Signal communication device

Abstract

To enhance the convenience of a device for transmitting a signal corresponding to the fixation state of a wheel fixed to a vehicle.SOLUTION: A housing 11 is attached to a nut 20 that rotates about an axis A to secure a wheel to a vehicle. An antenna 12 is used to transmit a signal corresponding to the fixation state of the wheel. The antenna 12 has a first portion 121 that extends along a plane that intersects with the axis A in the state where the housing 11 is attached to the nut 20. The first portion 121 is supported by the housing 11 so as to face the nut 20 across a gap G in the direction along the axis A in the state where the housing 11 is attached to the nut 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a signal communication device having a housing that is attached to a fastener that secures a wheel to a vehicle by being rotated about an axis. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a device that detects an abnormality in the state in which a wheel is fixed to a vehicle based on a signal output from an acceleration sensor attached to the wheel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-329907 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need to improve the usability of devices that transmit signals corresponding to the locking status of wheels on a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One example aspect provided by the present disclosure is a signal communication device, comprising: a housing that is attached to a fastening member that fixes the wheel to the vehicle by rotating about an axis; an antenna for transmitting a signal corresponding to the locking state of the wheel; It is equipped with the antenna has a first portion extending along a plane intersecting the axis when the housing is attached to the fastening member, The first portion is supported by the housing so as to face the fastening member across a gap in the direction along the axis when the housing is attached to the fastening member.

[0006] According to the above configuration, by extending the first portion of the antenna along a plane intersecting the axis, the flexibility in selecting the shape of the path, such as winding or meandering, can be improved, and space utilization efficiency can be increased. This makes it possible to easily ensure an antenna length with high radiation efficiency while suppressing an increase in the size of the housing. On the other hand, fastening members to which signal communication devices are attached are generally made of metal. However, according to the above configuration, the first portion can be separated from the fastening member in the direction along the axis, thereby suppressing the influence that the fastening member may have on the antenna radiation characteristics. Therefore, the convenience of the device for transmitting a signal corresponding to the fixation state of the wheel to the vehicle can be improved.

[0007] One example embodiment provided by the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a signal communication device having a housing attached to a fastener that fixes a wheel to a vehicle by rotating about an axis, the method comprising: an antenna having a first portion and a second portion, for transmitting a signal corresponding to a fixed state of the wheel, is supported on the housing so that, when the housing is attached to the fastening member, the first portion extends along a plane intersecting the axis, and the second portion extends in a direction along the axis; pouring a first potting material into the housing so that at least the first portion is immersed in the first potting material and a portion of the second portion is exposed from the first potting material; a conductive terminal having a cylindrical portion defining a hollow portion and having an opening communicating with the hollow portion; immersing a portion of the conductive terminal including the opening in the uncured first potting agent, and fitting a portion of the second portion into the hollow portion through the opening; The first potting agent is allowed to harden.

[0008] A signal communication device attached to a fastening member that secures a wheel to a vehicle is inevitably exposed to rain, snow, dust, temperature changes, etc. However, the above-described method makes it easy to ensure an antenna length that provides high radiation efficiency, and can protect the antenna from moisture, dust, temperature changes, etc., making it possible to easily manufacture a highly convenient signal communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an external view of a signal communication device according to an example embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 illustrates a nut to which the signal communication device of FIG. 1 is attached; [Figure 3] 2 illustrates an example of the external appearance of a portion of the signal communication device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2 illustrates a partial configuration of the signal communication device of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] 5 illustrates an example of the appearance of the conductive terminal in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 2 illustrates a partial configuration of the signal communication device of FIG. 1; [Figure 7] 7 illustrates a manufacturing method for obtaining the configuration of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 illustrates a manufacturing method for obtaining the configuration of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 7 illustrates a manufacturing method for obtaining the configuration of FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the scale of each illustrated element has been appropriately changed so as to make it possible to recognize the element.

[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates an external view of a signal communication device 10 according to an embodiment. The signal communication device 10 includes a housing 11 attached to a nut 20. The nut 20 is rotated around an axis A to fasten to a bolt that secures a wheel 21, illustrated in Fig. 2, to a vehicle. The nut 20 is an example of a fastening member.

[0012] 1, the signal communication device 10 includes an antenna 12. The antenna 12 is used to transmit a signal corresponding to the fixed state of the wheel 21. As an example of the fixed state of the wheel 21, looseness of the nut 20 can be detected using an acceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like.

[0013] The housing 11 includes a first housing 111 and a second housing 112 that are detachable from each other. The first housing 111 is configured to hold the nut 20 when the signal communication device 10 is attached to the nut 20.

[0014] 3 illustrates an example of the appearance of second housing 112 removed from first housing 111. Second housing 112 is formed with a groove 112a for supporting antenna 12.

