Wire harness and wire harness system

Abstract

Even if the protector of the wire harness is not directly fixed to the fixing member, the protector of the wire harness can be supported to the fixing member. A wire harness system has a first wire harness having a first electric wire and a first protector that houses the first electric wire and is fixed to a fixing member, and a second wire harness having a second electric wire and a second protector that houses the second electric wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a prescribed portion along a length direction of the second electric wire, the second wire harness being arranged so that at least a part thereof is arranged along the fixing member in a state in which the first protector is fixed to the fixing member, the first protector having a fitting portion for fixing the first protector to the fixing member and a first linking portion for linking with the prescribed portion of the second protector, the second protector having a second linking portion at the prescribed portion, the second linking portion not being fixed to the fixing member and being linked to the first linking portion in a manner that cannot be displaced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wire harnesses and wire harness systems. Background Technology

[0002] For example, in automobiles, wiring harnesses are used to supply power from the battery to onboard devices. Patent Document 1 discloses a wiring harness that, in addition to the wires, includes a protector for housing the wires. The protector is shaped to a predetermined form to route the wires along a fixed component such as a vehicle body panel along a desired path. The protector is fixed to the vehicle body panel using bolts.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-115708 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Patent Document 1 Figure 2 A configuration is disclosed in which two wire harnesses are arranged along a vehicle body panel (fixing member). To secure a protector for one wire harness to the vehicle body panel using bolts, a hole is provided in the vehicle body panel through which the bolts pass. To secure a protector for the other wire harness to the vehicle body panel using bolts, a hole is provided in the vehicle body panel through which the bolts pass.

[0008] Because the wiring harness is installed in a confined space, depending on the location, it is sometimes impossible to install a structure (such as a bracket) for fixing the protector to the vehicle body panel. Furthermore, although holes are provided in the body panel to secure the protector with bolts, these holes become a source of water and sound intrusion into the vehicle interior. Therefore, it is sometimes desirable to minimize the number of holes used to fix the protector.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a wiring harness and a wiring harness system having the wiring harness such that the protector can be supported on the fixed component even without being directly fixed to the vehicle body panel or other fixed component.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] One aspect of the wire harness system disclosed herein includes a first wire harness and a second wire harness. The first wire harness has a first wire and a first protector. The first protector houses the first wire and is fixed to a fixing member. The second wire harness has a second wire and a second protector. The second protector houses the second wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined portion along the length of the second wire. The second wire harness is arranged such that at least a portion thereof is arranged along the fixing member with the first wire harness. The first protector has an assembly portion for fixing the first protector to the fixing member and a first connecting portion for connecting to the predetermined portion of the second protector. The second protector has a second connecting portion at the predetermined portion. The second connecting portion is not fixed to the fixing member and is connected to the first connecting portion in a non-displaceable manner.

[0012] One aspect of this disclosure involves a wire harness arranged at least partially with a counterpart wire harness along a fixing member. The counterpart wire harness has a counterpart protector that houses the counterpart wire and is fixed to the fixing member. The wire harness has a wire and a protector. The protector houses the wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined location along the length of the wire. The protector has a connecting portion at the predetermined location that is not fixed to the fixing member and is connected to the counterpart connecting portion of the counterpart protector in a non-displaceable manner.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to this disclosure, even if the protector of the wiring harness is not directly fixed to a fixed component such as a vehicle body panel, the protector can be supported on the fixed component. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the wire harness system of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the first protector, including the first base, the first connecting portion, and its surrounding area.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the first protector, including the first base, the first connecting portion, and its surrounding area.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the second protector, including the second base, the second connecting portion, and its surrounding area.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the second protector, including the second base, the second connecting portion, and its surrounding area.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting structure and its surroundings from above.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the state before the first connecting part and the second connecting part are connected.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the completed connection state of the first connecting part and the second connecting part.

[0023] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state just before the connection between the first and second connecting parts is completed.

[0024] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the completed connection state of the first connecting part and the second connecting part. Detailed Implementation

[0025] <Summary of embodiments of this disclosure>

[0026] The following is a summary of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] (1) The wiring harness system of this embodiment includes a first wiring harness and a second wiring harness. The first wiring harness has a first wire and a first protector. The first protector houses the first wire and is fixed to a fixing member. The second wiring harness has a second wire and a second protector. The second protector houses the second wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined portion along the length direction of the second wire. The second wiring harness is arranged such that at least a portion thereof is arranged along the fixing member with the first wiring harness. The first protector has an assembly portion for fixing the first protector to the fixing member and a first connecting portion for connecting to the predetermined portion of the second protector. The second protector has a second connecting portion at the predetermined portion. The second connecting portion is not fixed to the fixing member and is connected to the first connecting portion in a non-displaceable manner.

[0028] According to the wiring harness system of this embodiment, the second protector of the second wiring harness is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined location, but is connected to the first protector fixed to the fixing member. Furthermore, the second connection portion of the second protector is connected to the first connection portion of the first protector in a non-displaceable manner. Therefore, even if the second protector is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined location, it can still be indirectly supported by the fixing member using the first protector.

[0029] (2) Furthermore, the connecting structure portion formed by the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is provided at the approach portion, which gradually approaches the separation portion from the first protector and the second protector. With this configuration, the connecting structure portion can be made smaller. The support rigidity of the first protector to the second protector is improved.

