wire harness

Abstract

The present application provides a wire harness capable of holding electric wires without using a tape. The wire harness (10) has electric wires (20), a bobbin (30) through which the electric wires (20) are inserted, and a holder (40) fixed to the length direction end portion of the bobbin (30) and holding the electric wires (20). The wire harness (10) is provided with a heat shrink tube (25) having heat shrinkability and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wires (20). The holder (40) has an engaging portion (43) that restricts movement of the electric wires (20) in the length direction with respect to the holder (40) by engaging with the heat shrink tube (25).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a wire harness. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, wire harnesses include wires, a tube covering the outer periphery of the wires, and a support fixed to the longitudinal end of the tube and holding the wires (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The support has a cylindrical inner portion embedded in the longitudinal end of the tube and a retaining piece extending circumferentially from the inner portion inside the tube. The support holds the wires by wrapping the retaining piece with adhesive tape. In such a wire harness, the position of the wires relative to the end of the tube is held by the support, thereby, for example, suppressing friction between the wires and the end of the tube. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-84547 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] However, in the aforementioned wire harness, tape is used to hold the wires in place with the bracket, which necessitates, for example, a tape winding operation. Furthermore, in structures relying on the adhesive strength of the tape, the force with which the bracket holds the wires is relatively weak. Consequently, for example, the wires are prone to shifting relative to the bracket along their length.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a wire harness that can hold wires without using tape. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The wire harness disclosed herein comprises: an electric wire; a tube through which the electric wire is inserted; and a bracket fixed to the longitudinal end of the tube and holding the electric wire, wherein the wire harness includes a heat-shrinkable tube that is heat-shrinkable and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire, and the bracket has an engaging portion that restricts the movement of the electric wire relative to the bracket in the longitudinal direction by engaging with the heat-shrinkable tube. The effects of the invention

[0007] According to the wire harness disclosed herein, wires can be held in place without the use of tape. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a wiring harness according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 3 This is a partial perspective view of a wire harness according to one implementation method. Figure 4 This is a partially exploded perspective view of a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view along line 5-5. Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of another example of a wire harness. Detailed Implementation

[0009] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described. The wire harness configuration disclosed herein is as follows: [1] A wire harness comprising: an electric wire; a tube through which the electric wire is inserted; and a bracket fixed to the end of the tube in the longitudinal direction and holding the electric wire, wherein the wire harness includes a heat shrink tube that is heat shrinkable and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire, and the bracket has a locking portion that restricts the movement of the electric wire relative to the bracket in the longitudinal direction by engaging with the heat shrink tube.

[0010] According to this structure, since the bracket has an engaging portion that restricts the movement of the wire relative to the bracket in the longitudinal direction by engaging with a heat-shrinkable tube fixed to the outer periphery of the wire, the movement of the wire in the longitudinal direction can be restricted without the use of tape. Thus, for example, tape winding operations are unnecessary. Furthermore, compared to structures that rely on the adhesive force of tape, it is possible to suppress the offset of the wire relative to the bracket in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] [2] Preferably, the wire is constructed by connecting a first wire and a second wire arranged along the length direction of the wire. The first wire has a first core wire and a first insulating covering portion covering the outer periphery of the first core wire. The second wire has a second core wire and a second insulating covering portion covering the outer periphery of the second core wire. The wire has a joint portion formed by joining the first core wire and the second core wire. The heat shrink tube covers the joint portion and covers the first insulating covering portion and the second insulating covering portion.

[0012] According to this structure, since the heat shrink tube covers the joint and also covers the first and second insulating covers, it prevents water from contacting the joint. In this way, the heat shrink tube has two functions, thus reducing the number of parts compared to, for example, having separate components for engaging with the bracket and for preventing water from contacting the joint.

[0013] [3] Preferably, the engaging portion is one of a pair of engaging portions separated in the length direction of the bracket, and the pair of engaging portions are configured to engage with the two end faces of the heat shrink tube in the length direction.

[0014] According to this structure, since a pair of engaging parts separated in the length direction of the bracket are designed to engage with the two end faces of the heat shrink tube in the length direction, the movement of the wire in the length direction can be effectively restricted.

[0015] [4] Preferably, the heat shrink tube has a recess at the part corresponding to the joint, and the engaging part is configured to be able to be fitted into the recess and engage with the two end faces of the recess in the length direction.

[0016] According to this structure, since the engaging part is designed to be fitted into the recess corresponding to the joint part and engage with the two end faces of the recess in the longitudinal direction, the movement of the wire in the longitudinal direction can be well restricted.

