each speaker of the master unit 41 and the sub-master units 42 and 43.

The parent unit 41 is included in the indoor system 40. The parent unit 41 has a microphone (not shown) and a speaker (not shown) for inputting and outputting audio, and a monitor device (not shown). The indoor system 40 also includes sub-parent units (monitor-equipped sub-parent unit 42 and call sub-parent unit 43) as necessary. The monitor-equipped sub-parent unit 42 has a microphone (not shown) and a speaker (not shown) for inputting and outputting audio, and a monitor device (not shown). The monitor-equipped sub-parent unit 42 is connected to the parent unit 41 via a transmission line L4, and is capable of exchanging audio information and video information with the parent unit 41. The call sub-parent unit 43 also has a microphone (not shown) and a speaker (not shown) for inputting and outputting audio. The call sub-parent unit 43 is connected to the monitor-equipped sub-parent unit 42 via a transmission line L5. The call sub-parent unit 43 is capable of exchanging audio information with the parent unit 41 via the transmission line L4 and the transmission line L5. The base unit 41 has the function of relaying communications between the lobby intercom device 11 and the handset 32 and the sub-base units 42 and 43, and people can use the sub-base units 42 and 43 to talk to visitors who are using the lobby intercom main unit 12 and the handset 32.

The parent unit 41 can exchange signals with a mobile device 47, such as a mobile phone or tablet, via the monitor-equipped sub-parent unit 42, the mobile device adapter 45, and the wireless LAN router 46. The mobile device adapter 45 converts signals of a communication standard used for communication between the parent unit 41 or the sub-parent units 42 and 43, and signals of a communication standard used by the mobile device. In this intercom system 1, a person can respond to a call from the lobby intercom device 11 or the handset 32 using the mobile device 47. The LAN wiring coming out of the parent unit 41 may be directly connected to the wireless LAN router 46 without passing through the monitor-equipped sub-parent unit 42 and the mobile device adapter 45 for media conversion, regardless of whether or not there is a monitor-equipped sub-parent unit 42. In addition, one end of a LAN wiring that is directly connected to the Internet via a wired or wireless connection may be connected to the connection terminal for the LAN wiring of the parent unit 41 without passing through any media conversion device.

The parent unit 41 is capable of receiving signals from the energy system 60. The energy system 60 includes a power meter 61, a gas meter 62, a water meter 63, and a measurement box 64. The power meter 61 is installed, for example, in a distribution board of each residence to detect the power consumption in the residence, and outputs a predetermined pulse signal to the measurement box 64 each time a predetermined amount of power is consumed. In addition, the gas meter 62 outputs a predetermined pulse signal to the measurement box 64 each time a predetermined amount of gas is consumed, and the water meter 63 outputs a predetermined pulse signal to the measurement box 64 each time a predetermined amount of water is consumed. The measurement box 64 measures the pulse signals from each of the power meter 61, the gas meter 62, and the water meter 63, and outputs a signal representing power, a signal representing the amount of gas consumed, and a signal representing the amount of water consumed to the parent unit 41. The parent unit 41 has an operation unit that displays the power consumption, the amount of gas consumed, and the amount of water consumed on the display unit. By operating the operation unit, a person can check the amount of power consumed, gas consumed, and water consumed, and can check the electricity, gas, and water charges.

The parent unit 41 is further capable of receiving signals from the security system 70 and outputting signals to the reporting system 75. In more detail, the security system 70 includes, for example, a front door security sensor 71 and a window security sensor 72. The front door security sensor 71 and the window security sensor 72 are each composed of, for example, a magnetic sensor including a switch. The front door security sensor 71 is installed near the front door. When the front door is opened, the switch of the front door security sensor 71 is turned on by magnetic force, and a signal indicating that the front door is open is output to the parent unit 41. The window security sensor 72 is also installed near the window. When the window is opened, the switch of the window security sensor 72 is turned on, and a signal indicating that the window is open is output to the parent unit 41.

The base unit 41 includes an operation unit (not shown) that can register an away setting. When the away setting is set and the base unit 41 recognizes that the front door or window has been opened due to a signal from the security sensors 71, 72, an abnormality signal indicating an intrusion by an unspecified person into the residence is transmitted from the base unit 41 to the alarm unit 76 via the control device 90. The alarm unit 76 outputs the abnormality signal to a security company or the like based on the destination information contained in the abnormality signal.

