Wiring modules for the mobility system and their layout

Abstract

The purpose is to suppress bending deformation of the wiring components for the running gear when the wheels rotate due to steering. The wiring module for the running gear includes: a wiring component that connects the vehicle-side equipment to the wheel-side equipment; and a support component that supports the wiring component via a steering rotation center axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wiring modules for a walking system and the arrangement and structure of wiring modules for a walking system. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wiring device for supplying electrical signals from the vehicle body to the in-wheel motor. Patent Document 1 discloses that the wiring must follow the rotation of the tires caused by rotating the steering wheel; therefore, some slack is provided in the wiring.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-271909 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The aim is to suppress bending deformation of the wiring components of the running system when the wheels rotate due to steering.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to suppress bending deformation of wiring components used in a running system when the wheels rotate through steering.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] The wiring module for the walking system disclosed herein includes: a wiring component for connecting vehicle-side equipment to wheel-side equipment; and a support component for supporting the wiring component via a steering rotation center axis.

[0011] The wiring module arrangement of the present disclosure for the walking system includes a wiring component that connects the vehicle body side equipment and the wheel side equipment, a portion of which is arranged via a steering rotation center axis.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, when the wheels rotate through steering, bending deformation of the wiring components of the running system can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the wiring modules for the walking system according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rough cross-sectional view along line II-II in the diagram.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A rough cross-sectional view at line III-III.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic sectional view showing the lower support portion involved in the modified example.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wiring components involved in the modified example.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wiring components involved in the modified example.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic sectional view showing the supporting member involved in other variations.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a variation related to the arrangement of wiring components. Detailed Implementation

[0022] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0023] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described first.

[0024] The wiring module for the walking system disclosed herein is as follows.

[0025] (1) A wiring module for a walking system, comprising: a wiring member for connecting vehicle-side equipment to wheel-side equipment; and a support member for supporting the wiring member via a steering rotation center axis. In this case, the wiring member is located via the steering rotation center axis. Therefore, when the wheel rotates by steering operation, the distance variation between the portion of the wiring member located at the steering rotation center axis and the wheel-side equipment is suppressed. Consequently, bending deformation of the wiring member is suppressed when the wheel rotates by steering operation.

[0026] (2) In the wiring module for the walking system of (1), the support member may also support the wiring member such that at least a portion of the wiring member is along the steering rotation axis. Following the rotation of the wheel caused by steering, the portion of the wiring member along the steering rotation axis can be twisted, and bending deformation of the wiring member is suppressed.

[0027] (3) In the wiring module for the walking system of (1) or (2), it is also possible that at the portion of the wiring member via the steering rotation center axis, the steering rotation center axis passes through the smallest enclosing circle in the cross-section of the wiring member.

[0028] (4) In any of the wiring modules for the walking system in (1) to (3), the support member may include an upper support portion and a lower support portion disposed below the upper support portion, wherein the support member supports the wiring member via a steering rotation center axis between the upper support portion and the lower support portion, with a portion of the wiring member thereon. The wiring member can be easily supported by the wiring member along the steering rotation center axis between the upper and lower support portions.

[0029] (5) In the wiring module for the walking system in (4), the lower support portion may support the wiring member in a state that allows rotation about the steering rotation center axis. The portion between the upper and lower support portions in the wiring member can easily follow the rotation of the wheel caused by steering operation and undergo torsional deformation.

[0030] (6) In the wiring module for the running system of (4) or (5), the upper support may support the wiring member in a state that restricts rotation about the steering rotation center axis. This ensures that the torsion of the wiring member does not affect the vehicle body side. In addition, by using it in conjunction with the structure involved in the wiring module for the running system of (4), the length of the torsional deformation of the wiring member along the steering rotation center axis can be increased.

[0031] The wiring module layout of the walking system disclosed herein is as follows.

[0032] (7) A wiring module arrangement for a walking system includes a wiring member connecting a vehicle-side device to a wheel-side device, a portion of which is arranged via a steering rotation center axis. The wiring member is supported via the steering rotation center axis. Therefore, when the wheel rotates by steering operation, the distance variation between the portion of the wiring member located at the steering rotation center axis and the wheel-side device is suppressed. Consequently, bending deformation of the wiring member is suppressed when the wheel rotates by steering operation.

[0033] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein]

[0034] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates specific examples of the wiring module for a walking system and its arrangement. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is shown in the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0035] [Implementation Method]

[0036] The following describes the wiring module for the walking system and its arrangement structure according to the embodiments. Figure 1This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the wiring module 40 for the walking system 30. Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a plane that is orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the vehicle body 10 and passes through the central axis of the wheel 20. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rough cross-sectional view along line II-II in the diagram. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A rough cross-sectional view at line III-III. Figure 2 The main focus is on the area around wheel 20. Figure 3 The main illustration shows the relationship between the steering rotation center axis X, the wiring component 50, and the wheel-side equipment.

