Clock spring wire harness connection assembly, clock spring, and automobile
By combining flexible wire harnesses and flexible circuit boards with pins, the problems of space occupation and unstable electrical connection of traditional inserts are solved, achieving efficient production and stable signal transmission.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KOSTAL SHANGHAI ELECTROMECHANICAL CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Traditional clock springs require inserts that need to be molded and injected, which takes up a lot of space and cannot maintain good electrical connection and signal transmission performance.
The system employs a combination of flexible wire harnesses, flexible circuit boards, and pins for connection. The flexible wire harnesses are wound to connect the stator and rotor, and the flexible circuit boards and pins achieve electrical conductivity. This avoids the complex molding and space occupation of traditional inserts, and improves production efficiency and signal transmission stability.
It reduces production costs, saves product space, maintains good signal transmission performance and electrical connection continuity and stability, and adapts to complex mechanical movements.
Smart Images
Figure CN224400875U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of clock spring technology, and in particular to a clock spring wiring harness connection assembly, a clock spring, and an automobile. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the car steering wheel and the car's electronic components are electrically connected via a clock spring to enable interaction of functions such as airbags and control switches.
[0003] In the existing system, the rotor end of the clock spring is connected to the steering wheel, and the stator end of the clock spring is connected to the vehicle gateway (domain controller). Both the rotor and stator ends of the clock spring use inserts. However, using inserts requires mold injection molding, and the inserts take up a lot of space in the clock spring. At the same time, they are also prone to failure to maintain good electrical connection and signal transmission performance due to mechanical wear, vibration and other factors. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a clock spring wiring harness connection assembly, a clock spring, and an automobile, which solves the problems of traditional inserts requiring molds, taking up space, and failing to maintain good electrical connection and signal transmission performance.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a clock spring harness connection assembly, comprising:
[0006] Flexible wire harnesses are used to connect the stator and rotor in a wound structure;
[0007] The first flexible circuit board is connected to the first end of the flexible wire harness;
[0008] The first pin is located on the first flexible circuit board and is used to enable electrical conduction between the first flexible circuit board and the stator.
[0009] The second flexible circuit board is connected to the second end of the flexible wire harness;
[0010] The second pin is located on the second flexible circuit board and is used to enable electrical conduction between the second flexible circuit board and the rotor.
[0011] In some embodiments, both the first pin and the second pin include:
[0012] Base;
[0013] The pin body is inserted and fitted into the base, and the pin body includes bent pins.
[0014] In some embodiments, the base is an elastic base, and the base is provided with a connecting positioning part for interference fit with the mounting slot in the stator or rotor.
[0015] In some embodiments, the base is provided with a locking element for engaging and interlocking with a locking block inside the stator or rotor.
[0016] In some embodiments, both the first flexible circuit board and the second flexible circuit board include a film layer and conductive lines disposed on the film layer.
[0017] In some embodiments, the number of flexible wire harnesses is two;
[0018] The conductive lines of the first flexible circuit board include a plurality of first conductive foils connected to one of the flexible wire harnesses and a plurality of second conductive foils connected to another flexible wire harness. After being folded, the first flexible circuit board forms a first connection area for connecting the first pin. Each first conductive foil and each second conductive foil extends to the first connection area.
[0019] The conductive lines of the second flexible circuit board include a plurality of third conductive foils connected to one of the flexible wire harnesses and a plurality of fourth conductive foils connected to another flexible wire harness. After being folded, the second flexible circuit board forms a second connection area for connecting the second pin. Each third conductive foil and each fourth conductive foil extends to the second connection area.
[0020] In some embodiments, the pin body of the first pin includes a plurality of first metal pins and a plurality of second metal pins, each first metal pin being connected to each first conductive foil in the first connection area, and each second metal pin being connected to each second conductive foil in the first connection area.
[0021] The second pin body includes a plurality of third metal pins and a plurality of fourth metal pins. Each third metal pin is connected to each third conductive foil in the second connection area in a one-to-one correspondence, and each fourth metal pin is connected to each fourth conductive foil in the second connection area in a one-to-one correspondence.
[0022] In some embodiments, the flexible wire harness includes:
[0023] A copper strip substrate, the surface of which is sequentially provided with a nickel plating layer and a gold plating layer;
[0024] Electromagnetic shielding film is wrapped around the outside of a copper strip substrate.
[0025] This application also provides a clock spring, including a rotor and a stator, with the rotor and stator rotatably engaged, and further including a clock spring wiring harness connection assembly as described above, the clock spring wiring harness connection assembly connecting the stator and the rotor to realize signal transmission between the stator and the rotor.
