Wire Harness

The wire harness addresses the issue of water stopping property deterioration by using a route regulating member with protruding portions that contact the outer surface of the cylindrical outer member, eliminating the need for slits and enhancing attachment security.

JP7669799B2Active Publication Date: 2025-04-30SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021087655
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-02-12
Filing Date
2021-05-25
Publication Date
2025-04-30
Estimated Expiration
2041-05-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing wire harnesses face a challenge in maintaining the water stopping property due to potential gaps between the mounting member and the slit in the corrugated tube.

Method used

The wire harness incorporates a route regulating member with protruding portions that contact the outer surface of a cylindrical outer member, eliminating the need for slits and enhancing the water stopping property by preventing detachment.

Benefits of technology

This configuration effectively suppresses the deterioration of the water stopping property by ensuring a secure attachment of the route regulating member to the outer member, thereby maintaining the integrity of the wire harness.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a wire harness capable of suppressing the deterioration of cut-off performance.SOLUTION: A wire harness 10 includes: an electric wire member 20; a cylindrical exterior member 30 that covers an outer circumference of the electric wire member 20; and a route-regulating member 40 that covers a part in a circumferential direction of the exterior member 30 in an outer circumference of the exterior member 30, extends along a length direction of the exterior member 30, and regulates a route in which the electric wire member 20 is arranged. The route-regulating member 40 has: an insertion port 44 that opens in a direction orthogonal to a length direction of the route-regulating member 40, extends across the entire length direction, and is configured such that the exterior member 30 can be inserted therein; a first end part 41 and a second end part 42 that are positioned on opposite sides from each other in a circumferential direction and form the insertion port 44; and a first protrusion 45 that protrudes toward the exterior member 30 from at least one inner surface of the first end part 41 and the second end part 42 and comes into contact with an outer surface of the exterior member 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wire harness. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a wire harness has been known that includes a corrugated tube that covers an outer periphery of an electric wire member, and a path restricting member that covers a portion of the circumferential direction of the corrugated tube and restricts a path along which the electric wire member is routed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The corrugated tube in the wire harness described in Patent Document 1 has a slit formed along the length direction. The path regulating member includes a path maintaining member provided along the outer periphery of the corrugated tube and an attachment member provided within the slit. The attachment member is configured to be engaged with the inner peripheral portion of the slit and the outer peripheral portion of the path maintaining member. The corrugated tube, path maintaining member, and attachment member are fixed by wrapping tape or the like to regulate the path of the electric wire member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-55760 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the wire harness described in Patent Document 1, the mounting member is provided in the slit of the corrugated tube. Therefore, a gap may be generated between the mounting member and the slit. Such a gap is not preferable in terms of improving the waterproofing property of the wire harness.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a wire harness capable of suppressing a decrease in water-stopping property. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The wire harness of the present disclosure includes an electric wire member, a tubular exterior member covering an outer periphery of the electric wire member, and a path regulating member covering a portion of the outer periphery of the exterior member in the circumferential direction of the exterior member and extending along the longitudinal direction of the exterior member to regulate a path along which the electric wire member is routed, the path regulating member having an insertion opening that opens in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the path regulating member and extends throughout the entire longitudinal direction, and configured to allow the exterior member to be inserted therein, first and second end portions that are positioned opposite each other in the circumferential direction of the path regulating member and form the insertion opening, and a protrusion that protrudes from an inner surface of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion toward the exterior member and contacts an outer surface of the exterior member. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the watertightness of the wire harness. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a wire harness according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the wire harness of the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exterior member and a path regulating member in the wire harness according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a path regulating member according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a path regulating member according to a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a path regulating member according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a path regulating member according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view showing a path regulating member according to a modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a path regulating member according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified wire harness. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a wire harness according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] A wire harness according to the present disclosure includes an electric wire member, a tubular exterior member covering an outer periphery of the electric wire member, and a path regulating member covering a circumferential portion of the outer periphery of the exterior member and extending along a longitudinal direction of the exterior member to regulate a path along which the electric wire member is routed. The path regulating member has an insertion opening that opens in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the path regulating member and extends throughout the entire longitudinal direction, and is configured to allow the exterior member to be inserted therein, a first end and a second end that are positioned opposite each other in the circumferential direction of the path regulating member and form the insertion opening, and a protrusion that protrudes from an inner surface of at least one of the first end and the second end toward the exterior member and contacts an outer surface of the exterior member.

[0011] According to this configuration, the path regulating member can be attached to the outer periphery of the exterior member through the insertion opening. Since the path regulating member has a protruding portion that protrudes from the inner surface of at least one of the first end and the second end and contacts the outer surface of the exterior member, it is possible to suppress detachment of the path regulating member from the exterior member through the insertion opening. Therefore, in order to regulate the path of the electric wire member covered by the exterior member, it is not necessary to form, for example, a slit in the exterior member for attaching the path regulating member to the exterior member. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the water stopping property of the wire harness.

[0012] [2] It is preferable that the protrusion extends in a longitudinal direction of the path control member. According to this configuration, the bending rigidity of the path regulating member can be increased. Also, according to the above configuration, the protrusion contacts the outer surface of the exterior member over a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the path regulating member. Therefore, detachment of the path regulating member from the exterior member through the insertion opening can be suppressed over a wide range.

[0013] [3] It is preferable that the protrusion extends over the entire length of the path control member. According to this configuration, the protrusion contacts the outer surface of the exterior member over the entire length of the path regulating member, thereby making it possible to prevent the path regulating member from being detached from the exterior member through the insertion opening over the entire length of the path regulating member.

