WO2021049069A1

WO2021049069A1 - Structure

Info

Publication number: WO2021049069A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/011499
Authority: WO
Inventors: 亮 ▲高▼橋
Original assignee: アルプスアルパイン株式会社
Priority date: 2019-09-10
Filing date: 2020-03-16
Publication date: 2021-03-18
Also published as: JP2022163240A

Abstract

This structure comprises: an upper case; a lower case that forms an inner accommodation space together with the upper case by being combined and integrated with the upper case; and an elastic sheet that is located between the upper case and the lower case and prevents water infiltration into the accommodation space by making close contact with at least any one among the upper case and the lower case, wherein a rib that presses and crushes the elastic sheet is provided on at least any one among the upper case and the lower case, and the rib has an elastic deformation section that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction.

Description

Structure

The present invention relates to a structure.

For example, the following Patent Document 1 describes a printed circuit board in a mobile terminal device configured to prevent water from entering from the periphery of an operation unit by a key sheet provided between an upper cover and a printed circuit board. A technique is disclosed in which a convex rib in contact is provided on a key sheet and a convex rib in contact with the key sheet is provided on an upper cover.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-151772

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, for example, when the thickness dimension of the key sheet increases due to variations in component accuracy or the like, a large reaction force is applied from the key sheet to the upper cover. Therefore, for example, when the technique of Patent Document 1 is applied to a structure having a structure in which an elastic sheet is sandwiched between an upper case and a lower case, the upper cover and the lower cover are engaged with each other. , There is a risk that it will be easily released by an impact such as dropping.

The structure of one embodiment is located between the upper case and the lower case having an internal accommodation space together with the upper case by being combined and integrated with the upper case, and between the upper case and the lower case. An elastic sheet that prevents water from entering the accommodation space by being in close contact with at least one of the upper case and the lower case is provided, and the elastic sheet is provided on at least one of the upper case and the lower case. A rib is provided to crush the rib, and the rib has an elastically deformable portion that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction.

According to one embodiment, in a structure having a structure in which an elastic sheet is sandwiched between an upper case and a lower case, when variations in component accuracy or the like occur, the elastic sheet is changed to the upper case and the lower case. The applied reaction force can be suppressed.

External perspective view of the electronic key according to one embodiment An exploded perspective view of an electronic key according to an embodiment AA cross-sectional perspective view of the electronic key shown in FIG. Partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion where the elastically deformed portion of the electronic key according to the embodiment is formed. Partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion where the elastically deformed portion of the electronic key according to the embodiment is formed. Partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion where the inelastic deformation portion of the electronic key according to the embodiment is formed Top view of the electronic key according to the embodiment The figure for demonstrating the difference in the pressing area of an elastic sheet by a rib Diagram showing the force generated between the upper case and the lower case The figure which shows one Example of the relationship between the rubber reaction force of the electronic key which concerns on one Embodiment, and the external force required for disengagement. The figure which shows the 1st deformation example of the elastic deformation part which concerns on one Embodiment The figure which shows the 2nd deformation example of the elastic deformation part which concerns on one Embodiment The figure which shows the 3rd deformation example of the elastic deformation part which concerns on one Embodiment

Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Outline of electronic key 10)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment. In the following description, for convenience, the X-axis direction in the figure (longitudinal direction of the case 12) is the front-rear direction, the Y-axis direction in the figure (short direction of the case 12) is the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction in the figure ( The thickness direction of the case 12) is the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to these directions, and can be installed and used in any direction as long as the relative positional relationships of the parts are the same.

The electronic key 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a "structure". The electronic key 10 is a portable key device carried by a user, and is a device that constitutes an electronic key system together with an in-vehicle device (not shown) mounted on a vehicle. The electronic key 10 can remotely control the locking and unlocking of the lock mechanism of the vehicle door by wirelessly communicating with the in-vehicle device according to the user operation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic key 10 includes a case 12 and a key plate 14. The case 12 is a container-like part formed of a resin material such as ABS resin or PC resin and having a substantially thin rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case 12 is formed by combining the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 with each other, that is, the case 12 is configured to be separable into the upper case 101 and the lower case 102.

