Wire harness connector holding device used in wire harness support and wire harness support assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a wire harness connector holding device (2) for use in a wire harness holder (1) and a wire harness holder assembly. A wire harness connector holding device (2) for a wire harness holder (1) provided with a main body (10) and a plurality of branches (11) extending from the main body (10), each branch (11) being provided with a respective strand of wire harness (13) and a respective wire harness connector (12) configured to cluster the respective strand of wire harness (13), the wire harness connector holding device (2) comprising: a rib plate (21) extending from a respective branch (11) of the plurality of branches (11); and a receiving portion (22) provided to be coupled to the pair of rib plates (21) by an outer wall (221) and configured to receive and hold the corresponding harness connector (12) in a snap-fit manner by means of an inner wall (222). The wire harness support assembly comprises the wire harness connector holding device (2). And the wire harness holder (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a wire harness connector retaining device and a wire harness support assembly for use in a wire harness support, and more particularly to a wire harness connector retaining device and a wire harness support assembly for use in a wire harness support suitable for retaining a wire harness in the field of, for example, but not limited to, wire harnesses used in engines. Background Art

[0002] In the automotive industry, electrical connectors, connecting the inside and outside of sealed housings, are essential components in structures like engines and transmissions. Existing electrical connectors typically consist of a plastic housing, machined terminals, seals, plastic blocks, and wiring harnesses. Engine signals are transmitted via the engine wiring harness to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to control normal engine operation. Because engines often operate in harsh environments, the engine wiring harness is housed in the limited installation space surrounding the engine. This exposure to the operating environment makes the connection susceptible to environmental factors such as vibration, resulting in insufficient connection reliability and damage to the harness. Therefore, ensuring reliable wiring harness retention is a key consideration in harness design.

[0003] In the prior art, the main method of retaining the engine wiring harness is to accommodate and install the required wiring harness in a wiring harness bracket, which can then be fixed to the engine body or the sheet metal parts around it; redundant / unused wiring harnesses are sheathed with sleeves and then fixed to the wiring harness bracket, the engine body or the sheet metal parts around it by pinning (such as staples or cable ties).

[0004] However, regarding the engine wiring harness retention method, particularly for redundant / unused wiring harnesses, the flexible tubing and wide tolerances in harness manufacturing necessitate the use of cable ties and clips for attachment. This leads to significant positioning errors, preventing a perfect fit between the harness and the engine, resulting in poor aesthetics. Furthermore, the assembly process is complex, resulting in an unreliable connection and increased process costs. Furthermore, this engine wiring harness connection method has numerous and cluttered branches, which do not meet the aesthetic requirements of engine customers. It is difficult to distinguish and difficult for users to install. This simple fixing method results in the clips being prone to breakage, and its durability, wear resistance, and temperature resistance are average.

