EP1073816A1 - Remote control unit - Google Patents

Remote control unit

Info

Publication number
EP1073816A1
EP1073816A1 EP99920720A EP99920720A EP1073816A1 EP 1073816 A1 EP1073816 A1 EP 1073816A1 EP 99920720 A EP99920720 A EP 99920720A EP 99920720 A EP99920720 A EP 99920720A EP 1073816 A1 EP1073816 A1 EP 1073816A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printed circuit
shells
battery
hand
elastic membrane
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99920720A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Frédéric Chaillie
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Continental Automotive France SAS
Original Assignee
Siemens Automotive SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Automotive SA filed Critical Siemens Automotive SA
Publication of EP1073816A1 publication Critical patent/EP1073816A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/02Bases, casings, or covers
    • H01H9/0214Hand-held casings
    • H01H9/0235Hand-held casings specially adapted for remote control, e.g. of audio or video apparatus
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B19/00Keys; Accessories therefor
    • E05B19/04Construction of the bow or head of the key; Attaching the bow to the shank
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05GCONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/02Controlling members for hand actuation by linear movement, e.g. push buttons
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07CTIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C9/00944Details of construction or manufacture

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a remote control unit, for example of the type used in conjunction with a motor vehicle key to remotely open or close the doors thereof. It is currently common for motor vehicle keys to be associated with remote control devices, housed in the head of the key or in an associated key holder. These devices are subjected to environmental aggressions, such as for example a fall into a puddle and must therefore be particularly protected, both on the plane of the seal and for impact resistance.
  • remote control unit for example of the type used in conjunction with a motor vehicle key to remotely open or close the doors thereof.
  • motor vehicle keys to be associated with remote control devices, housed in the head of the key or in an associated key holder. These devices are subjected to environmental aggressions, such as for example a fall into a puddle and must therefore be particularly protected, both on the plane of the seal and for impact resistance.
  • the remote control device includes components such as light-emitting diodes or indicators that the seal of the prior art is limited to surrounding, thus achieving only a very relative seal.
  • the components of the device are liable to move, thereby compromising not only the seal, but also the proper functioning of the device.
  • this type of case, associated with a key is by nature often handled and subjected to static electricity discharges liable to damage the electronic components included.
  • the present invention therefore aims to provide a remote control unit, which takes into account the different types of environmental aggression and allows to effectively and economically protect the electronic remote control device it contains.
  • the seal is constituted by an elastic membrane separating the housing into two enclosures and comprising at least locally a combination of shape and predetermined physical properties suitable for performing a function distinct from the basic sealing function .
  • the printed circuit comprises at least one light-emitting component and the elastic membrane comprises " at least one transparent zone, forming a protrusion constituting a light guide cooperating on the one hand with the light-emitting component. light and on the other hand with an orifice made in one of the half-shells.
  • one of the half-shells of the housing is adapted to receive a supply battery of the circuit 2 electronics
  • the elastic membrane comprises at least one conductive zone, forming a protrusion connecting the electronic circuit to at least one of the poles of the battery and simultaneously constituting the battery retaining spring and supply conductor.
  • the housing is adapted to cooperate with a metal bit to form a key of a motor vehicle and has a through hole for a key ring and the elastic membrane has at least one conductive zone, on the one hand forming a protuberance resting on a part of the bit and extending on the other hand around the hole in the form of a protruding bead inside thereof, constituting an evacuation path static discharge from the ring to the bit.
  • FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of the housing according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows another view in the same section, showing other characteristics of the invention
  • FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the membrane locating areas with special characteristics.
  • a housing 1 consisting of two half-shells 11 and 12.
  • the interior of the housing is divided into two enclosures by an elastomeric membrane 2 whose periphery is pinched between the two half-shells.
  • the two half-shells are fixed to each other by fixing means such as clips, not shown.
  • the lower enclosure, delimited by the membrane 2 and the half-shell 12 contains a printed circuit 3 equipped with electronic components 31, 32 of which at least one is a light-emitting component such as a light-emitting diode 32. These components (of the surface mounting type) are transferred to the printed circuit 3 by soldering or gluing.
  • the printed circuit 3 is supported on at least part of its periphery on a recess 15 formed in the half-shell 12.