The knob 141a and the knob 141b are exposed on the upper surface of the case 12. Both the knob 141a and the knob 141b can be pressed by the user. When the knob 141a or the knob 141b is pressed by the user, the electronic key 10 transmits an operation signal for locking or unlocking the vehicle door lock mechanism to the vehicle-mounted device by wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device.

The key plate 14 is a metal and elongated plate-shaped part that extends linearly from the front side (X-axis positive side) side surface of the case 12 to the front (X-axis positive direction). The key plate 14 is inserted into a key cylinder provided in a vehicle to mechanically rotate the key cylinder.

(Configuration of electronic key 10)
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic key 10 includes an upper case 101, an elastic sheet 140, a circuit board 130, and a lower case 102 in this order from the upper side in the drawing.

The upper case 101 is a member that constitutes the upper portion of the case 12. The lower case 102 is a member that constitutes the lower portion of the case 12. The upper case 101 and the lower case 102 are combined with each other to form the container-shaped case 12 shown in FIG.

An opening 101A is formed on the upper surface of the upper case 101. The knob 141a and the knob 141b formed on the elastic sheet 140 are fitted into the opening 101A from the back side of the upper case 101. As a result, the

knobs

141a and 141b are exposed from the upper surface of the upper case 101 and can be pressed.

The lower case 102 has a storage space 102A with an open upper part. A button battery 16 that supplies electric power to the circuit board 130 is arranged in the accommodation space 102A. The upper opening of the accommodation space 102A is closed by placing the circuit board 130 on it. Further, the lower case 102 has a peripheral wall portion 102B surrounding the accommodation space 102A. The peripheral wall portion 102B has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view from above.

A rib 150 is formed at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 102B. The rib 150 has a convex shape protruding upward from the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 102B. The rib 150 is formed in an annular shape without interruption along the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 102B so as to surround the accommodation space 102A. When the outer peripheral portion 142 of the elastic sheet 140 is pressed between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102, the rib 150 is brought into close contact with the rib 150 by being inserted into the back surface 142B of the outer peripheral portion 142. The enclosed storage space 102A is sealed to prevent water from entering the storage space 102A.

The circuit board 130 is a flat plate-shaped member on which a plurality of electronic components are mounted. The circuit board 130 is placed on the accommodation space 102A of the lower case 102. For example, a PWB (Printed Wiring Board) made of an insulating material such as glass epoxy is used for the circuit board 130. A switch 131a and a switch 131b are mounted on the surface 130A of the circuit board 130.

For example, when the switch 131a is pressed via the knob 141a, the circuit board 130 wirelessly transmits an operation signal for locking the lock mechanism of the vehicle door to the vehicle-mounted device via a communication circuit (not shown). Further, for example, when the switch 131b is pressed via the knob 141b, the circuit board 130 wirelessly transmits an operation signal for unlocking the lock mechanism of the vehicle door to the vehicle-mounted device via the communication circuit.

The back surface 130B of the circuit board 130 is provided with

terminals

132a and 132b for electrically connecting the positive and negative electrodes of the button battery 16 arranged in the accommodation space 102A of the lower case 102.

The elastic sheet 140 is a sheet-like member having elasticity. By arranging the elastic sheet 140 on the surface 130A of the circuit board 130, the elastic sheet 140 covers the surface 130A of the circuit board 130 and seals the accommodation space 102A of the lower case 102. As a result, the elastic sheet 140 prevents water from entering the circuit board 130 and the accommodation space 102A. For example, the elastic sheet 140 is formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber.

The elastic sheet 140 has substantially the same shape (that is, substantially rectangular shape) as the circuit board 130 and the accommodation space 102A in a plan view from above, and is one size larger than the circuit board 130 and the accommodation space 102A. Has a size. As a result, the elastic sheet 140 can cover the circuit board 130 and the accommodation space 102A over the entire area, and thus can prevent water from entering the circuit board 130 and the accommodation space 102A.

The elastic sheet 140 has a knob 141a, a knob 141b, and an outer peripheral portion 142. The

knobs

141a and 141b are provided side by side in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) at the central portion of the elastic sheet 140. When the knob 141a is pressed by the user, the switch 131a provided on the back side of the knob 141a can be pressed while being elastically deformed. When the knob 141b is pressed by the user, the switch 131b provided on the back side of the knob 141b can be pressed while being elastically deformed.