[0037] The wiring module 40 for the running system includes a wiring component 50 and a support component 60. The wiring component 50 is a component for wiring between the vehicle body-side device 18 and the wheel-side device 28. The wiring component 50 is arranged along the path connecting the vehicle body-side device 18 and the wheel-side device 28. The support component 60 is a component that supports the wiring component 50 in such a way that the wiring component 50 is arranged along a predetermined path.

[0038] For ease of explanation, the structure of the object portion of the wiring module 40 for the walking system will be described.

[0039] The vehicle body 10, which is part of the wiring module 40 for the walking system, is the vehicle body in a car. Figure 1 The diagram shows the area around the front wheel 20 in the vehicle body 10. It is assumed that the running system wiring module 40 is used for the wheel 20, which is steered by steering. For example, the wheel 20 is the front wheel. Alternatively, the running system wiring module can also be used for the rear wheel when it is being steered.

[0040] The vehicle body 10 includes a floor portion 12 and a body portion 14. The floor portion 12 is the portion facing the ground. The body portion 14 is disposed on the upper side of the floor portion 12 and constitutes the exterior of the vehicle body 10. The vehicle body 10 can be a frameless body formed by integrating the frame and body as rigid bodies, or it can be a structure in which the body is mounted on the frame. In addition, in this embodiment, the direction in which the car usually travels is sometimes referred to as the front, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear.

[0041] The wheels 20 are supported on the vehicle body 10 in a rotatable manner. Figure 1 In the example shown, wheel 20 is supported within fender 16 in a rotatable manner. The suspension system can be any suspension configuration, such as an independent suspension, that supports wheel 20. Figure 1 The example shown illustrates a wheel 20 supported by a lower arm 32 and a damper 36. Figure 1 The suspension system shown is an example of a strut-type suspension system.

[0042] More specifically, the wheel 20 includes a rim 22 and a tire 24. The rim 22 is formed of a metal such as iron or aluminum. The rim 22 includes a disc portion 22a and a tire mounting portion 22b. The disc portion 22a is formed in the shape of a circular plate. The tire mounting portion 22b is an annular portion that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the periphery of the disc portion 22a. Annular rims protrude from both sides of the tire mounting portion 22b. The tire 24, formed of an elastic member such as rubber, is mounted on the outer periphery of the tire mounting portion 22b.

[0043] The wheel 20 is provided with a wheel-side device 28. Here, it is assumed that the wheel-side device 28 is an in-wheel motor. An in-wheel motor is a motor used for rotation, assembled to the wheel 20. Here, with the wheel-side device 28 disposed within the tire mounting portion 22b, the shaft 28a of the wheel-side device (in-wheel motor) 28 is connected to the central portion of the disc portion 22a. Thus, the wheel-side device 28 is integrally assembled to the wheel 20.

[0044] An upper steering knuckle portion 25 and a lower steering knuckle portion 26 are mounted on the wheel-side device 28. The upper steering knuckle portion 25 extends from the upper part of the wheel-side device 28 toward the inward side in the vehicle width direction. The lower steering knuckle portion 26 extends from the lower part of the wheel-side device 28 toward the inward side in the vehicle width direction. An arm portion 26a for bearing steering force is provided protruding from the lower steering knuckle portion 26. Here, the arm portion 26a extends rearward from the inward side in the vehicle width direction of the lower steering knuckle portion 26. When the wheel-side device 28 is not an in-wheel motor, the aforementioned upper steering knuckle portion 25 and lower steering knuckle portion 26 sometimes extend inward in the vehicle width direction from the bearing portion that supports the wheel 20 in a rotatable manner.

[0045] The lower arm 32 is a component made of metal or the like. The base of the lower arm 32 is supported at a position inside the vehicle width direction relative to the wheel 20, in a manner that allows it to swing relative to the floor portion 12. The axis that becomes the center when the base of the lower arm 32 swings is along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 10. The base of the lower arm can also be supported on the floor portion in a swinging manner relative to the wheel, at an angle to the front, inside, to the rear, or to the rear. In these cases, the axis of rotation when the lower arm swings can be along the left-right direction of the vehicle body, along the longitudinal direction, or along a direction inclined relative to both the left-right and longitudinal directions.

[0046] The front end of the lower arm 32 extends from the floor portion 12 toward the inside of the fender 16 (in this case, toward the outside in the vehicle width direction). A bearing portion 33 is provided at the front end of the lower arm 32. The lower steering knuckle portion 26 is rotatably supported at the front end of the lower arm 32 via the bearing portion 33. The axis of rotation of the bearing portion 33 is the steering rotation center axis X of the wheel 20 rotating within the fender 16.