[0017] [5] Preferably, the ends of the first core wire and the second core wire in the joint are flat, so that the depth of the recess is greater than the thickness of the heat shrink tube.

[0018] According to this structure, since the depth of the recess is greater than the thickness of the heat shrink tube, the engagement area between the heat shrink tube and the engaging part can be increased, thereby enabling the engaging part to firmly engage with the heat shrink tube. As a result, the movement of the wire in the longitudinal direction can be more firmly restricted.

[0019] [6] Preferably, the engaging portion further restricts the movement of the wire relative to the bracket in a direction intersecting the length direction. According to this structure, since the engaging part also restricts the movement of the wire relative to the bracket in the direction intersecting the length direction, the movement of the wire in the direction intersecting the length direction can be restricted without using tape.

[0020] [7] Preferably, the wire is one of two wires, and the engaging portion is one of a pair of engaging portions facing each other in the radial direction of the bracket, the pair of engaging portions being configured to clamp the wire along the direction in which the two wires are arranged.

[0021] According to this structure, since a pair of engaging parts facing each other in the radial direction of the bracket are configured to clamp the wires along the direction in which the two wires are arranged, the two wires can be well held. [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein] Hereinafter, specific examples of the wire harness of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, for ease of explanation, a portion of the structure is sometimes shown in an exaggerated or simplified manner. Additionally, the dimensional ratios of the various parts may differ in each drawing. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples described above, but refers to all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. The terms "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification include not only strictly parallel or orthogonal cases, but also generally parallel or orthogonal cases within the scope of the effects achieved by this embodiment. Similarly, the terms "circle" and "arc" in this specification include not only strictly circular or arc cases, but also generally circular or arc cases within the scope of the effects achieved by this embodiment.

[0022] (Overall structure of wire harness 10) Figure 1 The wiring harness 10 shown electrically connects two or more electrical devices. For example, the wiring harness 10 electrically connects an inverter 11 located at the front of a vehicle V, such as a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle, to a high-voltage battery 12 located at a position further rear of the vehicle V than the inverter 11. The wiring harness 10 is routed, for example, through the floor of the vehicle V. For instance, the wiring harness 10 is routed through the exterior of the vehicle V, such as under the floor, along its length.

[0023] Inverter 11 is connected to a wheel drive motor (not shown) that serves as the power source for the vehicle. Inverter 11 generates alternating current from direct current (DC) power from high-voltage battery 12 and supplies this AC power to the motor. High-voltage battery 12 is, for example, a battery capable of supplying several hundred volts.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the wiring harness 10 includes wires 20 that connect the aforementioned electrical devices to each other, heat shrink tubing 25 fixed to the outer periphery of the wires 20, a tube 30 through which the power supply wires 20 are inserted, and a bracket 40 installed at the end of the tube 30 in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] (Structure of wire 20) The wiring harness 10 has two wires 20. Each wire 20 is constructed by connecting a first wire 21 and a second wire 22 arranged along the length of the wire 20. The first wire 21 has a first core wire 21a and a first insulating covering portion 21b covering the outer periphery of the first core wire 21a. The second wire 22 has a second core wire 22a and a second insulating covering portion 22b covering the outer periphery of the second core wire 22a.

[0026] The first core wire 21a and the second core wire 22a can be, for example, stranded wire formed by twisting together multiple metal wires, or braided component formed by braiding multiple metal wires into a cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the first core wire 21a and the second core wire 22a are stranded wires. The materials used for the first core wire 21a and the second core wire 22a can be, for example, copper-based or aluminum-based metal materials. Furthermore, Figure 2 The first core wire 21a and the second core wire 22a, which are stranded wires, are schematically shown in the diagram.

[0027] The first insulating covering portion 21b and the second insulating covering portion 22b are, for example, made of insulating materials such as synthetic resin. Furthermore, the wire 20 has a joint portion 23 formed by joining a first core wire 21a and a second core wire 22a. Specifically, the longitudinal end 21c of the first core wire 21a is exposed by removing the first insulating covering portion 21b. The end 21c of the first core wire 21a is flattened by being flattened. The longitudinal end 22c of the second core wire 22a is exposed by removing the second insulating covering portion 22b. The end 22c of the second core wire 22a is flattened by being flattened. Moreover, the ends 21c of the first core wire 21a and 22c of the second core wire 22a overlap and join to form the joint portion 23.

