Key structure and communication equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a key structure and communication equipment, and relates to the technical field of electronics. The key structure comprises a key frame and a substrate, the key frame is a conductor, the key frame is connected with the substrate, and the key frame is configured to bear an electric signal of the communication equipment to form an antenna. The embodiment of the utility model can solve the problem that the antenna occupies too much space of the printed circuit board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic technologies, and particularly to a key structure and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] An antenna is an important component in a communication device, which is used to realize signal transmission and reception.

[0003] In related technologies, there is a steel sheet antenna, which is welded on one side of a printed circuit board and electrically connected to the antenna circuit of the printed circuit board, so as to realize signal transmission and reception. Since the steel sheet antenna is independent of the printed circuit board, it can adapt to relatively complex designs and has been widely used in communication devices.

[0004] However, since the steel sheet antenna is welded on one side of the printed circuit board, it will occupy a relatively large amount of space on the printed circuit board, which is not conducive to the miniaturization design of the communication device. Utility Model Content

[0005] Embodiments of this application provide a key structure and a communication device to solve the problem that the antenna occupies too much space on the printed circuit board. The technical solutions are as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, a key structure is provided. The key structure is applied to a communication device and can be used as an antenna to realize signal transmission and reception of the communication device. The key structure includes a key frame and a substrate. The key frame is connected to the substrate, and the substrate provides a stable installation foundation for the key frame. The key frame is a conductor, so that the installation frame can carry the electrical signal of the communication device, and thus the key frame can be used as an antenna of the communication device.

[0007] The key structure provided by the embodiments of this application has at least the following effects:

[0008] The key frame is an original part of the key structure, which is used to support the button of the key structure. Designing the key frame as a conductive part and carrying the electrical signal of the communication device can enable it to form an antenna and play a role in signal transmission and reception. Moreover, since the key frame is an original part of the key structure, using it as an antenna can save the space occupied by setting the antenna, which is conducive to the miniaturization design of the communication device.

[0009] In an implementation manner of this application, the equivalent electrical length of the key frame is equal to the wavelength of the electrical signal. With such a design, the signal transmission and reception effect of the key frame on the electrical signal can be better guaranteed.

[0010] In one implementation of the present application, the button frame includes a frame body and at least two pins. The pins are spaced apart from each other and are respectively connected to the frame body. Among them, the frame body is the main body of the button frame, which is used to carry electrical signals and realize the connection with the substrate. The pins are used to receive electrical signals, so that the electrical signals can flow through the frame body via the pins. During operation, the electrical signal is input from one pin, flows through the frame body, and then is output from another pin. In this way, the button frame can form a loop antenna to play the role of receiving and transmitting signals.

[0011] In one implementation of the present application, the frame body includes a bracket and at least two connecting arms. The connecting arms are spaced apart from each other, and one end of each connecting arm is respectively connected to the bracket. Among them, the bracket and the connecting arms are connected together to form a whole, and the connecting arms play a role in supporting the bracket. The other ends of the connecting arms are respectively connected to the corresponding pins. During operation, the electrical signal is input from one pin, sequentially flows through one connecting arm, the bracket and another connecting arm, and then is output from another pin. In this way, the button frame can form a loop antenna to play the role of receiving and transmitting signals.

[0012] In one implementation of the present application, the connecting arm includes a connecting section and a supporting section. The connecting section and the supporting section are inclined to each other, and the first end of the connecting section is connected to the first end of the supporting section, so that the connecting section and the supporting section are connected together to form a whole. The second end of the connecting section is connected to the bracket, and the second end of the supporting section is connected to the pin. The connection between the supporting section and the bracket is realized through the connecting section, and the supporting section can play a role in stably supporting the bracket.

[0013] In one implementation of the present application, the connecting arm further includes a support leg. The support leg is close to the second end of the supporting section, and the support leg is respectively connected to the supporting section and the substrate. With such a design, connecting the support leg to the supporting section and the substrate respectively can effectively improve the connection stability between the connecting arm and the substrate, thereby improving the reliability of the button structure.

