EP1327734B1 - Waterproof construction of a remote keyless entry device - Google Patents
Waterproof construction of a remote keyless entry device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1327734B1 EP1327734B1 EP20030000067 EP03000067A EP1327734B1 EP 1327734 B1 EP1327734 B1 EP 1327734B1 EP 20030000067 EP20030000067 EP 20030000067 EP 03000067 A EP03000067 A EP 03000067A EP 1327734 B1 EP1327734 B1 EP 1327734B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- casing
- hole
- keyless
- waterproof construction
- plate portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
- G07C9/00944—Details of construction or manufacture
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B19/00—Keys; Accessories therefor
- E05B19/04—Construction of the bow or head of the key; Attaching the bow to the shank
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
- G05G1/02—Controlling members for hand actuation by linear movement, e.g. push buttons
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine suitable for use in automobiles or the like.
- a key 52 Embedded in and mounted to the lower cover 51 is a key 52, with which a door of an automobile is manually locked or unlocked.
- An upper cover 53 formed from a molding of synthetic resin comprises an upper wall 53a, a hole 53b formed on the upper wall 53a, an annular side wall 53c extending downward from an outer periphery of the upper wall 53a, and a storage portion 53d surrounded by the upper wall 53a and the side wall 53c.
- a button type battery 58 can be mounted in and dismounted from the storage portion 54e through the hole 54b of the casing 54, and when being mounted, the battery 58 is supported by the bottom wall 54a and the circuit board 55.
- the hole 54b for mounting and dismounting of the battery 58 is present, so that water easily enters into the storage portion 54e through the hole 54b in the course of transportation of the intermediate product S2, or the like.
- the interposed structure of the flange portion 57e puts the storage portion 51c in a closed state to make a waterproof construction of the intermediate product S2 but moisture enters into the storage portion 51c and into the storage portion 54e through the hole 54b of the casing 54 in a state, in which the flange portion 57e is inadequately interposed.
- a waterproof construction of conventional, keyless-entry portable machines involves a problem that moisture is liable to enter into the storage portion 54e through the hole 54b of the casing 54 in the course of transportation of the intermediate product S2, or the like.
- the invention provides a configuration comprising a lower casing having a bottom wall, a plug loosely fitted into a through hole provided in the bottom wall, a box-shaped keytop formed from a rubber material, a battery, switches and a circuit board received in the keytop, and an upper casing to interpose the keytop between it and the lower casing, the keytop comprising an upper plate portion, an annular side plate portion extending downward from an outer periphery of the upper plate portion, and a cavity surrounded by the upper plate portion and the side plate portion, and wherein when the upper casing and the lower casing are joined together, the upper plate portion is pressed by the upper casing whereby a lower end of the side plate portion is brought into pressure contact with the lower casing and interposed between the upper casing and the lower casing, and an air within the cavity can be discharged from the through hole and when an intermediate product with the upper casing and the lower casing joined is received in a cover, the cover brings the plug into pressure
- the through hole can also serve for measurement, and a construction is obtained, which is simple and in which measurement is easy.
- the upper casing and the lower casing are easy to join together, and an operation of holding the keytop and pressing against the bottom wall becomes easy for favorable productivity.
- the through hole is surely closed by the plug, and when the lower casing and the keytop are again joined at the time of exchange of a battery, an air within the cavity is discharged when the keytop is pushed by the upper casing, so that the lower end of the side plate portion is adequately brought into pressure contact with the bottom wall to make closeness between the keytop and the bottom wall favorable.
- the invention provides a configuration, in which the plug comprises a plate-shaped flange, a neck projecting from the flange, and a spherical-shaped head provided at a tip end of the neck, and the head is latched to the through hole with the flange positioned outside the lower casing.
- the plug can be formed in a simple structure and mounting of the plug into the through hole becomes easy.
- the plug can be mounted in a compact manner, and the flange can also close the through hole to make closeness of the through hole further sure.
- the invention provides a configuration, in which the cover comprises an upper cover and a lower cover and the upper and lower casings joined are received in the upper and lower covers.
- the invention provides a configuration, in which the lower cover is provided with a projection to press the plug.
- Fig. 1 is an exploded, perspective view showing the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention
- Fig. 2 being a cross sectional view showing an essential part of an outline of the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention
- Fig. 3 being a cross sectional view relating to the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention and showing an essential part thereof as exploded
- Fig. 4 being an enlarged, cross sectional view showing an essential part of the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention.