[0028] (Structure of heat shrink tubing 25) The heat shrink tube 25 has heat shrinkability, shrinking when heated. Before heating, the heat shrink tube 25 is cylindrical enough for the wire 20 to pass through. Therefore, when the wire 20 passes through the heat shrink tube 25, it is heated and heat-shrinks, deforming to fit tightly against and cover the outer periphery of the wire 20. In other words, the heat shrink tube 25 deforms by heat shrinking to cover the joint 23 and the first insulating covering portion 21b and the second insulating covering portion 22b. In other words, the heat shrink tube 25 is configured to cover the joint 23 extending to the ends of the first insulating covering portion 21b and the second insulating covering portion 22b. Furthermore, the heat shrink tube 25 of this embodiment has a recess 25a at the location corresponding to the joint 23. The recess 25a is recessed compared to other parts by not providing the first insulating covering part 21b and the second insulating covering part 22b at the joint 23, and by having the ends 21c of the first core wire 21a and the ends 22c of the second core wire 22a in a flat shape.

[0029] (Structure of tube 30) The tube 30 is formed into a long, cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the tube 30 is formed into a perfect cylindrical shape. For example, the middle portion of the wire 20 in the longitudinal direction is housed inside the tube 30. The tube 30 covers the outer periphery of the wire 20 throughout its entire circumference. The tube 30 can be made of metal or resin. For example, aluminum-based or copper-based metals can be used as the material for the metal tube. For example, synthetic resins such as polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, and ABS resin can be used as the material for the resin tube. In this embodiment, the tube 30 is a metal tube.

[0030] The tube 30 is bent in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape, for example, at a location in the vehicle V where it extends upwards from below the floor. For example, the tube 30 is bent while the wire 20 is inserted into the tube 30 in a straight position.

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a circular through hole 31 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the tube 30. The through hole 31 is located near the end of the tube 30 along its length. The through holes 31 are respectively provided at two different locations along the circumference of the tube 30. The through holes 31 are provided at equal intervals along the circumference of the tube 30.

[0032] (Structure of bracket 40) like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the support 40 has a cylindrical portion 41, a flange portion 42, and a engaging portion 43. The cylindrical portion 41 is fitted into the longitudinal end of the tube 30. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41 faces the inner peripheral surface of the tube 30. The flange portion 42 is provided at the first end 41a of the cylindrical portion 41 in the longitudinal direction. The flange portion 42 protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion 41. The flange portion 42 is provided in a portion of the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 41. When the cylindrical portion 41 is fitted into the tube 30, the flange portion 42 abuts against the longitudinal end face of the tube 30. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the bracket 40 is composed of a first structural portion 44, a second structural portion 45, and a thin-walled hinge portion 46. The first structural portion 44 and the second structural portion 45 are shaped by dividing a cylindrical portion 41 and a flange portion 42 in the circumferential direction. The circumferential ends of the first structural portion 44 and the second structural portion 45 are connected to each other by the thin-walled hinge portion 46. That is, the bracket 40 can be opened by rotating the first structural portion 44 and the second structural portion 45 relative to each other around the hinge portion 46. The bracket 40 is installed on the wire 20 by changing from the open state to the closed state, so as to cover the wire 20 from the outside. The bracket 40 is made of resin.

[0033] like Figure 4As shown, the cylindrical portion 41 has a slit 41c extending from the second end 41b in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion 41 toward the first end 41a. The cylindrical portion 41 has a flexible piece 41d in the portion sandwiched between a pair of slits 41c. The flexible piece 41d is capable of flexing radially in the cylindrical portion 41 with its base end on the side opposite to the second end 41b. Figure 5 As shown, flexible sheets 41d are respectively disposed at two different positions in the circumference of the cylindrical portion 41. The flexible sheets 41d are disposed at equal intervals in the circumference of the cylindrical portion 41. The flexible sheets 41d are disposed at the center in the circumference of the first structural portion 44 and the center in the circumference of the second structural portion 45.

[0034] The flexible sheet 41d has a fixing protrusion 41e. The fixing protrusion 41e protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion 41. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the fixing protrusion 41e is fitted into the through hole 31 while the cylindrical portion 41 is embedded inside the tube 30, thereby preventing the cylindrical portion 41 from dislodging from the tube 30. As a result, the bracket 40 is fixed to the tube 30.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the engaging portion 43 protrudes radially inward from the cylindrical portion 41. The engaging portion 43 restricts the movement of the wire 20 relative to the bracket 40 in the longitudinal direction by engaging with the heat shrink tubing 25. More specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, a pair of engaging portions 43 are provided separately along the length of the bracket 40. In other words, the engaging portions 43 are provided at two different positions along the length of the bracket 40. Furthermore, the pair of engaging portions 43 separated along the length of the bracket 40 are configured to engage with both end faces 25b of the heat shrink tube 25 along its length. In other words, the pair of engaging portions 43 separated along the length of the bracket 40 are configured to place the heat shrink tube 25 between the two engaging portions 43. Thus, the engaging portions 43 restrict the movement of the heat shrink tube 25 and the wire 20 relative to the bracket 40 in the length direction.

