Button structure and communication device

Abstract

A key structure and a communication device, relating to the technical field of electronics. The key structure comprises a key frame (10) and a substrate (20), the key frame (10) serves as a conductor, the key frame (10) is connected to the substrate (20), and the key frame (10) is configured to bear an electrical signal of a communication device to form an antenna, so that the problem of the antenna occupying too much space on a printed circuit board can be solved.

Description

Key structure and communication equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202420267715.2, filed on January 31, 2024, and entitled “Key Structure and Communication Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of electronic technology, and in particular to a key structure and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] Antennas are an important component of communication equipment and are used to transmit and receive signals.

[0004] In related technology, there is a steel sheet antenna that is soldered to one side of a printed circuit board and electrically connected to the PCB's antenna circuitry, enabling signal transmission and reception. Because the steel sheet antenna is independent of the PCB, it can adapt to more complex designs and has been widely used in communication equipment.

[0005] However, since the steel sheet antenna is welded on one side of the printed circuit board, it occupies more space on the printed circuit board, which is not conducive to the miniaturization design of the communication device.

[0006] Utility Model Content

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide a key structure and a communication device to solve the problem of the antenna occupying too much space on the printed circuit board. The technical solution is as follows:

[0008] In a first aspect, a key structure is provided. The key structure is applied to a communication device and can function as an antenna to transmit and receive signals from 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 mounting base for the key frame. The key frame is a conductor, enabling the mounting frame to carry electrical signals from the communication device, thereby enabling the key frame to function as an antenna for the communication device.

[0009] The key structure provided in the embodiment of the present application has at least the following effects:

[0010] The key frame is an integral part of the key structure, used to support the buttons of the key structure. Designing the key frame as a conductive member to carry the electrical signals of the communication device allows it to function as an antenna, serving as a transmitter and receiver. Furthermore, since the key frame is an integral part of the key structure, using it as an antenna saves space, facilitating the miniaturization of the communication device.

[0011] In one implementation of the present application, the equivalent electrical length of the key frame is equal to the wavelength of the electrical signal. This design can better ensure the key frame's ability to transmit and receive electrical signals.

[0012] In one implementation of the present application, the key frame includes a frame and at least two pins, each of which is spaced apart and respectively connected to the frame. The frame is the main body of the key frame, which is used to carry electrical signals and to achieve connection with the substrate. The pins are used to receive electrical signals so that the electrical signals can flow through the frame via the pins. During operation, the electrical signal is input by one of the pins, flows through the frame, and is then output by another pin. In this way, the key frame can form a loop antenna to receive and send signals.

[0013] In one implementation of the present application, the frame includes a bracket and at least two connecting arms, each of the connecting arms is spaced apart, and one end of each of the connecting arms is connected to the bracket. The bracket and the connecting arms are connected together to form a whole, and the connecting arms serve to support the bracket. The other ends of the connecting arms are respectively connected to the corresponding pins. During operation, an electrical signal is input by one of the pins, flows through one of the connecting arms, the bracket, and the other connecting arm in sequence, and then output by the other pin. In this way, the key frame can form a loop antenna to receive and transmit signals.

[0014] 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 relative 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 as 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 achieved through the connecting section, and the supporting section can provide stable support for the bracket.

[0015] In one implementation of the present application, the connecting arm further includes a support leg. The support leg is located near the second end of the support segment and is connected to the support segment and the base plate, respectively. This design, in which the support leg is connected to the support segment and the base plate, respectively, effectively improves the connection stability between the connecting arm and the base plate, thereby enhancing the reliability of the key structure.

[0016] In one implementation of the present application, the support leg is triangular in shape, with one side of the support leg connected to the support section and the other side of the support leg connected to the base plate. This design can effectively improve the support capacity of the support leg by leveraging the stability of the triangle, thereby ensuring that the support leg can enhance the connection stability between the connecting arm and the base plate, thereby improving the reliability of the key structure.

[0017] 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 accommodation space for the pins, thereby preventing electrical contact between the pins and the substrate, thereby preventing the pins from being grounded through the substrate.

[0018] In one implementation of the present application, the key structure further includes a tuner electrically connected to the key frame. With this design, the tuner can be used to adjust the equivalent electrical length of the key frame, allowing the key frame to have a desired equivalent electrical length, thereby enabling the key structure to adapt to electrical signals of different wavelengths.

[0019] In a second aspect, a communication device is provided, wherein the communication device includes the key structure described in the first aspect.

