Clock spring and vehicle

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of automobile parts, and discloses a clock spring and a vehicle. The clock spring comprises a stator assembly, a rotor assembly and a connecting assembly. The stator assembly comprises a shell and a PCB board. The shell is provided with a rotating groove and a guide groove. The guide groove is in communication with the rotating groove. The guide groove is internally provided with a first limiting pin. The rotor assembly comprises a rotating seat and a connector arranged on the rotating seat. The rotating seat is rotatably arranged in the rotating groove. An annular containing space is formed between the outer wall of the rotating seat and the inner wall of the rotating groove. The connecting assembly comprises a flexible flat cable. The middle part of the flexible flat cable is arranged in the annular containing space. Part of the flexible flat cable is arranged in the guide groove. The guide groove is internally provided with the first limiting pin. The part of the flexible flat cable arranged in the guide groove is provided with a first limiting hole connected with the first limiting pin. The clock spring can avoid the disconnection between the flexible flat cable and the PCB board, ensure the service life and reduce the risk.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and more particularly to a clock spring and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] A clock spring is an electrical rotating connector used to connect the functional components of a car steering wheel, the airbag wiring harness, and the instrument panel wiring harness. It is usually installed at the bottom of the vehicle steering wheel and is used to ensure that the steering wheel airbag, horn switch, and other electrical components on the steering wheel can work normally and stably when the steering wheel is rotated to the left or right.

[0003] Typically, clock springs consist of a stator assembly and a rotor assembly. The stator assembly connects to the vehicle body, while the rotor assembly connects to the steering column and steering wheel. The PCB board of the stator assembly is connected to the rotor assembly via a flexible flat cable to ensure the steering wheel's freedom of rotation. However, when the steering wheel rotates, the flexible flat cable moves with the steering wheel, which can easily cause tension at the connection point between the flexible flat cable and the PCB board, leading to a break in the connection, affecting its lifespan, and posing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a clock spring that can prevent flexible flat cables from breaking off from the PCB board, thus ensuring service life and reducing risks.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the following technical solution is adopted in this application: A clock spring, comprising: A stator assembly includes a housing and a PCB board. The housing is provided with a rotating groove and a guide groove. The guide groove is connected to the rotating groove, and a first limiting pin is provided in the guide groove. The rotor assembly includes a rotating seat and a connector disposed on the rotating seat. The rotating seat is rotatably disposed within the rotating groove, and an annular placement space is formed between the outer wall of the rotating seat and the inner wall of the rotating groove. The connecting component includes a flexible flat cable, the middle portion of which is disposed within the annular space. A portion of the flexible flat cable is located within the guide groove, and a first limiting pin is disposed within the guide groove. The portion of the flexible flat cable disposed within the guide groove has a first limiting hole that is connected to the first limiting pin. A first end of the flexible flat cable is electrically connected to the connector, and a second end of the flexible flat cable is soldered and fixed to the PCB board.

[0006] Preferably, the housing is provided with a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall extend along the tangential direction of the rotating groove, the first sidewall and the second sidewall are spaced apart to form the guide groove, one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall is provided with the first limiting pin, and the other sidewall is provided with an avoidance opening corresponding to the position of the first limiting pin.

[0007] Preferably, the connecting assembly further includes a reinforcing member disposed on the flexible flat cable and at least covering the entire edge of the first limiting hole.

[0008] Preferably, the first limiting pin is riveted and fixed to the corresponding first limiting hole.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting component includes multiple flexible flat cables, and the multiple flexible flat cables are stacked in the guide groove. Each flexible flat cable has a first limiting hole, and the first limiting pin passes through the first limiting hole of the multiple flexible flat cables.

[0010] Preferably, the rotating groove and the guide groove are disposed on one side of the housing, the PCB board is disposed on the other side of the housing, the housing has a wire-passing hole, the flexible flat cable is folded to form a folded part so that the second end passes through the wire-passing hole and is welded and fixed to the PCB board.

