Metal panel switch with antenna

Abstract

The utility model discloses a metal panel switch containing an antenna, which comprises a plastic shell and a metal panel, a mounting groove is arranged at the front end of the plastic shell, the plastic panel and the antenna are arranged in the mounting groove, a PCB (printed circuit board) is mounted between the mounting groove and the plastic panel, the plastic panel is provided with a switch through hole, the PCB is provided with a wireless control module and a microswitch capable of penetrating through the switch through hole, and the wireless control module is connected with the metal panel. The antenna is fixed between the edge of the plastic panel and the inner side wall of the mounting groove, the front end of the plastic panel is connected with the back of the metal panel, and a gap exists between the metal panel and the plastic shell to form a signal channel, so that the metal panel is prevented from directly shielding signals for the antenna. The metal panel is used for pressing the microswitch, and can be controlled through a mechanical mode of the key panel, so that switch control requirements in different scenes are met.

Description

A metal panel switch with an antenna Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of switchgear, and in particular to a metal panel switch with an antenna. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, antennas have been added to mechanical panel switches. The antennas are used to receive and send electromagnetic waves, thereby realizing wireless intelligent control. For example, the switch can be remotely controlled via a mobile app, voice assistant, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. At the same time, the switch can also be controlled mechanically via the button panel, meeting the switch control needs of different scenarios.

[0003] Panel switches are frequently pressed during use. To extend their lifespan and improve their aesthetics, metal panels have emerged on the market. However, the metal material can cause electromagnetic shielding of the internal antenna of the panel switch, preventing the antenna from properly receiving and transmitting electromagnetic waves.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a metal panel switch with an antenna to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the above-mentioned technology, this utility model provides a metal panel switch with an antenna, which can avoid the shielding effect of the metal panel on the antenna and ensure the feasibility of wireless control switch.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A metal panel switch with an antenna includes a plastic housing and a metal panel. The front end of the plastic housing has a mounting groove, and the plastic panel and the antenna are disposed in the mounting groove. A PCB is installed between the mounting groove and the plastic panel. The plastic panel has a switch through hole. The PCB has a wireless control module and a micro switch that can pass through the switch through hole. The antenna is fixed between the edge of the plastic panel and the inner sidewall of the mounting groove. The front end of the plastic panel is connected to the back of the metal panel, and there is a gap between the metal panel and the plastic housing. The metal panel is used to press the micro switch.

[0008] Preferably, the antenna is an FPC antenna, comprising an FPC and wiring, wherein the FPC is adhered to the inner wall of the mounting slot or the edge of the plastic panel with adhesive backing.

[0009] Preferably, the mounting groove is provided with fixing holes for wiring to pass through.

[0010] Preferably, the plastic panel has a first connecting hole, the PCB has a second connecting hole, and the plastic housing has a third connecting hole, and the first connecting hole, the second connecting hole, and the third connecting hole are connected in sequence by screws.

[0011] Preferably, the plastic housing includes a front shell and a rear shell connected to the rear end of the front shell, and the front end of the front shell is provided with a mounting groove.

[0012] Preferably, a button panel is provided between the metal panel and the plastic panel. One side of the button panel is fixedly connected to the back of the metal panel, and a snap-fit ​​structure and a reset structure are provided between the other side of the button panel and the button panel. The snap-fit ​​structure is used to movably connect the button panel to the plastic panel, and the reset structure is used to reset the button panel after pressing it.

[0013] Preferably, the buckle structure is provided on the back of the button panel and in the guide hole of the plastic panel. The buckle passes through the guide hole, and the edge of the guide hole is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion for engaging with the buckle.

[0014] Preferably, the reset structure includes an elastic element located in a guide hole and a pressing protrusion disposed on the back of the button panel, the pressing protrusion being used to press the elastic element.

[0015] Preferably, the button panel includes a first horizontal plate and two first inclined plates. The first horizontal plate has first inclined plates on both its upper and lower sides. The first horizontal plate extends in the left-right direction and is perpendicular to the front-back direction. The first inclined plates are inclined from the first horizontal plate toward the plastic housing. The shape of the metal panel is adapted to the button panel. The plastic panel includes a second horizontal plate and second inclined plates located on its upper and lower sides respectively. The second horizontal plate is parallel to the opposite first horizontal plate, and the second inclined plates are parallel to the opposite first inclined plates. The PCB is provided with multiple micro switches, and both the second horizontal plate and the second inclined plates are provided with switch through holes.

