Wire harness

Abstract

The invention provides a wire harness capable of being thinned. A wire harness (10) is provided with: an electric wire member (20); a bellows (31) covering the outer periphery of the electric wire member; and a waterproof member (40) that covers the outer periphery of the electric wire member and is connected to the bellows. The waterproof member has a connecting cylinder part (41) covering the outer periphery of the corrugated pipe, and a flat cylinder part (50) integrally formed with the connecting cylinder part. The cross-sectional shape of the bellows is formed in a perfect circle shape. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting cylinder portion is formed in a perfect circle shape. The cross-sectional shape of the flat tube portion is formed in a flat shape in which the dimension along a second direction (Y1) orthogonal to both the axial direction of the waterproof member and the first direction (X1) is larger than the dimension along the first direction (X1) orthogonal to the axial direction of the waterproof member. The size of the flat cylinder portion along the first direction (X1) is smaller than the size of the connecting cylinder portion along the first direction (X1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to wire harnesses. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, wiring harnesses used in vehicles such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles are laid out outside the vehicle, such as under the floor. Such wiring harnesses include external components such as wires, corrugated tubing covering the wires, and rubber sheaths installed on the outside of the external components (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The sheath functions as a waterproof component by being installed in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the external components, thereby preventing water from penetrating into the internal parts of both the external components and the sheath. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-015822 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] However, in the aforementioned wiring harness, a thinner profile is desired. The purpose of this invention is to provide a wire harness that can be made thin. Solution for solving the problem

[0005] The wire harness of the present invention comprises: a wire member; an outer member covering the outer periphery of the wire member; and a waterproof member covering the outer periphery of the wire member and connected to the outer member. The waterproof member has a connecting cylindrical portion covering the outer periphery of the outer member and a flat cylindrical portion integrally formed with the connecting cylindrical portion. The cross-sectional shape of the outer member is formed as a perfect circle. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting cylindrical portion is formed as a perfect circle. A first direction is orthogonal to the axial direction of the waterproof member, and a second direction is orthogonal to both the axial direction and the first direction. The cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion is formed as a flat shape in which the dimension along the second direction is larger than the dimension along the first direction, and the dimension along the first direction of the flat cylindrical portion is smaller than the dimension along the first direction of the connecting cylindrical portion. Invention Effects

[0006] The wire harness according to the present invention achieves the effect of thinning. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the wire harness. Figure 2 (Sectional view along line 5-5 in the diagram). Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 2 (Sectional view along line 6-6 in the diagram). Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a method for manufacturing a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a wire harness according to one embodiment. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a modified wire harness. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a modified wire harness. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a modified wire harness. Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing a modified example of a waterproof component. Detailed Implementation

[0008] [Description of embodiments of the present invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described. [1] The wire harness of the present invention comprises: a wire member; an outer member covering the outer periphery of the wire member; and a waterproof member covering the outer periphery of the wire member and connected to the outer member. The waterproof member has a connecting cylindrical portion covering the outer periphery of the outer member and a flat cylindrical portion integrally formed with the connecting cylindrical portion. The cross-sectional shape of the outer member is formed as a perfect circle. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting cylindrical portion is formed as a perfect circle. A direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the waterproof member is a first direction. A direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the first direction is a second direction. The cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion is formed as a flat shape in which the dimension along the second direction is larger than the dimension along the first direction. The dimension of the flat cylindrical portion along the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the connecting cylindrical portion along the first direction.

[0009] According to this structure, the waterproof component is formed having a connecting cylindrical portion and a flat cylindrical portion. That is, a portion of the waterproof component is formed as a flat cylindrical portion. Here, the flat cylindrical portion is formed as a flat shape that is longer in the second direction than in the first direction. Furthermore, the dimension of the flat cylindrical portion along the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the connecting cylindrical portion along the first direction. Therefore, the flat cylindrical portion can be thinner in the first direction compared to the connecting cylindrical portion. As a result, a portion of the waterproof component can be thinned in the first direction, and consequently, a portion of the wire harness can be thinned in the first direction.

[0010] However, when either the outer component or the connecting cylinder has a flat cross-sectional shape, a uniform clamping pressure cannot be applied to the outer component from the connecting cylinder, resulting in a reduced clamping pressure and consequently, decreased water-stopping performance. In contrast, in the above structure, both the outer component and the connecting cylinder covering the outer circumference of the outer component have a circular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, compared to the case where either the outer component or the connecting cylinder has a flat cross-sectional shape, a uniform clamping pressure can be applied to the entire circumference of the outer component from the connecting cylinder. This appropriately maintains the liquid tightness between the connecting cylinder and the outer component, thus effectively preventing water leakage between them. Consequently, a portion of the wiring harness can be made thinner, and the reduction in water-stopping performance between the outer component and the waterproof component can be appropriately suppressed.

[0011] [2] In the above [1], it may also include a path limiting member, which is installed on the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion and limits the path of the wire member. According to this structure, a path-limiting member that restricts the path of the electrical wires is installed on the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion. Thus, even when the rigidity of the individual waterproof component is low, the path of the electrical wires can be appropriately limited by the path-limiting member.

[0012] [3] In the above [2], the wire member may also have k wires, where k is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, the k wires are arranged in n layers along the first direction inside the connecting tube, where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to k-1, the k wires are arranged in m layers along the first direction inside the flat tube, where m is a natural number less than or equal to n-1, and the path limiting member compresses the flat tube in the first direction so that the k wires are arranged in m layers inside the flat tube.

[0013] According to this structure, the number of layers of k wires in the first direction is set to n layers inside the connecting tube and m layers (n-1 or less) inside the flat tube. Therefore, the number of layers of k wires in the first direction inside the flat tube is set to be one or more fewer layers than the number of layers of k wires in the first direction inside the connecting tube. Thus, the flat tube housing m layers of k wires can be appropriately thinned in the first direction.

[0014] [4] In the above [3], the m layer can also be a single layer, and the path limiting member compresses the flat cylindrical portion in the first direction so that the k wires are arranged in a transverse parallel manner along the second direction inside the flat cylindrical portion.

[0015] According to this structure, by using a path-limiting member to compress the flat cylindrical portion in the first direction, k wires can be arranged in a transverse parallel configuration along the second direction inside the flat cylindrical portion. Thus, k wires can be arranged in a single layer along the first direction inside the flat cylindrical portion, thereby allowing the flat cylindrical portion to be appropriately thinned in the first direction.

[0016] [5] In [3] or [4] above, the path limiting member may also have a first segment and a second segment formed to be able to combine with the first segment. By combining the first segment and the second segment, the path limiting member is formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion. The first segment has a first bottom wall, and the second segment has a second bottom wall opposite to the first bottom wall in the first direction. The first distance between the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall along the first direction is smaller than the first dimension of the k wires arranged in the n layers along the first direction.

[0017] According to this structure, the path limiting member is formed into a cylindrical shape by the first and second segments, which surround the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion. Thus, although the path limiting member is cylindrical, it is divided into the first and second segments, allowing it to be subsequently installed onto the wire component and the flat cylindrical portion. This improves the assemblability of the path limiting member, and consequently, improves the assembly operability of the wire harness.

[0018] [6] In any of the above [1] to [5], the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion may have: two long sides extending along the second direction; two intermediate portions disposed between the two long sides in the first direction and disposed on the outer side of the two long sides in the second direction; and four inclined portions connecting each of the two ends of the two long sides and each of the two intermediate portions, the two long sides being opposite each other in the first direction, the two intermediate portions being opposite each other in the second direction, and each of the four inclined portions extending along an inclined direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, and being shorter than each of the two long sides.

