United States Patent oy
`
`Nishizawa et al.
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`4,964,023
`Oct. 16, 1990
`
`[54] HOLDER WITH SEMICONDUCTOR.
`LIGHTING DEVICE
`
`[56]
`
`_
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors:
`
`Junichi Nishizawa, No. 6-16,
`Komegafukuro 1-chome, Sendai-shi,
`Miyagi; Yoshikatsu Tamaoki,
`Miyagi, both of Japan
`Junichi Nishizawa, Miyagi, Japan
`[21] Appl. No.: 291,022
`
`[73] Assignee:
`
`[22]. Filed:
`
`Dec. 28, 1988
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Division of Ser. No. 929,884, Nov. 13, 1986, Pat, No.
`4,831,504.
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`[62]
`
`[30]
`
`Nov. 13, 1985 [JP]
`Japan on... ceeesessereeeees 60-175511[U]
`Japan wscsssssssssssssscssessessssessess 61-66154
`Mar. 25, 1986 [JP]
`May 15, 1986 [JP]
`Japan...
`.. 61-113237
`
`Jul. 8, 1986 [JP]
`Japan.csssscsscssssssseeeens 61-161720
`
`eeescssecesceestesenseeeeeee F21V 33/00
`[S2] Unt. CS one
`[52] U.S. C1, oe eee cetetatesereeneteeeree 362/100; 362/116;
`362/802; 70/277
`[58] Field of Search. ............... 362/100, 109, 116, 500,
`362/191, 184, 802, 230, 231, 340, 234; 70/278,
`408, 277
`
`2,732,480
`1/1956 Wells ID ou...scsceesseseseenens 362/100
`3,310,668
`3/1967 Schwartz ..
`w 362/116
`
`3,769,663 11/1973 Perl ...cscscsssssersseereasererssenens 362/191
`
`4/1978 Walter et al.
`ose 362/116
`© 4,085,315
`+ 362/191
`4,515,295
`5/1985 Dougherty
`
`5/1987 Gebhard w..ccsssessessesensseeeeee 70/408
`4,663,952
`«+ 362/116
`4,787,016 11/1988 Song «we.
`
`seaenennnseneanee 362/100
`5/1989 Nishizawaet al.
`4,831,504
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2187227 9/1987 United Kingdom .........s0070/277
`
`Primary Examiner—Stephen F. Husar
`Assistant Examiner—D. M. Cox
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Sughrue, Mion, Zinn,
`Macpeak & Seas
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An illuminated tool or key, in which a light source is
`detachably secured to a surface of the tool or key. Addi- .
`tionally, the emitted light can be modulated to perform
`an additional keying function when received by the
`lock. A three-color light emitter is preferable.
`,
`
`14 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`HAAG-STREIT AG - EXHIBIT 1023
`Page 1 of 18
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 16, 1990
`
`Sheet1of10
`
`4,964,023
`
`FIG.
`
`7
`
`7
`
`2
`
`5
`
`3
`
`1
`
`4
`
`FIG. 2(a)
`
`FIG. 2(b)
`iA a?
`ii
`
`2
`
`[| 2 23
`
`HAAG-STREIT AG - EXHIBIT 1023
`Page 2 of 18
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`A 2
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`4
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`7
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`23
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`2
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`

`
`
`US. Patent—Oct. 16, 1990 Sheet 2of10 4,964,023
`
`
`
`- FIG. 4a)
`
`FIG. 4(b)
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`
`
`US. Patent—Oct. 16, 1990 Sheet30f10 4,964,023
`
`
`
`FIG.
`
`7
`
`RECEIVING
`ELEMENT
`
`
`40 LIGHT
` 43
`
`SIGNAL
`READER
`
`LOCK
`ACTUATOR
`
`HAAG-STREIT AG - EXHIBIT 1023
`Page 4 of 18
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`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 16, 1990
`
`Sheet 4of10
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`4,964,023
`
`FIG. 10a)
`
`139
`
`107 198
`
`5
`
`
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`HAAG-STREIT AG - EXHIBIT 1023
`Page 5 of 18
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`
`
`~ US. Patent—Oct. 16, 1990 Sheet Sof10 4,964,023
`
`
`
`FIG.
