Wiring harness and manufacturing process for a wiring harness

Abstract

Wiring harness (8, 9), comprising: a tubular outer element (22); and one or more conduit paths (21) which are inserted into the outer element (22) and protected by the outer element (22), wherein the outer element (22) has at least one insert part (26) of a defined shape in which an inner width (W1) is wider than an outer width (W2) of one or more conduit paths (21), and several elastically deformable insert parts (27) of narrow width in which an inner width (W3) is narrower than the outer width (W2) of one or more conduit paths (21), and wherein the several narrow-width insert parts (27) are arranged alternately and firmly connected to the at least one insert part (26) of a defined shape along a tube axial direction, and wherein the multiple narrow-width insert parts (27) are configured such that they are returned to their original states after the insertion of one or more conductor paths (21).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION<Technisches Gebiet der Erfindung>

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiring harness comprising a tubular outer member made of synthetic resin and one or more wiring paths inserted into and protected by the outer member. <Beschreibung des Stands der Technik>

[0002] A wire harness is used for electrical connection between devices mounted on a vehicle. The wire harness includes a tubular outer member and one or more wiring paths housed in the outer member. For example, a wire harness disclosed in Patent Document 1 cited below is arranged to pass through the vehicle floor of a vehicle. A portion of the wire harness corresponding to the vehicle underbody is arranged in a straight line. This type of wire harness has an elongated shape. Patent Document 1 cited below has the following problem with the straight line portion. Namely, the wiring paths within the outer member are vibrated due to vibrations of a vehicle during running.

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011 - 254614 A

[0004] According to a prior art, in the case where wiring paths within an outdoor member are vibrated due to the vibration of a vehicle during running, a coating of the wiring path (in the case where the coating has a shielding function, a braid, or a metal foil on an outer side of the wiring path) is strongly impacted against a pipe inner surface of the outdoor member, thereby damaging the pipe inner surface.

[0005] It seems that the above problem can be solved by reducing the inner diameter of the outer member or by forming an inclusion in the outer member, thereby eliminating the gap between the inner surface of the outer member and the conductive path. However, reducing the inner diameter of the outer member or forming an inclusion makes it difficult to insert the conductive path into the outer member. Forcibly inserting the conductive path also leads to the problem of damaging the coating of the conductive path.

[0006] DE 102016201431 A1 discloses a wiring harness with a tubular outer member. A plurality of conductive paths are inserted into and protected by the outer member. The outer member has a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions arranged continuously and alternately in a circumferential direction around a tubular axis of the tubular outer member. In a portion formed by the plurality of convex portions and the plurality of concave portions, a deformation-holding portion is formed by pressing a pressing member. The deformation-holding portion is deformed by the pressing member provided around the outer periphery of the deformation-holding portion to narrow a gap between the plurality of concave portions and a conductive path, thereby reducing the play of the conductive path within the outer member.

[0007] Further prior art is known from the documents US 2016 / 0 163 422 A1 and US 2015 / 0 294 764 A1. Summary

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a wire harness and a manufacturing method for the wire harness, which can suppress oscillations or vibrations of the wire path within an exterior element while taking into account the workability with regard to the insertion of a wire path. [Means of solving the problems]

[0009] This object is achieved with a cable harness having the features of claim 1 and the manufacturing method according to claim 3.

[0010] Claim 2 specifies a preferred embodiment of the wiring harness.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments, by using the outer member having the structure in which the fixed-shape insert(s) and the narrow-width elastic insert(s) are alternately arranged along the pipe axial direction, in the narrow-width insert(s), the elastically deformed narrow-width insert(s) are returned to their original states, thereby being able to press the conducting path after insertion. Thus, by disposing the narrow-width insert(s) at positions where vibration of the conducting path is prone to occur, relative vibration between the conducting path and the outer member can be suppressed.Meanwhile, in the fixed-shape insert part(s), since the inner width thereof is wider than the outer width of the lead path, an operation for inserting the lead path can be performed smoothly without using a special operation.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, vibrations of the conductive path in the outer member can be suppressed by disposing the narrow-width inserts at positions where vibrations of the conductive path are likely to occur. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the coating of the conductive path (in the case of a shielding function, a braid, or a metal foil on the outer side of the conductive path). Furthermore, according to the invention, not only the narrow-width inserts but also the fixed-shape inserts are formed as the outer member, whereby the workability regarding the insertion of the conductive path can be improved.That is, since only the narrow-width insert parts are elastically deformable during the insertion of the conduction path, the workability regarding the insertion of the conduction path is significantly improved compared with a structure in which the narrow-width insert parts are formed over the entire surface of an outer member.