[0026] This application also provides an automobile that includes the aforementioned clock spring.
[0027] Compared to the aforementioned background technology, the clock spring harness connection assembly provided in this application includes a flexible harness, a first flexible circuit board, a first pin, a second flexible circuit board, and a second pin. The flexible harness is used to connect the stator and rotor in a wound structure. The first flexible circuit board is connected to a first end of the flexible harness. The first pin is disposed on the first flexible circuit board to achieve electrical conduction between the first flexible circuit board and the stator. The second flexible circuit board is connected to a second end of the flexible harness. The second pin is disposed on the second flexible circuit board to achieve electrical conduction between the second flexible circuit board and the rotor.
[0028] This configuration, using flexible circuit boards and pins at both ends of the flexible wire harness, offers advantages over the traditional insert-based connection method, including at least the following:
[0029] Firstly, traditional inserts require complex molding processes and assembly procedures, such as injection molding. In contrast, the combination of flexible circuit boards and pins does not require mold manufacturing and is simple to assemble. This approach reduces the complexity of the production process, improves production efficiency, and saves production costs.
[0030] Secondly, traditional inserts typically have a certain volume (e.g., blocky or columnar) and rigidity, making them unable to be flexibly bent or adapted to spatial shapes. Therefore, a certain amount of space needs to be reserved for installation and fixation, and the connection parts of the inserts also require space, resulting in inserts taking up a significant amount of space within the clock spring. In contrast, flexible circuit boards are very thin and can be bent and arranged within the limited space between the stator and rotor, without requiring additional space to accommodate their volume as with inserts. Furthermore, the pins are directly mounted on the flexible circuit board, and at the connection point between the pin and the stator or rotor, only a small insertion hole or contact area is needed to complete the connection, eliminating the need for larger bolt holes or soldering areas required for insert connections, thus saving product space.
[0031] Thirdly, traditional inserts experience increased contact resistance over long-term use due to mechanical wear and other factors. In contrast, flexible circuit boards and pins effectively reduce contact resistance and maintain good signal transmission performance even under dynamic environments such as rotation. Furthermore, the flexible circuit board itself has excellent shielding properties, thus ensuring signal integrity and reliability.
[0032] Fourth, in traditional insert connections, inserts are mainly connected to the stator or rotor through welding, bolts, etc. This can lead to poor stability of the electrical connection due to factors such as the rigidity of the insert, mechanical vibration, and temperature changes. In contrast, flexible circuit boards have a certain degree of flexibility and can adapt to complex mechanical movements such as the winding and rotation of clock springs. They will not be easily damaged by bending or twisting, thus not affecting the electrical connection between the pins and the stator or rotor. In addition, the pins are directly mounted on the flexible circuit board, and the connection between the two is firm, thereby maintaining the continuity and stability of the electrical connection during rotation. Attached Figure Description
[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clock spring harness connection assembly in an embodiment of this application.
[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The exploded view of the clock spring harness connection assembly is shown.
[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the flexible wire harness in the clock spring wire harness connection assembly.
[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of part A in the middle.
[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the first flexible circuit board in the clock spring harness connection assembly after folding.
[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the unfolded planar view of the first flexible circuit board in the clock spring harness connection assembly.
[0040] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the first pin in the clock spring harness connection assembly.
[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the second flexible circuit board in the clock spring harness connection assembly after folding.
[0042] Figure 9 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the unfolded planar view of the second flexible circuit board in the clock spring harness connection assembly.
[0043] Figure 10 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the second pin in the clock spring harness connection assembly.
[0044] in:
[0045] 10-Flexible wire harness, 11-Copper strip substrate, 12-Electromagnetic shielding film;
[0046] 20-First flexible circuit board, 21-First film layer, 22-First conductive line, 221-First conductive foil, 222-Second conductive foil, 23-First connection area, 24-First welding area;
[0047] 30-First pin, 31-First base, 32-First pin body, 321-First metal pin, 322-Second metal pin;
[0048] 40 - Second flexible circuit board, 41 - Second film layer, 42 - Second conductive line, 421 - Third conductive foil, 422 - Fourth conductive foil, 43 - Second connection area, 44 - Second welding area;
[0049] 50-Second pin, 51-Second base, 52-Second pin body, 521-Third metal pin, 522-Fourth metal pin. Detailed Implementation
[0050] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0051] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0052] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The clock spring harness connection assembly provided in this application embodiment includes a flexible harness 10, a first flexible circuit board 20, a first pin 30, a second flexible circuit board 40, and a second pin 50.