`
`71(b)
`
`202~204
`
`HAAG-STREIT AG - EXHIBIT 1023
`Page 6
`‘
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`“Sheet 60f10
`
`4,964,023
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`US. Patent
`
`oct. 16, 1990
`
`FIG. 13{a)
`
`HAAG-STREIT AG - EXHIBIT 1023
`Page7 of 18
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`FIG.14
`
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`
`US.Patent
`
`oct. 16, 1990
`
`Sheet 70f10 4,964,023
`
`uo.
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`oO
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`be
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`mo
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`
`HAAG-STREIT AG - EXHIBIT 1023
`Page 8 of 18
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`Page 8 of 18
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`

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`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 16, 1990
`
`SW, \,
`
`FIG, 15(a)
`
`
`FIG. 15(b)
`
`Sheet 80f10
`
`4,964,023
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`HAAG-STREIT AG - EXHIBIT 1023
`Page 9
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`*
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`US. Patent
`|
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`oct.16,1990
`FIG.
`
`——-4,964,023
`
`Sheet 90f10
`16
`
`|
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`HAAG-STREIT AG - EXHIBIT 1023
`Page 10 of 18
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`

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`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 16, 1990
`
`Sheet 10 of 10
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`4,964,023
`
`
`
`5
`
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`HAAG-STREIT AG - EXHIBIT 1023
`Page 11 of 18
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`HAAG-STREIT AG - EXHIBIT 1023
`Page 11 of 18
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`

`

`1
`
`4,964,023
`
`HOLDER WITH SEMICONDUCTOR LIGHTING
`Ls
`DEVICE
`
`This is a Division of application Ser. No. 06/929,884,
`filed 11/13/86, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,504.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`Accordingly, a key is often droppedorlost, and the key
`itself is often stolen, so that the key can be used by
`another person to the.detriment-of the-owner. Accord-
`ingly, the conventional locking/unlocking devices have
`been disadvantageous even in view of its intended
`safety. At present there is no provision for making it
`difficult to open a lock with or a key found or stolen by
`another person.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to a lighting device and
`specifically to a portable lighting device, that is minia-
`An object of the present invention is to provide a
`turized, light weight and easy to carry. The invention
`lighting device which can be attached to a key,a tool,
`particularly relates to a portable lighting device which
`or the like, by which workin a dark place or small-scale
`can be attached to key, a tool, a pen or the like.
`operation can be performed accurately and speedily,
`The locking/unlocking device according to the pres-
`and which is extremely convenient to carry.
`ent invention is also directed to a system in which a
`It is a further object of the present invention to pro-
`door, a safe, a lock or thelike (all are generally referred
`vide a key holder for making it simple to turn a key
`to as “a lock” in the present invention is opened or
`under poorvisibility conditions.
`closed safely and correctly according to the both the
`In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the
`operation ofa key, a card, or the like, (these are gener-
`lighting device accordingto the present invention has a
`ally referred to as “a key” in the present invention, and
`casing that includes means for connecting a semicon-
`according to a predetermined light signal.
`ductorlight-emitting device to a key, a tool, or thelike.
`2. Background Art
`In order to solve the problem of lost keys, the lock
`Heretofore, a holder of the intended type mainly has
`25
`opening/closing device according to the present inven-
`been used as a key holder. Accordingly, a conventional
`tion comprises a signal generation source andalight-
`key holder will be described hereunder as an example of
`the holder.
`emitting section for producing a predetermined light
`signal to be applied to an object having a lock function,
`Generally, with respect to a conventional key holder,
`and also includes a key joined with or separated from
`a holder body and a key are connected to a cylindrical
`the light-emitting section.
`ring or to a chain through a necessary setting member
`The light-emitting section is arranged to be used not
`or clamp. Accordingly, the conventional key holder has
`a disadvantage of being bulky to carry about and, par-
`only for the purposeof emitting a light signal but for the
`ticularly, it becomes more bulky to carry about as the
`purpose of illumination while emitting the signal light
`number of keys increases.
`when used at night, or in a dark place orthelike.
`Furthermore, in the case where locking and unlock-
`The holder according to another aspect of present
`ing is to be performed by the use of a key in a poor
`invention at least has a plurality of lightemitting ele-
`visibility condition, for example, at night or in a dark
`ments and a signal generator, or a plurality of light-
`place, it is necessary to hold a lighting device with one
`emitting elements and a key.