[0014] [4] It is preferable that the protrusion protrudes from an inner surface of the first end and an inner surface of the second end. According to this configuration, since the protrusions are provided on both sides of the insertion opening in the circumferential direction of the path regulating member, detachment of the path regulating member from the exterior member through the insertion opening can be further suppressed.

[0015] [5] When the protrusion is a first protrusion, it is preferable that the path regulating member has a connecting portion connecting the first end and the second end, and a second protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the connecting portion toward the outer casing and contacting an outer surface of the outer casing.

[0016] According to this configuration, since the path regulating member has the second protruding portion, both the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion come into contact with the outer surface of the exterior member, so that rattling of the path regulating member with respect to the exterior member can be suppressed.

[0017] [6] It is preferable that the second protrusion extends in a longitudinal direction of the path control member. According to this configuration, the bending rigidity of the path regulating member can be increased. Also, according to the above configuration, the second protrusion contacts the outer surface of the exterior member over a wide range in the length direction of the path regulating member. Therefore, rattling of the path regulating member relative to the exterior member can be suppressed over a wide range.

[0018] [7] It is preferable that the second protrusion extends over the entire length of the path control member. According to this configuration, the second protrusion contacts the outer surface of the exterior member over the entire length of the path regulating member, which makes it possible to suppress rattling of the path regulating member relative to the exterior member over the entire length of the path regulating member.

[0019] [8] It is preferable that the path regulating portion is provided on an outer surface of the portion of the connecting portion where the second protrusion is provided, and has a groove portion extending along the second protrusion throughout the entire length of the path regulating member.

[0020] According to this configuration, the thickness of the portion of the coupling part where the second protrusion is provided is smaller than when the groove is not provided. Therefore, the coupling part is more likely to deform from the groove toward the outer periphery, and the insertion opening is more likely to widen. This makes it easier to insert the exterior member into the path regulating member through the insertion opening.

[0021] [9] It is preferable that the protrusion protrudes from an inner surface of at least one of the tip of the first end and the tip of the second end. With this configuration, for example, detachment of the path regulating member from the exterior member through the insertion port can be more effectively prevented compared to when the protrusion protrudes from the inner surface at a position slightly away from the tip of the first end or the tip of the second end.

[0022]

[10] It is preferable that a tip of the first end portion and a tip of the second end portion are curved when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the path control member. According to this configuration, since the tip of the first end and the tip of the second end are curved when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the path regulating member, the exterior member can be smoothly inserted into the path regulating member. Also, when the exterior member is inserted into the path regulating member, the exterior member is less likely to be damaged.

[0023]

[11] It is preferable that the protrusion is made of a material that is softer than other portions of the path regulating member. According to this configuration, since the protrusion is made of a material that is softer than other portions of the path regulating member, the protrusion is more likely to come into close contact with the exterior member, which makes it possible to further prevent the path regulating member from becoming detached from the exterior member.

[0024]

[12] It is preferable that the path control member is made of metal, and the protrusion is formed by bending. According to this configuration, since the path regulating member is made of metal, for example, when the path regulating member is disposed in a position close to a heat source of the vehicle, it is possible to suppress an increase in the temperature inside the exterior member and, in turn, the temperature of the electric wire member. In addition, since the protrusion is formed by bending, it is possible to easily manufacture the path regulating member having the protrusion from, for example, a metal plate material.

[0025]

[13] It is preferable that the exterior member has a flat shape, and the path control member has a flat shape that follows the shape of an outer periphery of the exterior member. According to this configuration, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained when the exterior member and the path regulating member have a flat shape.

[0026]

[14] When a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the route regulating member is defined as a first direction and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the route regulating member and the first direction is defined as a second direction, it is preferable that a dimension of the route regulating member in the first direction is longer than a dimension of the route regulating member in the second direction, and the insertion port is open in the first direction.

[0027] According to this configuration, since the insertion opening is open in the first direction, the dimension of the path regulating member in the second direction can be made shorter than in a configuration in which the insertion opening is open in the second direction. Also, compared to a configuration in which the insertion opening is open in the second direction, the insertion opening can be easily widened, making it easier to later attach the path regulating member to the exterior member through the insertion opening.

[0028]

[15] When a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the route regulating member is defined as a first direction and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the route regulating member and the first direction is defined as a second direction, it is preferable that a dimension of the route regulating member in the first direction is longer than a dimension of the route regulating member in the second direction, and the insertion port is open in the second direction.

[0029] According to this configuration, since the insertion port is open in the second direction, the dimension of the path regulating member in the first direction can be made shorter than, for example, a configuration in which the insertion port is open in the first direction. Also, for example, when the wire harness is routed to pass under the floor of the vehicle, the opening direction of the insertion port is set in the antigravity direction, so that the exterior member is prevented from falling from the path regulating member, and the wire harness can be routed suitably.

[0030]

[16] It is preferable that the exterior member is a corrugated tube that is flexible and sealed over the entire circumferential direction of the exterior member. According to this configuration, the exterior member can be deformed in accordance with the wiring path of the electric wire member. In addition, since the exterior member is sealed over the entire circumferential direction, the watertightness of the exterior member can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to improve both the wiring ease and the watertightness of the wire harness.

[0031] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the wire harness of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, some of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratio of each part may differ in each drawing. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In this specification, "orthogonal" does not only mean strictly orthogonal, but also includes approximately orthogonal within the range in which the effect of the present embodiment is achieved.

[0032] (Overall configuration of the wire harness 10) 1 electrically connects two or more electric devices. The wire harness 10 electrically connects an inverter 11 installed in the front of a vehicle V, such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, to a high-voltage battery 12 installed behind the inverter 11 on the vehicle V. The wire harness 10 is routed, for example, so as to pass under the floor of the vehicle V. For example, a middle portion of the wire harness 10 in the longitudinal direction is routed so as to pass outside the passenger compartment, such as under the floor of the vehicle V.