  • the height of this recess is chosen to be slightly less than the thickness of the printed circuit 3.
  • the membrane 2 comprises, in line with the light-emitting diode 32, a zone Z1 (FIG. 3) in which the material used is transparent or translucent.
  • the diode 32 is transferred to the printed circuit 3, for example on the side opposite the membrane.
  • An opening 33 in the printed circuit allows the passage of the light emitted by the diode.
  • the membrane has a tubular projection 21 which cooperates with an orifice 14 formed in the upper half-shell 11. This gives a light guide which makes it possible to transmit the light information from the diode 32 towards the outside of the housing, without sacrificing the sealing of the lower enclosure, in a simple manner independent of the height of the half-shell 11.
  • the membrane 2 also comprises a deformable part 22 which cooperates with a movable member 13 passing through the upper half-shell 11 to produce a control button.
  • This deformable part 22 is formed, on its face opposite the printed circuit 3, so as to maintain and center a dome 35 of elastic material, capable of giving a tactile feeling of clicking when, by pressing on the movable member 13 , a contact 36 of conductive material, carried by the dome, is pressed against the printed circuit 3.
  • the membrane 2 is pressed against the printed circuit 3 at least around the periphery of the dome. To prevent it from coming off the printed circuit under the effect of the pressure developed under the dome, at least one via 34 or metallized connection hole between the two faces of the printed circuit has advantageously been placed in this zone.
  • the pin 23 makes it possible to support the printed circuit 3 during pressures on the movable member 13, thus limiting the relative displacements of the contacts 41, 42 on their conductive pad in order to further improve the reliability of the contact.
  • the half-shell 12 may comprise, as shown in FIG. 2, one or more 4 support pins 17, placed in line with the deformable zone 22, in order to limit the bending of the printed circuit 3.
  • FIG. 2 in order to highlight certain advantageous characteristics which can be obtained by the fact that it is possible, according to a known technique for producing such membranes, to locally combine materials having different physical characteristics. Indeed, these membranes are obtained by depositing in a mold blanks of elastomeric material, which will be shaped by closing the mold under determined conditions of temperature and pressure. By using blanks of predetermined color, transparency and electrical conductivity, it is thus possible to obtain a multifunction membrane economically.
  • advantage is taken of the reduced consumption of the electronic device carried by the printed circuit 3 to produce the pin 23 in a material with high conductivity (for example an elastomer highly charged with carbon particles), delimited locally by the zone Z2 on Figure 3, which allows, while operating the mechanical maintenance of the battery 4 seen above, to make an electrical connection between a pole of this battery and the printed circuit 3.
  • the pin 23 passes through the circuit printed 3 by a metallized hole 37 to connect the first pole of the battery 4, and a metallized track 16 on the half-shell 12 connects the second pole to a supply track 38 on the printed circuit 3. It is thus possible to remove the contacts 41 and 42 of figure 1.
  • this deformable part 22 has at its center a protuberance 28 made of conductive material, cooperating with a hole in the dome 35 to center the latter under the control button, and tracks of the printed circuit 3 to operate the control contact. of the device.
  • the housing 1 can be adapted to form the head of a key intended to open the doors of a vehicle. It has been found, in this use, that discharges of static electricity could damage the electronic components carried by the printed circuit 3. The most frequent path of these discharges connects a key-ring (not shown) passing through a passage 26 formed in the housing, in the bit 5, passing through the paths of least resistance that are the tracks of the printed circuit 3 and the components 31 which are reported there. To solve this problem, the membrane 2 has a conductive zone 23 which connects the passage 26 of the ring to the bit 5. 5
  • a contact pin 25 comes to rest on a part of the bit 5 inserted in the housing, crossing, if necessary, the printed circuit 3.
  • the zone Z3 therefore achieves a path of least resistance capable of deriving the electrostatic discharges directly towards the paneton 5, thus sparing the components.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a unit (1) comprising two half-shells (11, 12) and a membrane (2) acting as sealing joint. The membrane comprises different zones with shapes and properties for providing different additional functions such as light guide (21), contact and battery (4) maintaining pin (23), or further still an evacuation path for static electric discharges (25).

