Remote control actuator

Abstract

A remote control actuator for receiving and actuating a remote control device therein is disclosed. The remote control actuator includes a controller for receiving at least one control signal. The remote control actuator further includes a frame and first and second arms pivotally hinged to the frame and extending in a first direction. The remote control also includes an actuator operable by the controller upon receiving the at least one control signal to independently tilt the first and second arms to depress first and second buttons, respectively, on the remote control device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote control actuator. More particularly, the present invention relates to a remote control actuator for actuating remote controls of different designs and sizes. [Background technology]

[0002] The following discussion of the background of the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the invention. The discussion is not an agreement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, publicly known, or part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as of the priority date of the present invention.

[0003] Remote control devices are used in many applications, such as opening and closing car doors, gates, garage doors, etc. The remote control device used to open and close car doors is also known as a key fob. Each key fob has buttons that can be pressed to lock the car doors, unlock the car doors, sound the car alarm, open the trunk, and so on.

[0004] Remote control devices are typically not shared. For example, consider an apartment building that has a gate that is opened and closed using a remote control. Residents living in such apartment buildings each carry a remote control device that allows them to enter and exit the apartment building. However, today, smartphones are widespread. Therefore, the solution is to use a smartphone to operate a single remote control placed near the gate. To do this, a remote control actuator is employed that can receive wireless command signals from a smartphone or similar device and activate corresponding buttons on the remote control.

[0005] Such a remote control actuator is disclosed in US Pat. No. 9,576,414 to Tieman, entitled "Remote Control Button Actuator with Removable Tray." Tieman discloses an actuation system used to activate one or more buttons on a remote control, such as a vehicle key fob, based on commands generated from a mobile device, such as a smartphone. The controller receives a command signal from the mobile device and converts the command signal into a position command that is used to actuate a button actuator to move a plunger into alignment with one of the buttons on the key fob. The button actuator moves a plunger into contact with one of the buttons that generates a corresponding RF signal from the key fob. The button actuator includes a button actuator tip that is configurable to activate a button on a remote control device. The tip of the button actuator can be moved to any position on the surface of the remote control device by operating a first servo motor and a second servo motor operably connected to the boom to control the boom rotation angle and the boom extension distance. When positioned over a remote control button, a button actuator tip operably coupled to a third servo motor can be lowered to depress the remote control button. The servo motor may be controlled by a programmable controller that receives signals from the mobile device via wireless signals. Such button actuators have a complex design and are expensive.

[0006] Another system having a simpler design is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2009 / 00108989 to Sinclair, entitled "Personal Access Arrangement for a Vehicle." Sinclair discloses a system for granting access to a vehicle (100). The vehicle has a key that is operable to enable operation of the vehicle. The system includes a proximity detection mechanism adapted to detect and read an electronic tag associated with the vehicle and carried or worn by the driver of the vehicle. The control mechanism allows access to the vehicle in response to detection by the proximity detection mechanism of the electronic tag. In this system, the keys are rigidly mounted on a plate or substrate. The plate or substrate may be part of a plastic box or similar housing that is desirably mounted in a convenient location within the automobile. The keys are each secured to the substrate using a pair of screws or straps. The control and solenoid drive units are also configured on the board. This unit is driven by a detector module. In this way, a user of the vehicle may approach the vehicle while wearing an electronic tag, whereby the presence of the electronic tag is detected by the detector module. This enables the detector module to interpret signals received from the tag detector module and output one or more control signals to a control and solenoid drive unit operable to provide drive signals to a pair of micro solenoids. The micro-solenoids are each positionable over a corresponding one of the buttons of the key. Each of the microsolenoids is supported by a pivotable rigid support such that the solenoid piston of the corresponding microsolenoid is generally positioned directly above the corresponding switch. When an actuation signal is received from the control and solenoid drive unit, the micro-solenoid is actuated, causing the piston to extend and contact the button, thereby causing the key to perform the appropriate locking (or unlocking) action, as the case may be. Each of the mounting portions for a corresponding micro-solenoid can be pivotally adjusted so that the micro-solenoid can swing away from a position above the corresponding key button. The micro-solenoid is moved to a non-operating "swing-away" position which is used to provide for placement and possible removal of the key from under the strap restraint. The micro-solenoids are configured to exert sufficient force on the corresponding buttons to cause actuation of the buttons. Therefore, the support must be strong enough to be moved from a pivoted non-operating position to an operating position, and must also support the micro-solenoid firmly above the key so that sufficient downward force can be applied on the button. Thus, each micro-solenoid is only moved in a fixed arcuate path. If a different key is used, modifications such as relocation of the pivotable rigid support will likely be required.

