JPH0832461A - Remote control transmitter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate a basic key operation of a remote controller by designing a basic operation unit and an extension key unit (2nd key entry section) to be separate modules. CONSTITUTION:The transmitter is made up of a 1st key entry section 1 in which keys are arranged in a matrix and receiving a scanning signal when a key is depressed, a 2nd key entry section 2 of the similar configuration, a data memory 3 storing a code corresponding to each key, an optical transmission section 4 modulating an infrared ray with, e.g. the PWM(pulse width modulation) based on the received code and emitting the modulated signal, a key discrimination section 5 discriminating the depressed key from a timing of a scanning signal, a power supply section 6 supplying power and consisting of, e.g. series connection of two AAA type batteries and a control section 7 controlling each section.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a basic operation unit,
The present invention relates to a remote control transmitter including an extended key unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recent electric appliances such as an AV television system and an air conditioner have many functions, and it is very convenient to use those functions properly. In this case, it is indispensable to have a remote controller that can control those operations in a concentrated manner while staying at home, and the need for it will become even higher in the future. Remote control transmitter (hereinafter referred to as remote control)
Is an infrared remote control signal transmitted to a device at a distant place by operating a keypad at hand to remotely control a target device.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the external appearance of a remote controller. A large number of keys are provided on the upper surface of the case according to the function of the device, and when any one of the keys is pressed, a predetermined remote control signal is transmitted as infrared rays from the light emitting window at the tip of the case. In addition, a lid (battery lid) for a room for accommodating the battery is provided on the lower surface of the proximal portion of the case.

FIG. 5 shows a functional block of a conventional remote controller, and the operation of the remote controller will be described. When a key of the key input unit 10 is pressed, the pressed key is detected by the key determination unit 5, and the code corresponding to the key stored in the data memory 3 is taken out via the control unit 6 It is supplied to the output unit 4. The light output unit 4 modulates infrared rays with the code and emits a remote control signal into the air. Reference numeral 11 is a power supply unit that supplies electric power, for example, using a dry battery.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 6, a large number of keys are arranged on the upper surface of the case corresponding to the functions of the equipment. However, when operating the device, for example, in the case of a television, basic operation keys are few keys such as a power on / off key, a channel up / down key, and a volume up / down key. Many keys are extended function keys. These extended function keys are used less frequently than basic operation keys. However, conventionally, the basic operation key and extended function key are
Since it was installed on two remote controllers, the number of keys is large,
When operating the remote control, I had a hard time finding the key I needed. In addition, some devices may have two remote controllers, one of which is a dedicated remote controller for basic operation keys, and the other of which is an all-key remote controller with all operation keys. It was. Further, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-43750 proposes an example in which remote controllers of related devices, such as a TV and a VTR, are connected to each other by a circuit using a plug and a jack. In this example, since two remote controllers that operate independently are connected together, there is a problem of cost increase. Also,
When the remote controller is attached or detached, the pins of the plug and the jack are easily broken or bent, and there is a problem in connection reliability.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a remote control transmitter which is easy to operate and low in cost.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a first key input section for inputting a signal of a pressed key,
The second key input unit, a data memory that stores a corresponding code for each key, an optical transmission unit that emits infrared rays modulated based on the supplied code, and a key determination unit that determines the pressed key, It consists of a power supply that supplies electric power and a control unit that controls each unit, so that the circuit connection of the second key input unit can be interrupted.

Further, the second key input portion is housed in a case having a mounting hole, and a connecting tool for circuit connection is provided in the mounting hole.

Further, the first key input section, the data memory, the light transmitting section, the key discriminating section, the power source, and the control section are housed in a case provided with a convex portion for fitting, and are fitted together. A connecting tool for circuit connection was provided at the tip of the convex portion of the joint.

Further, the circuit connector is provided with a plurality of electrical contact surfaces on the convex upper surface and at least one magnet is provided on the convex side surface, and corresponding positions on the convex upper surface. And a second portion provided with at least one magnet at a corresponding side surface position of the convex shape.

