Radio frequency communication device

Abstract

The invention relates to a radio frequency communication device, wherein a radio frequency communication board is directly coupled to a metal board comprising a slot antenna. A pair of first radio frequency connection portions coupled to the radio frequency communication board is connected to a pair of second radio frequency connection portions coupled to the slot antenna. And a second radio frequency connection portion integral with the main body of the metal plate and positioned on an opposite side of the slot antenna and connected to the slot antenna, the second radio frequency connection portion configured to be mechanically engaged and positioned and electrically connected to the first radio frequency connection portion, the slot antenna is thereby mechanically bonded to the radio frequency communication board and electrically connected to the radio frequency communication circuitry. One of the first radio frequency connecting part and the second radio frequency connecting part comprises an extending structure, and the other one of the first radio frequency connecting part and the second radio frequency connecting part comprises a hook structure; the hook structure is suitable for clamping the extending structure between the hook structure and the other one of the first radio frequency connection part and the second radio frequency connection part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of radio frequency communication equipment. Background Art

[0002] Antennas are required in radio frequency communication equipment to transmit and / or receive radio frequency waves.

[0003] One form of antenna is a slot antenna, which is formed by providing one or more slots or holes in a metal plate. The slot antenna is then electrically coupled to radio frequency communication circuitry ("RF circuitry") to allow the circuitry to control the transmission of radio frequency waves and / or process data carried by received radio frequency waves.

[0004] There is a continuing desire to improve radio frequency communication equipment having slot antennas.

[0005] US2017 / 374724A1 discloses an LED lighting device having a slot antenna on a housing.

[0006] US20160072176A1 discloses an LED lighting device having a slot antenna formed by a slot on a housing and a slot formed on a board aligned with each other.

[0007] US20190020224A1 discloses a slot antenna module, which is an LED lighting device having a cover cut with a slot antenna and a PCB located under the cover and electrically connected to the cover.

[0008] US2021091455A1 discloses a metal shielding cover slot antenna.

[0009] US20010052877A1 discloses an orthogonal slot antenna assembly.

[0010] US20110043413A1 discloses a connector having a slot antenna formed on a housing of the connector. Summary of the invention

[0011] Compared to an integrated antenna module in which an antenna and an RF circuit are placed on the same PCB, a slot antenna is generally formed on a separate substrate of an RF circuit board, and thus the slot antenna needs to be connected to the RF circuit.

[0012] US2017 / 374724A1 proposes several solutions: using a floating jumper to connect the RF circuit to the surface of the housing near the slot antenna, and using a spring pin on the RF circuit board to electrically connect to the planar surface of the housing near the slot antenna. The inventors have recognized that existing methods of electrically coupling the slot antenna to the radio frequency communication circuit are difficult to assemble or manufacture, and are inefficient (for example, due to interference). For example, a wired connection between the slot antenna and the circuit is difficult to assemble because it requires holding and soldering two separate components together. The use of dedicated connectors such as spring pins requires a larger volume (i.e., increases the size of the entire system) and is therefore not suitable for small-size applications, and dedicated connectors also increase costs. Existing methods are also subject to variations between devices because it is difficult to consistently place connections to the slot antenna in the same place for each of multiple devices.

[0013] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0014] The present disclosure proposes a method to overcome at least some of these problems. The RF connection portion is integral with the metal body formed with the slot antenna but deformed. Another connection portion on the RF communication board is mechanically and electrically engaged with the connection portion on the metal. This method provides a consistently positioned connection between the slot antenna and the circuit, which is also electrically and mechanically robust to improve efficiency. Deforming the metal to form the RF connection portion alleviates the need to use a dedicated additional RF connector, reduces signal loss, and reduces cost. In addition, the deformed connection portion can provide reliable mechanical engagement / retention to the RF communication board. The proposed method also provides a mechanism for providing structural support for the RF communication circuit at the same time. This overcomes the problems and difficulties of manufacturing / assembling RF communication devices and avoids the cost and complexity of providing separate dedicated support for RF communication devices.