[0014] In one implementation of the present application, the support leg is triangular. One side of the support leg is connected to the supporting section, and the other side of the support leg is connected to the substrate. With such a design, the stability of the triangle can be utilized to effectively improve the supporting ability of the support leg, thereby ensuring that the support leg can improve the connection stability between the connecting arm and the substrate, and further improving the reliability of the button structure.

[0015] In one implementation of the present application, the substrate has at least two through holes, the pins are located in the through holes, and the pins are spaced apart from the substrate. The through holes provide a receiving space for the pins, which can avoid electrical contact between the pins and the substrate, thereby preventing the pins from grounding through the substrate.

[0016] In one implementation of the present application, the key structure further includes a tuner, and the tuner is electrically connected to the key frame. With this design, the equivalent electrical length of the key frame can be adjusted through the tuner, so that the key frame can have the required equivalent electrical length, enabling the key structure to adapt to electrical signals of different wavelengths.

[0017] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, and the communication device includes the key structure described in the first aspect.

[0018] The communication device provided by the embodiments of the present application has at least the following effects:

[0019] The communication device is configured with the key structure, and the key structure includes the key frame. The key frame is an original part of the key structure and is used to support the button of the key structure. Designing the key frame as a conductive member and carrying the electrical signals of the communication device can enable it to form an antenna and play a role in receiving and transmitting signals. Moreover, since the key frame is an original part of the key structure, using it as an antenna can save the space occupied by setting up the antenna, which is beneficial to the miniaturization design of the communication device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the key structure provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 provided by the embodiments of the present application Figure 1 view in the A direction;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic equivalent circuit diagram of the key structure provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0023] Figure 4 provided by the embodiments of the present application Figure 1 view in the B direction;

[0024] Figure 5 is a standing wave diagram of the key structure provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0025] LEGEND DESCRIPTION:

[0026] 10. Key frame;

[0027] 110. Frame body;

[0028] 111. Bracket; 1111. Mounting hole; 1112. Reinforcing protrusion;

[0029] 112. Connecting arm; 1121. Connecting section; 1122. Supporting section; 1123. Leg;

[0030] 120. Pin;

[0031] 20. Substrate;

[0032] 210. Through hole;

[0033] 30. Tuner.

[0034] Through the above-mentioned drawings, specific embodiments of the present application have been shown, and there will be more detailed descriptions hereinafter. These drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of the present application in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed implementation manners

[0035] The terms used in the implementation manners part of the present application are only for explaining the embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0036] An antenna is an important component in a communication device, and is used to realize signal transmission and reception.

[0037] In the related art, conventional antennas are generally divided into external antennas and internal antennas. The external antenna is arranged outside the housing of the communication device, such as a whip antenna. The internal antenna is arranged inside the housing of the communication device, such as a steel sheet antenna. For the steel sheet antenna, it is welded on one side of the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the antenna circuit of the printed circuit board, so as to realize signal transmission and reception. Since the steel sheet antenna is independent of the printed circuit board, it can adapt to relatively complex designs and has been widely used in communication devices.

[0038] However, since the steel sheet antenna is welded on one side of the printed circuit board, it will occupy more space of the printed circuit board, which is not conducive to the miniaturization design of the communication device.

[0039] In order to save the space of the printed circuit board, there is also a wall-mounted antenna in the related art. The wall-mounted antenna is arranged on an independent printed circuit board and fixed together on the inner wall of the communication device. However, although the wall-mounted antenna can save the space of the printed circuit board, due to its need to be manufactured separately, the cost is relatively high.

[0040] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a key structure. Figure 1 For the structural schematic diagram of this key structure, see Figure 1, in this embodiment, the key structure includes a key frame 10 and a substrate 20. The key frame 10 is a conductor, and the key frame 10 is connected to the substrate 20. The key frame 10 is configured to carry the electrical signal of the communication device to form an antenna.