[0005] In view of the above technical problems, the art urgently needs to design an improved wiring harness connector retaining device and wiring harness bracket assembly for use in a wiring harness bracket that is suitable for the wiring harness field in the engine and can effectively solve the reliability, vibration resistance and aesthetic problems of retaining redundant wiring harnesses. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of the present disclosure is to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects in the prior art by providing a wire harness connector retaining device and a wire harness bracket assembly for a wire harness bracket that has a simple structure and can reliably retain the transmitter wire harness, especially the redundant wire harness therein.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a wire harness connector retaining device for a wire harness bracket is provided, wherein the wire harness bracket has a main body and a plurality of branches extending from the main body, each branch being provided with a corresponding strand of wire harness and a corresponding wire harness connector configured to cluster the corresponding strand of wire harness, and the wire harness connector retaining device includes: a rib extending from a corresponding branch among the plurality of branches; and an accommodating portion, which is configured to be connected to the pair of ribs with an outer wall and is configured to accommodate and retain the corresponding wire harness connector in a snap-fit ​​manner with the aid of an inner wall.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the rib includes at least one rib extending from a corresponding branch of the plurality of branches.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one rib includes a pair of ribs extending parallel to each other from corresponding branches of the plurality of branches, and the pair of ribs are coupled to the outer wall of the accommodation portion via a transition portion having an arc edge.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pair of ribs are integrally integrated to the corresponding branches, and the transition portion is integrally integrated to the pair of ribs.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the ribs are suspended reinforcement bars in the corresponding branches.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the wall portion of the accommodating portion includes the outer wall and the inner wall, which together define an internal space having an outwardly open mouth, and the accommodating portion is constructed into a hollow cylindrical shape, and the wiring harness connector retaining device is configured to receive the corresponding wiring harness connector in the internal space of the accommodating portion.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner space of the accommodation portion is form-fitted with the corresponding harness connector inserted into the inner space.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the corresponding harness connector is locked in place in the inner space of the accommodation portion by snap-fitting.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the corresponding harness connector is held within the accommodation portion in an elastic manner.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the corresponding harness connector is elastically pressed against an inner wall of the accommodating portion via an elastic member at least partially provided in the inner space of the accommodating portion.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member includes at least one of the following: a leaf spring and a coil spring.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member also has a stop portion, which is configured to bend and deform when pressed by an applied force and to reset when the applied force is released, and is correspondingly configured to be compressed when the corresponding wiring harness connector is inserted into the internal space to facilitate the insertion, and to reset when the corresponding wiring harness connector is inserted into place to lock the corresponding wiring harness connector in place.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the stopper is configured to be manually operable to unlock the corresponding harness connector.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the stopper is configured as a spring device that is in an outwardly tapered shape in a non-stressed state.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the harness connector holding device further includes a guide structure provided on an outer surface of the accommodating portion, and an adapting guide structure that cooperates with the guide structure is provided on the exterior of the corresponding harness connector.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide structure includes at least one of the following components: a proximal guide member, configured to protrude from a first side surface of the outer wall of the accommodating portion to be placed toward the rib plate; and a distal guide member, configured to protrude from a second side surface of the outer wall of the accommodating portion to be placed away from the rib plate, the second side surface being opposite to the first side surface.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, any one of the proximal guide and the distal guide is a rib or a protruding piece having a shape tapering toward the mouth.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the adapting guide structure includes at least one of the following components: a slot guide, which is configured to be on the first connector surface of the corresponding wiring harness connector to be placed toward the rib plate, and is open only in the direction opposite to the opening to define a slot, and the shape and size of the slot are configured to be suitable for receiving the proximal guide; and a snap ring guide, which is configured to be a part of an arch protruding outward from the second connector surface of the corresponding wiring harness connector opposite to the first connector surface, and the part of the arch and the first side surface together define a closed loop of a closed cross-section, a suspended elastic tongue is formed in the closed loop, the shape and size of the closed loop are configured to be suitable for receiving the distal guide, and the elastic tongue is configured to be pushed against the inner wall of the closed loop by the distal guide when the distal guide is received by the closed loop.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the rib is disposed perpendicular to the first side surface and is integrally integrated with the first side surface.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the wiring harness connector retaining device also includes a hook structure, which is arranged on a corresponding branch among the multiple branches, adjacent to the base of the rib extending from the corresponding branch, and is configured to at least partially retain the corresponding strand of the wiring harness connector inside.

[0028] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a wire harness support assembly is provided, comprising: the wire harness connector retaining device according to the foregoing; and the wire harness support.

[0029] According to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, a harness connector retaining device and harness support assembly for use in a wiring harness support can be configured to securely and aesthetically accommodate redundant / unused harness connectors by providing an additional harness connector retaining device on each branch (e.g., via ribs extending from the branches) for each corresponding harness connector. This design also ensures both vibration resistance and aesthetics for the redundant harnesses, thereby improving product quality. This retaining design utilizes existing structure in the existing harness support interface, namely the suspended ribs that serve as structural reinforcements, and employs the snap-fit ​​structure of the connector itself. This design effectively secures temporarily unused connectors to the support without requiring additional components, allowing a single harness product component to accommodate various customer vehicle models, thereby reducing inventory management costs for different part numbers. Moreover, this fixing solution can be disassembled, assembled, and changed without any other auxiliary tools, making it convenient to switch applications for different models at any time.