[0053] The flexible wire harness 10 is used to connect the stator and the rotor in a wound structure. The first flexible circuit board 20 is connected to the first end of the flexible wire harness 10. The first pin 30 is disposed on the first flexible circuit board 20 and is used to realize the electrical conduction between the first flexible circuit board 20 and the stator. The second flexible circuit board 40 is connected to the second end of the flexible wire harness 10. The second pin 50 is disposed on the second flexible circuit board 40 and is used to realize the electrical conduction between the second flexible circuit board 40 and the rotor.
[0054] This configuration, using flexible circuit boards and pins at both ends of the flexible wire harness 10, offers advantages over the traditional insert-based connection method, including at least the following:
[0055] Firstly, traditional inserts require complex molding processes and assembly procedures, such as injection molding. In contrast, the combination of flexible circuit boards and pins does not require mold manufacturing and is simple to assemble. This approach reduces the complexity of the production process, improves production efficiency, and saves production costs.
[0056] Secondly, traditional inserts typically have a certain volume (e.g., blocky or columnar) and rigidity, making them unable to be flexibly bent or adapted to spatial shapes. Therefore, a certain amount of space needs to be reserved for installation and fixation, and the connection parts of the inserts also require space, resulting in inserts taking up a significant amount of space within the clock spring. In contrast, flexible circuit boards are very thin and can be bent and arranged within the limited space between the stator and rotor, without requiring additional space to accommodate their volume as with inserts. Furthermore, the pins are directly mounted on the flexible circuit board, and at the connection point between the pin and the stator or rotor, only a small insertion hole or contact area is needed to complete the connection, eliminating the need for larger bolt holes or soldering areas required for insert connections, thus saving product space.
[0057] Thirdly, traditional inserts experience increased contact resistance over long-term use due to mechanical wear and other factors. In contrast, flexible circuit boards and pins effectively reduce contact resistance and maintain good signal transmission performance even under dynamic environments such as rotation. Furthermore, the flexible circuit board itself has excellent shielding properties, thus ensuring signal integrity and reliability.
[0058] Fourth, in traditional insert connections, inserts are mainly connected to the stator or rotor through welding, bolts, etc. This can lead to poor stability of the electrical connection due to factors such as the rigidity of the insert, mechanical vibration, and temperature changes. In contrast, flexible circuit boards have a certain degree of flexibility and can adapt to complex mechanical movements such as the winding and rotation of clock springs. They will not be easily damaged by bending or twisting, thus not affecting the electrical connection between the pins and the stator or rotor. In addition, the pins are directly mounted on the flexible circuit board, and the connection between the two is firm, thereby maintaining the continuity and stability of the electrical connection during rotation.
[0059] Furthermore, the above-mentioned arrangement of using flexible circuit boards to bridge the flexible wire harness 10 and the pins not only saves on the mold cost of the inserts, but also has a shorter dimension chain and better dimensions because the pins can be directly positioned on the upper rotor (traditional inserts are partially positioned on the lower rotor, resulting in a long dimension chain and easy functional problems).
[0060] In other words, by using pins, the upper rotor can be directly positioned, shortening the tolerance chain and resulting in better dimensions.
[0061] In some embodiments, both the first pin 30 and the second pin 50 include a base and a pin body. Specifically, the first pin 30 includes a first base 31 and a first pin body 32, and the second pin 50 includes a second base 51 and a second pin body 52.
[0062] The pin body is fitted into a corresponding base. The pin body includes a bent pin. The base is a flexible base, such as a plastic base. The pin body is inserted into a pre-molded standard plastic base, and then the pin body is bent to form a pin. This pin is used for soldering to the corresponding flexible circuit board.
[0063] In some embodiments, the base is provided with a connecting positioning part, which is used to interfere with the mounting slot in the stator or rotor.
[0064] Specifically, the base is made of an elastic material (such as engineering plastics or metal alloys), and its connecting positioning part (such as a protrusion or a snap) is interference-fitted with the mounting groove of the stator / rotor (i.e., the size of the positioning part is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the groove). During assembly, the elastic base undergoes elastic deformation through compression, forming continuous radial pressure, which makes the two fit tightly together. In this way, under the vibration environment of a car, the friction between the interference surfaces can resist axial displacement, enhance insertion and removal stability, and prevent poor contact caused by vibration.
[0065] In some embodiments, the base is provided with a locking element, which is used to engage and interlock with a corresponding locking block inside the stator or rotor.