[0041] The key frame 10 is an original part of the key structure, which is used to support the button of the key structure. By designing the key frame 10 as a conductive part and carrying the electrical signal of the communication device, it can form an antenna and play the role of receiving and transmitting signals. Moreover, since the key frame 10 is an original part of the key structure, using it as an antenna can save the space occupied by setting up the antenna, which is beneficial to the miniaturization design of the communication device. Not only that, since this application utilizes the original part of the key structure, it can also effectively reduce costs.

[0042] That is to say, the key structure is a part of the communication device. For any communication device with the above key structure, it can use the key structure as an antenna. In this way, the applicability of the above key structure is effectively improved.

[0043] It should be noted that the electrical signal carried by the key frame 10 of the communication device is the communication signal that needs to be received and transmitted by the key structure. Parameters such as the frequency and wavelength of the communication signal can be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not limit this.

[0044] In this embodiment, the key frame 10 is a metal conductor. For example, the key frame 10 is made of copper, iron, aluminum, titanium, etc. As long as the material of the key frame 10 can meet its support requirements for the button and its conductive requirements, this application does not limit the material of the key frame 10.

[0045] In this embodiment, the substrate 20 is a printed circuit board.

[0046] In this embodiment, the equivalent electrical length of the key frame 10 is equal to the wavelength of the electrical signal.

[0047] Electrical length is a parameter used to describe the relationship between the wavelength of electromagnetic waves and the physical length of a conductor transmission line in a conductor transmission line. The equivalent electrical length of the key frame 10 refers to the electrical length corresponding to the conduction path of the electrical signal in the key frame 10, which is equivalent to a conductor transmission line.

[0048] With such a design, it can better ensure the receiving and transmitting effect of the key frame 10 on the electrical signal, enabling the key structure to generate the required resonance and radiation.

[0049] Of course, in other embodiments, the equivalent electrical length of the button frame 10 can also be different from the wavelength of the electrical signal. For example, the equivalent electrical length of the button frame 10 is greater than the wavelength of the electrical signal, or the equivalent electrical length of the button frame 10 is less than the wavelength of the electrical signal, which can be selected according to actual needs, and the present application does not limit this.

[0050] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a view in the A direction of, combined with Figure 2 , in this embodiment, the button frame 10 includes a frame body 110 and at least two pins 120. The pins 120 are spaced apart from each other and are respectively connected to the frame body 110.

[0051] Among them, the frame body 110 is the main body of the button frame 10, which is used to carry electrical signals and realize the connection with the substrate 20. The pins 120 are used to receive electrical signals, so that the electrical signals can flow through the frame body 110 via the pins 120.

[0052] Exemplarily, the button frame 10 includes a frame body 110 and two pins 120. One pin 120 is located on one side of the frame body 110, and the other pin 120 is located on the opposite side of the frame body 110.

[0053] In the above implementation, the electrical signal is input into the button frame 10 through one of the two pins 120, and after passing through the frame body 110, it is output from the other of the two pins 120, thus forming a loop similar to a ring. That is to say, the button frame 10 can form a loop antenna, thereby playing the role of resonating and radiating electrical signals.

[0054] It should be noted that the loop antenna mentioned above is not limited to a circular loop antenna, and can also be designed as a rectangular loop antenna, a rhombic loop antenna, a triangular loop antenna, etc. according to actual situations. The present application does not limit this.

[0055] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the equivalent circuit of the button structure, combined with Figure 3 , during operation, the electrical signal is input through one pin 120, and after passing through the frame body 110, it is output from the other pin 120. In this way, the button frame 10 can form a loop antenna and play the role of receiving and transmitting signals.

[0056] Exemplarily, the button structure further includes a tuner 30, and the tuner 30 is electrically connected to the button frame 10.