[0007] Yet another actuator system is disclosed in US Pat. No. 11,340,649 to Tieman, entitled "Two button remote control actuator." The disclosed actuator system includes a pair of actuator arms, each mounted to the upper edges of a pair of spaced-apart side walls of the drawer. Each of the actuator arms is attached to an actuator clip. Each actuator clip is slidable along its upper edge to adjust the position of the actuator arm. The outer end of each actuator arm includes an actuator tip. Each actuator arm includes an extension portion slidably mounted relative to a fixed portion. The extension portion can then slide along the longitudinal length of the fixed portion to vary the distance that the outer end extends relative to the sidewall.

[0008] When each of the pair of actuator arms is positioned and adjusted as described above, the button actuator is positioned above the drawer. The button actuator includes a servo motor that includes a motor shaft. The motor shaft is connected to the connecting bracket via a shaft extension. The servo motor is operable to rotate the motor shaft in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The motor shaft is connected to the connecting bracket via a shaft extension so that the connecting bracket can rotate in either direction upon activation of the servo motor.

[0009] A connecting bracket is fixedly attached at a first end to the end of the first actuator rod and at a second end to the second actuator rod. The shaft extension extends through the connecting bracket. Opposite ends of the first and second actuator rods are received within a second connecting bracket. Thus, the two connecting brackets provide stable and reliable support for each of the pair of actuator rods. The first actuator rod is positioned above the left actuator arm, and the second actuator arm 154 is positioned above the right actuator arm.

[0010] To press the first button on the key fob, the servo motor operates to rotate the drive shaft in a counterclockwise direction. Such rotation rotates the connecting bracket, causing the actuator rod to move downward and into contact with the left actuator arm. Such movement causes the actuator arm to pivot relative to the locking clip, causing the actuator tip to depress the first button.

[0011] To execute a second button press, the servo motor rotates the motor shaft clockwise, moving the connecting bracket. Such movement causes an actuator rod positioned above the right actuator arm to contact the actuator arm, resulting in pivotal movement of the actuator arm relative to the locking clip. During this movement, the tip of the actuator presses the second button. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,576,414 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application No. 2009 / 00108989 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 11,340,649 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] However, such an actuator system can only activate key fobs that have buttons on their top surface, and the actuator system cannot activate buttons located on the side of the key fob without significant modifications. Therefore, there is a need for a remote control actuator that at least partially addresses one or more of the aforementioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a remote control actuator is provided for actuating an internal remote control. The remote control actuator includes a controller for receiving at least one control signal. The remote control actuator further includes a frame and first and second arms pivotally hinged to the frame and extending in a first direction. The remote control device actuator also includes an actuator operable by the controller upon receipt of at least one control signal to tilt the first arm and the second arm independently to depress the first button and the second button, respectively, of the remote control device.

[0015] The first arm and second arm are a first pair of arms pivotally hinged to the frame about a first axis, or a second pair of arms pivotally hinged to the frame about a second axis, the second axis being transverse to the first axis. The actuators can be configured to individually tilt either a first pair of arms or a second pair of arms.

[0016] Each arm of the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms includes one or more laterally extending portions. The one or more laterally extending portions of each pair of arms are spaced apart so as to be aligned along a third axis.

[0017] The actuator is a motor operable to tilt the first arm by pulling the first arm via a first cord and to tilt the second arm by pulling the second arm via a second cord.

[0018] The server motor includes a servo motor.