- a key 2 Embedded in and mounted to the lower cover 1 is a key 2, with which a door of an automobile is manually locked or unlocked.
- An upper casing 5 formed from a molding of synthetic resin comprises an upper wall 5a, a plurality of holes 5b formed on the upper wall 5a, an annular side wall 5c extending downward from an outer periphery of the upper wall 5a, a projection 5d for latching provided on an outer periphery of the side wall 5c, and a storage portion 5e surrounded by the upper wall 5a and the side wall 5c.
- the upper casing 5 and the lower casing 4 are caused to face each other and the side wall 5c is positioned in the side wall 4b of the lower casing 4 to be pushed thereinto, then the projection 5d fits into the recess 4d in a snapping manner to cause the lower and upper casings 4, 5 to be joined in a snapping manner and combined together.
- a circuit board 6 formed from a printed board and formed thereon with a conductive pattern mounts thereon electric parts such as two push type switches 7, an IC part 8, or the like, to form thereon a transmitting circuit or a transmitting and receiving circuit, the circuit board 6 being disposed in the storage portion 4c while being placed on the partition 4e.
- a negative terminal plate 9 is formed from a conductive metallic plate having a spring quality, the terminal plate 9 being placed on the bottom wall 4a in a state of being guided by the partition 4e, and connected to the conductive pattern on the circuit board 6.
- a button type battery 11 is arranged in a state of being connected to the terminal plates 9, 10, respectively.
- a box-shaped keytop 13 formed from a rubber material comprises a flat-plate shaped upper plate portion 13a, two pressing portions 13b provided to project upward from the upper plate portion 13a, an annular side plate portion 13c extending downward from an outer periphery of the upper plate portion 13a, a cavity 13d surrounded by the side plate portion 13c and the upper plate portion 13a, and a bias portion 13e projecting toward the cavity 13d from the upper plate portion 13a.
- the upper casing 5 is laid on an upper portion of the keytop 13 to be joined to the lower casing 4 in a snapping manner.
- the side plate portion 13c bends and the entire periphery of the tip end of the side plate portion 13c is brought into pressure contact with the bottom wall 4a to assure closeness between the keytop 13 and the bottom wall 4a, in which state the keytop 13 is brought into pressure contact and interposed between the lower casing 4 and the upper casing 5.
- a plug 14 formed from a rubber material comprises a disk-shaped flange 14a, a neck 14b projecting upward from a center of the flange 14a, and a spherical-shaped head 14c provided at a tip end of the neck 14b.
- the plug 14 is latched with the head 14c loosely fitted into the through hole 4f, and the flange 14a is received and mounted in the recess 4h of the lower casing 4.
- the electric performance of the intermediate product S1 is checked prior to mounting of the plug 14, such checking of the performance being performed by inserting a measurement probe (not shown) through the through hole 4f and bringing the measurement probe into contact with the conductive unit 12.
- the intermediate product S1 to which the plug 14 is mounted is in some cases transported to a site of outside order, or the like for final assembly, at which time entry of water is made hard in the course of transportation of the intermediate product S1.
- Such intermediate product S1 is received in the storage portions 1c, 3d in the lower cover 1 and the upper cover 3, which constitute a cover, to complete a keyless-entry portable machine.
- the pressing portions 13b of the keytop 13 are put in a state to project through the holes 3b of the upper cover 3, and the projection 1d of the lower cover 1 pushes the plug 14 against the bottom wall 4a to intensely bring the plug 14 into pressure contact with the through hole 4f.
- the battery 11 is exchanged in a state, in which the lower and upper covers 1, 3, the lower and upper casings 4, 5, and the keytop 13 are disassembled and the plug 14 is removed.
- exchange of the battery 11 may be performed in a state, in which the plug 14 is latched to the through hole 4f.
- movable contacts may be provided on lower portions of the pressing portions of the keytop to come into and out of contact with fixed contacts provided on the circuit board.