The master unit 41 is further capable of receiving signals from a fire detection system 94. The fire detection system 94 includes a plurality of fire alarms 95 arranged at predetermined positions in common areas, such as the corridors of each floor, and a receiver 96. The master unit 41 installed in each dwelling unit of the apartment building is capable of receiving signals indicating the occurrence of a fire from each fire alarm 95 via the receiver 96, the control device 90, and the branching switch 31. When the master unit 41 receives a signal indicating the occurrence of a fire, it is capable of displaying location information regarding the location of the fire alarm 95 that issued the signal on the display unit, and is capable of outputting an alarm sound. Although not described in detail, the master unit 41 is also capable of receiving signals from a sensor that detects whether the front door is locked, and is capable of displaying whether the front door is locked or not.

As described above, the intercom system 1 includes a master unit 41 as an example of an intercom device, and one or more information terminals that communicate with the master unit 41. As in this embodiment, the one or more information terminals may include a lobby intercom device 11, a management office master unit 92, a handset 32, and a mobile device 47. The intercom device is configured only with the master unit 41. However, the intercom device may include a housing information panel having a touch panel and an image display panel, and a separate device. As in this embodiment, when the intercom device is configured only with the master unit 41 that constitutes the housing information panel, the master unit 41 may communicate directly with the information terminal, or may communicate with the information terminal via another device. As in this embodiment, when the intercom device is configured only with the housing information panel having a touch panel and an image display panel, and a separate device, the housing information panel may communicate with the information terminal only via the separate device, or may communicate with the information terminal via the separate device and another device. Furthermore, when the intercom device includes a home information panel having a touch panel and an image display panel, and a separate device, the home information panel may communicate directly with the information terminal without going through the separate device, or may communicate with the information terminal via another device without going through the separate device.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the parent unit 41 as viewed from the front. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 2, showing the parent unit 41 cut along a plane that includes the Y and Z directions and passes through the center in the X direction. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the parent unit 41 with the touch panel 20 removed. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 2, showing the parent unit 41 cut along a plane that includes the X and Y directions and passes through the upper side of the parent unit 41 in the Z direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the parent unit 41 is an exposed type housing information panel whose entire housing is exposed from the building in which it is installed, and its front surface has a substantially rectangular shape. The parent unit 41 also has a touch panel 20 on the upper side in the Z direction, and a call button 5 and an unlock button 6 on the lower side in the Z direction. The touch panel 20 is operated when checking the usage of gas, electricity, and water, or when checking the images of visitors stored in the memory unit of the parent unit 41 in chronological order. The call button 5 is provided to execute a call with a visitor when the visitor contacts the parent unit 41 via the lobby intercom device 11 or the handset 32. The unlock button 6 is provided to open and close the door of the shared gate 14 when, for example, a delivery company contacts the parent unit 41 via the lobby intercom device 11 to inform them that they have a parcel to deliver. The parent unit 41 has a plurality of small diameter holes 7 between the touch panel 20 and the call button 5 and unlock button 6. These multiple small diameter holes 7 are provided so that the voices of people in the residence can easily reach the microphone built into the parent unit, and also so that the voices output from the speaker built into the parent unit can easily reach the people in the residence.

3, the parent unit 41 includes a housing 2, a touch panel 20, an image display panel 50, and one or more substrates 80. The image display panel 50 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an inorganic EL (electro luminescence) panel, or an organic EL panel. The touch panel 20, the image display panel 50, and the one or more substrates 80 are each fixed to the housing 2. These members 20, 50, and 80 are arranged from the front to the rear in the order of the touch panel 20, the image display panel 50, and the one or more substrates 80, with the substrate 80 being arranged on the rearmost side. The housing 2 has a separation portion 21 arranged between the touch panel 20 and the image display panel 50 in the Y direction. The touch panel 20 is separated from the image display panel 50 in the Y direction by the separation portion 21, and faces the image display panel 50 at a distance in the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 2 has a rectangular opening 22 and a recess 23 provided along a plurality of sides 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d that define the periphery of the opening 22. The image display panel 50 is installed inside the housing 2 and has a display unit 51 arranged so as to overlap the opening 22 when viewed from the Y direction. With reference to FIG. 3, the front surface of the separation unit 21 constitutes at least a part of the bottom surface of the recess 23. With reference to FIG. 2, the touch panel 20 may be fixed to the bottom surface of the recess 23 by screwing or fusion. However, if the touch panel 20 is fixed to the bottom surface of the recess 23 with a double-sided tape or adhesive as an example of an adhesive member, it is preferable because the touch panel 20 can be easily and inexpensively attached to the housing 2 and a stylish appearance can be achieved.