[0015] In the context of the present disclosure, it is considered that any additional structure on the normal body or other modification to the normal body, except for the slot forming the slot antenna, can be regarded as a "deformation" of the body and thus falls within the scope of the second RF connection part. In contrast, in US2017 / 374724A1, the original planar surface of the housing in contact with the spring pin is not an additional structure on the housing or a modification to the housing, and thus it is excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0016] Thus, if a first element is produced by deforming a second element, such as by performing one or more of: cutting, punching, bending and / or other steps that affect the shape of the second element, the first element is integral but deformed relative to the second element.

[0017] According to an example consistent with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radio frequency communication device, including: a radio frequency communication board carrying a radio frequency communication circuit and a pair of first radio frequency connection parts connected to the radio frequency communication circuit; and a metal plate.

[0018] The metal plate includes: a metal body; a slot antenna formed in the body; a pair of second RF connection parts that are integral with the body and are positioned on opposite sides of the slot antenna and connected to the slot antenna, the second RF connection parts being configured to mechanically engage and position and electrically connect to corresponding first RF connection parts of the first RF connection parts, so as to thereby mechanically engage to the RF communication board and electrically connect the slot antenna to the RF communication circuit, wherein one of the first RF connection part and the second RF connection part includes a protruding structure, and the other of the first RF connection part and the second RF connection part includes a hook structure, which is suitable for clamping the protruding structure between the hook structure and the other of the first RF connection part and the second RF connection part.

[0019] In the solution of US2017 / 374724A1, the spring pins on the RF board are connected to the planar surface of the housing, which is planar and does not have the ability to position the spring pins, so the spring pins must apply a large elastic force to ensure the connection. In contrast, in the present application, the deformed connecting portion can more easily provide robust mechanical positioning and connection, thereby providing a robust RF connection. It can also save additional separate connectors, and since there is no need to install additional connectors, the size of the RF communication board and the entire device can be reduced.

[0020] In some examples, the second RF connection portion includes a hook structure that is a protruding structure protruding from the body to mechanically engage the RF communication board. This approach provides a mechanism for providing good structural support for the RF communication board that is independent of the configuration of the RF communication board. This increases the ease of assembly and / or installation, such as preventing or reducing the chance of the RF communication board accidentally passing over the second RF connection portion during attempted assembly.

[0021] In some examples, the RF communication device includes a metal housing that houses the RF communication board; the metal board forms a portion of the metal housing; and the protruding structure protrudes toward the interior of the metal housing. By reusing the metal housing as a slot antenna, this method provides a more compact structure for the RF communication device.

[0022] In one embodiment, the protruding structure may include a stamped protruding structure. Since stamping is a low-cost but reliable manufacturing process, this embodiment provides a radio frequency communication device with simpler manufacturing, improved reliability and structural integrity.

[0023] In one embodiment, the protruding structure can be configured to apply a spring or elastic force toward the body of the metal plate and toward the RF communication board in addition to the protruding structure that clamps the first RF connection part. This improves the reliability of the mechanical and electrical connection between the first connection part and the second connection part.

[0024] In some examples, the first RF connection portion includes an extension as an extension structure to thereby mechanically engage and electrically connect to the hook structure. This provides a stable and reliable mechanism for coupling the first RF connection portion and the second RF connection portion together.

[0025] In one embodiment, the hook structure may be configured to clamp the protrusion between the hook structure and the body of the metal plate. This improves the reliability of the coupling between the first RF connection part and the second RF connection part.

[0026] In one embodiment, the RF communication board is adapted to be placed horizontally relative to the metal plate and / or (if present) within the metal housing, the hook structure and the body of the metal plate form an opening therebetween that faces vertically upward, and the extension can extend substantially vertically from the RF communication board, face downward and fit into the opening. This embodiment has the advantage of being easy to assemble.

[0027] In some examples, the RF communication board includes two of the first RF connection parts; and the metal plate includes two of the second RF connection parts on opposite sides of the slot antenna for connecting to corresponding first RF connection parts of the two first RF connection parts.

[0028] In this way, the RF communication device may include two pairs of connection parts, each pair of connection parts including a first RF connection part (respectively implemented as any first RF connection part described herein) and a second RF connection part (respectively formed integrally with the body of the metal plate and implemented as any first RF connection part described herein). First, this embodiment provides a preferred way to connect the slot antenna to the RF circuit via two connections for positive and negative signal feeding, respectively. Secondly, since there are two secure mechanical connections, this improves the reliability and robustness of the mechanical and / or electrical connection, for example, providing increased redundancy.