[0030] (3) In the wiring harness of (2), the load acting on the second protector is transferred to the first protector through the connecting structure, and further, the load is transferred to the fixing member through the assembly of the first protector. Therefore, it is preferable that the connecting structure is located near the assembly. With this configuration, the first protector bears and supports the load acting on the second protector, but the burden can be reduced.

[0031] (4) Alternatively, the second wire may be a wire used for a higher voltage than the first wire.

[0032] (5) Furthermore, in the wiring harness system of (4), it is preferable that the first protector has a first main body portion disposed along and housing the first wire, and a first base portion disposed protruding from the first main body portion toward the second protector side, with the first connecting portion disposed on the second protector side of the first base portion. According to this configuration, a certain degree of spacing can be provided between the first wire and the second wire via the first base portion. Noise that may be generated in the first wire can be suppressed by using the high-voltage second wire.

[0033] (6) In addition, in the wire harness system of (5), it is preferred that the first base has: an opposing wall portion opposite to the outer wall of the first main body portion, and a first connecting portion is provided thereon; and a pair of side walls connecting the outer wall and the opposing wall portion, and the first base has a hollow structure with an opening on at least one side, and the first base further has a reinforcing portion connecting the outer wall and the opposing wall portion and being disposed between the pair of side walls.

[0034] According to this configuration, because the first base has a hollow structure, the increase in the weight of the first protector can be suppressed. The rigidity of the base, which is a hollow structure, is ensured by the reinforcing part, thereby improving the supporting rigidity of the first protector for the second protector.

[0035] (7) In addition, preferably, when the direction in which the first protector and the second protector are arranged at the specified location is defined as the left and right direction, one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has a pair of first engaging claws disposed in the orthogonal direction of the left and right direction, and the other of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has a second engaging claw that cannot be separated in the left and right direction and the orthogonal direction when engaged with the pair of first engaging claws.

[0036] According to this configuration, when a pair of first and second engaging claws are engaged, the first and second protectors are inseparably connected in the left-right direction and in their orthogonal direction.

[0037] (8) In addition, in the wire harness system of (7), it is preferable that, when the orthogonal direction parallel to the length direction of the first wire or the second wire at the specified location is defined as the front-back direction, and the direction orthogonal to the left-right direction and the front-back direction is defined as the up-down direction, the second connecting part has a guide groove for connecting with the first connecting part. The guide groove is used to move in the up-down direction by being guided by the pair of first engaging claws. The first connecting part or the second connecting part further has a locking part for preventing the movement of the second connecting part by means of the guide groove when the pair of first engaging claws and the second engaging claws are engaged.

[0038] According to this configuration, by moving the second protector relative to the first protector in the vertical direction, a pair of first and second engaging claws engage. Furthermore, in these engaged states, the locking part maintains the engagement of the pair of first and second engaging claws. As a result, the first and second protectors are inseparably connected in the left-right, front-back, and vertical directions.

[0039] (9) In this embodiment, the wire harness is arranged along a fixing member with at least a portion of the other wire harness. The other wire harness has a other protector. The other protector houses the other wire and is fixed to the fixing member. The wire harness has a wire and a protector. The protector houses the wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined location along the length of the wire. The protector has a connecting portion at the predetermined location. The connecting portion is not fixed to the fixing member and is connected to the other connecting portion of the other protector in a non-displaceable manner.

[0040] According to the wiring harness of this embodiment, the protector is not fixed to the fixing member at a specified location, but is connected to a counterpart protector that is fixed to the fixing member. Furthermore, the connecting portion of the protector is connected to the counterpart connecting portion of the counterpart protector in a non-displaceable manner. Therefore, even if the protector is not fixed to the fixing member at a specified location, it is indirectly supported by the counterpart protector on the fixing member.

[0041] (10) Furthermore, preferably, the protector has a main body portion that is disposed along the wire and houses the wire, and a base portion that protrudes from the main body portion toward the other protector side. With this configuration, the base portion allows for a certain degree of spacing between the wire and the other wire. This suppresses noise that may be generated between the wire and the other wire. It is particularly suitable for cases where the wire is a high-voltage wire.

[0042] (11) In addition, preferably, the protector has a base at the specified location and on the side of the fixing member that can contact the fixing member.

[0043] According to this configuration, the protector supported by the opposing protector is stable. In particular, when the protector is about to shift towards the fixed member by applying an external force at a designated location, the base contacts the fixed member, and the protector is supported. As a result, the load on the connecting structure formed by the connecting part and the opposing connecting part under the external force is reduced, and damage to the connecting structure can be prevented.

[0044] (12) In addition, it is preferable that the second engaging claw is provided, and when the direction in which the opposite protector and the protector are arranged at the specified location is defined as the left and right direction, the second engaging claw can engage with a pair of first engaging claws provided in the orthogonal direction of the opposite connecting part in the left and right direction, and cannot be separated in the left and right direction and the orthogonal direction when engaged with the pair of first engaging claws.

[0045] According to this configuration, when a pair of first and second engaging claws are engaged, the opposing protector and the protector are inseparably connected in the left-right direction and in their orthogonal direction.