Referring to FIG. 5, the depth of the recess 23 in the Y direction is equal to or greater than the thickness of the touch panel 20. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the recess 23 has a first recess 23a and a second recess 23b. The first recess 23a is located closer to the periphery of the housing 2 than the second recess 23b, and the second recess 23b is deeper in the Y direction than the first recess 23a. The outer side of the second recess 23b in the X direction communicates with the first recess 23a, and the inner side of the second recess 23b in the X direction communicates with the opening 22.

As shown in FIG. 5, the touch panel 20 has a main body 25 and a cover 26. When viewed from the Y direction, the area of the cover 26 is larger than that of the main body 25, and the cover 26 covers the entire front surface of the main body 25. The rear surface of the main body 25 is fixed to the bottom surface of the second recess 23b, and the rear surface of the cover 26 is fixed to the bottom surface of the first recess 23a. The main body 25 of the touch panel 20 has a plate-shaped portion made of a transparent material and wiring provided on the rear surface of the plate-shaped portion. The wiring has a color close to gold and is arranged in an area that overlaps the recess 23 in the touch panel 20 when viewed from the Y direction. The portion of the cover 26 that overlaps the recess 23 when viewed from the Y direction is colored, for example, black. More specifically, the cover 26 is formed, for example, by applying black printing to the portion that overlaps the recess 23 when viewed from the Y direction on the rear surface of a transparent cover base material. The coloring of the periphery of this cover portion 26 makes the wiring invisible when a person looks at the touch panel 20 from the front.

As shown in FIG. 2, the parent unit 41 has an operation unit 29 in an area of the touch panel 20 that overlaps with the recess 23 when viewed from the Y direction. This operation unit 29 is an example of an operation area, and is disposed in a position that does not overlap with the display unit 51 of the image display panel 50 when viewed from the Y direction, and is displayed regardless of the display content of the image display panel 50. This operation unit 29 includes, for example, a home selection unit 29a and an end selection unit 29b. The home selection unit 29a is operated, for example, when returning the image displayed on the image display panel 50 to the standby image. Also, the end selection unit 29b is operated, for example, when ending the image display on the image display panel 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 2 has one or more holes 28. The one or more holes 28 extend in the Y direction and open to the bottom surface of the second recess 23b. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the parent unit 41 cut along a plane that includes the X direction and the Y direction and passes through the hole 28. As shown in FIG. 6, the parent unit 41 further includes one or more light-emitting units 81, and each light-emitting unit 81 is mounted on the front surface of the substrate 80. Each light-emitting unit 81 is preferably composed of a light-emitting diode (LED), but may also be composed of a semiconductor laser element, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element, or an inorganic EL element. The one or more holes 28 and the one or more light-emitting units 81 correspond one-to-one, and when viewed from the Y direction, one hole 28 overlaps one light-emitting unit 81. As shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel 20 is provided so as to cover all the holes 28. Each hole 28 is provided to allow light from a light-emitting unit 81 arranged inside the housing to be emitted toward the touch panel 20.

