JPH1037553A - Transmitter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the required space by increasing the efficiency of mounting space and to cope with an increase in the number of functions without causing an increase in size even if a number of switches are provided. SOLUTION: In the key grip 21 of a wireless door key, a cover 24 is overlapped on a base 23, and an electronic circuit unit 26 is built into the cover 24. The electronic circuit unit 26 includes a wiring board 29 provided inside an inner case 28 provided inside the cover 24. A LED 30 and a phototransistor 31 that receives light emitted by the LED 30 are secured on the wiring board 29. A window 33 is bored in the wall part of the base 23. A capacitance type proximity sensor 35 is buried in the taper surface 34 of the window 33. An electric circuit operates and performs transmission according to detection signals from both the proximity sensor 35 and the phototransistor 31.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transmitter having a transmitter in a case for various purposes, such as a wireless door key for a vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, wireless door keys for vehicles and transmitters having a function of transmitting a signal for an engine starter have been proposed, and there is a great need for downsizing these transmitters because of the use environment where people carry them. .

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the configuration of a wireless door key for a vehicle according to a first conventional example. The configuration of this wireless door key will be described. In the key grip 1, the base end of the metal key plate 2 is made of a plastic base 3
Are integrally attached by insert molding. Similarly, in the key grip 1, a plastic cover 4 is polymerized and adhered to the base 3, and is fixed by a set screw 5 on the cover 4 side. An electronic circuit unit 6 is built in the cover 4.

In the electronic circuit unit 6, a peripheral edge of an inner case 8 is fitted into and bonded to a groove 7 formed in an annular shape on the inner periphery of the cover 4, and a wiring board 9 is provided in the inner case 8. ing. This wiring board 9
A pair of mechanical switches 10 are mounted on the upper side.
The inner case 8 is provided with flexible walls 11 corresponding to the respective switches 10, and operation knobs 12 disposed on the respective flexible walls 11 are exposed to the outside of the base 3. When the operation knob 12 is pressed, the switch 10 can be operated via the flexible wall 11. A battery 13 is fitted into the inner case 8 facing the inside of the base 3, and an O-ring 12 is sandwiched between the inner case 8 and the base 3 around the battery 13.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a main part of a wireless door key according to a second conventional example. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the conventional example 1. The base 3 of the wireless door key is different from the above-described conventional example in that the inner case 8,
The flexible wall 11 is omitted, and the mechanical switch 10 is disposed so as to directly face the base 3. And
The base 3 is formed by a two-color molding method so that a portion (switch operation portion) 3a facing the switch 10 is made of a plastic having a low rigidity, and the other portion is made of a plastic having a high rigidity. Then, when the switch operation unit 3a is pressed, the switch operation unit 3a bends downward due to low rigidity,
The built-in switch 10 can be pressed.

[0006]

In the case of the prior art 1 having the mechanical switch as described above, the switch knob 1
It is necessary to adopt a double structure of the switch 2 and the switch 10, and the combination of the two parts results in a bulky and large-sized device, which has a problem that the efficiency of the mounting space is deteriorated.

Further, in the case of the conventional example 2, although there is no problem of the conventional example 1 as described above, since the switch operation part 3a needs a certain softness in the switch operation feeling, it is built in. A switch operation unit 3a having an area larger than the area for mounting the mechanical switch 10 is required. Also, in order to perform two-color molding, there is a problem that the mold has a complicated shape and the mold becomes large.

In addition, if the transmitter is to be multi-functional, that is, if the number of switches is to be increased, the required space is inevitably increased according to the number of switches, and there is a problem that the transmitter becomes larger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the use of a mechanical switch does not use a mechanical switch, so that the mounting space can be made more efficient and the space can be saved. It is an object of the present invention to provide a transmitter which does not increase in size even if a multi-switch is provided and can cope with multi-function.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light-emitting device, comprising: a light-emitting portion; a first light-emitting portion that receives reflected light of light emitted from the light-emitting portion; A first sensor having a light receiving unit that outputs a detection signal, and a first wall is provided on a wall of a case corresponding to the first sensor.
A window for projecting light from the light emitting unit of the sensor to the outside, and whether a detection target such as a finger is located in a predetermined detection operation area of the first sensor around the window. A second sensor for detecting whether or not the detection target is located in a predetermined detection operation area and outputting a second detection signal; and a first detection signal from the first sensor. And a transmitter incorporating an electronic circuit for transmitting a predetermined operation signal based on an output of a second detection signal from the second sensor.