[0013] According to one or more embodiments, the insert parts can be formed even better with a narrow width. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1A shows a schematic view of the arrangement of a high-voltage wiring harness, and Fig. Figure 1B shows a schematic view of the arrangement of a low-voltage wiring harness which differs from that of the Fig. 1A. (Embodiment 1). Fig. 2 shows a front view of a wire harness main body constituting the wire harness. Fig. 3A to 3F show sectional views of the wire harness main body of the Fig. 2, Fig. Figure 3A shows a sectional view along the line AA of the Fig. 2, Fig. Figure 3B shows a sectional view along line BB of the Fig. 2, Fig. Figure 3C shows a sectional view along the line CC of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3D shows a sectional view along the line DD of the Fig. 2, Fig. 3E is a sectional view along the line EE of the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3F shows a sectional view along the line FF of the Fig. 2 (Embodiment 1). Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show explanatory views of the operation of the narrow width inserts in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3A to 3F. Fig. Fig. 4A is a sectional view of the same in a state where the outer member and the conduction path are prepared, and Fig. 4B shows a sectional view of the same in a state where the narrow-width inserts are elastically deformed (Embodiment 1). Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B show explanatory views of the operation of the narrow width inserts in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3A to 3F. Fig. 5A shows a sectional view of the same in a state in which the cable path is introduced into the elastically deformed inserts with a narrow width, and Fig. 5B shows a sectional view of the same in a state where the narrow-width insert parts are brought to their original states to thereby press the conduction path (Embodiment 1). Fig. 6 is a front view of a wire harness main body constituting a wire harness according to a second embodiment (Embodiment 2). Fig. 7A to 7F show sectional views of the wire harness main body of the Fig. 6. Fig. 7A shows a sectional view along the line AA, Fig. 7B shows a sectional view along the line BB, Fig. 7C shows a sectional view along the line CC, Fig. 7D shows a sectional view along the line DD, Fig. 7E shows a sectional view along the line EE, and Fig. 7F shows a sectional view along the line FF (Embodiment 2). Fig. 8 is a front view of a wire harness main body constituting a wire harness according to a third embodiment of the invention (Embodiment 3). Fig. 9A to 9F show sectional views of the wire harness main body of the Fig. 8. Fig. 9A shows a sectional view along the line AA, Fig. 9B shows a sectional view along the line BB, Fig. 9C shows a sectional view along the line CC, Fig. 9D shows a sectional view along the line DD, Fig. 9E shows a sectional view along the line EE, and Fig. 9F shows a sectional view along the line FF (Embodiment 3). Detailed description

[0014] A wiring harness includes a tubular outer member and one or more wiring paths to be inserted into and protected by the outer member. The outer member includes a plurality of fixed-shape inserts and a plurality of narrow-width inserts arranged alternately and firmly connected to each other along the tube axial direction of the outer member. The fixed-shape inserts are formed in the parts of the outer member where the inner width of the outer member is wider than the outer width of the wiring path. Meanwhile, the narrow-width inserts are formed in the parts where the inner width of the outer member is narrower than the outer width of the wiring path. The narrow-width inserts are formed in the parts that are elastically deformable upon insertion of the wiring part.When the conductive path is inserted into the outer member, the elastically deformed narrow-width insert parts are restored to their original states, thereby pressing the conductive path, thereby suppressing relative vibration between the conductive path and the outer member. A wiring harness includes an outer member having a tubular shape and a wiring path inserted into the outer member. The outer member includes a fixed-shape insert part and a narrow-width insert part. In the fixed-shape insert part, an inner width of the outer member is larger than an outer width of the wiring path over an entire circumference of the wiring path. In the narrow-width insert part, two points of an inner circumference of the outer member elastically press corresponding points of an outer circumference of the wiring path toward a radially inner side of the wiring path. The fixed-shape insert part and the narrow-width insert part are alternately arranged along a tube axial direction. The fixed-shape insert part and the narrow-width insert part are formed to be firmly connected to each other. A manufacturing method for a wire harness having a tubular outer member and a wiring path, the wire harness being manufactured by the steps of: manufacturing the outer member including a fixed-shape insert part and a narrow-width insert part alternately arranged along a tube axial direction, the outer member having an inner width larger than an outer width of the wiring path over an entire circumference of the wiring path, and the narrow-width insert part having an inner width narrower than the outer width of the wiring path; and inserting the wiring path into the outer member while deforming the narrow-width insert part. [Embodiment 1]