- a waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine comprises a lower casing having a bottom wall, a plug loosely fitted into a through hole provided in the bottom wall, a box-shaped keytop formed from a rubber material, a battery, switches and a circuit board received in the keytop, and an upper casing to interpose the keytop between it and the lower casing, the keytop comprising an upper plate portion, an annular side plate portion extending downward from an outer periphery of the upper plate portion, and a cavity surrounded by the upper plate portion and the side plate portion, and in the waterproof construction, when the upper casing and the lower casing are joined together, the upper plate portion is pressed by the upper casing whereby a lower end of the side plate portion is brought into pressure contact with the lower casing and interposed between the upper casing and the lower casing, and an air within the cavity can be discharged from the through hole and when an intermediate product with the upper casing and the lower casing joined is received in a cover, the cover brings the
- an air within the cavity can be discharged from the through hole, an air within the cavity is discharged when the keytop is pushed by the upper casing, so that the lower end of the side plate portion is adequately brought into pressure contact with the bottom wall to make closeness between the keytop and the bottom wall favorable.
- the plug is caused by the cover to come into pressure contact with the bottom wall and the through hole is fully closed by the plug, whereby the cavity is put in a sealed state to enable assuring waterproof.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
- Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine suitable for use in automobiles or the like.
- The drawings of a waterproof construction of a conventional, keyless-entry portable machine will be explained, Fig. 5 being a cross sectional view showing an outline of the waterproof construction of the conventional, keyless-entry portable machine, and Fig. 6 being a cross sectional view relating to the waterproof construction of the conventional, keyless-entry portable machine and showing an essential part thereof. (see doc. JP 09078907)
- Subsequently, an explanation will be given to a configuration of the waterproof construction of the conventional, keyless-entry portable machine with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. A box-shaped
lower cover 51 formed from a molding of synthetic resin comprises abottom wall 51a, anannular side wall 51b extending upward from an outer periphery of thebottom wall 51a, and astorage portion 51c surrounded by theside wall 51b and thebottom wall 51a. - Embedded in and mounted to the
lower cover 51 is akey 52, with which a door of an automobile is manually locked or unlocked. - An
upper cover 53 formed from a molding of synthetic resin comprises anupper wall 53a, ahole 53b formed on theupper wall 53a, anannular side wall 53c extending downward from an outer periphery of theupper wall 53a, and astorage portion 53d surrounded by theupper wall 53a and theside wall 53c. - And the
upper cover 53 and thelower cover 51 are put in a facing state to be combined by a joining means such as screws or the like. - A box-
shaped casing 54 formed from a molding of synthetic resin comprises a flat-plate shapedbottom wall 54a, ahole 54b provided in thebottom wall 54a, anannular side wall 54c extending upward from an outer periphery of thebottom wall 54a, aprojection 54d for latching provided on an outer periphery of theside wall 54c, astorage portion 54e surrounded by thebottom wall 54a and theside wall 54c, and apartition 54f provided to project toward thestorage portion 54e from thebottom wall 54a. - A
circuit board 55 formed from a printed board mounts thereon electric parts such as apush type switch 56, or the like, and is disposed in thestorage portion 54e while being placed on thepartition 54f. - A box-
shaped keytop 57 formed from a rubber material comprises a flat-plate shapedupper plate portion 57a, apressing portion 57b provided to project upward from theupper plate portion 57a, an annularside plate portion 57c extending downward from an outer periphery of theupper plate portion 57a, alatch hole 57d provided on theside plate portion 57c, and anannular flange portion 57e projecting outward from theside plate portion 57c. - And the
keytop 57 is positioned in a manner to cover an upper portion of thecircuit board 55 and assembled to thecasing 54 with theside plate portion 57c fitted onto an outside of theside wall 54c of thecasing 54 and theprojection 54d latching on thelatch hole 57d. - At this time, a lower portion of the
pressing portion 57b is put in a state to face apush button 56a of theswitch 56. - Also, a
button type battery 58 can be mounted in and dismounted from thestorage portion 54e through thehole 54b of thecasing 54, and when being mounted, thebattery 58 is supported by thebottom wall 54a and thecircuit board 55. - In this manner, the
casing 54 and thekeytop 57, in which thecircuit board 55 or the like is received, are combined to form an intermediate product S2. - With the intermediate product S2 thus constructed, the
hole 54b for mounting and dismounting of thebattery 58 is present, so that water easily enters into thestorage portion 54e through thehole 54b in the course of transportation of the intermediate product S2, or the like. - Also, such intermediate product S2 is received in the
storage portions lower cover 51 and theupper cover 53, thepressing portion 57b projects through thehole 53b, and theflange portion 57e of thekeytop 57 is interposed between and supported by an upper end of theside wall 51b of thelower cover 51 and a lower end of theside wall 53c of theupper cover 53. - As a result, the interposed structure of the
flange portion 57e puts thestorage portion 51c in a closed state to make a waterproof construction of the intermediate product S2 but moisture enters into thestorage portion 51c and into thestorage portion 54e through thehole 54b of thecasing 54 in a state, in which theflange portion 57e is inadequately interposed. - With the keyless-entry portable machine thus constructed, when the
pressing portion 57b is pressed, thepush button 56a of theswitch 56 is operated with the result that a door of an automobile is locked or unlocked. - A waterproof construction of conventional, keyless-entry portable machines involves a problem that moisture is liable to enter into the
storage portion 54e through thehole 54b of thecasing 54 in the course of transportation of the intermediate product S2, or the like. - Also, there is caused a problem that when the
flange portion 57e of thekeytop 57 is inadequately interposed between thelower cover 51 and theupper cover 53, moisture also enters into thestorage portion 54e through thehole 54b of thecasing 54. - Hereupon, the present invention has its object to provide a waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine, which is sure in waterproof.