[0019] According to this structure, the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion is formed with a long side extending along the second direction, an inclined portion extending from the long side, and an intermediate portion connected to the inclined portion. Furthermore, each inclined portion is shorter than each long side. Therefore, for example, when the flat cylindrical portion is pressed to bring the two intermediate portions closer together, the long side is more easily deformed than the inclined portion, thus allowing the flat cylindrical portion to deform in a way that expands in the first direction. Therefore, when the flat cylindrical portion is pressed to bring the two intermediate portions closer together, the flat cylindrical portion deforms in a way that decreases in the second direction and deforms in a way that increases in the first direction. As a result, the difference between the dimensions of the flat cylindrical portion in the first and second directions can be reduced, and the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion can be made closer to a circular shape from a flat shape. Therefore, during the wiring operation of inserting the wire component into the interior of the waterproof component, the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion can be deformed in a way that approaches a circular shape. This improves the workability of the wire component wiring operation. As a result, the assembly workability of the wire harness can be improved.

[0020] [7] In the above [6], the thickness of each of the four inclined portions is formed to be thicker than the thickness of each of the two long side portions, each of the two middle portions is formed to extend along the first direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion is formed to be octagonal.

[0021] This structure allows the rigidity of the inclined portion to be higher than that of the long side portion. Therefore, for example, when pressing the flat cylindrical portion to bring the two intermediate portions closer together, the long side portion can deform more easily than the inclined portion. Consequently, the flat cylindrical portion can be appropriately deformed in a manner that expands in the first direction.

[0022] [8] In any of the above [1] to [5], the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion may have two long sides extending along the second direction and two corrugated portions disposed between the two long sides in the first direction, the two long sides being opposite each other in the first direction and the two corrugated portions being opposite each other in the second direction.

[0023] According to this structure, a corrugated portion is provided on the short side of the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion. This allows the excess length of the short side to be lengthened in accordance with forming the corrugated portion. Therefore, for example, when the flat cylindrical portion is pressed to bring the two corrugated portions closer together, the flat cylindrical portion can be appropriately deformed in a manner that allows it to expand considerably in the first direction by extending the corrugated portion along the first direction.

[0024] [9] In any of the above [1] to [8], the flat cylindrical portion may also have a corrugated structure in which annular protrusions and annular recesses are alternately and continuously provided along the axial direction of the flat cylindrical portion.

[0025] According to this structure, by providing a corrugated structure in the flat cylindrical section, a curved shape can be easily formed in a portion of the flat cylindrical section along its axial direction. [Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention] Specific examples of the wire harness of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, for ease of explanation, parts of the structure are sometimes exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the various parts sometimes differ in the drawings. The terms "parallel," "orthogonal," or "circular" as used in this specification include not only cases where they are strictly parallel, orthogonal, or circular, but also cases where they are substantially parallel, orthogonal, or circular within the range that achieves the effect of this embodiment. The term "cylindrical" as used in this specification includes not only a cylindrical shape with a continuous circumferential wall, but also shapes formed by combining multiple components to form a cylindrical shape, such as a C-shape with a notch in a portion of the circumference. Furthermore, the shape of "cylindrical" includes, but is not limited to, circles, ellipses, and polygons with pointed or rounded corners. The term "opposite" as used in this specification refers to a position where surfaces or components are directly opposite each other, including not only positions where they are completely opposite each other, but also positions where they are partially opposite each other. Additionally, "opposite" as used in this specification includes both cases where a component independent of the two parts is interposed between the two parts and cases where nothing is sandwiched between the two parts. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in this specification are only used to distinguish objects and do not constitute a ranking of objects. This invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown through the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0026] (Overall structure of wire harness 10) Figure 1 The wiring harness 10 shown is, for example, mounted on a vehicle V such as a hybrid electric vehicle or an electric vehicle. The wiring harness 10 electrically connects two or more on-board devices to each other. On-board devices are electrical devices mounted on the vehicle V. The wiring harness 10, for example, electrically connects an inverter 11 located at the front of the vehicle V and a high-voltage battery 12 located at the rear of the vehicle V, beyond the inverter 11.

[0027] Inverter 11 is connected to an electric motor (not shown) for driving the wheels, which serves as the power source for the vehicle's movement. Inverter 11 generates alternating current (AC) power from the DC power of high-voltage battery 12 and supplies this AC power to the electric motor. High-voltage battery 12 is, for example, a battery capable of supplying several hundred volts.

[0028] Wiring harness 10 is installed, for example, in a manner that passes outside the vehicle, such as under the floor of the vehicle V. For example, wiring harness 10 is installed such that it extends from inverter 11 to below the floor panel of the vehicle V, then extends below the floor panel toward the rear of the vehicle V, and further upwards to the high-voltage battery 12.

[0029] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the wire harness 10 includes a wire member 20 and a cylindrical member 30 that surrounds the outer periphery of the wire member 20. The wire component 20 has k wires 21 and a cylindrical braided component 25 covering the outer periphery of the k wires 21, where k is a natural number of 3 or more. In this embodiment, the wire component 20 has three wires 21: 21a, 21b, and 21c. One end of each wire 21 is connected to… Figure 1 The inverter 11 shown is connected, and the other end of each wire 21 is connected to... Figure 1 The high-voltage battery 12 shown is connected. Each wire 21 is, for example, a high-voltage wire capable of handling high voltage and / or high current.

[0030] (Structure of wire 21) like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, each wire 21 is a sheathed wire having a core wire 22 made of conductors and an insulating sheath layer 23 covering the outer periphery of the core wire 22.

[0031] As the core wire 22, for example, a stranded wire made of multiple metal wires twisted together or a single-core wire composed of a single conductor can be used. As a single-core wire, for example, a cylindrical conductor composed of a single metal rod with a solid internal structure, or a tubular conductor with a hollow internal structure can be used. As the core wire 22, stranded wires, cylindrical conductors, or tubular conductors can also be used in combination. As the material of the core wire 22, for example, copper-based, aluminum-based, or other metal materials can be used.

[0032] like Figure 5As shown, the insulating sheath 23, for example, covers the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the core wire 22. The insulating sheath 23 is, for example, made of an insulating resin material.

[0033] The cross-sectional shape of each wire 21, obtained by cutting the wire 21 with a plane orthogonal to its longitudinal direction, can be any shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of each wire 21 can be circular, semi-circular, polygonal, square, or flat. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of each wire 21 is circular. Furthermore, in this specification, "flat shape" refers to a shape that is flat overall, such as a rectangle, oblong, or ellipse, with a larger dimension in one direction. In this specification, "rectangle" has a long side and a short side, except for a square.

[0034] The braided member 25 is, for example, formed as a cylinder that surrounds the outer circumference of multiple wires 21. The braided member 25, for example, completely surrounds the outer circumference of the multiple wires 21. A portion of the inner circumferential surface of the braided member 25, for example, contacts the outer circumferential surface of the multiple wires 21. The braided member 25, for example, is flexible. As the braided member 25, for example, a braided wire made of multiple metal wires or a braided wire made of a combination of metal wires and resin wires can be used. As the material of the metal wires, for example, copper-based, aluminum-based, or other metal materials can be used. Each end of the braided member 25 in the longitudinal direction is connected to a grounding member (not shown), such as a vehicle body or metal shell. Such a braided member 25 functions as an electromagnetic shielding member.

