Automobile wire harness waterproof structure

By combining an elastic inner liner and an outer sheath, a multi-level dynamic adaptive seal is formed, which solves the problem of unreliable sealing of automotive wiring harnesses in harsh environments and improves the waterproof performance and durability of the wiring harness.

CN224409152UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-26CHONGQING CHANGQIN AUTOMOBILE PARTS CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHONGQING CHANGQIN AUTOMOBILE PARTS CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-09-12
Publication Date
2026-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing automotive wiring harnesses lack sufficient waterproof sealing performance in harsh environments, especially at branch nodes where water can easily seep in, leading to unreliable electrical connections and safety hazards.

Method used

The structure adopts a combination of elastic inner liner and outer sheath. The elastic inner liner covers the wire harness and maintains axial compression through limiting flanges. The outer sheath is equipped with sealing ribs and buckle structures at the bifurcation to enhance the sealing performance. The anti-seepage protrusions form multi-level meandering channels, and the fixed buckles fill the gaps to form a multi-level dynamic adaptive seal.

Benefits of technology

It effectively improves the waterproof performance and long-term reliability of automotive wiring harnesses, especially the waterproof performance of critical branch connection points, solves the problem of unreliable sealing in dynamic environments using traditional protection methods, and improves the durability and reliability of wiring harnesses.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of automobile wiring harness waterproof structures, including wiring harness main stem, branch wiring harness, elastic inner liner and outer sheath, elastic inner liner is covered in the outer periphery of wiring harness main stem and branch wiring harness, and its inner wall is attached with the surface of wiring harness main stem, branch wiring harness;Outer sheath coaxial sleeve is arranged in the outside of elastic inner liner, and sealing cavity is formed between the two, the radial thickness of elastic inner liner is greater than the radial width of sealing cavity in natural state, so that elastic inner liner is continuously in axial compression state, the both ends of outer sheath are radially inwardly extended and set with limit flange, for constrain the axial displacement of elastic inner liner, elastic inner liner is integrally formed as Y-shaped bifurcation structure, and its bifurcation inner cavity is matched with the profile of branch wiring harness;The utility model is through multilayer, dynamic self-adapting sealing structure, fundamentally solve the problem that traditional protection is in long-term dynamic environment, especially branch node place sealing is unreliable, moisture is easily penetrated and accumulated.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of automotive wiring harnesses, specifically to a waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing complexity of automotive electronic and electrical architecture, the number and length of wiring harnesses in vehicles have increased significantly. Their reliability and durability are crucial to the safety of the entire vehicle. As the nervous system of a vehicle, wiring harnesses typically operate in harsh environments, especially in areas such as the engine compartment, chassis, doors, and body connections, where they are exposed to moisture, water, dust, and drastic temperature changes for extended periods. Therefore, the waterproof and sealing performance of wiring harnesses is a key factor in ensuring the reliability of their electrical connections and preventing short circuits, signal interference, and even the risk of vehicle fires.

[0003] For the main trunk and branches of the wire harness, basic protection is usually provided by corrugated pipes, tape wrapping or heat shrink tubing. Although these methods can provide a certain degree of mechanical protection and moisture resistance, their reliability and durability of sealing are often insufficient in long-term dynamic environments, such as continuous vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, and assembly stress. Moisture can easily penetrate along the length of the wire harness and accumulate at the branch nodes. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses, comprising a main wiring harness, branch wiring harnesses, an elastic inner liner, and an outer sheath, wherein the elastic inner liner covers the outer periphery of the main wiring harness and branch wiring harnesses, and its inner wall is in contact with the surface of the main wiring harness and branch wiring harnesses.

[0006] The outer sheath is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the elastic inner liner, and a sealed cavity is formed between the two. In its natural state, the radial thickness of the elastic inner liner is greater than the radial width of the sealed cavity, so that the elastic inner liner is continuously under axial compression. The two ends of the outer sheath extend radially inward and are provided with limiting flanges to constrain the axial displacement of the elastic inner liner.

[0007] Preferably, the elastic liner is integrally formed into a Y-shaped bifurcated structure, and its bifurcated inner cavity matches the contour of the branch wire harness.

