Connection structure or fastening structure with resonant circuit

• US 7,244,142 B2
• Filed: 08/09/2004
• Issued: 07/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/07/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Piolax Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Piolax Incorporated
• Inventors: Kato, Tsutomu
• Primary Examiner(s): Abrams; Neil
• Application Number:
  US10/913,500
• Publication Number:
  US 20050063125A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,072 Days
• Field of Search: 439/489, 439/490, 340/568.4, 340/572.8, 340/572.1, 340/568.1, 340/571
• US Class Current: 439/489
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/95 with markings, colours, indicators or the like
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2200/99 Fasteners with means for avoiding incorrect assembly or positioning
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 2201/10 Indicators for correct coupling
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/0985 the flexible hook extending radially inwardly from an outer part and engaging a bead, recess or the like on an inner part F16L37/0982 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/144 the securing element being U-shaped

Abstract

A connection structure or a fastening structure including a circuit which functions as a resonant circuit whose connection or fastening is confirmed by resonance of radio waves, the connection structure or a fastening structure has a connector for connecting a member to be connected or a clip for fastening a member to be fastened; a first circuit having first contacts on respective ends thereof; and a closed circuit functioning as a resonance circuit supported on the retainer or clip when in contact with the first contacts. Alternatively, the connection structure of fastening structure has a second circuit which disables a function of a resonance circuit upon contacting the first contact, and the first contacts and the second circuit are brought into contact simultaneously with connection of the connector or fastening of the clip.

Claims

1. A connection structure whose connection is confirmed by resonance of radio waves, comprising:

a connector comprising a housing for receiving connecting members to be connected and a retainer for retaining the connecting members with respect to said housing;

a first circuit having first contacts at both ends thereof; and

a second circuit which forms a closed circuit functioning as a resonance circuit upon contacting the first contacts,

wherein the first contacts and the second circuit contact each other simultaneously with connection of the connector, and

wherein said retainer comprises said first circuit.

2. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein said connection is confirmed by a presence or absence of echo waves generated by resonance.

3. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit comprises a resonance tag, and the second circuit comprises one of a short circuit line and a conductive member.

4. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the second circuit includes second contacts, and wherein the first contacts are configured to come into contact with the second contacts.

5. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the connector includes at least one of the first circuit and the second circuit.

6. The connection structure according to claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of connectors; and

closed circuits which are equal in number to the connectors,

wherein the respective closed circuits have different resonance frequencies.

7. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein said connector and said first circuit are integrally formed.

8. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein said retainer retains at least one member to be connected within said housing.

9. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein said first contacts of said first circuit are fixably disposed with respect to each other.

10. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein said first contacts of said first circuit are fixably disposed with respect to said connector.

11. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein said first contacts project in a direction away from said first circuit and toward said housing when said connector is connected.

12. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein said first circuit comprises a coil and a capacitor disposed in series with said coil, and functions as a resonance circuit.