[0035] (Structure of cylindrical member 30) like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cylindrical member 30 is generally formed into an elongated cylindrical shape. The electrical wire member 20 is housed within the internal space of the cylindrical member 30. The cylindrical member 30, for example, functions to protect the internally housed electrical wire member 20 from flying objects or water droplets.

[0036] The cylindrical member 30 includes, for example, a bellows 31, a bellows 32, a waterproof member 40, and a path-limiting member 70. The bellows 31 and 32 are, for example, made of synthetic resin. As the material for the bellows 31 and 32, conductive or non-conductive resin materials can be used. As the resin material, synthetic resins such as polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, and ABS resin can be used. As the material for the waterproof member 40, an elastic material can be used. As the elastic material, rubber or elastomers such as EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber) can be used.

[0037] (Structure of bellows 31 and 32) Corrugated pipe 31 is connected to waterproof component 40. Corrugated pipe 32 is also connected to waterproof component 40. Corrugated pipes 31 and 32 have the same structure. Therefore, the structure of corrugated pipe 31 will be described here, while a detailed description of corrugated pipe 32 will be omitted. Furthermore, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The bellows 31 and 32 and the braided component 25 are shown in the diagram in a state of midway breakage.

[0038] The corrugated pipe 31 is, for example, formed as a cylinder that completely surrounds the outer periphery of the wire component 20 in the circumferential direction. Figure 4 As shown, the bellows 31 has a corrugated structure in which annular protrusions 33 and annular recesses 34 are alternately and continuously arranged along the axial direction of the bellows 31. Here, the axial direction of the bellows 31 is the direction extending along the central axis of the bellows 31. Figure 5 As shown, the planar shape of the bellows 31 when viewed from the axial direction of the bellows 31 is formed into a perfect circle. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the bellows 31 is formed into a perfect circle.

[0039] (Structure of waterproof component 40) like Figure 3 As shown, a waterproof component 40 is disposed between corrugated pipe 31 and corrugated pipe 32. The waterproof component 40 is positioned between the ends of corrugated pipe 31 and corrugated pipe 32. A first axial end of the waterproof component 40 (the end on the left in the figure) covers the outer periphery of the end of corrugated pipe 31, and a second axial end of the waterproof component 40 (the end on the right in the figure) covers the outer periphery of the end of corrugated pipe 32. Here, the axial direction of the waterproof component 40 is the direction extending along the central axis of the waterproof component 40. The waterproof component 40 is, for example, formed as a cylinder that circumferentially surrounds the outer periphery of the wire component 20.

[0040] The waterproof component 40, for example, has connecting cylindrical portions 41 and 42 and a flat cylindrical portion 50 disposed between the connecting cylindrical portions 41 and 42. The waterproof component 40 is, for example, a single component integrally formed by the connecting cylindrical portions 41, 42, and 50. The waterproof component 40 is, for example, a resin molded article formed using a mold.

[0041] (Structure of connecting cylinders 41 and 42) A connecting cylinder 41 is disposed at the first axial end of the waterproof component 40. The connecting cylinder 41 is connected to the end of the bellows 31. A connecting cylinder 42 is disposed at the second axial end of the waterproof component 40. The connecting cylinder 42 is connected to the end of the bellows 32. The connecting cylinders 41 and 42 have the same structure. Therefore, the structure of the connecting cylinder 41 will be described here, and the detailed description of the connecting cylinder 42 will be omitted.

[0042] like Figure 5As shown, the connecting cylinder 41 is formed into a cylindrical shape that fits into the outer periphery of the bellows 31. The planar shape of the connecting cylinder 41 viewed axially from the waterproof member 40 is a perfect circle. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting cylinder 41 is a perfect circle. The connecting cylinder 41 is formed to fit tightly against the outer peripheral surface of the annular protrusion 33 of the bellows 31. To maintain liquid tightness, the connecting cylinder 41 clamps the bellows 31 from the outer peripheral side with a tight pressure. At this time, both the connecting cylinder 41 and the bellows 31 are formed into perfect circles, thus a tight pressure can be uniformly applied to the bellows 31 circumferentially from the connecting cylinder 41. Therefore, the liquid tightness between the connecting cylinder 41 and the bellows 31 can be appropriately maintained. As a result, water can be prevented from seeping into the interior of the waterproof member 40 and the bellows 31 from between the connecting cylinder 41 and the bellows 31.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, one or more (three in this embodiment) lips 43 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 41 to engage with the bellows 31. Each lip 43 is formed continuously around the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 41, forming a seamless structure with the start and end points aligned. Each lip 43 is configured to enter the annular recess 34 of the bellows 31 when the connecting cylinder portion 41 is engaged with the outer circumference of the bellows 31.

[0044] A groove-shaped fixing portion 44 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion 41. The fixing portion 44 is formed continuously along the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion 41. A connecting member 45 is provided in the fixing portion 44. For example, a resin or metal strapping band or tightening ring can be used as the connecting member 45. The connecting cylinder portion 41 is securely fixed to the bellows 31 from the outer peripheral side by the connecting member 45. This appropriately prevents the bellows 31 from detaching from the connecting cylinder portion 41.

[0045] Furthermore, the corrugated pipe 31 is only inserted into the connecting cylindrical portion 41 of the waterproof component 40. In other words, the corrugated pipe 31 is not inserted into the flat cylindrical portion 50 of the waterproof component 40.

[0046] Here, as Figure 5As shown, inside the connecting cylinder 41 and the bellows 31, three wires 21a, 21b, and 21c are arranged in n layers (in this case, two layers) along a first direction X1 orthogonal to the axial direction of the waterproof member 40, where n is a natural number between k-1 and 2. In this embodiment, inside the connecting cylinder 41, the three wires 21a, 21b, and 21c are arranged in a trefoil (pyramid) shape. For example, inside the connecting cylinder 41, the three wires 21a, 21b, and 21c are arranged in a manner that forms an approximately equilateral triangle when connecting the centers of each core wire 22. Specifically, inside the connecting cylinder 41, two of the three wires 21a and 21c are arranged along a second direction Y1 orthogonal to both the axial direction of the waterproof member 40 and the first direction X1. These two wires 21a and 21c are arranged, for example, in a manner where their outer peripheral surfaces partially contact each other. Inside the connecting cylinder 41, the remaining wire 21b of the three wires 21a, 21b, and 21c is stacked on top of the two wires 21a and 21c arranged along the second direction Y1. That is, the remaining wire 21b is stacked on top of the two wires 21a and 21c arranged along the second direction Y1 in the first direction X1, which is orthogonal to both the axial direction of the waterproof member 40 and the second direction Y1. The remaining wire 21b is arranged in such a way that it partially contacts the outer peripheral surfaces of both the two wires 21a and 21c arranged along the second direction Y1.

[0047] Inside the connecting cylinder 41 and the bellows 31, the braided member 25 is formed to surround three wires 21a, 21b, and 21c arranged in a trilobal shape. At this time, the inner circumferential surface of the braided member 25 partially contacts, for example, the outer circumferential surface of each of the three wires 21a, 21b, and 21c. Additionally, the outer circumferential surface of the braided member 25 partially contacts, for example, the inner circumferential surface of the annular recess 34 of the bellows 31.