[0029] In some examples, the second RF connection portion may be a concave structure instead of using a protruding structure. Alternatively, the second RF connection portion may include a concave structure relative to the body, and the first RF connection portion may fit into the concave structure. More specifically, the second RF connection portion may include a through hole or a blind hole in the body of the metal plate and a wall of the aperture as a protruding structure; and the first RF connection portion includes a hook or clamping element as a hook structure, which is configured to clamp the wall of the aperture to mechanically and electrically couple the RF communication circuit to the metal plate.

[0030] More importantly, any deformation is applicable as long as the RF communication board can be positioned and held. Therefore, the second RF connection portion is not limited to the protruding structure and the concave structure.

[0031] In one embodiment, the RF communication board is adapted to be placed horizontally relative to the metal plate, and the hook or clamping element is an arc inserted into the aperture, and the opening of the arc faces downward and clamps the wall of the aperture at the bottom of the aperture.

[0032] In some examples, the second RF connection portion is positioned along the slot antenna and about one quarter of the longitudinal length of the slot antenna from the first end of the slot antenna. This position improves the efficiency and sensitivity of the slot antenna relative to the RF communication circuit.

[0033] In some examples, the body of the metal plate is a heat sink. This approach provides additional functionality to the metal plate to further reduce the number of components of a device containing a radio frequency communication device, thereby providing a more compact device.

[0034] A lighting device is also proposed, comprising: any RF communication device disclosed herein; and a lighting element configured to emit light, one or more characteristics of the emitted light being responsive to RF communications received by the RF communication device via a slot antenna.

[0035] In the case where the main body of the metal plate is a heat sink, the heat sink is preferably thermally coupled to the lighting element. This method integrates the heat sink of the lighting device with the slot antenna of the radio frequency communication device. At the same time, the radio frequency communication device is directly coupled to the heat sink via the radio frequency connection part. This method of configuring the lighting device provides a more compact lighting device.

[0036] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] For a better understanding of the invention, and in order to more clearly show how the invention may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 A radio frequency communication board for use in an embodiment is illustrated;

[0039] Figure 2 A housing having a metal plate for an embodiment is illustrated;

[0040] Figure 3 A radio frequency communication device is illustrated;

[0041] Figure 4 A portion of a radio frequency communication device is illustrated;

[0042] Figure 5 A portion of another radio frequency communication device is illustrated;

[0043] Figure 6 A radio frequency communication board is shown for use with another radio frequency communication device;

[0044] Figure 7 A portion of yet another radio frequency communication device is shown; and

[0045] Figure 8 The diagram includes Figures 1 to 4 A lighting device for a radio frequency communication device in the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] It should be understood that, in indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system and method, the detailed description and specific examples are intended to be used for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention will become better understood through the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0048] A radio frequency communication device is proposed, in which a radio frequency communication board is directly coupled to a metal plate containing a slot antenna. A first radio frequency connection portion on the radio frequency communication board is connected to a second radio frequency connection portion on the metal plate and is coupled to the slot antenna. Most importantly, the second radio frequency connection portion is an integral part of the metal plate, but is deformed relative to the metal plate so that the deformed portion positions and holds the first radio frequency connection portion and also provides a reliable electrical connection.

[0049] The proposed method provides a direct electrical connection between the RF communication board and the metal plate carrying the slot antenna, thereby reducing transmission losses and improving efficiency. The method also provides mechanical support for the RF communication board. This means that the connection part can perform at least two functions at the same time, thereby providing a more compact device.

[0050] Figure 1 A radio frequency communication board 100 for the proposed radio frequency communication device is illustrated.

[0051] The RF communication board 100 carries the RF communication circuit 110 ( Figure 1 not directly visible in the figure) and the first RF connection part 120.

[0052] The RF communication circuit 110 carries one or more RF communication components for performing RF communication processes. Example components are apparent to those skilled in the art and may include a RF modem, processing circuitry (such as a baseband processor), control circuitry (such as a microprocessor), and interconnect elements (such as wires, resistors, etc.).