[0046] (13) In addition, in the wire harness of (12), it is preferable that, when the orthogonal direction parallel to the length direction of the other wire harness or the wire harness at the specified location is defined as the front-back direction, and the direction orthogonal to the left-right direction and the front-back direction is defined as the up-down direction, the connecting part has a guide groove for connecting with the other connecting part. The guide groove is used to move in the up-down direction by being guided by the pair of first engaging claws. The connecting part further has a locking part for preventing the moving of the connecting part by means of the guide groove when the pair of first engaging claws and the second engaging claw are engaged.

[0047] According to this configuration, by moving the protector relative to the other protector in the vertical direction, a pair of first and second engaging claws engage. Furthermore, in these engaged states, the locking mechanism maintains the engagement of the pair of first and second engaging claws. As a result, the other protector and the protector are inseparably connected in the left-right, front-back, and vertical directions.

[0048] <Details of the embodiments of this disclosure>

[0049] Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0050] [Regarding the wire harness system]

[0051] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the wiring harness system 10 according to this embodiment. The wiring harness system 10 can be mounted on various devices, and in this embodiment, it is mounted on an automobile. The wiring harness system 10 includes a first wiring harness 11 and a second wiring harness 12. The first wiring harness 11 and the second wiring harness 12 are used to supply power from the battery to each vehicle-mounted device. In this embodiment, the first wiring harness 11 is a low-voltage wiring harness, which, although not shown, connects a first battery (e.g., a 12-volt battery) to a first vehicle-mounted device. The second wiring harness 12 is a high-voltage wiring harness, which, although not shown, connects a second battery (e.g., a 24-volt battery) to a second vehicle-mounted device.

[0052] The first wiring harness 11 has a first wire 13 and a first protector 14 for housing and protecting the first wire 13. The first protector 14 is shaped to a predetermined form for routing the first wire 13 along a desired path along the vehicle body panel (fixed member) 7. The second wiring harness 12 has a second wire 15 and a second protector 16 for housing and protecting the second wire 15. The second protector 16 is shaped to a predetermined form for routing the second wire 15 along a desired path along the vehicle body panel 7.

[0053] The first wiring harness 11 and the second wiring harness 12 are arranged along the body panel 7. Further, in Figure 1 In the arrangement shown, the first wiring harness 11 and the second wiring harness 12 are respectively arranged facing the vehicle body panel 7 along their entire length. The first wiring harness 11 and the second wiring harness 12 are arranged in a close proximity state in two locations and in a back-to-back state in two locations. That is, the wiring harness system 10 has a first proximity portion 17 and a second proximity portion 19 where the first wiring harness 11 and the second wiring harness 12 are close together, and a first back-to-back portion 18 and a second back-to-back portion 20 where the first wiring harness 11 and the second wiring harness 12 are back-to-back.

[0054] From one side of the length direction of the second wire harness 12 (in) Figure 1 The middle is the lower left side) facing the other side (in Figure 1 The first approach portion 17, the first diverging portion 18, the second approach portion 19, and the second diverging portion 20 are arranged sequentially on the upper right side. In addition, the first wiring harness 11 and the second wiring harness 12 can be in a shape other than the lines shown in the figure, as long as the first wiring harness 11 and the second wiring harness 12 are arranged such that at least a portion of them are arranged along the body panel 7.

[0055] The first wire 13 is composed of one or more wires. The second wire 15 is composed of one or more wires. The first wire 13 is a low-voltage wire, and the second wire 15 is a high-voltage wire carrying a higher voltage current than the first wire 13. Both ends of the first wire 13 protrude from the first protector 14. The first protector 14 has a portion wall 65 protruding from its ends. The portion wall 65 is arranged along the exposed first wire 13. The first wire 13 and the portion wall 65 are wrapped together with tape and fixed to the first protector 14.

[0056] Both ends of the second wire 15 protrude from the second protector 16, but corrugated tubes 9 are connected to both sides of the second protector 16 along its length, and the second wire 15 passes through the corrugated tubes 9. The two ends of the second protector 16 have an enlarged shape for connecting the corrugated tubes 9. In the second protector 16, the enlarged portion as described above is provided with a second base 34, which will be described later.

[0057] The second protector 16 has a portion of wall 66 protruding from its end. The portion of wall 66 is arranged along the corrugated tube 9 that covers the second wire 15. The corrugated tube 9 and the portion of wall 66 are wrapped together with tape and secured to the second protector 16.

[0058] The first protector 14 is made of synthetic resin and extends along the length of the first wire 13. The first protector 14 has a first housing portion 21 with a U-shaped cross-section and a first cover portion 22 fitted onto the first housing portion 21. The first wire 13 passes through the internal space formed between the first housing portion 21 and the first cover portion 22. The first housing portion 21 and the first cover portion 22 form a first main body portion 31 for housing the first wire 13, and the first main body portion 31 is arranged along the routing path of the first wire 13.

[0059] The first protector 14 is located in multiple parts (in... Figure 1 The first protector 14 is fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 in two parts. Therefore, the first protector 14 has a first bracket portion 23 provided on one side of its length direction and a second bracket portion 24 provided on the other side of its length direction. The first bracket 23 and the second bracket 24 are integrally formed with the first housing portion 21.

[0060] The first protector 14 is directly fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 using the first bracket portion 23 and the second bracket 24. A hole is formed in the vehicle body panel 7 for this fixing. The first bracket portion 23 and the second bracket 24 have either a first fixing structure or a second fixing structure, which will be described next, to fix the first protector 14 to the vehicle body panel 7. The first fixing structure has a clip that fits into the hole with elastic deformation. The second fixing structure has a bolt passing through the hole and a nut fastened to the bolt.