- As a first solving measure for solving the above problem, the invention provides a configuration comprising a lower casing having a bottom wall, a plug loosely fitted into a through hole provided in the bottom wall, a box-shaped keytop formed from a rubber material, a battery, switches and a circuit board received in the keytop, and an upper casing to interpose the keytop between it and the lower casing, the keytop comprising an upper plate portion, an annular side plate portion extending downward from an outer periphery of the upper plate portion, and a cavity surrounded by the upper plate portion and the side plate portion, and wherein when the upper casing and the lower casing are joined together, the upper plate portion is pressed by the upper casing whereby a lower end of the side plate portion is brought into pressure contact with the lower casing and interposed between the upper casing and the lower casing, and an air within the cavity can be discharged from the through hole and when an intermediate product with the upper casing and the lower casing joined is received in a cover, the cover brings the plug into pressure contact with the bottom wall and the plug closes the through hole, whereby the cavity is put in a sealed state.
- With such configuration, the through hole of the lower casing is put in a state to be closed by the plug, so that moisture becomes hard to enter into the cavity of the keytop in the course of transportation of an intermediate product with the upper casing and the lower casing joined.
- Also, since an air within the cavity can be discharged from the through hole, an air within the cavity is discharged when the keytop is pushed by the upper casing, so that the lower end of the side plate portion is adequately brought into pressure contact with the bottom wall to make closeness between the keytop and the bottom wall favorable.
- Also, the plug is caused by the cover to come into pressure contact with the bottom wall and the through hole is fully closed by the plug, whereby the cavity is put in a sealed state to enable assuring waterproofness.
- Also, as a second solving measure, the invention provides a configuration, in which a conductive unit is arranged in a position opposed to the through hole in the cavity and a measurement probe inserted into the through hole can contact with the conductive unit.
- With such configuration, the through hole can also serve for measurement, and a construction is obtained, which is simple and in which measurement is easy.
- Also, as a third solving measure, the invention provides a configuration, in which the upper casing and the lower casing are joined in a snapping manner.
- With such configuration, the upper casing and the lower casing are easy to join together, and an operation of holding the keytop and pressing against the bottom wall becomes easy for favorable productivity.
- Also, as a fourth solving measure, the invention provides a configuration, in which the circuit board is pushed against and supported on the lower casing by the keytop.
- With such configuration, the circuit board is easily supported, and productivity is favorable.
- Also, as a fifth solving measure, the invention provides a configuration, in which the plug is formed from a rubber material and can be mounted in and dismounted from the through hole.
- With such configuration, the through hole is surely closed by the plug, and when the lower casing and the keytop are again joined at the time of exchange of a battery, an air within the cavity is discharged when the keytop is pushed by the upper casing, so that the lower end of the side plate portion is adequately brought into pressure contact with the bottom wall to make closeness between the keytop and the bottom wall favorable.
- Also, as a sixth solving measure, the invention provides a configuration, in which the plug comprises a plate-shaped flange, a neck projecting from the flange, and a spherical-shaped head provided at a tip end of the neck, and the head is latched to the through hole with the flange positioned outside the lower casing.
- With such configuration, the plug can be formed in a simple structure and mounting of the plug into the through hole becomes easy.