[0019] The controller is configured to determine whether the current in the servo motor reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0020] The remote control actuator further includes a double groove pulley fixedly attached to the shaft of the motor. The double groove pulley has a first groove and a second groove adjacent to the first groove. A first cord is wound in a first direction within the first groove, and a second cord is wound in a second direction opposite the first direction within the second groove.

[0021] The first and second cords are releasably attached to the first and second arms, respectively.

[0022] Each of these cords is releasably attached to a recess in the first surface of the respective arm using a reclosable fastener.

[0023] Each of the first and second arms has a slit at the end of each of the first and second arms, and a respective cord is threaded through the slit to pull the arm.

[0024] The remote control actuator further includes a stud releasably attached to each of the first and second arms for actuating a button on the remote control.

[0025] The studs are releasably attached to their respective arms using reclosable fasteners.

[0026] The remote control actuator further includes a housing for receiving the frame. The housing has a slot through which the position of the frame within the housing is adjusted.

[0027] The at least one control signal includes a wireless data signal.

[0028] The wireless data signal is one of a Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Wi-fi, and Short Message Service (SMS) data signal.

[0029] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

[0030] The invention is better understood with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is an isometric view of a remote control actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, the remote control actuator including a first pair of arms and a second pair of arms. [Figure 2] 5 is an isometric view of the remote control actuator of FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 with studs positioned on a second pair of arms for actuating buttons located on the top surface of the remote control shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 3] 2 is an isometric view of the remote control actuator of FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 3 is an isometric view of a remote control device with two buttons located on the top surface that can be actuated using the remote control device actuator of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a remote control device with two buttons located on the top surface that can be actuated using the remote control device actuator of FIG. 6. [Figure 6] 6 is an isometric view of the remote control actuator of FIG. 1 showing the actuation of one of a first pair of arms to depress one of two buttons of the remote control of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the remote control actuator of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 5 is an isometric view of the remote control actuator of FIG. 1 disposed within a housing, with the remote control of FIG. 4 also disposed within the housing. [Figure 9] 9 is an isometric view of the housing of FIG. 8 looking in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "comprising," "consisting of," and "having" are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning "including but not limited to."

[0033] Furthermore, throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including" means the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0034] Throughout the description, the term "controller" and its plural forms will be understood to include microcontrollers, microprocessors, programmable integrated circuit chips such as application specific integrated circuit chips (ASICs), computer servers, electronic devices, and / or combinations thereof that are capable of processing one or more input electronic signals to generate one or more output electronic signals. The controller includes one or more input modules and one or more output modules for processing electronic signals.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject matter belongs.

[0036] As shown in the drawings, the present invention may be embodied in a novel remote control actuator suitable for use with remote control devices of different designs and sizes. Existing remote control actuators tend to be complicated to make, use, and modify. 1-3, a remote control actuator for operating an internal remote control device embodying the present invention generally includes a controller for receiving at least one control signal, a frame, first and second arms pivotally hinged to the frame and extending in a first direction, and an actuator operable by the controller to tilt the first and second arms individually upon receiving the at least one control signal to depress first and second buttons, respectively, of the remote control device.

[0037] 1-3 show the above-described remote control actuator 2 for actuating a remote control device, such as a first key fob 4 (FIG. 4) or a second key fob 5 (FIG. 5), disposed within a remote control device receiving area 6 of the remote control actuator 2. Each of the first and second key fobs 4, 5 includes one or more lock and unlock buttons 8, 10 that are individually depressed to send a wireless command signal to a vehicle, e.g., a car (not shown). By way of example, lock button 8 and unlock button 10 may be pressed to lock the vehicle doors, unlock the vehicle doors, start the engine, open the trunk, send a panic signal, turn on the headlights, or perform other functions, depending on the configuration of first key fob 4 and second key fob 5.

[0038] Various other configurations of the first key fob 4 and the second key fob 5 are within the scope of this disclosure. Although two particular configurations of key fobs are shown in Figures 4 and 5, key fobs used with remote control actuator 2 may be of different designs and / or dimensions having different numbers of buttons.

