Flexible multi-interface flat cable

Abstract

A flexible multi-interface flat cable, comprising: an upper base material layer (1), a lower base material layer (2) and several metal wires arranged between the upper base material layer (1) and the lower base material layer (2), wherein the upper base material layer (1), the lower base material layer (2) and the metal wires are connected to each other by means of an adhesive layer (3). Each metal wire comprises: a main body part (41), a first outward extending part (42) extending outward from one end of the main body part (41), and a second outward extending part (43) extending outward from the other end of the main body part (41), wherein the main body parts (41) of the several metal wires are arranged in parallel and at intervals; and the first outward extending parts (42) of the several metal wires are divided into at least two first wire groups (51), and adjacent first wire groups (51) extend in different directions. The flexible multi-interface flat cable improves the overall flexibility and bending-resistant performance, simplifies processing techniques, and can also change the routing shape of the metal wires. By means of one flat cable, a many-to-many connection is achieved, without the need for twisting or bending the flat cable; in addition, the wire arrangement mode is simplified, and the cost is saved on.

Description

Flexible multi-interface cable Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automobile cables, in particular to a flexible multi-interface cable. Background Art

[0002] With the increase in automobile functions, FFC cables are widely used to connect the electrical and electronic components of automobiles. While ensuring the stability of electrical signal transmission, the reliability of the connection circuit must also be guaranteed.

[0003] The existing technology has a complicated cable processing process, which is not convenient for bending and installation. Moreover, when a host is connected to multiple components, multiple cables need to be twisted or bent to achieve connection, which is costly and has messy wiring. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a flexible multi-interface cable, which not only improves the overall flexibility and bending resistance and simplifies the processing technology, but also can change the routing shape of the metal wires on this basis, realize many-to-many connections through one cable without twisting or bending the cable, and also simplifies the wiring method and saves costs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs a technical solution comprising: a flexible multi-port cable comprising: an upper substrate layer, a lower substrate layer, and a plurality of metal conductors disposed between the upper and lower substrate layers, wherein the upper and lower substrate layers and the metal conductors are connected by an adhesive layer. Each of the metal conductors comprises: a main body, a first extension extending outward from one end of the main body, and a second extension extending outward from the other end of the main body. The main bodies of the plurality of metal conductors are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart.

[0006] The first extension parts of the plurality of metal wires are at least two first wire groups, and adjacent first wire groups extend in different directions. The second extension parts of the plurality of metal wires are at least two second wire groups, and adjacent second wire groups extend in different directions. An end of each of the first wire groups away from the main body is electrically connected to a first connection terminal, and an end of each of the second wire groups away from the main body is electrically connected to a second connection terminal.

[0007] The further improved scheme in the above technical scheme is as follows:

[0008] 1. In the above solution, at least one of the first wire groups has at least one bent portion formed thereon.

[0009] 2. In the above solution, the connection between the first extension portion and the main portion of at least one metal wire in the first wire group is arc-shaped, and the connection between the second extension portion and the main portion of at least one metal wire in the second wire group is arc-shaped.

[0010] 3. In the above solution, the shapes of the upper substrate layer and the lower substrate layer are consistent with the distribution shape of the metal wires.

[0011] 4. In the above solution, the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal are each provided with a plurality of solder pads corresponding to the first wire group and the second wire group at one end close to the first wire group and the second wire group, the ends of the first wire group and the second wire group are connected to the corresponding solder pads by soldering with solder paste, and the other end of the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal is respectively provided with a gold finger group.

[0012] Due to the application of the above technical solution, the utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0013] The utility model provides a flexible multi-interface cable, wherein each metal conductor comprises: a main body, a first extension portion extending outward from one end of the main body, and a second extension portion extending outward from the other end of the main body. The main bodies of the plurality of metal conductors are arranged in parallel and at intervals. The first extension portions of the plurality of metal conductors are composed of at least two first wire groups, and adjacent first wire groups extend in different directions. The second extension portions of the plurality of metal conductors are composed of at least two second wire groups, and adjacent second wire groups extend in different directions. An end of each first wire group away from the main body is electrically connected to a first connecting terminal, and an end of each second wire group away from the main body is electrically connected to a second connecting terminal. This not only improves the overall flexibility and bending resistance and simplifies the processing technology, but also can change the routing shape of the metal conductors on this basis to achieve many-to-many connections through one cable without twisting or bending the cable, thereby streamlining the wiring method and saving costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first embodiment of a flexible multi-port cable according to the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point A in Figure 1;

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 2;

[0017] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a second embodiment of the flexible multi-interface cable of the present invention.