`hand andat the same time handle the key with the other
`The key and the holder may be attached to each other
`handbecause the conventional key holder, as well as
`through connecting means or maybeintegrally formed
`the key, has no lighting device. Accordingly, the con-
`without using connecting means.
`ventional key holder has a disadvantageof being incon-
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`venient to handle. Moreover, a so-called flashlight has
`been mainly used as the conventional lighting device.
`However, the flash light has a disadvantage of poor
`visibility in lighting a limited small area such as a key-
`hole while it nonetheless has the advantage of being
`able to light a wide area.
`Heretofore, in the case of a key carrier, the key has
`been mounted to a chain-like member or the like con-
`nected to a key holder body and the key has not been
`directly united or connected to the body forming the.
`object to be held of the key holder. In this case, no
`problem worthy of mention has arisen with respect to
`the carrying of the key. However, when the key is used
`under poor visibility condition such as darkness, there
`has been the inconvenience of searching for a keyhole
`by feeling. However, a key holder capable of lighting a
`keyhole has been proposed. In the proposed illuminat-
`ing key holder, however, the illuminating key holder
`has been integrally fixed to the key. Therefore, it has
`been necessary to make two operationsfor illumination
`and for turning the key requiring two handsin the trou-
`blesome manner.
`With further industrial development and with the
`increase in the standard ofliving the use of locks or the
`like has increased Asa result, it has become commonfor
`a person to.carry a numberof keys, cards, or thelike.
`
`20
`
`40
`
`45
`
`60
`
`65
`
`FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of the arrange-
`ment of the semiconductorlighting device according to
`one of the embodiments the present invention.
`FIG. 2(a) and 2(8) are views showing an embodiment
`according to the present invention.
`FIG.3(@), 3(6), 4(a) and 4(6) are views showing other
`embodiments according to the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a showing an other embodiment of the
`present invention.
`FIGS. 6(a) and 6(5) are views showingstill another
`embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG.7 is a view showinga further embodimentof the
`present invention.
`FIG.8 is a block diagram showing an exampleof the
`structure of the key part of the locking/unlocking de-
`vice according to another aspect of the present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG.9 is a block diagram showing an example of the
`structure of the lock part of the locking/unlocking
`device.
`FIGS. 10(@) and 10(6) are views of a key holder of a
`multi-light embodiment of the present invention.
`FIGS. 11@) and 11(8) are sectional views of the key
`holder of FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b).
`
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`

`4,964,023
`
`3
`FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing an example of
`the basic electrical wiring used for turning on a plurality
`of light-emitting elements
`FIG. 13(a) and 13(6)are circuit diagrams showing the
`case in which a plurality of light-emitting diodes are
`switched by one change-over switch.
`FIG.14 is a timing diagram of the light emission in
`the embodiment of FIGS. 13(a) and 13(8).
`FIGS. 15(@) and 15() are circuit diagrams showing
`the case wherethree light-emitting elements are molded
`together.
`FIG. 16 and 17 are circuit diagrams showing an em-
`bodiment in which pulse modulation is applied to the
`light-emitting elements to perform signal-transmission.
`FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of unlock-
`ing system according to the modulated light embodi-
`ment.
`FIG.19 is a timing diagram showing the wave forms
`of the modulated light.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`Now,the definitions of terminology used in this spec-
`ification, including attached claims, will be described.
`The term “holder”is not limited to “key holder” but
`Means any matter to which something handy to carry
`about, such as a mascot,a nail clipper, a tool, or the like
`can be attached. Moreover, the number of the objects
`attached to the holder is not limited to one, and the
`shapeofthe holder or the like also is not limited specifi-
`cally.
`For example, the “key holder” may carry a single key
`or may carry a plurality of keys. Furthermore, any
`shape, for example, such as the shape of a bar, a pouch,
`or a purse, can be given to the holder. Moreover, any
`kind of attaching means can be used, for example, an
`attaching means using metal, string or the like, or at-
`taching means using sticky material as long as keys can
`be attached. In short, the “holder” according to the
`present invention can be very widely interpreted. The
`term “key” means, of course, a so-called “key”, as well
`as a “card” or items similar to these.
`While the definition of terminology used in this speci-
`fication including the attached claims has been de-
`scribed, the “holder” according to some embodiments
`of the present invention is constituted at least by a plu-
`rality of light-emitting elements and a signal generator,
`or constituted at least by a plurality of light-emitting
`elements and a key.