A second aspect of the present invention is based on the first aspect, wherein the second sensor is a capacitance type sensor. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the second sensor is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the window.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a detection target such as a finger is positioned so as to cover the window and the periphery of the window, and enters a predetermined detection operation area, light is emitted from the light emitting section. The reflected light is reflected on the finger, and the light receiving unit receives the reflected light. When receiving the reflected light, the light receiving section outputs a first detection signal. Further, the second sensor detects the detection target and outputs a second detection signal. The electronic circuit emits a predetermined operation signal based on the first detection signal and the second detection signal.

When the detection target object is not in the predetermined detection operation area, the second detection signal is output from the second sensor even if the first detection signal is output from the first sensor. The electronic circuit does not emit a predetermined activation signal. Therefore, the electronic circuit does not emit a predetermined operation signal and does not malfunction.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the second sensor provided around the window is a capacitance type sensor,
When a detection target such as a finger approaches, the detection is reliably performed and a second detection signal is output.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the second sensor cannot detect unless a finger or the like is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the window. Since it does not operate, it prevents erroneous operation of the transmitter.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention embodied in a wireless door key will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The structure of the wireless door key will be described.
2 are integrally attached to a plastic base 23 by insert molding. Similarly, in the key grip 21, a plastic cover 24 is polymerized and adhered to the base 23,
It is fixed by a set screw 25 on the side. The electronic circuit unit 26 is built in the cover 24. The base 23 and the cover 24 form a case.

In this electronic circuit unit 26, the peripheral edge of an inner case 28 is fitted into and bonded to a groove 27 formed in an annular shape on the inner periphery of the cover 24, and a wiring board 29 is provided in the inner case 28. ing. A battery 37 is fitted into the inner case 28 facing the inside of the base 23, and an O-ring 38 is sandwiched between the inner case 28 and the base 23 around the battery 37.

On the wiring board 29, an LED 30 as a light emitting element and a phototransistor 31 as a light receiving element for receiving the light emitted by the LED 30 are fixed. The LED 30 and the phototransistor 31 constitute a first sensor. In this embodiment, the LED 30 is constituted by an infrared light emitting diode. The LED 30 constitutes a light emitting unit, and the phototransistor 31 constitutes a light receiving unit.

The inner case 28 corresponding to the LED 30 and the phototransistor 31 and the wall of the base 3 have:
An opening 32 and a window 33 are provided through each. As shown in FIG. 1, the window 33 is formed in a rectangular shape having a size that can be closed with a fingertip Y of a person, and the opening area of each side of the inner peripheral surface of the window 33 is increased as going upward. A tapered surface 34 is provided. A transparent plate 33a made of plastic is fixed to a lower portion of the window 33, and closes the window 33.

A proximity sensor 35 is embedded in a pair of the tapered surfaces 34 along the longitudinal direction of the key grip 1. The proximity sensor 35 is
It is composed of a capacitive touch sensor.

The proximity sensor 35 is electrically connected to the electronic circuit unit 26 via wires embedded in the base 23 and wires (not shown) provided on the cover 24.

The key plate 22 and the wiring board 29 are electrically connected by an electric contact member (not shown), and the key plate 22 functions as a transmitting antenna outside the electronic circuit 26. It has become.

Next, the configuration of the electronic circuit unit 26 will be described. The electronic circuit unit 26 includes a signal generation circuit 39,
It comprises an output circuit 40. Signal generation circuit 39
Controls the light emission of the LED 30 as the first sensor and sets the phototransistor 31 as the light receiving element to LE.
When the reflected light of the light emitted by D30 is received, the first detection signal is output to the signal generation circuit 39.

Here, the detection operation area of the first sensor is defined as the light emitted by the LED 30 as a light emitting element.
From outside to the outside, the light is reflected on the detection target, and can be incident on the phototransistor 31 through the window 33 as reflected light. And the predetermined detection operation area is:
In the detection operation region, it refers to a region where the detection target such as a finger blocks the window 33 so as to touch the proximity sensor 35 on the tapered surface 34.

The signal generating circuit 39 includes a clock and a timer counter (not shown). The timer counter measures the number of pulses generated by the clock, and the LED 30 emits light at predetermined time intervals. .

