wire harness

Abstract

The purpose is to provide a technique that allows a wire harness to be easily bent in a direction that causes twisting between one end and the other. The wire harness (10) includes multiple wires (20), a first terminal block (30), and a second terminal block (40). Each wire includes a stranded conductor (21) and an insulating sheath (26) covering the stranded conductor. One end of each of the multiple wires is held in a first holding portion (31) of the first terminal block, and the other end is held in a second holding portion of the second terminal block. The connection posture in the wire harness is the posture in which the multiple wires are bent between the first and second holding portions, and in the posture in which the multiple wires (20) are twisted. The twisting direction of the stranded conductors in more than half of the multiple wires is the direction in which the twisting tightens the stranded conductors.

Description

This application is a divisional application of invention patent application number 202211405165.8. Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a machine wiring assembly, which includes a machine wiring component having multiple conductors and two connecting portions provided at both ends of the conductors, and wiring is routed inside the machine in a bent state. The machine includes a machine body and a machine housing for housing the machine body. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-98786 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] It is expected that the wire harness of the machine wiring assembly, such as that described in Patent Document 1, can be easily bent in the direction of twisting between one end and the other.

[0005] Therefore, the aim is to provide a technique that allows the wire harness to be easily bent in the direction of twisting between one end and the other. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The wire harness disclosed herein includes multiple wires, a first terminal block, and a second terminal block. Each of the multiple wires includes a stranded conductor and an insulating covering portion that covers the stranded conductor. The first terminal block includes a first holding portion and a plurality of first terminals. The first holding portion holds one end of each of the multiple wires, and each of the plurality of first terminals is electrically connected to the one end of a corresponding wire among the multiple wires. The second terminal block includes a second holding portion and a plurality of second terminals. The second holding portion holds the other end of each of the multiple wires, and each of the plurality of second terminals is electrically connected to the other end of a corresponding wire among the multiple wires. The multiple wires are connected between the first holding portion and the second holding portion. The directions of the first holding portion and the second holding portion are arranged in a cross direction. When the first position is defined as the multiple wires extending straight between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, the connection position of the first terminal block and the second terminal block to their respective connecting partners is the position in which the multiple wires are bent between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, and the second position is a position in which the multiple wires are twisted when bent from the first position. The twisting direction of the stranded conductors in more than half of the multiple wires is the direction in which the twisting of the stranded conductors is tightened by the twisting when the multiple wires are bent from the first position to the second position. Invention Effects

[0007] According to this disclosure, the wire harness can be easily bent in the direction that causes the wire to twist between one end and the other. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the wiring harness of the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a side view illustrating the wire harness of an embodiment. Figure 3 This is a front view showing the wiring harness of the embodiment. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the wire. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the stranded conductor of an S-twisted wire. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the Z-stranded conductor. Figure 7 This is a front view showing the harness in the first pose. Figure 8 This is a front view showing the wire harness of the first modified example. Figure 9 This is a front view showing the wire harness of the second variant example. Detailed Implementation

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of this Disclosure] Embodiments of this disclosure are first described and illustrated.

[0010] The wiring harness disclosed herein is as follows.

[0011] (1) The wire harness includes multiple wires, a first terminal block, and a second terminal block. Each of the multiple wires includes a stranded conductor and an insulating covering portion that covers the stranded conductor. The first terminal block includes a first holding portion and a plurality of first terminals. The first holding portion holds one end of each of the multiple wires. Each of the plurality of first terminals is electrically connected to the end of a corresponding wire among the multiple wires. The second terminal block includes a second holding portion and a plurality of second terminals. The second holding portion holds the other end of each of the multiple wires. Each of the plurality of second terminals is electrically connected to the other end of a corresponding wire among the multiple wires. The multiple wires are connected between the first holding portion and the second holding portion. When the directions of the first and second retaining portions are arranged in a cross direction, and the first position is defined as the multiple wires extending straight between the first and second retaining portions, the connection position of the first and second terminal blocks to their respective connecting partners is a position in which the multiple wires are bent between the first and second retaining portions, and a second position in which the multiple wires twist when bent from the first position. The stranding direction of the stranded conductors in more than half of the multiple wires is such that the stranded conductors are taut due to the twist when the multiple wires bend from the first position to the second position. When the stranding direction of the stranded conductors is such that the stranded conductors are loosened due to the twist when the multiple wires bend from the first position to the second position, the insulating covering hinders the loosening of the stranded conductors, therefore, bending requires a stronger force. In contrast, when the stranding direction of the stranded conductor is such that the stranding is tightened by the twisting of multiple wires as they bend from the first position to the second position, the slackness of the insulation covering hindering the stranding of the conductor can be suppressed, allowing for bending with a weaker force. This makes it easier to bend the wire bundle between one end in the direction that the wires twist.

[0012] (2) In the wire harness of (1), the second posture may also be such that the plurality of wires are bent about an axis along the parallel direction of the plurality of wires, and that one end and the other end of each of the plurality of wires are offset in the parallel direction by more than the diameter of the wire. Even when bending from the first posture to such a second posture, the plurality of wires are twisted. Even in this case, the wire harness can be easily bent between one end and the other in the direction in which the wires are twisted.