[0047] A spring 35 and a damper 36 are provided between the upper steering knuckle portion 25 and the vehicle body 10. More specifically, the upper end of the damper 36 is supported above the wheel 20 relative to the vehicle body 10. The upper steering knuckle portion 25 is rotatably supported on the lower end of the damper 36 via a bearing portion 37. The axis of rotation of the bearing portion 37 is the steering rotation center axis X of the wheel 20 rotating within the fender 16.

[0048] As described above, since the base of the lower arm 32 is supported in a manner that allows it to swing relative to the floor portion 12, the lower arm 32 supports the wheel 20 in a manner that allows it to move vertically within the fender 16. With the direction of movement of the wheel 20 restricted by the lower arm 32, the damper 36 is located between the upper steering knuckle portion 25 and the vehicle body 10. The damper 36 and the spring 35 externally mounted on the damper 36 absorb the impact caused by the unevenness of the road surface during driving.

[0049] In this embodiment, the rotation axes of bearing portion 33 and bearing portion 37 are located on the steering rotation center axis X of wheel 20. Additionally, the central axis of damper 36 is also located on the steering rotation center axis X of wheel 20. However, the central axis of the damper does not need to be aligned with the steering rotation center axis X.

[0050] A tie rod 38 is connected to the front end of the arm 26a. When the steering wheel 19 is rotated by the driver's steering operation, this rotational motion is transmitted to the tie rod 38 as a movement in the vehicle width direction via the steering shaft 19a and the transmission mechanism 19b, such as the rack and pinion mechanism. When the tie rod 38 moves in the vehicle width direction, the lower steering knuckle 26 can rotate around the rotation axis of the bearing 33 (i.e., the steering rotation center axis X). Thus, by steering operation, the wheel 20 can rotate around the steering rotation center axis X. By rotating the wheel 20 around the steering rotation center axis X, the direction of travel of the vehicle body 10 is changed. That is, the steering rotation center axis X can also be understood as the central axis of rotation of the wheel 20 when the steering wheel 19 is operated. The steering rotation center axis X can also be understood as an axis that is closer to the direction of gravity than the horizontal direction. The steering rotation center axis X can also be understood as the central axis of rotation of the wheel 20 to change the direction of travel of the vehicle body 10.

[0051] A body-side device 18 is provided on the side of the vehicle body 10, and a wheel-side device 28 is provided on the side of the wheel 20. The wheel-side device 28 is a device assembled to the wheel 20 and rotates with the wheel 20 relative to the vehicle body 10 about the steering rotation center axis X. As described above, if the wheel-side device 28 is assumed to be an in-wheel motor, then the body-side device 18 is assumed to be a drive unit for driving the in-wheel motor. For example, if the in-wheel motor is a three-phase induction motor, the body-side device 18 is assumed to be an inverter unit for providing three-phase AC power (U phase, V phase, and W phase) for driving the in-wheel motor. In addition, the body-side device 18 is a device provided on the vehicle body 10 that does not rotate even when the wheel 20 rotates about the steering rotation center axis X.

[0052] The wheel-side device 28 is not necessarily an in-wheel motor. It can be a sensor, an electric brake, or something similar, replacing or excluding an in-wheel motor. For example, the sensor could be a sensor that detects the wheel's rotational speed or a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of an in-wheel motor, etc. The wheel-side device 28 can also be an electric brake that includes a motor and uses electricity to brake the rotation of the wheel 20. The electric brake can be an electric parking brake used when the vehicle is parked, or a brake used when the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle-side device 18 can simply be a device that transmits and receives signals or supplies power to these wheel-side devices 28. For example, the vehicle-side device 18 can also include the function of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) for receiving signals from sensors or controlling the aforementioned electric brake. The vehicle-side device 18 can be installed inside or outside the vehicle body 10. Here, the vehicle-side device 18 is installed inside the vehicle body 10.

[0053] The wiring component 50 includes at least one transmission medium for transmitting electricity or light. One end of the wiring component 50 is connected to the vehicle body-side device 18. The other end of the wiring component 50 is connected to the wheel-side device 28. Here, the wiring component 50 includes at least one electrical conductor. Figure 3 The diagram shows an example of a wiring assembly 50 comprising a power line 52 and a signal line 53. The power line 52 is a wire with a sheath 52b formed around the core wire 52a. The power line 52 is, for example, a power line supplying three-phase alternating current to an in-wheel motor. Figure 3 Three power lines 52 are shown. Signal lines 53 are wires with a sheath 53b formed around the core wire 53a. Signal lines 53 are lines that transmit signals, such as those used for sensors or control. Figure 3 The diagram shows two signal lines 53. Instead of electrical conductors, or in addition to electrical conductors, the wiring component 50 may also include optical fiber.