[0039] The remote control actuator 2 includes a frame 12 . The frame 12 includes a base 14 and posts 16 extending from the corners of the base 14 . The base 14 has an opening 18 (FIG. 3) defined therethrough. Three spaced apart knuckles 20A-20C are defined within the distal end of base 14 from which post 16 extends. The three knuckles 20A-20C extend in a first direction within the opening 18 in the base 14, as indicated by arrow X in FIG. Thus, a slot is defined between each pair of adjacent knuckles 20A-20C. Similarly, post 16 includes three spaced apart knuckles 22A-22C that also extend in the first direction. Additionally, each pair of adjacent knuckles 22A-22C defines a slot therebetween. A rectangular recess 24 (FIG. 3) is defined in the side of the base 14 in which the post 16 rests.

[0040] The remote control actuator 2 further includes two pairs of arms: a first pair of lower and upper arms 30A and 30B, and a second pair of inner and outer arms 32A and 32B. Each of the first pair of lower arm 30A and upper arm 30B and the second pair of inner arm 32A and outer arm 32B includes knuckles 34A to 34D at a first end thereof. Additionally, the lower arm 30A, the upper arm 30B, the inner arm 32A, and the outer arm 32B include recesses 36A-36D on the outer surfaces of the middle sections of the lower arm 30A, the upper arm 30B, the inner arm 32A, and the outer arm 32B. Furthermore, reclosable fasteners are disposed within recesses 36A to 36D of lower arm 30A, upper arm 30B, inner arm 32A, and outer arm 32B. Suitable reclosable fasteners include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners manufactured by the Velcro Companies (UK) and Dual Lock fasteners manufactured by 3M Company (Minnesota, USA). The lower arm 30A, the upper arm 30B, the inner arm 32A, and the outer arm 32B further include slits 38A-38D at their second ends. Additionally, the lower arm 30A, the upper arm 30B, the inner arm 32A, and the outer arm 32B each include a plurality of laterally extending portions 40A to 40D. The laterally extending portions 40A-40D of each pair of lower arm 30A, upper arm 30B, inner arm 32A, and outer arm 32B extend in opposite directions and are located on lower arm 30A, upper arm 30B, inner arm 32A, and outer arm 32B such that they are spaced apart and aligned along axes 39A, 39B when mounted on frame 12 (FIG. 2). The inner surfaces of lower arm 30A, upper arm 30B, inner arm 32A, and outer arm 32B facing remote control device receiving area 6 are covered with any suitable releasable fastener, such as, but not limited to, those described above.

[0041] The first pair of lower and upper arms 30A and 30B includes the lower arm 30A proximal to the base 14 and the upper arm 30B distal to the base 14 . The knuckle 34A of the lower arm 30A then fits within the lower slot between the first pair of knuckles 22A, 22B of the support post 16. Knuckle 34B of upper arm 30B fits within the upper slot between the second pair of knuckles 22B, 22C of post 16. An elongated pin or bolt 40A is inserted through holes (not shown) in the lower arm 30A, the upper arm 30B, and the knuckles 22A-22C, 34A, 34B of the support post 16. In this manner, the lower arm 30A and the upper arm 30B are supported by the support posts 16 of the frame 12 and pivotally hinged so as to be independently tiltable about the first axis 42. The lower arm 30A and the upper arm 30B are tiltable between an inoperative position on the side of the base 14 away from the remote control receiving area 6 and an operative position into the remote control receiving area 6 away from the side of the base 14. When mounted in this manner, the lower arm 30A and the upper arm 30B are spaced apart by a small gap 44, so that movement of one of the lower arm 30A and the upper arm 30B is not impeded by the other of the upper arm 30B and the lower arm 30A. The lower arm 30A and the upper arm 30B each have a first width of about 7.7 mm, although other widths are possible.

