JP3130749B2 - Electronic component embedded key - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key for embedding an electronic component such as a transmitter in a grip portion of a key.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An automobile engine is started by inserting an ignition key into a key cylinder and rotating the key.

[0003] In recent years, there has been a key in which not only mechanical key operation but also an electric signal generated from an ignition key is used to control the start of the engine to prevent theft. Such an ignition key has a built-in transmitter for transmitting a unique ID code. The ID code transmitted from the transmitter and a computer (ECU) for controlling the engine start of the receiver installed on the vehicle side
), The engine is started by electronic control. Therefore, the engine cannot be started with a key other than the key having the built-in transmitter, and the device is devised to prevent theft of the automobile.

The transmitter built in the ignition key is
The ID code is transmitted by operation of a switch provided on the grip portion, driven by a battery built in the grip portion of the key. However, when the battery is exhausted, the ID code cannot be transmitted, and the engine may not be able to be started even by the ignition key of the user. Therefore, in recent years, an ignition key incorporating a transmitter that does not require a battery (hereinafter, referred to as a transponder) has been adopted.

When the transponder touches the magnetism generated by the magnetic generator of the receiver, the transponder converts the magnetic energy into electric energy to generate electric power, and the generated electric power transmits an ID code radio wave. ing. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of replacing the battery and use the battery for a long period of time.

[0006]

The transponder is accommodated in an accommodating hole formed in a holder attached to the key plate, and the key plate and the holder are inserted into a resin such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by insert molding. To form a grip portion of the ignition key. However, since the holder is merely attached to the key plate, there is a problem that a gap may be formed between the holder and the key plate.

Further, the transponder is fixed by inserting polyvinyl chloride into a gap between the transponder and the accommodation hole during insert molding. Therefore, the transponder is directly damaged by the heat of polyvinyl chloride during insert molding and is broken, so that the engine cannot be started. Therefore, there is a problem that the transponder cannot be used as an ignition key.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to prevent rattling of a key plate and prevent breakage of electronic components built in a grip portion. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic component embedded key that can be used.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic component-embedded key in which an electronic component is housed in a grip formed at a base of a key plate. The part is formed by molding a resin, a holder part that covers the base of the key plate, and a storage part that is formed in the holder part and that stores the electronic component,
A closing member that is inserted from the opening of the housing portion and closes the housing portion, and formed by molding a resin, and the closing member is closed with the housing portion of the holder portion closed by the closing member.
And a protector section covering the entire holder section.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic component embedded key according to the first aspect, the closing member is formed integrally with the holder when the holder is formed. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic component embedded key according to the first or second aspect, the electronic component is a transmitter, and the transmitter that accommodates the housing portion in the housing portion is the key. It was formed so that it could be arranged at a predetermined distance from the plate.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the electronic component is accommodated in the accommodating portion of the holder portion formed by molding resin on the base of the key plate. A closing member is fitted into the housing from the opening, and the housing is closed. And
In the closed state, a protector section that covers the holder section is formed of resin and serves as a grip section.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the closing member is formed integrally with the holder when the holder is formed. According to the invention described in claim 3, the electronic component is a transmitter, and the housing portion is formed so that the transmitter housed in the housing portion can be arranged at a predetermined distance from the key plate. Is done.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in an ignition key will be described below with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ignition key 1 is provided with a key plate 2. Key plate 2
The base 2a of the key plate 2 has a predetermined angle (45 in this embodiment) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the key plate 2 (the left-right direction in FIG. 1).
°) The inclined notch 2b is formed. Also, the base 2
a is formed with a locking hole 2c. Further, the ignition key 1 is formed with a grip portion 3.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b),
Is composed of a holder section 4 and a protector section 5 covering the holder section 4. The holder portion 4 is made of a highly rigid resin, for example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and the base portion 2a of the key plate 2 is formed by insert molding.
Is formed. Insert molding is a method in which a metal or other material component to be embedded in a molded product after molding is previously placed in a mold and molding is performed. That is, the key plate 2 is placed in a mold, and the base 2a is embedded in the holder 4 as a molded product after molding.