[0013] (3) In the wire harness of (2), in the second posture, the angle formed by the directions in which the plurality of wires extend from the first holding portion and the directions in which the plurality of wires extend from the second holding portion is 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less, and the parallel directions of the plurality of wires in the first holding portion and the parallel directions in the second holding portion are parallel. Even in this case, the wire harness can be easily bent in the direction in which the wires twist between one end and the other.

[0014] (4) In any of the wire bundles in (1) to (3), the stranding direction of the stranded conductors in all the multiple wires can be such that the stranding of the stranded conductors is tightened by the torsion when the multiple wires are bent from the first position to the second position. Thus, in the multiple wires, the direction in which the stranding direction of the stranded conductors is loosened by the torsion when the multiple wires are bent from the first position to the second position disappears, making it easier for the wire bundle to bend in the direction of the torsion between one end and the other.

[0015] (5) In any of the wire harnesses in (1) to (4), the plurality of wires may also be three or more. Even in this case, the wire harness can be easily bent in the direction of the wire twist between one end and the other.

[0016] (6) In any of the wire harnesses in (1) to (5), the Shore A hardness of the insulation coating, measured by a hardness tester according to JIS K 6253, may be 40 or higher and 100 or lower. In the case of a harder insulation coating with a Shore A hardness of 40 or higher and 100 or lower, the stranded conductors secured by the insulation coating become tighter and more difficult to twist in the direction of slackness of the stranded conductors. Even in this case, because the connection posture is a posture of twisting in the direction of tension of more than half of the stranded conductors of the wires, the wire harness is easy to connect.

[0017] (7) In any of the wire harnesses in (1) to (6), the insulating covering may also be made of crystalline resin. As a result, the insulating covering is easier to harden compared to the case of amorphous resin. Even in this case, the wire harness is easy to connect because the connection posture is a twisted posture in the direction of tension of more than half of the stranded conductors of the wire.

[0018] (8) In any of the wire harnesses in (1) to (7), the cross-sectional area of ​​the stranded conductor may be 10 sq or more and 50 sq or less, and the length of the wire between the first holding part and the second holding part may be 100 mm or more and 300 mm or less. Therefore, even when using a larger diameter and shorter wire, the wire harness can easily achieve a connection posture because the connection posture is a twisted posture in the direction of tension of more than half of the stranded conductors of the wire.

[0019] (9) In any of the wire harnesses in (1) to (8), the first retaining part and the second retaining part may each be a resin molding part in which the plurality of wires are molded as inserts. Thus, the first retaining part and the second retaining part can each firmly hold the plurality of wires.

[0020] [Details of Embodiments of this Disclosure] Specific examples of the wiring harness of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to these examples, but rather, as shown by the claims, includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0021] [Embodiment Embodiments] Hereinafter, the wiring harness according to the embodiments will be described. In the accompanying drawings, for ease of explanation, sometimes a portion of the structure is shown enlarged or simplified. Also, the dimensional ratios of the various parts may differ in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the term "perpendicular" in this specification includes not only a strictly perpendicular state but also a substantially perpendicular state. A substantially perpendicular state is, for example, a state where the angle formed by two directions is 80 degrees or more but less than 90 degrees, preferably 85 degrees or more but less than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the term "parallel" in this specification includes not only a strictly parallel state but also a substantially parallel state. A substantially parallel state is, for example, a state where the angle formed by two directions is 10 degrees or less, preferably 5 degrees or less.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the wiring harness 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a side view illustrating the wire harness 10 of the embodiment. Figure 2 In the diagram, machines B1 and B2 are part of the assembly objects. Figure 3 This is a front view showing the wire harness 10 of the embodiment.

[0023] <Overall Structure of Wire Harness 10> The overall structure of the wire harness 10 is described below. The wire harness 10 includes multiple wires 20, a first terminal block 30, and a second terminal block 40. The first terminal block 30 includes a first holding portion 31 and multiple first terminals 32. The first holding portion 31 holds one end of each of the multiple wires 20. Each of the multiple first terminals 32 is electrically connected to one end of a corresponding wire 20 among the multiple wires 20. The second terminal block 40 includes a second holding portion 41 and multiple second terminals 42. The second holding portion 41 holds the other end of each of the multiple wires 20. Each of the multiple second terminals 42 is electrically connected to the other end of a corresponding wire 20 among the multiple wires 20. The multiple wires 20 electrically connect the first terminal block 30 and the second terminal block 40.

[0024] The first terminal block 30 is fixed to the first machine B1. The second terminal block 40 is fixed to the second machine B2. The first machine B1 and the second machine B2 are electrically connected via the wiring harness 10. That is, the wiring components that electrically connect the first machine B1 and the second machine B2 are formed by multiple wires 20, the first terminal block 30, and the second terminal block 40. Machines B1 and B2 are vehicle-mounted machines. For example, machines B1 and B2 are arranged close to each other in a vehicle, and the wiring harness 10 is formed to be relatively short. For example, the first machine B1 is an inverter, and the second machine B2 is a motor used for driving in an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. In this embodiment, the multiple wires 20 are high-voltage wires, and the first terminal block 30 and the second terminal block 40 are high-voltage terminal blocks.

[0025] Figures 1 to 3 The wiring harness 10 shown is in a connection position. The connection position is the position in which the wiring harness 10 is used. Here, the connection position is the position in which the first terminal block 30 and the second terminal block 40 are respectively fixed to the first machine B1 and the second machine B2, which are arranged at predetermined positions in the vehicle.