7(a) is a plan view of the touch panel 20 as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 7(b) is a plan view of the touch panel 20 to which the power supply member 84 is connected as viewed from the rear side. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the touch panel 20 is watermark-printed with a plurality of icons 24a to 24g. With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7(a), when viewed from the Y direction, one icon 24a to 24g overlaps one hole 28 and one light-emitting section 81. As a result, when one or more light-emitting sections 81 are lit, one or more icons 24a to 24g corresponding to the one or more light-emitting sections 81 are displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 7(a), the icon 24a is an icon indicating whether or not power is being supplied, and the icon 24b is an icon indicating whether or not a signal indicating the occurrence of a fire has been received from the fire detection system 94. Icon 24c indicates whether a signal indicating water usage has been received from energy system 60, and icon 24d indicates whether voice data is stored in the memory of parent unit 41. Icon 24e indicates whether a message has been received from the manager, and icon 24f indicates whether a signal indicating that a window is open has been received from security system 70. Icon 24g indicates whether a signal indicating that the front door is unlocked has been received from a sensor that detects whether the front door is locked. Watermark icons 24a to 24g may be omitted or added as appropriate depending on the specifications.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the housing 2 has a power supply hole 27 that opens into the bottom surface of the second recess 23b. Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 7(b), this power supply hole 27 is provided to pull out the power supply member 84 for supplying power to the touch panel 20 from inside the housing. Referring again to FIG. 3, the housing 2 has an attachment portion 55 for the image display panel 50. The attachment portion 55 is disposed at a position overlapping the recess 23 when viewed from the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the attachment portion 55 is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the image display panel 50.

Next, the operation of the mounting portion 55 pressing the image display panel 50 to a predetermined position in the XZ plane will be described. In detail, as shown in FIG. 3, the mounting portion 55 has a pair of Y-direction extending portions 55a, 55b arranged at a distance in the Z direction and extending in the Y direction. In addition, one of the pair of Y-direction extending portions 55a, 55b, the Y-direction extending portion 55a, is composed of a single protrusion extending in the Y direction. In addition, on the side of the Y-direction extending portion 55a opposite the image display panel 50 side, a space 69a exists along the Y-direction extending portion 55a. Therefore, since the Y-direction extending portion 55a is not backed up from the side opposite the image display panel 50 side, its rigidity is weakened, bending is permitted, and it has springiness. Therefore, the spring property of the Y-direction extending portion 55a allows the image display panel 50 to be pressed against the other Y-direction extending portion 55b that faces it in the Z direction, and as a result, the image display panel 50 is positioned at a predetermined position in the Z direction by the force applied from the Y-direction extending portion 55a.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, the mounting portion 55 has a pair of Z-direction extending portions 55c, 55d that are spaced apart in the Z direction and extend in the Z direction. One of the pair of Z-direction extending portions 55c, 55d, the Z-direction extending portion 55c, is composed of a single protrusion extending in the Z direction. A space 69b is present along the Z-direction extending portion 55c on the side of the Z-direction extending portion 55c opposite the image display panel 50 side. Therefore, the Z-direction extending portion 55c is not backed up from the side opposite the image display panel 50 side, so that it has a weak rigidity, is allowed to bend, and has a spring property. Therefore, the Z-direction extending portion 55c can press the image display panel 50 toward the other Z-direction extending portion 55d facing the X direction due to its spring property, and as a result, the image display panel 50 is positioned at a predetermined position in the X direction by the force applied from the Z-direction extending portion 55c.

Next, the relationship between the operation of the touch panel 20 and the display of the image display panel 50 will be briefly described. The touch panel 20 includes, for example, a pair of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) films (not shown) facing each other at a distance in the Y direction, and a plurality of dot spacers (not shown) arranged at a predetermined position between the pair of ITO films. In this configuration, when a finger presses the touch panel 20, the pressed part of the front ITO film is deformed backward, and the pressed part comes into contact with the rear ITO film and electricity is applied. Then, the control unit of the parent unit 41 specifies the X-coordinate position and the Z-coordinate position of the pressed part on the touch panel 20 based on the electrification position. For example, the memory unit of the parent unit 41 stores the control to be executed for each image in association with the pressed XZ coordinate position. Based on the image information displayed on the image display panel 50, the information of the pressed XZ coordinate position, and the information stored in the memory unit, the parent unit 41 executes control of the power supplied to the image display panel 50, etc. The display unit 51 of the image display panel 50 is configured to display an image based on the operation of the touch panel 20 through its power control.