The outer peripheral portion 142 is a horizontal and plate-shaped portion that surrounds the

knobs

141a and 141b. The outer peripheral portion 142 is pressed from the upper case 101 in a state of being sandwiched between the back surface 101D of the upper case 101 and the rib 150 at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 102B of the lower case 102, thereby pressing the lower case. It is in close contact with the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 102B of 102, and thus water can be prevented from entering the accommodation space 102A.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line AA of the electronic key 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper case 101 is combined with the lower case 102 and integrated with the lower case 102 by being pushed downward from above the lower case 102 toward the lower case 102. To do. At this time, the engaging claw 101C formed inwardly convexly on the inner wall surface of the side wall portion 101B of the upper case 101 is formed convexly outward on the side surface of the peripheral wall portion 102B of the lower case 102. Engage with the engaging claw 102D. As a result, the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 are combined and maintained in an integrated state so as not to be easily separated from each other. The engaging claw 101C and the engaging claw 102D constitute a "snap-in mechanism". In the electronic key 10, a plurality of snap-in mechanisms are provided around the peripheral wall portion 102B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the accommodation space 102A of the lower case 102 is closed by the circuit board 130 mounted on the upper side of the accommodation space 102A. Further, an elastic sheet 140 is provided on the peripheral wall portion 102B and the upper side of the circuit board 130 in an overlapping manner. As shown in FIG. 3, by combining the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 with each other, the elastic sheet 140 has the back surface 101D of the upper case 101 and the peripheral wall portion 102B of the lower case 102 on the outer peripheral portion 142 thereof. It is pressed between the upper end portion and comes into close contact with the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 102B. As a result, the elastic sheet 140 seals the accommodation space 102A and prevents water from entering the accommodation space 102A and the circuit board 130.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a rib 150 is formed at the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 102B. The rib 150 has a convex shape protruding upward from the upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 102B. The rib 150 is brought into close contact with the back surface 142B of the outer peripheral portion 142 of the elastic sheet 140 due to the engaging force between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102. As a result, the rib 150 can more reliably prevent water from entering the accommodation space 102A.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the elastic sheet 140, a recessed portion 140A recessed upward is formed on the back surface of the operation surface of the knob 141a and the knob 141b. As a result, in the electronic key 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when the elastic sheet 140 is placed on the surface 130A of the circuit board 130, the outer peripheral portion 142 is brought into close contact with the surface 130A of the circuit board 130. The switch 131a and the switch 131b can be accommodated in the recessed portion 140A as they are.

(Structure of elastically deformed portion 151)
4 and 5 are partially enlarged cross-sectional views of the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment. 4 and 5 show a cross-sectional configuration of a portion of the electronic key 10 in which the elastically deformed portion 151 of the rib 150 is formed. FIG. 4 shows the elastically deformed portion 151 in a state where it is not elastically deformed. FIG. 5 shows an elastically deformed portion 151 in a state of being elastically deformed.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a rib 150 is integrally formed at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 102B of the lower case 102, and a leaf spring-like elastic deformation portion is formed at the tip of the rib 150. 151 is provided. The elastically deformed portion 151 is integrally formed with the rib 150. The elastically deformable portion 151 is configured to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction while preventing water from entering the accommodation space 102A.

The elastically deformed portion 151 has a plate portion 151A and a convex portion 151B. The plate portion 151A is a plate-shaped portion extending to the tip end portion of the rib 150. The end portion of the plate portion 151A on the accommodation space 102A side (Y-axis negative side in the drawing) in the width direction is supported by the upper end surface of the rib 150. The plate portion 151A is inclined so that the height position gradually increases toward the outside in the width direction (the positive side of the Y axis in the drawing). As a result, the plate portion 151A can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction with the end portion on the accommodation space 102A side (Y-axis negative side in the drawing) as a fulcrum.

The convex portion 151B is formed so as to project upward from the outer end (the positive side of the Y axis in the drawing) in the width direction of the plate portion 151A. The convex portion 151B is formed so as to extend along the rib 150 in a plan view, similarly to the plate portion 151A. The convex portion 151B has a cross-sectional shape in which the upper end portion is curved like a dome.