Description

Boîtier de télécommande La présente invention est relative à un boîtier de télécommande, par exemple du type utilisé en conjonction avec une clé de véhicule automobile pour commander à distance l'ouverture ou la fermeture des portières de celui-ci. II est courant actuellement que les clés de véhicules automobiles soient associées avec des dispositifs de télécommande à distance, logés dans la tête de la clé ou dans un porte clé associé. Ces dispositifs sont soumis à des agressions de l'environnement, comme par exemple une chute dans une flaque d'eau et doivent donc être particulièrement protégés, tant sur le pian de l'étanchéité que pour la résistance aux chocs. On connaît de la technique antérieure, et par exemple du document EP-A- 0 690 189, une telle clé dont la tête forme un boîtier en deux parties, l'une de ces parties comportant un organe déformable servant de bouton de commande de la télécommande, cet organe étant solidaire d'un joint d'étanchéité réalisant l'étanchéité périphérique du boîtier. Cependant, le dispositif de télécommande comprend des composants tels que des diodes électroluminescentes ou des voyants que le joint de la technique antérieure se limite à entourer, ne réalisant ainsi qu'une étanchéité toute relative. De plus, en cas de choc, les composants du dispositif sont susceptibles de bouger, compromettant ainsi non seulement l'étanchéité, mais aussi le bon fonctionnement du dispositif. En outre, ce type de boîtier, associé à une clé, est par nature souvent manipulé et soumis à des décharges d'électricité statique susceptibles d'endommager les composants électroniques inclus. Remote control unit The present invention relates to a remote control unit, for example of the type used in conjunction with a motor vehicle key to remotely open or close the doors thereof. It is currently common for motor vehicle keys to be associated with remote control devices, housed in the head of the key or in an associated key holder. These devices are subjected to environmental aggressions, such as for example a fall into a puddle and must therefore be particularly protected, both on the plane of the seal and for impact resistance. We know from the prior art, and for example from document EP-A-0 690 189, such a key, the head of which forms a housing in two parts, one of these parts comprising a deformable member serving as a button for controlling the remote control, this member being integral with a seal providing the peripheral seal of the housing. However, the remote control device includes components such as light-emitting diodes or indicators that the seal of the prior art is limited to surrounding, thus achieving only a very relative seal. In addition, in the event of an impact, the components of the device are liable to move, thereby compromising not only the seal, but also the proper functioning of the device. In addition, this type of case, associated with a key, is by nature often handled and subjected to static electricity discharges liable to damage the electronic components included.
La présente invention a donc pour but de proposer un boîtier de télécommande, qui prenne en compte les différents types d'agression de l'environnement et permette de protéger efficacement et économiquement le dispositif électronique de télécommande qu'il renferme. On atteint ces buts de l'invention, ainsi que d'autres qui apparaîtront dans la suite de la présente description, au moyen d'un boîtier de télécommande, du type constitué par deux demi-coques enfermant un circuit imprimé et un joint d'étanchéité adapté pour isoler ledit circuit du milieu extérieur.The present invention therefore aims to provide a remote control unit, which takes into account the different types of environmental aggression and allows to effectively and economically protect the electronic remote control device it contains. These objects of the invention are achieved, as well as others which will appear in the following of this description, by means of a remote control unit, of the type constituted by two half-shells enclosing a printed circuit and a gasket. sealing adapted to isolate said circuit from the external environment.
Selon l'invention, le joint d'étanchéité est constitué par une membrane élastique séparant le boîtier en deux enceintes et comportant au moins localement une combinaison de forme et de propriétés physiques prédéterminées propres à réaliser une fonction distincte de la fonction d'étanchéité de base.According to the invention, the seal is constituted by an elastic membrane separating the housing into two enclosures and comprising at least locally a combination of shape and predetermined physical properties suitable for performing a function distinct from the basic sealing function .
Suivant une caractéristique importante de la présente invention, le circuit imprimé comporte au moins un composant émetteur de lumière et la membrane élastique comporte "au moins une zone transparente, formant une excroissance constituant un guide de lumière coopérant d'une part avec le composant émetteur de lumière et d'autre part avec un orifice ménagé dans une des demi-coques.According to an important characteristic of the present invention, the printed circuit comprises at least one light-emitting component and the elastic membrane comprises " at least one transparent zone, forming a protrusion constituting a light guide cooperating on the one hand with the light-emitting component. light and on the other hand with an orifice made in one of the half-shells.