[0048] (Structure of the flat cylindrical section 50) like Figure 3 As shown, the flat cylindrical portion 50 is formed such that it extends from the connecting cylindrical portion 41 to the connecting cylindrical portion 42.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the planar shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 viewed from the axial direction of the waterproof member 40 is formed as a flat shape. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 is formed as a flat shape. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 is formed as a flat shape in which the dimension along the second direction Y1 is larger than the dimension along the first direction X1.

[0050] The flat cylindrical portion 50 has a cross-sectional shape comprising two long side portions 51 and 52 extending along a second direction Y1, two intermediate portions 53 and 54 disposed between the two long side portions 51 and 52 in a first direction X1, and four inclined portions 55, 56, 57, and 58. The cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 is generally formed as a hexagon.

[0051] Each of the two long sides 51 and 52 extends horizontally along the second direction Y1. The two long sides 51 and 52 are formed in a manner that extends parallel to each other. The two long sides 51 and 52 are arranged opposite to each other in the first direction X1.

[0052] Two intermediate portions 53 and 54 are arranged opposite each other in the second direction Y1. Each intermediate portion 53 and 54 is positioned further outward than the long side portions 51 and 52 in the second direction Y1. Each intermediate portion 53 and 54 is formed, for example, as a dot. The outer surface of each intermediate portion 53 and 54 is formed as a curved surface bent into an arc shape.

[0053] Four inclined portions 55, 56, 57, and 58 connect to each of the two ends of the two long side portions 51 and 52 and to each of the two intermediate portions 53 and 54. Inclined portion 55 connects the long side portion 51 and the intermediate portion 53. Inclined portion 56 connects the long side portion 51 and the intermediate portion 54. Inclined portion 57 connects the long side portion 52 and the intermediate portion 53. Inclined portion 58 connects the long side portion 52 and the intermediate portion 54. Each inclined portion 55, 56, 57, and 58 extends in cross-section along an inclined direction that intersects both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. Specifically, each inclined portion 55 and 58 extends in cross-section along a first inclined direction that intersects both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1. Each inclined portion 56 and 57 extends in cross-section along a second inclined direction that intersects both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1 and also intersects the first inclined direction. The lengths of each inclined portion 55, 56, 57, and 58 are shorter than the lengths of each long side portion 51 and 52.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, for example, in the first direction X1, the size of the flat cylindrical portion 50 is smaller than that of the connecting cylindrical portion 41. That is, the size of the flat cylindrical portion 50 along the first direction X1 is smaller than the size of the connecting cylindrical portion 41 along the first direction X1. The connecting cylindrical portion 41 is formed such that it protrudes in the first direction X1 from the outer peripheral surface of the flat cylindrical portion 50.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, for example, in the second direction Y1, the size of the flat cylindrical portion 50 is larger than that of the connecting cylindrical portion 41. The size of the flat cylindrical portion 50 along the second direction Y1 is larger than the size of the connecting cylindrical portion 41 along the second direction Y1.

[0056] The waterproof component 40 has a connecting cylindrical portion 46 that connects the connecting cylindrical portion 41 and the flat cylindrical portion 50. The connecting cylindrical portion 46 is configured such that its inner and outer diameters decrease in the second direction Y1 as it moves from the flat cylindrical portion 50 toward the connecting cylindrical portion 41. Figure 4 As shown, the connecting cylinder portion 46 is formed such that, in the first direction X1, the inner diameter and outer diameter increase as it moves from the flat cylinder portion 50 toward the connecting cylinder portion 41.

[0057] Here, as Figure 6 As shown, inside the flat cylindrical section 50, three wires 21a, 21b, and 21c are arranged in m layers (one layer in this case) along the first direction X1, where m is a natural number less than or equal to n-1. In this embodiment, inside the flat cylindrical section 50, the three wires 21a, 21b, and 21c are arranged side-by-side along the second direction Y1. That is, inside the flat cylindrical section 50, the three wires 21a, 21b, and 21c are arranged laterally side-by-side along the second direction Y1. The three wires 21a, 21b, and 21c are configured, for example, such that the outer peripheral surfaces of two adjacent wires 21 are in partial contact with each other.

[0058] Inside the flat cylindrical portion 50, the braided member 25 is formed to enclose three horizontally arranged wires 21a, 21b, and 21c. The cross-sectional shape of the braided member 25 is flat. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the braided member 25 inside the flat cylindrical portion 50 is elongated. Inside the flat cylindrical portion 50, the inner peripheral surface of the braided member 25 partially contacts, for example, the outer peripheral surface of each of the three wires 21. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the braided member 25 contacts, for example, the inner peripheral surface of the flat cylindrical portion 50, specifically, the inner peripheral surfaces of the long sides 51 and 52. The outer peripheral surface of the braided member 25 contacts, for example, the inner peripheral surfaces of the long sides 51 and 52 along the second direction Y1.

[0059] As described above, the connecting cylinder portion 41, whose cross-sectional shape is formed into a perfect circle (see reference) Figure 5 The interior and cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical section 50 are formed into a flat shape, and the three wires 21 are arranged differently. Specifically, as shown in the figure... Figure 7 As shown, the arrangement of the three wires 21 arranged in a trilobal shape inside the connecting tube 41 changes to a horizontal parallel arrangement along the second direction Y1 inside the flat tube 50.

[0060] (Structure of path restriction component 70) like Figure 2As shown, the path limiting member 70 is installed on the outer periphery of the waterproof member 40. The path limiting member 70 is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion 50 in the waterproof member 40. The path limiting member 70 is arranged such that the connecting cylindrical portions 41 and 42 in the waterproof member 40 are exposed. The path limiting member 70 restricts the path of the wire member 20. The path limiting member 70 is, for example, shaped to follow the desired path of the wire member 20. The function of the path limiting member 70 is to make the wire member 20 and the waterproof member 40 less prone to bending than they would be without the path limiting member 70, thereby preventing the wire member 20 from deviating from the desired path. The path limiting member 70 is, for example, more rigid than the waterproof member 40. The path limiting member 70, for example, has a rigidity that makes it less prone to bending in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the wire harness 10 compared to the waterproof member 40.

[0061] For example, when viewed from above in the first direction X1, the path limiting member 70 has a curved shape. Additionally, the path limiting member 70 has, for example, a shape that curves in a manner that allows it to stand upright in the first direction X1.

[0062] The path-limiting member 70 is, for example, integrally formed as a flat cylindrical shape. Figure 6 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the path limiting member 70 is formed as a rectangle that is longer in the second direction Y1 than in the first direction X1.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, the path limiting member 70 is composed of, for example, multiple (two in this embodiment) segments, namely a first segment 71 and a second segment 72. The first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are, for example, separate components. The first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are configured to be detachable from each other. By assembling the first segment 71 and the second segment 72, the path limiting member 70 is formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion 50 of the waterproof member 40. The first segment 71 is assembled to the second segment 72 along a first direction X1. Each of the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 extends along the axial direction of the waterproof member 40. In other words, the axial direction of the path limiting member 70 coincides with the axial direction of the waterproof member 40. Here, the axial direction of the path limiting member 70 is the direction in which the central axis of the path limiting member 70 extends.

[0064] The first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are, for example, made of synthetic resin. For example, synthetic resins such as polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, and ABS resin can be used as materials for the first segment 71 and the second segment 72. The materials for the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 can be of the same type or different types.