[0033] The inverter 11 is connected to a wheel drive motor (not shown) that serves as a power source for driving the vehicle. The inverter 11 generates AC power from DC power of a high-voltage battery 12 and supplies the AC power to the motor. The high-voltage battery 12 is, for example, a battery capable of supplying a voltage of several hundred volts.

[0034] 1 and 2, the wire harness 10 includes an electric wire member 20 that electrically connects the electric devices to each other, a cylindrical exterior member 30 that covers the outer periphery of the electric wire member 20, and a path restriction member 40 that covers the outer periphery of the exterior member 30 and restricts a path along which the electric wire member 20 is routed (hereinafter referred to as a routing path). A pair of connectors C1, C2 are attached to both ends of the electric wire member 20.

[0035] (Configuration of the electric wire member 20) The electric wire member 20 has one or more electric wires 21 and a braided member 24 that collectively covers the outer periphery of each electric wire 21. The electric wire member 20 of this embodiment has two electric wires 21. One end of the electric wire member 20 is connected to the inverter 11 via a connector C1, and the other end of the electric wire member 20 is connected to the high-voltage battery 12 via a connector C2. The electric wire member 20 is formed in an elongated shape so as to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, for example. The electric wire 21 is, for example, a high-tension electric wire that can handle high voltage and large current. The electric wire 21 may be, for example, a non-shielded electric wire that does not have an electromagnetic shield structure itself, or may be a shielded electric wire that has an electromagnetic shield structure itself.

[0036] (Configuration of electric wire 21) As shown in FIG. 2, the electric wire 21 is a covered electric wire having a core wire 22 made of a conductor and an insulating cover 23 that covers the outer periphery of the core wire 22.

[0037] (Configuration of core wire 22) The core wire 22 may be, for example, a stranded wire made of a plurality of metal wires twisted together, a columnar conductor made of a single metal rod with a solid interior, or a tubular conductor with a hollow interior. The core wire 22 may also be a combination of a plurality of types of conductors, such as a stranded wire, a columnar conductor, or a tubular conductor. Examples of columnar conductors include single-core wires and bus bars. The core wire 22 of this embodiment is a stranded wire. The material of the core wire 22 may be, for example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material.

[0038] The cross-sectional shape of the core wire 22 cut along a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the core wire 22, i.e., the length direction of the electric wire 21 (hereinafter referred to as the cross-sectional shape) can be any shape. The cross-sectional shape of the core wire 22 is formed into, for example, a circular shape, a semicircular shape, a polygonal shape, a square shape, a flat shape, etc. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the core wire 22 is formed into a circular shape.

[0039] In this specification, the term "flat shape" includes, for example, a rectangle, an oval, an ellipse, and the like. In addition, in this specification, a "rectangle" has long and short sides and excludes a square. In addition, in this specification, a "rectangle" also includes a shape with chamfered edges or a shape with rounded edges. In this specification, an "oval shape" is a shape consisting of two parallel lines of approximately equal length and two semicircles.

[0040] (Configuration of insulating coating 23) The insulating coating 23, for example, covers the entire outer periphery of the core wire 22. The insulating coating 23 is made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. As the material for the insulating coating 23, for example, a synthetic resin mainly composed of a polyolefin resin such as cross-linked polyethylene or cross-linked polypropylene can be used. Furthermore, as the material for the insulating coating 23, one type of material may be used alone, or two or more types of materials may be used in appropriate combination.

[0041] (Configuration of braided member 24) The braided member 24 is, for example, tubular and covers the outer periphery of each electric wire 21 as a whole. The braided member 24 is provided, for example, so as to cover the outer periphery of each electric wire 21 over substantially the entire length of the electric wire 21. The braided member 24 may be a braided wire in which a plurality of metal wires are woven, or a braided wire in which metal wires and resin wires are combined and woven. The material of the metal wires may be, for example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material. The resin wires may be, for example, a reinforced fiber having excellent insulation and shear resistance, such as para-aramid fiber. Although not shown in the drawings, the braided member 24 is connected to earth, for example, at each connector C1, C2, etc.

[0042] (Configuration of exterior member 30) As shown in Fig. 3, the exterior member 30 has a cylindrical shape covering the outer periphery of the electric wire member 20 over the entire circumferential direction. The exterior member 30 is sealed over the entire circumferential direction. The exterior member 30 is provided, for example, so as to cover a part of the outer periphery of the electric wire member 20 in the longitudinal direction. The exterior member 30 of this embodiment is a corrugated tube having a bellows structure in which annular convex portions 31 and annular concave portions 32 are alternately provided along the longitudinal direction. The exterior member 30 is flexible.

[0043] For example, a resin material having electrical conductivity or a resin material having no electrical conductivity can be used as the material of the exterior member 30. For example, a synthetic resin such as polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, or ABS resin can be used as the resin material.

[0044] (Configuration of the path regulating member 40) 2 and 3, the path regulating member 40 covers a part of the outer circumferential surface of the exterior member 30 in the circumferential direction of the exterior member 30 and extends along the length direction of the exterior member 30. The path regulating member 40 covers an area larger than half of the outer periphery of the exterior member 30. The path regulating member 40 of the present embodiment is attached to the outer periphery of a portion of the wiring path of the electric wire member 20, such as under the floor of the vehicle V, where the exterior member 30 extends linearly.

[0045] The path regulating member 40 may be made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene, polyamide, polyacetal, etc. The path regulating member 40 may be manufactured by a known manufacturing method such as extrusion molding or injection molding.