[0018] In the above figures: 1. Upper substrate layer; 2. Lower substrate layer; 3. Adhesive layer; 41. Main body; 42. First extension portion; 43. Second extension portion; 44. Insulation layer; 51. First wire group; 52. Second wire group; 61. First connecting terminal; 62. Second connecting terminal; 7. Bending portion; 81. Solder pad; 82. Gold finger group. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention can be further understood through the specific embodiments given below, but they are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0020] Example 1: A flexible multi-port cable, comprising: an upper substrate layer 1, a lower substrate layer 2, and a plurality of metal conductors disposed between the upper and lower substrate layers 1 and 2. The upper and lower substrate layers 1 and 2 are connected to the metal conductors via an adhesive layer 3. Each metal conductor comprises a main portion 41, a first extension 42 extending outward from one end of the main portion 41, and a second extension 43 extending outward from the other end of the main portion 41. The main portions 41 of the plurality of metal conductors are parallel to each other and spaced apart.

[0021] The first extension portions 42 of the plurality of metal wires are divided into at least two first wire groups 51, with adjacent first wire groups 51 extending in different directions. The second extension portions 43 of the plurality of metal wires are divided into at least two second wire groups 52, with adjacent second wire groups 52 extending in different directions. An end of each first wire group 51 away from the main body 41 is electrically connected to a first connection terminal 61, and an end of each second wire group 52 away from the main body 41 is electrically connected to a second connection terminal 62.

[0022] For the processing process, the printing device and method for metal wires disclosed in the inventor's previous patent application (such as CN113968078A) are used to print micron-scale metal wires onto the lower substrate layer.

[0023] At least one bent portion 7 is formed on at least one of the first wire groups 51 .

[0024] The connection between the first extension portion 42 and the main portion 41 of each metal wire in at least one of the first wire groups 51 is arc-shaped, and the connection between the second extension portion 43 and the main portion 41 of each metal wire in at least one of the second wire groups 52 is arc-shaped.

[0025] The shapes of the upper substrate layer 1 and the lower substrate layer 2 are consistent with the distribution shape of the metal wires.

[0026] The first connection terminal 61 and the second connection terminal 62 are each provided with a plurality of solder pads 81 corresponding to the first wire group 51 and the second wire group 52 at one end close to the first wire group 51 and the second wire group 52. The ends of the first wire group 51 and the second wire group 52 are connected to the corresponding solder pads 81 by soldering with solder paste, and the other end of the first connection terminal 61 and the second connection terminal 62 is respectively provided with a gold finger group 82.

[0027] The diameter of the metal wire is 40 μm.

[0028] Example 2: A flexible multi-port cable, comprising: an upper substrate layer 1, a lower substrate layer 2, and a plurality of metal conductors disposed between the upper and lower substrate layers 1 and 2. The upper and lower substrate layers 1 and 2 are connected to the metal conductors via an adhesive layer 3. Each metal conductor comprises a main portion 41, a first extension portion 42 extending outward from one end of the main portion 41, and a second extension portion 43 extending outward from the other end of the main portion 41. The main portions 41 of the plurality of metal conductors are parallel to each other and spaced apart.

[0029] The adhesive layer can be obtained by coating the lower substrate layer, printing the metal wire on the adhesive layer that has not yet fully solidified, and then covering and bonding the upper substrate layer to the other side of the printed metal wire. Alternatively, the metal wire to be printed can be passed through the adhesive first and then printed on the lower substrate layer to form an adhesive layer, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the upper and lower substrate layers and the metal wire.

[0030] The first extension portions 42 of the plurality of metal wires are divided into at least two first wire groups 51, with adjacent first wire groups 51 extending in different directions. The second extension portions 43 of the plurality of metal wires are divided into at least two second wire groups 52, with adjacent second wire groups 52 extending in different directions. An end of each first wire group 51 away from the main body 41 is electrically connected to a first connection terminal 61, and an end of each second wire group 52 away from the main body 41 is electrically connected to a second connection terminal 62.

[0031] Because the substrate layer itself has good flexibility and the metal wires can be printed into any flexible shape on the substrate layer, the routing of the metal wires can be arranged in combination with the actual usage scenario, and the distribution of the substrate layer and the metal wires can be kept consistent, so there is no need for twisting and bending. One cable can achieve many-to-many connections to adapt to different usage scenario requirements, streamline wiring methods, and reduce the use of wires, which not only saves costs but also avoids safety hazards and installation inconveniences caused by the disorder of multiple wires.

[0032] At least one bent portion 7 is formed on at least one of the first wire groups 51 .

[0033] The connection between the first extension portion 42 and the main portion 41 of each metal wire in at least one of the first wire groups 51 is arc-shaped, and the connection between the second extension portion 43 and the main portion 41 of each metal wire in at least one of the second wire groups 52 is arc-shaped.

[0034] Each of the metal wires is covered with an insulating layer 44 on the outside.