[0030] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some principles associated with the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a wire harness support assembly according to an embodiment is shown in an isometric view, wherein a wire harness connector holding device used in the wire harness support and a partially enlarged view of a wire harness connector matched therewith are indicated by an oval frame;

[0033] Figures 2a to 2e The diagram is shown in a partially enlarged perspective according to the embodiment. Figure 1 Various views of the wire harness connector retaining device and mating wire harness connector for use in a wire harness support assembly, shown in the oval portion of the wire harness support assembly, with all wiring removed for clarity, including:

[0034] Figure 2a A perspective view of the embodiment Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a disassembled wiring harness connector retaining device and a corresponding wiring harness connector in a wiring harness bracket assembly;

[0035] Figure 2b Another perspective view of the embodiment Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a disassembled wiring harness connector retaining device and a corresponding wiring harness connector in a wiring harness bracket assembly;

[0036] Figure 2c The figure shows an embodiment according to Figure 1 a top view of a disassembled wiring harness connector retaining device and a corresponding wiring harness connector in a wiring harness bracket assembly;

[0037] Figure 2d The figure shows an embodiment according to Figure 1 a right side view of a disassembled wire harness connector retaining device and a corresponding wire harness connector in a wire harness bracket assembly;

[0038] Figure 2e The figure shows an embodiment according to Figure 1 a bottom view of a disassembled wire harness connector retaining device and a corresponding wire harness connector in a wire harness bracket assembly;

[0039] Figure 3 It shows the embodiment Figure 1 Schematic assembly diagram of a wire harness connector retaining device and a corresponding wire harness connector in a wire harness bracket assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The technical solution of the present disclosure will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall technical concept of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0041] In addition, in the following detailed description, for ease of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in diagrammatic form to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a wire harness support assembly according to an embodiment is shown using an isometric view, wherein a wire harness connector holding device 2 used in a wire harness support 1 and a wire harness connector 12 matched therewith are indicated by an oval frame. Figures 2a to 2e The diagram is shown in a partially enlarged perspective according to the embodiment. Figure 1 Various views of the harness connector retaining device 2 and the mating harness connector 12 used in the harness support 1 are shown in the oval portion of the harness support assembly, wherein all harnesses have been removed for clarity.

[0043] More specifically, the various views of FIG2 include: Figure 2aA perspective view of the embodiment Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of the separated wire harness connector holding device 2 and the corresponding wire harness connector 12 in the wire harness support assembly. Figure 2b Another perspective view of the embodiment Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of the separated wire harness connector holding device 2 and the corresponding wire harness connector 12 in the wire harness support assembly. Figure 2c The figure shows an embodiment according to Figure 1 1 is a top view of the separated harness connector holding device 2 and the corresponding harness connector 12 in the harness support assembly. Figure 2d The figure shows an embodiment according to Figure 1 1 is a right side view of the disassembled wire harness connector retaining device 2 and the corresponding wire harness connector 12 in the wire harness bracket assembly. Figure 2e The figure shows an embodiment according to Figure 1 1 is a bottom view of the separated wire harness connector holding device 2 and the corresponding wire harness connector 12 in the wire harness bracket assembly.

[0044] According to an overall technical concept of the present disclosure, for example Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2, a wire harness connector retaining device 2 for a wire harness bracket 1 is provided, wherein the wire harness bracket 1 has a main body 10 and a plurality of branches 11 extending from the main body 10, each branch 11 is provided with a corresponding strand 13 and a corresponding wire harness connector 12 configured to cluster the corresponding strand 13, and the wire harness connector retaining device 2 includes: a rib 21 extending from a corresponding branch 11 among the plurality of branches 11; and a receiving portion 22, which is configured to be connected to the pair of ribs 21 with an outer wall 221 and is configured to accommodate and retain the corresponding wire harness connector 12 in a snap-fit ​​manner with the aid of an inner wall 222.

[0045] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a wiring harness connector retaining device 2 for a wiring harness bracket 1 based on the above-mentioned arrangement. For the corresponding wiring harness connector 12 arranged corresponding to each branch 11, a wiring harness connector retaining device 2 can be additionally provided on the branch 11 (for example, via a rib 21 extending from the branch 11) to reliably and aesthetically accommodate redundant / unused wiring harness connectors 12, and to hold such accommodated wiring harness connectors 12 in place in the wiring harness connector retaining device 2.