[0046] The path regulating member 40 has an insertion opening 44 that opens in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the path regulating member 40, a first end portion 41 and a second end portion 42 that form the insertion opening 44, and a connecting portion 43 that connects the first end portion 41 and the second end portion 42. In other words, the path regulating member 40 has the connecting portion 43 formed so as to cover a part of the circumferential direction of the exterior member 30, the first end portion 41 and the second end portion 42 provided at both ends of the connecting portion 43, and the insertion opening 44 formed by the first end portion 41 and the second end portion 42.

[0047] The first end 41 and the second end 42 are located on opposite sides to each other in the circumferential direction of the path regulating member 40. The first end 41 and the second end 42 are separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the path regulating member 40 with the insertion opening 44 therebetween.

[0048] The cross-sectional shapes of the first end 41, the second end 42, and the connecting portion 43 are arc-shaped about the central axis C. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the path regulating member 40 as a whole is substantially C-shaped. The cross-sectional shape of the path regulating member 40 is uniform throughout the entire path regulating member 40 in the longitudinal direction.

[0049] In the following description, the direction in which the central axis C of the path regulating member 40 extends will be referred to simply as the "length direction", and the circumferential direction of the path regulating member 40 about the central axis C will be referred to simply as the "circumferential direction". The insertion opening 44 extends over the entire length. The opening width of the insertion opening 44, that is, the shortest distance between the first end 41 and the second end 42, is smaller than the outer diameter of the exterior member 30.

[0050] By inserting the exterior member 30 into the insertion opening 44 from a direction perpendicular to the length direction, the path regulating member 40 is elastically deformed, and the opening width of the insertion opening 44 becomes larger. When the exterior member 30 moves into the interior of the path regulating member 40, the path regulating member 40 elastically returns to its original shape. As a result, the opening width returns to its original width, and the path regulating member 40 is attached to the exterior member 30. Note that, when the exterior member 30 is inserted into the interior of the path regulating member 40, the opening width does not necessarily return to its original width strictly, and the opening width may become slightly larger than the original width because the elastic deformation of the path regulating member 40 that attempts to return to its original shape is hindered by the exterior member 30. Also, when the exterior member 30 is inserted into the interior of the path regulating member 40, the exterior member 30 may be in a bent state, and the opening width may return to its original width. That is, the opening width when the exterior member 30 is inserted into the interior of the path regulating member 40 is determined based on the rigidity, flexibility, and the like of the exterior member 30 and the path regulating member 40. Note that Figure 2 does not strictly illustrate the bent state of the exterior member 30 and the path regulating member 40 when the exterior member 30 is inserted inside the path regulating member 40, but merely illustrates the state of the exterior member 30 and the path regulating member 40.

[0051] 4, in a front view perpendicular to the length direction, a tangent to the first end 41 passing through the central axis C is defined as a tangent T1, and a tangent to the second end 42 passing through the central axis C is defined as a tangent T2. In addition, in the above front view, an axis that is a bisector of the opening width of the insertion opening 44 and passes through the central axis C is defined as an axis L1, and an axis that is perpendicular to the axis L1 and passes through the central axis C is defined as an axis L2.

[0052] In attaching the path regulating member 40 to the exterior member 30 of this embodiment, the opening angle θ of the insertion opening 44 is preferably within a range of, for example, 60° to 120°. The opening angle θ in this embodiment is 90°. In this specification, the "opening angle θ" is the angle between the tangent line T1 and the tangent line T2 in the above-mentioned front view.

[0053] In the above-mentioned front view, the first end 41 and the second end 42 are portions of the path regulating member 40 that are located closer to the insertion opening 44 than the axis L2 in the direction in which the axis L1 extends. The connecting portion 43 is a portion of the path regulating member 40 that is located farther from the insertion opening 44 than the axis L2 in the direction in which the axis L1 extends.

[0054] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the path regulating member 40 has a pair of first protrusions 45 that protrude toward the exterior member 30 and contact the outer surface of the exterior member 30, more specifically, the outer surface of the annular protrusion 31. One of the pair of first protrusions 45 protrudes from the inner surface of the first end portion 41. The other of the pair of first protrusions 45 protrudes from the inner surface of the second end portion 42. The cross-sectional shape of the first protrusions 45 is, for example, semicircular. Each of the first protrusions 45 extends along the entire length of the path regulating member 40 in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] Each of the first protrusions 45 is provided at a position farther from the insertion opening 44 in the circumferential direction than the tip 51 of the first end 41 and the tip 52 of the second end 42. The tip 51 of the first end 41 and the tip 52 of the second end 42 are curved when viewed in the length direction of the path regulating member 40. In other words, the cross-sectional shapes of the tip 51 of the first end 41 and the tip 52 of the second end 42 are curved. More specifically, the cross-sectional shapes of the tip 51 of the first end 41 and the tip 52 of the second end 42 are semicircular.

[0056] The path regulating member 40 has a pair of second protrusions 46 that protrude toward the exterior member 30 and contact the outer surface of the exterior member 30, more specifically, the outer surface of the annular protrusion 31. Each of the second protrusions 46 protrudes from the inner surface of the connecting portion 43. The second protrusions 46 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. The cross-sectional shape of the second protrusions 46 is, for example, semicircular. The second protrusions 46 extend along the entire length of the path regulating member 40 in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 4, the first protrusion 45 provided at the first end 41 and one of the second protrusions 46 face each other in the radial direction of the path regulating member 40. More specifically, the first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 are located on opposite sides of the central axis C. Moreover, the first protrusion 45 provided at the second end 42 and the other of the second protrusions 46 face each other in the radial direction. More specifically, the first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 are located on opposite sides of the central axis C.