[0011] Preferably, the housing is provided with a receiving groove, the receiving groove is connected to the guide groove, the folding part is located in the receiving groove, and the threading hole is opened in the receiving groove.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting component includes multiple flexible flat cables, and the housing is provided with multiple receiving slots corresponding to the multiple flexible flat cables, with the folded portion of each flexible flat cable disposed in the corresponding receiving slot.

[0013] Preferably, the flexible flat cable includes a flexible substrate and multiple conductors, the multiple conductors being spaced apart within the flexible substrate, and the first limiting hole being formed in the flexible substrate and located between two adjacent conductors.

[0014] A vehicle includes a steering wheel assembly and the clock spring, the clock spring being disposed within the steering wheel assembly.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are: This application provides a clock spring. In this clock spring, the stator assembly housing is fixedly mounted on the vehicle body and used to mount a PCB board, ensuring the stability of the clock spring; the rotor assembly's rotating seat is rotatably mounted in a rotating groove, and a connector on the rotating seat is used to connect electronic components on the steering wheel. The middle part of a flexible flat cable is wound in the rotating groove, with its first end connected to the connector to ensure the steering wheel's rotational freedom, and its second end connected to the PCB board to ensure the electronic components can function normally. The portion of the flexible flat cable between the rotating groove and the second end is positioned in a guide groove. The guide groove guides the flexible flat cable, ensuring its smoothness outside the rotating groove. A first limiting pin in the guide groove limits and fixes the flexible flat cable through a first limiting hole, so that when the rotating seat rotates, only the flexible flat cable in the rotating groove moves, without pulling on the end of the flexible flat cable fixed to the PCB board.

[0016] This clock spring prevents the flexible flat cable from breaking off from the PCB board, ensuring its service life and reducing risks. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clock spring provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clock spring without the top cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the clock spring provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the shell structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the housing and PCB board provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of multiple flexible flat cables provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of a section at point C.

[0018] In the picture: 1. Stator assembly; 11. Housing; 111. Rotary groove; 112. Guide groove; 113. Receiving groove; 114. First sidewall; 115. Second sidewall; 1151. Clearance opening; 116. Arc-shaped sidewall; 117. First limiting pin; 118. Wire hole; 119. Second limiting pin; 12. PCB board; 121. Clearance groove; 122. First welding part; 13. Base; 14. Top cover; 2. Rotor assembly; 21. Rotating seat; 22. Connector; 3. Connecting components; 31. Flexible flat cable; 311. First end; 312. Second end; 313. Folding part; 314. First limiting hole; 315. Second welding part; 316. Second limiting hole; 32. First flat cable; 321. Positive signal wire; 322. Negative signal wire; 33. Second flat cable; 331. Positive heating wire; 332. Positive temperature control wire; 34. Third flat cable; 341. Negative heating wire; 342. Negative temperature control wire. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," "fixed," "combined," "coupled," and "installed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium; or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. As examples, a direct connection refers to two parts or components being connected together without the need for an intermediate medium, while an indirect connection refers to two parts or components each being connected to at least one intermediate medium, with the connection achieved through the intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include electrical connections or couplings.

[0021] In the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, in the context, it should be understood that when an element is mentioned as being "upper" or "lower" of another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected through an intermediate element. It should also be understood that directional terms such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side not only represent positive orientation but can also be understood as lateral orientation. For example, "above," "on top of," "upper side of," and "above" of the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above, to the upper left, to the upper right, to the upper front, and to the upper rear of the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. The terms "below," "under," "below," and "below" for "first feature" and "second feature" include situations where the first feature is directly below, to the lower left, to the lower right, in front of, or behind the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no specific meaning.

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] This embodiment provides a vehicle including a steering wheel assembly and a clock spring, with the clock spring disposed within the steering wheel assembly. The clock spring is an electrical rotating connector used to connect the functional components of the vehicle's steering wheel, the airbag wiring harness, and the instrument panel wiring harness. It is typically installed at the lower part of the vehicle's steering wheel and ensures the normal and stable operation of the steering wheel airbag, horn switch, and other electrical component switches on the steering wheel when the steering wheel is rotated to the left or right.

