Wire cover unit and wire harness

Abstract

To provide a structure capable of suppressing the complexity of a wire cover and a connector and capable of suppressing the intrusion of dust and the like from a drain cylinder portion. A wire cover unit includes: a wire cover covering a portion of a connector and a wiring member mounted on a vehicle; and a barrier member formed separately from the wire cover. The wire cover has: a main body portion covering the connector and the wiring member; and a drain cylinder portion connected to the main body portion and draining water inside the main body portion. A connection port is formed in the main body portion, the connection port is open in a first direction, a connection portion of the connector is inserted through the connection port, and the drain cylinder portion extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The barrier member is fitted inside the drain cylinder portion and partially blocks a drain path inside the drain cylinder portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wire sheath units and wire harnesses. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wiring harness installed in a vehicle that uses an external power source to charge an internally mounted energy storage device. A cable sheath is provided on the back side of the socket base to cover the cable connected to the socket. A drainage member is provided in the cable sheath to collect and drain water from within the sheath. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-175764 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] In the cable sheath described in Patent Document 1, sand, dust, etc. (hereinafter referred to as dust, etc.) may enter the interior of the cable sheath through the collection and drainage member. In order to reduce the impact caused by dust, etc. entering the interior of the cable sheath, the structure of the cable sheath or connector may become more complicated.

[0005] Therefore, the aim is to provide a technology that can suppress the structural complexity of the cable sheath and connector, and can prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the drain cylinder. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The disclosed cable protection sleeve unit comprises: a cable protection sleeve that covers a portion of a connector and wiring component mounted on a vehicle; and a barrier component separately formed from the cable protection sleeve. The cable protection sleeve has: a main body portion that covers the connector and wiring component; and a drainage cylinder portion connected to the main body portion for draining water from inside the main body portion. A connection port is formed in the main body portion, the connection port being open in a first direction, through which a connection portion of the connector is inserted. The drainage cylinder portion extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The barrier component is fitted inside the drainage cylinder portion to partially block the drainage path inside the drainage cylinder portion. Invention Effects

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the structural complexity of the cable sheath and connector, and to prevent dust and other contaminants from entering from the drain cylinder. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the cable sheath unit of Embodiment 1 and the wire harness having the cable sheath unit. Figure 2 This is a bottom view showing the cable sheath unit of Embodiment 1 and the cable harness having the cable sheath unit. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line III-III. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of region A. Figure 5 This is a rear view showing the socket and wiring components. Figure 6 This is the front view showing the socket. Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view showing the cable sheath. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view showing the barrier components. Figure 9 This is a side view showing the barrier components. Figure 10 This is a view showing the barrier component from the other side. Detailed Implementation

[0009] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0010] The cable sheath unit disclosed herein is as follows.

[0011] (1) The device comprises: a cable sheath covering a portion of a connector and wiring component mounted on a vehicle; and a barrier member separately formed from the cable sheath. The cable sheath has: a main body covering the connector and wiring component; and a drain cylinder connected to the main body for draining water from the interior of the main body. A connection port is formed in the main body, opening in a first direction, through which the connector's connection portion is inserted. The drain cylinder extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The barrier member is fitted inside the drain cylinder to partially block the drainage path inside the drain cylinder. By partially blocking the drainage path inside the drain cylinder with the barrier member, the drain path is kept in a state where water from the inside of the cable sheath can be drained, and a state where dust and other external contaminants are difficult to intrude into the cable sheath. Because the barrier member is separately formed from the cable sheath and the connector, no structural changes are required in the cable sheath and the connector. This reduces structural complexity of the cable sheath and the connector, and also prevents dust and other contaminants from intruding from the drain cylinder.

[0012] (2) Alternatively, in the cable sleeve unit of (1), the barrier member has at least one sidewall extending along the inner surface of the drain cylinder and at least one partition protruding from the inner surface of the sidewall. Thus, by using the partition, the drainage path inside the drain cylinder can be easily blocked in a way that allows water inside the cable sleeve to drain out while preventing dust and other contaminants from entering the cable sleeve. Furthermore, by having a sidewall, the partition can easily maintain a proper posture relative to the drain cylinder.

[0013] (3) Alternatively, in the cable sheath unit of (2), the barrier member has a plurality of partitions, which are arranged separately from each other in the second direction. At various locations where the partitions are provided, the areas where the drainage path is blocked are different from each other, and the drainage path is completely blocked by the barrier member when viewed from the second direction. Because the drainage path is completely blocked by the barrier member when viewed from the second direction, dust and the like come into contact with the barrier member when they are about to enter the drainage cylinder in a straight line along the second direction. Therefore, dust and the like have difficulty reaching the interior of the cable sheath through the drainage cylinder. Furthermore, because the partitions are arranged separately from each other in the second direction, water inside the cable sheath is easily kept in a state where it can pass between the partitions and drain to the outside of the cable sheath.

[0014] (4) Alternatively, in the cable sheath unit of (2) or (3), the barrier member has four sidewalls arranged in a rectangular manner when viewed from the second direction, and the separator protrudes from each of the four sidewalls. This makes the path of dust and the like to the interior of the cable sheath more complex, making it difficult for dust and the like to reach the interior of the cable sheath through the drainage section.

[0015] (5) Alternatively, in the wire sheath unit of (4), the four separators are arranged in a spiral shape. Therefore, in order for dust and the like to pass through the barrier member, the dust and the like need to move in a spiral from one side along the second direction to the other. Thus, dust and the like have difficulty passing through the barrier member.

[0016] (6) Alternatively, in any of the cable sheath units in (2) to (5), the barrier member has a protrusion located on the outer surface of the sidewall and hooked onto the inner surface of the drain cylinder. This prevents the barrier member from easily detaching from the drain cylinder.