[0058] The amount of protrusion of each first protrusion 45 from the inner surface of the first end 41 and the inner surface of the second end 42 is the same as the amount of protrusion of each second protrusion 46 from the inner surface of the connecting portion 43. The first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 are located on the same imaginary circle VC centered on the central axis C. The imaginary circle VC shown in FIG. 4 is a circle connecting the tip ends of the first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46.

[0059] The path regulating member 40 of the present embodiment presses the outer surface of the exterior member 30 by the first protruding portions 45 and the second protruding portions 46. This prevents the path regulating member 40 from moving in the longitudinal direction relative to the exterior member 30. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the imaginary circle VC is set smaller than the diameter of the exterior member 30 so that the first protruding portions 45 and the second protruding portions 46 press the outer surface of the exterior member 30.

[0060] 2, since the first protruding portions 45 and the second protruding portions 46 contact the outer surface of the exterior member 30, gaps are generated between the inner surfaces of the first end portion 41, the second end portion 42, and the connecting portion 43 and the outer surface of the exterior member 30. The above-mentioned gaps are generated over the entire length of the path regulating member 40.

[0061] 3 and 4, the path regulating member 40 has a pair of grooves 47 provided on the outer surface of the connecting portion 43 at a portion where the second protrusions 46 are provided. Each groove 47 extends along the second protrusions 46, i.e., along the longitudinal direction, over the entire length of the path regulating member 40. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 47 is, for example, semicircular.

[0062] A thickness t1 of the portion of the connecting portion 43 where the groove portion 47 is provided is substantially the same as a thickness t2 of the other portion of the connecting portion 43. Note that the thickness t1 may be greater or smaller than the thickness t2.

[0063] The operation of this embodiment will be described. According to the wire harness 10 of the present embodiment, the path regulating member 40 can be attached to the outer periphery of the exterior member 30 through the insertion opening 44. The path regulating member 40 has a pair of first protrusions 45 that contact the outer surface of the exterior member 30, and thus can suppress detachment of the path regulating member 40 from the exterior member 30 through the insertion opening 44. Therefore, in regulating the path of the electric wire member 20 covered by the exterior member 30, for example, it is not necessary to form a slit or the like in the exterior member 30 for attaching the path regulating member 40 to the exterior member 30.

[0064] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The path regulating member 40 has a pair of first protrusions 45 that protrude from the inner surface of the first end portion 41 and the inner surface of the second end portion 42, respectively. With such a configuration, the above-mentioned effect is achieved, that is, detachment of the path regulating member 40 from the exterior member 30 can be suppressed, and the effect of eliminating the need to form a slit or the like in the exterior member 30 can be achieved, so that deterioration of the waterproofing property of the wire harness 10 can be suppressed.

[0065] (2) The first protrusion 45 extends over the entire length of the path regulating member 40. This configuration can increase the bending rigidity of the path regulating member 40. In addition, the first protrusion 45 contacts the outer surface of the exterior member 30 over the entire length of the path regulating member 40. Therefore, detachment of the path regulating member 40 from the exterior member 30 through the insertion opening 44 can be suppressed over the entire length of the path regulating member 40.

[0066] (3) The path regulating member 40 has a pair of second protruding portions 46 protruding from the inner surface of the connecting portion 43. According to this configuration, both the first protruding portions 45 and the second protruding portions 46 contact the outer surface of the exterior member 30. Therefore, rattling of the path regulating member 40 relative to the exterior member 30 can be suppressed.

[0067] (4) The second protrusion 46 extends over the entire length of the path regulating member 40. This configuration can increase the bending rigidity of the path regulating member 40. In addition, the second protrusion 46 contacts the outer surface of the exterior member 30 over the entire length of the path regulating member 40. Therefore, rattling of the path regulating member 40 relative to the exterior member 30 can be suppressed over the entire length of the path regulating member 40.

[0068] (5) The cross-sectional shape of the path regulating member 40 is uniform throughout the entire length of the path regulating member 40. With this configuration, the path regulating member 40 can be easily manufactured by using an extrusion molding machine that extrudes the raw material of the path regulating member 40 in the length direction. In addition, a single extrusion molding machine can be used to manufacture multiple types of path regulating members 40 with different dimensions in the length direction.

[0069] (6) The path regulating member 40 has a groove 47 extending along the second protrusion 46 over the entire length of the path regulating member 40. With this configuration, the thickness t1 of the portion of the connecting portion 43 where the second protrusion 46 is provided is smaller than when the groove 47 is not provided. This makes it easier for the connecting portion 43 to deform outwardly from the groove 47 as a starting point, which makes it easier for the insertion opening 44 to widen. This makes it easier to insert the exterior member 30 into the path regulating member 40 through the insertion opening 44.

[0070] (7) The exterior member 30 is a corrugated tube. With this configuration, the exterior member 30 can be deformed in accordance with the wiring path of the electric wire member 20. In addition, since the exterior member 30 is sealed over the entire circumferential direction, the watertightness of the exterior member 30 can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to improve both the wiring property and the watertightness of the wire harness 10.

[0071] (8) Since the tip 51 of the first end 41 and the tip 52 of the second end 42 are curved when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the path regulating member 40, the exterior member 30 can be smoothly inserted into the path regulating member 40. In addition, when the exterior member 30 is inserted into the path regulating member 40, the exterior member 30 is less likely to be damaged.