[0024] This embodiment also provides a clock spring. For example... Figures 1-5As shown, the clock spring includes a stator assembly 1, a rotor assembly 2, and a connecting assembly 3. The stator assembly 1 includes a housing 11 and a PCB board 12. The housing 11 is provided with a rotating groove 111 and a guide groove 112. The guide groove 112 is connected to the rotating groove 111 through the side wall of the rotating groove 111. The rotor assembly 2 includes a rotating seat 21 and a connector 22 disposed on the rotating seat 21. The rotating seat 21 is rotatably disposed in the rotating groove 111. An annular space is formed between the outer wall of the rotating seat 21 and the inner wall of the rotating groove 111. The connecting assembly 3 includes a flexible flat cable 31. The middle part of the flexible flat cable 31 is disposed in the annular space and partly located in the guide groove 112. The first end 311 of the flexible flat cable 31 is located in the rotating groove 111 and is electrically connected to the connector 22. The second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31 is soldered and fixed to the PCB board 12.

[0025] In this clock spring, the housing 11 of the stator assembly 1 is fixedly mounted on the vehicle body and used to mount the PCB board 12, ensuring the stability of the clock spring. The rotating seat 21 of the rotor assembly 2 is rotatably mounted in the rotating groove 111. The connector 22 on the rotating seat 21 is used to connect the electronic components on the steering wheel. The first end 311 of the flexible flat cable 31 is coiled in an S-shape in the rotating groove 111 and connected to the connector 22, ensuring the freedom of steering wheel rotation. The second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31 is connected to the PCB board 12 through the guide groove 112 to ensure the normal operation of the electronic components. The guide groove 112 of the housing 11 guides the flexible flat cable 31, ensuring the smoothness of the portion of the flexible flat cable 31 outside the rotating groove 111.

[0026] It should be noted that the flexible flat cable 31 is also known as FFC (Flexible Flat Cable), airbag hairspring, etc.

[0027] It is understandable that when the steering wheel is turned, the flexible flat cable 31 moves with the steering wheel, which can easily cause the connection between the flexible flat cable 31 and the PCB board 12 to be pulled, resulting in the flexible flat cable 31 and the PCB board 12 becoming unsoldered, poorly soldered, or even disconnected, affecting the service life and posing a safety hazard.

[0028] like Figures 3-5As shown, to solve the above problems, in the clock spring provided in this embodiment, a first limiting pin 117 is provided in the guide groove 112, and a first limiting hole 314 is opened in the portion of the flexible flat cable 31 disposed in the guide groove 112, which is connected to the first limiting pin 117. The first limiting pin 117 in the guide groove 112 can limit and fix the flexible flat cable 31 through the first limiting hole 314, so that when the rotating seat 21 rotates, only the flexible flat cable 31 in the rotating groove 111 will move, and the end of the flexible flat cable 31 fixed to the PCB board 12 will not be pulled. This clock spring can prevent the flexible flat cable 31 from desoldering, poorly soldered, or even disconnected from the PCB board 12, ensuring service life and reducing risks.

[0029] In this embodiment, the electronic components can be an airbag, steering wheel function buttons, and a steering wheel heating module. The airbag requires a flexible flat cable 31 to connect to the PCB board 12, the steering wheel function buttons require a flexible flat cable 31 to connect to the PCB board 12, and the steering wheel heating module requires one flexible flat cable 31 each for its positive and negative terminals to connect to the PCB board 12. Therefore, four flexible flat cables 31 are required. It is worth noting that if additional functions are needed for the steering wheel, the number of connectors 22 and the required number of flexible flat cables 31 can be increased; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flexible flat cables 31 for the steering wheel function buttons and the two flexible flat cables 31 for the positive and negative terminals of the steering wheel heating module are all soldered and fixed to the PCB board 12. This reduces the number of connectors 22, lowers costs, and avoids problems such as large resistance fluctuations and loose connections in the connectors 22, thus improving stability. The flexible flat cables 31 for the airbag are connected to the PCB board 12 via connectors 22, facilitating maintenance and replacement. In some embodiments, the flexible flat cables 31 for the airbag can also be soldered and fixed to the PCB board 12; this is not a limitation.