[0065] (Structure of the first segment 71) like Figure 6As shown, the first segment 71 is, for example, generally formed as a semi-segmented cylinder. The first segment 71 is, for example, formed as a semi-segmented cylinder that covers a portion of the outer periphery of the waterproof member 40 in the circumferential direction. The cross-sectional shape of the first segment 71 is generally formed as a U-shape.

[0066] The first segment 71 has, for example, a first bottom wall 73A opposite to the second segment 72 and two first side walls 74A protruding from both sides of the first bottom wall 73A toward the second segment 72. The first bottom wall 73A is formed in a plate shape. The first bottom wall 73A has a thickness in the first direction X1 and a width in the second direction Y1.

[0067] Each first sidewall 74A is integrally formed continuously with the first bottom wall 73A. Each first sidewall 74A protrudes, for example, from both ends of the first bottom wall 73A in the width direction (here, the second direction Y1) toward the first direction X1. Each first sidewall 74A is, for example, opposite to each other in the second direction Y1. Each first sidewall 74A is formed in a plate shape. Each first sidewall 74A has a thickness in the second direction Y1 and a height in the first direction X1. Each first sidewall 74A extends along the entire length of the first bottom wall 73A in the longitudinal direction.

[0068] The first segment 71 has a first receiving recess 75A. The first receiving recess 75A forms the internal space of the path-limiting member 70 when the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are combined. The first receiving recess 75A is formed, for example, recessed from the end face of the first segment 71 in the first direction X1 toward the first bottom wall 73A. The first receiving recess 75A is formed by the inner surface of the first bottom wall 73A and the inner surfaces of the two first side walls 74A. Figure 3 As shown, the first receiving recess 75A opens in the first direction X1 and also opens in the axial direction of the path limiting member 70. The first receiving recess 75A extends along the entire axial length of the path limiting member 70.

[0069] The first segment 71, for example, has a plurality of first engaging portions 76. The plurality of first engaging portions 76 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the path limiting member 70. Each first engaging portion 76 is formed to protrude outward from the outer surface of each first sidewall 74A. Figure 7 As shown, each of the first engaging portions 76 is, for example, an engaging frame portion. Each of the first engaging portions 76 is, for example, formed as a rectangular frame, with an engaging hole 77 in the center of the frame.

[0070] The first segment 71 has, for example, one or more (two in this embodiment) fixing portions 78. The fixing portions 78 are, for example, members for fixing the path limiting member 70 to the vehicle body. The fixing portions 78 have, for example, an insertion hole 78X extending through the fixing portion 78 in the first direction X1. A fastener (not shown) provided on the vehicle body is inserted into the insertion hole 78X. Thus, the path limiting member 70 is fixed to the vehicle body. Furthermore, a bracket can be listed as an example of a fastener.

[0071] (Structure of the second segment 72) like Figure 6 As shown, the second segment 72 is, for example, formed as a semi-segmented cylinder. The second segment 72 has, for example, the same structure as the first segment 71. Therefore, for the part of the second segment 72 that has the same structure as the first segment 71, detailed descriptions are omitted by changing the end of the reference numeral "A" in the corresponding structure of the first segment 71 to "B".

[0072] The second partition 72 has a second bottom wall 73B opposite to the first bottom wall 73A and two second side walls 74B protruding from both sides of the second bottom wall 73B toward the first partition 71. The second partition 72 has a second receiving recess 75B formed by the inner surface of the second bottom wall 73B and the inner surfaces of the two second side walls 74B. The second receiving recess 75B forms the internal space of the path limiting member 70 when the first partition 71 and the second partition 72 are combined. That is, when the first partition 71 and the second partition 72 are combined, the first receiving recess 75A and the second receiving recess 75B overlap, thereby forming the internal space of the path limiting member 70 for accommodating the flat cylindrical portion 50 of the waterproof member 40. When the first partition 71 and the second partition 72 are combined, the top surface of the first side wall 74A and the top surface of the second side wall 74B are in contact with each other.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the second segment 72 has a plurality of second engaging portions 79. The plurality of second engaging portions 79 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the path limiting member 70. Each second engaging portion 79 is provided opposite to the first engaging portion 76 of the first segment 71. Each second engaging portion 79 is provided on each second sidewall 74B. Each second engaging portion 79 is an elastically deformable sheet protruding from the top surface of each second sidewall 74B toward the first segment 71. Figure 6 As shown, the second engaging portion 79 engages with the engaging hole 77 of the first engaging portion 76. The first engaging portion 76 and the second engaging portion 79 engage with each other, for example, by a snap-fit ​​mechanism utilizing the elastic deformation of the second engaging portion 79.

[0074] The first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are assembled together along the first direction X1. The first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are joined, for example, by overlapping the first receiving recess 75A and the second receiving recess 75B. The first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are joined with the flat cylindrical portion 50 sandwiched between them. The first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are joined by the interlocking of the first engaging portion 76 and the second engaging portion 79. The joined state of the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 is maintained by the interlocking of these first engaging portions 76 and the second engaging portions 79. In the joined state of the first segment 71 and the second segment 72, the path limiting member 70 is formed as a cylinder covering the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion 50. Furthermore, when the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are combined, for example, the flat cylindrical portion 50 is housed within the internal space of the path limiting member 70 in a compressed state along the first direction X1. Specifically, the path limiting member 70 compresses the flat cylindrical portion 50 along the first direction X1 so that k wires 21 are arranged in m layers inside the flat cylindrical portion 50. In this embodiment, the path limiting member 70 compresses the flat cylindrical portion 50 along the first direction X1 so that three wires 21 are arranged laterally side-by-side along the second direction Y1 inside the flat cylindrical portion 50. In other words, the size of the internal space of the path limiting member 70 is set to compress the flat cylindrical portion 50 along the first direction X1. For example, the size of the internal space of the path limiting member 70 along the first direction X1 is set to be smaller than the size of the flat cylindrical portion 50 along the first direction X1 before the path limiting member 70 is installed.

[0075] The first distance L1 between the first bottom wall 73A and the second bottom wall 73B along the first direction X1 is... Figure 5 The first dimension D1 along the first direction X1 of the k (three in this case) wires 21 arranged in n layers (two layers in this case) is small. Here, the first dimension D1 is the largest dimension along the first direction X1 among the overall dimensions of the wire bundle composed of the three wires 21. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As shown, the first distance L1 is the shortest distance along the first direction X1 between the inner surface of the first bottom wall 73A and the inner surface of the second bottom wall 73B. By setting the first distance L1 in this way, when the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are combined, the three wires 21 cannot maintain an n-layer arrangement inside the path limiting member 70, so the three wires 21 are changed to an m-layer arrangement.

[0076] (Manufacturing method of wire harness 10) Next, an example of the manufacturing method of the wire harness 10 will be described. First, such as Figure 8As shown, a first structure is formed by connecting a corrugated pipe 31, a waterproof component 40, and a corrugated pipe 32. Specifically, a first structure is formed in which a connecting cylindrical portion 41 of the waterproof component 40 is connected to the outer periphery of the end of the corrugated pipe 31, and a connecting cylindrical portion 42 of the waterproof component 40 is connected to the outer periphery of the end of the corrugated pipe 32. At this time, the flat cylindrical portion 50 of the waterproof component 40 is formed in a straight line, for example, without a curved shape.