[0026] The structure of each part will be explained in more detail.

[0027] <Regarding wire 20> Multiple wires 20 are arranged between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41 in a direction intersecting the direction connecting the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41. One end of each of the multiple wires 20 is held in a parallel state by the first holding portion 31, and the other end of each of the multiple wires 20 is held in a parallel state by the second holding portion 41. Thus, the portion of the multiple wires 20 between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41 is also held in a parallel state. In this specification, as... Figure 1 As shown, the parallel direction of the multiple wires 20 in the first holding part 31 is sometimes referred to as the X direction, and the two directions orthogonal to the X direction are referred to as the Y direction and the Z direction.

[0028] Multiple wires 20 are bent in a direction that intersects with the parallel direction in a connected position. The wire harness 10 is bent from a position in which the multiple wires 20 extend in a straight line to form a connected position. The position of the wire harness 10, including the connected position, will be described in detail later.

[0029] One end of each of the multiple wires 20 is bound by a first retaining part 31, and performs the same operation as the first retaining part 31 when it moves. The other end of each of the multiple wires 20 is bound by a second retaining part 41, and performs the same operation as the second retaining part 41 when it moves. Here, no component is provided to bind the multiple wires 20 in the portion between the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41. The first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41 are more rigid than the wires 20, and the wire bundle 10 deforms in a bending manner when the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41 move relative to each other. The portion of the multiple wires 20 between the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41 performs an operation corresponding to the operation of the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41. When the first holding part 31 and the second holding part 41 move relative to each other, the bending manner of the portion between the first holding part 31 and the second holding part 41 of the plurality of wires 20 is determined by the rigidity of the plurality of wires 20, etc. Alternatively, a member for binding the plurality of wires 20 may be provided in the portion between the first holding part 31 and the second holding part 41 of the plurality of wires 20.

[0030] Here, the number of multiple wires 20 is 6. However, the number of multiple wires 20 is not limited to this and can be appropriately set according to the machine being connected and its purpose. For example, the number of multiple wires 20 can be 2 or 3. The number of multiple wires 20 can also be 3 or more. The number of multiple wires 20 can also be 9 or less.

[0031] Here, the second machine B2 is an AC motor, and multiple wires 20 transmit AC power. AC power can be single-phase or multi-phase. For example, six wires 20 correspond to three-phase AC, so two sets of three wires each can be used. However, the type of electrical power transmitted by the multiple wires 20 can be set according to the machines B1 and B2 connected to the wiring harness 10; the multiple wires 20 can also transmit DC power.

[0032] Each of the multiple wires 20 includes a stranded conductor 21 and an insulating sheath 26 covering the stranded conductor 21. Further details regarding the stranded conductor 21 and the insulating sheath 26 can be found in [reference needed]. Figures 4 to 6 Please provide an explanation. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing wire 20. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing the stranded conductor 21 of the S-twisted wire. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the Z-twisted conductor 21. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the diagram, the direction of hinge of each component is indicated by arrows. Figure 5 and Figure 6 For ease of explanation, stranded conductors 21 consisting of two wires 22 are shown in the diagram.

[0033] The stranded conductor 21 has multiple wires 22. Each wire 22 is formed of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc. The stranded conductor 21 is constructed by twisting multiple wires 22 together. Here, the twisting methods of the multiple wires 22 are S-twisting and Z-twisting. In S-twisting and Z-twisting, the twisting methods of the multiple wires 22 are opposite to each other. Figure 5 As shown, S-twisting is a twisting method in which each wire 22 extends in a clockwise spiral shape from the top to the bottom when the length direction of the stranded conductor 21 is along the vertical direction. Figure 6 As shown, Z-twisting is a twisting method in which each wire 22 extends in a left-hand (counter-clockwise) spiral shape from the top to the bottom when the length direction of the stranded conductor 21 is along the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the stranded conductor 21 of S-twisted wire and the wire 20 having the S-twisted conductor 21 will be labeled with the reference numeral S, and are sometimes referred to as stranded conductor 21S and wire 20S, respectively. Similarly, the stranded conductor 21 of Z-twisted wire and the wire 20 having the Z-twisted conductor 21 will be labeled with the reference numeral Z, and are sometimes referred to as stranded conductor 21Z and wire 20Z, respectively. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between S-twisted and Z-twisted wires, the stranded conductor 21 and the wire 20 may be simply referred to as stranded conductor 21 and wire 20, respectively.

[0034] The stranded conductor 21 has two twisting directions. One direction is the same as the twisting direction of the multiple wires 22, and the other direction is the opposite of the twisting direction of the multiple wires 22. When the stranded conductor 21 twists in the same direction as the twisting direction of the multiple wires 22, the multiple wires 22 are taut. When the stranded conductor 21 twists in the opposite direction to the twisting direction of the multiple wires 22, the multiple wires 22 are slack. Because the twisting methods of the multiple wires 22 are opposite to those of the stranded conductors 21S and 21Z, when the stranded conductors 21S and 21Z twist in the same direction, the tautness or slackness of the multiple wires 22 is opposite to each other. In other words, the stranded conductor 21Z is slack when twisted in the same direction as the taut direction of the stranded conductor 21S, and taut when twisted in the same direction as the slack direction of the stranded conductor 21S.