[0017] (7) Alternatively, in any of the wire sheath units in (2) to (6), the barrier member is an injection-molded article using a mold, and has a recessed sidewall as the sidewall. The recessed sidewall has a recess for demolding the mold in the vertical direction, and the barrier member is formed in a shape that does not produce an undercut along the normal direction of the recessed sidewall. Thus, during the injection molding of the barrier member, the mold can be pulled out vertically along the normal direction of the recessed sidewall, which can prevent the number of molds from increasing.

[0018] (8) Alternatively, in any of the cable sheath units in (1) to (7), a cable sheath side divider is provided in the main body portion. This cable sheath side divider overlaps with the drainage cylinder portion when viewed from the second direction. The cable sheath side divider is disposed within the space where the wiring member is disposed inside the main body portion, and between the drainage cylinder portion and the connection portion of the main body portion. Therefore, even if dust or the like enters the interior of the cable sheath from the drainage cylinder portion, the cable sheath side divider can prevent dust or the like from reaching the space where the wiring member is disposed.

[0019] (9) Alternatively, in any of the sheath units in (1) to (8), an outlet is formed in the main body, the outlet opening in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, allowing the wiring member to be inserted into the outside of the sheath. This allows for a thinner portion of the connector where the sheath is mounted, compared to the case where the wiring member extends from the sheath towards the first direction.

[0020] (10) In addition, the wire harness of this disclosure includes a connector, a wiring member extending from the connector, and any one of (1) to (9) a sheath unit, the sheath covering a portion of the connector and the wiring member. By partially blocking the drainage path inside the drainage cylinder by the barrier member, the intrusion of dust and the like from the drainage cylinder can be suppressed. Since the barrier member is a separate component from the sheath and the connector, no structural changes are required in the sheath and the connector. Thus, structural complexity of the sheath and the connector can be suppressed, and the intrusion of dust and the like from the drainage cylinder can be suppressed.

[0021] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates specific examples of the cable sheath unit and cable harness of this disclosure. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended, through the claims, to include all variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0022] [Implementation Method 1] The cable sheath unit of Embodiment 1 and the cable harness having the cable sheath unit will be described below. Figure 1This is a perspective view showing the cable sheath unit 60 of Embodiment 1 and the cable harness 10 having the cable sheath unit 60. Figure 2 This is a bottom view showing the cable sheath unit 60 of Embodiment 1 and the cable harness 10 having the cable sheath unit 60. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line III-III. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of region A.

[0023] <Wire Harness> The wiring harness 10 includes a connector 20, a wiring member 50, and a cable sheath unit 60. The connector 20 has a connection portion that connects to a connector on the opposite side. The wiring member 50 connects to terminals 40 in the connector 20 and extends outward from the connector 20. The cable sheath unit 60 includes a cable sheath 62 and a barrier member 80. The cable sheath 62 covers a portion of the connector 20 and the wiring member 50. The barrier member 80 is fitted into the cable sheath 62. In this example, the connector 20 is described as an example of a socket 20. The connector 20 does not necessarily have to be a socket 20; any connector mounted on a vehicle can be used.

[0024] A wiring harness 10 with a socket 20 is installed in a vehicle. The vehicle is an electric vehicle equipped with an energy storage device and an electric motor. The vehicle is driven by the electric motor powered by electricity from the energy storage device. The vehicle can be an electric vehicle with only an electric motor as the drive source, or a hybrid vehicle with both an electric motor and an engine. The energy storage device in the vehicle is charged using electricity supplied from an external charging station. The socket 20 in the wiring harness 10 is, for example, mounted in a socket mounting part 90, which is provided on the outer surface of the vehicle body. Figure 2 An example of a socket assembly 90 is shown. For example, a portion of a panel 92 constituting the vehicle body is formed as a recessed shape towards the inside of the vehicle. A through hole 94 is formed in the bottom of the panel 92 in the socket assembly 90. A portion of the wiring harness 10 is positioned closer to the inside of the vehicle than the panel 92, and another portion passes through the through hole 94.

[0025] The socket 20 is configured to be inserted into and electrically connected to an external charging connector. The external charging connector is, for example, a connector for a charging cable extending from a charging station. A connection portion for the external charging connector is provided on the front side of the socket 20. The connection portion includes the part that is inserted into and electrically connected to the external charging connector. A portion of the connection portion passes through a through hole 94 in the panel 92. The front side portion of the housing and terminal 40 in the socket 20 serves as the connection portion. A wiring member 50 extends from the socket 20. The wiring member 50 delivers power from the charging station to the vehicle's energy storage device. A cable sleeve 62 protects the socket 20 and wiring member 50, and prevents water from entering the socket 20, within the interior space of the vehicle closer to the panel 92. A connection port 66, a drain port 68, and an outlet 70 are formed in the cable sleeve 62. The connection portion in the socket 20 extends outward from the cable sleeve 62 through the connection port 66. Water inside the cable sleeve 62 is discharged to the outside of the cable sleeve 62 through the drain port 68. The wiring component 50 extends outward from the cable sheath 62 through the outlet 70.

[0026] In this disclosure, such as Figure 2 As shown, among the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions, the X direction is parallel to the direction of the through hole 94 of the socket 20 through the panel 92. The socket 20 and the external charging connector are connected in the X direction. The Z direction is, for example, a vertical direction. For example, when the socket 20 is provided on the side of the vehicle, the Y direction becomes the front-rear direction of the vehicle. For example, when the socket 20 is provided on the front or rear surface of the vehicle, the Y direction becomes the width direction of the vehicle. In addition, in the cable sleeve 62, the connection port 66 opens in the X direction, the outlet 70 opens in the Y direction, and the drain port 68 opens in the Z direction. For components that are not in an assembled state, the directions corresponding to the X, Y, and Z directions when they are formed in an assembled state are also used for explanation.