[0042] The second pair of inner and upper arms 32A, 32B includes an inner arm 32A proximal to the post 16 and an outer arm 32B distal to the post 16 . The knuckle 34C of the inner arm 32A fits within the inner slot between the first pair of knuckles 20A, 20B on the proximal base 14 of the post 16. Knuckle 34D of outer arm 32B fits within an outer slot between a second pair of knuckles 20B, 20C on base 14 distal from post 16. An elongated pin or bolt 40B is inserted through holes (not shown) in inner arm 32A, outer arm 32B, and knuckles 20A-20C, 34C, 34D of base 14. Thus, the inner arm 32A and the outer arm 32B are supported by and pivotally hinged to the base 14 of the frame 12 so as to be independently tiltable about the second axis 44. The inner arm 32A and outer arm 32B are tiltable between an inoperative position within the opening 18 in the base 14 and an operative position within the remote controller receiving area 6 and away from the opening 18 of the base 14 . The second axis 44 intersects the first axis 42 . In this particular embodiment, the second axis 44 is perpendicular to the first axis 42 . In other words, the first pair of lower arm 30A and upper arm 30B and the second pair of inner arm 32A and outer arm 32B are on different planes that are perpendicular to each other. Similarly, the inner arm 32A and the outer arm 32B are separated by a gap 46 so that the movement of one of the inner arm 32A and the outer arm 32B is not impeded by the other of the upper arm 32B and the inner arm 32A. And, inner arm 32A and outer arm 32B each have a second width greater than the first width of about 15.1 mm, although other widths are possible.

[0043] Two support posts 50 extend from the base 14 distal to the support posts 16 . The remote control actuator 2 includes an actuator such as a servo motor 52 . The servo motor 52 is fixedly mounted between the two support posts 50 so that the shaft (not shown) of the servo motor 52 extends over the second ends of the second pair of inner and outer arms 32A, 32B. Also, in this position, the shaft is laterally adjacent to the second ends of the first pair of lower and upper arms 30A and 30B. A double groove pulley 54 is fixedly attached to the shaft of the servo motor 52. A first cord 56 is wound clockwise as viewed in the direction of arrow X around a groove 58 of a double groove pulley 54 proximal to the server motor 52, and a second cord 60 is wound counterclockwise as viewed in the direction of arrow X around a distal groove 62 of the double groove pulley 54 distal to the server motor 52. A piece of reclosable fastener 64 is attached to the free ends of first cord 56 and second cord 60 . The first cord 56 is threaded through slits 38A in the second ends of the first arm 30A and outer arm 32B and across the outer surfaces of the first arm 30A and upper arm 32B so that the reclosable fasteners 64 are releasably attached to the reclosable fasteners in the recesses 36A, 36D of the first arm 30A and outer arm 32B. The first arm is either the lower arm 30A of the first pair of lower arm 30A and upper arm 30B, or the outer arm 32B of the second pair of inner arm 32A and outer arm 32B. In this inactive position of the servo motor 52, the first cord 56 is held taut and the first arm 30A and outer arm 32B are in their inactive positions away from the remote control receiving area 6. Similarly, the second cord 60 is threaded through slits 38B in the second ends of the second arm 30B and inner arm 32A and across the outer surfaces of the second arm 30B and inner arm 32A so that the reclosable fasteners 64 are releasably attached to the reclosable fasteners in the recesses 36B, 36C of the second upper arm 30B and inner arm 32A. The second arm may be the upper arm 30B of the first pair of lower arm 30A, upper arm 30B, or the inner arm 32A of the second pair of inner arm 32A, upper arm 32B. In this inoperative position of the servo motor 52, the second cord 60 is held taut and the second upper arm 30B and inner arm 32A are in their inoperative positions away from the remote control device receiving area 6. First cord 56 and second cord 60 may be any suitable cord, such as, but not limited to, multi-strand steel cable, nylon cord, or cord of any flexible and sufficiently durable material.