[0077] Next, the wire member 20 is inserted into the interior of the first structure. In the wire threading operation of this wire member 20, the threading performance is better when the three wires 21 are arranged in a trefoil pattern compared to when they are arranged horizontally side-by-side. However, when the waterproof member 40 is provided with a flat cylindrical portion 50, it is difficult to thread the three wires 21 arranged in a trefoil pattern into the flat cylindrical portion 50.

[0078] Therefore, as Figure 9As shown, in this embodiment, three wires 21 are threaded into the interior of the flat cylindrical portion 50 while it is deformed into a near-circular shape. By deforming the flat cylindrical portion 50 while threading the wires 21, the threading operation can be performed with the three wires 21 arranged in a trefoil shape. Here, the flat cylindrical portion 50 is pressed by the fingers of the operator performing the threading operation, causing the two intermediate portions 53 and 54 to approach each other, thereby deforming it so that its size decreases along the second direction Y1 and its size increases along the first direction X1. At this time, the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 is different from that of an oblong shape, etc. Since the ends in the second direction Y1 are formed into dot-shaped intermediate portions 53 and 54, these dot-shaped intermediate portions 53 and 54 can be appropriately pressed by the operator's fingers. Furthermore, by forming the ends of the second direction Y1 into point-like intermediate portions 53 and 54, the flat cylindrical portion 50 can serve as the starting point for expansion in the first direction X1 when pressed with a finger or the like. Further, in the flat cylindrical portion 50, the inclined portions 55, 56, 57, and 58, which extend obliquely from the intermediate portions 53 and 54 towards the outside of the first direction X1, are formed to be shorter than the long sides 51 and 52. Therefore, when the intermediate portions 53 and 54 are pressed with a finger or the like, the long sides 51 and 52 are more easily deformed than the inclined portions 55, 56, 57, and 58, thus allowing the flat cylindrical portion 50 to be appropriately deformed in the manner of expansion in the first direction X1. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 in this process is deformed by expanding the angles formed by the inclined portions 55 and 57 and the inclined portions 56 and 58, and each long side 51 and 52 is deformed by bending midway. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 in this example is deformed into an octagon as a whole, and compared with the flat shape before deformation, it is deformed into a shape close to a perfect circle. In addition, the wiring of the wire member 20 is carried out with the braided member 25 installed on the outer periphery of the three wires 21.

[0079] Through the above processes, a structure in which the wire component 20 is inserted into the first structure can be obtained. Afterwards, if the pressure from a finger or other object is released, the flat cylindrical portion 50 will return to its flat shape, which is longer in the second direction Y1 than in the first direction X1. However, the arrangement of the three wires 21 sometimes remains a trefoil arrangement.

[0080] Next, as Figure 3 As shown, a path limiting member 70 is installed on the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion 50 of the waterproof member 40. Specifically, the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are joined together by clamping the flat cylindrical portion 50 in the middle. Furthermore, the joined state of the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 is maintained by engaging the first engaging portion 76 of the first segment 71 and the second engaging portion 79 of the second segment 72 with each other. At this time, as... Figure 6As shown, the first distance L1 between the first bottom wall 73A and the second bottom wall 73B along the first direction X1 is set to be greater than that between the first bottom wall 73A and the second bottom wall 73B. Figure 5 The first dimension D1 along the first direction X1 of the three wires 21 arranged in two layers shown is small. Therefore, when the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are combined, the three wires 21 arranged in a trefoil shape are pressed down by the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 in the first direction X1. As a result, inside the flat cylindrical portion 50, the three wires 21 arranged in a trefoil shape can be changed to a transversely parallel arrangement. Therefore, the flat cylindrical portion 50 can be appropriately thinned in the first direction X1. In addition, as Figure 2 As shown, by installing a path limiting member 70 on the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion 50, the flat cylindrical portion 50 and the wire member 20 are formed with the same curved shape as the path limiting member 70.

[0081] Through the above manufacturing processes, the wire harness 10 of this embodiment can be manufactured. (Effects of this implementation method) Next, the effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0082] (1) The wire harness 10 includes: a wire member 20; a corrugated tube 31 covering the outer periphery of the wire member 20; and a waterproof member 40 covering the outer periphery of the wire member 20 and connected to the corrugated tube 31. The waterproof member 40 has a connecting cylindrical portion 41 covering the outer periphery of the corrugated tube 31 and a flat cylindrical portion 50 integrally formed with the connecting cylindrical portion 41. The cross-sectional shape of the corrugated tube 31 is formed as a perfect circle. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting cylindrical portion 41 is formed as a perfect circle. The cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 is formed as a flat shape with a dimension along a second direction Y1 orthogonal to the axial direction of the waterproof member 40 being larger than the dimension along a first direction X1 orthogonal to both the axial direction of the waterproof member 40 and the second direction Y1. The dimension of the flat cylindrical portion 50 along the first direction X1 is smaller than the dimension of the connecting cylindrical portion 41 along the first direction X1.

[0083] According to this structure, the waterproof component 40 is formed having a connecting cylindrical portion 41 and a flat cylindrical portion 50. That is, a portion of the waterproof component 40 is formed as the flat cylindrical portion 50. Here, the flat cylindrical portion 50 is formed as a flat shape that is longer in the second direction Y1 than in the first direction X1. Furthermore, the dimension of the flat cylindrical portion 50 along the first direction X1 is formed to be smaller than the dimension of the connecting cylindrical portion 41 along the first direction X1. Therefore, the flat cylindrical portion 50 can be thinner in the first direction X1 compared to the connecting cylindrical portion 41. As a result, a portion of the waterproof component 40 can be thinner in the first direction X1, and consequently, a portion of the wire harness 10 can be thinner in the first direction X1.

[0084] Furthermore, the corrugated pipe 31 has a circular cross-sectional shape, and the connecting sleeve portion 41 covering the outer periphery of the corrugated pipe 31 also has a circular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, compared to the case where either the corrugated pipe 31 or the connecting sleeve portion 41 has a flat cross-sectional shape, a uniform pressure can be applied to the corrugated pipe 31 from the connecting sleeve portion 41 throughout its entire circumference. As a result, the liquid tightness between the corrugated pipe 31 and the connecting sleeve portion 41 can be properly maintained, thus effectively preventing water from entering between the corrugated pipe 31 and the connecting sleeve portion 41. Therefore, a portion of the wire harness 10 can be made thinner, and the reduction in water tightness between the corrugated pipe 31 and the waterproof component 40 can be appropriately suppressed.

[0085] (2) A path limiting member 70 that can limit the path of the wire component 20 is installed on the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion 50. Thus, even if the rigidity of the waterproof component 40 is low, the path of the wire component 20 can be appropriately limited by the path limiting member 70.

[0086] (3) The wire member 20 has k (three in this case) wires 21. The three wires 21 are arranged in n layers (two in this case) along the first direction X1 inside the connecting tube 41. The three wires 21 are arranged in m layers (one in this case) along the first direction X1 inside the flat tube 50. The path limiting member 70 compresses the flat tube 50 in the first direction X1 so that the three wires 21 are arranged in a transverse parallel position along the second direction Y1 inside the flat tube 50.

[0087] According to this structure, by using the path limiting member 70 to compress the flat cylindrical portion 50 in the first direction X1, the three wires 21 can be arranged in a transverse parallel arrangement along the second direction Y1 inside the flat cylindrical portion 50. As a result, the three wires 21 can be arranged in a single layer along the first direction X1 inside the flat cylindrical portion 50, thus allowing the flat cylindrical portion 50 to be appropriately thinned in the first direction X1.