`FIG. 1 shows an example of a structure of the semi-
`conductor lighting device according to one aspect of
`the present invention. Shownin this figure are an elec-
`tric powersource 1, a switch 2, a light-emitting element
`3 such as a light-emitting diode, and connecting means
`4. It is not always necessary, however, to arrange the
`electric power source 1, the switch 2, and a current
`limiting resistor 5 integrally with each other within a
`casing 7, but these members may be arranged separately
`from the casing 7. The currentlimiting resistor 5 is not
`necessarily required.
`Before performing an operation, the portablelighting
`device is attached to a key,a tool, or the like, through
`the connecting means 4.
`Of course, the portable lighting device may be at-
`tached to the key or the like beforehand, especially if
`the portable lighting device is used in conjunction with
`only one key 6. Upon turning-on of the switch 2, an
`electric current flows from the electric power source
`
`4
`through the current limiting resistor 5 into the lighte-
`mitting element3 so thatlight for illumination is emitted
`from the light-emitting element 3. An operation is per-
`formed while illuminating a keyhole, a working place,
`or the like, with the emitted light. This lighting facili-
`tates operations in the dark.
`FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the semiconductor
`lighting device according to the present invention. FIG.
`2(a) is a perspective view showingthe entire device and
`FIG. 2(6) is a view showing the connecting means in
`detail. A radiation surface 23 transmits the illumination
`light emitted from the light-emitting element 3 incorpo-
`rated in the lighting device. The radiation surface 23 is
`formed of a transparent resin material or the like. It is
`effective to perform surface processing on the radiation
`surface 23 to obtain scattered light. It is also effective to
`provide a lens. Although FIG. 2 shows the case where
`the radiation surface 23 projects from the surface of the
`casing 7 of the lighting device, it is a matter of course
`that the lighting device may have such a form that the
`radiation surface 23 is formed on the surface of the
`casing. In view ofreliability andlife, it is practical to use
`a light emitting diode as the light-emitting element3.
`Although the switch 2 may be of the momentary
`contact type or of the bistable type, the latter is more
`convenient in view of its operating property. As shown
`in FIG. 2(6), the connecting means has a support 21
`providedatits surface with a large numberof loops, and
`another support 22 provided at its surface with a large
`numberof hooks,so that the loops and the hooks can be
`engaged with each other, that is, the connecting means
`has such a structure as generally used in a fastener or the
`like of the Velcro type. The one support 22 may be
`stuck to the casing 7 of the lighting device beforehand,
`while the other support 21 maybestuck to the key 6 or
`other tool through an adhesive tape 24 or the likeat-
`tached on the support 21 beforehand. In the case where
`a plurality of keys 6 are used, a separate support 21 is
`stuck to each key 6.
`Thus,
`the lighting device can be removably con-
`nected to the key 6 or the like as the need arises. Since
`the lighting device is not limited to a single key or a
`single tool, according to their present invention, the
`object to be connected to the lighting device may be
`any of a large number of objects. For example,
`the
`lighting device can be applied to bag-like key holder
`having a plurality of keys, a combination of a key and
`another member, a tool of a combination of a driver and
`cutting pliers, etc.
`invention is
`Another embodiment of the present
`shownin FIGS.3(a) and 3(6). FIG. 3(@) is a front view
`and FIG.3(8) is a side view.
`A connecting means 34is of the clipping type using a
`leaf spring or the like to clip to the key 6, or the like.
`Thekey 6 is removably connected tothe lighting device
`by being pressed by means of the connecting means 34.
`The connecting means 34 is not limited to the structure
`of a leaf spring as shownin the drawing, but any kind of
`structure is applicable to the connecting meansas long
`as such a clipping function can be attained. For exam-
`ple, in the case of a tool having cylindrical shape, such
`as a screw driver or a nut driver, the lighting device
`may haveits casing formed of a flexible solid material
`such as rubber, plastic, or the like, as shown in FIG.
`4(a), so as to integrally form the connecting means 34
`for carrying the tool 6 by clamping the tool 6. The
`embodiment shown in FIG.4(a) and 4(b) can be applied
`to a case wherethe lighting device is connected to a key
`
`20
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
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`35
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`20
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`6
`5
`’ or the like owing to the shape of a groove 8. Thelight-
`locking device according to the present invention con-
`sists of at least these three elements.