The protector section 5 is made of a soft resin material, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and is formed by covering the holder section 4 by insert molding. An accommodation hole 6 is formed in the holder part 4 as an accommodation part. The accommodation hole 6 is parallel to the notch 2b of the key plate 2,
That is, the ignition key 1 is formed at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction, and the opening 6a is formed toward the tip end side (right side in FIG. 1) of the ignition key 1. An electronic component and a transponder 7 as an oscillator are accommodated in the accommodation hole 6.

The transponder 7 is a cylindrical glass tube, and includes an antenna coil, a transformer, a capacitor, and an IC.
(Both not shown) are built in, and both ends are formed in a hemispherical shape and sealed. Transponder 7
Receives current from a magnetic generator (not shown) built in the key cylinder side and stores the current generated in the antenna coil in a capacitor via a transformer, and when the stored voltage reaches a predetermined value or more. A specific ID code set in advance is transmitted to the IC. The engine operates only when the ID code received from the transponder 7 by the receiver (not shown) built in the key cylinder side matches the ID code set in the engine control computer (ECU or the like) in advance. It is to be started. The electronic control system for preventing the engine from being started by the computer includes a system for cutting off ignition of an ignition coil when an ID code does not match, a system for cutting off fuel injection by an EFI (fuel injection control device), and a system for preventing operation of a starter. There are methods. In addition, the magnetic generator is
The ignition key 1 is operated in a state of being inserted into a key cylinder.

The antenna coil is arranged in the transponder 7 along its longitudinal direction. The antenna coil can convert the magnetism received when the ignition key 1 is inserted in the key cylinder and arranged in parallel with the key plate 2 into electric power most efficiently. Even if the antenna coil is arranged at an angle of about 45 ° with respect to the key plate 2, the received magnetism can be efficiently converted to electric power.

When the transponder 7 is arranged so that the antenna coil is parallel to the key plate 2, the transponder 7 is long. Therefore, in order to accommodate the transponder 7, it is necessary to lengthen the grip portion 3, and Be restricted. However, when the transponder 7 is arranged at 45 ° with respect to the key plate 2, not only can the received magnetism be efficiently converted to electric power, but also the gripping portion 3 can be shortened.

In order to transmit a radio wave from the transponder 7 to the receiver without being disturbed by the metal base 2a, the transponder 7 needs to be separated from the base 2a by a predetermined distance (about several mm). Therefore, when the transponder 7 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 6, its longitudinal direction is the key plate 2.
Is formed in parallel with the notch 2b and a predetermined interval (about several mm) is secured between the notch 2b and the notch 2b.

A predetermined amount of adhesive 8 is injected into the housing hole 6 and the transponder 7 is inserted. Therefore, the adhesive 8 is filled between the transponder 7 and the inner surface of the housing hole 6. In this embodiment, silicone (Silicone) is used as the adhesive 8. Silicone is silicon,
A heat-resistant rigid molecular compound composed of elements such as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which does not lose its flexibility even at a low temperature after being cured.

A cap 9 as a closing member is fitted into the opening 6a of the accommodation hole 6, and the accommodation hole 6 is closed by the cap 9. The amount of the adhesive 8 to be injected into the housing hole 6 is previously set as an injection amount such that the adhesive 8 is sufficiently filled in the space formed by the transponder 7 inserted into the housing hole 6 and the cap portion 9. .

As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b) and FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the cap portion 9 is used to form the holder portion 4 on the base portion 2a of the key plate 2 by insert molding.
It is formed integrally with the holder 4. Then, the cap portion 9 is separated from the holder portion 4 and the opening 6a of the accommodation hole 6 is formed.
It is designed to fit into.

The protector portion 5 is formed so as to cover the holder portion 4 in a state where the housing hole 6 is closed by the cap portion 9. As shown in FIG. 6, an insertion hole 10 is formed at the base end side (left side in FIG. 6) of the protector section 5, so that a key ring 11 can be inserted.
When the key ring 11 is disposed on the tip side of the ignition key 1 as shown by a solid line or a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6, the transponder 7 is located on both sides (upper or lower sides in FIG. 6) of the grip part 3. If they are arranged, the key ring 11 is engaged with the transponder 7, and it becomes impossible to receive magnetism. However, by disposing the transponder 7 at an angle of 45 ° and arranging it at the center of the grip portion 3, the key ring 11 does not cover the transponder 7, so that the transponder 7 can receive magnetism.