[0035] The above-mentioned metal wire is a copper wire;

[0036] Using nano-level copper wires for current or signal transmission can not only improve the overall flexibility and bending resistance, but also simplify the processing technology and reduce processing costs, so that the wire length can be processed to 2 meters to meet most usage scenarios, such as electric vehicles, large-size touch blackboards, multi-axis robotic arms, etc.

[0037] The end face of the metal wire is circular.

[0038] The diameter of the metal wire is 70 μm.

[0039] The upper substrate layer 1 and the lower substrate layer 2 are PET substrate layers.

[0040] The principle of this utility model is described as follows:

[0041] Regarding the processing process, the printing device and method for metal wires disclosed in the inventor's previous patent application (such as CN113968078A) are used to print micron-sized metal wires onto the lower substrate layer. The substrate layer can be any one of PET substrate, PVC substrate, PE substrate, PBT substrate or PI substrate, preferably PET substrate;

[0042] The adhesive layer can be obtained by coating the lower substrate layer, printing the metal wire on the adhesive layer that has not yet fully solidified, and then covering and bonding the upper substrate layer to the other side of the printed metal wire. Alternatively, the metal wire to be printed can be passed through the adhesive first and then printed on the lower substrate layer to form an adhesive layer, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the upper and lower substrate layers and the metal wire.

[0043] Compared to the millimeter-scale, flat aluminum or tinned metal wires produced by processes such as stamping in existing FFCs, the use of nanometer-scale copper wires for current or signal transmission not only improves overall flexibility and bending resistance, but also simplifies processing and reduces processing costs. This allows wire lengths to be processed up to 2 meters, meeting most application scenarios, such as electric vehicles, large-scale touch screen blackboards, and multi-axis robotic arms.

[0044] Because the substrate layer itself has good flexibility and the metal wires can be printed into any flexible shape on the substrate layer, the routing of the metal wires can be arranged in combination with the actual usage scenario, and the distribution of the substrate layer and the metal wires can be kept consistent, so there is no need for twisting and bending. One cable can achieve many-to-many connections to adapt to different usage scenario requirements, streamline wiring methods, and reduce the use of wires, which not only saves costs but also avoids safety hazards and installation inconveniences caused by the disorder of multiple wires.

[0045] When using the above-mentioned soft multi-interface cable, it not only improves the overall flexibility and bending resistance and simplifies the processing technology, but also can change the routing shape of the metal wire on this basis, and realize many-to-many connections through one cable without twisting or bending the cable, and also simplifies the wiring method and saves costs.

[0046] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical concepts and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable those familiar with the art to understand the contents of the present invention and implement them accordingly. They are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications based on the spirit of the present invention are intended to be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible multi-interface cable, comprising: An upper substrate layer (1), a lower substrate layer (2) and a plurality of metal wires arranged between the upper substrate layer (1) and the lower substrate layer (2), wherein the upper substrate layer (1), the lower substrate layer (2) and the metal wires are connected via an adhesive layer (3), characterized in that: each of the metal wires comprises: a main body (41), a first extension portion (42) extending outward from one end of the main body (41) and a second extension portion (43) extending outward from the other end of the main body (41), and the main bodies (41) of the plurality of metal wires are arranged in parallel and at intervals; The first extension parts (42) of the plurality of metal wires are divided into at least two first wire groups (51), and adjacent first wire groups (51) extend in different directions; the second extension parts (43) of the plurality of metal wires are divided into at least two second wire groups (52), and adjacent second wire groups (52) extend in different directions; one end of each of the first wire groups (51) away from the main body (41) is electrically connected to a first connection terminal (61), and one end of each of the second wire groups (52) away from the main body (41) is electrically connected to a second connection terminal (62).

2. The flexible multi-interface cable according to claim 1, wherein: At least one bending portion (7) is formed on at least one of the first wire groups (51).

3. The flexible multi-interface cable according to claim 1, wherein: The connection between the first extension portion (42) and the main body (41) of each metal wire in at least one of the first wire groups (51) is arc-shaped, and the connection between the second extension portion (43) and the main body (41) of each metal wire in at least one of the second wire groups (52) is arc-shaped.

4. The flexible multi-interface cable according to claim 1, wherein: The shapes of the upper substrate layer (1) and the lower substrate layer (2) are consistent with the distribution shapes of the metal wires.

5. The flexible multi-interface cable according to claim 1, wherein: The first connecting terminal (61) and the second connecting terminal (62) are each provided with a plurality of solder pads (81) corresponding to the first wire group (51) and the second wire group (52) at one end close to the first wire group (51) and the second wire group (52); the ends of the first wire group (51) and the second wire group (52) are connected to the corresponding solder pads (81) by soldering with solder paste; and the other ends of the first connecting terminal (61) and the second connecting terminal (62) are each provided with a gold finger group (82).

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