WO2006078131A1

WO2006078131A1 - A remote control

Info

Publication number: WO2006078131A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/000220
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hwang Eui Lee; Jung Min Lee; Cheol Hwan Moon; Isao Hirosawa
Original assignee: Rinnai Corp; Rinnai Korea Corp
Current assignee: Rinnai Corp; Rinnai Korea Corp
Priority date: 2005-01-21
Filing date: 2006-01-20
Publication date: 2006-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 2007-07-21
Also published as: KR100620721B1; KR20060084995A

Abstract

The present invention is to provide a remote control comprising: a casing (100) having an open backside and provided with a board receiving part (101) and a power supply receiving part (102); a board cover (200) to cover the board receiving part (101) of the casing (100); a power supply cover (300) to cover the power supply receiving part (102) of the casing (100); packing members (400) provided on circumferential surfaces of the board cover (200) and the power supply cover (300); and a locking means (500) for detachably connecting the board cover (200) and/or the power supply cover (300) to the casing (100) by one-touch operation.

Description

Description A REMOTE CONTROL

Technical Field

[I] The present invention relates to a remote control, and more particularly to a waterproof remote control, wherein connection capability between a power supply cover and a casing of the remote control is significantly increased.

[2]

Background Art [3] Generally, a remote control has been widely used to control operation of electronic products at a remote place for consumer's convenience. [4] Recently, the remote control requires waterproof function as the electronic products are frequently used even in moist or wet places, e.g., a bathroom, kitchen, etc. [5] The remote control usually comprises a casing, a board part to control operation and

ON/OFF of electronic products, a button part to command operation of the board part, a power supply part to provide electric power for operating the board part and a cover to protect all the aforesaid components by receiving them therein. [6] In the conventional remote control for use in the electronic products, the casing and the cover are connected by grooves and protrusions, wherein the grooves are formed either on the casing or on the cover and the protrusions are formed on the positions corresponding to the grooves. [7]

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[8] The conventional remote control can prevent the cover from detaching from the casing, however, which did not have waterproof or moisture proof function required in moist and wet places, e.g., a bathroom, a kitchen, etc.

[9] Accordingly, if the conventional remote control without waterproof function is used for the electronic products in a bathroom, a kitchen, etc., wetness or moisture might penetrate into the inside thereof so that the power supply part to receive batteries or many parts to include various terminals might be spoiled or damaged, thereby interrupting normal operation of the remote control.

[10] Alternatively, the connected portion of the casing and the cover can be sealed with a sealant, however, which may considerably increase manufacturing costs and may lower waterproofing ability of the remote control when the cover is assembled or disassembled for replacement of batteries or repair.

[II] On the other hand, a structure for connecting a cover with a casing was disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 1998-40892, wherein a "L" shaped guide groove is provided at the periphery of a battery receiving part of the casing and a protrusion provided outside the cover is fitted to the battery receiving part by rotating the cover along the guide groove so that the cover can be prevented from being detached from the casing. [12] However, the cover might be detached from the casing since the cover rotates slowly as repeat impact or vibration is given to the structure. [13] In addition, since a clamping force between the cover and the casing is hardly increased even after assembling the cover to the casing, it is not suitable to use the structure in wet or moist places such as a bathroom. [14] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof remote control, wherein connection capability between a power supply cover and the casing is significantly increased. [15] Another object of the present invention is to provide a remote control, wherein credibility of products and convenience of use is significantly improved. [16]

Technical Solution [17] In order to solve the above objects, the present invention provides a remote control comprising: [18] a casing having an open backside and provided with a board receiving part and a power supply receiving part;

[19] a board cover to cover the board receiving part of the casing;

[20] a power supply cover to cover the power supply receiving part of the casing;

[21] packing members provided on circumferential surfaces of the board cover and the power supply cover; and [22] a locking means for detachably connecting the board cover and/or the power supply cover to the casing by one-touch operation. [23]

Advantageous Effects

[24] Accordingly, the remote control according to the present invention can be excellently waterproof as the power supply cover is strongly connected to the casing.

[25] Additionally, the remote control according to the present invention can significantly improve credibility and commerciality of products.