[0046] In other words, this retention design utilizes the existing structure in the connection interface of the existing wire harness bracket 1, namely the suspended rib 21 that serves as a structural reinforcement, and at the same time adopts the matching structure of the connector itself, which can effectively fix the temporarily unsuitable connector to the bracket without the need for other additional parts, so that only one wire harness product part can be used to adapt to the application scenarios of different models of customers, thereby reducing the inventory management costs of different part numbers of customers. In addition, this fixing solution can be disassembled, assembled, and changed without any other auxiliary tools, making it convenient to switch applications for different models at any time. At the same time, it also takes into account the aesthetic issues of the storage of redundant wire harnesses, thereby achieving improved product quality.

[0047] In a further embodiment, for example, the rib 21 includes at least one rib 21 extending from a corresponding branch 11 among the plurality of branches 11. For example, and as an example, typically, the at least one rib 21 includes a pair of ribs 21 extending parallel to each other from a corresponding branch 11 among the plurality of branches 11, and the pair of ribs 21 are coupled to the outer wall 221 of the accommodating portion 22 via a transition portion 210 having a rounded edge.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the pair of ribs 21 are integrally integrated with the corresponding branches 11, and the transition portion 210 is integrally integrated with the pair of ribs 21. For example, the transition portion 210 is an extension of the rib 21 having a rounded edge and integrally formed with the rib 21. In a more specific embodiment, the rib 21 is, for example, a suspended reinforcement rib in the corresponding branch 11.

[0049] Therefore, this arrangement utilizes the existing structure in the connection interface of the existing harness bracket 1, namely the suspended rib 21 as a structural reinforcement, and can effectively fix the temporarily unsuitable connector to the bracket without other additional parts.

[0050] Furthermore, using a single rib 21 often results in insufficient connection strength, easily causing the harness connector retaining device 2 to bend and deform along the rib 21, or even break, under external forces. While using more ribs 21 enhances connection strength, it also increases manufacturing complexity, typically increasing demolding difficulty and machining accuracy. Therefore, using a pair of ribs 21 is a compromise design that provides sufficient connection strength while facilitating machining.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, as an example, the wall portion 220 of the accommodating portion 22 includes the outer wall 221 and the inner wall 222, which together define an internal space 224 having an outwardly open mouth 223, and the accommodating portion 22 is constructed into a hollow columnar shape, and the wiring harness connector retaining device 2 is configured to receive the corresponding wiring harness connector 12 in the internal space 224 of the accommodating portion 22.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the interior space 224 of the receiving portion 22 is form-fitted with the corresponding harness connector 12 inserted into the interior space 224 .

[0053] In another exemplary embodiment, for example, a rubber ring or a gasket is disposed around the wiring harness connector 12 , and then the two are inserted into the receiving portion 22 together to facilitate more sufficient contact and mating.

[0054] And, in a further exemplary embodiment, for example Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2 , the corresponding harness connector 12 is locked in place in the inner space 224 of the receiving portion 22 by snap-fitting.

[0055] As an alternative or additional embodiment, for example, the corresponding harness connector 12 is held in the receiving portion 22 in an elastic manner.

[0056] In a further alternative or supplementary embodiment, for example, the corresponding wiring harness connector 12 is elastically pressed against the inner wall 222 of the accommodating portion 22 via an elastic member at least partially disposed in the inner space 224 of the accommodating portion 22. For example, the elastic member includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: a leaf spring and a coil spring.

[0057] By this arrangement, effective fitting and locking in place of the respective harness connector 12 within the receiving portion 22 of the harness connector holding device 2 is facilitated.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2, in order to facilitate secure locking from the accommodating portion 22 and convenient removal of the corresponding wiring harness connector 12 therefrom as needed, the elastic member is also provided with a stop portion, for example, which is constructed to bend and deform when pressed by an applied force and to reset when the applied force is released, and is correspondingly configured to be compressed when the corresponding wiring harness connector 12 is inserted into the internal space 224 to facilitate the insertion, and to reset when the corresponding wiring harness connector 12 is inserted into place to lock the corresponding wiring harness connector 12 in place.