[0031] In this embodiment, the connecting component 3 includes multiple flexible flat cables 31, and the multiple flexible flat cables 31 are stacked in the guide groove 112. Each flexible flat cable 31 is provided with a first limiting hole 314, and a first limiting pin 117 passes through the first limiting hole 314 of the multiple flexible flat cables 31.

[0032] Generally, the flexible flat cable 31 includes a flexible substrate and multiple conductors. The conductors are spaced apart within the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate is made of an insulating and flexible material and can wrap all the conductors. The flexible substrate can prevent adjacent conductors from contacting and short-circuiting, and also plays a supporting and protective guiding role to prevent conductor breakage. This embodiment is illustrated with the shell 11 lying flat as an example, that is, the shape of the flexible flat cable 31 within the guide groove 112 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane and extends in the horizontal direction.

[0033] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the housing 11 is provided with an arcuate sidewall 116 to form a rotating groove 111 within the arcuate sidewall 116. The housing 11 is provided with a first sidewall 114 and a second sidewall 115. The first sidewall 114 and the second sidewall 115 extend along the tangential direction of the rotating groove 111. The first sidewall 114 and the second sidewall 115 are spaced apart to form a guide groove 112. The arcuate sidewall 116 is provided with a notch for the passage of the flexible flat cable 31 and communicates with the guide groove 112. One of the first sidewall 114 and the second sidewall 115 is provided with a first limiting pin 117, and the other sidewall is provided with an avoidance opening 1151 corresponding to the position of the first limiting pin 117.

[0034] The setting of the avoidance opening 1151 can, on the one hand, avoid the first limiting pin 117, so that the first limiting pin 117 has sufficient length to limit the flexible flat cable 31 and prevent the first limiting pin 117 from coming out of the first limiting hole 314. On the other hand, it facilitates the installation of the flexible flat cable 31 and ensures that the flexible flat cable 31 can be installed into the guide groove 112.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first limiting pin 117 is detachably connected to the inner wall of the guide groove 112. This structure facilitates the operator to place the flexible flat cable 31 into the guide groove 112 and then pass the first limiting pin 117 through the clearance opening 1151 through the first limiting hole 314 and fix it to the inner wall of the guide groove 112, thereby improving installation efficiency.

[0036] Specifically, the first limiting pin 117 can be a screw or a pin. The screw is fixed by threaded connection to the inner wall of the guide groove 112, while the pin is fixed to the inner wall of the guide groove 112 by adhesive.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first limiting pin 117 and the inner wall of the guide groove 112 are integrally injection molded to improve production efficiency and ensure consistency and reliability.

[0038] It is worth noting that the first limiting hole 314 is opened on the flexible substrate and located between two adjacent wires. Since the flexible substrate is relatively soft and has moderate strength, when the rotating seat 21 rotates and pulls the flexible flat cable 31, the edge of the first limiting hole 314 opened on the flexible substrate is easily deformed or torn, resulting in damage to the flexible flat cable 31.

[0039] To address the aforementioned issues, the connecting assembly 3 further includes a reinforcing member. This reinforcing member is disposed on the flexible flat cable 31 and covers the edge of the first limiting hole 314. The reinforcing member reinforces the contour of the first limiting hole 314. By providing the reinforcing member, the force exerted by the first limiting pin 117 on the edge of the first limiting hole 314 is primarily directed to the reinforcing member, thereby preventing deformation or tearing of the edge of the first limiting hole 314.