Suivant une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, l'une des demi- coques du boîtier est adaptée pour recevoir une batterie d'alimentation du circuit 2 électronique, et la membrane élastique comporte au moins une zone conductrice, formant une excroissance reliant le circuit électronique à au moins un des pôles de la batterie et constituant simultanément ressort de maintien de la batterie et conducteur d'alimentation.According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, one of the half-shells of the housing is adapted to receive a supply battery of the circuit 2 electronics, and the elastic membrane comprises at least one conductive zone, forming a protrusion connecting the electronic circuit to at least one of the poles of the battery and simultaneously constituting the battery retaining spring and supply conductor.
Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le boîtier est adapté pour coopérer avec un panneton métallique pour former une clé d'un véhicule automobile et comporte un trou de passage d'un anneau de porte-clés et la membrane élastique comporte au moins une zone conductrice, formant d'une part une excroissance en appui sur une partie du panneton et s'étendant d'autre part autour du trou sous forme d'un bourrelet proéminent à l'intérieur de celui-ci, constituant un chemin d'évacuation des décharges d'électricité statique de l'anneau au panneton.According to another characteristic of the invention, the housing is adapted to cooperate with a metal bit to form a key of a motor vehicle and has a through hole for a key ring and the elastic membrane has at least one conductive zone, on the one hand forming a protuberance resting on a part of the bit and extending on the other hand around the hole in the form of a protruding bead inside thereof, constituting an evacuation path static discharge from the ring to the bit.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages du boîtier suivant l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre et à l'examen des dessins annexés dans lesquels:Other characteristics and advantages of the box according to the invention will appear on reading the description which follows and on examining the appended drawings in which:
- la figure 1 représente une vue en coupe du boîtier selon l'invention, - la figure 2 représente une autre vue selon la même coupe, montrant d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention, et- Figure 1 shows a sectional view of the housing according to the invention, - Figure 2 shows another view in the same section, showing other characteristics of the invention, and
- la figure 3 représente une vue en plan de la membrane situant des zones à caractéristiques particulières.- Figure 3 shows a plan view of the membrane locating areas with special characteristics.
On se réfère à la figure 1 , sur laquelle on a représenté en coupe un boîtier 1 constitué de deux demi-coques 11 et 12. L'intérieur du boîtier est divisé en deux enceintes par une membrane 2 en élastomère dont la périphérie est pincée entre les deux demi-coques. Les deux demi-coques sont fixées entre elles par des moyens de fixation tels que des clips, non représentés. L'enceinte inférieure, délimitée par la membrane 2 et la demi-coque 12 contient un circuit imprimé 3 équipé de composants électroniques 31 , 32 dont au moins un est un composant émetteur de lumière tel qu'une diode électroluminescente 32. Ces composants (du type montage en surface) sont reportés sur le circuit imprimé 3 par brasage ou collage. Le circuit imprimé 3 est en appui sur au moins une partie de sa périphérie sur un décrochement 15 ménagé dans la demi- coque 12. La hauteur de ce décrochement est choisie légèrement inférieure à l'épaisseur du circuit imprimé 3. Ainsi, lorsque les deux demi-coques 11 et 12 sont refermées, le circuit imprimé 3 est maintenu fermement par l'élasticité de la membrane 2. L'enceinte inférieure contient également une batterie 4 dont les pôles sont reliés au circuit imprimé 3 par l'intermédiaire de contacts 41 et 42, se présentant sous la forme de lames métalliques élastiques en appui d'une part sur la batterie et d'autre part sur une plage conductrice du circuit imprimé. Lorsque le boîtier 1 est conçu pour former la tête d'une clé, un panneton 5 est associé à l'une des demi-coques, par exemple ici à la demi coque inférieure 12. 3Referring to Figure 1, in which there is shown in section a housing 1 consisting of two half-shells 11 and 12. The interior of the housing is divided into two enclosures by an elastomeric membrane 2 whose periphery is pinched between the two half-shells. The two half-shells are fixed to each other by fixing means such as clips, not shown. The lower enclosure, delimited by the membrane 2 and the half-shell 12 contains a printed circuit 3 equipped with electronic components 31, 32 of which at least one is a light-emitting component such as a light-emitting diode 32. These components (of the surface mounting type) are transferred to the printed circuit 3 by soldering or gluing. The printed circuit 3 is supported on at least part of its periphery on a recess 15 formed in the half-shell 12. The height of this recess is chosen to be slightly less than the thickness of the printed circuit 3. Thus, when the two half-shells 11 and 12 are closed, the printed circuit 3 is held firmly by the elasticity of the membrane 2. The lower enclosure also contains a battery 4, the poles of which are connected to the printed circuit 3 by means of contacts 41 and 42, in the form of elastic metal blades bearing on the one hand on the battery and on the other hand on a conductive pad of the printed circuit. When the box 1 is designed to form the head of a key, a bit 5 is associated with one of the half-shells, for example here with the lower half-shell 12. 3
On va maintenant détailler certaines caractéristiques de la membrane 2, qui lui permettent de remplir d'autres fonctions avantageuses, outre sa fonction de base d'étanchéité de l'enceinte inférieure.We will now detail certain characteristics of the membrane 2, which allow it to perform other advantageous functions, in addition to its basic sealing function of the lower enclosure.