[26]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[27] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the remote control according to the present invention, wherein a board cover (200) and a power supply cover (300) are connected at a backside of the casing (100). [28] Fig. 2 is a view showing a backside of the remote control according to the present invention, wherein the power supply cover (300) is separated from the remote control. [29] Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing a state that the board cover (200) and the power supply cover (300) are connected to the casing (100). [30] Figs. 4 and 5 show embodiments for structures and shapes of a rotating plate (520) and a shaft (530) of a locking means (500). [31] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a state that the shaft (530) and a pin

(531) are connected to an axial hole (511) and an entering hole (512) of a boss (510) respectively. [32] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a structure that a diaphragm (710) is assembled to the board cover (200) to form a means (700) for maintaining static pressure. [33] Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state provided according to Fig. 7.

[34] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the remote control according to the present invention, wherein a ventilating means (800) is provided at the board cover

(200). [35] Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state that the ventilating means

(800) is provided at the board cover (200). [36]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [37] Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [38] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the remote control according to the present invention, wherein a board cover (200) and a power supply cover (300) are connected at a backside of the casing (100). [39] Fig. 2 is a view showing a backside of the remote control according to the present invention, wherein the power supply cover (300) is separated from the remote control. [40] Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing a state that the board cover (200) and the power supply cover (300) are connected to the casing (100). [41] Figs. 4 and 5 show embodiments for structures and shapes of a rotating plate (520) and a shaft (530) of a locking means (500). [42] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a state that the shaft (530) and a pin

(531) are connected to an axial hole (511) and an entering hole (512) of a boss (510) respectively. [43] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a structure that a diaphragm (710) is assembled to the board cover (200) to form a means (700) for maintaining static pressure. [44] Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state provided according to Fig. 7. [45] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the remote control according to the present invention, wherein a ventilating means (800) is provided at the board cover (200).

[46] Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state that the ventilating means

(800) is provided at the board cover (200).

[47] The remote control according to the present invention is suitable for remote controlling electronic products or boilers provided in a kitchen, a bathroom, etc., and is to protect circuits or various parts thereof by providing waterproof and ventilation functions thereto.

[48] The casing (100) has an open backside and has the power supply receiving part

(102) for receiving batteries and the board receiving part (101), interposing a partitioning wall (600) therebetween.

[49] Further, the board receiving part (101) of the casing (100) is covered with a board cover (200) and the power supply receiving part (102) with a power supply cover (300).

[50] On circumferential surfaces of the board cover (200) and the power supply cover

(300), packing members (400) are provided for water resistance and air tightness.

[51] The packing members (400) are fitted to fitting parts (210, 310) of the board cover

(200) and the power supply cover (300), which extend from the board cover (200) and the power supply cover (300) to correspond to shapes of the board receiving part (101) and the power supply receiving part (102).

[52] The packing members (400) are made of rubber material excellent in elasticity and air tightness and has "O" shaped cross sections, and they are fitted to grooves (211, 311) of the fitting parts (210, 310) as shown in Fig. 1.

[53] Thus, as shown in Figs. 3, 8 and 10, in order to seal the board receiving part (101) and the power supply receiving part (102) of the casing (100), the board cover (200) and the power supply cover (300) are sealed with the packing members (400) so that the board receiving part (101) and the power supply receiving part (102) can be protected from dusts or moisture in the outside.

[54] The partitioning wall (600) is integrally formed in the casing (100) to divide the casing (100) into the board receiving part (101) and the power supply receiving part (102). Both ends of the partitioning wall (600) join with the inner side walls of the casing (100) to form joint parts, wherein the joint parts are curved to form round shape parts (610).

[55] The joint parts are curved because the joint parts may become weak if the ends of the partitioning wall (600) form right angles with the inner side walls of the casing (100) in injection molding.

[56] Thus, by forming the round shape parts (610) for reinforcement, it is possible to prevent the joint parts from being deformed or broken.

[57] Further, the partitioning wall (600) is provided with a linking passage (620) to link a power supply of the power supply receiving part (102) and a board and a display panel of the board receiving part (101) by using wires or lead cables.

[58] The power supply receiving part (102) is provided with a conductive power supply terminal (103) for electric wiring of batteries.

[59] The board receiving part (101) is provided with a transparent window (104) to observe the display panel outside and is provided with a plurality of screw holes (105) for connection with the casing (100) when the board cover (200) is covered over the board receiving part (101).

[60] The board cover (200) is provided with through holes (201) at positions corresponding to the screw holes (105) so that machine screws (250) are fitted to the screw holes (105), and the machine screws (250) are preferably provided with waterproof washers (251).