[0035] The cross-sectional area of ​​the stranded conductor 21 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set according to the connected machine, current value, voltage value, etc. Here, since it is used as a high-voltage wire 20, a larger diameter stranded conductor is used as the stranded conductor 21. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the stranded conductor 21 is 10 sq or more and 50 sq or less. sq refers to the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor as defined by JIS standards, specifically in square millimeters (mm²). The conductor can be used for various electrical transmission applications within the permissible current range, depending on the conductor's cross-sectional area, wire material, etc.

[0036] When the stranded conductor 21 has a large diameter, the number of wires 22 sometimes increases. When the number of wires 22 increases, the stranded conductor 21 is sometimes formed into a so-called sub-stranded and mother-stranded structure. Specifically, multiple wires 22 are divided into multiple groups, each having two or more wires 22. In each group, two or more wires 22 are twisted together to form a sub-stranded wire 23. Multiple sub-stranded wires 23 are further twisted together to form a mother-stranded wire. This mother-stranded wire is used as the stranded conductor 21. For example, in... Figure 4 In the example shown, 7 wires 22 are twisted together to form sub-strands 23, and 19 sub-strands 23 are twisted together to form stranded conductors 21 (mother strands). Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example shown, the wire 22 is drawn only in one sub-strand 23, while the wire 22 is omitted in the other sub-strands 23. Of course, the number of wires 22 constituting the sub-strands 23 and the number of sub-strands 23 constituting the stranded conductor 21 are not limited to this and can be appropriately set. Furthermore, the stranded conductor 21 may not be formed as a sub-strand and a main strand structure. In the stranded conductor 21, all the wires 22 may also be twisted together in a concentrated manner.

[0037] When the stranded conductor 21 is formed as a sub-strand and a female strand, the directions of the sub-strand and the female strand can be either the same or opposite. When the directions of the sub-strand and the female strand are the same, the stranding direction is defined as the stranding direction of the stranded conductor 21. For example, in... Figure 4 In the example shown, where the directions of the sub-strands and the main strands are opposite, it is assumed that the direction of the main strand forms the stranding direction of the conductor 21. This is because the direction of the main strand is more closely related to the tension and slack of the multiple wires 22 when the conductor 21 is twisted, compared to the direction of the sub-strands. In other words, whether the multiple wires 22 are tensile or slack when the conductor 21 is twisted is mainly determined by the direction of the main strand.

[0038] Additionally, the stranded conductor 21 is sometimes a composite stranded conductor with a structure having multiple layers along the radial direction as the main strand. For example, in Figure 4In the example shown, six sub-strands 23B and twelve sub-strands 23C are formed by twisting around one sub-strand 23A positioned on the central axis. The six sub-strands 23B form the inner first layer 24, and the twelve sub-strands 23C form the outer second layer 25. The direction of the twisted strands in each layer can be the same, or the direction of the twisted strands in some layers can be opposite to the direction of the twisted strands in other layers. For example, in... Figure 4 In the example shown, where the direction of the female strands in each layer is the same, the stranding direction becomes the stranding direction of the stranded conductor 21. When the directions of the female strands in some layers are opposite to those in others, it is assumed that the direction of the female strands in the outermost layer becomes the stranding direction of the stranded conductor 21. This is because the direction of the female strands in the outermost layer is more closely related to the tension and slack of the multiple wires 22 when the stranded conductor 21 is twisted, compared to the direction of the female strands in layers closer to the inside. In other words, whether the multiple wires 22 are tensile or slack when the stranded conductor 21 is twisted is mainly determined by the direction of the female strands in the outermost layer.

[0039] The insulating coating 26 is formed, for example, by a resin with insulating properties. Here, the insulating coating 26 is made of a crystalline resin. Such a crystalline resin may also be a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). However, the insulating coating 26 may also be made of an amorphous resin. Such an amorphous resin may be, for example, a polyamide resin such as nylon, or a polyvinyl chloride resin.

[0040] The hardness of the insulating cover 26 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set according to the material and thickness. Here, the insulating cover 26 is formed to be relatively hard within a range where bending deformation of the wire 20 in the connection posture is not difficult. For example, the Shore A hardness of the insulating cover 26 measured by a hardness tester according to JIS K 6253 can be 40 or higher and 100 or lower.

[0041] The insulating covering 26 can also be formed, for example, by extruding a softened resin material around the stranded conductor 21. Figure 4 As shown, such resin material can also be embedded between the stranded wires of the outermost layer, and the entire inner surface of the insulation covering 26 is in contact with the stranded wires of the outermost layer. This reduces the slack of the stranded wires of the outermost layer, making it easier for the wire 20 to twist towards the stranded conductor 21 in a taut direction than towards the slack direction. However, the inner surface of the insulation covering 26 can also be formed into a circular shape, with only a portion of the inner surface of the insulation covering 26 in contact with the stranded wires of the outermost layer. In this case, another portion of the inner surface of the insulation covering 26 may not be in contact with the stranded wires of the outermost layer, leaving a gap between the other portion of the inner surface of the insulation covering 26 and the stranded wires of the outermost layer.