[0053] The first RF connection part 120 is connected to the RF communication circuit. In particular, the first RF connection part is electrically connected to the RF communication circuit and is configured so that if it is supported by itself or engaged with an external element, it can structurally support the RF communication device.

[0054] The first RF connection portion 120 includes a conductive material, such as metal, or is formed of a conductive material. In particular, the first RF connection portion 120 is configured to conduct or transfer electrical signals to or from the RF communication circuit.

[0055] See also Figure 2 , which illustrates a metal plate 200 for use in a radio frequency communication device. The metal plate includes a metal body 210, a slot antenna 220 and a second radio frequency connection portion 230.

[0056] The second RF connection portion 230 is formed integrally with the main body 210 of the metal plate 200, but is deformed relative to the main body 210. Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the "deformation" is to punch a portion of the edge of the slit inwardly and form an opening facing upward.

[0057] The second RF connection portion 230 is configured to perform dual functions, namely:

[0058] mechanically positioning and engaging with the radio frequency communication board and supporting the radio frequency communication board, and

[0059] The slot antenna 220 is electrically connected to the radio frequency communication circuit.

[0060] The second RF connection portion 230 is positioned adjacent to and connected to the slot antenna 220. Thus, electrical signals generated at the slot antenna (e.g., by incoming RF waves) will be conducted to the second RF connection portion 230. Similarly, a properly configured electrical signal provided to the second RF connection portion 230 will cause the slot antenna 220 to generate RF waves in response to the provided electrical signal.

[0061] The second RF connection portion 230 is configured to connect to the first RF connection portion 120 (eg Figure 1The first RF connection portion 230 is mechanically engaged and positioned with the RF communication board and structurally supports the RF communication board. In this way, when the first RF connection portion and the second RF connection portion are engaged together, the RF communication board is mechanically secured to the body 210 and thereby secured to the metal plate 200. This is because the second RF connection portion 230 is formed integrally with the body 210 of the metal plate 200.

[0062] In other words, the first RF connection portion and the second RF connection portion provide a structure for coupling the RF communication board 100 to the metal plate 200 , while also providing an electrical path for (electrical) signals between the slot antenna 220 and the RF communication circuit 110 .

[0063] To improve the appropriate wavelength, sensitivity, and signal-to-noise ratio of the signal received due to the RF waves at the slot antenna 220, the second RF connection portion 230 may be positioned at a location along the slot antenna and about one-quarter of the longitudinal length of the slot antenna from the first end of the slot antenna. At this location, the incoming RF waves will generate a signal with a maximum voltage (e.g., compared to any other location along the slot antenna).

[0064] In the illustrated example, the second RF connection portion 230 includes a protruding structure protruding from the body 200. The protruding structure can engage with the first RF connection portion by, for example, allowing the first RF connection portion to rest on or geometrically interlock with (eg, be secured to) the protruding structure.

[0065] The protruding structure comprises a stamped protruding structure, ie a protruding structure produced using a stamping process. This provides a radio frequency communication device that is easy to manufacture and efficient.

[0066] More detailed examples and embodiments of the first RF connection portion and the second RF connection portion will be provided later in this disclosure.

[0067] The metal plate 200 may form a portion of the housing 20. Thus, there is provided a housing 20 including the metal plate 200. The housing 200 may also be configured (eg, appropriately sized and shaped) to accommodate a radio frequency communication board.

[0068] The illustrated housing 20 has a shape similar to a cylinder or a tapered cylinder. This provides a suitably strong structure for supporting at least the radio frequency communication board.

[0069] In the illustrated example, the second RF connecting portion 230 includes a protruding structure that protrudes toward the interior of the housing 20 , ie, protrudes inwardly relative to the housing.

[0070] Figure 3A top-down view of the radio frequency communication device 10 is provided, comprising a radio frequency communication board 100 and a metal plate 200 (which is here formed as part of the housing 20 ). This provides a clearer illustration of the radio frequency communication circuit 110 .

[0071] Figure 4 A portion of the RF communication device 10 is shown, illustrating an exemplary method for configuring the first RF connection portion and the second RF connection portion. In this method, the connection portion provides a hook and extension system for coupling the RF communication board 100 to the metal plate 200.

