CN215495335U

CN215495335U - Baby alarm and sending unit and receiving unit thereof

Info

Publication number: CN215495335U
Application number: CN202120109175.1U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯捷潘·贝吉克
Original assignee: Ikea Supply AG
Current assignee: Ikea Supply AG
Priority date: 2020-01-15
Filing date: 2021-01-15
Publication date: 2022-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2031-01-15
Also published as: DE202021100112U1; SE2050028A1; SE544517C2

Abstract

The utility model provides an infant alarm and a sending unit and a receiving unit thereof. The infant alarm comprises a transmitting unit (20) and a receiving unit (30), the receiving unit (30) being configured to receive and generate sound transmitted from the transmitting unit (20), wherein the transmitting unit (20) and the receiving unit (30) comprise respective mating charging connectors (25g, 35g) such that when the two charging connectors (25g, 35g) are connected to each other, the transmitting unit (20) acts as a charger for the receiving unit (30).

Description

Baby alarm and sending unit and receiving unit thereof

Technical Field

The utility model relates to an infant alarm. In particular, the utility model relates to an infant alarm having a transmitting unit and a portable receiving unit.

Background

Infant alarms are becoming increasingly popular. Typically, a baby alarm comprises a transmitter unit which should be located close to the baby to be monitored and a receiver unit which is located at a remote location. The microphone of the transmitter unit is used to collect sound from the baby and transmit the sound to the receiver unit so that the person responsible for taking care of the baby and carrying or approaching the receiver unit is alerted by the receiver unit producing the sound or forming other indications of the sound.

Although the transmitter unit may operate plugged into a mains power supply, the receiver unit is typically powered by a battery. With the steady increase in the number of battery-powered domestic appliances, there is a risk of forgetting to charge, particularly for devices that are not used and/or charged daily, such as infant alarms. These devices are also susceptible to loss due to the time intervals between uses.

Accordingly, there is a need for an infant alarm that alleviates the above-mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome one or more of the above limitations of the prior art. In particular, it is an object to provide an infant alarm and a transmitting unit and a receiving unit for such an infant alarm.

The idea of the utility model is to ask the user to always charge the receiving unit close to the transmitting unit so that the receiving unit is easily found when needed. Another idea of the utility model is to reduce the number of charging devices required.

In a first aspect, an infant alarm is provided. The infant alarm includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit configured to receive and generate sound transmitted from the transmitting unit. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit comprise respective mating charging connectors such that when the two charging connectors are connected to each other, the transmitting unit acts as a charger for the receiving unit.

The charging connector of the transmitting unit may be disposed on a top surface of the transmitting unit. Thus, the receiving unit can be placed on top of the transmitting unit, thereby making the receiving unit clearly visible and easy to locate. As an alternative to or in combination with the charging connector of the transmitting unit, the charging connector of the transmitting unit may be arranged in the recess of the transmitting unit. This makes it possible to protect the charging connector from mechanical damage. Furthermore, the recess may also help to keep the receiving unit in a desired position during charging.

The top surface may be sloped thereby forming a recess. The recess may form a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the receiving unit during charging of the receiving unit. The recess will form a receiving portion for the receiving unit, thereby ensuring that the receiving unit is held in its charging position.

The charging connector of the transmitting unit may be disposed at a bottom portion of the recess. Thus, it is further ensured that the receiving unit is arranged at a desired charging position of the receiving unit with respect to the transmitting unit.

The receiving unit may comprise means for detecting proximity to the transmitting unit, the receiving unit being arranged to discontinue generating sound when in a determined proximity to the transmitting unit. Thereby, acoustic feedback can be avoided when the transmitting unit and the receiving unit are located close to each other, such as in the same room, and in case the receiving unit is located on the transmitting unit for charging.

The receiving unit may be arranged to automatically enter a standby mode when placed on the transmitting unit for charging. Such standby mode may include no sound production and/or minimal battery consumption. This provides a simple and effective way of reducing battery consumption and/or acoustic feedback.

The receiving unit may be arranged to automatically resume sound production when separated from the transmitting unit. This reduces the risk that the user forgets to activate the receiving unit after charging of the receiving unit. This resumption of the production of sound resumes after a waiting time, such as a waiting time of 1 to 20 seconds. The advantage of this waiting time is that the risk of the infant being awakened by the acoustic feedback when the user lifts the receiving unit from the transmitting unit is reduced.

According to one embodiment, the transmitting unit is arranged to charge the receiving unit with a low voltage, such as a maximum of 5 volts. Thereby, the risk of the infant coming into contact with the charging connector and receiving an unpleasant electric shock is reduced.

According to a second aspect, a transmitting unit of an infant alarm is provided. The transmitting unit comprises a charging connector configured to be connected to a corresponding charging connector of an associated receiving unit, wherein the charging connector of the transmitting unit is configured such that the transmitting unit functions as a charger of the receiving unit when the charging connector is connected.