[0020] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application has at least the following effects:

[0021] The communication device is equipped with the key structure, which includes the key frame. The key frame is an integral component of the key structure and is used to support the buttons of the key structure. The key frame is designed as a conductive member to carry the electrical signals of the communication device, thereby forming an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals. Furthermore, since the key frame is an integral component of the key structure, using it as an antenna can save space that would otherwise be occupied by an antenna, facilitating the miniaturization of the communication device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a key structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG2 is a view taken along direction A of FIG1 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of a key structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG4 is a view taken along direction B of FIG1 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG5 is a standing wave diagram of the key structure provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Legend: 10. Key frame; 110. Frame; 111. Bracket; 1111. Mounting hole; 1112. Reinforcement protrusion; 112. Connecting arm; 1121. Connecting section; 1122. Support section; 1123. Support foot; 120. Pin; 20. Substrate; 210. Through hole; 30. Tuner.

[0028] The above drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and the textual description are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of the present application to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0030] Antennas are an important component of communication equipment and are used to transmit and receive signals.

[0031] Conventional antennas are generally categorized as external and internal. External antennas, such as whip antennas, are located outside the communications device housing. Internal antennas, such as steel sheet antennas, are located inside the device housing. Steel sheet antennas are soldered to one side of a printed circuit board (PCB) and electrically connected to the PCB's antenna circuitry, enabling signal transmission and reception. Because they are independent of the PCB, steel sheet antennas can accommodate more complex designs and are widely used in communications equipment.

[0032] However, since the steel sheet antenna is welded on one side of the printed circuit board, it occupies more space on the printed circuit board, which is not conducive to the miniaturization design of the communication device.

[0033] To save space on printed circuit boards (PCBs), wall-mounted antennas are also known in the related art. These antennas are mounted on a separate PCB and fixed to the inner wall of the communication device. However, while these antennas can save space on the PCB, they require separate manufacturing, resulting in high costs.

[0034] In order to solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a key structure. Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the key structure. Referring to Figure 1, in this embodiment, the key structure includes 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 is configured to carry the electrical signal of the communication device to form an antenna.

[0035] The key frame 10 is an integral component of the key structure, used to support the buttons of the key structure. Designing the key frame 10 as a conductive member to carry the electrical signals of the communication device allows it to function as an antenna, serving as a transmitter and receiver. Furthermore, since the key frame 10 is an integral component of the key structure, using it as an antenna can save space that would otherwise be required for an antenna, facilitating the miniaturization of the communication device. Furthermore, since this application utilizes the integral components of the key structure, it can also effectively reduce costs.

[0036] In other words, the key structure is a part of the communication device, and any communication device having the key structure can use the key structure as an antenna, thereby effectively improving the applicability of the key structure.

[0037] It should be noted that the electrical signal of the communication device carried by the key frame 10 is the communication signal that needs to be sent and received by the key structure. The frequency, wavelength and other parameters of the communication signal can be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0038] In this embodiment, the key frame 10 is a metal conductor. For example, the key frame 10 is copper, iron, aluminum, titanium, etc. As long as the material of the key frame 10 can meet its support requirements for the button and the conductive requirements, this application does not limit the material of the key frame 10.

[0039] In this embodiment, the substrate 20 is a printed circuit board.

[0040] In this embodiment, the equivalent electrical length of the key frame 10 is equal to the wavelength of the electrical signal.

[0041] Electrical length is a parameter used to describe the relationship between the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave and the physical length of a conductor transmission line. The equivalent electrical length of the key frame 10 refers to the electrical length of the conductive path of the electrical signal within the key frame 10, equivalent to the conductive path of the conductor transmission line.

[0042] Such a design can better ensure the key frame 10's effect on receiving and transmitting electrical signals, so that the key structure can generate the required resonance and radiation.

[0043] Of course, in other embodiments, the equivalent electrical length of the key frame 10 may also be different from the wavelength of the electrical signal. For example, the equivalent electrical length of the key frame 10 may be greater than the wavelength of the electrical signal, or the equivalent electrical length of the key frame 10 may be less than the wavelength of the electrical signal. This can be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0044] FIG2 is a view in the direction A of FIG1 . In combination with FIG2 , in this embodiment, the key frame 10 includes a frame body 110 and at least two pins 120 . The pins 120 are spaced apart and respectively connected to the frame body 110 .

[0045] The frame 110 is the main body of the key frame 10 and is used to carry electrical signals and connect to the substrate 20. The pins 120 are used to receive electrical signals, so that the electrical signals can flow through the frame 110 via the pins 120.

[0046] Exemplarily, the key frame 10 includes a frame body 110 and two pins 120 , wherein 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 .

[0047] In the above implementation, an electrical signal is input into the key frame 10 via one of the two pins 120, passes through the frame 110, and is output from the other of the two pins 120, thereby forming a loop similar to a ring. In other words, the key frame 10 can form a loop antenna, thereby resonating and radiating the electrical signal.