[0040] Specifically, the reinforcing member includes a retaining ring, which is disposed within the first limiting hole 314 and engaged with the edge of the first limiting hole 314 for fixation. A first limiting pin 117 passes through the retaining ring. The retaining ring can engage with the edge of the first limiting hole 314. When the first limiting pin 117 pulls on the first retaining ring, the pulling force is distributed by the first retaining ring to the connection position with the edge of the first limiting hole 314, which is equivalent to increasing the effective area, thereby reducing the degree of deformation of the flexible substrate and preventing deformation and tearing of the edge of the first limiting hole 314.

[0041] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member includes a reinforcing plate, which is fixedly disposed on the flexible substrate of the flexible flat cable 31. The reinforcing plate is provided with a third limiting hole, the edge of which coincides with the edge of the first limiting hole 314. That is, when the first limiting pin 117 pulls the flexible flat cable 31, the pulling force is directly applied to the edge of the third limiting hole of the reinforcing plate. The reinforcing plate uses its own hardness to ensure that the flexible substrate will not deform, thereby avoiding deformation and tearing of the edge of the first limiting hole 314.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first limiting pin 117 is riveted to the edge of the first limiting hole 314, and the deformed part of the first limiting pin 117 forms a reinforcing member to fix the edge of the first limiting hole 314 to the inner wall of the guide groove 112. When the first limiting pin 117 pulls the first limiting hole 314, the pulling force is distributed to the entire edge of the first limiting hole 314, which is equivalent to increasing the effective area, thereby strengthening and protecting the edge of the first limiting hole 314.

[0043] like Figures 4-7 As shown, the rotating groove 111 and the guide groove 112 are disposed on one side of the housing 11, and the PCB board 12 is disposed on the other side of the housing 11. The housing 11 has a wire hole 118. The flexible flat cable 31 is folded to form a folded part 313 so that the second end 312 passes through the wire hole 118 and is soldered and fixed to the PCB board 12.

[0044] By placing the PCB board 12 on the side of the housing 11 away from the rotating groove 111 and the guide groove 112, interference between the PCB board 12 and the rotating groove 111, the guide groove 112 and the flexible flat cable 31 can be avoided. However, a through hole 118 for the flexible flat cable 31 to pass through needs to be provided in the housing 11 to avoid the flexible flat cable 31 needing to go around the edge of the housing 11. On the one hand, this can reduce the length of the flexible flat cable 31 and reduce costs. On the other hand, it can prevent the flexible flat cable 31 from abutting against the edge of the housing 11 and wearing out, thus improving reliability.

[0045] In this embodiment, the stator assembly 1 further includes a base 13 and a top cover 14. The base 13 is fastened to the back of the housing 11 (the downward side of the housing 11) to protect the PCB board 12. The top cover 14 is fastened to the front of the housing 11 (the upward side of the housing 11) to cover the guide groove 112 and part of the rotating groove 111, thereby covering the flexible flat cable 31 and protecting the flexible flat cable 31.

[0046] Understandably, if the flexible flat cable 31 is to be connected to the PCB board 12 disposed on the housing 11, it needs to be folded to form a folded portion 313 to change the extension direction of the second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31, so that the second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31 can pass through the wire hole 118. Due to the presence of the folded portion 313, the flexible flat cable 31 in this area is relatively fragile. If the pulling force during rotation is directly applied to the folded portion 313, it is easy to break the wire inside the folded portion 313. The cooperation of the first limiting pin 117 and the first limiting hole 314 can also protect the folded portion 313.

[0047] Since the folded portion 313 has a tendency to spring back, in order to improve the stability of the folded portion 313, the housing 11 is provided with a receiving groove 113. The receiving groove 113 is connected to the guide groove 112. The folded portion 313 is located in the receiving groove 113, and the wire hole 118 is opened in the receiving groove 113. The receiving groove 113 can limit and protect the folded portion 313, preventing the flexible flat cable 31 from hitting other parts when it is pulled, and preventing the folded portion 313 from being over-opened due to springback, which would affect the stability of the folded portion 313.

[0048] It is understandable that when the folded portions 313 of multiple flexible flat cables 31 are close together, they are prone to contact with each other and friction during vehicle movement, which can lead to damage to the flexible flat cables 31 and create safety hazards.