[0088] (4) The path limiting member 70 has a first segment 71 and a second segment 72 formed to be able to be combined with the first segment 71. By combining the first segment 71 and the second segment 72, the path limiting member 70 is formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion 50.

[0089] According to this structure, the path limiting member 70 is formed into a cylindrical shape by the first dividing body 71 and the second dividing body 72, which surrounds the flat cylindrical portion 50. Thus, although the path limiting member 70 is cylindrical, it is divided into the first dividing body 71 and the second dividing body 72, allowing the path limiting member 70 to be subsequently installed onto the wire member 20 and the flat cylindrical portion 50. This improves the assemblability of the path limiting member 70.

[0090] (5) The first segment 71 has a first bottom wall 73A. The second segment 72 has a second bottom wall 73B opposite to the first bottom wall 73A in the first direction X1. The first distance L1 between the first bottom wall 73A and the second bottom wall 73B along the first direction X1 is smaller than the first dimension D1 along the first direction X1 of the three wires 21 arranged in two layers. According to this structure, even if the three wires 21 are inserted into the flat cylindrical portion 50 in a trefoil arrangement, the path limiting member 70 is subsequently installed in the flat cylindrical portion 50, thereby allowing the three wires 21 to be appropriately changed to a transversely parallel arrangement inside the flat cylindrical portion 50. As a result, the flat cylindrical portion 50 can be appropriately thinned in the first direction X1.

[0091] (6) The first segment 71 has a first engaging portion 76. The second segment 72 has a second engaging portion 79 that engages with the first engaging portion 76. The first engaging portion 76 and the second engaging portion 79 of the path limiting member 70 engage with each other, thereby maintaining the combined state of the first segment 71 and the second segment 72.

[0092] According to this structure, by engaging the first engaging portion 76 of the first segment 71 and the second engaging portion 79 of the second segment 72, the combined state of the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 can be maintained. Therefore, compared with the case where a component separate from the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 is used to maintain the combined state of the first segment 71 and the second segment 72, the assembly workability of the path restriction member 70 can be improved.

[0093] (7) The flat cylindrical portion 50 has a cross-sectional shape with two long sides 51 and 52 extending along the second direction Y1. The flat cylindrical portion 50 also has two intermediate portions 53 and 54, which are disposed between the two long sides 51 and 52 in the first direction X1 and are disposed on the outer side of the long sides 51 and 52 in the second direction Y1. The flat cylindrical portion 50 also has four inclined portions 55, 56, 57, and 58, which connect each of the two ends of the two long sides 51 and 52 and each of the two intermediate portions 53 and 54. The two long sides 51 and 52 are opposite each other in the first direction X1. The two intermediate portions 53 and 54 are opposite each other in the second direction Y1. Each of the four inclined portions 55, 56, 57, and 58 extends along an inclined direction that intersects both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1, and is formed to be shorter than each of the two long side portions 51 and 52.

[0094] According to this structure, for example, when the flat cylindrical portion 50 is pressed to bring the two intermediate portions 53 and 54 closer together, the long side portions 51 and 52 are more easily deformed than the inclined portions 55, 56, 57, and 58, thus allowing the flat cylindrical portion 50 to deform in a way that expands in the first direction X1. Therefore, when the flat cylindrical portion 50 is pressed to bring the two intermediate portions 53 and 54 closer together, the flat cylindrical portion 50 deforms in a way that decreases in the second direction Y1 and increases in the first direction X1. As a result, the difference between the dimensions of the flat cylindrical portion 50 in the second direction Y1 and the dimensions in the first direction X1 can be reduced, and the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 can be made closer to a circular shape from a flat shape. Therefore, during the wiring operation of inserting the wire component 20 into the interior of the waterproof component 40, the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 can be deformed into a shape close to a circle. Therefore, during the wire threading operation of the wire component 20, for example, three wires 21 can be inserted into the interior of the flat cylindrical portion 50 in a trefoil arrangement, thus improving the threading performance of the wire component 20. As a result, the assembly performance of the wire harness 10 is improved.

[0095] (Modified Example) The above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following variations can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0096] The structure of the flat cylindrical portion 50 of the waterproof component 40 in the above embodiments can be appropriately modified. For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the intermediate portions 53 and 54 can also be formed in a manner that extends along the first direction X1. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 is formed as an octagon. According to this structure, compared with the case where the intermediate portions 53 and 54 are formed as dots, the formation of burrs in the intermediate portions 53 and 54 can be suppressed during resin molding using a mold.

[0097] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the thickness of each inclined portion 55, 56, 57, 58 can be made thicker than the thickness of each long side portion 51, 52. According to this structure, the rigidity of each inclined portion 55, 56, 57, 58 can be higher than the rigidity of each long side portion 51, 52. Therefore, when the flat cylindrical portion 50 deforms during the threading of the wire component 20, bending of each inclined portion 55, 56, 57, 58 can be suppressed, and each long side portion 51, 52 can be bent more easily than each inclined portion 55, 56, 57, 58. As a result, the flat cylindrical portion 50 can be appropriately deformed in a manner that expands in the first direction X1.

[0098] For example, such as Figure 11As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 can also be changed to have a structure with two corrugated portions 60 disposed between the two long sides 51 and 52. That is, the corrugated portions 60 can also be disposed on the short side of the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50. The two corrugated portions 60 are disposed opposite each other in the second direction Y1. Each corrugated portion 60 has intermediate portions 61, 62, and 63, an inclined portion 64 connecting the end of the long side 51 and the intermediate portion 61, and an inclined portion 65 connecting the intermediate portion 61 and the intermediate portion 62. Each corrugated portion 60 has an inclined portion 66 connecting the intermediate portion 62 and the intermediate portion 63 and an inclined portion 67 connecting the intermediate portion 63 and the end of the long side 52. The intermediate portions 61 and 63 are disposed between the two long sides 51 and 52 in the first direction X1, and are disposed outside the two long sides 51 and 52 in the second direction Y1. Intermediate portions 61 are arranged opposite each other in the second direction Y1. Intermediate portions 63 are arranged opposite each other in the second direction Y1. Intermediate portion 62 is disposed between intermediate portions 61 and 63 in the first direction X1, and is disposed inside intermediate portions 61 and 63 in the second direction Y1. Intermediate portions 62 are arranged opposite each other in the second direction Y1. Inclined portions 64, 65, 66, and 67 extend in cross-section along an inclined direction intersecting both the first direction X1 and the second direction Y1.

[0099] According to this structure, a corrugated portion 60 is formed between the two long sides 51 and 52 via an inclined portion 64, a middle portion 61, an inclined portion 65, a middle portion 62, an inclined portion 66, a middle portion 63, and an inclined portion 67. That is, a corrugated portion 60 is provided on the short side of the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50. This shortens the shortest distance along the first direction X1 between the two long sides 51 and 52, and correspondingly, the distance from one long side 51 to the other long side 52 can be made longer than the aforementioned shortest distance, corresponding to the corrugation of the short side. Specifically, the distance along the inclined portion 64, the middle portion 61, the inclined portion 65, the middle portion 62, the inclined portion 66, the middle portion 63, and the inclined portion 67 can be made sufficiently longer than the aforementioned shortest distance. In other words, the excess length on the short side of the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 can be formed more extensively. Therefore, as... Figure 12As shown, when the flat cylindrical portion 50 is pressed to bring the two corrugated portions 60 closer together, the corrugated portions 60 extend along the first direction X1, thereby allowing the flat cylindrical portion 50 to be appropriately deformed in a manner that increases significantly in the first direction X1. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion 50 is deformed by increasing the angles formed by the inclined portions 64 and 65 and the inclined portions 66 and 67, and is deformed by bending each of the long sides 51 and 52. In this way, the flat cylindrical portion 50 is deformed in a manner that decreases in size along the second direction Y1 and increases in size along the first direction X1. As a result, the flat cylindrical portion 50 can be appropriately deformed in a manner that approaches a perfect circular shape.