[0057] With such a design, the equivalent electrical length of the button frame 10 can be adjusted through the tuner 30, so that the button frame 10 can have the required equivalent electrical length, enabling the button structure to adapt to electrical signals of different wavelengths. Under the action of the tuner 30, the wavelength of the electrical signal adapted by the button structure can be adjusted within a range of 200m. For example, in the case where the tuner 30 is not provided, the wavelength of the electrical signal adapted by the button structure is Xm. After the tuner 30 is provided, the wavelength of the electrical signal adapted by the button structure can be (X - 200)m to (X + 200)m.

[0058] Exemplarily, when the number of pins 120 is 2, the number of tuners 30 also corresponds to 2, and the tuners 30 correspond to the pins 120 one by one.

[0059] Refer again to Figure 1 , in this embodiment, the frame 110 includes a bracket 111 and at least two connecting arms 112. The connecting arms 112 are spaced apart from each other, and one end of each connecting arm 112 is respectively connected to the bracket 111.

[0060] In the above implementation, the bracket 111 and the connecting arms 112 are connected together to form a whole. Among them, the connecting arms 112 play a role in supporting the bracket 111.

[0061] Exemplarily, both the bracket 111 and the connecting arms 112 are plate - like structural members, and the connecting arms 112 are perpendicular to the bracket 111.

[0062] In this embodiment, the ends of the connecting arms 112 far from the bracket 111 are respectively connected to the corresponding pins 120. During operation, the electrical signal is input from one pin 120, flows through one connecting arm 112, the bracket 111, and the other connecting arm 112 in sequence, and then is output from the other pin 120. In this way, the button frame 10 can form a loop antenna to play the role of receiving and transmitting signals.

[0063] Exemplarily, when the number of pins 120 is 2, the number of connecting arms 112 also corresponds to 2, and the connecting arms 112 correspond to the pins 120 one by one.

[0064] Since the bracket 111 is a plate - like structural member, the bracket 111 has two opposite sides. One connecting arm 112 is connected to one side of the bracket 111, and the other connecting arm 112 is connected to the other side of the bracket 111.

[0065] In some examples, the bracket 111 and the connecting arms 112 are integral structural members. With such a design, on the one hand, the structural strength of the frame 110 is improved, and on the other hand, the manufacturing efficiency of the frame 110 is improved.

[0066] In some other examples, the bracket 111 and the connecting arm 112 are welded to each other. In this way, the bracket 111 and the connecting arm 112 can also be connected together to form a whole.

[0067] In this embodiment, the bracket 111 has a mounting hole 1111, and the mounting hole 1111 is located in the middle of the bracket 111.

[0068] In the above implementation, the mounting hole 1111 is used to accommodate the button of the button structure. The button is inserted into the mounting hole 1111, so that the bracket 111 provides a stable support base for the button.

[0069] In this embodiment, the bracket 111 has a reinforcing protrusion 1112, and the reinforcing protrusion 1112 is arranged around the mounting hole 1111.

[0070] In the above implementation, the reinforcing protrusion 1112 can ensure the structural strength of the bracket 111 and prevent the structural strength of the bracket 111 from decreasing due to the opening of holes in the bracket 111.

[0071] Exemplarily, the connecting arm 112 includes a connecting section 1121 and a supporting section 1122. The connecting section 1121 and the supporting section 1122 are inclined to each other, and the first end of the connecting section 1121 is connected to the first end of the supporting section 1122, so that the connecting section 1121 and the supporting section 1122 are connected to form a whole. The second end of the connecting section 1121 is connected to the bracket 111, and the second end of the supporting section 1122 is connected to the pin 120.

[0072] The connection between the supporting section 1122 and the bracket 111 is realized through the connecting section 1121, and the supporting section 1122 can play a role in stably supporting the bracket 111.

[0073] Exemplarily, the connecting section 1121 and the supporting section 1122 are perpendicular to each other and are located in the same plane, and both the connecting section 1121 and the supporting section 1122 are perpendicular to the bracket 111.