[0059] In a typical embodiment, for example, the stopper is further configured to be manually operable to unlock the corresponding harness connector 12. As a specific exemplary embodiment, for example, the stopper is configured as a spring device that is in an outwardly tapered shape in a non-stressed state.

[0060] This arrangement allows for smooth, unimpeded insertion of the harness connector 12, prevents the connector from unexpectedly coming out when the insertion is complete, and allows for easy, manual removal of the harness connector 12 from the receptacle 22 as needed. This allows for convenient locking and unlocking with a simple structure, i.e., detachable retention of the harness connector with a simplified structure and simple operation.

[0061] And, as Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, for example, the wire harness connector retaining device 2 also includes a guide structure 225 arranged on the outer surface of the accommodating portion 22, and the outside of the corresponding wire harness connector 12 is provided with an adapting guide structure 226 that cooperates with the guide structure 225.

[0062] As an example, as shown in the figure, for example, the guide structure 225 includes at least one of the following components: a proximal guide member 2251, which is configured to protrude from a first side surface of the outer wall 221 of the accommodating portion 22 to be placed toward the rib 21; and a distal guide member 2252, which is configured to protrude from a second side surface of the outer wall 221 of the accommodating portion 22 to be placed away from the rib 21, and the second side surface is opposite to the first side surface.

[0063] As a typical exemplary embodiment, for example Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2 , either the proximal guide 2251 or the distal guide 2252 is a rib or a protrusion in a tapered shape toward the mouth 223 .

[0064] As shown in the figure, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, for example, correspondingly, the adapting guide structure 226 includes at least one of the following components: a slot guide 2261, the slot guide 2261 being configured to be on the first connector surface of the corresponding wiring harness connector 12 to be placed toward the rib 21, and only open in a direction opposite to the opening to define a card slot, the shape and size of the card slot being configured to be suitable for receiving the proximal guide 2251; and a snap ring guide 2262, the snap ring guide 2262 being configured to be opened from the A portion of an arch protrudes outward from the second connector surface of the corresponding wiring harness connector 12, which is opposite to the first connector surface. The portion of the arch and the first side surface together define a closed loop with a closed cross-section, and a suspended elastic tongue is formed in the closed loop. The shape and size of the closed loop are configured to be suitable for receiving the distal guide member 2252, and the elastic tongue is configured to be pushed against the inner wall 222 of the closed loop by the distal guide member 2252 when the distal guide member 2252 is received by the closed loop.

[0065] Through the guiding arrangement of the illustrated embodiment, during the process of inserting the wiring harness connector 12 into the accommodating portion 22, the wiring harness connector 12 is aligned with the accommodating portion 22 along the extension direction of the accommodating portion 22 and in the direction toward the opening to perform the insertion action. During this period, the proximal guide member 2251 is, for example, gradually inserted into the groove guide member 2261, and / or the distal guide member 2252 is, for example, gradually inserted into the snap ring guide 2262 and presses the elastic tongue to gradually press against the inner wall 222 of the closed loop in the snap ring guide 2262 until it is tightly pressed to completely prevent insertion, thereby effectively achieving accurate guidance of the insertion movement of the wiring harness connector 12 with a simple structure that is easy to manufacture using conventional processes such as molding, so as to facilitate full insertion into place to achieve full fit between the wiring harness connector 12 and the inner wall 222 of the internal space 224 of the accommodating portion 22.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, as shown in the figure, the ribs 21 (e.g., a pair of ribs 21 shown) are arranged perpendicular to the first side surface and are integrally integrated with the first side surface. This arrangement provides greater resistance to external forces applied from either side while also facilitating processing.

[0067] In addition, to facilitate sufficient retention of the unused / redundant corresponding stranded wires 13 connected to the harness connector 12, for example, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in the figure, the harness connector retaining device 2 further includes a hook structure 227. The hook structure 227 is provided on a corresponding branch 11 of the plurality of branches 11, adjacent to the base of the rib 21 extending from the corresponding branch 11, and is configured to at least partially retain the corresponding stranded wires 13 of the corresponding harness connector 12. In alternative embodiments, a barb structure may be used instead of a hook to retain the redundant wire harness.