[0036] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the engaging portion 43 is provided on a portion of the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 41. In each of the first structural portion 44 and the second structural portion 45, the engaging portion 43 is provided between the circumferential end and the flexible piece 41d. A pair of engaging portions 43 are provided opposite each other in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 41. The top end of the engaging portion 43 is arc-shaped along the outer peripheral surface of the wire 20. Thus, the engaging portion 43 is also configured to restrict the movement of the wire 20 relative to the bracket 40 in a direction intersecting the length direction. That is, the pair of engaging portions 43 opposite each other in the radial direction of the bracket 40 are configured to clamp the wire 20 in the direction in which the two wires 20 are arranged, and by engaging with the outer peripheral surface of the wire 20, the movement of the wire 20 in a direction intersecting the length direction is further restricted.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, on the inner peripheral surface of the first structural portion 44, the engaging portion 43 is provided at two different positions along the length of the wire 20. Similarly, on the inner peripheral surface of the second structural portion 45, the engaging portion 43 is also provided at two different positions along the length of the wire 20. That is, in this embodiment, two engaging portions 43 are provided in both the first structural portion 44 and the second structural portion 45.

[0038] The function of this embodiment will be explained. The wire 20 is held in place by the engaging portion 43 to the bracket 40. Furthermore, the bracket 40 is fixed to the longitudinal end of the tube 30 by a fixing protrusion 41e fitted into the through hole 31. Thus, for example, when bending is applied to the tube 30, even if force is applied to the wire 20, positional displacement of the wire 20 relative to the end of the tube 30 in the longitudinal direction is suppressed. Additionally, for example, friction between the wire 20 and the end of the tube 30 is suppressed.

[0039] Next, the effects of the above-described implementation method will be described. (1) The bracket 40 has a locking portion 43, which restricts the movement of the wire 20 relative to the bracket 40 in the longitudinal direction by engaging with the heat shrink tube 25 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the wire 20. Therefore, the movement of the wire 20 in the longitudinal direction can be restricted without the use of tape. Furthermore, for example, tape winding is not required. In addition, compared with the structure that relies on the adhesive force of tape, the offset of the wire 20 relative to the bracket 40 in the longitudinal direction can be suppressed.

[0040] (2) Since the heat shrink tube 25 covers the joint 23 and the first insulating cover 21b and the second insulating cover 22b, it prevents the joint 23 from coming into contact with water, for example. In this way, the heat shrink tube 25 has two functions, and therefore the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where, for example, a component that engages with the engagement portion 43 of the bracket 40 and a component that prevents the joint 23 from coming into contact with water are provided separately.

[0041] (3) Since the pair of engaging parts 43 separated in the length direction of the bracket 40 are designed to engage with the two end faces 25b in the length direction of the heat shrink tube 25, the movement of the wire 20 in the length direction can be well restricted.

[0042] (4) Since the engaging part 43 also restricts the movement of the wire 20 relative to the bracket 40 in the direction intersecting the length direction, the movement of the wire 20 in the direction intersecting the length direction is also restricted without the use of tape.

[0043] (5) Since the pair of engaging parts 43 facing each other in the radial direction of the bracket 40 are configured to clamp the wires 20 in the direction in which the two wires 20 are arranged, the two wires 20 can be well maintained.

[0044] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following variations can be combined with each other to implement them without creating technical inconsistencies. In the above embodiment, the engaging part 43 is configured to engage with both end faces 25b of the heat shrink tube 25 in the longitudinal direction. However, if the movement of the wire 20 relative to the bracket 40 in the longitudinal direction can be restricted, it can also be configured to engage with other parts of the heat shrink tube 25.