Further, a shutter is provided at the entrance of the attachment / detachment hole of the case accommodating the second key input section.

Further, the power source is provided in the case accommodating the second key input section.

[0013]

With the above configuration, the first key input section, the data memory, the optical transmission section, the key determination section, the power supply, and the control section are fitted together as the basic operation unit. In addition to being housed in the case provided with, a connecting tool applying the attractive force of the magnet for circuit connection is provided at the tip of the convex portion of the same fitting. Especially, since only the basic operation keys are selected and arranged in the basic operation unit, the operation can be easily performed. Further, as the expansion key unit, the second key input portion is housed in a case having a mounting hole, and a connecting tool for circuit connection is provided in the mounting hole. Therefore, if an extension key unit is attached to the basic operation unit as necessary, the circuit connecting members attract each other and the circuit is securely connected, so that the extension key can also be used.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A remote control transmitter according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a remote control transmitter according to the present invention. Reference numeral 1 is a first key input section in which keys are arranged in a matrix and the scanning keys are input by pressing the keys, and 2 is a second key input section. Reference numeral 3 is a data memory for storing a corresponding code for each key. Reference numeral 4 denotes an optical transmitter that modulates infrared rays based on the supplied code, for example, by PWM (pulse width modulation) and emits the infrared rays. Reference numeral 5 denotes a key discriminating unit for discriminating the pressed key from the timing of the scanning signal.
Reference numeral 6 denotes a power supply unit that supplies electric power, for example, two AAA batteries are connected in series. Reference numeral 7 denotes a control unit that controls each unit.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the remote control transmitter according to the present invention and a cross-sectional view of essential parts. FIG. 2A is an external view, and the case is divided into a basic operation unit and an extended key unit separately. On the top of the case of the basic operation unit, only the basic keys for the functions of the device are arranged, the transmission window for transmitting infrared signals is provided at the tip of the case, and the bottom of the case houses the battery. A lid (battery lid) for the room is provided. Further, only the key for controlling the expanded function of the device is arranged on the upper surface of the case of the expanded key unit. In FIG. 2B, two batteries, which are power sources, and a circuit connector fixed on a printed circuit board are provided inside the case of the basic operation unit, and a hole into which the circuit connector is inserted is provided. A convex fitting part is provided on the rear part of the case. On the other hand, inside the case of the expansion key unit, a circuit connector fixed at a corresponding position on the printed circuit board is provided in the opening of the case. A shutter that rotates to open and close is attached to the entrance of the opening. FIG. 2C shows a state before the expansion key unit is attached to the basic operation unit, and the shutter at the entrance of the opening on the expansion key unit side is closed.

The operation of the remote control transmitter according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. When performing basic operations using only the basic operation unit, for example, in the case of a TV, the basic operation keys are the power on / off key,
Since keys such as a channel up / down key and a volume up / down key are arranged, when a key of the first key input unit 1 such as a power on / off key is pressed, the key discrimination unit 5
The key pressed by is detected, the code corresponding to the key stored in the data memory 3 is taken out via the control unit 6, and is supplied to the light output unit 4. The light output unit 4 modulates infrared rays with the code, for example, by PWM (pulse width modulation), and radiates a remote control signal in the air and transmits it.