[0044] The remote control actuator 2 further includes a controller module 70 . The controller module 70 sits in a recess 24 in the base 14 below the servo motor 52 . The controller module 70 includes a controller (not shown) therein. The controller is capable of receiving one or more wireless data signals associated with actuation of the lock button 8 and the unlock button 10 on the first key fob 4 and the second key fob 5 . Thus, the wireless data signal may include a wireless data signal to instruct the remote control device actuator 2 to lock the car doors, unlock the car doors, start the engine, open the trunk, send a panic signal, turn on the headlights, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, only two buttons on the first key fob 4 and the second key fob 5 are operable. Key fobs may have as many as two to eight buttons in any type of layout and orientation on up to three surface planes of the remote control. These key fobs also come in a variety of package sizes and designs. The remote control actuator 2 shown in Figure 1 is configured to actuate any two buttons on any of these key fobs.

[0045] Wireless data signals may be transmitted to the remote control actuator 2 using any known wireless communication protocol. These wireless communication protocols include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Wi-fi, and Short Message Service (SMS) protocols. The use of SMS increases the operating range of the remote control actuator 2 compared to other short-range wireless communication protocols. In this way, a smartphone can be used to send SMS messages to the remote control actuator 2 and thereby control its operation. As an example, the controller may be configured to receive a first SMS message including a first predetermined alphanumeric message for unlocking a car door and a second SMS message including a second predetermined alphanumeric message for locking the car door. When an SMS message is received, the controller compares the alphanumeric message therein with predetermined messages stored in the controller. Only if there is a match will the controller activate the servo motors 52 to depress the corresponding lock and unlock buttons 8 and 10 on the first and second key fobs 4 and 5 .

[0046] The frame 12, with the assembled components, is mounted within a housing 72 having a base 74, as shown in FIGS. The base 74 has an elongated slot 76 extending therethrough. The slots 76 allow the position of the frame 12 within the housing 72 to be adjusted. Two screws 78 are threaded through the slots 76 onto the base 14 of the frame 12 . The two screws 78 are loosened to allow the frame 12 to slide along the length of the slot 76 . The screws 78 can be tightened to secure the frame 12 to the base 74 of the housing 72 . The housing 72 further includes a cover (not shown).

[0047] The second key fob 5 is securely attached to the second pair of inner and outer arms 32A and 32B while the remote control actuator 2 is used to depress the unlock button 10 and lock button 8 located on the side of the second key fob 5 shown in FIG. 5 . A reclosable fastener (not shown) is adhered to the underside of second key fob 5. The second key fob 5 is aligned within the remote control device receiving area 6 so that the unlock button 10 is directly opposite the laterally extending portion 40B of the upper arm 30B and the lock button 8 is directly opposite the laterally extending portion 40A of the lower arm 30A. The second key fob 5 is then pressed against the second pair of inner and outer arms 32A, 32B, allowing the reclosable fasteners on the pair of inner and outer arms 32A, 32B to mate with the second key fob 5, thereby holding the second key fob 5 securely in place against the pair of inner and outer arms 32A, 32B. As shown in FIG. 6, a removable stud 80A, 80B is attached to each laterally extending portion 40A, 40B for depressing a corresponding button on the second key fob 5.

[0048] When the controller receives a wireless data signal to unlock the door, it activates the servo motor 52 to depress the unlock button 10 on the second key fob 5 . To do this, the servo motor 52 is operated to rotate the shaft in a clockwise direction, as viewed in the direction of arrow X in FIG. Such rotation of servo motor 52 winds second cord 60 and pulls upper arm 30B toward key fob 5 within remote control receiving area 6. As the servo motor 52 continues to rotate clockwise, the stud 80B on the upper arm 30B engages and depresses the unlock button 10. When this happens, the current drawn by the servo motor 52 increases as it is prevented from rotating. The controller monitors the current draw and momentarily stops the servo motor 52 when the current reaches a predetermined threshold. More specifically, the servo motor 52 is stopped for a period longer than the debounce period of the unlock button 10, typically in the range of several tens of milliseconds. When the servo motor 52 rotates clockwise, the first cord 56 is unwound and therefore slack so that the lower arm 30A cannot be actuated. After the unlock button 10 is pressed, the controller reverses the rotation of the servo motor 52 to rotate counterclockwise. As a result, the second cord 60 that was previously wound is unwound, and no force is applied to the upper arm 30B. Therefore, the resilience of the unlocking button 10 allows it to push aside the upper arm 30B and return the upper arm 30B to its inoperative position. As a result, there is no need to bias the upper arm 30B.