La membrane 2 comporte, au droit de la diode électroluminescente 32, une zone Z1 (figure 3) dans laquelle la matière employée est transparente ou translucide. La diode 32 est reportée sur le circuit imprimé 3, par exemple du coté opposé à la membrane. Une ouverture 33 dans le circuit imprimé permet le passage de la lumière émise par la diode. A cet endroit, la membrane comporte une excroissance tubulaire 21 qui coopère avec un orifice 14 ménagé dans la demi-coque supérieure 11. On obtient ainsi un guide de lumière qui permet de transmettre l'information lumineuse de la diode 32 vers l'extérieur du boîtier, sans sacrifier l'étanchéité de l'enceinte inférieure, et ce, de manière simple et indépendante de la hauteur de la demi-coque 11. Bien entendu, on peut, si des contraintes de fabrication l'imposent, placer la diode 32 sur la face supérieure du circuit imprimé 3, en ménageant, comme représenté sur la figure 2, un logement 24 pour accueillir celle-ci.The membrane 2 comprises, in line with the light-emitting diode 32, a zone Z1 (FIG. 3) in which the material used is transparent or translucent. The diode 32 is transferred to the printed circuit 3, for example on the side opposite the membrane. An opening 33 in the printed circuit allows the passage of the light emitted by the diode. At this point, the membrane has a tubular projection 21 which cooperates with an orifice 14 formed in the upper half-shell 11. This gives a light guide which makes it possible to transmit the light information from the diode 32 towards the outside of the housing, without sacrificing the sealing of the lower enclosure, in a simple manner independent of the height of the half-shell 11. Of course, it is possible, if there are manufacturing constraints, to place the diode 32 on the upper face of the printed circuit 3, providing, as shown in Figure 2, a housing 24 to accommodate it.
La membrane 2 comporte encore une partie déformable 22 qui coopère avec un organe mobile 13 traversant la demi-coque supérieure 11 pour réaliser un bouton de commande. Cette partie déformable 22 est formée, sur sa face en regard du circuit imprimé 3, de manière à maintenir et à centrer un dôme 35 en matériau élastique, propre à donner une sensation tactile de déclic lorsque, par un appui sur l'organe mobile 13, un contact 36 en matériau conducteur, porté par le dôme, est pressé contre le circuit imprimé 3. On notera à ce propos que la membrane 2 est plaquée sur le circuit imprimé 3 au moins sur le pourtour du dôme. Pour éviter qu'elle ne se décolle du circuit imprimé sous l'effet de la pression développée sous le dôme, on a avantageusement placé au moins un via 34 ou trou métallisé de connexion entre les deux faces du circuit imprimé dans cette zone.The membrane 2 also comprises a deformable part 22 which cooperates with a movable member 13 passing through the upper half-shell 11 to produce a control button. This deformable part 22 is formed, on its face opposite the printed circuit 3, so as to maintain and center a dome 35 of elastic material, capable of giving a tactile feeling of clicking when, by pressing on the movable member 13 , a contact 36 of conductive material, carried by the dome, is pressed against the printed circuit 3. It will be noted in this connection that the membrane 2 is pressed against the printed circuit 3 at least around the periphery of the dome. To prevent it from coming off the printed circuit under the effect of the pressure developed under the dome, at least one via 34 or metallized connection hole between the two faces of the printed circuit has advantageously been placed in this zone.