The control unit and memory unit of the parent unit 41 are each composed of one or more electronic components mounted on the substrate 80. The control unit is preferably composed of a microcomputer, for example, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory unit is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU reads out and executes programs and the like that are pre-stored in the memory unit. The non-volatile memory pre-stores control programs, predetermined thresholds, and the like. The volatile memory temporarily stores the read programs and processing data.

As described above, the master unit (intercom device) 41 comprises a housing 2 having a rectangular opening 22 and a recess 23 provided along at least two of the multiple sides 22a to 22d that define the perimeter of the opening 22. The master unit 41 also comprises an image display panel 50 that has a display unit 51 that overlaps the opening 22 when viewed from the Z direction and is disposed inside the housing 2, and a touch panel 20 whose rear surface is fixed to the bottom surface of the recess 23.

As a result, the touch panel 20 is not pressed from the front, so the periphery of the touch panel 20 is less likely to dent rearward, and steps are less likely to occur in the touch panel 20. Furthermore, compared to conventional configurations, there is no part of the touch panel that is pressed from the front, so the material costs of the components can be reduced. As a result, the touch panel 20 is more likely to be flat, the parent unit 41 can be made to have an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and the manufacturing costs of the parent unit 41 can be easily suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the recess 23 is provided along the four sides 22a to 22d that define the periphery of the opening 22. However, it is sufficient that the recess is provided along at least two of the multiple sides that define the periphery of the opening, and the recess may be provided along only three of the multiple sides that define the periphery of the opening, or may be provided along only two of the multiple sides that define the periphery of the opening.

The depth of the recess 23 in the Y direction of the parent unit 41 may also be greater than or equal to the thickness of the touch panel 20.

If the touch panel has a thickness equal to or greater than the Y-direction depth of the recess, dust and other foreign matter will tend to accumulate on the side of the touch panel that protrudes forward, and the accumulated foreign matter will tend to move along the side toward the housing and enter the housing. In contrast, with this configuration, the touch panel 20 does not protrude forward beyond the housing 2. This makes it possible to realize a stylish parent unit 41, and foreign matter is less likely to enter the housing 2. Although this configuration is preferably adopted, it does not have to be adopted, and the Y-direction depth of the recess may be less than the thickness of the touch panel.

The recess 23 may also have a first recess 23a and a second recess 23b that is deeper in the Y direction than the first recess 23a and communicates with the first recess 23a and the opening 22.

According to the above configuration, a step portion that connects the bottom surface of the first recess 23a and the bottom surface of the second recess 23b can be formed in the recess 23. Therefore, by making the touch panel 20 include a portion that is accommodated in each of the first and second recesses 23a and 23b, a labyrinth structure (maze structure) can be formed between the touch panel 20 and the recess 23. Therefore, the labyrinth structure can effectively prevent foreign matter from entering the housing. In addition, since the cover portion 26 can be arranged in the first recess 23a, it is easy to make the front area of the cover portion 26 larger than the front area of the main body portion 25. Therefore, the wiring provided in the periphery of the touch panel 20 can be reliably concealed by the periphery of the cover portion 26. Note that although this configuration is preferably adopted, it is not necessary to adopt it, and the depth of the recess may be constant at all points.

The touch panel 20 may also have a main body portion 25 and a cover portion 26 that covers the entire front surface of the main body portion 25, and the area of the cover portion 26 may be larger than the area of the main body portion 25 when viewed from the Y direction.

The above configuration can reliably conceal the wiring provided around the periphery of the touch panel 20. In addition, the entire front surface of the main body 25 is less susceptible to damage. Although this configuration is preferably adopted, it does not have to be adopted, and the area of the front surface of the cover portion may be equal to or smaller than the area of the front surface of the main body portion. Alternatively, the touch panel may not have a cover portion.

The housing 2 may also be provided with one or more holes 28 that open to the bottom surface of the recess 23 and allow light to be emitted from a light-emitting unit 81 disposed inside the housing 2. The touch panel 20 may also be provided to cover the one or more holes 28.

According to the above configuration, one or more icons 24a-24g that overlap one or more hole portions 28 when viewed from the Y direction are provided on the touch panel 20 by watermark printing, so that each icon 24a-24g can be made to appear or disappear. Therefore, for example, external information that is not based on touch panel operation can be displayed on the parent unit 41 simply and inexpensively. Note that while this configuration is preferably adopted, it does not have to be adopted, and the housing does not have to have a hole that opens on the bottom surface of the recess and passes light from the light-emitting portion.