[0049] like Figures 4-7As shown, to solve the above problems, the housing 11 is provided with multiple receiving slots 113. The multiple receiving slots 113 are connected to the rotating slot 111 through the side wall of the rotating slot 111. The folded portion 313 of each flexible flat cable 31 is located in the corresponding receiving slot 113. By providing multiple receiving slots 113 in the housing 11 to separate the folded portions 313 of multiple flexible flat cables 31, it is possible to avoid the folded portions 313 of multiple flexible flat cables 31 from contacting each other and rubbing against each other, thus avoiding damage to the flexible flat cables 31 and improving safety.

[0050] It is worth noting that the number of receiving slots 113 can be equal to or greater than the number of flexible flat cables 31, to ensure that the folded portion 313 of each flexible flat cable 31 can be set in an independent receiving slot 113, thereby separating the folded portions 313 of each flexible flat cable 31 from each other. Multiple receiving slots 113 are connected to guide slots 112, meaning that the receiving slots 113 are connected to the rotating slots 111 via guide slots 112, and multiple flexible flat cables 31 enter their respective receiving slots 113 after passing through the guide slots 112.

[0051] In some embodiments, the folded portions 313 of multiple flexible flat cables 31 can also be arranged in the same receiving groove 113. By clamping the multiple folded portions 313 in the receiving groove 113, they will not move relative to each other, thereby improving stability and reliability.

[0052] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, multiple receiving slots 113 are arranged side by side to facilitate the neat arrangement of multiple flexible flat cables 31 and to enable multiple flexible flat cables 31 to share the same guide slot 112, thereby reducing the complexity of arranging multiple flexible flat cables 31 and simplifying the structure.

[0053] In this embodiment, the PCB board 12 includes a plurality of first welding portions 122 arranged at intervals, and the second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31 is provided with a second welding portion 315. The second welding portions 315 of the plurality of flexible flat cables 31 are all welded and fixed to the corresponding first welding portions 122.

[0054] Preferably, the projections of the second ends 312 of the multiple flexible flat cables 31 passing through the through holes 118 on the PCB board 12 overlap. That is, multiple first soldering parts 122 are arranged at intervals, the through holes 118 of multiple receiving slots 113 are arranged at intervals, and the second ends 312 of the multiple flexible flat cables 31 are bent toward the PCB board 12 and stacked after passing through the through holes 118, in order to save space and simplify the structure.

[0055] Furthermore, the second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31 away from the PCB board 12 covers the second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31 near the PCB board 12, so that the portions of the second ends 312 of the multiple flexible flat cables 31 on the PCB board 12 are stacked on top of each other. The second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31 away from the PCB board 12 needs to be larger than the second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31 near the PCB board 12 to complete the coverage and ensure that the second end 312 of each flexible flat cable 31 has space to be soldered and fixed to the PCB board 12.

[0056] Preferably, multiple first welding portions 122 are arranged at intervals, and the second welding portions 315 of multiple flexible flat cables 31 are staggered and welded to the corresponding first welding portions 122. This structure allows the second welding portions 315 of multiple flexible flat cables 31 to extend outward sequentially in a direction away from the PCB board 12, so that each second welding portion 315 can be welded to the corresponding first welding portion 122, avoiding mutual obstruction.

[0057] For ease of description, the flexible flat cable 31 closer to the PCB board 12 is referred to as the lower layer flat cable, and the flexible flat cable 31 farther from the PCB board 12 is referred to as the upper layer flat cable. The second welding part 315 of the lower layer flat cable is welded to the corresponding first welding part 122, and then the second welding part 315 of the upper layer flat cable passes over the second welding part 315 of the lower layer flat cable and is welded to the corresponding first welding part 122. If there are three or more flexible flat cables 31, then along the direction away from the PCB board 12, the second end 312 of each flexible flat cable 31 passes over the second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31 of the lower layer adjacent to itself and is welded to the corresponding first welding part 122. This can save space and avoid mutual obstruction that affects the welding.