As shown in FIG. 4, by combining the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 with each other, the outer peripheral portion 142 of the elastic sheet 140 is between the back surface 101D of the upper case 101 and the convex portion 151B of the elastic deformation portion 151. It is sandwiched between.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the convex portion 151B of the elastically deformed portion 151 fits tightly into the back surface 142B of the outer peripheral portion 142 of the elastic sheet 140. As a result, the elastically deformed portion 151 seals the accommodating space 102A and prevents water from entering the accommodating space 102A and the circuit board 130.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the thickness dimension of the outer peripheral portion 142 is manufactured within a predetermined allowable dimension. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the elastically deformed portion 151 does not elastically deform downward, and the convex portion 151B bites into and adheres to the back surface 142B of the outer peripheral portion 142 to seal the accommodation space 102A.

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the thickness dimension of the outer peripheral portion 142 is manufactured to be larger than the predetermined allowable dimension. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the elastically deformed portion 151 is elastic downward while the convex portion 151B is in close contact with the back surface 142B of the outer peripheral portion 142 (that is, the accommodation space 102A is sealed). It is deformed.

As described above, the elastically deformed portion 151 is elastically deformed in the vertical direction according to the component dimensions of the upper case 101, the lower case 102, and the elastic sheet 140, particularly the thickness dimension of the outer peripheral portion 142 of the elastic sheet 140. As a result, it can be brought into close contact with the back surface 142B of the outer peripheral portion 142, so that it is possible to absorb manufacturing errors and the like of the outer peripheral portion 142 and more reliably seal the accommodation space 102A.

Further, when an excessive load is applied from the outer peripheral portion 142 of the elastic sheet 140, the elastic deformation portion 151 can release the load downward. Therefore, the elastically deformed portion 151 can suppress the generation of an excessive reaction force due to the outer peripheral portion 142. Therefore, the elastically deformed portion 151 is prevented from being easily disengaged from the engaging claw 101C of the upper case 101 and the engaging claw 102D of the lower case 102 by the reaction force of the outer peripheral portion 142. can do.

(Structure of Inelastic Deformation Part 152)
FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional configuration of a portion of the electronic key 10 in which the inelastic deformed portion 152 of the rib 150 is formed. As shown in FIG. 6, in the inelastic deformed portion 152, a convex portion 151B projecting upward is integrally and fixedly formed with respect to the upper surface of the rib 150. Therefore, the inelastic deformation portion 152 does not elastically deform in the vertical direction.

(Formation positions of elastically deformed portion 151 and inelastically deformed portion 152)
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 shows the electronic key 10 with the upper case 101 removed. As shown in FIG. 7, in a plan view from above, the rib 150 has a substantially rectangular shape like the peripheral wall portion 102B. That is, the rib 150 is configured to have four corner regions 150A (parts surrounded by dotted lines in the figure) that are continuous with each other and four linear regions 150B. In plan view from above, each of the four angular regions 150A has a curved shape curved by 90 °. The rib 150 is provided with the elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in each of the four angular regions 150A, and the inelastic deformed portion 152 shown in FIG. 6 is provided in each of the four linear regions 150B. Is provided.

In the angular region 150A, the area for crushing the outer peripheral portion 142 of the elastic sheet 140 per unit area is larger than that in the linear region 150B, so that the load received from the outer peripheral portion 142 is larger (see FIG. 8). Therefore, the electronic key 10 of the present embodiment is provided with an elastically deformed portion 151 capable of releasing this load downward in the angular region 150A where the load received from the outer peripheral portion 142 is relatively large. On the other hand, in the electronic key 10 of the present embodiment, the inelastic deformation portion 152 is provided in the linear region 150B where the load received from the outer peripheral portion 142 is relatively small. As a result, the electronic key 10 of the present embodiment can equalize the reaction force applied from the outer peripheral portion 142 to the upper case 101 while sealing the periphery of the accommodation space 102A with the rib 150.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the difference in the pressing area of the elastic sheet 140 due to the rib 150 between the straight region 150B and the angular region 150A. FIG. 8A shows the pressing area of the elastic sheet 140 by the rib 150 in the linear region 150B. FIG. 8B shows the pressing area of the elastic sheet 140 by the rib 150 in the corner region 150A.