- Also, as a seventh solving measure, the invention provides a configuration, in which the lower casing is provided with a recess to receive the flange.
- With such configuration, the plug can be mounted in a compact manner, and the flange can also close the through hole to make closeness of the through hole further sure.
- Also, as an eighth solving measure, the invention provides a configuration, in which the cover comprises an upper cover and a lower cover and the upper and lower casings joined are received in the upper and lower covers.
- With such configuration, an intermediate product can be made waterproof irrespective of a state, in which the upper cover and the lower cover are clamped, and an assembling work thereof is made simple.
- Also, as a ninth solving measure, the invention provides a configuration, in which the lower cover is provided with a projection to press the plug.
- With such configuration, the through hole can be closed further surely.
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- Fig. 1 is an exploded, perspective view showing a waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention;
- Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view showing an essential part of an outline of the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention;
- Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view relating to the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention and showing an essential part thereof as exploded;
- Fig. 4 is an enlarged, cross sectional view showing an essential part of the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention;
- Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view showing an essential part representative of an outline of a waterproof construction of a conventional, keyless-entry portable machine; and
- Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view relating to the waterproof construction of the conventional, keyless-entry portable machine and showing an essential part thereof as exploded.
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- A waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an exploded, perspective view showing the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention, Fig. 2 being a cross sectional view showing an essential part of an outline of the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention, Fig. 3 being a cross sectional view relating to the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention and showing an essential part thereof as exploded, and Fig. 4 being an enlarged, cross sectional view showing an essential part of the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine according to the invention.
- Subsequently, an explanation will be given to a configuration of the waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine of the invention with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. A box-shaped
lower cover 1 formed from a molding of synthetic resin comprises abottom wall 1a, anannular side wall 1b extending upward from an outer periphery of thebottom wall 1a, astorage portion 1c surrounded by theside wall 1b and thebottom wall 1a, and aprojection 1d provided to project toward thestorage portion 1c from thebottom wall 1a. - Embedded in and mounted to the
lower cover 1 is akey 2, with which a door of an automobile is manually locked or unlocked. - An
upper cover 3 formed from a molding of synthetic resin comprises anupper wall 3a, a plurality ofholes 3b formed on theupper wall 3a, anannular side wall 3c extending downward from an outer periphery of theupper wall 3a, and astorage portion 3d surrounded by theupper wall 3a and theside wall 3c. - And the
upper cover 3 and thelower cover 1 are put in a facing state to be combined by a joining means such as screws or the like to form a general cover. - A box-shaped
lower casing 4 formed from a molding of synthetic resin comprises a flat-plate shapedbottom wall 4a, anannular side wall 4b extending upward from an outer periphery of thebottom wall 4a, astorage portion 4c surrounded by thebottom wall 4a and theside wall 4b, arecess 4d for latching provided on an outer periphery of theside wall 4b, apartition 4e provided to project toward thestorage portion 4f from thebottom wall 4a, a throughhole 4f extending through thebottom wall 4a, acylindrical portion 4g provided to project toward thestorage portion 4c from a periphery of the throughhole 4f, and acircular recess 4h provided corresponding to thethrough hole 4f. - An
upper casing 5 formed from a molding of synthetic resin comprises anupper wall 5a, a plurality ofholes 5b formed on theupper wall 5a, anannular side wall 5c extending downward from an outer periphery of theupper wall 5a, aprojection 5d for latching provided on an outer periphery of theside wall 5c, and astorage portion 5e surrounded by theupper wall 5a and theside wall 5c. - And the
upper casing 5 and thelower casing 4 are caused to face each other and theside wall 5c is positioned in theside wall 4b of thelower casing 4 to be pushed thereinto, then theprojection 5d fits into therecess 4d in a snapping manner to cause the lower andupper casings - A