[0054] Multiple wires (here, power line 52 and signal line 53) are combined into one. The structure for combining power line 52 and signal line 53 can be any structure. For example, power line 52 and signal line 53 can be combined into one by a protective member 54. The protective member 54 can be, for example, a corrugated tube, spirally wound tape, a sheath extruded to cover power line 52 and signal line 53, or a resin or metal tube. Power line 52 and signal line 53 do not need to be combined into one by the protective member 54 or the like along their entire length. For example, the protective member 54 can be omitted, and power line 52 and signal line 53 can be combined into one by a bracket that supports wiring member 50 in a fixed position. This bracket can also be a support member 60.

[0055] Some or all of multiple electrical conductors can be joined together by an extruded sheath. For example, it can also be constructed as a cable that combines multiple core wires for power supply into one using an extruded sheath.

[0056] The cross-sectional shape of the wiring component 50 can be any shape. Figure 3 The diagram shows an example where multiple power lines 52 and signal lines 53 are covered by a protective member 54, and the cross-sectional shape of the wiring member 50 is circular. The cross-sectional shape of the wiring member 50 can also be elliptical, rectangular, etc. Furthermore, the term "cross-section" refers to a section located at a plane orthogonal to the axis of the wiring member 50.

[0057] One end of the wiring component 50 can be connected to the vehicle-side device 18 via a connector. The wiring component 50 can also be pulled directly out from the vehicle-side device 18. One end of the wiring component 50 can also be connected to the vehicle-side device 18 via other wiring components.

[0058] The other end of the wiring component 50 can be connected to the wheel-side device 28 via a connector 51. Alternatively, the other end of the wiring component 50 can be directly connected to the wheel-side device 28 without a connector. Alternatively, multiple wires can branch off at the other end of the wiring component 50 and connect to different locations.

[0059] The wiring component 50 is arranged via the rotational axis X. Here, the support member 60 supports the wiring component 50 via the rotational axis X. Here, "the wiring component 50 via the rotational axis X" refers to the positional relationship where the rotational axis X passes through the smallest encompassing circle C in any cross-section along the length direction of the wiring component 50. Furthermore, the smallest encompassing circle C is the smallest circle that can encompass the portion of the wiring component 50 appearing in the cross-section. For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the wiring component 50 is circular, the outer circle of the wiring component 50 appearing in that cross-section is the smallest encompassing circle C. Additionally, "the rotational axis X passing through the smallest encompassing circle C" includes the case where the rotational axis X passes through the boundary line of the smallest encompassing circle.

[0060] As long as the steering rotation center axis X passes through the smallest enclosing circle C, the cases where the wiring member 50 passes through the steering rotation center axis X include the cases where the wiring member 50 intersects the steering rotation center axis X and the cases where a portion of the wiring member 50 is along the steering rotation center axis X. Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of a portion 50a of the wiring component 50 being positioned along the rotational axis X. Since the rotational axis X only needs to pass through the minimum containing circle C, the central axis of the wiring component 50 does not need to be aligned with the rotational axis X at the portion of the wiring component 50 along the rotational axis X.

[0061] That is, it is acceptable as long as the positional relationship of the turning rotation center axis X passing through the smallest enclosing circle C in the cross section of the wiring component 50 is as follows: the portion of the wiring component 50 via the turning rotation center axis X (the intersecting portion) or the portion of the wiring component 50 along the turning rotation center axis X.

[0062] To suppress bending deformation of the wiring component 50, it is preferable to lengthen the portion of the wiring component 50 along the rotation center axis X.

[0063] Furthermore, the so-called support member 60 supports the wiring member 50 via the rotation center axis X, including two cases: the wiring member 50 can move along its extension direction via the rotation center axis X, and the wiring member 50 cannot move.

[0064] The support member 60 can be any member that supports the wiring member 50 in the above arrangement, and there is no particular limitation on its structure. The support member can be a single support member or it can include multiple support parts. The support member can be supported on the side of the vehicle body 10 or on the side of the wheel 20. Here, "support member supported on the side of the vehicle body 10" means that it is supported on a part that does not rotate even when the wheel 20 rotates around the steering rotation center axis X. For example, the support member is supported on the damper 36 or the lower arm 32. On the other hand, "support member 60 supported on the side of the wheel 20" means that it is supported on a part that rotates with the wheel 20 when it rotates around the steering rotation center axis X. For example, the support member is supported on the upper steering knuckle portion 25 or the lower steering knuckle portion 26.

[0065] In this embodiment, the support member 60 includes an upper support portion 62 and a lower support portion 64. The lower support portion 64 is disposed below the upper support portion 62. Furthermore, the wiring member 50 is supported by the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64, thereby the wiring member 50 is rotated between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 via the steering rotation center axis X.