[0066] The locking component is made of plastic and achieves quick engagement with the inner locking block of the stator / rotor through elastic deformation. During assembly, the locking component is rotated to slide into the guide groove of the locking block. It is automatically aligned by the tapered guide surface (e.g., tilt angle of 5°-10°) and locking can be completed without tools. This not only simplifies the installation process but also avoids misalignment and improves the product's shock resistance.
[0067] Of course, depending on actual needs, locking components include, but are not limited to, hooks, positioning ribs and other structures. Multiple locking components can be set, and multiple locking components are evenly distributed along the circumference. The locking blocks are evenly arranged on the stator / rotor, which can ensure that the two are subjected to balanced forces.
[0068] In some embodiments, both the first flexible circuit board 20 and the second flexible circuit board 40 include a film layer and conductive lines disposed on the film layer. Specifically, the first flexible circuit board 20 includes a first film layer 21 and a first conductive line 22, and the second flexible circuit board 40 includes a second film layer 41 and a second conductive line 42. Both the first film layer 21 and the second film layer 41 can be PI film (polyimide film), and both the first conductive line 22 and the second conductive line 42 can be formed from conductive copper foil.
[0069] Specifically, in the forming process of flexible circuit boards, the treated substrate is placed on a printing table, and conductive ink is printed on the surface of the substrate by a printing machine to form a circuit pattern. Then, copper is electroplated on it, and a photosensitive dry film is attached to the surface of the copper foil. The circuit image is transferred to the dry film by film exposure. After that, the unexposed dry film is dissolved with sodium carbonate solution, and the copper foil not protected by the dry film is etched to form the circuit. Finally, the exposed dry film is removed, and another PI film is attached to the surface using the same steps to form a flexible circuit board (FPC).
[0070] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 There are two flexible wire harnesses 10, which form two separate lines to perform different functions on the car steering wheel.
[0071] Please refer to the following: Figure 5 and Figure 6 The conductive lines of the first flexible circuit board 20 include a plurality of first conductive foils 221 connected to one of the flexible wire harnesses 10, and a plurality of second conductive foils 222 connected to another flexible wire harness 10. After being folded, the first flexible circuit board 20 forms a first connection area 23 for connecting the first pin 30. Each first conductive foil 221 and each second conductive foil 222 extends to the first connection area 23.
[0072] Please refer to the following: Figure 8 and Figure 9The conductive lines of the second flexible circuit board 40 include a plurality of third conductive foils 421 connected to one of the flexible wire harnesses 10 and a plurality of fourth conductive foils 422 connected to another flexible wire harness 10. After being folded, the second flexible circuit board 40 forms a second connection area 43 for connecting the second pin 50. Each third conductive foil 421 and each fourth conductive foil 422 extends to the second connection area 43.
[0073] It should be noted that, after being folded, the first flexible circuit board 20 forms not only a first connection area 23 for connecting the first pin 30, but also two first welding areas 24. The two first welding areas 24 are spaced apart and are used to connect the first ends of the two flexible wire harnesses 10 respectively. After being folded, the second flexible circuit board 40 forms not only a second connection area 43 for connecting the second pin 50, but also two second welding areas 44. The two second welding areas 44 are spaced apart and are used to connect the second ends of the two flexible wire harnesses 10 respectively.
[0074] During assembly, each pin of the first pin 30 is soldered to each of the first conductive foils 221 and second conductive foils 222 in the first connection area 23 of the first flexible circuit board 20, and each pin of the second pin 50 is soldered to each of the third conductive foils 421 and fourth conductive foils 422 in the second connection area 43 of the second flexible circuit board 40.
[0075] Please refer to the following: Figure 7 The first pin 30 includes a plurality of first metal pins 321 and a plurality of second metal pins 322. Each first metal pin 321 is connected one-to-one with each first conductive foil 221 in the first connection area 23 (the number of first metal pins 321 and first conductive foils 221 is matched). Each second metal pin 322 is connected one-to-one with each second conductive foil 222 in the first connection area 23 (the number of second metal pins 322 and second conductive foils 222 is matched). Of course, the number of first pins 30 can be adjusted as needed, and can be set as required by the connection of the metal pins, such as... Figure 7 The three pins shown can also be combined into one pin.
[0076] Please refer to the following: Figure 10 The second pin 50 includes a plurality of third metal pins 521 and a plurality of fourth metal pins 522. Each third metal pin 521 is connected to each third conductive foil 421 in the second connection area 43 in a one-to-one correspondence (the number of third metal pins 521 and third conductive foils 421 is adapted). Each fourth metal pin 522 is connected to each fourth conductive foil 422 in the second connection area 43 in a one-to-one correspondence (the number of fourth metal pins 522 and fourth conductive foils 422 is adapted).