Afin de placer avec précision la membrane 2 par rapport au circuit imprimé 3, il peut être fait appel à des pions de centrage obtenus lors du moulage de la membrane et coopérant avec des trous du circuit imprimé. On a représenté en 23 l'un de ces pions, qui est avantageusement placé au droit de la batterie 4. Le pion 23 est d'une longueur suffisante pour traverser le circuit imprimé 3 et venir en appui sur la batterie 4, avec une pression suffisante pour maintenir fermement celle-ci dans un logement non représenté ménagé dans la demi coque 12. Ainsi, quand le boîtier est refermé, la batterie est maintenue et ne souffre pas de contacts intermittents avec les contacts 41 , 42 lors de chocs ou de vibrations. De plus, le pion 23 permet de soutenir le circuit imprimé 3 lors des pressions sur l'organe mobile 13, limitant ainsi les déplacements relatifs des contacts 41 , 42 sur leur plage conductrice afin d'améliorer encore la fiabilité du contact. A cette même fin, la demi coque 12 peut comporter, comme représenté sur la figure 2, un ou plusieurs 4 pions de soutien 17, placés au droit de la zone déformable 22, afin de limiter la flexion du circuit imprimé 3.In order to precisely place the membrane 2 relative to the printed circuit 3, it is possible to use centering pins obtained during the molding of the membrane and cooperating with holes in the printed circuit. 23 shows one of these pins, which is advantageously placed in line with the battery 4. The pin 23 is of sufficient length to pass through the printed circuit 3 and come to bear on the battery 4, with a pressure sufficient to firmly hold it in a housing (not shown) formed in the half-shell 12. Thus, when the housing is closed, the battery is maintained and does not suffer from intermittent contacts with the contacts 41, 42 during shocks or vibrations . In addition, the pin 23 makes it possible to support the printed circuit 3 during pressures on the movable member 13, thus limiting the relative displacements of the contacts 41, 42 on their conductive pad in order to further improve the reliability of the contact. To this same end, the half-shell 12 may comprise, as shown in FIG. 2, one or more 4 support pins 17, placed in line with the deformable zone 22, in order to limit the bending of the printed circuit 3.
On se réfère maintenant à la figure 2 pour mettre en lumière certaines caractéristiques avantageuses qui peuvent être obtenues par le fait qu'il est possible, selon une technique connue de réalisation de telles membranes, de combiner localement des matières possédant des caractéristiques physiques différentes. En effet, ces membranes sont obtenues en déposant dans un moule des flans de matière élastomère, qui seront mis en forme en refermant le moule sous des conditions déterminées de température et de pression. En utilisant des flans de couleur, de transparence et de conductivité électrique prédéterminées, on peut ainsi obtenir une membrane multifonction de manière économique.Reference is now made to FIG. 2 in order to highlight certain advantageous characteristics which can be obtained by the fact that it is possible, according to a known technique for producing such membranes, to locally combine materials having different physical characteristics. Indeed, these membranes are obtained by depositing in a mold blanks of elastomeric material, which will be shaped by closing the mold under determined conditions of temperature and pressure. By using blanks of predetermined color, transparency and electrical conductivity, it is thus possible to obtain a multifunction membrane economically.
Par exemple, on tire profit de la consommation réduite du dispositif électronique porté par le circuit imprimé 3 pour réaliser le pion 23 en un matériau à forte conductivité (par exemple un élastomère fortement chargé en particules de carbone), délimité localement par la zone Z2 sur la figure 3, ce qui permet, tout en opérant le maintien mécanique de la batterie 4 vu précédemment, de réaliser une connexion électrique entre un pôle de cette batterie et le circuit imprimé 3. Dans ce cas, le pion 23 passe au travers du circuit imprimé 3 par un trou métallisé 37 pour relier le premier pôle de la batterie 4, et une piste métallisée 16 sur la demi-coque 12 relie le second pôle à une piste d'alimentation 38 sur le circuit imprimé 3. On peut ainsi supprimer les contacts 41 et 42 de la figure 1.For example, advantage is taken of the reduced consumption of the electronic device carried by the printed circuit 3 to produce the pin 23 in a material with high conductivity (for example an elastomer highly charged with carbon particles), delimited locally by the zone Z2 on Figure 3, which allows, while operating the mechanical maintenance of the battery 4 seen above, to make an electrical connection between a pole of this battery and the printed circuit 3. In this case, the pin 23 passes through the circuit printed 3 by a metallized hole 37 to connect the first pole of the battery 4, and a metallized track 16 on the half-shell 12 connects the second pole to a supply track 38 on the printed circuit 3. It is thus possible to remove the contacts 41 and 42 of figure 1.