In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the pressing area of the elastic sheet 140 by the convex portion 151B of the rib 150 having a width of 1 mm per unit area (5 mm × 5 mm) in the linear region 150B is 5 mm ² .

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 8B, the pressing area of the elastic sheet 140 by the convex portion 151B of the rib 150 having a width of 1 mm per unit area (5 mm × 5 mm) in the corner region 150A is 6.28 mm ² . is there.

As described above, in the square region 150A, the pressing area of the elastic sheet 140 by the rib 150 per unit area is larger than that in the straight region 150B.

(Example)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a force generated between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102.

Arrows A and B shown in FIG. 9 indicate the reaction force of the elastic sheet 140. In the conventional electronic key, the reaction force of the elastic sheet is 10 [N] to 100 [N]. On the other hand, in the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment, the reaction force of the elastic sheet 140 is 10 [N] to 70 [N]. That is, in the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment, the maximum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet 140 is reduced by 30 [N] as compared with the conventional electronic key by providing the elastic deformation portion 151 on the rib 150. I was able to do it.

Arrows C and D shown in FIG. 9 indicate the engaging force between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102. In order to prevent the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 from being easily disengaged, the engaging force between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 is set from the maximum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet. However, it is necessary to increase at least 10 [N]. In the conventional electronic key, the maximum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet is 100 [N], so that the engaging force between the upper case and the lower case needs to be at least 110 [N], and further engages. Considering the variation generated by the accuracy of the parts by about 20 [N], as a result, it is necessary to set the value to 110 [N] to 130 [N]. On the other hand, in the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment, the maximum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet 140 is 70 [N]. Therefore, considering the same conditions as above, the relationship between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 The resultant force may be 80 [N] to 100 [N]. That is, the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment has the rib 150 provided with the elastically deformed portion 151, so that the required engaging force between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 is 30 [ N] I was able to reduce it.

Further, in the present embodiment, the user releases the engagement between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 by inserting the tip of the minus driver 20 into the gap between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 to separate them from each other. be able to. Arrows E and F shown in FIG. 9 indicate external forces for disengaging the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 by the minus driver 20. In order to disengage the upper case 101 and the lower case 102, an external force (arrow E and arrow F) by the minus driver 20 is applied in addition to the reaction force (arrow A and arrow B) of the elastic sheet 140. Therefore, the total force of them needs to overcome the engaging force (arrow C and arrow D) between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102.

As described above, in the conventional electronic key, the maximum value of the engaging force between the upper case and the lower case is 130 [N], and the minimum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet is 10 [N], so that it is negative. The maximum value of the external force to be applied by the driver needs to be 120 [N] (= 130 [N] -10 [N]).

On the other hand, in the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment, the maximum value of the engaging force between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 is 100 [N], and the minimum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet 140 is 10 [N]. Therefore, the maximum value of the external force to be applied by the flat-blade screwdriver 20 is 90 [N] (= 100 [N] -10 [N]).

That is, the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment is provided with the elastically deformed portion 151 on the rib 150, so that the required external force to be applied by the minus driver 20 is reduced by 30 [N] as compared with the conventional electronic key. I was able to do it.

The graph shown in FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the rubber reaction force (horizontal axis) and the external force (vertical axis) required to disengage in the rubber reaction force state. The rubber reaction force corresponds to the arrows A and B shown in FIG. The external forces required to disengage correspond to arrows E and F shown in FIG. In the graph shown in FIG. 10, the solid line represents the relationship between the rubber reaction force and the required external force in the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment. Further, in the graph shown in FIG. 10, the dotted line represents the relationship between the rubber reaction force and the required external force in the conventional electronic key.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the conventional electronic key, the reaction force of the elastic sheet is 10 [N] to 100 [N]. Here, since it is necessary to crush the elastic sheet by a predetermined amount or more for waterproofing, the minimum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet is set to 10 [N].

The conventional electronic key is a part to prevent the upper case and the lower case from being disengaged due to a drop impact or the like even when the reaction force of the elastic sheet is 100 [N], which is the maximum value. It was necessary to set the engaging force between the upper case and the lower case to 110 [N] to 130 [N] in consideration of the variation in accuracy.