[0066] More specifically, an upper support portion 62 and a lower support portion 64 are provided between the front end of the upper steering knuckle portion 25 and the front end of the lower steering knuckle portion 26. The front end of the upper steering knuckle portion 25, the upper support portion 62, the lower support portion 64, and the front end of the lower steering knuckle portion 26 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom along the steering rotation axis X. The upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 are supported relative to the front end of the damper 36 by an extended support portion 61. The extended support portion 61 extends from the lower end of the damper 36, bypasses the front end of the upper steering knuckle portion 25, and faces downward in a position parallel to the steering rotation axis X. The extended support portion 61 can be fixed relative to the damper 36 by welding, threading, or the like. The front end of the extended support portion 61 reaches a position closer to the front end of the lower steering knuckle portion 26. The upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 are supported by the damper 36 via the extended support portion 61, and therefore do not follow the rotation of the wheel 20 centered on the steering rotation axis X. Therefore, the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 are supported on the side of the vehicle body 10.

[0067] The upper support portion 62 is supported at the middle of the extending direction of the extended support portion 61. The upper support portion 62 can be integrally formed with the extended support portion 61, or it can be fixed to the extended support portion 61 by welding, threading, or the like. The upper support portion 62 is positioned downwards from the front end of the upper steering knuckle portion 25 along the steering rotation center axis X. At this position, the upper support portion 62 supports a portion of the wiring member 50 on the steering rotation center axis X. The upper support portion 62 can simply be a structure that supports a portion of the wiring member 50 in a fixed position. For example, the upper support portion 62 can be an annular member with a hole through which the wiring member 50 can be inserted. The upper support portion 62 can also be a structure that is threadedly fixed in a state where a pair of clamping plates clamp a portion of the wiring member 50. The upper support portion 62 can also be a structure with a riveting piece that is riveted to a portion of the wiring member 50. The upper support portion 62 can also support a portion of the wiring member 50 in a state that restricts its rotation around the steering rotation center axis X. Here, the phrase "the upper support portion 62 restricts the rotation of a portion of the wiring member 50" means that the upper support portion 62 restricts the rotation of the wiring member 50 more than the lower support portion 64. Therefore, compared to the lower support portion 64, the upper support portion 62 can support a portion of the wiring member 50 in a range that is mechanically more difficult to rotate due to friction or other forces, or in a state with a narrower rotation range. As illustrated in this embodiment, the upper support portion 62 can also support a portion of the wiring member 50 in a state that prevents rotation around the rotation center axis X.

[0068] The lower support portion 64 is supported on the front end of the extension support portion 61. The lower support portion 64 can be integrally formed with the extension support portion 61, or it can be fixed to the extension support portion 61 by welding, threading, or the like. The lower support portion 64 is positioned along the steering rotation center axis X, moving downwards from the upper support portion 62 and upwards from the front end of the lower steering knuckle portion 26. At this position, the lower support portion 64 supports a portion of the wiring member 50 on the steering rotation center axis X. The lower support portion 64 can simply be a structure that supports a portion of the wiring member 50 in a fixed position. For example, the lower support portion 64 can have the same structure as the upper support portion 62 described above.

[0069] The lower support 64 can also be a structure that supports the wiring member 50 in a state that allows rotation about the rotation center axis X. For example, in Figure 3 The diagram shows an example where the lower support portion 64 is formed in an annular shape and its inner diameter is larger than the smallest encompassing circle in the cross-section of the other portion of the wiring member 50. With the wiring member 50 inserted into the lower support portion 64, a gap is formed between the wiring member 50 and the inner periphery of the lower support portion 64. Therefore, the wiring member 50 can rotate within the lower support portion 64.

[0070] A wiring component 50 extends from the body-side device 18 within the vehicle body 10, passes through the fender 16, and is guided to the front end of the upper steering knuckle portion 25. The wiring component 50 is supported on the steering rotation center axis X by the upper support portion 62 between the front end of the upper steering knuckle portion 25 and the upper support portion 62. Furthermore, the wiring component 50 is guided toward the lower support portion 64 and supported on the steering rotation center axis X by the lower support portion 64. The portion of the wiring component 50 between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 becomes the portion supported along the steering rotation center axis X. Moreover, the wiring component 50 extends toward the wheel-side device 28 between the lower support portion 64 and the front end of the lower steering knuckle portion 26, and is connected to the wheel-side device 28 via a connector 51.

[0071] If the lower support 64 supports the wiring member 50 in a rotatable manner, the torsion of the wiring member 50 caused by the rotation of the wheel 20 centered on the steering rotation axis X can be transmitted between the lower support 64 and the upper support 62 in the wiring member 50. Conversely, if the upper support 62 supports the wiring member 50 in a non-rotatable manner, the torsion of the wiring member 50 is difficult to transmit to the part of the wiring member 50 closer to the vehicle body 10 than the upper support 62.