[0072] In this method, the first RF connection part 120 is / includes an extension 420 extending outward from the RF communication board 100. The second RF connection part 230 is / includes a hook 430 configured to mechanically engage and electrically connect with the extension 420 forming or providing the first RF connection part.

[0073] The hook 430 is configured to apply a biasing force, such as a spring or elastic force, toward the body 210 of the metal plate 200 and toward the RF communication board when engaged with the extension 420. In this way, the hook 430 can effectively clamp the extension 420 between the hook 430 and the body 210 of the metal plate 200. Since the body is metal, the hook 430 can be slightly flexible relative to the body and can provide this spring force.

[0074] The proposed method provides a mechanism whereby the first RF connection part 120 can be simply slotted into the second RF connection part 230 to engage therewith. This provides a mechanically robust RF communication device that is easy to manufacture and / or assemble.

[0075] The first surface 421 of the first RF connection part 420 is coupled to or abuts against the second surface 431 of the second RF connection part 430. The surfaces provide mechanical support and electrical connectivity between the two parts.

[0076] For example, the extension 420 can extend substantially vertically from the RF communication board and face downward. The hook 430 and the body can form an upward-facing opening to accommodate the extension 420. This increases the ease of assembly of the RF communication board 110 within the RF communication device. For example, the extension 420 can be created by welding or otherwise securing the extension to the RF communication circuit 110.

[0077] Experimental analysis has been identified, targeting Figure 4 The radio frequency communication device configured as shown has a radiation efficiency greater than 0.990 (example experiments have indicated an efficiency of 0.993).

[0078] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A portion of the RF communication device 10 is illustrated, showing another example method for configuring the first RF connection portion and the second RF connection portion. In this method, the connection portion provides a rest and support system for coupling the RF communication board 100 to the metal plate 200.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, in this method, the first RF connection part is / includes a substantially flat contact area 520 on the RF communication board. The flat contact area 520 can be considered as a pad connected to the RF communication board. The second RF connection part is / includes a supporting protrusion structure 530 for supporting the flat contact area 120. Therefore, the flat contact area is configured to rest on the protrusion structure to thereby mechanically position and engage and electrically connect to the protrusion structure.

[0080] In this way, the RF communication board 100 effectively rests on the support protrusion structure 530 forming the RF communication portion.

[0081] For example, the support protrusion structure 530 may include a complementary flat surface area 531 against which the flat surface area 520 of the first RF connection part abuts. In particular, the support protrusion structure 530 may include a first protrusion portion 532 protruding from the body 210 of the metal plate 200. The first protrusion portion 532 may be connected to a second protrusion portion 533 that provides a complementary flat surface area 531 against which the flat surface area 520 of the first RF connection part abuts.

[0082] In order to improve the connection between the first RF part and the second RF part, preferably, the support protrusion structure 530 is configured to provide a biasing force, such as a spring or elastic force, to the RF communication board when the flat surface area 520 of the RF communication board rests thereon. This improves the connection between the two parts and thereby improves the signal quality of any signal transmitted between the two connected parts. Since the body is metal, the protrusion 532 can be slightly flexible relative to the body and can provide this spring force.

[0083] Figure 6 There is shown a radio frequency communication board 100 for use with a radio frequency communication device having a connection portion that provides a shelf and support system, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 Described.

[0084] Figure 6 It is more clearly illustrated how the first RF connection part may be / comprise a flat contact area 520 or pad for abutting against a protrusion forming the second RF connection part.

[0085] Experimental analysis has been identified, targeting Figure 5 and Figure 6 The radio frequency communication device configured as shown in the figure also has a radiation efficiency greater than 0.990 (the example experiment has indicated that the efficiency is 0.994).

[0086] In the embodiments illustrated in the aforementioned figures, the second RF connection part includes a protruding structure engaged with the first RF connection part. However, the scope of the claims should not be limited thereto. Figure 7 A portion of another RF communication device 10 is illustrated, showing an alternative method for configuring a first RF connection portion and a second RF connection portion.

[0087] In this example, the second RF connection portion is / includes an aperture 730 in the body 210 of the metal plate 200. In this example, the aperture 730 is formed by cutting away a portion from the body 210. Applicants believe that this is also a "deformation from the body" because it is the result of modifying the body to provide the second RF connection portion. Correspondingly, the first RF connection portion includes a hook or clamping element 720. The hook or clamping element 720 is configured to engage with the aperture 730 to mechanically and electrically engage the RF communication circuit to the metal plate.