Along with this, when the reaction force of the elastic sheet is the minimum value of 10 [N], the conventional electronic key sets the minimum value of the external force required to disengage the upper case and the lower case. 100 [N] (= 110 "N" (minimum value of engaging force between upper case and lower case) -10 "N" (minimum value of reaction force of elastic sheet)), and the maximum value is 120 [N] ] (= 130 "N" (maximum value of the engaging force between the upper case and the lower case) -10 "N" (minimum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet)).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, in the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment, the reaction force of the elastic sheet 140 is 10 [N] to 70 [N] because the rib 150 is provided with the elastically deformed portion 151. is there. Since it is necessary to crush the elastic sheet 140 by a predetermined amount or more for waterproofing, the minimum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet 140 is set to 10 [N], which is the same as the conventional value.

That is, in the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment, the maximum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet 140 is reduced by 30 [N] as compared with the conventional electronic key by providing the elastic deformation portion 151 on the rib 150. I was able to do it.

Along with this, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment has the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 due to a drop impact or the like even when the reaction force of the elastic sheet 140 is 70 [N], which is the maximum value. In order to prevent the engagement from being released, the engagement force between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 could be set to 80 [N] to 100 [N] in consideration of variations in component accuracy.

Along with this, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment is required to disengage the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 even when the reaction force of the elastic sheet is the minimum value of 10 [N]. The minimum value of the external force is 70 [N] (= 80 "N" (minimum value of the engaging force between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102) -10 "N" (minimum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet 140)). The maximum value is 90 [N] (= 100 "N" (maximum value of the engaging force between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102) -10 "N" (minimum value of the reaction force of the elastic sheet 140)). I was able to.

That is, the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment has the upper case 101 and the lower case 101 and the lower case 102, as compared with the conventional electronic key, while preventing the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 from being easily disengaged by an impact or the like. Since the external force required to disengage the side case 102 can be reduced by 30 [N], the user can easily disengage the upper case 101 from the lower case 102. it can.

(First deformation example of elastic deformation portion 151)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first deformation example of the elastic deformation portion 151 according to the embodiment. The elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIG. 11 is different from the elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in that two convex portions 151Ba and 151Bb are provided on the upper surface of the plate portion 151A.

The convex portion 151Ba is formed so as to project upward from the outer end (the positive side of the Y axis in the drawing) in the width direction of the plate portion 151A. The convex portion 151Bb is formed so as to project upward from the center of the plate portion 151A in the width direction.

The convex portions 151Ba and 151Bb are formed so as to extend along the peripheral wall portion 102B in a plan view, similarly to the plate portion 151A. Further, the convex portions 151Ba and 151Bb have a cross-sectional shape in which the upper end portion is curved like a dome.

According to the elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIG. 11, the two convex portions 151Ba and 151Bb are inserted into the back surface 142B of the outer peripheral portion 142 by the pressing force applied from the upper case 101 via the outer peripheral portion 142 of the elastic sheet 140. Can be brought into close contact with. As a result, the elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIG. 11 can more reliably seal the accommodation space 102A.

(Second deformation example of elastic deformation portion 151)
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second deformation example of the elastic deformation portion 151 according to the embodiment. The elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIG. 12 is different from the elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in that a recess 151C is provided on the upper surface of the plate portion 151A.

The concave portion 151C is provided on the accommodation space 102A side (the negative side of the Y axis in the drawing) with respect to the convex portion 151B in the width direction of the plate portion 151A. The recess 151C has a shape recessed downward from the upper surface of the plate portion 151A.

The concave portion 151C is formed so as to extend along the peripheral wall portion 102B in a plan view, similarly to the plate portion 151A and the convex portion 151B. Further, the recess 151C has a cross-sectional shape in which the bottom is curved in a bowl shape.

According to the elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIG. 12, the tip portion (the portion where the convex portion 151B is provided) of the plate portion 151A is formed by providing the concave portion 151C, and the elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is provided. It can be elastically deformed with a lower load. That is, the elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIG. 12 is provided with the recess 151C, so that the load characteristics can be adjusted relatively easily. The shape, formation position, and number of the recesses 151C are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 12, and can be appropriately changed according to the target load characteristics.