An operation area may also be provided in an area of the touch panel 20 that overlaps with the recess 23 when viewed from the Y direction.

In this configuration, when the operation area includes an operation unit 29 that is unrelated to the display content of the display unit 51 of the image display panel 50, the operation unit 29 that is unrelated to the display content of the display unit 51 of the image display panel 50 can be suppressed from being displayed on the display unit 51. Therefore, more operation units related to the display content can be displayed on the display unit 51 of the image display panel 50, and the display unit 51 can be used effectively. In addition, the operation area may include, for example, a printed operation unit, and the operation unit may be highlighted by emitting light from the light-emitting unit on the back side in conjunction with the image displayed on the display unit of the image display panel. According to this configuration, even in this case, the printed operation unit does not need to be displayed on the display unit of the image display panel. Therefore, even in this case, the display unit of the image display panel can be used effectively. Note that although this configuration is preferably adopted, it is not necessary to adopt it, and the operation area does not need to be provided in the area of the touch panel that overlaps the recess when viewed from the thickness direction.

In addition, a power supply hole 27 for pulling out a power supply member 84 for supplying power to the touch panel 20 from inside the housing 2 may be provided in the housing 2 so as to open to the bottom surface of the recess 23.

The above configuration allows the power supply member 84 to be smoothly connected to the touch panel 20 from the rear side of the image display panel 50. This makes it easier to make the master unit 41 more compact. Although this configuration is preferably adopted, it does not have to be adopted, and a power supply hole that allows the power supply member that supplies power to the touch panel to pass through may be provided on the side of the intercom device.

In addition, a mounting portion 55 for mounting the image display panel 50 may be provided at a location on the housing 2 that overlaps with the recess 23 when viewed from the Y direction.

The above configuration makes it easy to place the image display panel 50 at a predetermined position in the XZ plane. Note that the mounting portion for mounting the image display panel does not have to be provided at a location on the housing that overlaps with the recess when viewed from the Y direction.

The touch panel 20 may also be fixed to the recess 23 with an adhesive material.

The above configuration makes it easier to make the front surface of the touch panel 20 flatter, making it easier to create a parent unit 41 with a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Note that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and its modified examples, and various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents.

For example, in the above embodiment, the intercom system 1 is described as being installed in an apartment building, but the intercom system may also be installed in a detached house instead of an apartment building, and the intercom system does not have to include a lobby intercom device.

Although the intercom device has been described as a master unit 41 installed in a dwelling unit, the intercom device may also be a sub-master unit with a monitor installed in a dwelling unit, or a sub-master unit for calling installed in a dwelling unit. Or, if the intercom system is installed in an apartment building, the intercom device may be a master unit in the management office.

Also, the intercom system 1 has the schematic configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the intercom system 1 includes an energy system 60, etc. However, the intercom system may have a configuration in which one or more devices are removed from the intercom system shown in FIG. 1, or conversely, may have a configuration in which one or more devices are added to the intercom system shown in FIG. 1.

More specifically, the intercom system may have a configuration in which one or more of the energy system 60, security system 70, reporting system 75, and fire detection system 94 are omitted from the intercom system 1 shown in FIG. 1. Also, the intercom system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may have a configuration in which a delivery box system is further added, and the delivery box system may include multiple delivery boxes. The master unit installed in each dwelling unit may be able to directly receive signals indicating the presence or absence of packages from the delivery box corresponding to that dwelling unit using a wireless or wired connection, or may be able to receive the signals via a control device and a switch.

Also, the case where the master unit 41 is an exposed type housing information panel whose entire housing is exposed from the building in which it is installed has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 8, i.e., a cross-sectional view of the modified master unit 141 cut along a plane that includes the X and Y directions and passes above in the Z direction, the master unit 141 may be an embedded type housing information panel whose housing 102 is partially embedded in the building in which it is installed. In more detail, the Z-direction dimension of the rear portion 102a in the Y direction from a predetermined position on the housing 102 may be shorter than the Z-direction dimension of the front portion 102b in the Y direction from a predetermined position on the housing 2. The rear portion 102a may be embedded in the building in which it is installed, while the front portion 102b may be exposed from the building in which it is installed.