circuit board 6 formed from a printed board and formed thereon with a conductive pattern mounts thereon electric parts such as twopush type switches 7, anIC part 8, or the like, to form thereon a transmitting circuit or a transmitting and receiving circuit, thecircuit board 6 being disposed in thestorage portion 4c while being placed on thepartition 4e. - A
negative terminal plate 9 is formed from a conductive metallic plate having a spring quality, theterminal plate 9 being placed on thebottom wall 4a in a state of being guided by thepartition 4e, and connected to the conductive pattern on thecircuit board 6. - A
positive terminal plate 10 is formed from a conductive metallic plate having a spring quality, theterminal plate 10 being disposed between thecircuit board 6 and thebottom wall 4a to be arranged on theterminal plate 9 with a spacing therefrom and with a portion thereof opposed to theterminal plate 9, and connected to the conductive pattern on thecircuit board 6. - A
button type battery 11 is arranged in a state of being connected to theterminal plates - Also, as shown in Fig. 4, a
conductive unit 12 composed of the conductive pattern or theterminal plates hole 4f, and while being not shown, a measurement probe can be inserted through the throughhole 4f to be brought into contact with theconductive unit 12. - A box-shaped
keytop 13 formed from a rubber material comprises a flat-plate shapedupper plate portion 13a, twopressing portions 13b provided to project upward from theupper plate portion 13a, an annularside plate portion 13c extending downward from an outer periphery of theupper plate portion 13a, acavity 13d surrounded by theside plate portion 13c and theupper plate portion 13a, and abias portion 13e projecting toward thecavity 13d from theupper plate portion 13a. - The
keytop 13 is received in thestorage portions circuit board 6 including theswitches 7, or the like, theterminal plates battery 11 are received in thecavity 13d and an entire periphery of a lower end of theside plate portion 13c is brought into pressure contact with thebottom wall 4a. - Also, at the time of mounting of the
keytop 13, thepressing portions 13b project above theholes 5b of theupper casing 5 and facebuttons 7a of theswitches 7, and also thebias portion 13e biases and supports thecircuit board 6 on thepartition 4e. - Subsequently, stated with respect to assembly of the
keytop 13, a tip end of theside plate portion 13c of thekeytop 13 is caused to abut against thebottom wall 4a with thekeytop 13 covering thecircuit board 6 and the like. - In this state, the
upper casing 5 is laid on an upper portion of thekeytop 13 to be joined to thelower casing 4 in a snapping manner. - Then, since the
upper plate portion 13a of thekeytop 13 is pushed by theupper wall 5a of theupper casing 5, theside plate portion 13c bends and the entire periphery of the tip end of theside plate portion 13c is brought into pressure contact with thebottom wall 4a to assure closeness between the keytop 13 and thebottom wall 4a, in which state thekeytop 13 is brought into pressure contact and interposed between thelower casing 4 and theupper casing 5. - Also, when the
keytop 13 is pushed at theupper plate portion 13a, an air within thecavity 13d is discharged from the throughhole 4f, so that the air within thecavity 13d is not compressed, and so pressure contact of the tip end of theside plate portion 13c with thebottom wall 4a is made favorable to further make sure closeness between the keytop 13 and thebottom wall 4a. - A
plug 14 formed from a rubber material comprises a disk-shapedflange 14a, aneck 14b projecting upward from a center of theflange 14a, and a spherical-shapedhead 14c provided at a tip end of theneck 14b. - The
plug 14 is latched with thehead 14c loosely fitted into the throughhole 4f, and theflange 14a is received and mounted in therecess 4h of thelower casing 4. - At this time, a slight gap is present between the head 14c and the through
hole 4f to allow an air within thecavity 13d to be discharged outside from the gap but theflange 14a is disposed outside the throughhole 4f to make entry of water hard. - In addition, slight irregularities may be provided on the
head 14c or the throughhole 4f to allow an air within thecavity 13d to be discharged outside from a gap. - The
plug 14 can be mounted on and dismounted from the throughhole 4f, and when being mounted, theplug 14 is latched to the throughhole 4f. - In this manner, the lower and
upper casings keytop 13 covering thecircuit board 6 and the like, and theplug 14 are assembled together to form an intermediate product S1. - Also, the electric performance of the intermediate product S1 is checked prior to mounting of the
plug 14, such checking of the performance being performed by inserting a measurement probe (not shown) through the throughhole 4f and bringing the measurement probe into contact with theconductive unit 12. - After completion of the checking of the performance, the intermediate product S1, to which the
plug 14 is mounted, is in some cases transported to a site of outside order, or the like for final assembly, at which time entry of water is made hard in the course of transportation of the intermediate product S1. - Also, such intermediate product S1 is received in the
storage portions lower cover 1 and theupper cover 3, which constitute a cover, to complete a keyless-entry portable machine. - At this time, the