[0027] <Sockets and wiring components> Here, the socket 20 has the aforementioned connecting portion and fixing portion 28. The fixing portion 28 is used for fixing to a vehicle. Here, multiple components are combined to form the connecting portion and fixing portion 28 in the socket 20. In the socket 20, the first component 22, the second component 32, and the terminal 40 are included as such multiple components.

[0028] The first component 22 has a first housing portion 23. The first housing portion 23 has a through hole 94. The shape of the first housing portion 23 is preferably formed to correspond to the shape of the through hole 94. Here, the shape of the first housing portion 23 and the shape of the through hole 94 are both circular. The first housing portion 23 has a first cavity 25 and a first dewatering hole 26 that pass through the first housing portion 23 in the X direction.

[0029] The second component 32 has a second housing portion 33. A second cavity 35 and a second dewatering hole 36 are formed in the second housing portion 33, respectively penetrating through the second housing portion 33 in the X direction. The first housing portion 23 and the second housing portion 33 are connected in the X direction. The second housing portion 33 is located closer to the vehicle interior than the first housing portion 23 along the X direction. The first cavity 25 and the second cavity 35 communicate in the X direction to form a cavity. A terminal 40 is housed within this cavity to form a connection portion.

[0030] One end of terminal 40 is electrically connected to a terminal in the external charging connector when the external charging connector is inserted into the socket 20. The other end of terminal 40 is electrically connected to the wiring member 50. In the socket 20, terminal 40 and wiring member 50 remain connected. The connection method between terminal 40 and wiring member 50 is not particularly limited and can include crimping, soldering, etc. Here, two terminals 40A for power lines and two terminals 40B for signal lines are provided as terminals 40. Of course, the number and purpose of terminals 40 are not limited to this. The number and purpose of terminals 40 can be appropriately set according to the number and purpose of the terminals of the external charging connector.

[0031] The first dewatering hole 26 and the second dewatering hole 36 are connected in the X direction to form a dewatering hole. The dewatering hole prevents water from accumulating in the space outside the panel 92 in the socket assembly 90. Water accumulating in the space outside the panel 92 in the socket assembly 90 is guided through the dewatering hole to the space inside the panel 92. Here, water is guided through the dewatering hole to the inside of the cable sleeve 62. The water guided to the inside of the cable sleeve 62 is discharged to the outside of the cable sleeve 62 through the drain port 68 in the cable sleeve 62.

[0032] The first component 22 further includes a fixing portion 28. The fixing portion 28 protrudes in a flange shape from the outer surface of the first housing portion 23 (here, the outer surface of the portion located closer to the vehicle interior side than the panel 92). The fixing portion 28 is larger than the through hole 94 of the panel 92. The fixing method of the fixing portion 28 and the panel 92 is not particularly limited, for example, it can be fixed as follows: a fixing hole is formed in the fixing portion 28. A double-ended bolt is provided on the inner surface of the periphery of the through hole 94 in the panel 92. The double-ended bolt is tightened into the fixing hole, thereby fixing the fixing portion 28 and the panel 92. Thus, the socket 20 is assembled to the socket assembly portion 90.

[0033] The second component 32 further includes a housing-side partition 37. The housing-side partition 37 is plate-shaped and extends from the rear end of the second housing portion 33 toward the X direction. The housing-side partition 37 has an opening at its end along the X direction. The housing-side partition 37 has two first partitions 38 that separate the terminals 40A from each other. The housing-side partition 37 further includes a second partition 39 that separates the opening of the dehydration hole from the opening of the cavity. An opening is formed in a portion of the YZ plane of each of the first partitions 38. A portion of the wiring component 50A extending from this opening is on the opposite side to the portion connected to the terminal 40A. Here, the openings of each of the first partitions 38 open upwards along the Z direction. However, the openings of the two first partitions 38 may also open in different orientations. The second partition 39 is closed on one side (in this case, the negative Y direction) by being connected to one of the first partitions 38. The second separator 39 is not connected to the other first separator 38, and opens on the opposite side in the Y direction (in this case, the positive side in the Y direction). Here, the orientation of the opening in the Y direction of the second separator 39 is the same as the lead-out direction of the wiring member 50, but it can also be opposite.

[0034] The first component 22 is an integrally molded article formed by the first housing part 23 and the fixing part 28. The second component 32 is an integrally molded article formed by the second housing part 33 and the housing side partition 37. The first component 22 and the second component 32 are respectively formed using an insulating material such as resin. The first component 22 and the second component 32 can also be integrally formed using a mold using a material such as resin.

[0035] In this example, the wiring component 50 is provided with multiple wires (in which power cords are used) for power supply purposes. Figure 5 The example shown consists of two wiring components 50A and multiple wires used as signal lines. Figure 5 In the example shown, there are two wiring members 50B. The wiring member 50A, which serves as a power line, is thicker than the wiring member 50B, which serves as a signal line. Therefore, the wiring member 50A, which serves as a power line, is more difficult to bend than the wiring member 50B, which serves as a signal line. Each of the four wiring members 50 is a single-wire covered wire with a conductor and a sheath. The four wiring members 50 extend from the outside to the inside of the cable sleeve 62. One end of the wiring member 50A, which serves as a power line, is connected to terminal 40A. One end of the wiring member 50B, which serves as a signal line, is connected to terminal 40B. The other ends of the four wiring members 50 extend outward from the cable sleeve 62 and connect to their respective connecting partners. The connecting partners are set according to the specifications of the vehicle's charging system, and for example, a battery storage device, an AC-DC converter, a DC-DC converter, or an electronic control unit (ECU) may be assumed.

[0036] Of course, the number and purpose of the wiring components 50 are not limited to this, and can be appropriately set according to the specifications of the vehicle's charging system. For example, as a wiring component 50, a composite cable with multiple single wires covered by an outer sheath can be used, and the composite cable can also extend from the outside to the inside of the cable sheath 62. In addition, for example, as a wiring component 50 in the wiring harness 10, there can also be a wiring component that is not connected to an external charging connector. As such a wiring component 50, there can also be a wiring component that connects to electrical components such as sensors installed in the socket 20.