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B show a wiring harness according to the invention. In particular, Fig. 1A is a schematic view of the arrangement of a high-voltage wiring harness; and Fig. Figure 1B shows a schematic view of the arrangement of a low-voltage wiring harness which differs from that of the Fig. 1A. In addition, Fig. 2 is a front view of a wire harness main body constituting the wire harness of the invention, Fig. 3A to 3F show sectional views of the wire harness main body of the Fig. 2, and Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B and 5A and 5B show explanatory views of the operation of the narrow width inserts of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3A to 3F.

[0016] In this embodiment, the present invention is used in a wiring harness disposed in a hybrid vehicle (which may also be an electric car or any vehicle designed to be operable with a motor). <Aufbau des Hybridfahrzeugs 1>

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, reference numeral 1 denotes a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle 1 is a vehicle driven by combining two types of power from an engine 2 and a motor unit 3, while supplying power from a battery 5 (battery pack) to the motor unit 3 via an inverter unit 4. The engine 2, the motor unit 3, and the inverter unit 4 are mounted in an engine compartment 6 in this embodiment, where front wheels and the like are provided. Furthermore, the battery 5 is mounted in a rear vehicle part 7 in which rear wheels and the like are provided (it may also be mounted in a vehicle compartment located behind the engine compartment 6).

[0018] The motor unit 3 and the inverter unit 4 are connected by a high-voltage wiring harness 8 (a motor cable for high voltage). The battery 5 and the inverter unit 4 are also connected by a high-voltage wiring harness 9. The intermediate part 10 of the wiring harness 9 is arranged along the vehicle underbody 11 of a vehicle (a vehicle body). Furthermore, the intermediate part 10 is arranged substantially parallel to the vehicle underbody 10. The vehicle underbody 10 is a known body (vehicle body) and also forms a so-called plate member having a through-hole at a specific position. The wiring harness 9 is waterproofly inserted into this through-hole.

[0019] The wiring harness 9 and the battery 5 are connected to each other through a junction box 12 provided on the battery 5. An external connection device, such as a shield connector 14, provided at a harness terminal 13 located at the rear end of the wiring harness 9 is electrically connected to the junction box 12. Furthermore, the wiring harness 9 and the inverter unit 4 are electrically connected to each other through an external connection device, such as a shield connector 14, provided at a harness terminal 13 located at the front end.

[0020] The motor unit 3 includes a motor and a generator. The inverter unit 4 also includes an inverter and a converter. The motor unit 3 is configured as a motor assembly with a shielded case. The inverter unit 4 is also configured as an inverter assembly with a shielded case. The battery 5 is formed by molding a Ni-MH-based material or a Li-ion-based material. Furthermore, an energy storage device such as a capacitor may also be used. The battery 5 is, of course, not limited to any specific one as long as it can be used in the hybrid vehicle 1 or an electric vehicle.

[0021] As in Fig. 1B, reference numeral 15 denotes a wiring harness. The wiring harness 15 is designed for low pressure (low voltage) and is intended to electrically connect a low-voltage battery 16, which is arranged in the rear vehicle part 7 of the hybrid vehicle 1, to an auxiliary device 18 (device) mounted in the front vehicle part 17. The wiring harness 15 runs in the same manner as the wiring harness 9 of the Fig. 1A through the vehicle underbody 11 (this is only an example and it can also be used through the passenger compartment side).