[0045] For example, it can also be like Figure 6 The modification is shown. In this example, the engaging portion 50 is designed to fit into the recess 25a of the heat shrink tube 25 and engage with the two end faces 25c in the longitudinal direction of the recess 25a. In this way, the engaging portion 50 can also effectively restrict the movement of the heat shrink tube 25 and the wire 20 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, in this example, the ends 21c of the first core wire 21a and the ends 22c of the second core wire 22a at the joint 23 are flat, so that the depth of the recess 25a is greater than the thickness of the heat shrink tube 25. Therefore, for example, compared with the above embodiment, the engaging area between the heat shrink tube 25 and the engaging portion 50 can be increased, thereby enabling the engaging portion 50 to reliably engage with the heat shrink tube 25. As a result, the movement of the wire 20 in the longitudinal direction can be more reliably restricted.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the heat shrink tubing 25 covers the joint 23 and the first insulating covering 21b and the second insulating covering 22b, but it is not limited to this and may not specifically cover the joint 23, etc. For example, the wire 20 may not have the joint 23.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the engaging portion 43 further restricts the movement of the wire 20 relative to the bracket 40 in a direction intersecting the length direction by making its top end arc-shaped along the outer peripheral surface of the wire 20, but is not limited thereto. For example, the engaging portion 43 may also be provided around the entire circumference of the cylindrical portion 41, with its top end arc-shaped along the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 41.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the bracket 40 has a pair of engaging portions 43 facing each other in the radial direction of the bracket 40. The pair of engaging portions 43 are configured to clamp the two wires 20 in the direction in which the two wires 20 are arranged, but are not limited thereto. For example, the pair of engaging portions 43 may not be facing each other in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 41 of the bracket 40. In addition, for example, the engaging portions 43 may clamp the wire 20 for each wire 20.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the wire harness 10 has two wires 20, but it is not limited to this and may also have one, three or more wires 20. In addition, the number of engaging portions 43 provided in the circumferential direction of the bracket 40 may also be changed.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the tube 30 is formed into a perfect cylindrical shape, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be formed into a square tube shape, an elliptical shape, etc. In addition, the shape of the cylindrical portion 41 of the support 40 can be changed according to the shape of the tube 30.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the bracket 40 is composed of a first structural part 44, a second structural part 45 and a thin-walled hinge part 46, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may also be composed of a first structural component and a second structural component that are not connected by the hinge part 46.

[0052] • In the above embodiment, there are two through holes 31 and two fixing protrusions 41e, but it is not limited to this. For example, there may be a structure with only one through hole or a structure with more than three through holes.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the wiring harness 10 electrically connects the inverter 11 to the high-voltage battery 12, but it is not limited to this and can also electrically connect other electrical devices. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0054] 10 Wire Harness 11 Inverter 12 High-voltage batteries 20 wires 21 First Electric Wire 21a First Core Wire 21b First Insulation Covering 21c end 22 Second wire 22a Second core wire 22b Second Insulation Covering 22c end 23 Joint 25 heat shrink tubing 25a recess 25b Two end faces 25c two end faces 30 tube 31 Through Hole 40 supports 41 cylindrical part 41a First end 41b Second end 41c slit 41d flexible film 41e fixed convex part 42 Flange portion 43. Card-connecting section 44 First Structural Section 45 Second structural section 46. ​​Hinge section 50 Cards V vehicle

Claims

1. A wiring harness, wherein, have: electric wire; A tube through which the electrical wire is inserted; and A bracket, which is embedded and fixed to the end of the tube along its length and holds the wire, The wire harness includes a heat-shrinkable tube, which is heat-shrinkable and fixed to the outer circumference of the wire. The bracket has a locking portion that restricts the movement of the wire relative to the bracket in the longitudinal direction by engaging with the heat shrink tubing. The wire is constructed by connecting a first wire and a second wire arranged along the length of the wire. The first wire has a first core wire and a first insulating covering portion that covers the outer periphery of the first core wire. The second wire has a second core wire and a second insulating covering portion that covers the outer periphery of the second core wire. The wire has a joint formed by joining the first core wire and the second core wire. The heat shrink tubing covers the joint and also covers the first insulating covering and the second insulating covering. The heat shrink tube has a recess at the location corresponding to the joint. The engaging portion is designed to be fitted into the recess and engage with both end faces of the recess in the length direction.

2. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein, The engaging portion is one of a pair of engaging portions that are separated along the length direction of the bracket. The pair of engaging portions are designed to engage with the two end faces of the heat shrink tube along its length.

3. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein, The ends of the first core wire and the second core wire in the joint are flat, so that the depth of the recess is greater than the thickness of the heat shrink tube.

4. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The engaging portion also restricts the movement of the wire relative to the bracket in a direction intersecting the length direction.

5. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The wire is one of two wires. The engaging portion is one of a pair of engaging portions that are radially opposed to each other on the bracket. The pair of engaging portions are configured to clamp the wires along the direction in which the two wires are arranged.

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