[0037] <Wire Protector> Apart from Figures 1 to 6 In addition, refer to Figure 7 The wire sheath 62 in the wire sheath unit 60 will be described. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the cable sheath 62.

[0038] The cable sheath 62 has a main body 63 and a flange 74. The cable sheath 62 is a one-piece molded product formed integrally from the main body 63 and the flange 74. The cable sheath 62 is formed using an elastic material. For example, a highly elastic elastomer such as EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber) can be used as the material for the cable sheath 62. The cable sheath 62 can also be integrally formed using such an elastic material through a mold.

[0039] The main body 63 covers a portion of the socket 20 and the wiring component 50. A connection port 66, a drain port 68, and an outlet port 70 are formed in the main body 63. The connection port 66 is larger than the drain port 68 and the outlet port 70. A cylindrical drain section 69 is provided in the drain port 68. A barrier component 80 is fitted inside the drain section 69.

[0040] In this disclosure, the opening direction of the connection port 66 is designated as the first direction. The first direction is parallel to the X direction. Furthermore, the opening direction of the drain port 68 is designated as the second direction, and the opening direction of the outlet 70 is designated as the third direction. As described above, the outlet 70 opens in the Y direction, and the drain port 68 opens in the Z direction. Therefore, the first, second, and third directions are orthogonal to each other. However, the first, second, and third directions may not be orthogonal to each other. For example, the second direction may be a direction that intersects the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0041] In this example, the main body 63 has a first part 64 and a second part 65. In addition, in this example, similar to the drain tube part 69 provided at the drain outlet 68, a connecting tube part 67 and an outlet tube part 71 formed into a cylinder are also provided at the connecting port 66 and the outlet 70, respectively.

[0042] Part 1, 64, primarily covers the connecting portion of the socket 20. Part 2, 65, primarily covers the portion of the wiring member 50 that extends in the second direction beyond the portion connected to the terminal 40. Part 1, 64, and Part 2, 65 are hollow, connecting the internal spaces of the first member 22 and the second member 32. Part 1, 64, can be any shape that covers the connecting portion of the socket 20, preferably a shape corresponding to the connecting portion of the socket 20. Part 2, 65, can be any shape that covers the portion of the wiring member 50 extending in the second direction. The internal space of Part 2, 65, is larger than the sum of the external dimensions of the multiple wiring members 50. Part 2, 65, can accommodate the multiple wiring members 50 in a manner that prevents them from touching each other. Here, Part 1, 64, has a continuous circular cross-section in the first direction, and Part 2, 65, has a continuous square cross-section (in this case, a rectangular cross-section) in the second direction.

[0043] A connection port 66 is provided at one end of the first part 64 along the X direction. The other end of the first part 64 along the X direction (the end opposite to the end with the connection port 66) does not have an opening. A drain port 68 is provided at the middle portion along the X direction and the lowermost portion along the Z direction of the first part 64. Furthermore, a second part 65 is provided in the first part 64, different from the portion with the drain port 68. The second part 65 extends in the Y direction from the portion connected to the first part 64. An outlet 70 is provided at the end of the second part 65 along the Y direction. However, the second part 65 may not be provided in the main body 63. The outlet 70 may also be formed in the first part 64.

[0044] The connecting cylindrical portion 67 is formed as a continuous cylindrical shape with the same cross-sectional shape in the X direction. The connecting cylindrical portion 67 extends the connecting port 66 in the X direction. A lip may also be provided on the inner surface of the connecting cylindrical portion 67. The lip is formed in an annular shape so as to contact the outer surface of the connecting portion (in this case, the outer surface of the first housing portion 23). By pressing the lip against the outer surface of the connecting portion, water is stopped between the socket 20 in the connecting port 66 and the cable sleeve 62.

[0045] The drain cylinder 69 is formed as a continuous cylindrical shape with the same cross-sectional shape in the Z direction. The drain cylinder 69 extends the drain outlet 68 in the Z direction. Here, the cross-sectional shape of the drain outlet 68 and the drain cylinder 69 is rectangular. The cross-sectional shape of the drain outlet 68 and the drain cylinder 69 may also be circular or the like.

[0046] The lead-out cylindrical portion 71 is formed as a continuous cylindrical shape with the same cross-sectional shape in the Y direction. The lead-out cylindrical portion 71 extends the outlet 70 in the Y direction. A lip may also be provided on the inner surface of the lead-out cylindrical portion 71. The lip is formed in an annular shape so as to contact the wiring member 50. By pressing the lip against the outer surface of the wiring member 50, water is stopped between the wiring member 50 and the cable sheath 62 in the outlet 70.

[0047] In this example, the outlet section 71 (outlet 70) is formed with multiple (in) Figure 1 (Three are shown in the example). Two wiring members 50A are inserted separately, one after the other, into two of the three lead-out cylinders 71A. Two wiring members 50B are inserted together into one of the three lead-out cylinders 71B. Because wiring members 50A are less flexible than wiring members 50B, the lead-out cylinders 71A are preferably positioned to minimize bending of the wiring members 50A. Here, the wiring members 50A extend upwards along the third direction from the portion connected to the terminal 40A. Therefore, the two lead-out cylinders 71A are located above the lead-out cylinders 71B.