[0072] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0073] The exterior member 30 may be provided with a metal layer containing a metal material on the outer surface of the corrugated tube. Such a metal layer can be provided by, for example, a plating process. The metal layer is preferably provided on the entire outer surface of the annular protrusion 31 and the annular recess 32 of the corrugated tube. For the outermost surface of the metal layer, it is preferable to use a metal material such as aluminum having a low emissivity. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to suppress an increase in the temperature inside the exterior member 30, and in turn, the temperature of the electric wire member 20, caused by radiation from a heat source of the vehicle.

[0074] The exterior member 30 may have a slit extending in the length direction of the exterior member 30. In this case, the exterior member 30 may be sealed over the entire circumferential direction by, for example, wrapping tape around the outer periphery of the exterior member 30 so as to close the slit over the entire length direction of the exterior member 30. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the water-stopping property of the exterior member 30 having the slit.

[0075] At least one of the grooves 47 may be omitted. The first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 do not have to extend over the entire length of the path regulating member 40. The first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 may, for example, extend over a portion of the length of the path regulating member 40, or may extend over a portion of the circumferential direction of the path regulating member 40. Furthermore, the first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 may be, for example, a hemispherical protrusion.

[0076] The number of the first protruding portions 45 and the second protruding portions 46 can be changed as appropriate. For example, a plurality of the first protruding portions 45 may be provided at intervals from one another in the longitudinal direction or the circumferential direction, and a plurality of the second protruding portions 46 may be provided at intervals from one another in the longitudinal direction.

[0077] The positions of the first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first protrusions 45 may protrude from the tips of the first end 41 and the second end 42. In addition, the first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 do not have to be located on opposite sides of the central axis C.

[0078] The second protrusion 46 may be omitted. In this case, the outer surface of the exterior member 30 contacts the first protrusion 45 and the inner surface of the connecting portion 43. 6, the path regulating member 40 may be modified so that the second protruding portions 46 protruding from the connecting portions 43 are not included, and the cross-sectional shape of the connecting portions 43 is simply arc-shaped. In this case, the outer surface of the exterior member 30 contacts the first protruding portions 45 and the inner surface 48 of the connecting portions 43.

[0079] 6, the first protrusions 45 protrude from the inner surface at the tip 51 of the first end 41 and the tip 52 of the second end 42. According to this configuration, for example, compared to the above embodiment in which the first protrusions 45 protrude from the inner surface at a position slightly away from the tip 51 of the first end 41 or the tip 52 of the second end 42, detachment of the path regulating member 40 from the exterior member 30 through the insertion opening 44 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5, the first end 41 may have an arc portion 41a having a cross-sectional shape of an arc centered on the central axis C, and an extension portion 41b that bends from the arc portion 41a and extends toward the second end 42. Similarly, the second end 42 may have an arc portion 42a having a cross-sectional shape of an arc centered on the central axis C, and an extension portion 42b that bends from the arc portion 42a and extends toward the first end 41. The extension portions 41b, 42b extend toward each other along the axis L2. In this modification, the first protrusions 45 protrude from the inner surface of the tip of each of the extension portions 41b, 42b. The first protrusions 45 are inclined with respect to the axis L1 so as to be positioned radially outward of the path regulating member 40 as they approach the central axis C. That is, the first protrusions 45 are inclined so as to be separated from each other as they approach the central axis C. This makes it easier for the exterior member 30 to be guided into the path regulating member 40 by the first protruding portions 45 when the path regulating member 40 is attached to the exterior member 30 .

[0081] The first protrusion 45 may protrude from only one of the inner surfaces of the first end portion 41 and the second end portion 42. In this case, it is preferable that the second protrusion 46 is located on the opposite side of the central axis C from the first protrusion 45.

[0082] The path regulating member 40 may be made of a metal material such as iron, copper, aluminum, etc. In this case, the opening angle θ of the insertion opening 44 and the thickness of the path regulating member 40 may be adjusted so that the path regulating member 40 is not plastically deformed by widening the insertion opening 44.

[0083] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the path regulating member 60 may be made of metal, and the first protruding portion 61 may be formed by bending. More specifically, the path regulating member 60 is made of a metal plate material. As with the path regulating member 40 of the above embodiment, the path regulating member 60 has an insertion opening 62 that opens in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the path regulating member 60, a first end 63 and a second end 64 that form the insertion opening 62, and a connecting portion 65 that connects the first end 63 and the second end 64. In other words, the path regulating member 60 has the connecting portion 65 formed so as to cover a part of the circumferential direction of the exterior member 30, the first end 63 and the second end 64 provided at both ends of the connecting portion 65, and the insertion opening 62 formed by the first end 63 and the second end 64.

[0084] The path regulating member 60 has a first protruding portion 61 that protrudes from the inner surfaces of the first end portion 63 and the second end portion 64 toward the exterior member 30 and contacts the outer surface of the exterior member 30. The first protruding portion 61 is formed by bending. More specifically, the first protruding portion 61 is formed by being folded back from a tip 66 of the first end portion 63 and a tip 67 of the second end portion 64 and being rolled up inside the path regulating member 60.

[0085] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first protrusion 61 may be bent so as to extend circumferentially from a tip 66 of the first end 63 and a tip 67 of the second end 64 while protruding inwardly of the path regulating member 60, and then further folded back and rolled outwardly.

[0086] According to these configurations, since the path regulating member 60 is made of metal, for example, when the path regulating member 60 is disposed in a position close to a heat source of the vehicle, it is possible to suppress an increase in the temperature inside the exterior member 30 and, in turn, the temperature of the electric wire member 20. Furthermore, since the first protruding portion 61 is formed by bending, the path regulating member 60 having the first protruding portion 61 can be easily manufactured from, for example, a metal plate material.

[0087] The first protruding portion 45 of the path regulating member 40 may be made of a material that is softer than other portions of the path regulating member 40. In particular, the first protruding portion 45 may be made of a material that is softer than other portions of the path regulating member 40 in terms of Rockwell hardness, for example.