[0072] According to the wiring module 40 and the arrangement 30 of the wiring module for the walking system configured as such, at least a portion of the wiring member 50 is supported on the steering rotation center axis X. Therefore, when the wheel 20 rotates by steering operation, the distance variation between the portion of the wiring member 50 located on the steering rotation center axis X and the wheel-side device 28 is suppressed. As a result, bending deformation of the wiring member 50 is suppressed when the wheel 20 rotates by steering operation.

[0073] Reference Figure 3 To explain in more detail. Figure 3In the figure, solid lines represent the wheel-side device 28 and the wiring member 50 facing the wheel-side device 28 when the vehicle body is in a straight line, and double-dotted lines represent the wheel-side device 28 and the wiring member 50 facing the wheel-side device 28 when the vehicle body is turning left and right. As shown in the figure, when the wheel 20 rotates around the steering rotation center axis X, the wheel-side device 28, which is the connection destination of the wiring member 50, rotates around the steering rotation center axis X. Therefore, the distance between the steering rotation center axis X and the wheel-side device 28 is kept as constant as possible. Since the wiring member 50 is connected to the wheel-side device 28 via the steering rotation center axis X, even when the wheel 20 rotates around the steering rotation center axis X, the portion of the wiring member 50 from the part via the steering rotation center axis X to the wheel-side device 28 is kept as constant as possible by length L. Therefore, when the wheel 20 rotates by steering operation, it is not easy for forces to cause the wiring member 50 to lengthen or shorten, and bending deformation of the wiring member 50 is suppressed.

[0074] As a result of suppressing the bending deformation of the wiring component 50, the wiring component 50 has a further extended lifespan.

[0075] Furthermore, since the bending deformation of the wiring component 50 is suppressed, it is not necessary to ensure sufficient space around the wiring component 50 to account for bending deformation. As a result, the space required for arranging the wiring component 50 can be minimized as much as possible.

[0076] Furthermore, since the bending deformation of the wiring component 50 is suppressed, the wiring component 50 is less likely to bend and deform, thus preventing it from contacting surrounding components. This reduces the number of locations on the wiring component 50 where protective components are installed. Consequently, miniaturization of the wiring component 50 is achieved.

[0077] Furthermore, since the bending deformation of the wiring component 50 is suppressed, the number of fixing points of the wiring component 50 can be reduced. As a result, the wiring component 50 is easier to arrange, and the design for securing the fixing points is also easier.

[0078] Furthermore, if at least a portion of the wiring member 50 is along the steering rotation center axis X, then the portion of the wiring member 50 along the steering rotation center axis X can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the wheel 20 centered on the steering rotation center axis X. As a result, the deformation caused by the rotation of the wheel 20 centered on the steering rotation center axis X is distributed over a wide range, further extending the lifespan of the wiring member 50.

[0079] As a specific example, it is preferable to position the wiring member 50 along the rotation axis X between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64. This allows the wiring member 50 to be easily supported with a portion of it aligned with the rotation axis X.

[0080] To allow the wiring member 50 to torsionally deform between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64, it is preferable that the torsion caused by the rotation of the wheel 20 centered on the steering rotation axis X is transmitted to a portion of the wiring member 50 that is higher than the support portion supported by the lower support portion 64. For example, as described above, the lower support portion 64 may be a structure that supports the wiring member 50 in a state that allows rotation centered on the steering rotation axis X. Thus, the portion of the wiring member 50 between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 can easily follow the rotation of the wheel 20 caused by steering operation and torsionally deform.

[0081] Alternatively, the support member 60 may support the wiring member 50 in such a way that the torsion of the wiring member 50 is not transmitted from the support portion supported by the support member 60 to the vehicle body 10 side. For example, as in the embodiment described above, the upper support portion 62 may be supported on the vehicle body 10 side, such as the front end of the damper 36, and the upper support portion 62 may support the wiring member 50 in a non-rotatable manner.

[0082] As in this embodiment, if the upper support portion 62 supports the wiring member 50 in a state that restricts rotation around the steering rotation center axis X, the torsion of the wiring member 50 can be prevented from affecting the vehicle body side. In addition, combined with the structure in which the lower support portion 64 supports the wiring member 50 in a rotatable manner, the length of the wiring member 50 in the portion along the steering rotation center axis X can be increased.

[0083] [Variation Example]

[0084] Various modifications will be described with reference to the above embodiments.