[0048] A cable sheath-side divider 72 is provided in the main body 63. The cable sheath-side divider 72 overlaps with the drain outlet 68 when viewed from the Z direction. The cable sheath-side divider 72 is disposed between the space where the wiring member 50 is disposed inside the main body 63 and the connection portion between the drain cylinder portion 69 and the main body 63. Here, a second divider 39 separates the space where the wiring member 50 is disposed and the space with the drain outlet 68. The cable sheath-side divider 72 is disposed between the second divider 39 and the drain outlet 68 along the Z direction. The cable sheath-side divider 72 protrudes along the X direction from the inner surface of the end opposite to the connection port 66 in the first portion 64. The cable sheath-side divider 72 has a divider body 72a and a pair of legs 72b. The divider body 72a is the portion that overlaps with the drain outlet 68 when viewed from the Z direction. The divider body 72a is provided with a gap between it and the drain outlet 68 along the Z direction. A pair of legs 72b connects the partition body 72a to the surrounding portion of the drain outlet 68 in the main body 63. The pair of legs 72b are arranged separately along the Y direction. A drain outlet 68 is provided between the pair of legs 72b along the Y direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the partition body 72a does not overlap with the drain outlet 68 on the connection portion side along the X direction. Therefore, water can easily reach the drain outlet 68 from the opening of the drain hole in the socket 20. However, the partition body 72a may also completely overlap with the drain outlet 68 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0049] The second partition 39 in the housing-side partition 37 has a portion that overlaps with the drain outlet 68 along the X direction when viewed from the Z direction. That is, when viewed from the Z direction, the second partition 39 in the housing-side partition 37 is provided in the portion without the sheath-side partition 72. Therefore, the second partition 39 in the housing-side partition 37 can prevent dust and other contaminants from intruding into the wiring member 50's placement space from the portion without the sheath-side partition 72. The second partition 39 extends along the X direction to the portion overlapping with the partition body 72a. The second partition 39 completely overlaps with the drain outlet 68 along the X direction. The second partition 39 extends along the X direction beyond the front of the drain outlet 68.

[0050] A flange 74 is provided around the end portion of the connecting sleeve 67 along the X direction. The flange 74 is formed in a ring shape covering the entire circumference of the side surface of the connecting sleeve 67. For example, when performing the operation of installing the cable sheath 62 into the socket 20, especially when the connection port 66 is offset relative to the socket 20 in the X direction, the operator can grasp the flange 74 to perform the operation. As a result, the workability of the operation of installing the cable sheath 62 into the socket 20 can be improved. However, the flange 74 may not be provided. In addition, the flange 74 may not be a ring shape covering the entire circumference of the side surface of the connecting sleeve 67, or it may be formed locally on the side surface of the connecting sleeve 67.

[0051] <Barrier component> Apart from Figures 1 to 7 In addition, refer to Figures 8 to 10 The barrier component 80 is described below. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the barrier component 80. Figure 9 This is a side view showing the barrier component 80. Figure 10 This is another side view showing the barrier component 80.

[0052] The barrier member 80 partially blocks the drainage passage inside the drainage cylinder 69. The drainage passage inside the drainage cylinder 69 is narrowed at the portion where the barrier member 80 is mounted. The drainage passage is narrowed to allow water inside the cable sheath 62 to drain to the outside of the cable sheath 62. The barrier member 80 ensures the necessary path for water inside the cable sheath 62 to drain to the outside of the cable sheath 62 within the drainage passage, and also narrows the path for dust and other contaminants from the outside of the cable sheath 62 to intrude into the inside of the cable sheath 62. Here, as... Figure 2 As shown, the drainage path is completely blocked by barrier component 80 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0053] The barrier member 80 has at least one sidewall 82 and at least one partition 84. Here, the barrier member 80 further has at least one protrusion 86. In this example, an example is illustrated where the barrier member 80 has four sidewalls 82, four partitions 84, and six protrusions 86. Of course, the number of sidewalls 82, partitions 84, and protrusions 86 does not have to be these numbers and can be appropriately set.

[0054] The sidewalls 82 are formed as plates extending along the inner surface of the drain cylinder 69. The four sidewalls 82 are arranged to be rectangular (in this case, square) when viewed from the Z-direction. That is, the four sidewalls 82 are connected about an axis along the Z-direction, forming a rectangular cylindrical frame 81. The outer surface of the frame 81 is formed with the same shape as the inner surface of the drain cylinder 69. The interior of the frame 81 serves as the main drainage channel. Water does not pass between the outer surface of the frame 81 and the inner surface of the drain cylinder 69, or if it does, the amount is less than inside the frame 81.

[0055] The partition 84 protrudes from the inner surface of the side wall 82. The partition 84 is formed as a plate extending in a direction intersecting the Z-direction. The thickness of the partition 84 is the same as the thickness of the side wall 82. The partition 84 partially seals off the internal space of the frame 81. The partition 84 protrudes from each of the four side walls 82. The partition 84 can be considered to protrude from a side wall 82 connected to one edge along its long side. Specifically, partition 84A protrudes from side wall 82A, partition 84B protrudes from side wall 82B, partition 84C protrudes from side wall 82C, and partition 84D protrudes from side wall 82D.

[0056] When viewed from the Z-direction, the size of each partition 84 is smaller than the size of the frame 81. When viewed from the Z-direction, the size of each partition 84 may also be the same as or larger than half the size of the frame 81. When viewed from the Z-direction, the size of each partition 84 may also be smaller than half the size of the frame 81. Here, when viewed from the Z-direction, the size of each partition 84 is the same as half the size of the frame 81.

[0057] When viewed from the Z direction, each partition 84 is shaped such that a rectangle formed by the four side walls 82 is cut off parallel to one side of the rectangle. Here, the rectangle formed by the four side walls 82 is a square, so the partition 84 is rectangular.

[0058] In a rectangular partition 84, one of the two edges along the long side and the other along the short side are connected to a sidewall 82. The partition 84 can be considered to protrude from the sidewall 82 connected to the edge along the long side.

[0059] Each partition 84 is connected to at least two sidewalls 84. Partition 84A is connected to three sidewalls 82A, 82B, and 82D. Similarly, partition 84C is connected to three sidewalls 82B, 82C, and 82D. Partition 84B is connected to two sidewalls 82A and 82B. Partition 84D is connected to two sidewalls 82C and 82D. A partition 84 may also be connected to only one sidewall 84.