[0049] Similarly, the controller may activate servo motor 52 to depress lock button 8 on key fob 5 when it receives a wireless data signal to lock the doors. To do this, the servo motor 52 is operated to rotate the shaft in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in the direction of arrow X in FIG. Such rotation of the servo motor 52 winds the first cord 56 and pulls the lower arm 30A toward the key fob 5. As the servo motor 52 continues to rotate counterclockwise, the attached stud 80A engages and depresses the lock button 8. When this occurs, the current drawn by the servo motor 52 increases as it becomes more and more prevented from rotating. The controller monitors the current and momentarily stops the servo motor when the current reaches a predetermined threshold. When the servo motor 52 rotates in this counterclockwise direction, the second cord 60 is unwound and the upper arm 30B is not actuated. In this manner, the lower arm 30A and the upper arm 30B are independently actuated using only a single servo motor 52. One button is operable when the servo motor 52 is operated in one direction, and the other button is operable when the servo motor 52 is operated in the opposite direction.

[0050] To operate the lock button 8 and unlock button 10 located on the top surface of the first key fob 4 shown in FIG. 4, the first key fob 4 is securely attached to the cover of the housing 72 with the buttons facing downward and away from the cover. The free ends of first cord 56 and second cord 60 are attached to a second pair of arms, inner arm 32A and outer arm 32B. The underside of each of the second pair of arms includes a groove 82 (FIG. 3) that leads from the slits 38C, 38D to the recesses 36C, 36D. The first cord 56 and the second cord 60 are threaded into these grooves 82 so that the first cord 56 and the second cord 60 do not protrude from the lower surfaces of the inner arm 32A and the outer arm 32B. As previously mentioned, the first key fob 4 is mounted such that the laterally extending portion of one of the second pair of arms is directly below the unlock button 10 and the laterally extending portion of the other of the second pair of arms is directly below the lock button 8. For example, the unlock button 10 is directly opposite the laterally extending portion 40C of the inner arm 32A, and the lock button 8 is directly opposite the laterally extending portion 40D of the outer arm 32B. Studs 80A, 80B (FIG. 2) are removably mounted on these laterally extending portions 40C, 40D for depressing the lock button 8 and the unlock button 10. In this way, the lock button 8 and the unlock button 10 are pressed individually using the corresponding one of the arms of the second pair of inner and outer arms 32A and 32B. The method of operating the servo motors 52 to tilt the inner and outer arms 32A, 32B is exactly the same as that described above with respect to the upper and lower arms 30B, 30A, and will not be repeated.

[0051] The controller and servo motor 52 may be powered by an external power source (not shown) via port 86 (FIG. 3). The external power source may include, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer battery pack, a power bank, a solar power source, and the like. Port 86 may be a USB-C port as shown in FIG. 3, although any suitable receptacle may be used. The controller and servo motor 52 may also receive power from a 12 volt DC power source such as a vehicle battery. The controller includes, but is not limited to, a microcontroller (not shown), such as the ESP32 microcontroller available from Expressif Systems, a company based in Shanghai, China. The controller further includes a 4G module (not shown), such as, but not limited to, the SIM7600E manufactured by SIMCom Wireless Solutions Limited. The 4G module is connected to a microcontroller. To conserve power, the microcontroller is placed in a sleep / standby mode. When the 4G module receives the above SMS, the 4G module interrupts the microcontroller to wake it up from sleep / standby mode, and the microcontroller retrieves the alphanumeric message from the 4G module. The microcontroller is further coupled to a servo motor 52 for actuating the same.

