VEHICLE WIRING HOLDING STRUCTURE

Abstract

One task is to provide a vehicle wiring support structure that is capable of holding wiring in an emergency. A wiring support structure (100) according to the present invention comprises: a drive unit (102); wiring (106) routed between a first electrical component (140) above the drive unit (102) and a second electrical component (142) on the side of the drive unit (102); and a support (104) attached to the drive unit (102) that holds the wiring (106). The support (104) has a coupling section (110) coupled to a side section of the drive unit (102) on the side of the second electrical component (142), and a retaining section (116) that holds the wiring (106) in a position higher than the drive unit (102). The path of the support (104) as it rotates back and forth about the coupling section (110) as its center of rotation does not cross the wiring (106).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle wiring harness support structure.

[0002] In newer vehicles, wiring for connecting electrical components is installed in an engine compartment where a drive unit, such as an internal combustion engine or motor, is mounted. Fig. For example, in patent literature 1, a high-voltage cable 36 is installed in an engine compartment 10. When a load is applied from the rear in the technology described in patent literature 1, a guide element 60 is deformed to move the high-voltage cable 36 forward, thereby preventing damage.

[0003] Patent Literature 1: JP 2014-76745A

[0004] In the technology of patent document 1, the high-voltage wiring 36 is protected at a position behind a base element 16, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows the wiring. However, the wiring is routed along different paths within the engine compartment, and protection is also required in other locations. Furthermore, the wiring must also be protected from impact loads applied from the front of the vehicle.

[0005] In view of the above problem, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle wiring holding structure that is capable of holding a wiring in an emergency.

[0006] To solve the above problem, a representative configuration of a vehicle wiring support structure according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a drive unit mounted in an engine compartment of a vehicle; wiring routed between a predetermined first electrical component located above the drive unit and a predetermined second electrical component located on one side of the drive unit; and a support attached to the drive unit that holds the wiring, wherein the support comprises: a coupling section coupled to a side section of the drive unit on the side of the second electrical component;and a retaining section that holds the wiring in a position higher than the drive unit, wherein a path (R1) of the retainer, when it rotates back and forth about the coupling section as a center of rotation, does not cross the wiring.;

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle wiring support structure that is capable of holding wiring in an emergency. Fig. Figure 1 shows an overview of a vehicle wiring support structure according to an example of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. 1(b) Mounting bracket shown alone, viewed from different directions. Fig. 3 shows the in Fig. 1(a) Wiring support structure shown from the front. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the in Fig. 3(b) shown bracket. Fig. 5 shows the in Fig. 3(a) Cable support structure shown from above. Fig. 6 shows the in Fig. 3(a) Wiring support structure shown viewed from the right side in the direction of the vehicle width. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the in Fig. 6(b) shown bracket. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective sectional view of the [unclear text]. Fig. 7 shown bracket. Fig. 9 shows a variant of the in Fig. 2(c) shown bracket.

[0008] A vehicle wiring support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a drive unit mounted in an engine compartment of a vehicle; wiring routed between a predetermined first electrical component located above the drive unit and a predetermined second electrical component located on one side of the drive unit; and a support attached to the drive unit that holds the wiring, wherein the support comprises: a coupling section coupled to a side section of the drive unit on the side of the second electrical component; and a holding section that holds the wiring in a position higher than the drive unit, wherein a path (R1) of the support, when it rotates back and forth about the coupling section as its center of rotation, does not cross the wiring.

[0009] The bracket above can fall backward around the coupling section as its pivot point if, for example, it is subjected to a frontal load due to a frontal impact. In this configuration, the bracket's path as it rotates back and forth around the coupling section does not intersect the wiring. This prevents any edge of the bracket from contacting the wiring and thus avoids damage to the wiring. This configuration therefore allows the wiring to be kept in a protected position, even in an emergency.

[0010] The holding section can be positioned closer to the center of the drive unit in the direction of the vehicle width than the coupling section.

[0011] The retaining section above is located closer to the center of the drive unit than the coupling section. The drive unit exhibits high rigidity in the event of a frontal impact. By positioning the retaining section on the central side of the drive unit, loads acting on the retaining section can be distributed due to the drive unit's rigidity. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the retaining section and preferentially secure the wiring.