[0088] Here, the hook or clamping element 720 includes a hook that is configured to hook onto or engage with the aperture. Thus, the hook or clamping element and the aperture are sized / configured such that the hook / clamping element is configured to fit onto a surface 735 that defines at least a portion of the boundary of the aperture.

[0089] In this way, the RF communication board 100 may be suspended from the aperture in the body 210 of the metal plate 200 .

[0090] This method provides an alternative method for coupling a radio frequency communication board to a body, using similar principles to those previously described.

[0091] Any of the above-mentioned radio frequency communication devices may be configured to include a plurality of first radio frequency connection parts and a corresponding plurality of second radio frequency connection parts. In such an example, the number of first radio frequency connection parts is at least as many as the number of second radio frequency connection parts, and vice versa.

[0092] In other words, any of the above-mentioned radio frequency communication devices may include more than one pair of the first radio frequency connection part and the second radio frequency connection part. Each pair of the first radio frequency connection part and the second radio frequency connection part may be implemented as previously described.

[0093] In all the examples shown, the RF communication board includes two first RF connection parts; and the metal plate includes two second RF connection parts. The second RF connection parts are positioned at opposite sides of the slot antenna for connecting to corresponding first RF connection parts of the two first RF connection parts. The two pairs of interconnections are connected to the positive and negative ports of the RF signal, respectively.

[0094] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the body of the metal plate is a heat sink. In this way, the body and / or the metal plate can provide an additional heat dissipation function (eg dissipating heat from another component).

[0095] In a specific example, a lighting device is provided, comprising any of the radio frequency communication devices described herein; and a lighting element configured to emit light. The lighting element may be thermally coupled to a body of a metal plate, the metal plate acting as a heat sink for the lighting element.

[0096] Preferably, one or more characteristics of the emitted light are responsive to radio frequency communications received by the radio frequency communications device via the slot antenna.

[0097] Thus, the lighting device may, for example, include a control unit configured to receive signals (e.g., from a radio frequency communication circuit), which itself is responsive to radio frequency communications or waves received via the slot antenna. The control unit may be configured to control one or more light characteristics of light output by the lighting element in response to radio frequency communications received at the slot antenna (provided and / or processed via the connection portion and the radio frequency communication circuit).

[0098] Methods for controlling light characteristics of light output by lighting elements are well known in the art and are not described for the sake of brevity.

[0099] Methods for defining the control performed by a control unit using radio frequency communication are also long established.

[0100] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an example lighting device 800 is provided, including Figures 1 to 4 The radio frequency communication device shown. The lighting device 800 includes a radio frequency communication device 810 and a lighting element 820.

[0101] The radio frequency communication device includes a radio frequency communication board 811 and a housing 812. The housing 812 accommodates the radio frequency communication board 811 and includes a metal plate 815.

[0102] The RF communication board 811 is implemented as previously described. Therefore, it is the RF communication board 811 that carries the RF communication circuit 811A and the first RF connection part 811B connected to the RF communication circuit.

[0103] The metal plate 815 is also implemented as previously described. Therefore, the metal plate includes a metal body 815A; a slot antenna 815B formed in the body; and a second RF connection portion 815C. For clarity, the position of the slot antenna is indicated by a dotted line. The second RF connection portion 815C engages and positions the first RF connection portion 811B, which in turn engages and positions the RF communication board 811, and establishes an electrical connection between the slot antenna and the RF communication circuit 811A. In order to ensure the connection, another stabilizing mechanism may be provided on the other side of the RF communication board. As shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the other side of the RF communication board can rest on a stepped portion 816 formed on the housing 812. In a preferred embodiment, the other side of the board is secured and pressed to the housing 812 via screws 814. The screws can be replaced with alternative securing elements, such as a clamping mechanism or even an adhesive.