[0042] <Regarding Terminal Block 30> The first terminal 32 includes a first wire connection portion 32a and a first machine connection portion 32b. The first wire connection portion 32a is the portion that connects to one end of the wire 20. The first machine connection portion 32b is the portion that connects to the first machine B1. For example, the first wire connection portion 32a is provided at one end of the first terminal 32, and the first machine connection portion 32b is provided at the other end of the first terminal 32. The connection method between the first wire connection portion 32a and the wire 20 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set to reinforced crimping, ultrasonic welding, resistance welding, etc. The connection method between the first machine connection portion 32b and the first machine B1 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set to be based on the mating of male and female terminals, or screw fastening, etc.

[0043] The first holding portion 31 is formed, for example, by resin. The first holding portion 31 is formed by molding one end of a plurality of wires 20 as an insert. The first holding portion 31 is a resin-molded portion in which the plurality of wires 20 are molded as inserts. Here, a plurality of first terminals 32 are also formed as inserts. Thus, the plurality of first terminals 32 are held side-by-side by the first holding portion 31. Furthermore, the first wire connection portion 32a and the connection portion of the wires 20 are provided within the first holding portion 31. Thus, at one end of the plurality of wires 20, the portion of the insulation covering 26 that has been stripped for connection with the first wire connection portion 32a is covered and insulated by the first holding portion 31. The first holding portion 31 is, for example, formed in a cylindrical shape, and an opening 31h is formed inside the first holding portion 31. The first machine connection portion 32b extends into this opening 31h.

[0044] Alternatively, a component such as a base member 33 may be provided on the first terminal block 30. The base member 33 is formed, for example, by stamping a metal sheet. An elliptical through hole is formed in the center of the base member 33, and a first retaining portion 31 is integrally formed on the periphery of the through hole.

[0045] The base member 33 extends from the outer periphery of the first retaining portion 31. With the base member 33 in contact with the housing of the first machine B1, the base member 33 is fixed to the first machine B1 by screws or the like. The housing of the first machine B1 is grounded to the vehicle body. Therefore, the base member 33 is grounded via the housing of the first machine B1. Thus, with the first terminal block 30 fixed to the first machine B1, the first machine connection portion 32b is connected to a terminal in the first machine B1. A shielding shell or the like, electrically connected to the base member 33, may also be provided on the first terminal block 30.

[0046] <Regarding Terminal 40> The second terminal 42 includes a second wire connection portion 42a and a second machine connection portion 42b. The second wire connection portion 42a is the portion that connects to the other end of the wire 20. The second machine connection portion 42b is the portion that connects to the second machine B2. For example, the second wire connection portion 42a is provided at one end of the second terminal 42, and the second machine connection portion 42b is provided at the other end of the second terminal 42. The connection method between the second wire connection portion 42a and the wire 20 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set to reinforced crimping, ultrasonic welding, resistance welding, etc. The connection method between the second machine connection portion 42b and the second machine B2 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set to be based on the mating of male and female terminals, or screw fastening, etc.

[0047] The second holding portion 41 is formed, for example, by resin. The second holding portion 41 is formed by molding the other ends of multiple wires 20 as inserts. The second holding portion 41 is a resin-molded portion in which multiple wires 20 are molded as inserts. Here, multiple second terminals 42 are also formed as inserts. Thus, the multiple second terminals 42 are held side-by-side by the second holding portion 41. Furthermore, the connection portion of the second wire connecting portion 42a and the connection portion of the wires 20 are provided within the second holding portion 41. Thus, at the other ends of the multiple wires 20, the portion of the insulation covering 26 that has been stripped for connection with the second wire connecting portion 42a is covered and insulated by the second holding portion 41. The second holding portion 41 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and an opening 41h is formed inside the second holding portion 41. The second machine connecting portion 42b extends into this opening 41h.

[0048] Here, the portion of the wire 20 between the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41 does not have the portion of the insulation covering 26 stripped off. The stranded conductor 21 is covered by the insulation covering 26 along its entire length and circumference between the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41. The stranded conductor 21 is not exposed between the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41.

[0049] The second terminal block 40 may also include other components such as a fixing part 43. The fixing part 43 is formed, for example, by resin. The fixing part 43 is formed in a shape that extends from around the second retaining part 41, for example, in a plate shape. The fixing part 43 is a resin part that is molded separately from the second retaining part 41, or it may be a structure that is integrated with the second retaining part 41. The fixing part 43 may also be molded integrally with the second retaining part 41.

[0050] The fixing part 43 is fixed to the second machine B2 by screws or the like. In this case, a through hole for screw fastening is formed in the fixing part 43. A cylindrical collar may also be embedded in the through hole. The collar may also be formed of a material with higher rigidity than the resin forming the fixing part 43, such as metal.

[0051] The fixing part 43 can also hold multiple relay terminals. Alternatively, one end of each relay terminal can be connected to the second machine connection part 42b, and the other end of each relay terminal can be connected to a terminal of the second machine B2. Furthermore, the second machine connection part 42b can also be connected to a terminal of the second machine B2 without passing through relay terminals.

[0052] <Regarding the relationship between the orientation of wire harness 10 and the twisting of wire 20> Regarding the relationship between the orientation of wire harness 10 and the twisting of wire 20, please refer to [further details]. Figure 7 Please provide an explanation. Figure 7 This is a front view showing the harness 10 in the first pose 11.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, the first configuration 11 of the wire harness 10 is defined as the arrangement in which multiple wires 20 extend straight between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41. In the first configuration 11, the first terminal block 30 and the second terminal block 40 are not separated in the X direction. The spacing between adjacent wires 20 in the first holding portion 31 is the same as the spacing between adjacent wires 20 in the second holding portion 41. Therefore, in the first configuration 11, the multiple wires 20 are nearly perfectly parallel.