[0016] Preferably, the metal panel switch has four micro switches, and each of the left and right sides of the second horizontal plate has a switch through hole, and each of the second inclined plates has a switch through hole. The snap-fit ​​structure and the reset structure are located at the junction of the first horizontal plate and the first inclined plate, and a snap-fit ​​structure and a reset structure are located between two adjacent switch through holes.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] 1. The antenna of this invention is installed between the edge of the plastic panel and the inner wall of the mounting groove, and a gap exists between the metal panel and the plastic housing to form a signal channel, thus avoiding direct signal shielding by the metal panel. Compared to installing the antenna outside the plastic housing, installing the antenna between the edge of the plastic panel and the inner wall of the mounting groove effectively protects the antenna.

[0019] 2. The metal panel of this utility model has strong mechanical strength, can resist impact and deformation, can adapt to high-frequency pressing scenarios, and has a longer service life.

[0020] 3. The mounting slot is equipped with fixing holes for the antenna wiring to pass through, which can further position the antenna.

[0021] 4. This utility model is equipped with multiple micro switches. By optimizing the structure of the plastic panel, button panel, and metal panel, the user can accurately trigger the corresponding micro switch by pressing different positions on the metal panel, avoiding accidental activation of other micro switches and improving control accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the metal panel switch with antenna of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 is an overall schematic diagram of the metal panel switch with antenna of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plastic shell of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the metal panel switch with antenna of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the keypad panel of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 is a front view of the metal panel switch with antenna of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view at point AA in Figure 6;

[0029] The implementation, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following embodiments further illustrate the features of this utility model and other related features in detail, so as to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art:

[0031] Referring to Figures 1-7, this utility model provides an embodiment of a metal panel switch containing an antenna.

[0032] A metal panel switch with an antenna includes a plastic housing 1 and a metal panel 2. The front end of the plastic housing 1 has a mounting groove 31, within which a plastic panel 4 and an antenna 51 are disposed. A PCB 5 is mounted between the mounting groove 31 and the plastic panel 4. The plastic panel 4 has a switch through-hole 41, and the PCB 5 has a wireless control module and a micro switch 52 that can pass through the switch through-hole 41. The antenna 51 is fixed between the edge of the plastic panel 4 and the inner wall of the mounting groove 31. The front end of the plastic panel 4 connects to the back of the metal panel 2, as shown in Figure 2. A gap exists between the metal panel 2 and the plastic housing 1, forming a signal channel. Electromagnetic waves can reach the antenna 51 through this signal channel, preventing the metal panel 2 from directly shielding the antenna 51. Furthermore, compared to mounting the antenna 51 outside the plastic housing 1, mounting it between the edge of the plastic panel 4 and the inner wall of the mounting groove 31 effectively protects the antenna 51.

[0033] The metal panel 2 is used to press the micro switch 52. Compared with the plastic button panel, the metal panel 2 has stronger mechanical strength, is more resistant to impact and deformation, can adapt to high-frequency pressing scenarios, has a longer service life, and is more aesthetically pleasing to users.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, antenna 51 is an FPC antenna, including FPC 511 and wiring 512. In this embodiment, FPC 511 is glued to the inner wall of mounting groove 31 with adhesive, making antenna 51 easy to fix. In other embodiments, FPC 511 can be glued to the edge of plastic panel 4 with adhesive.

[0035] The mounting slot 31 has a fixing hole 32, through which the wiring 512 passes to further position the antenna 51. The wiring 512 is used to connect to the PCB 5.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the plastic panel 4 is provided with a first connecting hole 42, the PCB 5 is provided with a second connecting hole 53, and the plastic housing 1 is provided with a third connecting hole 33. The first connecting hole 42, the second connecting hole 53, and the third connecting hole 33 are connected in sequence by screws, so that the PCB 5, the plastic panel 4 and the plastic housing 1 are fixedly connected.

[0037] The plastic housing 1 includes a front housing 3 and a rear housing 6 connected to the rear end of the front housing 3. The front end of the front housing 3 is provided with a mounting groove 31. In this embodiment, the rear housing 6 is installed inside the wall, and switches and other electronic components, such as batteries, are installed inside the rear housing 6. The rear housing 6 and the front housing 3 are fixedly connected by screws.