`ing device according to the present invention is not
`limited ia.shape to.the above-mentioned embodiment,
`Although the key 13 and the light-emitting section 14
`are connected with each other in the basic constituent
`but it is needless to say that any other shape, such as a
`cylindrical one, or the like, may be employed. Further,
`diagram of FIG.8, it is not always necessary that the
`the connecting meansis not limited to the above-men-
`key 13 and the light-emitting portion 14 are integrally
`tioned embodiment, but may have suchastructure hav-
`formed with each other but may be formed separately
`ing an attaching member relying on screwfastening
`from each other. Thatis, the key 13 in use at present can
`although a screw-fastening is not linearly engageable as
`be used as it is, and only the light-emitting section 14is
`are the other embodiments.
`selected in use from various separately formed light-
`Asdescribed above, according to the present inven-
`emitting sections so as to form a proper combination
`tion, the lighting device can be removably connected
`with the key 13. The signal generation source 15 and the
`with a key, a tool, or the like, so as to illuminate a key-
`light-emitting section 14 are not always necessarily
`hole or a work place to thereby makeit possible, in the
`formedintegrally with each other similarly to the rela-
`time of darkness or in performing fine work, to perform
`tion between the key 13 and the light-emitting section
`the turning on/off of the key or perform the work with
`14, but may be formed to be separate bodies from each
`only one hand andto perform the work easily and accu-
`other. This is a matter of design.
`rately, without using both hands. Further, the lighting
`The locking/unlocking device according to this em-
`devices can be simply manufactured with remarkable
`bodimentof the present invention is arranged to operate
`advantage in industrial use.
`not only by means of the key but also only under the
`invention is
`Another embodiment of the present
`conditions that a light-emitting element of the light-
`shownin FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing
`emitting portion 14 emits a signal light specified by a
`the device as a whole, showing an example of key-hold-
`predetermined wavelength, a predetermined wave form
`ing or connecting means 4. The reference numeral 21
`or the like, in response to a predetermined output signal
`designates a radiation surface for transmitting the illum-
`produced from the signal generation source 3. The
`ination light emitted from the light-emitting element. A
`emitted light signal must coincide with a signal stored in
`radiation surface 21 is formed of a transparent resin
`a light-receiving device provided in the object having a
`material orthelike. It is a matter of course that a surface
`lock function such as a door, a safe, a lock, or thelike.
`treating technique used in packaging ofa light emitting
`It is a matter of course that the lock cannot be opened
`diode is applied to the radiation surface 21 in order to
`when the signal from the light-emitting portion 2 is
`obtain scattered light. The switch 2 controls the light
`different from the signal stored in the object having the
`emission. The key holder and a key 6 can be connected
`lock function. If the locking/unlocking device is cou-
`or disconnected by means of the key holding means 4.
`pled with any alarm device, or the like, an alarm can be
`The key 6 can also be flexibly attached to the casing 7
`generated in the case where the lock cannot be opened
`of the device through a conventional chain and releas-
`due to the difference between the signals.
`able grasp 8.
`Next, the operation of the signal used also for illumi-
`invention is
`Another embodiment of the present
`nation will be described
`shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b). FIG. 6(a) is a front view
`Because the signal light can be transmitted with a
`and FIG. 6(8) is a side view. This embodiment differs
`predetermined combination of pulses each having an
`from that of FIGS. 3(a) and 3(4) principaily in the size
`of the radiation surface 21.
`extremely short pulse width, it is sufficient if the light
`signal is emitted for a short time during a lighting per-
`The present invention is not limited to the specific
`iod. However, during the lighting period, illuminating
`embodiments described above and, for example, a min-
`light is emitted over a relatively long time.It is possible
`iaturized key holder body may be attached to a key. A
`to perform a double function of emitting the signal light
`further embodimentin this case is shown in FIG.6. The
`without being detected at all by human eyes, while
`shape of the key holder body 7 in the present invention
`emitting illuminating light.
`is not limited to the specific shape illustrated in the
`For example, if a light emitting diode is used as the
`drawing, but it is a matter of course that any kind of
`light-emitting section 14, pulses having a repetition
`shape, such as a cylindrical shape orthelike, is applica-
`frequency of 107 per second can be used.