Next, the operation of the ignition key 1 configured as described above will be described. When manufacturing the ignition key 1, first, a holder 4 that covers the base 2 a of the key plate 2 is formed by insert molding. That is, the key plate 2 is set in the mold. After pressing molten polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) into the mold, the PB
Cure T. Then, the holder 4 having the receiving hole 6 is formed by the hardened PBT on the base 2a of the key plate 2.
Formed. At this time, the cap part 9 is simultaneously formed on the holder part 4 while being connected to the holder part 4. Therefore, since the same number of the cap portions 9 as the number of the holder portions 4 are formed, there is no excess or deficiency of the cap portions 9 and the trouble of adjusting the number can be omitted. Also, the cap 9
Is connected to the holder 4, so that the cap 9 is not lost.

Since the holder 4 is formed directly on the base 2a of the key plate 2, no gap is formed between the key plate 2 and the holder 4. A locking hole 2c formed in the base 2a of the key plate 2
PBT is press-fitted into the inside and is hardened.
Does not rattle.

Next, a predetermined amount of the adhesive 8 is injected into the housing hole 6, and as shown in FIG.
Insert Then, the cap portion 9 is separated from the holder portion 4 and fitted into the opening 6a to close the housing hole 6. Then, the adhesive 8 is filled between the transponder 7 and the inner wall of the housing hole 6 and the cap 9. Then, the adhesive filled in the accommodation hole 6 is cured. The adhesive 8 has a certain degree of flexibility even after being cured, and thus serves as a cushioning material. Therefore, since the impact such as a drop is softened by the adhesive 8, it is possible to prevent the transponder 7 from being damaged by the impact.

Next, a protector 5 covering the holder 4 is formed by insert molding. That is, the holder part 4 containing the transponder 7 is set in a mold, and molten polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is press-fitted into the mold.
Cure the VC. At this time, since the transponder 7 is housed in the holder part 4, it does not directly touch the molten polyvinyl chloride (PVC) when performing insert molding, so that the influence of heat is reduced, and the transponder 7 is prevented from being damaged. be able to.

When the transponder 7 is taken out of the mold, the ignition key 1 is formed in which the transponder 7 is completely embedded in the resin of the protector portion 5 and the holder portion 4 constituting the grip portion 3. Since the transponder 7 is embedded in the holding part 3 by the resin, there is no fear that the transponder 7 comes off the holding part 3 at all. Since the transponder 7 built in the ignition key 1 of this embodiment does not require batteries and does not need to be replaced, there is no problem even if it is embedded in resin. Further, the transponder 7 molded with a resin is excellent in water resistance. For example, even if the ignition key 1 is dropped into water, water does not enter the transponder 7, so that it is possible to prevent the transponder 7 from breaking down.

The transponder 7 embedded in the grip part 3 of the ignition key 1 manufactured in this manner is separated from the base part 2a of the key plate 2 by a predetermined distance (number) through the holder part 4.
(approx. mm). Further, the transponder 7 is attached to the housing hole 6 by the adhesive 8 filled in the housing hole 6.
It is fixed without rattling inside. Further, the adhesive 8
Since it is flexible even after curing, external impact is buffered by the adhesive and is not transmitted to the transponder 7, so that damage to the transponder 7 can be prevented.

Also, since the accommodating hole 6 accommodating the transponder 7 is closed by the cap 9, the protector 5
During molding, the pressure of PVC pressed into the mold is not directly applied to the transponder 7, and it is possible to prevent the transponder 7 from being damaged by the pressure during insert molding.

When starting the engine using the ignition key 1 manufactured as described above, first, the ignition key 1 is inserted into a key cylinder, and then the rotation operation is performed. When the ignition key 1 is rotated, a stress is applied to the grip portion 3 in the twisting direction. However, the gripper 3
Since the holder 4 is formed of a highly rigid resin, the grip 3 does not bend even if it receives such a torsional stress. Therefore, even if the ignition key 1 is used for many years and the rotation operation is repeated, the key plate 2 does not rattle.