Next, when the extended key unit is mounted on the basic operation unit to perform the extended function operation, for example, in the case of a television, the extended function operation key is an adjustment key for changing the brightness or hue of the screen. Etc. Second key input section 2
Press the adjustment key, etc. located at to perform the required control. The operation of radiating and transmitting the remote control signal in the air is the same as the case of performing the basic operation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a circuit connector of a remote control transmitter according to the present invention. The circuit connecting tool includes a first portion in which a plurality of electric contact surfaces are arranged on a convex tip portion and two magnets are provided on each of both side surfaces of the convex shape, a total of two magnets.
A plurality of electrical contact protrusions for electrically connecting to the electrical contact surface of the first portion are provided at corresponding positions of the convex tip, and two protrusions are provided at corresponding convex side positions. Of the magnet of the first part and the second part of the second part provided so as to have a polarity attracting the magnet of the corresponding first part. The circuit connector may be provided with, for example, at least two parallel plate-shaped guides on the side surface of the first portion so that the position of the electrical contact is determined. Further, the mounting position of the guide is not limited to the side surface of the first portion, and the shape is not limited to the plate shape.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the circuit connector of the remote control transmitter according to the present invention. In this example, the circuit connecting device includes a first portion in which a plurality of electrical contact surfaces are arranged at the tip end of the convex shape and one U-shaped magnet is provided on both side surfaces of the convex shape, and a convex portion. A plurality of electrical contact protrusions for electrically connecting to the electrical contact surface of the first portion are provided at corresponding positions of the tip portion, and one U-shaped protrusion is provided at a corresponding side position of the convex shape. Of the magnet of the first part and the second part of the second part provided so as to have a polarity attracting the magnet of the corresponding first part. For the wiring of the electrical contact surface and the projections for electrical contact, for example, a printed wiring board provided on the side surface of the U-shaped magnet is used.

[0020]

As described above, the present invention provides a remote control transmitter which is easy to operate and low in cost. Therefore, the basic operation unit can be used to easily perform the basic operation, and if necessary, the extended key unit can be attached to the basic operation unit to operate the extended function keys. Further, since the expansion key unit side is not provided with signal processing, optical transmission, etc., it can be manufactured at low cost. Therefore, there is an advantage that the cost can be reduced. Further, by using the circuit connecting tool, the circuit connection can be made with one touch by the attractive force of the magnet, and the damage to the pin, which has been a problem in the conventional example, can be solved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a remote control transmitter according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view and a cross-sectional view of a main part of a remote control transmitter according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a circuit connector of a remote control transmitter according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the circuit connector of the remote control transmitter according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a functional block of a conventional remote controller.

FIG. 6 is an external view of an example of a conventional remote control transmitter.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 1st key input part 2 2nd key input part 3 Data memory 4 Optical transmission part 5 Key discrimination part 6 Power supply part 7 Control part 10 Key input part 11 Power supply part

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A first key input section for inputting a signal of a pressed key, a second key input section, a data memory for storing a corresponding code for each key, and modulation based on the supplied code. It consists of an optical transmitter that emits infrared rays, a key discriminating unit that discriminates the pressed key, a power supply that supplies electric power, and a control unit that controls each unit. Circuit connection by attaching and detaching the second key input unit Turn on
A remote control transmitter characterized by being turned off. 2. The second key input section is housed in a case having a mounting hole, and a circuit connecting tool for connecting a circuit is provided in the mounting hole. Remote control transmitter. 3. The first key input section, the data memory, the light transmitting section, the key discriminating section, the power source, and the control section are housed in a case provided with a convex portion for fitting, and are fitted together. The remote control transmitter according to claim 1, further comprising a circuit connector for connecting a circuit near the tip of the projection. 4. A first portion of the circuit connecting device having a plurality of electrical contact surfaces on a convex upper surface and at least one magnet on the convex side surface, and a corresponding one of the convex upper surfaces. 4. A second portion having a plurality of electrical contact projections at positions and at least one magnet provided at a corresponding side surface position of the same convex shape. Remote control transmitter. 5. The remote control transmitter according to claim 4, wherein the magnet provided on the convex side surface of the circuit connector is a U-shaped magnet. 6. The remote control transmitter according to claim 4, wherein at least two parallel plate-shaped guides are provided on a side surface of the circuit connector. 7. The remote control transmitter according to claim 2, wherein a shutter is provided at the entrance of the attachment / detachment hole of the case accommodating the second key input section.