[0038] A button panel 7 is provided between the metal panel 2 and the plastic panel 4. One side of the button panel 7 is fixedly connected to the back of the metal panel 2. A snap-fit ​​structure and a reset structure are provided between the other side of the button panel 7 and the button panel 4. The snap-fit ​​structure is used to movably connect the button panel 7 to the plastic panel 4. The reset structure is used to reset the metal panel 2 and the button panel 7 together after the metal panel 2 is pressed.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the snap-fit ​​structure includes a snap-fit ​​71 on the back of the button panel 7 and a guide hole 43 on the plastic panel 4. The snap-fit ​​71 passes through the guide hole 43, and the edge of the guide hole 43 has a snap-fit ​​protrusion 44 for engaging with the snap-fit ​​71. The reset structure includes an elastic element 45 located within the guide hole 43 and a pressing protrusion 72 on the back of the button panel 7, which is used to press the elastic element 45.

[0040] When the metal panel 2 is pressed backward, the metal panel 2 will move the plastic panel 4 backward together, the buckle 71 will move backward and disengage from the latching protrusion 44, and at the same time the pressing protrusion 72 will press the elastic element 45 backward, so that the elastic element 45 will generate a restoring force. Finally, the button panel 7 will trigger the micro switch 52.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, when the metal panel 2 is no longer pressed, the elastic element 45 generates a restoring force, causing the metal panel 2 to move forward. The buckle 71 resets and cooperates with the snap-fit ​​protrusion 44, thereby resetting the button panel 7 and the metal panel 2.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the button panel 7 includes a first horizontal plate 73 and two first inclined plates 74. The first horizontal plate 73 has two first inclined plates 74 on its upper and lower sides. The first horizontal plate 73 extends in the left-right direction and is perpendicular to the front-back direction. The first inclined plates 74 are inclined from the first horizontal plate 73 toward the plastic housing 1.

[0043] The shape of the metal panel 2 is adapted to the button panel 7, including a third horizontal plate 21 parallel to the first horizontal plate 73 and a third inclined plate 22 parallel to the two first inclined plates 74 respectively.

[0044] The plastic panel 4 includes a second horizontal plate 46 and second inclined plates 47 located on the upper and lower sides of the second horizontal plate 46, respectively. The second horizontal plate 46 is parallel to the opposite first horizontal plate 73, and the second inclined plate 47 is parallel to the opposite first inclined plate 74. The PCB 5 is provided with multiple microswitches 52, and both the second horizontal plate 46 and the second inclined plate 47 are provided with switch through holes 41. Since the second horizontal plate 46 and the two second inclined plates 47 are not coplanar, the microswitches 52 located in different switch through holes 41 are also not coplanar. When the third horizontal plate 21 or the third inclined plate 22 is pressed, the corresponding microswitch 52 can be accurately triggered, improving the reliability and sensitivity of the switch.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the metal panel 2 switch has four microswitches 52. A switch through-hole 41 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the second horizontal plate 46, and each second inclined plate 47 also has a switch through-hole 41. A snap-fit ​​structure and a reset structure are located at the junction of the first horizontal plate 73 and the first inclined plate 74, with one snap-fit ​​structure and one reset structure positioned between two adjacent switch through-holes 41. This ensures that when one of the microswitches 52 is pressed, the snap-fit ​​structure and the reset structure on both sides of the microswitch 52 work together, resulting in even force distribution on the microswitch 52 and greater stability when pressed.

[0046] When one of the first inclined plates is pressed, the button panel 7 is subjected to uneven force. The pressed first inclined plate will move backward, and the other parts of the button panel 7 will move forward accordingly. In addition, the first inclined plate 74 and the first horizontal plate 73 are not coplanar, which effectively avoids accidentally touching other micro switches when the micro switch corresponding to the first inclined plate is triggered.

[0047] The second horizontal plate 46 has a switch through hole on each of its left and right sides, that is, there is a micro switch on each of the left and right sides of the second horizontal plate 46. The two micro switches are far apart. When the left side of the first horizontal plate 73 is pressed, the first horizontal plate 73 is subjected to uneven force. The left side of the first horizontal plate 73 moves backward, triggering the micro switch 52 located on the left side of the second horizontal plate 46. The right side of the first horizontal plate 73 moves forward, without triggering the micro switch 52 located on the right side of the second horizontal plate 46.