[0022] As in the Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in FIG. 1B, the hybrid vehicle 1 includes high-voltage wiring harnesses 8, 9 and low-voltage wiring harness 15. Although the invention can be applied to both types of wiring harnesses, the low-voltage wiring harness 15 will be described below as a typical example. First, the structure of the wiring harness 15 will be described. <Aufbau des Kabelbaums 15>

[0023] In Fig. 1B, the long wire harness 15 disposed through the vehicle underbody 11 includes a wire harness main body 19 and two connectors 20 provided at the two ends of the wire harness main body 19, respectively. The wire harness 15 further includes a fixing member (e.g., a clamp) for fixing the wire harness 15 at a predetermined position, and a water stop member (e.g., a rubber seal ring) (not shown). <Aufbau des Kabelbaum-Hauptkörpers 19>

[0024] In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3A to 3F, the wire harness main body 19 includes a wiring path 21 and an outer member 22 for accommodating and protecting the wiring path 21. In this embodiment, a single wiring path is used as an example regarding the number of wiring paths 21 (the number may be two or three). Furthermore, an outer member capable of accommodating and protecting the high-voltage wire harness 9 together with the wire harness 15 may also be used as the outer member 22. <Leitungsweg 21>

[0025] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3A to 3F, the conductive path 21 includes a conductor 23 and an insulator 24 for covering the conductor 23. The conductor 23 is formed of copper or a copper alloy, or aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and has a circular cross section. The conductor 23 may have a conductor structure in which stranded wires are twisted together, or a conductor structure in which a rod-shaped conductor has a rectangular or circular (round) cross section (for example, a conductor structure in which a conductor includes a straight-angled single core or a round single core; in this case, an electric wire itself forms a rod-shaped wire). On the outer surface of the above conductor 23, the insulator 24 is formed of insulating resin material by extrusion.

[0026] The insulator 24 is extrusion-molded using a thermoplastic resin material on the outer peripheral surface of the conductor 23. The insulator 24 is formed as a cover with a circular cross-section and a certain thickness. Various types of known materials can be used as the thermoplastic resin material, and the material can be appropriately selected from polymer materials such as polyvinyl chloride resin, polyethylene resin, and polypropylene resin. Herein, reference numeral 25 denotes the outer peripheral surface of the conductive path 21 (here, this corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the insulator 24). <Außenelement 22>

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 2, the outer member 22 is formed by resin molding into a single straight tubular body (it is straight before use; after inserting the conducting path 21, it can be bent into an appropriate position according to the shape of its arrangement part). Furthermore, the outer member 22 is molded into a shape in which its body is not cut (in other words, a shape without a slit (a shape other than a split tube shape)). Furthermore, the entire outer member 22 is formed into the shape of a bellows tube (this shape is only an example; a tubular shape without uneven portions or a shape consisting of a combination of the tubular shape and the bellows tube may also be used).Here, the term “bellows tube shape” means that the element includes a concave bellows portion and a convex bellows portion each extending in the circumferential direction, while the concave and convex bellows portions are alternately arranged in the tube axial direction.

[0028] The outer element 22 is designed such that it has a Fig. 2, and comprises a plurality of fixed-shape insert parts 26 and a plurality of narrow-width insert parts 27. The plurality of fixed-shape insert parts 26 and the plurality of narrow-width insert parts 27 are arranged along the pipe axial direction (in Fig. 2 in the longitudinal direction) of the outer member 22 are arranged alternately and firmly connected to each other. In this embodiment, the fixed-shape insert part 26 is formed to have a completely round cross-sectional shape, and the narrow-width insert part 27 is formed to have an oval cross-sectional shape (however, the shape is not limited to the completely round shape and oval shape). <Einsetzteil mit festgelegter Form 26>

[0029] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figures 3A to 3F, the fixed-shape insert part 26 is formed in the part of the outer member 22 where the inner width W1 of the outer member 22 is wider than the outer width W2 of the conducting path 21 (W1>W2). In other words, the fixed-shape insert part 26 is formed in the part having the same shape as a known corrugated round tube. It is also formed in the part that can be bent 360° around the tube axis. Furthermore, it is formed in the part through which the conducting path 21 can be smoothly inserted. Although this is shown in Figure 3A, Fig. 2, the outer member 22 of this embodiment is shaped to have a structure in which the fixed-shape insert parts 26 occupy most of the outer member 22. <Einsetzteil mit schmaler Breite 27>

[0030] As in the Fig. 2 to 4B, the insert part with narrow width 27 is in a part such as the vehicle underbody 11 (see Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B), which vibrates easily. Such a narrow-width insert part 27 is formed in the part of the outer member 22, wherein the inner width W3 of the outer part 22 (the inner width W3 on the smaller diameter side of the elliptical shape) is narrower than the outer width W2 of the conduction path 21 (W2>W3). It is also formed in the part that can be elastically deformed in the direction of arrow P upon insertion of the conduction path 21. In other words, it is formed in the part where it clamps and presses the conduction path 21 due to its elasticity (see Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B). That is, it is formed as a part that reduces the clearance of the conduction path 21 in the outer member 20 (in the direction of the inner width W3) to suppress the vibration thereof (which may also be referred to as a vibration suppression portion).