[0054] The length of the wire between the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately set. In the first posture 11, the interval between the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41 is the same as the length of the wire between them. For example, the length of the wire between the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41 can be 100mm or more and 300mm or less. When the length of the wire between the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41 is short, the wire harness 10 becomes difficult to bend. When the length of the wire between the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41 is long, the effect of bending is less likely to occur in the portion bound by the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41.

[0055] As mentioned above, Figures 1 to 3 The wiring harness 10 shown is in the connection position where the first terminal block 30 and the second terminal block 40 are connected to their respective connecting partners. The connection position is not the first position 11, but the second position 12. The second position 12 is the position in which the multiple wires 20 are bent between the first holding part 31 and the second holding part 41, and is the position in which the multiple wires 20 are twisted when bent from the first position 11.

[0056] The second posture 12 can also be a posture in which multiple wires 20 are bent around an axis along the parallel direction of the multiple wires 20, and one end and the other end of each of the multiple wires 20 are offset from the diameter of the wire 20 in the parallel direction by more than one diameter. This second posture 12 is a posture that combines L-shaped bending and offset movement. Specifically, in Figure 2 In the diagram, the posture of the double-dotted line bundle 10 is posture 11, and the posture of the solid line bundle 10 is posture 22. For example... Figure 2 As shown by the solid lines, in the second posture 12, multiple wires 20 bend around an axis along the X direction. The multiple wires 20 are bent into an L-shape. Additionally, in... Figure 3 In the diagram, the solid line harness 10 is in posture 2, posture 12. Figure 3 In the diagram, the double-dotted line harness 10 indicates that one end of the wire 20 and the other end are not misaligned in the X direction. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 3 As shown by the solid line, in the second posture 12, in each of the plurality of wires 20, one end and the other end are offset in the X direction by more than the diameter of the wire 20. The plurality of wires 20 are offset and moved in a parallel direction between one end and the other end.

[0057] In the second posture 12, the angle formed by the directions in which the multiple wires 20 extend from the first holding part 31 and the directions in which the multiple wires 20 extend from the second holding part 41 can be 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less. Such an angle is... Figure 2 The angle shown is when viewed from the side. Figure 2 The direction in which multiple wires 20 extend from the first retaining part 31 is shown (in) Figure 2 (Z direction) and the direction in which multiple wires 20 extend from the second retaining part 41 (in) Figure 2 In the case where the angle formed by the Y direction is perpendicular. In the second posture 12, the parallel directions of the multiple wires 20 in the first holding part 31 and the parallel directions in the second holding part 41 can also be parallel. Figure 1 The diagram shows the parallel orientation of multiple wires 20 in the first holding part 31 (in Figure 1 (in the X direction) and the parallel direction in the second holding part 41 (in Figure 1 In the case where it is parallel in the X direction.

[0058] The stranding direction of the stranded conductors 21 in more than half of the multiple wires 20 is the direction in which the stranded conductors 21 are taut due to the twisting when the multiple wires 20 are bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12. Here, the stranding direction of the stranded conductors 21 in all of the multiple wires 20 is the direction in which the stranded conductors 21 are taut due to the twisting when the multiple wires 20 are bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12.

[0059] For example, Figure 3The second posture 12 shown is viewed from the inner circumferential side when the wire harness 10 is bent about an axis along the X direction relative to this second posture 12, and when the first holding part 31 is observed to be located above the second holding part 41, the first holding part 31 is offset in the positive X direction relative to the second holding part 41. The connection posture of the wire harness 10 is... Figure 3 In the second configuration 12 shown, in the S-stranded wire 20, the direction of the stranded conductor 21 is tightened by the torsion during bending from the first configuration 11 to the second configuration 12; in the Z-stranded wire 20, the direction of the stranded conductor 21 is relaxed by the torsion during bending from the first configuration 11 to the second configuration 12. Therefore, the connection configuration of the wire harness 10 is... Figure 3 In the case of the second posture 12 shown, it is sufficient as long as more than half of the wires 20 are S-twisted wires 20, and preferably all the wires 20 are S-twisted wires 20.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a front view showing the wire harness 110 of the first modified example.

[0061] Figure 8 The orientation of harness 110 is orientation 2, 112. Figure 8 The second posture 112 of the wire harness 110 shown is different from the second posture 12 of the wire harness 10 in the embodiment. Specifically, Figure 8 The second posture 112 of the wire harness 110 shown is a posture that is offset and moved in the opposite direction to the second posture 12 of the wire harness 10 in the embodiment in the X direction. Figure 8 The second posture 112 shown is the posture in which the first holding part 31 is offset from the second holding part 41 in the negative X direction when viewed from the inner circumferential side with respect to the bending of the wire harness 110 around the axis along the X direction, and when the first holding part 31 is observed to be located above the second holding part 41.