On peut également se dispenser de l'organe mobile 13 de la figure 1 en adaptant la forme de la partie déformable 22 pour qu'elle coopère avec l'ouverture de la demi-coque 11 pour former directement le bouton de commande du dispositif. Avantageusement, cette partie déformable 22 comporte en son centre une excroissance 28 réalisée en matériau conducteur, coopérant avec un trou dans le dôme 35 pour centrer celui-ci sous le bouton de commande, et des pistes du circuit imprimé 3 pour opérer le contact de commande du dispositif.We can also dispense with the movable member 13 of Figure 1 by adapting the shape of the deformable part 22 so that it cooperates with the opening of the half-shell 11 to directly form the control button of the device. Advantageously, this deformable part 22 has at its center a protuberance 28 made of conductive material, cooperating with a hole in the dome 35 to center the latter under the control button, and tracks of the printed circuit 3 to operate the control contact. of the device.
On se réfère maintenant à la figure 3 pour détailler une caractéristique supplémentaire de la membrane 2, qui permet d'améliorer la tenue aux décharges électrostatiques du dispositif électronique inclus dans le boîtier. Comme on l'a vu précédemment, le boîtier 1 peut être adapté pour former la tête d'une clé destinée à ouvrir les portières d'un véhicule. On a constaté, dans cette utilisation, que des décharges d'électricité statique pouvaient endommager les composants électroniques portés par le circuit imprimé 3. La trajet le plus fréquent de ces décharges relie un anneau de porte-clé (non représenté) traversant un passage 26 ménagé dans le boîtier, au paneton 5, en passant par les chemins de moindre résistance que sont les pistes du circuit imprimé 3 et les composants 31 qui y sont reportés. Pour résoudre ce problème, la membrane 2 comporte une zone 23, conductrice, qui relie le passage 26 de l'anneau au panneton 5. 5Reference is now made to FIG. 3 to detail an additional characteristic of the membrane 2, which makes it possible to improve the resistance to electrostatic discharges of the electronic device included in the housing. As seen above, the housing 1 can be adapted to form the head of a key intended to open the doors of a vehicle. It has been found, in this use, that discharges of static electricity could damage the electronic components carried by the printed circuit 3. The most frequent path of these discharges connects a key-ring (not shown) passing through a passage 26 formed in the housing, in the bit 5, passing through the paths of least resistance that are the tracks of the printed circuit 3 and the components 31 which are reported there. To solve this problem, the membrane 2 has a conductive zone 23 which connects the passage 26 of the ring to the bit 5. 5
Un bourrelet 27, formé dans la membrane, déborde dans le passage 26 pour réaliser le contact avec l'anneau. Un pion de contact 25 vient s'appuyer sur une partie du paneton 5 insérée dans le boîtier, en traversant, le cas échéant, le circuit imprimé 3. La zone Z3 réalise donc un chemin de moindre résistance propre à dériver les décharges électrostatiques directement vers le paneton 5, épargnant ainsi les composants. A bead 27, formed in the membrane, projects into the passage 26 to make contact with the ring. A contact pin 25 comes to rest on a part of the bit 5 inserted in the housing, crossing, if necessary, the printed circuit 3. The zone Z3 therefore achieves a path of least resistance capable of deriving the electrostatic discharges directly towards the paneton 5, thus sparing the components.