[0061] The first protector 14 further has a first connecting portion 25 for connecting with the second protector 16. The specific configuration of the first connecting portion 25 will be described later. The first support portion 23 and the first connecting portion 25 are provided in the first proximity portion 17. In addition, the second support portion 24 and the third support portion 28 of the second protector 16 (described later) are provided in the second separation portion 20.

[0062] As described above, the first protector 14 has a first bracket portion 23 and a second bracket portion 24 serving as mounting portions for fixing the first protector 14 to the vehicle body panel 7. Furthermore, the first protector 14 has a first connecting portion 25 for connecting to a portion of a predetermined portion 29 of the second protector 16. The predetermined portion 29 is included in the first proximity portion 17.

[0063] The second protector 16 is made of synthetic resin and extends along the second wire 15. The second protector 16 has a second housing portion 26 with a U-shaped cross-section and a second cover portion 27 fitted onto the second housing portion 26. The second wire 15 passes through the internal space formed between the second housing portion 26 and the second cover portion 27. The second housing portion 26 and the second cover portion 27 form a second main body portion 32 for housing the second wire 15, and the second main body portion 32 is arranged along the routing path of the second wire 15.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second protector 16 is fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at one location. Therefore, the second protector 16 has a third bracket portion 28 disposed on the other side in its longitudinal direction. The third bracket 28 is integrally formed with the second housing portion 26.

[0065] Using the third bracket portion 28, a portion of the second protector 16 is directly fixed to the vehicle body panel 7. A hole is formed in the vehicle body panel 7 for this fixing. The third bracket portion 28 has either the first structural structure or the second fixing structure described above for fixing the second protector 16 to the vehicle body panel 7. Figure 1 In the manner shown, the first bracket portion 23 is fixed to the flat portion of the vehicle body panel 7, and the second bracket portion 24 and the third bracket portion 28 are fixed to the crossbeam 7a of the vehicle body panel 7 that protrudes from the flat portion.

[0066] The second protector 16 is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 on one side of its length direction. That is, the second protector 16 is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at a designated location 29 on one side of its length direction. This designated location 29 of the second protector 16 is indirectly fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 by being supported by the first connecting portion 25 of the first protector 14, which is fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 by the first bracket portion 23. Therefore, the second protector 16 has a second connecting portion 30 at the designated location 29. The second connecting portion 30 is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 but is connected to the first connecting portion 25 in a non-displaceable manner. The specific configuration of the second connecting portion 30 will be explained later.

[0067] A connecting structure portion 40, consisting of a first connecting portion 25 and a second connecting portion 30, is provided at a first approach portion 17 where the first protector 14 and the second protector 16 gradually approach each other from the first departing portion 18. In other words, the connecting structure portion 40 is included within the first approach portion 17. Furthermore, when the direction in which the first protector 14 and the second protector 16 are arranged at a predetermined location 29 included in the first approach portion 17 is defined as the left-right direction, a first support portion 23 is provided on one side of the first protector 14 in the left-right direction, and the connecting structure portion 40 is provided on the other side of the first protector 14 in the left-right direction.

[0068] Furthermore, the connecting structure portion 40 is disposed near the first support portion 23. The connecting structure portion 40 only needs to be disposed near the first support portion 23, and it is sufficient that both the connecting structure portion 40 and the first support portion 23 are disposed within the range of the first proximity portion 17. In other words, the "proximity" range can be defined as the case where the connecting structure portion 40 and the first support portion 23 are disposed in the same proximity portion (first proximity portion 17).

[0069] Here, directions are defined in this disclosure. As described above, the direction in which the first protector 14 and the second protector 16 are arranged in a predetermined portion 29, which is included in the first proximity portion 17 and where the second protector 16 is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7, is defined as the "left-right direction". Furthermore, the direction parallel to the length direction of the first wire 13 or the second wire 15 on the predetermined portion 29 is defined as the "front-back direction". The direction orthogonal to the left-right and front-back directions is defined as the "up-down direction". In this embodiment, a wiring harness system 10 is provided on the vehicle body panel 7. Furthermore, in the first wiring harness 11, the first housing portion 21 is at the bottom and the first cover 22 is at the top; in the second wiring harness 12, the second housing portion 26 is at the top and the second cover 27 is at the bottom, but these housing portions and covers can also be reversed vertically.

[0070] [Specific composition of connecting structure 40]

[0071] As described above, the first protector 14 has a first main body portion 31 for receiving the first wire 13. The first protector 14 further has a first base portion 33 that protrudes from the first main body portion 31 toward the second protector 16 side. A first connecting portion 25 is provided in the first base portion 33 on the second protector 16 side. Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the first protector 14, including the first base 33, the first connecting portion 25, and its surrounding area. Figure 2 This is a 3D view taken from above. Figure 3 This is a 3D view taken from below.