[0062] The connection posture of harness 110 is Figure 8 In the second posture 112 shown, in the S-twisted wire 20S, the direction changes to loosen the stranding of the stranded conductor 21S due to the torsion during bending from the first posture 11 to the second posture 112; in the Z-twisted wire 20Z, the direction changes to tighten the stranding of the stranded conductor 21Z due to the torsion during bending from the first posture 11 to the second posture 112. Therefore, the connection posture of the wire harness 110 is... Figure 8 In the case of the second posture 112 shown, it is sufficient as long as more than half of the wires 20 are Z-twisted wires 20Z, and preferably all the wires 20 are Z-twisted wires 20Z.

[0063] The wire harnesses 10 and 110 are manufactured, for example, in the first posture 11, and are transported to the assembly positions for assembly into machines B1 and B2 in the first posture 11. Furthermore, at the assembly positions for assembly into machines B1 and B2, they are bent from the first posture 11 to the second postures 12 and 112 and assembled into machines B1 and B2.

[0064] <Effects, etc.> When the stranding direction of the stranded conductor 21 is such that the twisting of the stranded conductor 21 is loosened by the torsion of the multiple wires 20 as they bend from the first position 11 to the second position 12, 112, the insulating cover 26 hinders the loosening of the stranded conductor 21. Therefore, a stronger force is required to bend the wires 20. In contrast, according to the wire bundles 10, 110 configured as described above, the stranding direction of the stranded conductor 21 is such that the twisting of the stranded conductor 21 is tight by the torsion of the multiple wires 20 as they bend from the first position 11 to the second position 12, 112. Therefore, the insulation cover 26 can be prevented from hindering the loosening of the stranded conductor 21, and the wires 20 can be bent with a weaker force. As a result, the wire bundles 10, 110 can be easily bent in the direction in which the wires 20 twist between one end and the other.

[0065] Furthermore, in the second postures 12 and 112, multiple wires 20 are bent around an axis along a parallel direction, and one end of each of the multiple wires 20 is offset from the other end in the parallel direction by more than the diameter of the wire 20. Even when bending from the first posture 11 to such a second posture 12 or 112, the multiple wires 20 are twisted. Even in this case, the wire bundles 10 and 110 can be easily bent between one end in the direction in which the wires 20 are twisted.

[0066] Furthermore, in the second postures 12 and 112, the angle formed by the direction in which the plurality of wires 20 extend from the first holding part 31 and the direction in which the plurality of wires 20 extend from the second holding part 41 is 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less, and the parallel directions of the plurality of wires 20 in the first holding part 31 and the parallel directions in the second holding part 41 are parallel. Even in this case, the wire harnesses 10 and 110 can be easily bent in the direction that causes the wires 20 to twist between one end and the other.

[0067] Furthermore, the stranding direction of the stranded conductors 21 in all the multiple wires 20 is the direction in which the stranded conductors 21 are taut due to the twisting when the multiple wires 20 are bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12, 112. Therefore, in the multiple wires 20, the direction in which the stranded conductors 21 are slack due to the twisting when the multiple wires 20 are bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12, 112 disappears, allowing the wire bundles 10, 110 to easily bend in the direction that causes the wires 20 to twist between one end and the other.

[0068] In addition, there are three or more wires 20. Even in this case, the wire harnesses 10 and 110 can easily bend in the direction of twisting between one end and the other wire 20.

[0069] Furthermore, the Shore A hardness of the insulation coating 26, measured using a hardness tester according to JIS K 6253, is 40 or higher and 100 or lower. In the case of a harder insulation coating 26 with a Shore A hardness of 40 or higher and 100 or lower, the stranded conductor 21 secured by the insulation coating 26 becomes tighter, making it more difficult to twist in the direction of slackness of the stranded conductor 21. Even in this case, because the connection posture is a twisting posture in the direction of tension of more than half of the stranded conductor 21 of the wires 20, the wire harnesses 10 and 110 can easily achieve a connection posture.

[0070] Furthermore, the insulating cover 26 is made of crystalline resin. As a result, the insulating cover 26 is more prone to hardening compared to the case of amorphous resin. Even in this case, because the connection posture is a twisted posture in the direction of tension of more than half of the stranded conductors 21 of the wires 20, the wire harnesses 10 and 110 can easily achieve a connection posture.

[0071] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the stranded conductor 21 is 10 sq or more and 50 sq or less, and the wire length between the first holding part 31 and the second holding part 41 is 100 mm or more and 300 mm or less. Therefore, even when using a larger diameter and shorter wire 20, the wire harnesses 10 and 110 can easily achieve a connection posture because the connection posture is a twisted posture in the direction of tension of more than half of the stranded conductor 21 of the wire 20.

[0072] Furthermore, both the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41 are resin molding parts in which multiple wires 20 are inserted as inserts. Therefore, both the first retaining part 31 and the second retaining part 41 can securely hold the multiple wires 20. Additionally, one end of each of the multiple wires 20 can easily perform the same operation as the first retaining part 31, and the other end of each of the multiple wires 20 can easily perform the same operation as the second retaining part 41.

[0073] [Postscript] Figure 9 This is a front view showing the wire harness 210 of the second modified example.