[0015] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the antenna 12 has a first portion 121. The first portion 121 extends along the groove 112a. That is, as illustrated in Figs. 1, 3, and 4, the first portion 121 extends along a plane P that intersects with the axis A when the housing 11 is attached to the nut 20. The number of turns of the first portion 121 around the axis A can be determined appropriately depending on the wavelength of the radio waves used for signal transmission.

[0016] 1, in a state in which the housing 11 is attached to the nut 20, the first portion 121 of the antenna 12 is supported by the housing 11 so as to face the nut 20 across a gap G in the direction along the axis A. Note that FIG. 1 partially illustrates the first portion 121 illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0017] According to the above-described configuration, by extending the first portion 121 of the antenna 12 along a plane P intersecting the axis A, it is possible to increase the freedom of selection of the path shape, such as winding or meandering, and to improve the space utilization efficiency. This makes it possible to easily ensure an antenna length with high radiation efficiency while suppressing an increase in the size of the housing 11. Meanwhile, the nut 20 to which the signal communication device 10 is attached is generally made of metal. However, according to the above-described configuration, the first portion 121 can be separated from the nut 20 in the direction along the axis A, thereby suppressing the influence that the nut 20 may have on the radiation characteristics of the antenna 12. This therefore improves the convenience of the signal communication device 10.

[0018] 3 and 4, the signal communication device 10 includes a substrate 13. The substrate 13 is equipped with a signal processing circuit 14. The signal processing circuit 14 is configured to process the above-mentioned signal to be transmitted by the antenna 12.

[0019] 3, a battery 15 that supplies power to the signal processing circuit 14 can be mounted on the substrate 13. The battery 15 may be rechargeable by wireless power supply or may be a disposable battery that is not removed.

[0020] The signal communication device 10 includes a conductive terminal 16. The conductive terminal 16 is made of a conductive material. The conductive terminal 16 is supported on a substrate 13. The conductive terminal 16 is electrically connected to a signal processing circuit 14.

[0021] 1 and 4, the antenna 12 has a second portion 122. The second portion 122 extends along the axis A. The second portion 122 is connected to the conductive terminal 16. The first portion 121 includes a portion 121a that extends from the second portion 122 to a position that does not face the substrate 13 in the direction along the axis A.

[0022] The signal processing circuit 14 mounted on the substrate 13 includes a wiring pattern formed of a conductor. According to the above configuration, the first portion 121 of the antenna 12 can be extended so as to be spaced apart from the substrate 13, thereby suppressing the influence of the conductor on the radiation characteristics of the antenna 12.

[0023] 5 illustrates an example of the external appearance of the conductive terminal 16. The conductive terminal 16 has a cylindrical portion 161. The cylindrical portion 161 defines a hollow portion 162. An opening 163 is formed in the cylindrical portion 161. The opening 163 communicates with the hollow portion 162.

[0024] 6 , the second portion 122 of the antenna 12 extends into the hollow portion 162 through the opening 163. In addition, the first portion 121 of the antenna 12 and a portion of the conductive terminal 16 including the opening 163 are sealed by a first sealing portion 171.

[0025] The first sealing portion 171 is formed by curing a first potting agent. Examples of the first potting agent include a condensation reaction type silicone agent, an addition reaction type silicone agent, an epoxy agent, and a polyurethane agent.

[0026] When the signal communication device 10 is attached to the nut 20, it is inevitably exposed to rain, snow, dust, temperature changes, etc. However, with the above-described configuration, the antenna 12 can be protected from moisture, dust, temperature changes, etc. This can improve the water resistance, dust resistance, and weather resistance of the signal communication device 10.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the remaining portions of the substrate 13 and the conductive terminals 16 are sealed by a second sealing portion 172 .

[0028] The second sealing portion 172 is formed by curing a second potting agent. Examples of the second potting agent include a condensation reaction type silicone agent, an addition reaction type silicone agent, an epoxy agent, and a polyurethane agent.

[0029] When the signal communication device 10 is attached to the nut 20, it is inevitably exposed to rain, snow, dust, temperature changes, etc. However, with the above-described configuration, the circuit elements mounted on the substrate 13 can be protected from moisture, dust, temperature changes, etc. This can improve the water resistance, dust resistance, and weather resistance of the signal communication device 10.

[0030] A method for manufacturing the signal communication device 10 to obtain the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0031] 7, the first portion 121 of the antenna 12 is placed in the groove 112a of the second housing 112. The second portion 122 of the antenna 12 is placed so that a part of it protrudes from the groove 112a. In other words, the antenna 12 is supported by the second housing 112 so that, when the housing 11 is attached to the nut 20, the first portion 121 extends along a plane P that intersects with the axis A, and the second portion 122 extends in a direction along the axis A.

[0032] 8, first potting material 171a is poured into groove 112a of second housing 112. As a result, at least first portion 121 of antenna 12 is immersed in first potting material 171a. A part of second portion 122 is exposed from first potting material 171a.