[0072] The first base 33 has: a first opposing wall portion 36, opposing the outer wall 35 of the first main body portion 31; and a pair of first side walls 37, 37, connecting the outer wall 35 and the first opposing wall portion 36. The first base 33 further has an upper wall 38, which encloses the space surrounded by the outer wall 35, the first opposing wall portion 36, and the pair of side walls 37, 37. The first base 33 has a hollow structure with an opening at the bottom. Alternatively, the upper wall 38 may be omitted, and the first base 33 has a hollow structure with at least one opening in the vertical direction. A first connecting portion 25 is provided in the first opposing wall portion 36. The first base 33 further has a reinforcing portion 39, which connects the outer wall 35 and the first opposing wall portion 36, and is disposed between the pair of side walls 37, 37 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0073] exist Figure 1 As described above, the second protector 16 has a second main body portion 32 for receiving the second wire 15. The second protector 16 further has a second base portion 34 protruding from the second main body portion 32 toward the first protector 14. A second connecting portion 30 is provided in the second base portion 34 on the first protector 14 side. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the second protector 16, including the second base 34, the second connecting portion 30, and its surrounding area. Figure 4 This is a 3D view taken from above. Figure 5 This is a 3D view taken from below.

[0074] The second base 34 has: a second opposing wall portion 46, opposing the outer wall 45 of the second main body portion 32; and a pair of second side walls 47, 47, connecting the outer wall 45 and the second opposing wall portion 46. The second base 34 further has a lower wall 48 (see reference). Figure 5The lower wall 48 is enclosed by the space surrounded by the outer wall 45, the second opposing wall portion 46, and a pair of second side walls 47, 47. The second base 34 has a hollow structure with an opening at the top. Alternatively, the lower wall 48 may be omitted, and the second base 34 may have a hollow structure with at least one opening in the vertical direction. A second connecting portion 30 is provided in the second opposing wall portion 46.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting structure 40 and its surroundings from above. (See image.) Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the first connecting portion 25 has a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 separated in the front-rear direction from the first opposing wall portion 36. Each first engaging claw 41 has a first post portion 51 and a first claw portion 52. The first post portion 51 protrudes from the first opposing wall portion 36 in the left-right direction and is longer in the vertical direction. The first claw portion 52 protrudes from the first post portion 51 in the front-rear direction and is longer in the vertical direction. The first connecting portion 25 has a guide groove 53 between the first claw portion 52 and the first opposing wall portion 36, with the vertical direction as the groove length direction.

[0076] In the first opposing wall portion 36, a raised portion 54 is provided between a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 (see reference). Figure 3 The raised portion 54 has a contact surface 54b as the lower side facing the body panel 7. The structure and function of the raised portion 54 will be explained later.

[0077] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the second connecting portion 30 has a pair of second engaging claws 42, 42 that engage with the first engaging claws 41, 41. The pair of second engaging claws 42, 42 are separated in the front-rear direction and disposed on the second opposing wall portion 46. The second engaging claw 42 has a second post portion 56 and a second claw portion 57. The second post portion 56 protrudes from the second opposing wall portion 46 in the left-right direction and is longer in the vertical direction. The second claw portion 57 protrudes from the second post portion 56 in the front-rear direction and is longer in the vertical direction. The second connecting portion 30 has a guide groove 58 between the second claw portion 57 and the second opposing wall portion 46, with the vertical direction as the groove length direction.

[0078] In the second opposing wall portion 46, a locking portion 59 is provided between a pair of second engaging claws 42, 42 (see reference). Figure 3 The structure and function of the locking unit 59 will be explained later.

[0079] Figure 6The diagram shows the engaged states of the first engaging claws 41, 41 and the second engaging claws 42, 42. In these engaged states, the first claw portion 52 of the first engaging claw 41 is inserted into the guide groove 58 of the second connecting portion 30, and the second claw portion 57 of the second engaging claw 42 is inserted into the guide groove 53 of the first connecting portion 25. When the first engaging claws 41, 41 and the second engaging claws 42, 42 are engaged, the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30 cannot be separated in the left-right direction and the orthogonal direction.

[0080] Thus, the first connecting portion 25 has a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 that are separated in the front-rear direction. The second connecting portion 30 has a pair of second engaging claws 42, 42 that cannot be separated in the left-right and front-rear directions when engaged with the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the second engaging claws 42, 42 are disposed between the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 has been described, but these configurations can also be reversed. That is, the second connecting portion 30 has a pair of first engaging claws that are separated in the front-rear direction, and the first connecting portion 25 may also have second engaging claws that cannot be separated in the left-right and front-rear directions when engaged with these pairs of first engaging claws.

[0081] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the state before the first connecting part 25 and the second connecting part 30 are connected. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the completed connection between the first connecting part 25 and the second connecting part 30. (As shown) Figure 7 As shown, the second protector 16 is moved vertically (downward) closer to the first protector 14. Consequently, the first engaging claws 41, 41 engage with the guided grooves 58, 58 of the second engaging claws 42, 42. By further moving the second protector 16 downward, the engagement of the first engaging claws 41, 41 with the guided grooves 58, 58 continues, and the lower walls 55 of the second engaging claws 42, 42 and the first engaging claws 41, 41 (see reference) are connected. Figure 3 The two parts are in contact, preventing further movement. This state constitutes the completed connection state of the first connecting part 25 and the second connecting part 30 (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0082] Thus, the second connecting part 30 has guide grooves 58, 58. In order to connect the first connecting part 25 and the second connecting part 30, the guide grooves 58, 58 are guided by a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41, thereby enabling the second connecting part 30 to move in the vertical direction.