According to a third aspect, a receiving unit for an infant alarm is provided. The receiving unit includes a charging connector configured to connect to a corresponding charging connector of an associated transmitting unit. The charging connector of the receiving unit is configured such that the transmitting unit functions as a charger of the receiving unit when the charging connector is connected.

In an embodiment, the receiving unit further comprises an input connector for an associated external charger.

Drawings

The utility model will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of portions of an infant alarm according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the infant alarm shown in FIG. 1 with the receiving unit positioned in or near the charging position;

fig. 3 shows different views of a transmitting unit according to an embodiment; and

fig. 4 shows different views of a receiving unit according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, an embodiment of an infant alarm 10 is shown. The infant alarm 10 includes an infant unit 20 and a parent unit 30; the baby unit 20 is a transmitting unit and the parent unit 30 is a receiving unit. However, it should be appreciated that the terms "transmit" and "receive" merely denote normal use of the unit, which means that the transmitting unit 20 collects sounds from the infant, such as crying or laughing, and wirelessly transmits these sounds to the receiving unit 30, which the receiving unit 30 receives and may indicate, such as by sound or visually, that the infant is making a sound.

However, according to an embodiment, the infant alarm 10 may be configured to operate in a two-way communication mode whereby each of the baby unit 20 and the parent unit 30 will be configured to operate with a transmitting unit as well as a receiving unit, in which case the parent may use the parent unit 30 to send a quiet voice message to the infant via the baby unit 20.

As shown in fig. 1, the transmitting unit 20 is connected to a power supply, such as a 24 volt power supply, by means of a power supply line 21. The receiving unit 30 is battery powered. Furthermore, the receiving unit 30 has an accessory connected thereto in the form of a detachable hanger 40. The hanger 40 is particularly useful for carrying, whereby a user can hang the receiving unit 30 to, for example, his belt loop or other fixed structure. For this purpose, at the back of the receiving unit 30 there is a connecting means, such as a ring structure 31 (see fig. 4). The hanger 40, which is typically made of soft plastic or rubber, may be snapped onto the ring structure 31 such that the circular portion 41 of the hanger 40 is arranged radially outside the ring structure 31.

As shown in fig. 2, the receiving unit 30 is positioned on top of the transmitting unit 20. This relative position allows the receiving unit 30 to be charged by the transmitting unit 20, as will be explained below. Further, in fig. 2, the power connection of the transmitting unit 20 is removed, indicating that i) the transmitting unit 20 may be battery powered for at least a short period of time, and ii) the transmitting unit 20 may charge the receiving unit 30 even if it is disconnected from the external power source. It should be noted that the receiving unit 30 may also be charged with the hanger 40 connected.

Turning now to fig. 3, the details of the baby unit, i.e. the sending unit 20, will be discussed.

The sending unit 20 has an inclined top surface 23, which top surface 23 forms a recess 24 (see fig. 1) that can receive the receiving unit 30. Thus, the dimensions of the recess 24 are selected such that the receiving unit 30 can fit inside at least to some extent.

The sending unit 20 is provided with an on/off switch 25a, which on/off switch 25a is arranged on the outer circumference of the sending unit 20. The on/off switch 25a is preferably a wheel that also serves as microphone sensitivity control. The microphone sensitivity control may be stepless or may be divided into different levels, such as between 1 and 6.

The transmitting unit 20 also comprises an input connector 25b for the associated charger. The transmission unit 20 further includes a search button 25 c; by pressing the button 25c, a control signal is generated to the receiving unit 30, and the receiving unit 30 emits a notification sound upon receiving the control signal. A battery indicator 25d is also provided, the battery indicator 25d preferably being configured to indicate i) power on and fully charged, ii) charging, and iii) low battery. The indication of these different states may be done, for example, by a color change and/or flashing.

Further, a transmission indicator 25e is provided for visually notifying when sound is transmitted and sensed. Further, a speaker 25f, a charging connector 25g, and a microphone (not shown) are provided, as well as all necessary electronic devices, which will not be further described herein.

Turning now to fig. 4, the details of the parent unit, i.e., the receiving unit 30, will be discussed. The receiving unit 30 has a substantially flat bottom surface and a curved peripheral edge sized to fit within the recess 24 (see fig. 1) of the sending unit 20. Preferably, the receiving unit 30 has a disc-like shape which, in addition to being easily fitted in the recess 24, fits well in a pocket of a pair of trousers, a pocket of a jacket or a small handbag when in use. Due to the flat bottom of the receiving unit 30 and the inclined top surface 23 of the sending unit 20, the receiving unit 30 will be pushed to a position where it rests against the peripheral wall of the sending unit 20. At this position, the charging connector 35g of the receiving unit 30 is in contact with the charging connector 25g of the transmitting unit 20 to allow charging of the receiving unit 30.

The receiving unit 30 is provided with an on/off switch 35a, and the on/off switch 35a is disposed on the outer periphery of the receiving unit 30. The on/off switch 35a is preferably a wheel that also serves as a volume control. As with the microphone sensitivity control of the transmitting unit 20, the volume control may be stepless or may be divided into different levels, such as between 1 and 6.