[0085] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the lower support portion 164 involved in the modified example. Figure 4 Is with Figure 1 The same cross-sectional view as line III-III in the diagram. The lower support portion 164 is the portion corresponding to the lower support portion 64, supporting the wiring member 50 below the upper support portion 62.

[0086] The lower support portion 164 includes an outer main body portion 164a and an inner rotating support portion 164b. The outer main body portion 164a is supported on the damper 36 by the aforementioned extended support portion 61. Therefore, the outer main body portion 164a is the part that does not rotate even when the wheel 20 rotates around the steering rotation center axis X. The inner rotating support portion 164b is supported in a manner that allows rotation relative to the outer main body portion 164a. As this lower support portion 164, various bearing structures such as rolling bearings and fluid bearings can be used. The inner rotating support portion 164b can support the wiring member 50 in a state that allows rotation, or it can support the wiring member 50 in a state that prevents rotation. In the latter case, when the wiring member 50 is twisted, the inner rotating support portion 164b rotates relative to the outer main body portion 164a, so friction is less likely to occur between the wiring member 50 and the inner rotating support portion 164b.

[0087] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wiring component 250 involved in the modified example. Figure 5 Is with Figure 1 The same sectional view as line III-III in the diagram.

[0088] Wiring component 250, like wiring component 50, includes multiple (three in this case) power lines 52 and multiple (two in this case) signal lines 53. The multiple power lines 52 are arranged in a flat, ribbon-like manner. Additionally, the multiple signal lines 53 are disposed on one side of the flat power lines 52. Furthermore, the multiple power lines 52 and the multiple signal lines 53 are combined into a single unit using protective component 254, with the multiple power lines 52 arranged in a flat, ribbon-like manner.

[0089] As described above, the protective member 254, like the protective member 54, can be a corrugated tube, a spirally wound tape, a sheath extruded and coated to cover the power cord 52 and signal cord 53, or a resin tube. Alternatively, the power cord 52 and signal cord 53 can be bundled together into one by a bracket that supports the wiring member 50 in a fixed position. Furthermore, for example, the multiple core wires 52a within multiple power cords 52 can be covered by a common resin to form a single wiring member.

[0090] Thus, the wiring component 250 can also be a flat shape that is flat in one direction.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the support member 360 involved in the modified example. In this modified example, the extended support portion 361 of the support member 360, which corresponds to the extended support portion 61, supports the upper support portion 62, but does not support the lower support portion 64.

[0092] The lower support portion 64 is supported on the lower steering knuckle portion 26. That is, the extended support portion 363 is configured to extend upward from the front end of the lower steering knuckle portion 26 along the steering rotation center axis X. The lower support portion 64 is supported at the front end of the extended support portion 361. The extended support portion 361 and the lower steering knuckle portion 26 and the lower support portion 64 can be welded, threaded, or integrally formed.

[0093] In this modified example, the lower support portion 64 is supported on the lower steering knuckle portion 26 via the extended support portion 363. Therefore, when the wheel rotates around the steering rotation center axis X, the lower support portion 64 also rotates around the steering rotation center axis X. Thus, even though the support structures of the lower support portion 64 and the upper support portion 62 support the wiring member 50 in a non-rotatable manner, the wiring member 50 can still twist between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64.

[0094] In this case, the lower support portion 64 only needs to be supported on the side of the wheel 20. For example, the lower support portion 64 can also be supported on the wheel-side device 28 via other support members. That is, the lower support portion 64 can also be directly or indirectly supported on a part that rotates around the steering rotation axis X but not around the travel rotation axis.

[0095] The support member 60 does not necessarily have to be a structure that includes an upper support portion 62 and a lower support portion 64.

[0096] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown in the modified example, the lower support portion 64 can also be omitted. That is, in this modified example, the support member 460 has a structure in which the lower support portion 64 is omitted in the above embodiment. In this case, the wiring member 50 extends from the support member 460 toward the wheel-side device 28 and is connected to the wheel-side device 28.

[0097] In this modified example, also when the wheel 20 rotates by steering, the change in distance between the portion of the supported member 460 in the wiring member 50 supported on the steering rotation center axis X and the wheel-side device 28 is suppressed. Thus, bending deformation of the wiring member 50 is suppressed when the wheel 20 rotates by steering.

[0098] In this case, such as Figure 8As shown, the portion of the wiring component 50 that connects to the wheel-side device 28 and is supported in a fixed position is preferably located on the steering rotation center axis X. Here, the base end of the connector 51 that connects to the wheel-side device 28 is located on the steering rotation center axis X. The portion of the wiring component 50 that enters the base end of the connector 51 is the portion of the wiring component 50 that connects to the wheel-side device 28 and is supported in a fixed position. Sometimes, the wiring component 50 is directly inserted into the wheel-side device 28 without going through a connector. In this case, the insertion portion of the wiring component 50 that is inserted into the wheel-side device 28 is the portion that connects to the wheel-side device 28 and is supported in a fixed position. The arrangement position of this wiring component 50 can also be achieved by changing the shape of the wheel-side device 28, changing the position setting of the steering rotation center axis X relative to the wheel 20, etc.