[0031] As in the Fig. 2 and 3A to 3F, all the narrow-width insert parts 27 are formed with an oval cross-sectional shape elongated in the direction of arrow Q. In other words, all the narrow-width insert parts 27 in the parts are formed with the same shape and can only be bent in the same direction (the structure in which all the narrow-width insert parts 27 have the same shape; for example, the shapes of Embodiments 2 and 3 described later can also be used and their bending direction can be changed appropriately). The narrow-width insert part 27 according to this embodiment is also formed as a bending direction control part.Here, with regard to the position of the narrow-width insert parts 27, according to this embodiment, they are arranged at arbitrary positions, but these are not limited thereto, but may also be arranged at regular intervals. <Herstellungsverfahren des Kabelbaums 19 und Arbeitsweise des Einsetzteils mit schmaler Breite 27>

[0032] Next, a manufacturing method of the wire harness 15 (the manufacturing method of the wire harness main body 19) and the operation of the narrow-width insert part 27 according to the above structure will be described.

[0033] As in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, in the wire harness 15, the part forming the wire harness main body 19 is manufactured first. And the end part thereof is machined thereafter. As shown in Fig. 2, the part constituting the wire harness main body 19 is manufactured by inserting the wiring path 21 from one end opening of the outer member 22 to the other end opening thereof. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4A, the conductive path 21 and the outer member 22 are prepared, and thereafter, while the conductive path 21 is inserted into the outer member 22, the narrow width insert part 27 is elastically deformed as shown in Fig. 4B. The narrow-width insert 27 is elastically deformed from a shape having a substantially oval cross-section to a shape having a substantially circular cross-section upon receiving a compressive force in the direction of the thick arrow.

[0034] When the narrow width insert part 27 is elastically deformed into the shape of the substantially circular cross section, insertion of the conduction path 21 is possible, thereby achieving such an insertion state as shown in Fig. 5A. If the pressure force is released in the direction of the thick arrow, as shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 5B, the narrow-width insert 27 returns to its original state, thereby pressing the conduction path 21. Such pressing is made possible because, in the outer member 22, the inner width W3 of the narrow-width insert 27 is narrower than the outer width W2 of the conduction path 21. <Zusammenfassung und Wirkungen der Erfindung>

[0035] As mentioned above with reference to Fig. As described in FIGS. 1A to 5B, according to the wire harness 15 of the present invention, due to the use of the outer member 22 having the structure including the fixed-shape inserting parts 26 and the narrow-width elastic inserting parts 27 along the pipe axial direction, the narrow-width inserting parts 27 return to their original states, thereby enabling pressing of the wiring path 21 after insertion. By disposing the narrow-width inserting parts 27 at positions where vibration of the wiring path 21 is likely to occur, relative vibration between the wiring path 21 and the outer member 22 can be advantageously suppressed. This can advantageously prevent damage to the coating (in the case of a shielding function, a braid, or a metal foil on the outside of the wiring path 21) of the wiring path 21.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the wire harness 15 of the present invention, since not only the narrow-width inserting parts 27 but also the fixed-shape inserting parts 26 are formed as the outer member 22, the workability with respect to the insertion of the wiring path 21 can be advantageously improved. That is, since only the narrow-width inserting parts 27 are elastically deformable when inserting the wiring path 21, the workability with respect to the insertion of the wiring path 21 can be advantageously significantly improved, compared with, for example, a structure in which the narrow-width inserting parts 27 are formed throughout the outer member 22. [Embodiment 2]

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a front view of a wire harness main body constituting a wire harness according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7A to 7F show sectional views of the wire harness main body of the Fig. 6. Herein, the constituent parts of this embodiment which are basically the same as those of Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. <Aufbau des Kabelbaums 15>

[0038] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7A to 7F, a wire harness main body 19 constituting a long wire harness 15 includes a wiring path 21, and an outer member for accommodating and protecting the wiring path 21. A plurality of fixed-shape inserting portions 26 and a plurality of narrow-width inserting portions 27, which constitute the characterizing part of the invention, are provided in the outer member 22. The plurality of narrow-width inserting portions 27 in Embodiment 2 are formed such that oval cross-sectional shapes elongated in the direction of arrow Q and circular cross-sectional shapes vertically elongated in the direction of arrow P are alternately arranged. In other words, the narrow-width inserting portions 27 are shaped such that their bending direction can be appropriately changed. <Effekte der Ausführungsform 2>