The receiving unit 30 further comprises an input connector 35b for an associated external charger, which input connector 35b is preferably realized as a USB-C connector. A battery indicator 35d is also provided, the battery indicator 35d preferably being configured to indicate i) power on and fully charged, ii) charging, and iii) low battery. The indication of these different states may be done, for example, by a color change and/or flashing.

In addition, a reception indicator 35e is also provided for notification when sound is received and picked up. Further, a speaker 35f, a microphone (not shown), and a talk button 35h are provided. When pressed, the receiving unit 30 will act as a transmitter, transmitting sound to the baby unit (i.e. the transmitting unit 20). As with the transmitting unit 20, the receiving unit 30 also includes all necessary electronics, which will not be described further herein.

As explained above, the receiving unit 30 may be charged using an external charger connected by means of a power cord, or the receiving unit 30 may be charged by docking into the transmitting unit 20.

Optionally, the receiving unit 30 is configured to sense its proximity to the transmitting unit 20 (e.g., within 2 meters), and the receiving unit 30 is further configured to automatically turn off its speaker after such detection to avoid acoustic feedback. Alternatively, or in combination with the above-described sensing of proximity to the transmitting unit 20, the receiving unit 30 may be arranged to automatically turn off the speaker of the receiving unit 30 when placed on the transmitting unit 20 for charging, to reduce power consumption and to reduce acoustic feedback. When the receiving unit 30 is removed from the transmitting unit 20 (e.g. after charging), the sound transmission is delayed for a predetermined time, e.g. 2 seconds, after this removal, again for avoiding acoustic feedback.

It should be mentioned that the inventive concept is by no means limited to the embodiments described herein, and that several modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly be advantageously combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second", etc. do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. An infant alarm characterized in that it comprises a transmitting unit (20) and a receiving unit (30), the receiving unit (30) being configured to receive and generate sound transmitted from the transmitting unit (20), wherein the transmitting unit (20) and the receiving unit (30) comprise respective mating charging connectors (25g, 35g) such that the transmitting unit (20) acts as a charger for the receiving unit (30) when the two charging connectors (25g, 35g) are connected to each other, wherein the charging connector (25g) of the transmitting unit (20) is provided on a top surface (23) of the transmitting unit (20), and wherein the top surface (23) is inclined thereby forming a recess.

2. An infant alarm according to claim 1, characterised in that the recess forms a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the receiving unit (30) during charging of the receiving unit (30).

3. An infant alarm according to claim 1, characterised in that the recess is arranged for retaining the receiving unit (30) during charging of the receiving unit (30).

4. An infant alarm according to claim 1, characterised in that the charging connector (25g) of the transmitting unit (20) is provided at a bottom portion of the recess.

5. An infant alarm according to any of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the receiving unit (30) includes means for detecting proximity to the transmitting unit (20), the receiving unit (30) being arranged to interrupt the generation of sound when in a determined proximity to the transmitting unit (20).

6. An infant alarm according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the receiving unit (30) is arranged to automatically enter a standby mode when placed on the transmitting unit (20) for charging.

7. An infant alarm according to claim 6, wherein the standby mode includes no sound production and/or minimal battery drain.

8. An infant alarm according to any of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the receiving unit (30) is arranged to automatically resume sound generation when disconnected from the transmitting unit (20).

9. An infant alarm according to claim 8, wherein the resumption of the generation of sound resumes after a waiting period.

10. An infant alarm according to claim 9, wherein the waiting period is 1 to 20 seconds.

11. An infant alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the receiving unit (30) has the general shape of a disc.

12. A transmitting unit (20) of an infant alarm, characterized in that the transmitting unit (20) comprises a charging connector (25g), the charging connector (25g) being configured to be connected to a corresponding charging connector (35g) of an associated receiving unit (30), wherein the charging connector (25g) of the transmitting unit (20) is configured such that the transmitting unit (20) acts as a charger for the receiving unit (30) when the charging connectors (25g, 35g) are connected, wherein the charging connector (25g) of the transmitting unit (20) is provided on a top surface (23) of the transmitting unit (20), and wherein the top surface (23) is inclined thereby forming a recess.

13. The transmission unit of an infant alarm according to claim 12, characterized in that the recess forms a receiving portion for receiving at least a part of the receiving unit (30) during charging of the receiving unit (30).

14. A transmission unit of an infant alarm according to claim 12, characterised in that the recess is arranged for holding the receiving unit (30) during charging of the receiving unit (30).

15. A receiving unit (30) of an infant alarm, characterized in that the receiving unit (30) comprises a charging connector (35g), the charging connector (35g) being configured to be connected to a corresponding charging connector (25g) of an associated transmitting unit (20) according to claim 7, wherein the charging connector (35g) of the receiving unit (30) is configured such that the transmitting unit (20) functions as a charger of the receiving unit (30) when the charging connectors (25g, 35g) are connected.

16. The receiving unit according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises an input connector (35b) for an associated external charger.