pressing portions 13b of thekeytop 13 are put in a state to project through theholes 3b of theupper cover 3, and theprojection 1d of thelower cover 1 pushes theplug 14 against thebottom wall 4a to intensely bring theplug 14 into pressure contact with the throughhole 4f. - Also, at the time of exchange of the
battery 11, thebattery 11 is exchanged in a state, in which the lower andupper covers upper casings keytop 13 are disassembled and theplug 14 is removed. - Then, after the
upper casing 5 is joined to thelower casing 4 in a snapping manner in a state, in which thekeytop 13 is placed on thebottom wall 4a, theplug 14 is latched to the throughhole 4f to form an intermediate product S1, and then the intermediate product S1 is received in the lower andupper covers battery 11. - In addition, exchange of the
battery 11 may be performed in a state, in which theplug 14 is latched to the throughhole 4f. - With such keyless-entry portable machine thus constructed, the
button 7a of one of theswitches 7 is operated when one of thepressing portions 13b is pushed, with the result that a door of an automobile is locked, and thebutton 7a of the other of theswitches 7 is operated when the other of thepressing portions 13b is pushed, with the result that a door of an automobile is unlocked. - In addition, while the switches in the embodiment are single ones, movable contacts may be provided on lower portions of the pressing portions of the keytop to come into and out of contact with fixed contacts provided on the circuit board.
- A waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine, according to the invention, comprises a lower casing having a bottom wall, a plug loosely fitted into a through hole provided in the bottom wall, a box-shaped keytop formed from a rubber material, a battery, switches and a circuit board received in the keytop, and an upper casing to interpose the keytop between it and the lower casing, the keytop comprising an upper plate portion, an annular side plate portion extending downward from an outer periphery of the upper plate portion, and a cavity surrounded by the upper plate portion and the side plate portion, and in the waterproof construction, when the upper casing and the lower casing are joined together, the upper plate portion is pressed by the upper casing whereby a lower end of the side plate portion is brought into pressure contact with the lower casing and interposed between the upper casing and the lower casing, and an air within the cavity can be discharged from the through hole and when an intermediate product with the upper casing and the lower casing joined is received in a cover, the cover brings the plug into pressure contact with the bottom wall and the plug closes the through hole, whereby the cavity is put in a sealed state, whereby the through hole of the lower casing is put in a state to be closed by the plug, so that moisture becomes hard to enter into the cavity of the keytop in the course of transportation of an intermediate product with the upper casing and the lower casing joined.
- Also, since an air within the cavity can be discharged from the through hole, an air within the cavity is discharged when the keytop is pushed by the upper casing, so that the lower end of the side plate portion is adequately brought into pressure contact with the bottom wall to make closeness between the keytop and the bottom wall favorable.
- Also, the plug is caused by the cover to come into pressure contact with the bottom wall and the through hole is fully closed by the plug, whereby the cavity is put in a sealed state to enable assuring waterproof.
Claims (9)
- A waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine comprising a lower casing (4) having a bottom wall (4a), a plug (14) loosely fitted into a through hole (4f) provided in the bottom wall (4a), a box-shaped keytop (13) formed from a rubber material, a battery (11), switches (7) and a circuit board (6) received in the keytop (13), and an upper casing (5) to interpose the keytop (13) between it and the lower casing (4), the keytop (13) comprising an upper plate portion (13a), an annular side plate portion (13c) extending downward from an outer periphery of the upper plate portion (13a), and a cavity (13d) surrounded by the upper plate portion (13a) and the side plate portion (13c), and wherein when the upper casing (5) and the lower casing (4) are joined together, the upper plate portion (13a) is pressed by the upper casing (15) whereby a lower end of the side plate portion (13c) is brought into pressure contact with the lower casing (4) and interposed between the upper casing (5) and the lower casing (4), and an air within the cavity (13d) can be discharged from the through hole (4f) and when an intermediate product (S1) with the upper casing (5) and the lower casing (4) joined is received in a cover (1), the cover (1) brings the plug (14) into pressure contact with the bottom wall (4a) and the plug (14) closes the through hole (4f), whereby the cavity (13d) is put in a sealed state.
- The waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine, according to claim 1, wherein a conductive unit is arranged in a position opposed to the through hole in the cavity and a measurement probe inserted into the through hole can contact with the conductive unit.