[0048] By pressing different points on the button panel 7, the user can precisely trigger the corresponding micro switch 52, avoiding accidental activation of other micro switches 52 and improving control accuracy. Existing switches require multiple independent single-plane button panels to independently control multiple micro switches 52, with these panels installed side-by-side. Compared to existing technologies, this invention uses a single button panel 7 to control multiple micro switches 52, reducing installation space and resulting in a more compact switch layout.

[0049] The plastic panel 4 has a first raised edge 48 near its edge, and the back of the button panel 7 has a first groove 75 for engaging with the first raised edge 48. The first raised edge 48 and the first groove 75 work together to limit the distance the latch 71 moves when the button panel 7 is pressed.

[0050] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A metal panel switch with an antenna, characterized in that, The device includes a plastic housing (1) and a metal panel (2). The front end of the plastic housing (1) is provided with a mounting groove (31). The mounting groove (31) is provided with a plastic panel (4) and an antenna (51). A PCB (5) is installed between the mounting groove (31) and the plastic panel (4). The plastic panel (4) is provided with a switch through hole (41). The PCB (5) is provided with a wireless control module and a micro switch (52) that can pass through the switch through hole (41). The antenna (51) is fixed between the edge of the plastic panel (4) and the inner wall of the mounting groove (31). The front end of the plastic panel (4) is connected to the back of the metal panel (2), and there is a gap between the metal panel (2) and the plastic housing (1). The metal panel (2) is used to press the micro switch (52).

2. A metal panel switch with an antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna (51) is an FPC antenna, including an FPC (511) and a wiring (512). The FPC (511) is glued to the inner wall of the mounting groove (31) or the edge of the plastic panel (4) with adhesive backing.

3. A metal panel switch with an antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting groove (31) is provided with a fixing hole (32) for the wiring (512) to pass through.

4. A metal panel switch with an antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic panel (4) is provided with a first connection hole (42), the PCB (5) is provided with a second connection hole (53), and the plastic housing (1) is provided with a third connection hole (33). The first connection hole (42), the second connection hole (53), and the third connection hole (33) are connected in sequence by screws.

5. A metal panel switch with an antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic housing (1) includes a front shell (3) and a rear shell (6) connected to the rear end of the front shell (3). The front end of the front shell (3) is provided with a mounting groove (31).

6. A metal panel switch with an antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, A button panel (7) is provided between the metal panel (2) and the plastic panel (4). One side of the button panel (7) is fixedly connected to the back of the metal panel (2). A buckle (71) structure and a reset structure are provided between the other side of the button panel (7) and the button panel (7). The buckle (71) structure is used to movably connect the button panel (7) to the plastic panel (4). The reset structure is used to reset the metal panel (2) after pressing it.

7. A metal panel switch with an antenna according to claim 6, characterized in that, The buckle (71) structure is provided on the back of the button panel (7) and the guide hole (43) is provided on the plastic panel (4). The buckle (71) passes through the guide hole (43), and the edge of the guide hole (43) is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion (44) for engaging with the buckle (71).

8. A metal panel switch with an antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reset structure includes an elastic element (45) located in the guide hole (43) and a pressing protrusion (72) disposed on the back of the button panel (7), the pressing protrusion (72) being used to press the elastic element (45).

9. A metal panel switch with an antenna according to claim 6, characterized in that, The button panel (7) includes a first horizontal plate (73) and two first inclined plates (74). The first horizontal plate (73) has two first inclined plates (74) on its upper and lower sides. The first horizontal plate (73) extends in the left and right direction and is perpendicular to the front and back direction. The first inclined plates (74) are inclined from the first horizontal plate (73) toward the plastic housing (1). The plastic panel (4) includes a second horizontal plate (46) and second inclined plates (47) located on the upper and lower sides of the second horizontal plate (46). The second horizontal plate (46) is parallel to the opposite first horizontal plate (73), and the second inclined plate (47) is parallel to the opposite first inclined plate (74). The PCB (5) is provided with a plurality of micro switches (52). The second horizontal plate (46) and the second inclined plate (47) are both provided with switch through holes (41).

10. A metal panel switch with an antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that, Four micro switches (52) are provided. A switch through hole (41) is provided on the left and right sides of the second horizontal plate (46). A switch through hole (41) is provided on each of the second inclined plates (47). The buckle (71) structure and the reset structure are provided at the junction of the first horizontal plate (73) and the first inclined plate (74). A buckle (71) structure and a reset structure are provided between two adjacent switch through holes (41).

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