As described above, the proximity sensor 35 outputs a second detection signal to the signal generation circuit 39 when a detection target such as a finger touches the detection object. When the signal generation circuit 39 receives both the first detection signal and the second detection signal from the proximity sensor 35 as the first sensor and the second sensor, the signal generation circuit 39 generates a keyless code as an operation signal. I do. The output circuit 40 amplifies the generated keyless code and transmits the amplified keyless code via an antenna serving also as the key plate 22.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. When operating this wireless door key, the user inserts the window 33 so as to close the entire window 33 with the fingertip Y and touch the tapered surface 34. Then, the fingertip Y is moved to the tapered surface 34.
, The second detection signal is output from the proximity sensor 35 to the signal generation circuit 39. In addition,
In this embodiment, the fingertip Y only needs to touch one of the proximity sensors 35. In the state where the fingertip Y is arranged so as to touch the proximity sensor 35, the light emitted from the LED 30 is reflected by the fingertip Y because the window 33 is closed, and the reflected light is transmitted to the phototransistor 31.
Is detected. Therefore, the phototransistor 31 outputs the first detection signal to the signal generation circuit 39.

As a result, the signal generation circuit 39 generates a keyless code based on the first detection signal and the second detection signal. The output circuit 40 amplifies the generated keyless code and transmits the amplified keyless code via an antenna serving as the key plate 2.

When the fingertip Y does not touch the proximity sensor 35, but is located near the proximity sensor 35, the light emitted from the LED 30 is reflected by the fingertip Y and the reflected light is reflected. The phototransistor 32 detects the signal, and the first detection signal is output to the signal generation circuit 39.

In this case, since the fingertip Y may simply move on the surface of the base 3 of the key, the second detection from the proximity sensor 35 is not performed unless the proximity sensor 35 is touched. The signal is not output to the signal generation circuit 39. As a result, even if only the first detection signal is output, the signal generation circuit 39 does not operate, so that no keyless code is transmitted, and there is no possibility of malfunction. Further, even if the reflection is caused by something other than the fingertip Y, no malfunction occurs similarly unless the proximity sensor 35 is touched.

In this embodiment, the proximity sensor 35
Is a capacitance type sensor, so that it can reliably detect when a detection target such as a finger approaches. 1) As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, unless both the detection signals from the proximity sensor 35 and the phototransistor 31 are output to the signal generation circuit 39, the signal generation circuit 39 does not generate a keyless code. I made it. Therefore, malfunction of the signal generation circuit 39 can be prevented.

2) In this embodiment, the proximity sensor 35 is embedded in the longitudinal direction of the tapered surface 34 of the window 33. As a result, since the proximity sensor 35 cannot be touched unless the fingertip Y is put inside the window 33, the proximity sensor 3 cannot be touched by simply touching the surface of the base 23 with the fingertip Y or another object.
Since No. 5 does not perform detection operation, malfunction of the proximity sensor 35 can be prevented. As a result, no malfunction of the signal generation circuit 39 occurs.

3) In the present embodiment, the LED 30 and the phototransistor 31 are used as the first sensor, and the capacitance type proximity sensor 35 is used as the second sensor.
As a result, since a mechanical switch is no longer used, a switch knob for turning on the mechanical switch is not required unlike the related art, and it is not necessary to form a double structure. For this reason, it is not bulky, and the efficiency of the mounting space can be improved. In order to increase the number of functions of the wireless door key, it is necessary to increase the number of switches. In this embodiment, however, the mounting space of the first sensor and the proximity sensor 35 provided above the first sensor are required. Because there is no need to take up much space,
There is no problem of upsizing.

4) Unlike the conventional case, there is no need to apply two-color molding to the case, so that the mold can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. 5) In the present embodiment, in order to operate the proximity sensor 35 as the second sensor, the fingertip Y is closed by the person's certain intention such that the entire window 33 of the wireless door key is closed and the tapered surface 34 is formed. Put it in contact.