[0033] Alternatively, first potting material 171a may be poured into groove 112a of second housing 112 first, and then first portion 121 of antenna 12 may be placed in groove 112a so that it is immersed in first potting material 171a before hardening.

[0034] Next, as illustrated in Figure 9, by immersing a portion of the conductive terminal 16 including the opening 163 in the uncured first potting agent 171a, a portion of the second part 122 of the antenna 12 is inserted into the hollow portion 162 of the conductive terminal 16 through the opening 163.

[0035] Thereafter, the first potting agent 171a is cured to form the first sealing portion 171 shown in FIG.

[0036] According to this method, it is easy to ensure an antenna length with high radiation efficiency, and it is possible to easily manufacture a highly convenient signal communication device 10 that can protect the antenna 12 from moisture, dust, temperature changes, etc.

[0037] Next, a second potting agent 172a is applied to a portion of the conductive terminal 16 that does not include the opening 163 and to the substrate 13, and is cured to form a second sealing portion 172 that seals the portion. Note that the formation of the second sealing portion 172 may be performed prior to the step of immersing the portion of the conductive terminal 16 that includes the opening 163 in the uncured first potting agent 171a described above.

[0038] With this configuration, the circuit elements mounted on the substrate 13 can also be protected from moisture, dust, temperature changes, etc., and a highly convenient signal communication device 10 can be easily manufactured.

[0039] The configurations described above are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure. Each configuration example can be appropriately modified or combined with other configuration examples without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0040] As long as the desired sealing effect can be obtained, at least one of the first sealing portion 171 and the second sealing portion 172 may be formed of an appropriate adhesive or the like instead of a potting agent.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the antenna 12 of the signal communication device 10 is used to transmit signals. However, the antenna 12 may be configured to be able to receive signals. Alternatively, an antenna capable of receiving signals may be provided separately from the antenna 12.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the signal communication device 10 is attached to the nut 22 that is fastened to the bolt that secures the wheel 21 to the vehicle. However, in a configuration in which the wheel 21 is secured by fastening a bolt to a female thread provided on the vehicle side, the signal communication device 10 can be attached to the bolt. In this case, the bolt is an example of a fastening member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 10: signal communication device, 11: housing, 12: antenna, 121: first portion, 121a: portion extending to a position not facing the substrate, 122: second portion, 13: substrate, 14: signal processing circuit, 16: conductive terminal, 161: cylindrical portion, 162: hollow portion, 163: opening, 171a: first potting material, 172a: second potting material, 20: nut, 21: wheel, A: shaft, G: gap, P: plane

Claims

1. a housing that is attached to a fastening member that fixes the wheel to the vehicle by rotating about an axis; an antenna for transmitting a signal corresponding to the locking state of the wheel; It is equipped with the antenna has a first portion extending along a plane intersecting the axis when the housing is attached to the fastening member, the first portion is supported by the housing so as to face the fastening member via a gap in the direction along the axis when the housing is attached to the fastening member; Signal communication equipment.

2. a substrate on which a circuit for processing the signal is mounted; a conductive terminal electrically connected to the circuit and supported by the substrate; It is equipped with the antenna has a second portion extending in a direction along the axis and connected to the conductive terminal; the first portion includes a portion extending from the second portion to a position not facing the substrate in a direction along the axis. The signal communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the conductive terminal has a tubular portion defining a hollow portion and having an opening communicating with the hollow portion; the second portion of the antenna extends through the opening into the hollow portion; the first portion of the antenna and a portion of the conductive terminal including the opening are sealed with a first potting agent; 3. The signal communication device according to claim 2.

4. the substrate and the remaining portions of the conductive terminals are sealed with a second potting agent.

4. The signal communication device according to claim 3.

5. 1. A method for manufacturing a signal communication device having a housing attached to a fastening member that fixes a wheel to a vehicle by rotating about an axis, comprising: an antenna having a first portion and a second portion, for transmitting a signal corresponding to a fixed state of the wheel, is supported on the housing so that, when the housing is attached to the fastening member, the first portion extends along a plane intersecting the axis, and the second portion extends in a direction along the axis; pouring a first potting material into the housing so that at least the first portion is immersed in the first potting material and a portion of the second portion is exposed from the first potting material; a conductive terminal having a cylindrical portion defining a hollow portion and having an opening communicating with the hollow portion; immersing a portion of the conductive terminal including the opening in the uncured first potting agent, and fitting a portion of the second portion into the hollow portion through the opening; allowing the first potting agent to harden; A method for manufacturing a signal communication device.

6. the conductive terminals are supported on a substrate on which a circuit for processing the signal is mounted, and the circuit and the conductive terminals are electrically connected; a portion of the conductive terminal not including the opening and the substrate are sealed with a second potting agent; The method for manufacturing a signal communication device according to claim 5 .

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