[0008] Preferably, the bifurcation position corresponding to the outer sheath is molded into a bifurcation sheath, and the inner surface of the bifurcation sheath is provided with sealing ribs. The sealing ribs are pressed into the bifurcation joint of the elastic liner to form a locally reinforced seal, and a semi-circular arc cavity is opened on the inner side of the bifurcation sheath.

[0009] Preferably, the outer sheath has a slot on its outer side, and a fixing buckle is inserted into the slot. The fixing buckle has an "L" shaped structure and a barb is provided on the inner side of its end. The barb is embedded in the forked sheath.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic liner at the bottom of the slot fills the assembly gap between the fixing buckle and the main wire harness.

[0011] Preferably, the outer surface of the elastic liner is provided with anti-seepage protrusions, which are embedded in the sealing cavity to form a multi-level meandering water-blocking channel.

[0012] Preferably, the inner diameter of the limiting flange is smaller than the outer diameter of the elastic liner in its natural state.

[0013] Preferably, the elastic liner adopts a thermoplastic elastomer structure.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] This invention uses a pre-compressed elastic liner as the core sealing medium. Its continuous radial pressure dynamically compensates for dimensional changes caused by vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, and stress, ensuring long-term effective contact of the sealing surface. The Y-shaped one-piece liner and press-fit sealing ribs specifically strengthen the sealing of branch nodes. The semi-circular cavity releases stress and protects the sealing structure. The anti-seepage protrusions form a multi-level labyrinthine water-blocking channel. The self-filling seal at the fixing buckle solves the water seepage risk of the fixing point opening. The multi-level, dynamically adaptive sealing structure fundamentally solves the problem of unreliable sealing and easy water penetration and accumulation in traditional protection under long-term dynamic environment, especially at branch nodes. It greatly improves the waterproof performance and long-term reliability of automotive wiring harnesses, especially critical branch connection points. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses according to this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the end of the outer sheath of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the intersection between the main trunk and branch wire harnesses of this utility model.

[0019] In the figure: elastic inner liner 1; anti-seepage protrusion 11; outer sheath 2; limiting flange 21; bifurcation sheath 22; sealing rib 23; groove 24; semi-circular arc cavity 25; main wire harness 31; branch wire harness 32; sealing cavity 4; fixing buckle 5; barb 51. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0021] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This utility model provides a technical solution: a waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses, including a main wiring harness 31, branch wiring harnesses 32, an elastic inner liner 1, and an outer sheath 2. The elastic inner liner 1 is integrally formed into a Y-shaped forked structure, and its forked inner cavity matches the contour of the branch wiring harness 32. The elastic inner liner 1 covers the outer periphery of the main wiring harness 31 and the branch wiring harness 32, and its inner wall is in contact with the surface of the main wiring harness 31 and the branch wiring harness 32. The elastic inner liner 1 adopts a thermoplastic elastomer structure, and the automotive wiring harness adopts the E12REV model wiring harness.

[0022] The Y-shaped forked structure and contour-matched inner cavity ensure a high degree of fit between the elastic inner liner 1 and the branch harness 32 nodes, reducing the path for moisture intrusion from the source. The elastic material of the elastic inner liner 1 itself has a certain degree of sealing, tightly adhering to the surface of the harness to form the first waterproof barrier. The one-piece molded Y-shaped structure eliminates the need for complex splicing or wrapping at the branch points.

[0023] The outer sheath 2 is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the elastic inner liner 1, and a sealed cavity 4 is formed between the two. In its natural state, the radial thickness of the elastic inner liner 1 is greater than the radial width of the sealed cavity 4, so that the elastic inner liner 1 is continuously in an axially compressed state. The two ends of the outer sheath 2 extend radially inward and are provided with limiting flanges 21 to constrain the axial displacement of the elastic inner liner 1. The inner diameter of the limiting flanges 21 is smaller than the outer diameter of the elastic inner liner 1 in its natural state.

[0024] Since the inner liner's natural thickness is greater than the width of the sealing cavity, and both ends are constrained by the limiting flanges 21, the elastic inner liner 1 is continuously in a radially compressed state after assembly. This constant pressure is the core of maintaining a long-term seal. The limiting flanges 21 prevent the elastic inner liner 1 from axially shifting when vibrating or when the wiring harness is under stress, ensuring the stability of the compressed state and the sealing position.