When the ignition key 1 is inserted into the key cylinder, magnetism is generated from the magnetic generator on the key cylinder side. When the transponder 7 receives the magnetism,
A current is generated in the antenna coil in the transponder 7, and the capacitor is charged via the transformer. When the voltage stored in the capacitor reaches a predetermined value, a specific ID code preset in the IC is transmitted. At this time, the antenna coil extends along the insertion direction of the ignition key 1 so as to be easily affected by magnetism.
Power for transmitting the ID code can be obtained efficiently.
Further, since the transponder 7 and the metal base 2a are separated from each other by a predetermined distance (about several mm), the transmitted radio waves are not obstructed by the metal key plate 2 and the ID code can be reliably transmitted to the key cylinder side. Is received by the receiver.

The ID code received by the receiver is compared with a preset ID code by an engine start control computer (ECU or the like), and the engine is started based on the rotation operation of the ignition key 1 only when they match. Is done. If the ID codes do not match, the computer prevents the ignition coil ignition operation, EFI fuel injection operation or starter operation operation from being started according to the control method, and the engine is not started. Can be.

Further, since the protector section 5 is formed of PVC which is a resin of a soft material, the grip section 3 has a good touch. Even if the ignition key 1 is accidentally dropped, the impact is reduced by the protector portion 5 formed of a soft resin material and the adhesive 8 filled in the housing hole 6.
Can be prevented from being damaged.

As described above, according to the ignition key 1 of this embodiment, the base 2a of the key plate 2
Holder part 4 made of resin with high rigidity by insert molding
Is formed. As a result, the holder 4 is formed directly on the base 2a of the key plate 2, so that the base 2a and the holder 4
There is no gap between the key plate 2 and the key plate 2 while the ignition key 1 is in use.

The holder 4 has a receiving hole 6 formed during insert molding, and a cap 9 for closing the receiving hole 6 is integrally formed with the holder 4. Therefore, since the same number of cap portions 9 are simultaneously formed with respect to the holder portion 4, it is possible to eliminate the excess and deficiency of the cap portions 9 and to save the trouble of adjusting the number of the cap portions 9 with respect to the holder portion 4. it can. Further, since the cap portion 9 is formed integrally with the holder portion 4, the cap portion 9 can be prevented from being lost.

Then, after inserting the transponder 7 by injecting the adhesive 8 into the accommodation hole 6, the accommodation hole 6 is closed by the cap part 9 cut off from the holder part 4. For the closed holder 4, a protector 5 covering the holder 4 was formed by insert molding. Therefore, since the transponder 7 is housed in the housing hole 6 closed by the cap 9, the protector 5 is inserted by insert molding.
Is formed, the PV forming the protector portion 5 is formed.
The heat of C is not directly applied to the transponder 7, so that the transponder 7 can be prevented from being damaged.

The present invention can be embodied in another embodiment as follows. 1) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the opening 6a is formed at the distal end side of the ignition key 1 in the housing hole 6 as the housing portion, but the opening 6a is formed at the base end side (left side in FIG. 1) of the ignition key 1. You may. Alternatively, the housing 6 may be formed by forming the accommodation hole 6 having the opening 6a formed in the thickness direction of the ignition key 1 (the front and back direction in FIG. 1).

2) In the above embodiment, the housing hole 6 is formed simultaneously with the formation of the holder portion 4 at the time of insert molding. However, the holder portion 4 is once formed by insert molding, and the holder portion 4 is secondarily formed. The housing hole 6 may be formed by (secondary processing).

3) In the above embodiment, the cap portion 9 is connected to the holder portion 4 at the time of insert molding and is formed simultaneously. However, the holder portion 4 and the cap portion 9 may be formed separately.

