Combination battery holder and antenna for keyfob

• US 6,424,301 B1
• Filed: 11/17/2000
• Issued: 07/23/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Desai, Tejas, Johnson, Susan
• Primary Examiner(s): Ho, Tan
• Application Number:
  US09/715,732
• Time in Patent Office: 613 Days
• Field of Search: 343/702, 343/713, 343/741, 343/742, 343/866, 343/867, 343/895, 340/425.5, 340/426, 340/644, 455/90, 455/100, 455/128, 341/173, 341/176
• US Class Current: 343/702
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/22 by structural association with other equipment or articles
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3233 particular used as part of a sensor or in a security system, e.g. for automotive radar, navigation systems
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/301 by means of a mounting structure H05K3/325 takes precedence

Abstract

A combined battery holder and antenna is utilized into a remote signaling device, or keyfob for a vehicle. The battery holder receives the battery at an inner peripheral surface of a bobbin body. The coil antenna is wound about the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin body. In this way, the single part can provide both functions. This reduces the required space necessary for providing all functions within the keyfob.

Claims

1. A remote signaling device for actuating components on a vehicle comprising:

a body including switches for sending a signal to the vehicle to request actuation of components on the vehicle, said switches communicating with a circuit board;

a transmitter/receiver for sending signals to and receiving signals from the vehicle; and

a combined battery holder and antenna connected to said circuit board, said battery holder receiving a battery, and said antenna communicating with said transmitter/receiver, said battery being removably held on said circuit board by said battery holder, and said antenna being connected to said battery holder, said body fully enclosing said battery, said battery and said antenna.

2. A remote signaling device for actuating components on a vehicle comprising:

a body including switches for sending a signal to the vehicle to request actuation of components on the vehicle, said switches communicating with a circuit board;

a transmitter/receiver for sending signals to and receiving signals from the vehicle;

a combined battery holder and antenna connected to said circuit board, said battery holder receiving a battery, and said antenna communicating with said transmitter/receiver; and

said battery holder has an inner peripheral surface which receives said battery, and an outer peripheral surface about which said antenna is wound.

3. A signaling device as set forth in claim 2, wherein said combined battery holder and antenna has a plurality of connections which plug into openings in said circuit board.

4. A remote signaling device for actuating components on a vehicle comprising:

a body including switches for sending a signal to the vehicle to request actuation of components on the vehicle, said switches communicating with a circuit board;

a transmitter/receiver for sending signals to and receiving signals from the vehicle;

a combined battery holder and antenna connected to said circuit board, said battery holder receiving a battery, and said antenna communicating with said transmitter/receiver; and

said combined battery holder and antenna is relatively cylindrical, with said antenna being a coil wound on an outer peripheral cylindrical surface of said battery holder.

5. A remote signaling device for actuating components on a vehicle comprising:

a body including switches for sending a signal to the vehicle to request actuation of components on the vehicle, said switches communicating with a circuit board;

a transmitter/receiver for sending signals to and receiving signals from the vehicle; and

a combined battery holder and antenna connected to said circuit board, said battery holder receiving a battery, and said antenna communicating with said transmitter/receiver, said battery holder having an inner peripheral surface receiving said battery and an outer peripheral surface with said antenna wound about said outer peripheral surface, said battery holder and said antenna both being relatively cylindrical, and said combined battery holder and antenna connecting into said circuit board.