As a result, the LED constituting the first sensor
Proximity sensor 35 constituting the second sensor with the reflected light of 30
Is used together, the infrared light emitted from the infrared LED 30 is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood flow of the fingertip. That the infrared light is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood,
Since the level of the reflected light changes due to the pulsation of the blood flow, the signal generation circuit 3 determines whether or not this level change exists.
By making the determination at 9, it is possible to recognize that the object existing in the window 33 (sensor section) is not a foreign substance but a finger.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but may be implemented as follows. (A) In the above embodiment, the signal generation circuit 39 causes the LED 30 to emit light at predetermined time intervals based on the time counted by the timer counter. Instead, when a detection target such as a finger touches the proximity sensor 35 as the second sensor,
The signal generation circuit 39 may cause the LED 30 as the first sensor to emit light. With this configuration, it is necessary to supply power to the second sensor at all times or at predetermined time intervals, and to keep the first sensor energized at predetermined time intervals if the detection standby state is established. Because there is no power saving effect. In this case, the signal generating circuit 39 constitutes a first sensor operating means. (B) In the above embodiment, one pair of the proximity sensors 35 is provided on the tapered surface 34 of the window 33 in the longitudinal direction of the key grip 21. However, one pair may be provided only on the other tapered surfaces 34. It may be provided on the tapered surface 34, or may be provided only on any one of the tapered surfaces 34. (C) In the above embodiment, the proximity sensor 35 is
Embedded in the tapered surface 34, but may be embedded in the periphery of the window 33 on the surface of the base 23. (D) In the above embodiment, the present invention is embodied in a wireless door key for a vehicle. However, the present invention may be embodied in another transmitter such as a transmitter for an engine starter. (E) In the above-described embodiment, if the fingertip Y touches one of the pair of proximity sensors, the second detection signal output at that time and the first detection signal from the first sensor are output. The signal generation circuit 39 generates the keyless code on the basis of the signal. When both the second detection signals of the pair of proximity sensors 35 are output, and when the first detection signal from the first sensor is output. The signal generation circuit 39 may generate a keyless code when it is performed. By doing so, the signal generation circuit 39 does not operate unless the fingertip Y touches both of the proximity sensors 35, so that malfunction can be prevented more reliably. Therefore, when the number of the proximity sensors 35 provided increases as described in (b) above, a plurality of second detection signals are output from the plurality of proximity sensors 35, and when there is the first detection signal. Only the signal generation circuit may be operated. (F) Phototransistor 31 as the first sensor
However, a photodiode may be used as the light receiving unit. Further, in this embodiment, the LED 30 as the light emitting unit emits infrared light, but may emit visible light.

Among the technical ideas grasped from the above embodiment, the technical ideas other than the claims are described below together with the effects. (1) The first sensor according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a first sensor operating means for operating the first sensor when the second sensor outputs the second detection signal, wherein the electronic circuit is the first sensor. A transmitter for transmitting a predetermined operation signal when the first detection signal is output. With this configuration, it is necessary to energize only the second sensor at all times or at predetermined time intervals, and if the detection standby state is established, it is necessary to energize the first sensor at predetermined time intervals. Since it disappears, a power saving effect can be exhibited.

[0039]

As described in detail above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, by not using a mechanical switch,
The installation space can be made more efficient, and the space can be saved. Further, even if the multi-switch is provided, there is an effect that it is possible to cope with multi-function without increasing the size.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the second sensor provided around the window is a capacitance type sensor,
When a detection target such as a finger approaches, it can be reliably detected.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the second sensor cannot detect unless a finger or the like is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the window, the second sensor cannot detect unless the finger or the like is inserted by a person's will. As a result, the transmitter does not operate, so that the malfunction of the transmitter can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a window.

FIG. 3 is an electric circuit diagram.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a key of Conventional Example 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the same.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a key of Conventional Example 2.

[Explanation of symbols]

21: Key grip, 22: Key plate, 23: Base as case, 24: Cover as case, 26
... Electronic circuit unit, 27 ... Groove, 30 ... LED, 31 ...
Phototransistor (constitutes first sensor together with LED 30), 33: window, 34: tapered surface, 35
... a proximity sensor as a second sensor, 39 ... a signal generation circuit as an electronic circuit, 40 ... an output circuit.

Claims (3)

[Claims] A first sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that outputs a first detection signal when receiving a reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting unit; A window for projecting the light from the light emitting unit of the first sensor to the outside is formed on a wall of the case corresponding to the first sensor, and a predetermined detection of the first sensor is formed around the window. A second sensor for detecting whether or not a detection target such as a finger is positioned in an operation area and outputting a second detection signal when the detection target is positioned in a predetermined detection operation area is disposed. A transmitter including an electronic circuit for transmitting a predetermined operation signal based on an output of a first detection signal from the first sensor and a second detection signal from the second sensor. 2. The transmitter according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor is a capacitance type proximity sensor. 3. The transmitter according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the window.