[0060] Four partitions 84 are arranged separately in the Z direction. At the four locations where the four partitions 84 are located, the areas where the drainage path is blocked are different from each other. Specifically, the four partitions 84 are arranged in a spiral shape. That is, the order in which the partitions 84 are arranged from one side to the other along the Z direction is consistent with the order in which the sidewalls 82 are arranged around the axis along the Z direction. Specifically, sidewalls 82A-82D are connected in this order around the axis along the Z direction. The partitions 84A-84D corresponding to sidewalls 82A-82D are arranged from the positive side to the negative side along the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, partition 84A blocks half of the area inside the frame 81, closer to the negative Y direction in the YZ plane than the center of the frame 81. When viewed from the Z direction, partition 84B blocks half of the area inside the frame 81, closer to the positive X direction in the YZ plane than the center of the frame 81. When viewed from the Z direction, the partition 84C blocks half of the area inside the frame 81 on the positive Y-direction side of the YZ plane, beyond the center of the frame 81. When viewed from the Z direction, the partition 84D blocks half of the area inside the frame 81 on the negative X-direction side of the YZ plane, beyond the center of the frame 81.

[0061] Both the first surface of the separator 84 facing the inner side of the cable sheath 62 and the second surface facing the outer side are planes orthogonal to the Z direction. The first surface of the separator 84 can also be an inclined surface that slopes towards the outer side of the cable sheath 62 as it moves from the base end side (the side connected to the sidewall 82) of the separator 84 towards the end side. As a result, water reaching the first surface of the separator 84 is easily guided to the outside of the cable sheath 62 along the inclined surface.

[0062] A protrusion 86 is provided on the outer surface of the sidewall 82. The protrusion 86 hooks onto the inner surface of the drain cylinder 69. The protrusion 86 protrudes larger from the outer surface of the sidewall 82 as it moves towards the outlet side of the drain cylinder 69 along the Z-direction. The protrusion 86 is formed in a folded-back shape. The protrusion 86 is continuous in the width direction with the same cross-sectional shape (in this case, an orthogonal triangle). The protrusion 86 is longer in the width direction of the sidewall 82. The dimension of the protrusion 86 along the width direction of the sidewall 82 is greater than half the width dimension of the sidewall 82. The dimension of the protrusion 86 along the width direction of the sidewall 82 is slightly smaller than the spacing between the opposing pair of sidewalls 82.

[0063] Protrusions 86 are separately provided on one end and the other end of the barrier member 80 along the Z direction. On one end of the barrier member 80 along the Z direction, protrusions 86 are formed on the three sidewalls 82, excluding sidewall 82C. On the other end of the barrier member 80 along the Z direction, protrusions 86 are formed on the three sidewalls 82, excluding sidewall 82A.

[0064] The barrier member 80 is press-fitted into the interior of the drain cylinder portion 69. The outer surface of the barrier member 80 is larger than the inner surface of the drain cylinder portion 69, at least in the portion with the protrusion 86. The outer surface of the frame 81 may also be larger than the inner surface of the drain cylinder portion 69. In this case, the inner surface of the drain cylinder portion 69 fits tightly against the outer surface of the frame 81, making it less likely for the barrier member 80 to detach from the drain cylinder portion 69.

[0065] A pair of opposing sidewalls 82A and 82C among the four sidewalls 82 have recesses 83. The recesses 83 are formed to allow the mold to be demolded in the vertical direction. Sidewalls 82A and 82C are examples of sidewalls with recesses. The barrier member 80 is shaped so that it does not produce an undercut along the normal direction (Y direction) of the sidewalls 82A and 82C, which are sidewalls with recesses. Furthermore, the barrier member 80 is shaped to produce undercuts in both the X and Z directions. In the barrier member 80, the entire surface facing the positive side in the Y direction appears in the side view viewed from the positive side in the Y direction. Figure 9 (Side view shown). In the barrier member 80, all surfaces facing the negative Y direction appear in the side view viewed from the negative Y direction. Figure 10 (Side view shown).

[0066] Specifically, in sidewall 82A, a recess 83A is provided on the negative side in the Z direction. Sidewall 82A is provided in the region of barrier member 80 from the middle portion along the Z direction to the positive end. Sidewall 82A is not provided in the region of barrier member 80 from the middle portion along the Z direction to the negative end. In sidewall 82C, a recess 83C is provided on the positive side in the Z direction. Sidewall 82C is provided in the region of barrier member 80 from the middle portion along the Z direction to the negative end. Sidewall 82C is not provided in the region of barrier member 80 from the middle portion along the Z direction to the positive end.

[0067] When viewed from the Y direction, sidewalls 82A and 82C do not overlap. When viewed from the Y direction, sidewall 82A overlaps with the recess 83C formed in sidewall 82C. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, when viewed from the front side in the Y direction, the sidewall 82A is exposed through the recess 83C. When viewed from the Y direction, the sidewall 82C overlaps with the recess 83A formed in the sidewall 82A. Therefore, as Figure 10As shown, when viewed from the negative side in the Y direction, the sidewall 82C is exposed through the recess 83A.

[0068] Sidewall 82B extends continuously from one end of barrier member 80 to the other along the Z-direction. The sum of the dimensions of sidewall 82A and sidewall 82C along the Z-direction is the same as or smaller than the dimension of sidewall 82B along the Z-direction. Here, when viewed from the Y-direction, sidewalls 82A and 82C are separated from each other in the Z-direction. The sum of the dimensions of sidewall 82A and sidewall 82C along the Z-direction is smaller than the dimension of sidewall 82B along the Z-direction.