[0048] It should be noted that the loop antenna mentioned above is not limited to a circular loop antenna. It can also be designed as a rectangular loop antenna, a diamond loop antenna, a triangular loop antenna, etc. according to actual conditions. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0049] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of the key structure. Referring to FIG3 , during operation, an electrical signal is input from one pin 120, flows through the frame 110, and is output from another pin 120. In this way, the key frame 10 forms a loop antenna for transmitting and receiving signals.

[0050] Exemplarily, the key structure further includes a tuner 30 , and the tuner 30 is electrically connected to the key frame 10 .

[0051] With such a design, the tuner 30 can be used to adjust the equivalent electrical length of the key frame 10, so that the key frame 10 can have the required equivalent electrical length, thereby enabling the key 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 key structure can be adjusted within a range of 200m. For example, when the tuner 30 is not provided, the wavelength of the electrical signal adapted by the key structure is Xm. After the tuner 30 is provided, the wavelength of the electrical signal adapted by the key structure can be (X-200)m to (X+200)m.

[0052] For example, when the number of pins 120 is two, the number of tuners 30 is also two, and the tuners 30 correspond to the pins 120 one to one.

[0053] Referring again to FIG. 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, and one end of each connecting arm 112 is connected to the bracket 111 .

[0054] In the above implementation, the bracket 111 and the connecting arm 112 are connected together to form a whole, wherein the connecting arm 112 plays a role in supporting the bracket 111 .

[0055] Exemplarily, the bracket 111 and the connecting arm 112 are both plate-shaped structural members, and the connecting arm 112 is perpendicular to the bracket 111 .

[0056] In this embodiment, the ends of the connecting arms 112 away from the bracket 111 are connected to corresponding pins 120. During operation, an electrical signal is input through one pin 120, flows through one connecting arm 112, the bracket 111, and the other connecting arm 112, and then output through the other pin 120. In this way, the key frame 10 forms a loop antenna, which functions as a transmitter and receiver.

[0057] For example, when the number of the pins 120 is two, the number of the connecting arms 112 is also two, and the connecting arms 112 correspond to the pins 120 one to one.

[0058] Since the bracket 111 is a plate-shaped 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 .

[0059] In some examples, the bracket 111 and the connecting arm 112 are an integrated structure. Such a design improves the structural strength of the frame 110 on the one hand, and improves the manufacturing efficiency of the frame 110 on the other hand.

[0060] In 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.

[0061] 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 .

[0062] In the above implementation, the mounting hole 1111 is used to accommodate the button of the key structure, and the button is inserted into the mounting hole 1111, thereby providing a stable support base for the button through the bracket 111.

[0063] In this embodiment, the bracket 111 has reinforcement protrusions 1112 , and the reinforcement protrusions 1112 are arranged around the mounting hole 1111 .

[0064] In the above implementation, the reinforcing protrusion 1112 can ensure the structural strength of the bracket 111 and avoid the reduction of the structural strength of the bracket 111 due to opening a hole in the bracket 111.

[0065] Exemplarily, connecting arm 112 includes a connecting segment 1121 and a supporting segment 1122. Connecting segment 1121 and supporting segment 1122 are inclined relative to each other, and a first end of connecting segment 1121 is connected to a first end of supporting segment 1122, thereby connecting segment 1121 and supporting segment 1122 as a single unit. A second end of connecting segment 1121 is connected to bracket 111, and a second end of supporting segment 1122 is connected to pin 120.

[0066] The connection between the supporting section 1122 and the bracket 111 is achieved through the connecting section 1121 , and the supporting section 1122 can play a role in stably supporting the bracket 111 .

[0067] Illustratively, the connecting section 1121 and the supporting section 1122 are perpendicular to each other and located in the same plane, and both the connecting section 1121 and the supporting section 1122 are perpendicular to the bracket 111 .

[0068] 4 is a view taken along direction B of FIG1 . In combination with FIG4 , 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 connected to the supporting section 1122 and the base plate 20 , respectively.

[0069] In the above implementation, connecting the legs 1123 to the support 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 key structure.

[0070] Since the support leg 1123 does not carry electrical signals, its material can be either metal or non-metal, and can be selected according to actual needs.

[0071] In some examples, the support leg 1123 is a metal structural member, and the support leg 1123 and the substrate 20 are connected by welding, clamping, etc., which can ensure the firmness of the connection between the support leg 1123 and the substrate 20.

[0072] In other examples, the support leg 1123 is a non-metallic structural part, and the support leg 1123 and the substrate 20 are connected by bonding, clamping, etc., which can also ensure the firmness of the connection between the support leg 1123 and the substrate 20.

[0073] Illustratively, the support leg 1123 is a plate-shaped structural member, and the support leg 1123 and the support section 1122 are located in the same plane.