(Third deformation example of elastic deformation part 151)
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third deformation example of the elastic deformation portion 151 according to the embodiment. The elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIG. 13 is different from the elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in that it has a bellows structure.

Specifically, the elastically deformed portion 151 shown in FIG. 13 has a plate portion 151Aa, a plate portion 151Ab, and a convex portion 151B. The plate portions 151Aa and 151Ab are provided so as to overlap each other. The plate portions 151Aa and 151Ab are both plate-shaped portions extending along the peripheral wall portion 102B in a plan view.

The outer end (the positive side of the Y-axis in the figure) in the width direction of the plate portion 151Aa is fixed to the upper end surface of the peripheral wall portion 102B. The plate portion 151Aa is inclined so that the height position gradually increases toward the accommodation space 102A side (Y-axis negative side in the drawing) in the width direction. As a result, the plate portion 151Aa can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction with the outer end (the positive side of the Y-axis in the drawing) as a fulcrum.

The plate portion 151Ab is provided so as to be overlapped on the upper side of the plate portion 151Aa. The end of the plate portion 151Ab on the accommodation space 102A side (Y-axis negative side in the drawing) is fixed to the end of the plate portion 151Aa on the accommodation space 102A side (Y-axis negative side in the drawing). The plate portion 151Ab is inclined so that the height position gradually increases toward the outside in the width direction (the positive side of the Y axis in the drawing). As a result, the plate portion 151Ab can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction with the end portion on the accommodation space 102A side (Y-axis negative side in the drawing) as a fulcrum.

The convex portion 151B is formed so as to project upward from the outer end (the positive side of the Y axis in the drawing) in the width direction of the plate portion 151Ab. Further, the convex portion 151B is formed so as to extend along the peripheral wall portion 102B in a plan view, similarly to the plate portions 151Aa and 151Ab. The convex portion 151B has a cross-sectional shape in which the upper end portion is curved like a dome.

According to the elastic deformation portion 151 shown in FIG. 13, a larger amount of elastic deformation in the vertical direction can be secured with a relatively simple configuration.

As described above, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment includes the upper case 101, the lower case 102 integrated with the upper case 101 by being combined with the upper case 101, and the upper case 101 and the lower case. An elastic sheet 140 that is sandwiched between the upper case 101 and adheres to the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 to seal the accommodation space 102A of the lower case 102, and an elastic sheet provided in the lower case 102. The rib 150 includes a rib 150 that crushes the 140, and the rib 150 has an elastic deformation portion 151 that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction.

As a result, in the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment, the rib 150 can be brought into close contact with the elastic sheet 140 by elastically deforming the elastically deformed portion 151 in the vertical direction according to the thickness dimension of the elastic sheet 140 or the like. it can. Therefore, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment can absorb the manufacturing error such as the thickness dimension of the elastic sheet 140 by the elastic deformation portion 151, and can more reliably seal the accommodation space 102A.

Further, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment can release the load applied from the elastic sheet 140 to the rib 150 downward by the elastic deformation portion 151 elastically deforming. Therefore, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment suppresses excessive reaction force from the elastic sheet 140 to the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 due to a manufacturing error such as the thickness dimension of the elastic sheet 140. be able to. Therefore, according to the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 from being easily disengaged due to a drop impact or the like.

Further, since the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment is provided with the rib 150 on the lower case 102, the position accuracy of the rib 150 in the width direction is improved as compared with the case where the rib 150 is provided on the elastic sheet 140. Therefore, the misalignment of the rib 150 in the width direction can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment, the accommodation space 102A can be more reliably sealed by the rib 150.

Further, in the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment, the elastically deformable portion 151 has a leaf spring shape that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction.

Thereby, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment can form the rib 150 elastically deformable in the vertical direction with respect to the lower case 102 relatively easily.

Further, in the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment, the rib 150 has a plurality of angular regions 150A in a plan view from above, and each of the plurality of angular regions 150A has an elastic deformation portion 151.