- The waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine, according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper casing and the lower casing are joined in a snapping manner.
- The waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the circuit board is pushed against and supported on the lower casing by the keytop.
- The waterproof construction of the keyless-entry portable machine, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plug is formed from a rubber material and can be mounted in and dismounted from the through hole.
- The waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine, according to claim 5, wherein the plug comprises a plate-shaped flange, a neck projecting from the flange, and a spherical-shaped head provided at a tip end of the neck, and the head is latched to the through hole with the flange positioned outside the lower casing.
- The waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine, according to claim 6, wherein the lower casing is provided with a recess to receive the flange.
- The waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover comprises an upper cover and a lower cover and the upper and lower casings joined are received in the upper and lower covers.
- The waterproof construction of a keyless-entry portable machine, according to claim 8, wherein the lower cover is provided with a projection to press the plug.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2002001482A JP3960804B2 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2002-01-08 | Waterproof structure of keyless entry portable device |
JP2002001482 | 2002-01-08 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1327734A1 EP1327734A1 (en) | 2003-07-16 |
EP1327734B1 true EP1327734B1 (en) | 2004-10-06 |
Family
ID=19190621
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20030000067 Expired - Fee Related EP1327734B1 (en) | 2002-01-08 | 2003-01-07 | Waterproof construction of a remote keyless entry device |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1327734B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3960804B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60300065T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2007258877A (en) * | 2006-03-22 | 2007-10-04 | Tokai Rika Co Ltd | Portable machine |
JP4821420B2 (en) * | 2006-04-27 | 2011-11-24 | パナソニック株式会社 | Remote control transmitter |
DE102006048369A1 (en) * | 2006-10-09 | 2008-04-10 | Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst Gmbh & Co. Kg | Electronic key |
JP4979330B2 (en) | 2006-10-11 | 2012-07-18 | オムロンオートモーティブエレクトロニクス株式会社 | Transmitter |
JP4849624B2 (en) | 2007-01-05 | 2012-01-11 | オムロンオートモーティブエレクトロニクス株式会社 | Portable machine |
JP2010077618A (en) * | 2008-09-24 | 2010-04-08 | Tokai Rika Co Ltd | Electronic key |
WO2010109806A1 (en) * | 2009-03-26 | 2010-09-30 | パナソニック株式会社 | Electronic lock |
DE102010001233A1 (en) * | 2010-01-26 | 2011-07-28 | Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG, 42551 | Mobile identification transmitter |
JP4947179B2 (en) * | 2010-03-30 | 2012-06-06 | 株式会社デンソー | Portable transmitter |
DE202010013857U1 (en) * | 2010-09-17 | 2011-12-28 | Burg-Wächter Kg | Control device for controlling, in particular for the transmission of opening and / or closing commands of an electronic lock |
DE102013205675A1 (en) * | 2013-03-28 | 2014-10-02 | Continental Automotive Gmbh | Electronic key |
DE102015103120A1 (en) * | 2015-03-04 | 2016-09-08 | Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. | key |
JP7240988B2 (en) * | 2019-08-13 | 2023-03-16 | 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 | electronic key |
EP4343087A1 (en) * | 2022-09-21 | 2024-03-27 | dormakaba Schweiz AG | Key for an electromechanical locking device |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3902537A1 (en) * | 1989-01-28 | 1990-08-09 | Daimler Benz Ag | Key container with pivot-out flat key |
JP2677769B2 (en) * | 1994-09-29 | 1997-11-17 | 株式会社アルファ | Electronic device built-in key device and manufacturing method thereof |
JPH0978907A (en) * | 1995-09-13 | 1997-03-25 | Honda Lock Mfg Co Ltd | Waterproof construction of key with built-in electronic circuit |
JP4019298B2 (en) * | 1999-09-13 | 2007-12-12 | 株式会社デンソー | Waterproof circuit device with built-in push switch |
-
2002
- 2002-01-08 JP JP2002001482A patent/JP3960804B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-01-07 EP EP20030000067 patent/EP1327734B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-01-07 DE DE2003600065 patent/DE60300065T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE60300065T2 (en) | 2006-02-23 |
DE60300065D1 (en) | 2004-11-11 |
JP3960804B2 (en) | 2007-08-15 |
JP2003201781A (en) | 2003-07-18 |
EP1327734A1 (en) | 2003-07-16 |
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