In the embedded parent unit 141, as in the exposed parent unit 41, the housing 102 has a rectangular opening 122 and a recess 123 provided along at least two of the multiple sides 122a to 122c that define the perimeter of the opening 122. The parent unit 141 also has an image display panel 150 that has a display unit 151 that overlaps the opening 122 when viewed from the Z direction and is disposed inside the housing 2, and a touch panel 120 whose rear surface is fixed to the bottom surface of the recess 123. Any of the configurations described using the exposed parent unit 41 may also be applied to the embedded parent unit 141.

Also, as in the above-mentioned master unit 41, 141, the intercom device has only one housing 2, 102, and all the functions necessary for display and communication are arranged in only one housing 2, 102. However, the intercom device may include a first housing to which a touch panel and an image display panel are attached, and a second housing separate from the first housing. The multiple functions necessary for the intercom device may be distributed into two, with one of the multiple functions being housed in the first housing, and the other multiple functions being housed in the second housing. Note that if the one of the multiple functions is a function centered on an interface, and the other multiple functions is a function centered on a communication function with other information terminals, a communication function with sensors, and a screen control function, etc., it is easy to realize a thin and compact first housing, which is preferable, but the distribution of the multiple functions necessary for the intercom device is not limited to this distribution. The intercom device may also have three or more housings that are configured separately from each other. However, even in this case, it goes without saying that the intercom device has at least one housing to which the touch panel and image display panel are attached.

1 Intercom system, 2,102 Housing, 11 Lobby intercom device, 20,120 Touch panel, 22,122 Opening, 22a,22b,22c,22d,122a,122b,122c Side defining periphery of opening, 23,123 Recess, 23a First recess, 23b Second recess, 25 Main body, 26 Cover, 27 Power supply hole, 28 Hole, 29 Operation section, 32 Child unit, 41,141 Parent unit, 47 Portable device, 50,150 Image display panel, 51,151 Display section, 55 Mounting section, 81 Light-emitting section, 84 Power supply member, X direction Width direction, Y direction Thickness direction, Z direction Height direction.

Claims (3)

a housing having a rectangular opening and a recess provided along at least two of a plurality of sides defining a periphery of the opening;
an image display panel having a display portion overlapping the opening when viewed from a thickness direction, the image display panel being disposed inside the housing;
a cover portion having a rear surface fixed to a first bottom surface of the recess;
a touch panel having a rear surface fixed to the second bottom surface of the recess;
the housing has a separation portion disposed between the touch panel and the image display panel in the thickness direction ,
the recess includes a first recess and a second recess that is deeper in the thickness direction than the first recess and communicates with the first recess;
a first step portion defining a side surface of the first recess, a second step portion connected to the first step portion via the first bottom surface and defining a side surface of the second recess, a third step portion connected to the second step portion via the second bottom surface, and a fourth step portion connected to an end of the third step portion opposite to the second bottom surface side via a top surface extending in a direction including the width direction,
The fourth step portion is located between the second step portion and the third step portion in the width direction,
The image display panel includes a portion that is disposed in a corner space defined by the top surface and the fourth step portion in the cross section . a housing having a rectangular opening and a recess provided along at least two of a plurality of sides defining a periphery of the opening;
an image display panel having a display portion overlapping the opening when viewed from a thickness direction, the image display panel being disposed inside the housing;
a cover portion having a rear surface fixed to a first bottom surface of the recess;
a touch panel having a rear surface fixed to the second bottom surface of the recess;
the housing has a separation portion disposed between the touch panel and the image display panel in the thickness direction ,
the recess includes a first recess and a second recess that is deeper in the thickness direction than the first recess and communicates with the first recess;
An intercom device, in a cross section that includes the width direction and the thickness direction and passes through the recess, the housing has a recess that is located outside the second recess in the width direction and is recessed toward the first recess in the thickness direction . An intercom system comprising: the intercom device according to claim 1 or 2 ; and one or more information terminals that communicate with the intercom device.

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