[0058] In this embodiment, the PCB board 12 is provided with a clearance groove 121, and a plurality of first welding parts 122 are provided on the side of the PCB board 12 away from the housing 11. The second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31 passes through the clearance groove 121 so that the second welding part 315 is welded and fixed to the first welding part 122.

[0059] The first welding part 122 is located on the side of the PCB board 12 facing away from the housing 11, facilitating operation by the operator to weld and fix the second welding part 315 of the flexible flat cable 31 to the first welding part 122. By providing a clearance groove 121 on the PCB board 12, the flexible flat cable 31 can easily pass through the PCB board 12, allowing it to smoothly extend to the opposite side of the PCB board 12, so that the second welding part 315 can be welded to the first welding part 122. It is worth noting that the clearance groove 121 corresponds to the wire hole 118 of the housing 11, preventing the flexible flat cable 31 from needing to bend to extend to the side of the PCB board 12 facing away from the housing 11, ensuring the smoothness of the flexible flat cable 31.

[0060] It is worth noting that the clearance groove 121 can be a closed groove, that is, a hole-shaped groove formed by four closed sides, or an open groove, that is, a groove formed by three closed sides and one open side.

[0061] like Figures 6-9 As shown, in this embodiment, the housing 11 is provided with a second limiting pin 119, and the second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31 is provided with a second limiting hole 316. The second limiting pin 119 passes through the second limiting hole 316 to limit the second end 312 of the flexible flat cable 31. The second limiting pin 119 and the second limiting hole 316 cooperate to ensure that the second welding part 315 is directly opposite the first welding part 122. That is, the multiple wires in the second welding part 315 can be accurately aligned with the multiple pads in the first welding part 122, which facilitates the operator's alignment and improves welding accuracy and efficiency.

[0062] It is worth noting that, based on the structure where multiple flexible flat cables 31 can be partially overlapped, all flexible flat cables 31 can share a set of second limiting pins 119 and second limiting holes 316. That is, the second limiting pins 119 pass through the second limiting holes 316 of multiple flexible flat cables 31. Since the second ends 312 of multiple flexible flat cables 31 are stacked, the same second limiting pin 119 can pass through the second limiting holes 316 of multiple flexible flat cables 31 simultaneously. This ensures the accurate positioning of the second ends 312 of the flexible flat cables 31, simplifies the structure, and saves space.

[0063] It is worth noting that the position of the second limiting hole 316 needs to be designed according to the number and width of the wires in the flexible flat cable 31. For example... Figure 9As shown, for ease of description, the flexible flat cable 31 of the steering wheel function buttons is referred to as the first flat cable 32. Since there are many function buttons on the steering wheel, half of the wires in the first flat cable 32 are positive signal wires 321, and the other half are negative signal wires 322. Each pair of positive signal wires 321 and negative signal wires 322 connects to one function button. Because the power of the function buttons is not high, the width of the positive signal wires 321 and negative signal wires 322 is not large. The second limiting hole 316 can be formed between two adjacent positive signal wires 321, two adjacent negative signal wires 322, or adjacent positive signal wires 321 and negative signal wires 322. The second limiting pin 119 limits the flexible flat cable 31 through the flexible substrate. In other words, the second limiting hole 316 of the first flat cable 32 is formed on the flexible substrate and located between two adjacent wires.

[0064] Furthermore, the flexible flat cable 31 of the positive terminal of the steering wheel heating module is referred to as the second flat cable 33, and the flexible flat cable 31 of the negative terminal of the steering wheel heating module is referred to as the third flat cable 34. The wires of the second flat cable 33 include a positive heating wire 331 and a positive temperature control wire 332, and the wires of the third flat cable 34 include a negative heating wire 341 and a negative temperature control wire 342. The positive heating wire 331 and the negative heating wire 341 are connected to the heating harness of the steering wheel, and the positive temperature control wire 332 and the negative temperature control wire 342 are connected to a thermistor. The temperature of the steering wheel is identified by the thermistor, thereby adjusting the heating power of the heating harness to ensure the appropriate temperature of the steering wheel.