[0074] Figure 4 For Figure 1 the view in the B direction of Figure 4 , in this embodiment, the connecting arm 112 further includes a support leg 1123. The support leg 1123 is close to the second end of the supporting section 1122, and the support leg 1123 is respectively connected to the supporting section 1122 and the substrate 20.

[0075] In the above implementation, connecting the support leg 1123 to the supporting section 1122 and the substrate 20 respectively can effectively improve the connection stability between the connecting arm 112 and the substrate 20, thereby improving the reliability of the button structure.

[0076] Since the feet 1123 do not carry electrical signals, their materials can be either metal or non-metal and can be selected according to actual needs.

[0077] In some examples, the feet 1123 are metal structural members, and the feet 1123 and the substrate 20 are connected by means such as welding and clamping, which can ensure the connection firmness between the feet 1123 and the substrate 20.

[0078] In other examples, the feet 1123 are non-metal structural members, and the feet 1123 and the substrate 20 are connected by means such as bonding and clamping, which can also ensure the connection firmness between the feet 1123 and the substrate 20.

[0079] Exemplarily, the feet 1123 are plate-shaped structural members, and the feet 1123 and the support section 1122 are located in the same plane.

[0080] In this way, through the mutual cooperation of the feet 1123 and the support section 1122, the connection stability between the connecting arm 112 and the substrate 20 can be effectively improved, thereby improving the reliability of the key structure.

[0081] Exemplarily, the feet 1123 are triangular, one side of the feet 1123 is connected to the support section 1122, and the other side of the feet 1123 is connected to the substrate 20.

[0082] With such a design, the stability of the triangle can be utilized to effectively improve the supporting ability of the feet 1123, thereby ensuring that the feet 1123 can improve the connection stability between the connecting arm 112 and the substrate 20, and further improving the reliability of the key structure.

[0083] Refer again to Figure 2 , in this embodiment, the substrate 20 has at least two through holes 210, the pins 120 are located in the through holes 210, and the pins 120 are spaced from the substrate 20.

[0084] In the above implementation, the through holes 210 provide an accommodation space for the pins 120, which can prevent electrical contact between the pins 120 and the substrate 20, thereby preventing the pins 120 from grounding through the substrate 20. In this way, it is ensured that the electrical signal is only conducted within the key frame 10, avoiding signal loss.

[0085] Exemplarily, in order to ensure that the pins 120 do not contact the substrate 20, the size of the through holes 210 can be designed to be larger. It should be noted that even if the size of the through holes 210 is designed to be larger, a part of the substrate 20 space will be lost, but the lost space is much smaller than the substrate 20 space saved by using the key frame 10 as a loop antenna.

[0086] It should be noted that although the feet 1123 are respectively connected to the support section 1122 and the substrate 20, the feet 1123 are only connected to the non-conductive part of the substrate 20 (the insulating substrate of the printed circuit board). In this way, it can effectively prevent the electrical signal from flowing to the substrate 20 through the feet 1123.

[0087] The following briefly introduces the assembly process of the key structure provided by the embodiment of the present application:

[0088] First, a key frame 10 and a substrate 20 are provided. Among them, the substrate 20 is provided with a through hole 210 corresponding to the size of the key frame 10, so as to accommodate the pins 120 of the key frame 10 in the subsequent assembly steps.

[0089] Next, the pins 120 are placed into the through holes 210, so that the pins 120 are spaced from the inner edges of the through holes 210, that is, the pins 120 do not contact the substrate 20.

[0090] Then, the feet 1123 of the key frame 10 and the substrate 20 are fixed to achieve the fixed connection between the key frame 10 and the substrate 20.

[0091] Finally, the pins 120 are electrically connected to the antenna line, so as to realize the power feeding of the key frame 10, and the key frame 10 can be used as a loop antenna.