[0039] Embodiment 2 naturally exhibits the same effect as Embodiment 1. That is, it can advantageously suppress the vibration of the conduction path 21 within the outer member 22 while taking into account the workability regarding the insertion of the conduction path 21. [Embodiment 3]

[0040] Embodiment 3 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. Fig. 8 shows a front view of a wire harness main body of a wire harness according to a third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9A to 9F Sectional views of the wire harness main body of the Fig. 8. Herein, the constituent parts of this embodiment which are basically the same as those of Embodiments 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. <Aufbau des Kabelbaums 15>

[0041] As in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9A to 9F, a wire harness main body 19 constituting a long wire harness 15 includes a wiring path 21, and an outer member 22 for accommodating and protecting the wiring path 21. In the outer member 22, a plurality of fixed-shape inserting parts 26 and a plurality of narrow-width inserting parts 27 are provided, which constitute the characterizing part of the invention. The plurality of narrow-width inserting parts 27 of Embodiment 3 are formed such that oval cross-sectional shapes elongated in the direction of arrow Q, oval cross-sectional shapes elongated in an oblique direction, and circular cross-sectional shapes vertically elongated in the direction of arrow P are sequentially arranged. In other words, the narrow-width inserting parts 27 are arranged spirally around the pipe axis, so that their bending direction can be appropriately changed. <Effekte der Ausführungsform 3>

[0042] Embodiment 3 naturally exhibits the same effect as Embodiment 1. That is, it can advantageously suppress the vibration of the conduction path 21 within the outer member 22 while taking into account the workability regarding the insertion of the conduction path 21. [List of reference symbols] 1 hybrid vehicle 2 engines 3 Motor unit 4 Inverter unit 5 Battery 6 Engine room 7 Rear part of the vehicle 8, 9 wiring harness 10 Intermediate part 11 Vehicle underbody 12 junction box 13 Wiring harness connection 14 shielding connectors 15 Wiring harness 16 Low voltage battery 17 Front part of the vehicle 18 Additional device 19 Wiring harness main body 20 connecting element 21 Line route 22 Exterior element 23 ladders 24 Insulator 25 outer peripheral surface 26 Insert part with fixed shape 27 Insert with narrow width

Claims

[1] Wiring harness (8, 9), comprising: a tubular outer element (22); and one or more conduction paths (21) introduced into the outer element (22) and protected by the outer element (22), wherein the outer element (22) comprises at least one insert part (26) of a fixed shape in which an inner width (W1) is wider than an outer width (W2) of the one or more conduction paths (21), and a plurality of elastically deformable insert parts (27) of a narrow width in which an inner width (W3) is narrower than the outer width (W2) of the one or more conduction paths (21), and wherein the plurality of narrow-width insert parts (27) are arranged alternately along a pipe axial direction with the at least one fixed-shape insert part (26) and are fixedly connected thereto, and wherein the plurality of narrow-width insert members (27) are configured to be returned to their original states after insertion of the one or more conductive paths (21). [2] The wire harness (8, 9) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of narrow-width inserting parts (27) reduce a clearance of the one or more wiring paths (21) in the outer member (22) so as to suppress vibration of the one or more wiring paths (21), each have a bellows tube shape, and regulate a bending direction of the wire harness (8, 9). [3] Manufacturing method for a wiring harness (8, 9) having a tubular outer element (22) and a wiring path (21), the manufacturing method comprising: Producing the outer element (22) comprising an insert part (26) with a fixed shape and an insert part (27) with a narrow width arranged alternately along a tube axial direction, wherein the outer member (22) has an inner width (W1) that is greater than an outer width (W2) of the conduction path (21) over an entire circumference of the conduction path (21), and the narrow-width insert part (27) has an inner width (W3) that is narrower than the outer width (W2) of the conduction path (21); and wherein the conducting path (21) is introduced into the outer element (22) with simultaneous deformation of the insert part (27) with a narrow width, and wherein the plurality of narrow-width insert parts (27) are configured to be returned to their original states after the conductive path (21) is inserted.

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