`ble. In addition, the structure of the key-holding means
`In the case whereillumination is not neededatall, it
`is not limited to the specific embodiment. For example,
`is preferable to set the signal light to have a wavelength
`the key-hoiding means may have such a structure that a
`not longer than 400 nm ornot shorter than 700 nm so as
`fixing memberhas a screwing function or such a struc-
`to be invisible. It is thereby possible to emit the signal
`ture that the key-holding means is formed integrally
`light without being detected by the eyes of any other
`with the body.
`person.
`As described above, according to the present inven-
`If the key 13 and the light-emitting section 14 are
`tion, the key holder and a key can be removably at-
`formed integrally with each other, for example, in the
`tached to each other and the light can be directed to a
`form of a bar, it is possible to open the lock, not by
`keyhole by the light-emitting illuminating element in-
`mechanical means but entirely electrically, by simply
`corporated in the key holder. Accordingly, the turning
`inserting the key into the lock. Thatis, it is possible to
`on/off of the key can be easily made with only one hand
`producea signal only whenthesignal lightis applied to
`even in difficult light conditions in darkness, with a very
`useful effect.
`a proper position of the object having a locking func-
`tion.
`FIG. 8 is a basic constituent diagram showing an-
`Theexternal form ofthe lighting device may be simi-
`other embodiment of the locking/unlocking device
`lar to that shown in FIGS.2(a) and 2(8) so that the case
`according to the present invention.
`7 of the light-emitting section 14 may be attached or
`The drawing showsa key1, a light-emitting section
`detached from the key 6 or 13 as needed Alternatively
`14, and a signal generation source 15. The locking/un-
`
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`4,964,023
`
`10
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`7
`8
`the embodiments of FIGS.3(a), 3(6), 4(a) and 4(6) may
`rectly, speedily, safely turned on/off while lighting,
`be used.
`without being noticed by any other person, even in
`The light-signal may be, forexample, a pulse signal
`-darkness,.and there.issuch a remarkable advantage that
`which cannot be detected by human eyes or may be
`the locking/uniocking device can be easily manufac-
`tured.
`light having such a wave-length to render the light
`invisible. In view of reliability andlife, it is practical to
`Turning now to yet another set of embodiments of
`use a light emitting diode as the lightemitting element
`the invention, a plurality of multi-color light-emitting
`14. Although the switch 2 may be of the momentary
`elements may be usedas the light-emitting elements, or
`type or of the bistable type, the bistable type is more
`alternatively a plurality of monochromatic light-emit-
`convenient in view of property of operation.
`ting elements may be used as the light-emitting ele-
`The switch 2 may be of the button-type which is.
`ments. For example, when light emitting diodes are
`provided with one or more buttons so that a signal can
`used as the light-emitting elements, they are superior in
`be generated by using one or more of the buttons in
`performance,reliability, cost and, lifetime.
`accordance with the stored signal. Alternatively, the
`The signal generator is provided to control the light-
`switch 2 may be of the notch type so that a correct
`ing condition ofthe plurality of light-emitting elements,
`signal is generated only when a particular numberis
`and will be described in detail later with respect to the
`pushed.
`embodiments.
`FIG. 9 shows an embodimentof a lock portion of the
`Theplurality of light-emitting elements and the signal
`system. This figure shows a light-receiving element
`generator, or the plurality of light-emitting. elements
`20
`such as a pin photodiodeofsilicon. A signal reader 41
`and the key may be formedintegrally or separately.
`produces an output signal produced 42 whenasignal
`An example of a “key holder” will be now described.
`produced from a key is correct A lock actuator 43
`The plurality of light-emitting elements and the key
`opensthe lock in response to the outputsignal 42. When
`may be separated from the holder. Either of the light-
`the signal reader 41 judges that a light signal produced
`emitting elements or the key may be united with the
`from a light-emitting section 14 is correct, the output
`holder, or both of them may be united with the holder.
`signal 42 for the lock actuator 43 is produced to thereby
`It do not always follow that all of the light-emitting
`open the lock.