[0104] The lighting device 820 includes a light emitting element 822, such as a collection of one or more LEDs. The lighting device 820 may include additional lighting circuit devices 821, such as a drive unit, a control unit, etc. For example, the additional lighting circuit devices may be communicatively coupled to the radio frequency communication circuit 811A carried by the radio frequency communication board 811 (e.g., via one or more wires as shown). The light emitting element 822 and the additional lighting circuit devices 821 are placed on the board 824. In an alternative solution, the light emitting element 822 and the additional lighting circuit devices 821 may be placed on the radio frequency communication board.

[0105] The lighting element 822 is thermally coupled to the body 815A of the metal plate 815 via the mechanical and thermal bonding between the plate 824 and the metal plate 815. In this way, the body 815A acts as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the lighting element 822. Of course, the rest of the metal plate 815 can also dissipate heat because it will also be thermally coupled to the lighting element 822.

[0106] For the sake of simplicity, the term "RF connecting portion" may be replaced by the term "connecting portion" or "connecting element".

[0107] Variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0108] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0109] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or description, it is noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "device" is used in the claims or description, it is noted that the term "device" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system" and vice versa.

[0110] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A radio frequency communication device (10, 810), comprising: A radio frequency communication board (100, 811) carrying a radio frequency communication circuit (110, 811A) and a pair of first radio frequency connection parts (120, 420, 520, 720, 811B) connected to the radio frequency communication circuit; as well as Metal plate (200, 815), comprising: A metal body (210, 815A); a slot antenna (220, 815B) formed in the body; a pair of second RF connection portions (230, 430, 530, 815C) integral with the body and positioned on opposite sides of the slot antenna and connected to the slot antenna, the second RF connection portions being configured to mechanically engage and position and electrically connect to corresponding first RF connection portions of the first RF connection portions to thereby mechanically engage the RF communication board and electrically connect the slot antenna to the RF communication circuit, One of the first RF connection part and the second RF connection part includes a protruding structure, and the other of the first RF connection part and the second RF connection part includes a hook structure, and the hook structure is suitable for clamping the protruding structure between the hook structure and the other of the first RF connection part and the second RF connection part.

2. The radio frequency communication device (10, 810) according to claim 1, wherein the second radio frequency connection portion (430, 530) comprises the hook structure, which is a protruding structure protruding from the main body to mechanically engage with the radio frequency communication board.

3. The radio frequency communication device (10, 810) according to claim 2, wherein: The radio frequency communication device comprises a metal housing (20, 812) for accommodating the radio frequency communication board; The metal plate forms a part of the metal housing; and The protruding structure protrudes toward the inside of the metal housing.

4. The radio frequency communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the protruding structure comprises a stamped protruding structure.

5. The RF communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the protruding structure is configured to apply a spring or elastic force toward the body of the metal plate and toward the RF communication board in addition to the protruding structure that clamps the first RF connection portion.

6. The RF communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first RF connection portion includes a protruding portion (420) as the protruding structure, and the hook structure is configured to clamp the protruding portion between the hook structure and the main body of the metal plate.

7. The RF communication device according to claim 6, wherein the RF communication board is adapted to be placed horizontally relative to the metal plate, The hook structure and the body of the metal plate form a vertically upwardly facing opening therebetween, and The extension extends substantially vertically from the radio frequency communication board, faces downward and fits into the opening.

8. The radio frequency communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The second RF connection portion includes an aperture (730) in the body of the metal plate and a wall of the aperture as the protruding structure; and The first RF connection portion (720) includes a hook or clamping element as the hook structure, the hook or clamping element being configured to clamp the wall of the aperture to mechanically and electrically couple the RF communication circuit to the metal plate.

9. The RF communication device according to claim 8, wherein the RF communication board is adapted to be placed horizontally relative to the metal plate, and The hook or clamping element is an arc that is inserted into the aperture with the opening of the arc facing downwards and clamping the wall of the aperture at the bottom of the aperture.

10. The radio frequency communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second radio frequency connection portion is located at a position along the slot antenna and is about one quarter of the longitudinal length of the slot antenna from the first end of the slot antenna.

11. The radio frequency communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the body of the metal plate is a heat sink.

12. A lighting device (800), comprising: The radio frequency communication device (810) according to claim 11; and an illumination element (820) configured to emit light, one or more characteristics of the emitted light being responsive to radio frequency communications received by the radio frequency communication device via the slot antenna; Wherein the heat sink is thermally coupled to the lighting element.

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