[0069] The barrier member 80 is completely housed within the drain cylinder portion 69. The dimension of the barrier member 80 along the Z-direction is smaller than the dimension of the drain cylinder portion 69 along the Z-direction. Therefore, when the barrier member 80 is fitted inside the drain cylinder portion 69, it is less likely to protrude from the opening at the end of the drain cylinder portion 69. However, the dimension of the barrier member 80 along the Z-direction may also be the same as or larger than the dimension of the drain cylinder portion 69 along the Z-direction. When the barrier member 80 is fitted inside the drain cylinder portion 69, it may also protrude from the opening at the end of the drain cylinder portion 69.

[0070] The barrier component 80 is a monolithically formed article consisting of four sidewalls 82, four partitions 84, and six protrusions 86. The barrier component 80 is formed, for example, using resin. Such a resin material can be, for example, a material harder than the elastomer used as the material for the sheath 62. Such a resin material can also be, for example, PP (polypropylene). The barrier component 80 can also be monolithically formed using a mold with the aforementioned resin material. For example, the barrier component 80 can also be an injection-molded article using a mold.

[0071] The barrier component 80 is a separate component from the cable sheath 62. The barrier component 80 and the cable sheath 62 are separate components because they are formed using different molds and are separate in their formed state. The barrier component 80 and the cable sheath 62 are assembled after being formed separately. Here, the barrier component 80 and the cable sheath 62 can be installed and removed in their assembled state.

[0072] <Effects, etc.> Based on the cable sheath unit 60 and the wire harness 10 equipped with the cable sheath unit 60 as described above, the drainage path inside the drainage cylinder 69 is partially blocked by the barrier member 80, thereby maintaining a state in which water inside the cable sheath 62 can be discharged and a state in which dust and other external particles are difficult to penetrate the cable sheath 62. Since the barrier member 80 is a separate component from the cable sheath 62 and the connector 20, no structural changes are required in the cable sheath 62 and the connector 20. Therefore, structural complexity of the cable sheath 62 and the connector 20 can be suppressed, and the intrusion of dust and other particles from the drainage cylinder 69 can be prevented.

[0073] Furthermore, the barrier member 80 has at least one side wall 82 and at least one partition 84. The partition 84 facilitates the sealing of the internal drainage path of the drainage cylinder 69 in a manner that allows internal water to drain out while preventing external dust and other contaminants from entering. Additionally, the side wall 82 allows the partition 84 to be easily maintained in a proper position relative to the drainage cylinder 69.

[0074] Furthermore, the drainage path is completely blocked by the barrier member 80 when viewed from the Z direction, so dust and the like come into contact with the barrier member 80 when the drainage cylinder 69 is about to enter in a straight line along the X direction. Therefore, dust and the like have difficulty reaching the interior of the cable sheath 62 through the drainage cylinder 69. In addition, the multiple separators 84 are arranged separately from each other in the Z direction, so water inside the cable sheath 62 is easily kept in a state where it can pass between the separators 84 and be discharged to the outside of the cable sheath 62.

[0075] Furthermore, the barrier member 80 has four side walls 82 arranged in a rectangular manner when viewed from the Z direction, and the separator 84 protrudes from each of the four side walls 82. As a result, the path of dust and the like to reach the interior of the cable sheath 62 through the drain cylinder 69 becomes more complicated, making it difficult for dust and the like to reach the interior of the cable sheath 62 through the drain cylinder 69.

[0076] Furthermore, the four separators 84 are arranged in a spiral shape. Therefore, in order for dust and the like to pass through the barrier member 80, the dust and the like need to move in a spiral from one direction along the Z-direction to the other. This makes it difficult for dust and the like to pass through the barrier member 80.

[0077] In addition, the barrier member 80 has a protrusion 86, which is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 82 and hooks onto the inner surface of the drain cylinder portion 69. As a result, the barrier member 80 is difficult to detach from the drain cylinder portion 69.

[0078] Furthermore, the barrier member 80 is formed in a shape that does not produce undercuts along the normal direction (Y direction) of the sidewalls 82A and 82C, which are sidewalls with recesses. As a result, during the injection molding of the barrier member 80, the mold can be pulled out vertically along the Y direction, which can prevent the number of molds from increasing.

[0079] Furthermore, a cable sheath-side partition 72 is provided between the space where the wiring member 50 is disposed inside the main body 63 and the connection portion between the drain cylinder 69 and the main body 63. As a result, even if dust or the like enters the interior of the cable sheath 62 from the drain cylinder 69, the cable sheath-side partition 72 can be used to prevent dust or the like from reaching the space where the wiring member 50 is disposed.

[0080] Furthermore, an outlet 70 is formed in the main body 63, which opens in the Y direction, intersecting the X and Z directions, allowing the wiring member 50 to be inserted into the outside of the cable sheath 62. As a result, compared to the case where the wiring member 50 extends from the cable sheath 62 in the X direction, the portion of the connector 20 where the cable sheath 62 is mounted can be made thinner.

[0081] [Variation Example] Previously, it was assumed that the barrier member 80 had at least one sidewall 82 and at least one partition 84, but this is not a necessary structure. For example, the barrier member 80 may also be formed with only one partition 84. That is, the barrier member 80 may also be formed as a flat plate and disposed inside the drainage cylinder portion 69 such that the normal direction of its surface intersects the Z direction.

[0082] Furthermore, it has been previously described that the barrier member 80 has multiple partitions 84 and that the drainage path is completely blocked by the barrier member 80 when viewed from the Z direction, but this is not a necessary structure. The drainage path can also be partially blocked by the barrier member 80 when viewed from the Z direction. For example, the protruding dimensions of each of the four partitions 84 could be formed to be smaller than half the distance between a pair of opposing sidewalls 82, creating gaps between the four partitions 84 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0083] Furthermore, it has been previously assumed that the barrier member 80 has four sidewalls 82 arranged in a rectangular manner when viewed from the Z direction, and that the partition members 84 protrude from each of the four sidewalls 82, but this is not a necessary structure. For example, one, two, or three of the four sidewalls 82 may be omitted from the barrier member 80. Additionally, for example, if the barrier member 80 has four sidewalls 82, there may be sidewalls 82 from which the partition members 84 do not protrude.