`elements are united with the holder or separated from
`The arrangement of the elements in FIG. 9 can be
`the holder. For example, when a plurality of groups
`composed of well-known electronic circuits. The ligh-
`each consisting of three multi-color light-emitting di-
`treceiving element 40 is not limited to such a pin photo-
`odes, red, yellowish green, and blue, are prepared for
`diode, but may be an avalanche diode, a phototransis-
`use as the light-emitting elements, one of the groups
`tor, or the like, or may be a cadmium sulfide cell when
`may be united with the holder and the other groups may
`the speed of the light pulse is low. That is to say, any
`be separated from the holder. On the other hand, the
`kind of light-receiving element may be used so long as
`relation between the signal generator and the plurality
`it has a sensitivity with respect to the light signal from
`of light-emitting elements is similar to the relation be-
`the light-emitting portion.
`tween the key and the plurality of light-emitting ele-
`Although the locking/unlocking device according to
`ments. Whether they are united or separated, can be
`this aspect of the present invention has been described
`freely selected as a matter of design.
`by way of some embodiments,it is needless to say that
`The holder according to these embodiments of the
`the present invention can be suitably modified without
`present invention radiates signal light, such as specific
`being limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.
`wavelength light, blinking light or the like, from a re-
`Further, the object to be connected with the locking-
`quired light-emitting element or a combination of some
`/unlocking device provided with the signal source ac-
`light-emitting elements corresponding to the output
`cordingto the present invention is not limited to a single
`signal generated through the signal generator.
`key but may be a pouch-like key holder havinga plural-
`To take the case of “key holder” as an example, an
`ity of keys, a combination of a key and otherthings, and
`unlocking operation can made with a key, a card or the
`so on. The locking/unlocking device may be attached
`like, only when signal light generated from the holder’s
`to any of them, and the numberof the items and the
`side agrees with the signal stored in a light-receiving
`portion to be connected are a matter of choice for the
`device of a subject having a locking function, such as a
`user. Thus, the locking/unlocking device can be ex-
`door, a cashbox ora lock.
`tremely widely used.
`Of course, when the signal from the lightemitting
`For example, for a key holder having a plurality of
`elements and the storage signal of the subject having a
`key attaching portions, a user may as desired attach the
`locking function are not in agreement, the lock may not
`locking/unlocking device to any portion or portions,
`be opened. Furthermore, in this case, warning can be
`for example to a single key or to a part orto all of a
`given in combination with an alarm deviceorthelike.
`plurality of keys attached to the key attaching portions,
`In the case where the key and thelight-emitting ele-
`to the inside or outside of the body of the key holder
`ments are united, the lock can be opened by a simple
`directly or indirectly, to a portion or to each of portions
`inserting operation but the opening is performed not
`of the key holder body, or to oneside or to the opposite
`sides of the key holder body.
`mechanically but electrically as long as the holderis
`As described above, according to the present inven- shapedlike a bar oraplate. In short, it can be designed
`
`so that the signal is not generated whenthe signal light
`tion, the locking/unlocking device having the signal
`source for generating a predetermined signal can be
`of the key portion is not at a proper position of the
`removably connected to a key, a key holder body, or
`object having a locking function.
`the like, and evenif the key, the key holder, orthelike,
`Although “key holder” has been described by way of
`is dropped, lost, or stolen, the lock is never opened by
`example, it is to be understood that the operation of the
`any other person to assure safety. Further, if the light-
`light-emitting elements or the like described aboveis
`emitting element is also provided, the key can be cor-
`not limited to the key holder but the same operation
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`4,964,023
`
`9
`applies to any other holders according to the present
`invention.
`in-addition, by. combinations of aplurality of multi-
`color light-emitting elements, color changes in emitted
`light can be obtained,and color signals for making a
`light signal can be usedalso for various communications
`or the like.
`FIG. 10(a) shows a key holder as an embodiment of
`the present invention with multiple light emitters. A key
`101 is fixed to a support 110 to forma close fixation
`structure whereby locking and unlocking operations
`can be performed by grasping the support 110 with one
`hand. Also a switchingoperation for light emitting can
`be made with the same one hand. Light-emitting ele-
`ments 102, 103 and 104 emit light of different colors.
`For example, the light-emitting element 102 may be a
`light emitting diode formed from GaxALi~xAs to emit
`red light, the light-emitting element 103 may bea light
`emitting diode formed from GaPN to emit yellowish
`green light, and the light-emitting element 104 may be a
`light emitting diode. formed from ZnSe to emit blue
`light. That is, a group ofthe light-emitting elements are
`constituted by a