[0074] In this way, through the cooperation between the support leg 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.

[0075] Exemplarily, the support leg 1123 is triangular, one side of the support leg 1123 is connected to the supporting section 1122 , and the other side of the support leg 1123 is connected to the base plate 20 .

[0076] Such a design can utilize the stability of the triangle to effectively improve the supporting capacity of the support leg 1123, thereby ensuring that the support leg 1123 can improve the connection stability between the connecting arm 112 and the substrate 20, thereby improving the reliability of the key structure.

[0077] Referring again to FIG. 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 apart from the substrate 20 .

[0078] In the above implementation, the through hole 210 provides a space for the pin 120, which can prevent the pin 120 from making electrical contact with the substrate 20, thereby preventing the pin 120 from being grounded through the substrate 20. In this way, the electrical signal is ensured to be conducted only within the key frame 10, thus avoiding electrical signal loss.

[0079] For example, to ensure that the pins 120 do not contact the substrate 20, the size of the through hole 210 can be designed to be larger. It should be noted that even if the size of the through hole 210 is designed to be larger, some space on the substrate 20 will be lost, but the lost space is far less than the space on the substrate 20 saved by using the key frame 10 as a loop antenna.

[0080] It should be noted that although the legs 1123 are connected to the support section 1122 and the substrate 20, they are only connected to the non-conductive portion of the substrate 20 (the insulating substrate of the printed circuit board). This effectively prevents electrical signals from flowing through the legs 1123 to the substrate 20.

[0081] The following briefly introduces the assembly process of the key structure provided in the embodiment of the present application:

[0082] First, a key frame 10 and a substrate 20 are provided. The substrate 20 is provided with through holes 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.

[0083] Next, the pin 120 is placed into the through hole 210 so that the pin 120 is spaced apart from the inner edge of the through hole 210 , that is, the pin 120 does not contact the substrate 20 .

[0084] Then, the legs 1123 of the key frame 10 and the substrate 20 are fixed to achieve a fixed connection between the key frame 10 and the substrate 20 .

[0085] Finally, the pin 120 is electrically connected to the antenna circuit, thereby realizing power feeding for the key frame 10 , and the key frame 10 can be used as a loop antenna.

[0086] The following briefly describes the working process of the key structure provided in the embodiment of the present application:

[0087] After power is supplied to the key structure, the electrical signal is input through one pin 120, flows through the frame 110, and is output through another pin 120. In this way, the key frame 10 forms a loop antenna. During this process, the tuner 30 connected in series with the pin 120 operates 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 becomes a radiator, effectively resonating and radiating the signal, thereby enhancing the signal.

[0088] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes the key structure shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0089] The key structure includes a key frame 10, an integral component of the key structure that supports the key structure's buttons. Designing the key frame 10 as a conductive member to carry the communication device's electrical signals allows it to function as an antenna, transmitting and receiving signals. Furthermore, since the key frame 10 is an integral component of the key structure, using it as an antenna saves space, facilitating the miniaturization of the communication device.

[0090] For example, the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is a router, or other communication device that needs to send and receive wireless signals, for example, a computer, mobile terminal, car, etc. It only needs to meet the condition of having a key structure. This application does not limit the type of communication device.

[0091] After conducting simulation tests on the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application, Figure 5 was obtained. Figure 5 is a standing wave diagram of the key structure. In Figure 5, the coordinate system is used to represent S-parameters, with the magnitude in decibels (magnitude in dB), the horizontal axis is the frequency (frequency), the unit is gigahertz (GHz), and the vertical axis is the signal gain intensity, the number is extremely decibel (dB). As shown in Figure 5, the key structure can achieve resonance of 5.1 to 5.9 GHz, effectively enhancing the signal strength and meeting the design requirements.

[0092] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning understood by persons of ordinary skill in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The words “first”, “second”, “third” and similar terms used in the patent application specification and claims of the present disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, words such as “a” or “an” do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Words such as “include” or “comprise” mean that the elements or objects appearing before “include” or “comprises” include the elements or objects listed after “include” or “comprises” and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Words such as “connect” or “connected” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. “Up”, “down”, “left”, “right” and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0093] The above specific implementation methods further illustrate the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of this application in detail. It should be understood that the above are only specific implementation methods of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of this application should be included in the scope of protection of this 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, 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.

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 or 2, characterized in that: The key frame (10) comprises a frame (110) and at least two pins (120); The pins (120) are spaced apart from each other and are respectively connected to the frame (110).

4. The key structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: 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), and the other end of each connecting arm (112) is respectively connected to the corresponding pin (120).

5. The key structure according to claim 4, 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).

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

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

8. The key structure according to claim 3, 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).

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

10. A communication device, characterized in that: The key structure comprises the key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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