[0065] Because the heating wire harness requires a large power, the positive heating wire 331 and the negative heating wire 341 are relatively wide. However, the thermistor only needs to transmit current signals and has a small power requirement, so the positive temperature control wire 332 and the negative temperature control wire 342 are relatively narrow.

[0066] The second limiting hole 316 of the second flat cable 33 can be formed on the flexible substrate and located between the positive electrode heating wire 331 and the positive electrode temperature control wire 332, or it can be formed on the flexible substrate and located on the positive electrode heating wire 331; the second limiting hole 316 of the third flat cable 34 can be formed on the flexible substrate and located between the negative electrode heating wire 341 and the negative electrode temperature control wire 342, or it can be formed on the flexible substrate and located on the negative electrode heating wire 341.

[0067] In this embodiment, at least two first limiting holes 314 and two second limiting holes 316 are provided for the flexible flat cable 31. Therefore, the number and position of the first limiting pins 117 and the second limiting pins 119 on the housing 11 correspond to the limiting position, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the limiting. Preferably, multiple flexible flat cables 31 are led out of the rotating groove 111 from the same position and stacked within the guide groove 112, ensuring a simple structure. Only one first limiting pin 117 needs to be provided at one position. The first limiting pin 117 passes through the first limiting holes 314 of the first flat cable 32, the second flat cable 33, and the third flat cable 34.

[0068] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clock spring, characterized in that, include: A stator assembly includes a housing and a PCB board. The housing is provided with a rotating groove and a guide groove. The guide groove is connected to the rotating groove, and a first limiting pin is provided in the guide groove. The rotor assembly includes a rotating seat and a connector disposed on the rotating seat. The rotating seat is rotatably disposed within the rotating groove, and an annular placement space is formed between the outer wall of the rotating seat and the inner wall of the rotating groove. The connecting component includes a flexible flat cable, the middle portion of which is disposed within the annular space. A portion of the flexible flat cable is located within the guide groove, and a first limiting pin is disposed within the guide groove. The portion of the flexible flat cable disposed within the guide groove has a first limiting hole that is connected to the first limiting pin. A first end of the flexible flat cable is electrically connected to the connector, and a second end of the flexible flat cable is soldered and fixed to the PCB board.

2. The clock spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a first sidewall and a second sidewall, which extend along the tangential direction of the rotating groove. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are spaced apart to form the guide groove. One of the first sidewall and the second sidewall is provided with a first limiting pin, and the other sidewall is provided with an avoidance opening corresponding to the position of the first limiting pin.

3. The clock spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting assembly also includes a reinforcing member disposed on the flexible flat cable and covering at least the entire edge of the first limiting hole.

4. The clock spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first limiting pin is riveted and fixed to the corresponding first limiting hole.

5. The clock spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting component includes multiple flexible flat cables, which are stacked in the guide groove. Each flexible flat cable has a first limiting hole, and a first limiting pin passes through the first limiting hole of the multiple flexible flat cables.

6. The clock spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating groove and the guide groove are disposed on one side of the housing, the PCB board is disposed on the other side of the housing, the housing has a wire hole, the flexible flat cable is folded to form a folded part so that the second end passes through the wire hole and is welded and fixed to the PCB board.

7. The clock spring according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a receiving groove, which is connected to the guide groove. The folding part is located in the receiving groove, and the threading hole is opened in the receiving groove.

8. The clock spring according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting assembly includes multiple flexible flat cables, and the housing is provided with multiple receiving slots corresponding to the multiple flexible flat cables, with the folded portion of each flexible flat cable disposed in the corresponding receiving slot.

9. The clock spring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible flat cable includes a flexible substrate and multiple conductors, which are spaced apart within the flexible substrate. The first limiting hole is formed in the flexible substrate and located between two adjacent conductors.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes a steering wheel assembly and a clock spring as described in any one of claims 1-9, the clock spring being disposed within the steering wheel assembly.

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