As a result, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment can release this load downward by the elastic deformation portion 151 in the corner region 150A where the load received from the elastic sheet 140 is relatively large, and the load received from the elastic sheet 140 can be released. In other parts that are relatively small, this load can be prevented from escaping downward by the elastically deformed portion 151. Therefore, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment can equalize the reaction force applied from the elastic sheet 140 to the upper case 101 while sealing the periphery of the accommodation space 102A with the ribs 150. ..

Further, in the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment, the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 are engaged with each other by a snap-in mechanism, and the rib 150 crushes the elastic sheet 140, whereby the upper case 101 and the lower side are crushed. The reaction force received by the case 102 from the elastic sheet 140 is smaller than the engaging force between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 by the snap-in mechanism.

As a result, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment can more reliably seal the accommodation space 102A of the lower case 102 by crushing the elastic sheet 140, and the reaction force received from the elastic sheet 140. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 from being disengaged from each other.

Further, in the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment, the reaction force received by the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 from the elastic sheet 140 is set to 10 [N] to 70 [N], and the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 are lower. The engaging force with the side case 102 is set to 80 [N] to 100 [N].

As a result, in the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment, the engagement between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 is not disengaged by the reaction force received from the elastic sheet 140 by the upper case 101 and the lower case 102. Can be. Further, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment can set the engaging force between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 to be lower than that in the conventional case.

Further, in the electronic key 10 according to one embodiment, the maximum value of the external force required to disengage the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 is set to 90 [N] or less.

Thereby, the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment can set the maximum value of the external force required for disengaging the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 lower than the conventional one. Therefore, according to the electronic key 10 according to the embodiment, when the user replaces the battery or the like, the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 can be disengaged with a smaller external force than before.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or modifications are made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. It can be changed.

For example, in the above embodiment, the elastically deformed portion 151 is provided only in the corner region 150A of the rib 150, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the elastically deformed portion 151 may also be provided in the linear region 150B of the rib 150. Further, for example, the elastically deformed portion 151 may be provided over the entire circumference of the rib 150.

Further, in the above embodiment, the rib 150 is provided at the portion of the lower case 102 that comes into contact with the elastic sheet 140, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rib 150 may be provided at a portion of the upper case 101 that comes into contact with the elastic sheet 140. Further, for example, the rib 150 may be provided on both the portion of the upper case 101 that comes into contact with the elastic sheet 140 and the portion of the lower case 102 that comes into contact with the elastic sheet 140.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example of application to the electronic key 10 of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the present invention can be applied to any structure as long as it has a structure in which an elastic sheet is sandwiched between at least an upper case and a lower case.

This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-164696 filed on September 10, 2019, and the entire contents of the application will be incorporated into this international application.

10 Electronic key (structure)
12 Case 14 Key plate 101 Upper case 101A Opening 102 Lower case 102A Storage space 102B Peripheral wall 130 Circuit board 140 Elastic sheet 141a Knob 141b Knob 142 Outer circumference 150 Rib

150A Square area

150B Straight area 151 Elastic deformation part 151A Convex part 152 Inelastic deformation part

Claims

Upper case and
By being combined with the upper case and integrated, the lower case having an internal accommodation space together with the upper case and the lower case
Provided with an elastic sheet located between the upper case and the lower case and in close contact with at least one of the upper case and the lower case to prevent water from entering the accommodation space. ,
At least one of the upper case and the lower case is provided with a rib that crushes the elastic sheet.
The rib
A structure characterized by having an elastically deformable portion that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction.
The elastically deformed portion is
The structure according to claim 1, wherein the structure has a leaf spring shape that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction and is provided at the tip of the rib.
The rib
The structure according to claim 2, further comprising a linear region and an angular region continuous with each other in a plan view from above, and having the elastically deformed portion in the angular region.
The upper case and the lower case are engaged with each other by a snap-in mechanism, and the upper case and the lower case are engaged with each other by a snap-in mechanism.
When the rib crushes the elastic sheet, the reaction force received from the elastic sheet by the upper case and the lower case is smaller than the engaging force between the upper case and the lower case by the snap-in mechanism. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.
The reaction force is set to 10 [N] to 70 [N], and is set to 10 [N] to 70 [N].
The structure according to claim 4, wherein the engaging force is set to 80 [N] to 100 [N].
The structure according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the maximum value of the external force required to disengage the upper case from the lower case is set to 90 [N] or less. ..