[0025] The bifurcation position corresponding to the outer sheath 2 is molded into a bifurcation sheath 22. The inner surface of the bifurcation sheath 22 is provided with a sealing rib 23. The sealing rib 23 is pressed into the bifurcation joint of the elastic inner liner 1 to form a locally reinforced seal. A semi-circular arc cavity 25 is opened on the inner side of the bifurcation sheath 22.

[0026] The sealing rib 23 is pressed into the bifurcation joint where the stress of the elastic liner 1 is most concentrated, forming a higher local compression ratio and a longer water seepage path, which significantly improves the sealing level of this weak point. The semi-circular cavity 25 provides additional space for the compression deformation of the liner at the bifurcation, preventing excessive pressure at the sealing rib 23 from causing material tearing or permanent deformation, which is beneficial to the sealing durability under dynamic working conditions.

[0027] The outer sheath 2 has a slot 24 on its outer side, and a fixing buckle 5 is inserted into the slot 24. The fixing buckle 5 has an "L" shaped structure and a barb 51 is provided on the inner side of its end. The barb 51 is embedded in the forked sheath 22. The elastic inner liner 1 at the bottom of the slot 24 fills the assembly gap between the fixing buckle 5 and the main wire harness 3.

[0028] When the fixing buckle 5 is inserted, the barbs 51 pierce and hook the sheath material to achieve locking and fixation. At the same time, the elastic inner liner 1 below the slot 24 has a rebound force due to continuous compression. This rebound force causes the material to flow upward and tightly fill the gap between the fixing buckle 5 and the main wire harness 31, actively sealing the openings and gaps caused by the installation of the buckle.

[0029] The outer surface of the elastic inner liner 1 is integrally formed with anti-seepage protrusions 11. The anti-seepage protrusions 11 are embedded in the sealing cavity 4 to form a multi-level tortuous water-blocking channel. The anti-seepage protrusions 11 contact the inner wall of the outer sheath 2 and form a series of protrusions in the sealing cavity 4. Even if water partially enters the sealing cavity 4, it must bypass the obstacles formed by these anti-seepage protrusions 11, and the path becomes extremely tortuous.

[0030] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses, comprising a main wiring harness (31), branch wiring harnesses (32), an elastic inner liner (1), and an outer sheath (2), characterized in that: The elastic liner (1) covers the outer periphery of the main wire harness (31) and the branch wire harness (32), and its inner wall is in contact with the surface of the main wire harness (31) and the branch wire harness (32); The outer sheath (2) is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the elastic inner liner (1), and a sealed cavity (4) is formed between the two. The radial thickness of the elastic inner liner (1) is greater than the radial width of the sealed cavity (4) in its natural state, so that the elastic inner liner (1) is continuously in an axially compressed state. The two ends of the outer sheath (2) are provided with limiting flanges (21) that extend radially inward to constrain the axial displacement of the elastic inner liner (1).

2. The waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic liner (1) is integrally formed into a Y-shaped bifurcated structure, and its bifurcated inner cavity matches the contour of the branch wire harness (32).

3. The waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bifurcation position corresponding to the outer sheath (2) is molded into a bifurcation sheath (22). A sealing rib (23) is provided on the inner surface of the bifurcation sheath (22). The sealing rib (23) is pressed into the bifurcation joint of the elastic inner liner (1) to form a locally reinforced seal. A semi-circular arc cavity (25) is opened on the inner side of the bifurcation sheath (22).

4. The waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer sheath (2) has a slot (24) on its outer side, and a fixing buckle (5) is inserted into the slot (24). The fixing buckle (5) has an "L" shaped structure and a barb (51) is provided on the inner side of its end. The barb (51) is embedded in the forked sheath (22).

5. The waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses according to claim 4, characterized in that: The elastic liner (1) at the bottom of the slot (24) fills the assembly gap between the fixing buckle (5) and the main wire harness (31) upward.

6. The waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the elastic liner (1) is provided with anti-seepage protrusions (11), which are embedded in the sealing cavity (4) to form a multi-level tortuous water-blocking channel.

7. The waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the limiting flange (21) is smaller than the outer diameter of the elastic liner (1) in its natural state.

8. The waterproof structure for automotive wiring harnesses according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic liner (1) adopts a thermoplastic elastomer structure.