[0074] The wire harness 210 differs from the wire harnesses 10 and 110 described above in that there are multiple (in this case, two) first terminal blocks 230. Thus, one of the first terminal blocks and the other of the second terminal blocks may be single, while the other may be multiple, which could sometimes result in branching of the wires 20. Even in this case, when multiple wires 20 are arranged, and the relationships of the first posture 11 and the second postures 12, 112 described above are established between at least one set of first terminal blocks 230 and second terminal blocks 40, the same effect as in the embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in each first terminal block 230, the number of first terminals 32 is three, and the first holding portion 231 is formed to a size corresponding to the three first terminals 32. Apart from this, the first terminal block 230 can be formed with the same structure as the first terminal block 30 described above.

[0075] Furthermore, as with wire harness 210, the twisting direction of the wires 20 may sometimes differ. That is, in wire harness 210, one first terminal block 230A is offset in the positive X direction, while the other first terminal block 230B is offset in the negative X direction. In this case, among the multiple (here, 3) wires 20 connecting one first terminal block 230A and the second terminal block 40, similar to wire harness 10 in the embodiment, it is preferable that more than half of the wires 20 are S-twisted wires 20S, and preferably all of the wires 20 are S-twisted wires 20S. Additionally, among the multiple (here, 3) wires 20 connecting the other first terminal block 230B and the second terminal block 40, similar to wire harness 110 in the first modification, it is preferable that more than half of the wires 20 are Z-twisted wires 20Z, and preferably all of the wires 20 are Z-twisted wires 20Z.

[0076] In addition, it has been previously described that the first retaining parts 31 and 231 are molded resin parts in which the wire 20 is molded as an insert, but this is not a necessary structure. For example, the first retaining parts 31 and 231 may also be other molded parts that do not use the wire 20 as an insert. For example, the first retaining part 31 may also be a retaining member in which a groove for inserting the wire 20 is formed in a rod-shaped member. Such a retaining member is fitted to the wire 20 from the side. Alternatively, the first retaining part 31 may also be a housing in which a cavity for inserting the wire 20 is formed. The wire 20 is inserted into the cavity of such a housing from the top end. Members for fixing the wire 20, such as rubber rings and rear stops, may also be installed on the aforementioned retaining member or housing.

[0077] 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

[0078] 10, 110, 210 wire harness 11 First Posture 12, 112, Second Posture 20 wires 20S twisted wire 20Z twisted wire 21 Stranded conductor 21S S-stranded conductor 21Z Z-stranded conductor 22 wires 23, 23A, 23B, 23C sub-stranded wires 24. First Floor 25. Second Floor 26 Insulation Covering Section Terminal block 1 of 30, 230, 230A, 230B 31, 231 First Maintenance Section 31h Opening 32 Terminal 1 32a First wire connection part 32b First machine connection section 33 Base components 40 Terminal 2 41. Second Maintenance Section 41h Opening 42 Terminal 2 42a Second wire connection part 42b Second machine connection part 43 Fixing part B1 First Machine B2 Machine 2

Claims

1. A wire harness comprising a plurality of wires, a first terminal block, and a second terminal block, Each of the multiple wires includes a stranded conductor and an insulating covering portion that covers the stranded conductor. The first terminal block includes a first holding portion and a plurality of first terminals. The first holding portion holds one end of the plurality of wires, and each of the plurality of first terminals is electrically connected to the end of a corresponding wire among the plurality of wires. The second terminal block includes a second holding portion and a plurality of second terminals. The second holding portion holds the other ends of the plurality of wires, and each of the plurality of second terminals is electrically connected to the other end of a corresponding wire among the plurality of wires. The plurality of wires are arranged between the first retaining part and the second retaining part in a direction that intersects the direction connecting the first retaining part and the second retaining part. When the first posture is defined as the posture in which the plurality of wires extend straight between the first holding part and the second holding part, The connection posture of the first terminal block and the second terminal block to their respective connecting partners is a posture in which the plurality of wires are bent between the first holding part and the second holding part, and a second posture in which the plurality of wires twist after bending from the first posture. The stranding direction of the stranded conductors in more than half of the multiple wires is the direction in which the stranded conductors are tightened by the torsion caused by the bending of the multiple wires from the first posture to the second posture. The number of wires is three or more. The multiple wires are grouped into sets of three. In more than half of the stranded conductors in each group of three wires, the stranding direction is the direction in which the stranded conductors are taut by the twisting of the multiple wires as they bend from the first posture to the second posture.

2. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein, The second posture is a posture in which the plurality of wires are bent about an axis along the parallel direction of the plurality of wires, and in each of the plurality of wires, one end and the other end are offset in the parallel direction by more than the diameter of the wire.

3. The wire harness according to claim 2, wherein, In the second posture, the angle formed by the directions in which the plurality of wires extend from the first holding part and the directions in which the plurality of wires extend from the second holding part is 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less, and the parallel directions of the plurality of wires in the first holding part and the parallel directions in the second holding part are parallel.

4. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The stranding direction of the stranded conductors in all of the plurality of wires is the direction in which the stranded conductors are tightened by the torsion caused by the bending of the plurality of wires from the first posture to the second posture.

5. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The Shore A hardness of the insulating coating, measured using a hardness tester according to JIS K 6253, is 40 or higher and 100 or lower.

6. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The insulating coating is made of crystalline resin.

7. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the stranded conductor is 10 sq or more and 50 sq or less. The length of the wire between the first retaining part and the second retaining part is 100mm or more and 300mm or less.

8. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first retaining part and the second retaining part are each resin molding parts for inserting the plurality of wires as inserts.

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