[0084] Furthermore, while the previous description assumed the four partitions 84 to be arranged in a spiral shape, this is not a necessary configuration. The four partitions 84 can also be arranged in a manner other than a spiral. For example, two partitions 84 protruding from a pair of opposing sidewalls 82 can also be arranged sequentially along the Z-direction.

[0085] Furthermore, it has been previously described that the barrier member 80 has a protrusion 86, which is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 82 and hooks onto the inner surface of the drain cylinder 69, but this is not a necessary structure. The protrusion 86 may also be omitted from the barrier member 80. In this case, for example, when the barrier member 80 is pressed into the drain cylinder 69, the inner surface of the drain cylinder 69 strongly presses against the outer surface of the side wall 82, thereby holding the barrier member 80 in the drain cylinder 69.

[0086] Furthermore, it has been previously described that the barrier member 80 is formed in a shape without undercuts along the normal direction of the sidewalls 82A and 82C, which are sidewalls with recesses, but this is not a necessary structure. The barrier member 80 can also be a shape in which undercuts are formed in all directions. The barrier member 80 can also be injection molded using three or more molds.

[0087] Furthermore, it has been previously assumed that the main body 63 is provided with a cable sleeve side divider 72 that overlaps with the drain cylinder 69 when viewed from the Z direction, and that the cable sleeve side divider 72 is positioned between the space where the wiring member 50 is disposed inside the main body 63 and the connection portion between the drain cylinder 69 and the main body 63. However, this is not a necessary structure. For example, the cable sleeve side divider 72 may be omitted from the main body 63.

[0088] Furthermore, it has been previously described that an outlet 70 is formed in the main body 63, and the outlet 70 opens in the Y direction, which intersects the X and Z directions, so that the wiring member 50 can be inserted into the outside of the cable sheath 62. However, this is not a necessary structure. For example, the outlet 70 may also open in the X direction in the opposite direction to the connection port 66.

[0089] [Postscript] In the above example, it is assumed that the barrier member 80 is assembled on the cable sheath 62. However, it is also possible not to assemble the barrier member 80 on the cable sheath 62, but to directly provide the partition member 84 on the drainage cylinder portion 69 of the cable sheath 62. That is to say, the cable sheath can also be integrally formed by a mold to have the shape of the main body portion 63, the drainage cylinder portion 69 and the partition member 84.

[0090] Furthermore, the structures described in the above embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0091] 10 wire harness 20-pin connector 22 Component 1 23 First shell section 25 First Cavity 26 First dehydration hole 28 Fixing parts 32. Component 2 33 Second shell section 35 Second cavity 36 Second dehydration hole 37 Housing side partition 38 First separator 39. Second separator 40, 40A, 40B terminals 50, 50A, 50B wiring components 60 cable sheath unit 62 Wire Protector 63 Main body 64 Part 1 65 Part 2 66 Connection Port 67 Connecting cylinder section 68 Drainage outlet 69 Drainage cylinder section 70 Exit 71, 71A, 71B lead-out sections 72. Side separator of the cable sheath 72a Separator Body 72b Legs 74 Flange portion 80 barrier components 81 Frame Sidewalls of 82, 82A, 82B, 82C, and 82D 83, 83A, 83C concave parts 84, 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D partitions 86 protrusions 90 Socket Assembly Department 92 Panel 94 Through hole

Claims

1. A cable sheath unit, comprising: Cable protectors cover a portion of the connectors and wiring components mounted on a vehicle; and The barrier component is separately formed from the cable sheath. The cable sleeve includes: a main body that covers the connector and the wiring components; and a drain sleeve connected to the main body for draining water from inside the main body. A connection port is formed in the main body, the connection port is open in a first direction, and the connection part of the connector is inserted into the connection port. The drainage cylinder extends in a second direction that intersects the first direction. The barrier component is assembled inside the drainage cylinder to partially block the drainage path inside the drainage cylinder.

2. The cable sheath unit according to claim 1, wherein, The barrier member has at least one sidewall extending along the inner surface of the drainage cylinder and at least one partition protruding from the inner surface of the sidewall.

3. The cable sheath unit according to claim 2, wherein, The barrier component has a plurality of the aforementioned separators. The plurality of separators are arranged separately from each other in the second direction. At multiple locations where the plurality of separators are provided, the areas where the drainage channels are blocked are different from one another. The drainage path is completely blocked by the barrier component when viewed from the second direction.

4. The cable sheath unit according to claim 2, wherein, The barrier member has four sidewalls arranged in a rectangular manner when viewed from the second direction. The separators protrude from the four side walls respectively.

5. The cable sheath unit according to claim 4, wherein, The four separators are arranged in a spiral shape.

6. The cable sheath unit according to claim 2, wherein, The barrier component has protrusions that are disposed on the outer surface of the sidewall and hooked onto the inner surface of the drainage cylinder.

7. The cable sheath unit according to claim 2, wherein, The barrier component is an injection-molded product using a mold. The sidewall is provided with a recessed portion, which forms a recess for demolding the mold in the vertical direction. The barrier member is formed in a shape that does not produce an undercut along the normal direction of the sidewall with the recess.

8. The cable sheath unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, A wire sheath side divider is provided on the main body, which overlaps with the drainage cylinder portion when viewed from the second direction. The cable sleeve side separator is disposed inside the main body, in the space where the wiring member is disposed, and between the drain cylinder and the connection portion of the main body.

9. The cable sheath unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, An outlet is formed in the main body, and the outlet opens in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction, so that the wiring member can be inserted into the outside of the cable sheath.

10. A wire harness, comprising: Connector; Wiring components extend from the connector; and The cable sheath unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The cable sleeve covers a portion of the connector and the wiring components.

Images