[61] The waterproof washers (251) are provided at positions connected with the machine screws (250) to prevent the formation of minute gaps and to secure perfect inside water resistance. They are made of rubber or silicon, or Teflon® having higher strength and made of similar material to that of the board cover (300).

[62] In addition to the machine screws (250) for connecting the board cover (200) to the casing (100) , another method using elastic hooks can be used.

[63] On the other hand, the casing (100) is formed relatively thick over the entire length in order to improve impact resistance and especially is provided with long and narrow grooves (150) at a lower part thereof as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

[64] The grooves (150) can absorb impact given on the remote control when dropping it and reduce the material needed for manufacturing the remote control.

[65] Further, a locking means (500) is provided in order to detachably connect the power supply cover (300) to the casing (100).

[66] The locking means (500) is required to operate with ease and rapidity.

[67] Thus, in the present invention, the locking means (500) can be operated by one- touch operation so that it is possible to open or close the power supply cover (300) easier and quicker.

[68] That is, as shown in Figs. 3 to 7, a boss (510) is protruded from the power supply receiving part (102) of the casing (100) and is provided with an axial hole (511) with an entering hole (512) at a central part thereof.

[69] Further, at an inside wall of the entering hole (512), a cam face (513) is slantly formed.

[70] On the power supply cover (300), a rotating plate (520) is provided at a position corresponding to the axial hole (511) and a shaft (530) integrally formed with the rotating plate (520) is rotatably provided, passing through an axial assembling hole (532).

[71] A snap ring (540) is provided inside the power supply cover (300) in order to prevent the shaft (530) from detaching from the power supply cover (300) and a pin (531) is formed on one end of the shaft (530) so that the pin (531) can go through the entering hole (512).

[72] Thus, the shaft (530) and the pin (531) are located in accordance with the axial hole

(511) and the entering hole (512) respectively, and the power supply cover (300) is located in accordance with the casing (100) and is fitted to the casing by being pushed. Then, the shaft (530) and the pin (531) enter further so that the pin (531) moves to be in contact with the cam face (513).

[73] Then, if turning the rotating plate (520) exposed outward at an angle of 90 degrees, the pin (531) moves along the cam face (513) and simultaneously pulls the power supply cover (300) for close contact with the casing (100).

[74] In this case, the boss (510) is provided with a stopping jaw (514) provided approximately at a right angle to the entering hole (512) so that the pin (531) rotates until the power supply cover (300) is completely pulled and connected to the casing (100).

[75] Thus, the casing (100) and the power supply cover (300) are completely connected to each other.

[76] Further, in order to disassemble the power supply cover (300) for repair or replacement of batteries from the locked state, the rotating plate (520) and the shaft (530) integrally formed therewith are reversely rotated.

[77] Then, the pin (531) is guided in the reverse direction along the cam face (513), and if giving a force on the position of the entering hole (512), the pin (531) and the shaft (530) and the power supply cover (300) can be disassembled from the casing (100) so that the locked state is released.

[78] As shown in Fig. 3, the rotating plate (520) is provided with a semicircular knob

(521) in order to facilitate to turn the rotating plate (520).

[79] The knob (521) is put into a spare portion (320) depressed inward from the power supply cover (300) when it is not used, and when it is used, it is drawn up from the rotating plate (520) in order to rotate the shaft (530) and the pin (531).

[80] Further, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a long thin protrusion (522) may be formed on the rotating plate (520), or an operating groove (523) to which a driver or a coin can be inserted may be formed on the rotating plate (520).

[81] Thus, the locking means (500) prevents the power supply cover (300) from detaching from the casing (100) and simultaneously makes close contact with the casing (100), thereby maximizing waterproof function.

[82] Herein, the locking means (500) is applied to the power supply cover (300), however, the same structure may also be applied to the board cover (200).

[83] Further, a front panel (130) is attached to a front side of the casing (100) in order to present various function indications and trademarks and to close a space formed for forming the axial hole (511), the entering hole (512) and the cam face (513).

[84] The front panel (130) is strongly attached to the casing (100) for water resistance.

[85] Further, a means (700) for maintaining static pressure is provided either on the board cover (200) or on the power supply cover (300) in order to prevent inside pressure of the casing (100) from changing due to pressure difference with the outside.