[0052] Advantageously, the remote control actuator 2 described above is of simple, single design. It has a wireless connection to a mobile device for operating a single remote control stored inside. It is used simply as a stand-alone device located within the vehicle without any modification to the vehicle's electronic, electrical, or mechanical systems. Additionally, the remote control actuator 2 can accommodate remote controls of different designs and / or dimensions without requiring any modifications. Simply attach the cord to either the first pair or the second pair of arms and position the stud depending on where the button is located on the remote control. The remote control actuator is also quite compact.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, reclosable fasteners are used to releasably attach one part to another. However, any type of fastener may be used. In fact, parts described as being releasably attached may be fixedly attached. The fasteners used include any suitable type of adhesive and tape. Alternatively, each cord may be attached to the arm simply by tying a knot in the cord abutting the slit. The knot is of a width greater than the width of the slit so that the cord does not slip out of the slit when pulled.

[0054] As another example, each arm may be described as including several laterally extending portions. And each arm may include only a single laterally extending portion. In other embodiments, only one arm in each pair of arms may include a laterally extending portion adjacent the second end of the other arm.

[0055] As a further example, the remote control actuator may include only a single pair of arms instead of the two pairs of arms described above. Additionally, the arms of each pair of arms may be tiltable about different axes.

[0056] As yet another example, any suitable motor may be used, including, but not limited to, stepper motors, dc geared motors, and other motors known to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, other types of actuators may be used. These include, but are not limited to, solenoids, linear actuators, hydraulic or pneumatic pistons to push or pull the arms.

[0057] As another example, the remote control actuator 2 is also described as being used to activate a key fob. It should not be construed as so limited. The remote control actuator 2 is used to accept and operate any type of remote control device, including but not limited to remote controls for opening and closing gates and garage doors, remote controls for electronic devices such as air conditioners, fans, lights, etc.

[0058] One or more of the above modifications or improvements, which are not mutually exclusive, may further be combined to form further embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A remote control actuator for actuating a remote control, comprising: a controller for receiving at least one control signal; The frame and a first arm and a second arm pivotally hinged to the frame and extending in a first direction; an actuator operable by the controller upon receipt of the at least one control signal to individually tilt the first arm and the second arm to depress a first button and a second button, respectively, of the remote control; A remote control actuator comprising:

2. the first arm and the second arm are one arm of a first pair of arms pivotally hinged to the frame about a first axis and a second pair of arms pivotally hinged to the frame about a second axis; the second axis transverses the first axis; The remote control device actuator of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is configurable to individually tilt one of the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms.

3. each arm of the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms includes at least one laterally extending portion; 3. A remote control device actuator according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one laterally extending portion of each pair of arms is spaced apart so as to be aligned along a third axis.

4. 4. The remote control device actuator of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a motor operable to pull the first arm via a first cord to tilt the first arm and to pull the second arm via a second cord to tilt the second arm.

5. The remote control actuator of claim 4 , wherein the motor comprises a servo motor.

6. The remote control actuator of claim 5 , wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the servo motor current reaches a predetermined threshold.

7. a double groove pulley fixedly attached to the shaft of the motor; the double groove pulley has a first groove and a second groove adjacent to the first groove, the first cord is wound in a first direction within the first groove; 7. A remote control device actuator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second cord is wound in the second groove in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

8. 8. A remote control device actuator according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first cord and the second cord are releasably attached to the first arm and the second arm, respectively.

9. 9. The remote control device actuator of claim 8, wherein each of the first cord and the second cord is releasably attached to a recess in a first surface of the respective arm.

10. 10. The remote control device actuator of claim 9, wherein each cord is releasably attached to the recess in the first surface of the respective arm using a reclosable fastener.

11. each of the first arm and the second arm having a slit at an end of the first arm and the second arm; 11. The remote control actuator of claim 10, wherein each of the cords is threaded through the slit to pull the arm.

12. 12. A remote control actuator according to any preceding claim, further comprising a stud releasably attached to each of the first and second arms for actuating the button on the remote control.

13. 13. The remote control actuator of claim 12, wherein the studs are releasably attached to the respective arms using reclosable fasteners.

14. further comprising a housing for receiving the frame; the housing has a slot; 14. A remote control actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the position of the frame within the housing is adjusted via the slot.

15. A remote control actuator according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one control signal comprises a wireless data signal.

16. 16. The remote control actuator of claim 15, wherein the wireless data signal is one of a Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Wi-fi, and Short Message Service (SMS) data signal.

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