[0083] Figure 9This is a cross-sectional view showing the state just before the connection between the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30 is completed, viewed from the front-rear direction. As described above, a locking portion 59 is provided in the second opposing wall portion 46. The locking portion 59 is composed of a base portion 59a extending from the second opposing wall portion 46 in a left-right direction and an elastic sheet portion 59b extending from the base portion 59a in an upward-downward direction. The elastic sheet portion 59b has a stop surface 59c on its top end side. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the completed connection state. In the completed connection state, the stop surface 59c is in contact with the contact surface 54b of the raised portion 54.

[0084] The raised portion 54 has an inclined surface 54a that increases in height as it descends. The elastic sheet portion 59b has an inclined surface 59d that moves closer to the side of the second opposing wall portion 46 as it descends.

[0085] When the second protector 16 is moved upwards and downwards (downwards) and approaches the first protector 14 (refer to...) Figure 9 The inclined surface 59d of the elastic piece 59b quickly contacts the inclined surface 54a of the raised portion 54, causing the elastic piece 59b to elastically deform. Further movement occurs as approximately the entire elastic piece 59b passes the raised portion 54, at which point the elastic piece 59b shifts towards the first protector 14 due to its elastic restoring force. This state represents the completed connection state (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0086] In the connected state, the stop surface 59c of the elastic piece 59b can contact the contact surface 54b of the raised portion 54, and further, the lower end 42a of the second engaging claw 42 can contact the lower wall 55 of the first engaging claw 41. That is, the locking portion 59 and the lower part of the second engaging claw 42 are clamped between the raised portion 54 and the lower wall 55 of the first engaging claw 41 in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the connected state, the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30 cannot be separated in the vertical direction.

[0087] Furthermore, the configuration of the locking part 59 and the raised part 54 can be reversed, or the first connecting part 25 can have a locking part, and the second connecting part 30 can have a raised part that engages with the locking part.

[0088] like Figure 1 As shown, the second protector 16 has a base 60 at a designated location 29 that can contact the vehicle body panel 7. In this embodiment, the second cover 27, which is fitted to the second housing portion 26 with a U-shaped cross-section, is located on the side of the vehicle body panel 7. Therefore, the base 60 is provided as part of the second cover 27. Figure 5As shown, the base 60 is provided such that it protrudes downward from the plane 27a, which becomes the lower surface of the second cover 27, to the side of the vehicle body panel 7. When the first connecting part 25 and the second connecting part 30 are connected, the bottom surface (seat surface) 60a of the lower side of the base 60 can contact the vehicle body panel 7.

[0089] [Regarding the wiring harness system 10 of this embodiment]

[0090] As described above, the wiring harness system 10 of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 The device shown includes a first wiring harness 11 and a second wiring harness 12, with at least a portion of the second wiring harness 12 arranged along the body panel 7 along with the first wiring harness 11. The first wiring harness 11 has a first protector 14 that houses a first wire 13 and is fixed to the body panel 7. The second wiring harness 12 has a second protector 16 that houses a second wire 15 and is not fixed to the body panel 7 at a predetermined portion 29 along the length of the second wire 15. The first protector 14 has a first bracket portion 23 serving as a mounting portion for fixing the first protector 14 to the body panel 7, and a first connecting portion 25 for connecting to the predetermined portion 29 of the second protector 16. The second protector 16 has a second connecting portion 30 at the predetermined portion 29, which is not fixed to the body panel 7 but connected to the first connecting portion 25.

[0091] According to the wiring harness system 10 of this embodiment, the second protector 16 of the second wiring harness 12 is not fixed to the body panel 7 at a designated location 29, but is connected to the first protector 14 fixed to the body panel 7. Furthermore, the second connecting portion 30 of the second protector 16 is connected to the first connecting portion 25 of the first protector 14 in a non-displaceable manner. Therefore, even though the second protector 16 is not fixed to the body panel 7 at the designated location 29, it is indirectly supported on the body panel 7 by means of the first protector 14.

[0092] When a hole is provided in the body panel 7, the hole becomes a cause for water and sound to enter the vehicle interior. In this embodiment, because the second protector 16 is not directly fixed to the body panel 7 at a designated location 29, the hole for mounting the second protector 16 can be reduced in the body panel 7, thereby suppressing the reduction in waterproof performance and noise reduction performance.

[0093] When focusing on the second wiring harness 12, it is arranged, at least partially, with the counterpart wiring harness along the vehicle body panel 7. The counterpart wiring harness has a counterpart protector that houses the counterpart wire and is fixed to the vehicle body panel 7. For the second wiring harness 12, the first wiring harness 11 becomes the counterpart wiring harness, the first wire 13 becomes the counterpart wire, and the first protector 14 becomes the counterpart protector. The second wiring harness 12 has a second protector 16 that houses the second wire 15 and is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at a designated location 29. The second protector 16 has a second connecting portion 30 that is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at the designated location 29 but is connected in a non-displaceable manner to the counterpart connecting portion of the counterpart protector. For the second connecting portion 30, the first connecting portion 25 becomes the counterpart connecting portion.

[0094] In this embodiment, the connecting structure portion 40, composed of the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30, is provided at the first approach portion 17, which gradually approaches the first diverging portion 18, which is separated from the first protector 14 and the second protector 16. Therefore, the connecting structure portion 40 can be made smaller. By shortening the connecting structure portion 40 in the left-right direction, the support rigidity of the first protector 14 on the second protector 16 is improved.