[0100] The cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical part 50 can also be changed to a flat shape such as an oblong shape or a rectangular shape. For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the flat cylindrical portion 50 may also have a corrugated structure in which annular protrusions 50A and annular recesses 50B are alternately and continuously provided along the axial direction of the flat cylindrical portion 50. According to this structure, by providing a corrugated structure in the flat cylindrical portion 50, a curved shape can be easily formed in a portion along the axial direction of the flat cylindrical portion 50.

[0101] exist Figure 13 In the modified example shown, the corrugated structure is provided along the entire axial length of the flat cylindrical portion 50, but it is not limited to this. For example, the corrugated structure may be provided only in a portion of the axial direction of the flat cylindrical portion 50. For example, the corrugated structure may be provided only in the portion of the flat cylindrical portion 50 that is formed into a curved shape.

[0102] The structure of the connecting sleeve portion 41 of the waterproof component 40 in the above embodiment can be appropriately modified. For example, the number of lips 43 is not particularly limited. For example, the fixing portion 44 can also be omitted. In addition, the structure of the connecting sleeve portion 42 can also be appropriately modified in the same way.

[0103] The structure of the waterproof component 40 in the above embodiment can be appropriately modified. For example, the connecting cylinder portion 42 can be omitted. In this case, the bellows 32 can also be omitted.

[0104] The connecting component 45 can also be omitted. In the above embodiments, the corrugated pipes 31 and 32 are specifically embodied as external components, but are not limited thereto. For example, the external components may also be embodied as resin pipes without a corrugated structure.

[0105] The structure of the path limiting member 70 in the above embodiments can be appropriately modified. For example, the path limiting member 70 can appropriately change the number of bends and the formation position of the bends according to the desired path of the wire member 20.

[0106] In the path limiting member 70 of the above embodiment, the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 are constructed as separate parts, but this is not a limitation. For example, the first segment 71 and the second segment 72 may also be integrally formed by means of a hinge or the like.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the path limiting member 70 is constituted by two segments, namely the first segment 71 and the second segment 72, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the path limiting member 70 may also be constituted by three or more segments.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the path limiting member 70 is formed to cover the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion 50, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the path limiting member 70 may also be formed to cover only a portion of the circumference of the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion 50.

[0109] The structure of the wire member 20 in the above embodiment can be appropriately modified. For example, the number of wires 21 is not particularly limited. For example, the wire member 20 may have four or more wires 21. As an electromagnetic shielding member, it is specifically embodied as a braided member 25, but it is not limited to this. For example, as an electromagnetic shielding member, it may also be embodied as a metal foil. For example, the braided member 25 may also be omitted.

[0110] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is set forth not by the foregoing, but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0111] 10 Wire Harness 11 Inverter 12 High-voltage batteries 20. Electrical wiring components Wires 21, 21a, 21b, and 21c 22-core wire 23 Insulation Covering Layer 25 Woven Components 30. Cylindrical components 31, 32 Corrugated pipes (external components) 33. Annular protrusion 34. Annular recess 40 Waterproof components 41, 42 Connecting cylinder section 43 lips 44 Fixing part 45 Connecting structural components 46 Connecting cylinder section 50 Flat cylindrical section 50A Annular protrusion 50B Annular Recess 51, 52 Long side 53, 54 Middle section Inclined sections 55, 56, 57, and 58 60 Corrugated section 61, 62, 63 Middle section Inclined sections 64, 65, 66, and 67 70 Path limiting components 71 First segment 72 Second Division 73A First bottom wall 73B Second bottom wall 74A First sidewall 74B Second sidewall 75A First Recessed Storage Section 75B Second Recess 76 First Card Section 77 locking holes 78 Fixing part 78X Insertion Hole 79. Second Card Section V vehicle D1, Size 1 L1 Distance 1 X1 Direction 1 Y1, Direction 2

Claims

1. A wire harness, comprising: Electrical wiring components; External components, covering the outer periphery of the electrical components; and A waterproof component covers the outer periphery of the electrical wire component and is connected to the outer casing component. The waterproof component has a connecting cylindrical portion that covers the outer periphery of the outer component and a flat cylindrical portion integrally formed with the connecting cylindrical portion. The cross-sectional shape of the external component is a perfect circle. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting cylinder is formed into a perfect circle. The direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the waterproof component is the first direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the first direction is the second direction. The cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion is formed such that its dimension along the second direction is larger than its dimension along the first direction. The dimension of the flat cylindrical portion along the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the connecting cylindrical portion along the first direction.

2. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein, The wiring harness also has a path limiting member installed on the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion and limiting the path of the wire component.

3. The wire harness according to claim 2, wherein, The electrical component has k wires, where k is a natural number greater than or equal to 3. The k wires are arranged in n layers along the first direction inside the connecting cylinder, where n is a natural number greater than 2 and less than k-1. The k wires are arranged in m layers along the first direction inside the flat cylindrical section, where m is a natural number less than or equal to n-1. The path limiting member compresses the flat cylindrical portion in the first direction so that the k wires are arranged in the m layers inside the flat cylindrical portion.

4. The wire harness according to claim 3, wherein, The m-layer is a single layer. The path limiting member compresses the flat cylindrical portion in the first direction, so that the k wires are arranged in a transverse parallel configuration inside the flat cylindrical portion along the second direction.

5. The wire harness according to claim 3, wherein, The path limiting member has a first segment and a second segment formed to be able to merge with the first segment. By combining the first segment and the second segment, the path limiting member is formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the flat cylindrical portion. The first segment has a first bottom wall. The second segment has a second bottom wall opposite to the first bottom wall in the first direction. The first distance between the first bottom wall and the second bottom wall along the first direction is smaller than the first dimension of the k wires arranged in the n layers along the first direction.

6. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion has: two long sides extending along the second direction; two intermediate portions disposed between the two long sides in the first direction and disposed on the outer side of the two long sides in the second direction; and four inclined portions connecting each end of the two long sides and each of the two intermediate portions. The two long sides are opposite each other in the first direction. The two intermediate portions are positioned opposite each other in the second direction. Each of the four inclined portions extends along an inclined direction that intersects both the first direction and the second direction, and is formed to be shorter than each of the two long side portions.

7. The wire harness according to claim 6, wherein, The thickness of each of the four inclined portions is made to be greater than the thickness of each of the two long side portions. Each of the two intermediate portions is formed in such a manner that it extends along the first direction. The cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical section is octagonal.

8. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-sectional shape of the flat cylindrical portion has two long sides extending along the second direction and two corrugated portions disposed between the two long sides in the first direction. The two long sides are opposite each other in the first direction. The two corrugated portions are positioned opposite each other in the second direction.

9. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein, The flat cylindrical portion has a corrugated structure in which annular protrusions and annular recesses are alternately and continuously arranged along the axial direction of the flat cylindrical portion.

Images