[86] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the means (700) includes a pocket (720) provided inside the board cover to have a passing hole (270) in order to link the inside and the outside and provided with a ring-shaped supporter (730) thereto, a diaphragm (710) put into the pocket (720) to secure equilibrium in pressure, and a cap (740) having a plurality of passing holes (741) to be fitted to the supporter (730) by force so that the diaphragm (710) can react to pressure change from both directions.

[87] The diaphragm (710) is made of rubber material excellent in flexibility and toughness in the form of thin circular plate and keeps static pressure by instantly being deformed against sudden change in pressure.

[88] When the remote control is soaked into a place of which the temperature is different from the inside temperature of the remote control, big pressure deviation occurs. In this case, even if the remote control is perfectly waterproof, the remote control may be deformed at sealed portions or connected portions thereof in order to make equilibrium in pressure between the inside and the outside thereof.

[89] In this case, the diaphragm (710) is instantly deformed against pressure change to keep inside pressure of the remote control constant, i.e., to keep the static pressure, thereby preventing air tightness of the remote control from lowering.

[90] The cap (740) is provided with the plurality of passing holes (741) and the board cover (200) is also provided with the passing hole (270) so that the diaphragm (710) can react to pressure change from both directions.

[91] Herein, the means (700) for maintaining static pressure is applied to the board cover

(200), however, the same structure can be also applied to the power supply cover (300).

[92] On the other hand, a ventilating means (800) is provided either on the board cover

(200) or on the power supply cover (300) so that inside circuits or various parts of the remote control can be prevented from being corroded or spoiled since the inside of the remote control is waterproof and simultaneously ventilated.

[93] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the board cover (200) is provided with an aeration hole

(280) and a ventilating waterproof member (810) is provided inside and/or outside the aeration hole (280) so that the aeration hole (280) and the ventilating waterproof member (810) constitute the ventilating means (800). [94] The ventilating waterproof member (810) is usually made of fluorine resin expanded material having excellent water resistance, wherein the member (810) has pores smaller than the smallest water drop and bigger than gas molecules. [95] Thus, the ventilating waterproof member (810) prevents wetness or moisture of the outside from penetrating into the inside and simultaneously enables to ventilate the inside. [96] If the ventilating waterproof member (810) is attached to the board cover (200) by supplying adhesive agent on circumferential surfaces of the inside and/or the outside of the aeration hole (280), the remote control can be waterproof and simultaneously ventilated even if the remote control is used in wet and moist places, such as, kitchen, bathroom, etc. [97] Therefore, the ventilating function prevents moisture from penetrating into the inside of the casing (100) and allows the inside of the casing to be naturally dried. [98] Further, it is possible to prevent sealed portions or connected portions of the remote control from being deformed due to moisture. [99] Herein, the ventilating means (800) is applied to the board cover (200), however, the same structure can be also applied to the power supply cover (300). [100]

Industrial Applicability [101] According to the present invention, the remote control can be excellently waterproof as the power supply cover is strongly connected to the casing. [102] Thus, the remote control according to the present invention can improve com- merciality and credibility of products. [103]

Claims

[1] A remote control comprising: a casing (100) having an open backside and provided with a board receiving part

(101) and a power supply receiving part (102); a board cover (200) to cover the board receiving part (101) of the casing (100); a power supply cover (300) to cover the power supply receiving part (102) of the casing (100); packing members (400) provided on circumferential surfaces of the board cover

(200) and the power supply cover (300); and a locking means (500) for detachably connecting the board cover (200) and/or the power supply cover (300) to the casing (100) by one-touch operation. [2] The remote control as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking means (500) comprises a boss (510) protruded from the power supply receiving part (102) of the casing (100); an axial hole (511) with an entering hole (512) at a central part of the boss (510); a rotating plate (520) provided on the power supply cover

(300); a shaft (530) integrally formed with the rotating plate (520) and passing through an axial assembling hole (532); and a pin (531) formed on one end of the shaft (530) to go through the entering hole (512). [3] The remote control as claimed in claim 2, wherein a cam face (513) is provided at an inside wall of the entering hole (512) so that the pin (531) formed on the shaft (530) can enter further to be in contact with the cam face (513). [4] The remote control as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the boss (510) is provided with a stopping jaw (514) to limit the rotation of the pin (531). [5] The remote control as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the rotating plate (520) is provided with a semicircular knob (521) to rotate the shaft (530) and the pin

(531) connected to the rotating plate (520). [6] The remote control as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (100) and the board cover (200) are connected by means of machine screws (250) to which waterproof washers (251) are fitted.