[0068] By means of this additional hook setting or barb setting, segmented multi-point anchoring or retention of the corresponding strands of wire 13 extending from the wiring harness connector 12 is achieved, which facilitates the corresponding strands of wire 13 to fully withstand vibration and be retained to the engine body or sheet metal under the vibration conditions of the engine environment, thereby preventing the wire harness from falling out and not freely shifting in the installation space or even being swung to impact the engine or sheet metal, thereby causing damage to components in the wiring harness or engine working environment.

[0069] As an example, the harness connector holding device 2 is made of the same material as the harness bracket 1 , such as plastic.

[0070] Based on the aforementioned design, the harness connector retaining device 2 for the harness bracket 1 utilizes the existing structure of the existing harness bracket 1's interface, namely the suspended ribs 21 that serve as structural reinforcements, for the corresponding harness connectors 12 corresponding to each branch 11. Furthermore, the connector's snap-fit ​​structure is employed to provide an additional harness connector retaining device 2, allowing for the secure and aesthetically pleasing reception of redundant / unused harness connectors 12 and securing them in place within the harness connector retaining device 2. This allows for the effective securing of temporarily unused connectors to the bracket without the need for additional components, enabling a single harness component to accommodate various customer applications, thereby reducing inventory management costs for different part numbers. Furthermore, this design provides both vibration resistance for redundant harnesses and aesthetically pleasing storage, thereby improving product quality. Furthermore, this mounting solution can be easily assembled and disassembled without the need for any additional tools, facilitating the switching between applications for different models. This fixing solution can be disassembled, assembled, placed and changed without any other auxiliary tools, making it convenient to switch applications for different models at any time.

[0071] At the same time, the use of the guide structure 225 also facilitates the accurate guidance of the insertion movement of the wiring harness connector 12 with a simple structure that is easy to manufacture using conventional processes such as molding, so as to promote sufficient insertion and positioning to achieve a sufficient fit between the wiring harness connector 12 and the inner wall 222 of the internal space 224 of the accommodating portion 22. In addition, the use of the hook structure 227 also achieves segmented multi-point anchoring or retention along the corresponding strands of the wiring harness 13 extending from the wiring harness connector 12, facilitating the sufficient resistance to vibration and retention of the corresponding strands of the wiring harness 13 to the engine body or sheet metal under the vibration conditions of the engine environment, thereby preventing the wiring harness from coming out and the possibility of damage in the engine operating environment.

[0072] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a wire harness support assembly according to an embodiment is shown in an isometric view. Figure 3 It shows the embodiment Figure 1 Schematic assembly diagram of the harness connector holding device 2 and the corresponding harness connector 12 in the harness support assembly.

[0073] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, Figures 1 to 3 The present disclosure further provides a wire harness support assembly, comprising: the wire harness connector retaining device 2 according to the foregoing; and the wire harness support 1 .

[0074] Furthermore, considering that the wire harness support assembly provided in another aspect of the present disclosure includes the aforementioned wire harness connector retaining device 2 for the wire harness support 1, it also has the advantages of the aforementioned wire harness connector retaining device 2, which will not be described in detail here.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described above are exemplary and that they may be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments may be freely combined without causing any conflict in structure or principle.

[0076] Although the present disclosure is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplify the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0077] Although certain embodiments of the overall concept of the present disclosure have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the overall concept of the present disclosure, and that the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0078] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, any element reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A wire harness connector holding device (2) for a wire harness support (1), the wire harness support (1) comprising a main body (10) and a plurality of branches (11) extending from the main body (10), each branch (11) being provided with a corresponding strand (13) and a corresponding wire harness connector (12) configured to cluster the corresponding strand (13), It is characterized by: The wiring harness connector retaining device (2) comprises: a rib (21) extending from a corresponding branch (11) among the plurality of branches (11); and The accommodating portion (22) is configured to be coupled to a pair of ribs (21) through an outer wall (221) and is configured to accommodate and retain the corresponding wiring harness connector (12) in a snap-fit ​​manner with the aid of an inner wall (222).

2. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rib (21) includes at least one rib (21) extending from a corresponding branch (11) among the plurality of branches (11).

3. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The at least one rib (21) comprises a pair of ribs (21) extending parallel to each other from corresponding branches (11) among the plurality of branches (11), and the pair of ribs (21) are connected to the outer wall (221) of the accommodating portion (22) via a transition portion (210) having an arc edge.

4. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pair of ribs (21) are integrally integrated into the corresponding branches (11), and the transition portion (210) is integrally integrated into the pair of ribs (21).

5. The wire harness connector holding device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The ribs (21) are suspended reinforcement ribs in the corresponding branches (11).

6. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wall portion (220) of the accommodating portion (22) includes the outer wall (221) and the inner wall (222), which together define an inner space (224) having an outwardly open mouth (223), and the accommodating portion (22) is configured as a hollow column. The wiring harness connector holding device (2) is configured to receive the corresponding wiring harness connector (12) in the inner space (224) of the accommodating portion (22).

7. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner space (224) of the accommodating portion (22) is form-fitted with the corresponding wiring harness connector (12) inserted into the inner space (224).

8. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The corresponding wiring harness connector (12) is locked in place in the interior space (224) of the receiving portion (22) by snap-fitting.

9. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The corresponding harness connector (12) is held in the receiving portion (22) in a resilient manner.

10. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The corresponding wiring harness connector (12) is elastically pressed against the inner wall (222) of the accommodating portion (22) via an elastic member at least partially disposed in the inner space (224) of the accommodating portion (22).

11. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The elastic member includes at least one of the following: a leaf spring and a coil spring.

12. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The elastic member also has a stop portion, which is configured to bend and deform when pressed by an action force and reset when the action force is released, and is correspondingly configured to be compressed when the corresponding wiring harness connector (12) is inserted into the internal space (224) to facilitate the insertion, and reset when the corresponding wiring harness connector (12) is inserted into place to lock the corresponding wiring harness connector (12) in place.

13. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The stopper is configured to be manually operable to unlock the corresponding wiring harness connector (12).

14. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The stopper is configured as a spring device that is in an outwardly tapered shape in a non-stressed state.

15. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that: The wiring harness connector retaining device (2) further comprises a guide structure (225) provided on the outer surface of the accommodating portion (22), and an adapting guide structure (226) cooperating with the guide structure (225) is provided on the outside of the corresponding wiring harness connector (12).

16. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 15, characterized in that The guide structure (225) includes at least one of the following components: a proximal guide configured to protrude from a first side surface of the outer wall (221) of the accommodating portion (22) to be positioned toward the rib plate (21); and The distal guide is configured to protrude from a second side surface of the outer wall (221) of the accommodating portion (22) to be positioned away from the rib (21), the second side surface being opposite to the first side surface.

17. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 16, characterized in that: Either the proximal guide or the distal guide is a rib or a protruding piece in a tapered shape toward the mouth (223).

18. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The adapting guide structure (226) includes at least one of the following components: a slot guide (2261) configured to be opened only in a direction opposite to the opening on a first connector surface of the corresponding harness connector (12) to be positioned toward the rib plate (21) to define a slot, wherein the slot is shaped and sized to accommodate the proximal guide; and A snap ring guide (2262), the snap ring guide (2262) being configured as a portion of an arch protruding outward from a second connector surface of the corresponding wiring harness connector (12) opposite to the first connector surface, the portion of the arch and the first side surface together defining a closed loop of a closed cross-section, a suspended elastic tongue being formed in the closed loop, the shape and size of the closed loop being configured to be suitable for receiving the distal guide, and the elastic tongue being configured to be pushed against the inner wall (222) of the closed loop by the distal guide when the distal guide is received by the closed loop.

19. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 16, characterized in that The rib (21) is arranged perpendicular to the first side surface and is integrated with the first side surface.

20. The wire harness connector retaining device (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that The wiring harness connector retaining device (2) further includes a hook structure (227), which is arranged on a corresponding branch (11) among the plurality of branches (11), adjacent to a base portion of the rib (21) extending from the corresponding branch (11), and is configured to at least partially retain the corresponding strand (13) of the corresponding wiring harness connector (12) therein.

21. A wiring harness support assembly, comprising: The wiring harness connector retaining device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 20; and The wiring harness bracket (1).

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