[0095] The load acting on the second protector 16 is transferred to the first protector 14 via the connecting structure 40. Furthermore, this load is transmitted to the vehicle body panel 7 via the first bracket portion 23 of the first protector 14. Therefore, the connecting structure 40 is located near the first bracket portion 23. With this configuration, the first protector 14 bears and supports the load acting on the second protector 16, but the load is reduced.

[0096] The first protector 14 has a first base 33 that protrudes from the first main body 31, which houses the first wire 13, toward the second protector 16. A first connecting portion 25 is provided on the second protector 16 side of the first base 33. With this configuration, a certain degree of spacing can be provided between the first wire 13 and the second wire 15 via the first base 33. The second protector 16 has a second base 34 that protrudes from the second main body 32, which houses the second wire 15, toward the first protector 14. With this configuration, a certain degree of spacing can be provided between the first wire 13 and the second wire 15 via the first base 33. Therefore, noise that may be generated by the first wire 13 can be suppressed by using the high-voltage second wire 15.

[0097] like Figure 3As shown, the first base 33 has a hollow structure and further includes a reinforcing portion 39. The reinforcing portion 39 connects the outer wall 35 of the first main body 31 and the first opposing wall portion 36, and is disposed between a pair of first side walls 37, 37. Because the first base 33 has a hollow structure, the weight increase of the first protector 14 can be suppressed. The rigidity of the first base 33, which is a hollow structure, is ensured by the reinforcing portion 39, thereby improving the support rigidity of the first protector 14 for the second protector 16.

[0098] Furthermore, a reinforcing portion 39 is provided between the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 that form the first connecting portion 25 in the first opposing wall portion 36. As a result, the rigidity of the connecting structure portion 40 is increased.

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown, the second protector 16 has a base 60 at a designated location 29 on the side of the vehicle body panel 7, which can contact the vehicle body panel 7. The second protector 16, supported by the first protector 14, is stable due to the base 60. Specifically, when the second protector 16 is about to shift towards the vehicle body panel 7 by applying an external force at the designated location 29, the base 60 contacts the vehicle body panel 7, and the second protector 16 is supported. As a result, the load on the connecting structure 40 under the external force is reduced, and damage to the connecting structure 40 is prevented.

[0100] In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 25 has a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 arranged in the front-rear direction. The second connecting portion 30 has second engaging claws 42, 42 disposed between the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41. When the second engaging claws 42, 42 engage with the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41, they cannot be separated from each other in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction. According to this configuration, the first protector 14 and the second protector 16 are connected in a way that prevents them from being separated in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction.

[0101] like Figure 7 As shown, the second connecting portion 30 has guide grooves 58, 58. These guide grooves 58, 58 are guided by a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 to connect the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30, thereby allowing the second connecting portion 30 to move in the vertical direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the second connecting part 30 has a locking part 59, and the locking part 59 has an elastic piece part 59b. When the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 and second engaging claws 42, 42 are engaged, the locking part 59 prevents the second connecting part 30 from moving using the guide grooves 58, 58.

[0102] With this configuration, in order to connect the first connecting part 25 and the second connecting part 30, the second protector 16 is moved relative to the first protector 14 in the vertical direction (lower in this embodiment), thereby engaging a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 and second engaging claws 42, 42. Furthermore, in these engaged states, the locking part 59 can maintain the engaged state. As a result, the first protector 14 and the second protector 16 are inseparably connected not only in the left-right and front-back directions but also in the vertical direction.

[0103] [Regarding other matters]

[0104] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the second protector 16 is directly fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at one location using the third bracket portion 28, and supported to the first protector 14 at another location using the connecting structure portion 40. Although not shown, the second protector 16 may also be supported to the first protector 14 at multiple locations (two locations) using the connecting structure portion 40. Furthermore, the second protector 16 may be supported by the first protector 14 at more than one location (e.g., three or more locations).

[0105] In the described embodiment, the case where the first protector 14 has a first base 33 and the second protector 16 has a second base 34 is described, but one or both of the first base 33 and the second base 34 may be omitted.

[0106] The example described involves connecting the second protector 16 relative to the first protector 14 by moving it vertically. However, it is also possible to connect them by moving the second protector 16 with a component in the front-back direction. In this case, the guide groove 53 and the guided groove 58 can be configured such that the groove length direction is not vertical, but rather has a component in the front-back direction. The first engaging claw 41 and the second engaging claw 42 can also have configurations different from those shown in the figure.

[0107] The embodiments described are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the invention is set forth not by the described embodiments but by the claims, including all modifications within the range equivalent to the constructions described in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0109] 7. Body panels (fixed components)