[0088] 9, the first protruding portion 45 may be made of a material softer than the other portions of the path regulating member 40, that is, the first end portion 41, the second end portion 42, and the connecting portion 43. Specifically, for example, the first end portion 41, the second end portion 42, and the connecting portion 43 may be made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene, polyamide, or polyacetal, and the first protruding portion 45 may be made of an elastomer. In this case, the path regulating member 40 may also be manufactured by a manufacturing method such as extrusion molding or injection molding.

[0089] The first protruding portion 45 may be made of rubber. The first protruding portion 45 may be provided by insert molding to a molded product having the first end portion 41, the second end portion 42, and the connecting portion 43. The first protruding portion 45 may be fixed to the molded product having the first end portion 41, the second end portion 42, and the connecting portion 43 by adhesion.

[0090] Moreover, the first protruding portion 45 may be made of a soft resin that is softer than the other portions of the path regulating member 40. In this way, since the first protrusion 45 is made of a material softer than other portions of the path regulating member 40, the first protrusion 45 can easily come into close contact with the exterior member 30. Thus, detachment of the path regulating member 40 from the exterior member 30 can be further suppressed.

[0091] The exterior member 30 may have a flat cross-sectional shape. In this case, the path regulating member 40 may have a flat shape that fits the outer periphery of the exterior member 30. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the exterior member 70 and the path regulating member 80 may have a flat shape. The exterior member 70 in this example is a corrugated tube that is rectangular when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the exterior member 70. In detail, the exterior member 70 has a pair of parallel exterior long component parts 71 and a pair of exterior short component parts 72 that are formed shorter than the exterior long component parts 71 and connect the ends of the pair of exterior long component parts 71 to each other when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the exterior member 70.

[0092] The path regulating member 80 has a pair of long component parts 81 along the respective exterior long component parts 71, and a short component part 82 that connects one ends of the pair of long component parts 81 and follows one of the exterior short component parts 72. The path regulating member 80 also has a first end part 83 and a second end part 84 that extend from the other ends of the pair of long component parts 81 in directions approaching each other, and an insertion opening 85 formed by the first end part 83 and the second end part 84. The path regulating member 80 also has a first protruding part 86 that protrudes from the inner surfaces of the first end part 83 and the second end part 84 toward the exterior member 70 and contacts the outer surface of the exterior member 70.

[0093] A direction perpendicular to the length direction of the path regulating member 80 is defined as a first direction D1. A direction perpendicular to the length direction of the path regulating member 80 and the first direction D1 is defined as a second direction D2. The dimension of the path regulating member 80 in the first direction D1 is longer than the dimension of the path regulating member 80 in the second direction D2. That is, the pair of long component parts 81 extend along the first direction D1. The short component part 82 extends along the second direction D2. The long component part 81 is longer than the short component part 82. In addition, the insertion opening 85 opens in the first direction D1. That is, the insertion opening 85 is provided on the opposite side to the short component part 82 between the pair of long component parts 81.

[0094] Even in this case, the path regulating member 80 can be later attached to the outer periphery of the exterior member 70 through the insertion port 85. This can suppress detachment of the path regulating member 80 from the exterior member 70, and also eliminates the need to form slits or the like in the exterior member 70, thereby suppressing deterioration in the watertightness of the wire harness 10.

[0095] Also, for example, the dimension of the path regulating member 80 in the second direction D2 can be made shorter than in a configuration in which the insertion opening 85 opens in the second direction D2. That is, in a configuration in which the insertion opening opens in the second direction D2, the protruding portion protrudes along the second direction D2. Therefore, the dimension of the path regulating member 80 in the second direction D2 becomes long, but this can be avoided and the dimension of the path regulating member 80 in the second direction D2 can be made short.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, compared to a configuration in which the insertion opening 85 opens in the second direction D2, this configuration makes it easier to widen the insertion opening 85 by bending the longitudinal component 81, making it easier to retrofit the path regulating member 80 to the exterior member 70 through the insertion opening 85.

[0097] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the exterior member 70 and the path regulation member 90 may have a flat shape. The path regulating member 90 in this example has a pair of short-side constituent parts 91 along each of the exterior short-side constituent parts 72, and a long-side constituent part 92 that connects one end of the pair of short-side constituent parts 91 and follows one of the exterior long-side constituent parts 71. The path regulating member 90 also has a first end part 93 and a second end part 94 that extend from the other end parts of the pair of short-side constituent parts 91 in a direction approaching each other, and an insertion opening 95 formed by the first end part 93 and the second end part 94. The path regulating member 90 also has a first protruding part 96 that protrudes from the inner surfaces of the first end part 93 and the second end part 94 toward the exterior member 70 and contacts the outer surface of the exterior member 70.

[0098] A direction perpendicular to the length direction of the path regulating member 90 is defined as a first direction D1. A direction perpendicular to the length direction of the path regulating member 90 and the first direction D1 is defined as a second direction D2. The dimension of the path regulating member 90 in the first direction D1 is longer than the dimension of the path regulating member 90 in the second direction D2. That is, the long component 92 extends along the first direction D1. The pair of short component parts 91 extend along the second direction D2. The long component part 92 is longer than the short component part 91. In addition, the insertion opening 95 opens in the second direction D2. That is, the insertion opening 95 is provided on the opposite side to the long component part 92 between the pair of short component parts 91.

[0099] Even in this manner, the path regulating member 90 can be later attached to the outer periphery of the exterior member 70 through the insertion opening 95. This can suppress detachment of the path regulating member 90 from the exterior member 70, and also eliminates the need to form slits or the like in the exterior member 70, thereby suppressing deterioration in the watertightness of the wire harness 10.