[0092] The following briefly introduces the working process of the key structure provided by the embodiment of the present application:

[0093] After the key structure is powered, the electrical signal is input from one pin 120, flows through the frame body 110, and then is output from the other pin 120. In this way, the key frame 10 can form a loop antenna. During this process, the tuner 30 connected in series with the pins 120 works to adjust the equivalent electrical length of the key frame 10, so that the equivalent electrical length of the key frame 10 is equal to the wavelength of the electrical signal. In this way, the key structure can become a radiator, effectively resonating and radiating the signal, and playing a role in enhancing the signal.

[0094] The embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, and the communication device includes Figures 1 to 4 the key structure shown.

[0095] The key structure includes a key frame 10. The key frame 10 is an original part of the key structure and is used to support the button of the key structure. Designing the key frame 10 as a conductive part and bearing the electrical signal of the communication device can enable it to form an antenna and play a role in receiving and transmitting signals. And since the key frame 10 is an original part of the key structure, using it as an antenna can save the space occupied by setting the antenna, which is beneficial to the miniaturization design of the communication device.

[0096] For example, the communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application is a router, or other communication devices that need to receive and transmit wireless signals, such as a computer, a mobile terminal, a vehicle, etc., as long as it meets the condition of having a key structure. The present application does not limit the types of communication devices.

[0097] After performing a simulation test on the communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application, Figure 5 . Among them, Figure 5 is the standing wave pattern of the key structure. In Figure 5 , the coordinate system is used to characterize the S parameter, with an order of magnitude of Db. The abscissa is the frequency, with the unit of GHz, and the ordinate is the signal strength (dB). As can be seen from Figure 5 , the key structure can achieve resonance at 5.1 - 5.9 GHz, effectively enhancing the signal strength and meeting the design requirements.

[0098] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first", "second", "third", and similar terms used in the specification and claims of this patent application of the present disclosure do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, terms such as "a" or "an" do not denote a quantity limitation, but mean that there is at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that the elements or items appearing before "comprising" or "including" cover the elements or items listed after "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or items. The terms "connected" or "coupled" and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc. are only used to represent relative positional relationships, and when the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0099] The above specific embodiments further elaborate on the purpose, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present application. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of the present application and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of the present application shall be included within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A key structure, applied to a communication device, characterized in that: The key structure comprises a key frame (10) and a substrate (20); The key frame (10) is a conductor, the key frame (10) is connected to the substrate (20), the key frame (10) comprises a frame body (110) and at least two pins (120), the pins (120) are spaced apart and respectively connected to the frame body (110); The key frame (10) is configured to carry the electrical signal of the communication device to form an antenna.

2. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The equivalent electrical length of the key frame (10) is equal to the wavelength of the electrical signal.

3. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (110) comprises a bracket (111) and at least two connecting arms (112); The connecting arms (112) are spaced apart from each other, and one end of each connecting arm (112) is respectively connected to the bracket (111), and the other end of each connecting arm (112) is respectively connected to the corresponding pin (120).

4. The key structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting arm (112) comprises a connecting section (1121) and a supporting section (1122); The connecting section (1121) and the supporting section (1122) are inclined with respect to each other, and a first end of the connecting section (1121) is connected to a first end of the supporting section (1122); The second end of the connecting section (1121) is connected to the bracket (111), and the second end of the supporting section (1122) is connected to the pin (120).

5. The key structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The connecting arm (112) further includes a supporting foot (1123); The support foot (1123) is close to the second end of the support section (1122), and the support foot (1123) is respectively connected to the support section (1122) and the base plate (20).

6. The key structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support foot (1123) is triangular; One side edge of the support foot (1123) is connected to the support section (1122), and the other side edge of the support foot (1123) is connected to the base plate (20).

7. The key structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The substrate (20) has at least two through holes (210); The pin (120) is located in the through hole (210), and the pin (120) is spaced apart from the substrate (20).

8. The key structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The key structure also includes a tuner (30), and the tuner (30) is electrically connected to the key frame (10).

9. A communication device, characterized in that: A key structure comprising any one of claims 1 to 8.

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