[0110] 7a Crossbeam

[0111] 9. Corrugated pipe

[0112] 10. Wiring Harness System

[0113] 11 First harness

[0114] 12 Second harness

[0115] 13 First Electric Wire

[0116] 14 First Protector

[0117] 15 Second wire

[0118] 16 Second Protector

[0119] 17 First Approach Section

[0120] 18 First Deviation Section

[0121] 19 Second Approach Section

[0122] 20 Second Deviation Section

[0123] 21 First shell section

[0124] 22 First Cover

[0125] 23 First support section

[0126] 24 Second support section

[0127] 25 First connecting section

[0128] 26 Second shell section

[0129] 27 Second cover

[0130] 27a Plane

[0131] 28 Third support section

[0132] 29. Specified parts

[0133] 30 Second connecting section

[0134] 31 First Main Body

[0135] 32 Second Main Body

[0136] 33 First base

[0137] 34 Second base

[0138] 35 outer wall

[0139] 36 First Opposite Wall Section

[0140] 37 First sidewall

[0141] 38 upper wall

[0142] 39. Strengthening Department

[0143] 40 Connecting structural parts

[0144] 41 First card claw

[0145] 42 Second card claw

[0146] 42a lower end

[0147] 45 outer wall

[0148] 46 Second Opposite Wall Section

[0149] 47 Second sidewall

[0150] 48 lower wall

[0151] 51 First column

[0152] 52 First Claw

[0153] 53 Guide groove

[0154] 54. Elevated portion

[0155] 54b contact surface

[0156] 54a Inclined surface

[0157] 55 lower wall

[0158] 56 Second column

[0159] 57 Second Claw

[0160] 58 Guide groove

[0161] 59 Locking section

[0162] 59a Base

[0163] 59b Elastic sheet section

[0164] 59c Stop surface

[0165] 59d inclined surface

[0166] 60 base

[0167] 60a Bottom

[0168] 65 Parts of the wall

[0169] 66 Parts of the wall

Claims

1. A wire harness system comprising a first wire harness and a second wire harness, The first wiring harness has a first wire and a first protector, the first protector housing the first wire and being fixed to a fixing member. The second wire harness has a second wire and a second protector. The second protector houses the second wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined location along the length of the second wire. The second wire harness is arranged such that at least a portion thereof is aligned with the first wire harness along the fixing member. The first and second wire harnesses are each configured to face the fixing member across its entire length. In the case where the direction in which the first and second protectors are arranged at the designated location is defined as the left-right direction, the direction parallel to the length direction of the first or second wire at the designated location is defined as the front-back direction, and the direction orthogonal to the left-right and front-back directions is defined as the up-down direction,... The first protector has an assembly portion on one side in the left-right direction for fixing the first protector to the fixing member, and a first connecting portion on the other side in the left-right direction for connecting to the designated portion of the second protector. The second protector has a second connecting part at the designated location. The second connecting part is not fixed to the fixing member, but is connected to the first connecting part in a non-displaceable manner. A connection structure consisting of the first connecting part and the second connecting part is disposed near the assembly part.

2. The wire harness system according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting structure portion, which is composed of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, is provided at the approach portion, which gradually approaches the separation portion from the first protector and the second protector.

3. The wire harness system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The second wire is used for a higher voltage than the first wire.

4. The wire harness system according to claim 3, wherein, The first protector has a first main body portion disposed along the first wire and housing the first wire, and a first base portion disposed protruding from the first main body portion toward the second protector side. The first connecting part is disposed on the second protector side in the first base.

5. The wire harness system according to claim 4, wherein, The first base has: an opposing wall portion opposite to the outer wall of the first main body portion, and a first connecting portion thereon; and a pair of sidewalls connecting the outer wall and the opposing wall portion, and the first base has a hollow structure with an opening on at least one side. The first base further has a reinforcing portion that connects the outer wall and the opposing wall portion and is disposed between the pair of side walls.

6. The wire harness system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, One of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has a pair of first engaging claws arranged in an orthogonal direction in the left-right direction. The other of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has a second engaging claw that cannot be separated in the left-right direction and the orthogonal direction when engaged with the pair of first engaging claws.

7. The wire harness system according to claim 6, wherein, The second connecting portion has a guide groove for connecting with the first connecting portion, the guide groove being movable in the vertical direction by being guided by the pair of first engaging claws. The first or second connecting portion further includes a locking portion, which is used to prevent the second connecting portion from moving using the guide groove when the pair of first engaging claws and second engaging claws are engaged.

8. A wire harness, at least a portion of which is arranged along a fixing member with a counterpart wire harness, the counterpart wire harness having a counterpart protector, the counterpart protector receiving the counterpart wire and being fixed to the fixing member. The wiring harness includes wires and a protector. The protector houses the wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a designated location on one side along the length of the wire. The protector has: a third support portion that directly fixes the protector to the fixing member on the other side of the length direction; a connecting portion that is disposed at the designated location and is not fixed to the fixing member, but is connected to the opposing connecting portion of the opposing protector in a non-displaceable manner; and a base that is disposed at the designated location and can contact the fixing member.

9. The wire harness according to claim 8, wherein, The protector has a main body portion that is disposed along the wire and houses the wire, and a base portion that protrudes from the main body portion toward the other protector side.

10. The wire harness according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein, The connecting part has a second engaging claw. When the direction in which the opposing protector and the protector are arranged at the specified location is defined as the left-right direction, the second engaging claw can engage with a pair of first engaging claws arranged in the orthogonal direction of the opposing connecting part in the left-right direction. When engaged with the pair of first engaging claws, they cannot be separated in the left-right direction and the orthogonal direction.

11. The wire harness according to claim 10, wherein, When the orthogonal direction parallel to the length direction of the opposite wire bundle at the specified location is defined as the front-back direction, and the direction orthogonal to the left-right direction and the front-back direction is defined as the up-down direction,... The connecting part has a guide groove for connecting with the other connecting part, and the guide groove is designed to move vertically by being guided by the pair of first engaging claws. The connecting portion further includes a locking portion, which is used to prevent the connecting portion from moving using the guide groove when the pair of first engaging claws and second engaging claws are engaged.

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