[0100] Also, for example, the dimension of the path regulating member 90 in the first direction D1 can be made shorter than in a configuration in which the insertion opening 95 opens in the first direction D1. That is, in a configuration in which the insertion opening opens in the first direction D1, the protruding portion protrudes along the first direction D1. Therefore, the dimension of the path regulating member 90 in the first direction D1 becomes long, but this can be avoided and the dimension of the path regulating member 90 in the first direction D1 can be made short.

[0101] In addition, for example, when the wire harness 10 is routed so as to pass under the floor of the vehicle V, the opening direction of the insertion port 95 is set in the anti-gravity direction, so that the exterior member 70 can be prevented from falling from the path regulating member 90, and the wire harness 10 can be routed suitably.

[0102] 10 and 11, the exterior member 70 is a corrugated tube having a rectangular shape when viewed in the length direction of the exterior member 70, but it does not have to be strictly rectangular, and may be approximately rectangular within a range in which the effects of the present embodiment can be achieved. The exterior member 70 may have another shape having a flat cross-sectional shape, for example, an elliptical cross-sectional shape. Of course, the path regulating members 80 and 90 may have another shape as long as they are flat and conform to the shape of the outer periphery of the exterior member.

[0103] 10 and 11, the electric wire 21 of the electric wire member 20 has a circular cross-sectional shape, but the electric wire 21 may have a flat cross-sectional shape. In this way, for example, it is possible to reduce the gap inside the exterior member 70. Of course, in other examples, the electric wire 21 may have a flat cross-sectional shape.

[0104] Although the path control member 40 is described as pressing the outer surface of the exterior member 30 by each of the first protrusions 45 and each of the second protrusions 46, it may be configured not to press the outer surface of the exterior member 30 as long as it is possible to regulate the path of the exterior member 30.

[0105] The electric wire member 20 may have one electric wire 21, or may have three or more electric wires 21. The electric wire member 20 may be configured so as to omit the braided member 24.

[0106] The wire harness 10 may include a plurality of path control members 40 that are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the exterior member 30 . The path regulating member 40 is not limited to being provided under the floor of the vehicle V. The path regulating member 40 may be provided, for example, inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle V, as long as it is a portion of the wiring path of the electric wire member 20 that extends in a straight line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10…Wire harness 20...Electric wire material 30…Exterior material 40...Route control member 41...First end 42…Second end 43...Connection part 44…Insertion port 45...First protrusion (protrusion) 46…Second protrusion 47…Groove 48…Inner 51...Tip of the first end 52...Tip of the second end 60...Route control member 61...First protrusion (protrusion) 62…Insertion port 63...First end 64…Second end 65...Connection part 66…Tip of the first end 67…Tip of the second end 70…Exterior material 71…Exterior longitudinal component 72…Exterior short side component 80...Route control member 81...Longitudinal component 82…Short side component 83...First end 84…Second end 85…Insertion port 86...First protrusion (protrusion) 90...Route control components 91…Short side component 92…Longitudinal component 93...First end 94…Second end 95…Insertion port 96...First protrusion (protrusion) D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction

Claims

1. An electric wire member; A cylindrical exterior member covering an outer periphery of the electric wire member; a path restriction member that covers a portion of an outer periphery of the exterior member in a circumferential direction of the exterior member and extends along a longitudinal direction of the exterior member, and restricts a path along which the electric wire member is arranged, The path regulating member is an insertion opening that opens in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the path regulating member and extends over the entire longitudinal direction of the path regulating member, and that is configured so that the exterior member can be inserted therein; a first end portion and a second end portion which are located opposite to each other in a circumferential direction of the path regulating member and form the insertion opening; a protrusion protruding from an inner surface of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion toward the exterior member and in contact with an outer surface of the exterior member, When the protrusion is a first protrusion, The path regulating member is a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion; a second protruding portion protruding from an inner surface of the connecting portion toward the exterior member and contacting an outer surface of the exterior member, The second protrusion extends over the entire length of the path regulating member, the path regulating member has a groove provided on an outer surface of a portion of the connecting portion where the second protrusion is provided, the groove extending along the second protrusion over the entire length of the path regulating member, Wire harness.

2. The protrusion extends in a longitudinal direction of the path regulating member. The wire harness according to claim 1 .

3. The protrusion extends over the entire length of the path regulating member. The wire harness according to claim 2.

4. The protrusion protrudes from an inner surface of the first end and an inner surface of the second end. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The protruding portion protrudes from an inner surface of at least one of a tip of the first end portion and a tip of the second end portion. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A tip of the first end portion and a tip of the second end portion are curved when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the path regulating member. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The protruding portion is made of a material that is softer than other portions of the path regulating member. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The path regulating member is made of metal, The protrusion is formed by bending. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The exterior member has a flat shape, The path regulating member has a flat shape that conforms to the outer periphery of the exterior member. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. When a direction perpendicular to a length direction of the path regulating member is defined as a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the path regulating member and the first direction is defined as a second direction, A dimension of the path regulating member in the first direction is longer than a dimension of the path regulating member in the second direction, The insertion opening is open in the first direction. The wire harness according to claim 9.

11. When a direction perpendicular to a length direction of the path regulating member is defined as a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the path regulating member and the first direction is defined as a second direction, A dimension of the path regulating member in the first direction is longer than a dimension of the path regulating member in the second direction, The insertion opening is open in the second direction. The wire harness according to claim 9.

12. The exterior member is a corrugated tube that is flexible and sealed over the entire circumferential direction of the exterior member. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Citation Information

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