Claims

6REVENDICATIONS 6 CLAIMS
1. Boîtier (1 ) de télécommande, du type constitué par deux demi-coques (11 ,12) enfermant un circuit imprimé (3) et un joint d'étanchéité adapté pour isoler ledit circuit du milieu extérieur, caractérisé en ce que le joint d'étanchéité est constitué par une membrane (2) élastique séparant le boîtier en deux enceintes et comportant au moins localement une combinaison (21 , 23, 25, 27, 28) de forme et de propriétés physiques prédéterminées propres à réaliser une fonction distincte de la fonction d'étanchéité de base.1. Remote control box (1), of the type constituted by two half-shells (11, 12) enclosing a printed circuit (3) and a seal adapted to isolate said circuit from the outside environment, characterized in that the seal sealing consists of an elastic membrane (2) separating the housing into two enclosures and comprising at least locally a combination (21, 23, 25, 27, 28) of predetermined shape and physical properties suitable for performing a distinct function of the basic sealing function.
2. Boîtier selon la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que le circuit imprimé (3) comporte au moins un composant émetteur de lumière (32), et en ce que la membrane élastique comporte au moins une zone transparente (Z1 ), formant une excroissance constituant un guide de lumière (21 ) coopérant d'une part avec le composant émetteur de lumière et d'autre part avec un orifice (14) ménagé dans une des demi-coques.2. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the printed circuit (3) comprises at least one light emitting component (32), and in that the elastic membrane comprises at least one transparent zone (Z1), forming a protrusion constituting a light guide (21) cooperating on the one hand with the light emitting component and on the other hand with an orifice (14) formed in one of the half-shells.
3. Boîtier selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le composant émetteur de lumière (32) est reporté sur la face du circuit imprimé (3) opposée à la membrane (2) et en ce que le circuit imprimé comporte une ouverture (33) permettant le passage de la lumière émise vers le guide de lumière (21 ).3. Housing according to claim 2, characterized in that the light emitting component (32) is transferred to the face of the printed circuit (3) opposite the membrane (2) and in that the printed circuit has an opening (33 ) allowing passage of the light emitted towards the light guide (21).
4. Boîtier selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'une des demi-coques (12) est adaptée pour recevoir une batterie d'alimentation (4) du circuit électronique, et en ce que la membrane élastique comporte au moins une zone conductrice (Z2), formant un pion d'appui (23) reliant le circuit électronique à au moins un des pôles de la batterie et constituant simultanément ressort de maintien de la batterie et conducteur d'alimentation.4. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the half-shells (12) is adapted to receive a supply battery (4) of the electronic circuit, and in that the elastic membrane comprises at least one zone conductive (Z2), forming a support pin (23) connecting the electronic circuit to at least one of the poles of the battery and simultaneously constituting the battery retaining spring and supply conductor.
5. Boîtier selon la revendication 1 , adapté pour coopérer avec un panneton métallique (5) pour former une clé d'un véhicule automobile et comportant un passage (26) d'un anneau de porte-clés, caractérisé en ce que la membrane élastique comporte au moins une zone conductrice (Z3), formant d'une part un pion de contact (25) en appui sur une partie du panneton et s'étendant d'autre part autour du trou sous forme d'un bourrelet (27) proéminent à l'intérieur de celui-ci, constituant un chemin d'évacuation des décharges d'électricité statique de l'anneau au panneton. 5. Housing according to claim 1, adapted to cooperate with a metal bit (5) to form a key of a motor vehicle and comprising a passage (26) of a key ring, characterized in that the elastic membrane comprises at least one conductive zone (Z3), forming on the one hand a contact pin (25) bearing on a part of the bit and extending on the other hand around the hole in the form of a protruding bead (27) inside it, constituting a path for discharging static electricity discharges from the ring to the bit.
EP99920720A 1998-04-24 1999-04-20 Remote control unit Withdrawn EP1073816A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9805176A FR2778014B1 (en) 1998-04-24 1998-04-24 REMOTE CONTROL BOX
FR9805176 1998-04-24
PCT/EP1999/002669 WO1999055992A1 (en) 1998-04-24 1999-04-20 Remote control unit

Publications (1)

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EP1073816A1 true EP1073816A1 (en) 2001-02-07

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EP99920720A Withdrawn EP1073816A1 (en) 1998-04-24 1999-04-20 Remote control unit

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US (1) US6621446B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1073816A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2778014B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999055992A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2778014B1 (en) 2000-07-07
FR2778014A1 (en) 1999-10-29
US6621446B1 (en) 2003-09-16
WO1999055992A1 (en) 1999-11-04

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