4) The material of the holder portion 4 and the protector portion 5 of the above embodiment is changed to another material, for example, polyethylene (P
E), hydrocarbon resins such as polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), acrylic resins, halogen-containing resins such as fluororesins (TFE), polyether resins, urea resins (UF), Amino resins such as melamine resin (MF), polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate (PC), polyamide resins such as nylon (PA), polyurethane resins such as polyurethane (PUR), phenolic resins, epoxy resins, Acetate cellulose resin (C
A), a fibrous resin such as cellulose acetate butyrate resin (CAB), or a protein resin such as casein resin (CS) may be used as appropriate.

5) In the above embodiment, silicone was used as the adhesive 8, but any adhesive may be used as long as it has heat resistance and is flexible after being cured. Further, a gel other than the one that can be used as an adhesive may be used.

6) A magnetic generator and a receiver may be arranged on the key cylinder side of the door, and the door may be unlocked by an electronic lock mechanism based on an ID code transmitted from the ignition key 1.

7) The present invention may be applied to an electronic component embedded key other than an ignition key of an automobile. For example, the present invention may be applied to a door key for transmitting an ID code for identifying a resident of a building, a rocker key for transmitting a specific password code, or the like.

8) The electronic component embedded in the grip of the electronic component embedded key to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a transmitter such as a transponder, and various electronic components can be embedded in the grip.

9) A plasticizer may be appropriately added to a resin such as PVC for forming the protector portion 5 to impart rubber elasticity to the grip portion 3, so that the grip portion 3 can be improved in touch. 10) The grip portion 3 of the ignition key 1 of the above embodiment is
Irregularities for preventing slippage, marks and the like may be formed.

While the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, technical ideas other than the claims that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described below together with their effects. B) The electronic component embedded key according to claim 3,
The housing portion 6 is formed so that the oscillator 5 housed in the housing portion 6 can be arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the key plate 2. With this configuration, it is possible to receive magnetism efficiently.

(B) In the electronic component embedded key according to any one of (1) to (3) and (a), an adhesive 8 having flexibility even after being cured is injected into the housing portion 6. With this configuration, an external impact can be softened, and damage to the electronic component 5 can be prevented.

[0050]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the electronic component is housed in the housing formed in the holder, and the opening of the housing is closed by the closing member. Since the protector portion is formed by molding the resin in the folded state, it is possible to prevent the electronic component from being damaged by heat generated when the protector portion is formed.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, since the closing member is formed integrally with the holder portion, it is possible to eliminate excess and shortage and to save labor. Claim 3
According to the invention described in the above, the oscillator housed in the housing section,
Since the antenna is arranged at a predetermined distance from the key plate, radio waves oscillated from the oscillator can be reliably transmitted without being disturbed by the key plate.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an ignition key according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a (a) plan sectional view and (b) a side sectional view of the ignition key.

3A and 3B are a plan view and a side view, respectively, of a holder unit.

FIG. 4 is a (a) plan sectional view and (b) a side sectional view of a holder portion.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a holder.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a use state of an ignition key.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ignition key, 2 ... Key plate, 2a ... Base part, 3 ... Grip part, 4 ... Holder part, 5 ... Protector part, 6
... accommodation holes as accommodation portions, 6a ... openings, 7 ... transponders as electronic components and transmitters, 8 ... adhesives, 9 ... caps as closing members.

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] An electronic component embedded key in which an electronic component (7) is housed in a grip portion (3) formed on a base portion (2a) of a key plate (2), wherein the grip portion (3) is formed of resin. A holder part (4) formed to cover the base part (2a) of the key plate (2); a housing part (6) formed on the holder part (4) for housing the electronic component; A closing member (9) fitted through the opening (6a) of the housing part (6) and closing the housing part (6); and a housing part (6) of the holder part (4) formed by molding resin. while it closed by the closure member (9), the closed
An electronic component embedding key comprising a protector portion (5) covering the entire holder portion (4) including a closing member . 2. The electronic component embedded key according to claim 1, wherein the closing member (9) is formed integrally with the holder part (4) when forming the holder part (4). 3. The electronic component is a transmitter (5),
The said accommodating part (6) was formed so that the said transmitter (5) accommodated in this accommodating part (6) could be arrange | positioned in the state separated by the predetermined distance from the said key plate (7). Electronic component embedded key.