[0099] According to this example, the wiring component 50 can reach the base end of the connector 51 from the support component 460 along the steering rotation center axis X. Therefore, the torsion of the wiring component 50 caused by the rotation of the wheel 20 centered on the steering rotation center axis X is distributed to the portion of the wiring component 50 along the steering rotation center axis X. As a result, a further increase in the lifespan of the wiring component 50 can be achieved.

[0100] Furthermore, the structures described in the above embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0101] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0102] 10. Vehicle body

[0103] 12. Floor section

[0104] 14. Body Part

[0105] 16 Mudguards

[0106] 18. Vehicle side equipment

[0107] 19 Steering Wheel

[0108] 19a Steering Axle

[0109] 19b Transmission Mechanism

[0110] 20 wheels

[0111] 22-inch wheels

[0112] 22a Disk Section

[0113] 22b Tire mounting section

[0114] 24 tires

[0115] 25 Upper steering knuckle

[0116] 26. Lower steering knuckle

[0117] 26a Arm

[0118] 28 Wheelside equipment

[0119] 28a axis

[0120] 30. Layout and Structure

[0121] 32 Lower arm

[0122] 33 Bearing section

[0123] 35 springs

[0124] 36 Dampers

[0125] 37 Bearing section

[0126] 38 tie rod

[0127] 40 Wiring module for walking system

[0128] 50 Wiring components

[0129] 50a Part

[0130] 51 connector

[0131] 52 Power cord

[0132] 52a core wire

[0133] 52b cladding layer

[0134] 53 signal lines

[0135] 53a core wire

[0136] 53b cladding layer

[0137] 54 Protective components

[0138] 60 Supporting components

[0139] 61 Extended support section

[0140] 62 Upper support section

[0141] 64 Lower support section

[0142] 164 Lower support section

[0143] 164a Outer Main Body

[0144] 164b Inner Rotary Support

[0145] 250 wiring components

[0146] 254 Protective components

[0147] 360° support components

[0148] 361 Extended support section

[0149] 363 Extended support section

[0150] 460 Supporting Components

[0151] C Minimum Containing Circle

[0152] L Fixed Length

[0153] X-axis is the center axis of rotation for steering.

Claims

1. A wiring module for a walking system, comprising: a wiring member connecting a vehicle body side device and a wheel side device; and a support member supporting the wiring member via a turning center axis of a steering between upper and lower bearing portions that support a wheel so as to be rotatable about the turning center axis of the steering, at least a portion of the wiring member being along the turning center axis of the steering, the support member including an upper support portion and a lower support portion provided at a position lower than the upper support portion, the upper support portion supporting a portion of the wiring member at a position along the turning center axis of the steering, and the lower support portion supporting another portion of the wiring member at a position along the turning center axis of the steering.

2. The wiring module for a walking system according to claim 1, wherein the turning center axis of the steering passes through a minimum containing circle in a cross section of the wiring member at a portion of the wiring member via the turning center axis of the steering.

3. The wiring module for a walking system according to claim 1, wherein the support member includes an upper support portion and a lower support portion provided at a position lower than the upper support portion, and the support member supports the wiring member via the turning center axis of the steering between the upper support portion and the lower support portion.

4. The wiring module for a walking system according to claim 2, wherein the support member includes an upper support portion and a lower support portion provided at a position lower than the upper support portion, and the support member supports the wiring member via the turning center axis of the steering between the upper support portion and the lower support portion.

5. The wiring module for a walking system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the lower support portion supports the wiring member in a state that allows rotation about the turning center axis of the steering.

6. The wiring module for a walking system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the upper support portion supports the wiring member in a state that restricts rotation about the turning center axis of the steering.

7. The wiring module for a walking system according to claim 5, wherein the upper support portion supports the wiring member in a state that restricts rotation about the turning center axis of the steering.

8. An arrangement configuration of a wiring module for a walking system, wherein a wiring member that connects a vehicle body side device and a wheel side device is provided, a portion of the wiring member is arranged via a turning center axis of a steering between upper and lower bearing portions that support a wheel so as to be rotatable about the turning center axis of the steering, at least a portion of the wiring member is along the turning center axis of the steering, the arrangement configuration of the wiring module for a walking system includes an upper support portion and a lower support portion provided at a position lower than the upper support portion, the upper support portion supports a portion of the wiring member at a position along the turning center axis of the steering, and the lower support portion supports another portion of the wiring member at a position along the turning center axis of the steering. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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