[0077] In some embodiments, the flexible wire harness 10 (also known as a flexible flat cable) includes a PET film (also known as a polyester film) and a conductive foil, wherein the PET film is adhered to both sides of the conductive foil to form the flexible wire harness 10.
[0078] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 In order to improve anti-interference and signal transmission stability, and make the flexible wire harness 10 suitable for high-speed video signal transmission scenarios, the flexible wire harness 10 may include a copper strip substrate 11 and an electromagnetic shielding film 12. The surface of the copper strip substrate 11 is provided with a nickel plating layer and a gold plating layer in sequence, and the electromagnetic shielding film 12 covers the outside of the copper strip substrate 11.
[0079] The printed flexible circuit board is pre-folded into a fixed shape by a machine, and then the flexible wire harness 10 and the flexible circuit boards and pins at both ends are welded by wave soldering, resistance soldering and other methods. Specifically, the first pin 30 is first welded to the first flexible circuit board 20 and the second pin 50 is welded to the second flexible circuit board 40. Then the first flexible circuit board 20 and the second flexible circuit board 40 are respectively welded to the two ends of the flexible wire harness 10 to realize this cable assembly method. Finally, the clock spring wire harness connecting assembly is installed into the clock spring to realize the clock spring assembly.
[0080] The clock spring provided in this application includes a rotor and a stator, with the rotor and stator rotating in cooperation. It also includes the clock spring wiring harness connection assembly described in the above specific embodiments, which connects the stator and the rotor to realize signal transmission between the stator and the rotor.
[0081] The automobile provided in this application includes the aforementioned clock spring.
[0082] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.
[0083] The clock spring wiring harness connection assembly, clock spring, and automobile provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the solution and core ideas of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A clock spring wire harness connection assembly, characterized in that, include: Flexible wire harnesses are used to connect the stator and rotor in a wound structure; A first flexible circuit board is connected to the first end of the flexible wire harness; The first pin is disposed on the first flexible circuit board and is used to realize the electrical conduction between the first flexible circuit board and the stator. A second flexible circuit board is connected to the second end of the flexible wire harness; The second pin is located on the second flexible circuit board and is used to enable electrical conduction between the second flexible circuit board and the rotor.
2. The clock spring harness connection assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first pin and the second pin include: Base; The pin body is inserted and fitted into the base, and the pin body includes bent pins.
3. The clock spring harness connection assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The base is an elastic base, and the base is provided with a connecting positioning part, which is used to interfere with the mounting slot in the stator or rotor.
4. The clock spring harness connection assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The base is provided with a locking component, which is used to engage and interlock with the locking block inside the stator or rotor.
5. The clock spring harness connection assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first flexible circuit board and the second flexible circuit board include a film layer and conductive lines disposed on the film layer.
6. The clock spring harness connection assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The number of flexible wire harnesses is two; The conductive lines of the first flexible circuit board include a plurality of first conductive foils connected to one of the flexible wire harnesses and a plurality of second conductive foils connected to the other flexible wire harness. After being folded, the first flexible circuit board forms a first connection area for connecting the first pin. Each of the first conductive foils and each of the second conductive foils extends to the first connection area. The conductive lines of the second flexible circuit board include a plurality of third conductive foils connected to one of the flexible wire harnesses and a plurality of fourth conductive foils connected to the other flexible wire harness. After being folded, the second flexible circuit board forms a second connection area for connecting the second pin. Each of the third conductive foils and each of the fourth conductive foils extends to the second connection area.
7. The clock spring harness connection assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first pin's pin body includes a plurality of first metal pins and a plurality of second metal pins, each of the first metal pins being connected to each of the first conductive foils in the first connection area, and each of the second metal pins being connected to each of the second conductive foils in the first connection area. The second pin's pin body includes a plurality of third metal pins and a plurality of fourth metal pins, each of the third metal pins being connected to each of the third conductive foils in the second connection area, and each of the fourth metal pins being connected to each of the fourth conductive foils in the second connection area.
8. The clock spring harness connection assembly as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The flexible wire harness includes: A copper strip substrate, the surface of which is sequentially provided with a nickel plating layer and a gold plating layer; An electromagnetic shielding film is wrapped around the outside of the copper strip substrate.
9. A clock spring comprising a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor and the stator are rotatably coupled, characterized in that, It also includes a clock spring harness connection assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8, the clock spring harness connection assembly connecting the stator and the rotor to realize signal transmission between the stator and the rotor.
10. A car, characterized in that, Includes the clock spring as described in claim 9.