[0012] The bracket may also have: a first upright wall section extending upwards from the coupling section; and a laterally extending section formed between the first upright wall section and the holding section, curving and extending from the first upright wall section towards the center of the drive unit in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0013] The above bracket comprises the first upright wall section, extending vertically, and the laterally extending section, thus ensuring rigidity and ability to withstand loads in both the vertical and lateral directions. Therefore, the above bracket allows for the proper securing of the wiring.

[0014] The bracket may also have a second upright wall section formed between the laterally extending section and the holding section, curving upwards from the laterally extending section.

[0015] According to this configuration, the bracket has the second upright wall section that extends in the vertical direction, and can thus provide additional stiffness against loads in the vertical direction and hold the wiring in a suitable manner.

[0016] The retaining section can hold the wiring along a front-to-rear direction and can be inclined such that a rear side of the retaining section is closer to the center of the drive unit in the direction of the vehicle width than its front side.

[0017] According to this configuration, the mounting section is inclined towards the center of the drive unit in the direction of the vehicle width, making it possible to route the wiring further along the center of the drive unit, in the direction of the vehicle width. Therefore, this inclination of the mounting section increases the flexibility in wiring routing.

[0018] The coupling section can be located before the stopping section.

[0019] According to this configuration, if a structure approaches from the front in the event of a frontal impact or similar, the bracket is subjected to the load at the coupling section located in front of the holding section and rotates backward. This allows the wiring held by the holding section to move backward to avoid contact with the structure.

[0020] The bracket may also have a mounting section that projects from a position behind the coupling section to a center of the drive unit in the direction of the vehicle width, the mounting section being able to make contact with the drive unit from above.

[0021] According to this configuration, the mounting section engages with the drive unit to allow the bracket to maintain its normal position and orientation when the bracket is subjected to a load from the front.

[0022] The bracket can be attached to an area of ​​the drive unit below the first electrical component.

[0023] Even if a structure approaches from the front in the event of a frontal collision or similar, according to this configuration the bracket and wiring can be protected by the first electrical component that the structure receives. Example

[0024] Preferred examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, other specific values, and the like in the embodiments are merely exemplary to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention in any way unless otherwise stated. In this description and in the drawings, elements having essentially the same functions and configurations are designated with the same reference numerals to avoid redundant descriptions, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the figures.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows an overview of a vehicle wiring support structure (wiring support structure 100) according to an example of the present invention. Fig. Figure 1 (a) is a schematic representation of a drive unit 102 of the cable holding structure 100.

[0026] In Fig. In Figure 1 and all other drawings of the present application, arrows F (forward) and B (rearward) indicate the forward and reverse directions relative to the vehicle, respectively; arrows L (left) and R (right) indicate the left and right directions in the direction of the vehicle width, respectively; and arrows U (upward) and D (downward) indicate the vertical directions.

[0027] The drive unit 102 is a power source for a vehicle, such as an engine. The drive unit 102 is housed in an engine compartment, which is located, for example, in the front section of a vehicle.

[0028] A bracket 104 is an element for holding a cable 106 (see Fig. 3(b)), which is routed around the drive unit 102. The bracket 104 is attached to a lateral part of the drive unit 102 and extends upwards from there. In this cable support structure 100, the structure of the bracket 104 is designed to prevent damage to the cable 106 in the event of an impact load during a frontal collision or the like.

[0029] Fig. 1(b) is an enlarged view of the in Fig. 1(a) bracket 104 shown. The bracket 104 is an element made mainly of metal. A gripping element 108 made of synthetic resin is attached to the upper end of the bracket 104, and the bracket 104 grips the wiring 106 via the gripping element 108 (see Fig. 3(b)).

[0030] Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. 1(b) Mounting bracket 104 shown alone, viewed from different directions. Fig. 2(a) shows the bracket 104 as seen from the rear right relative to the vehicle, Fig. 1(B) accordingly.

[0031] A coupling section 110 at the lower end of the bracket 104 is coupled to the drive unit 102. The coupling section 110 includes a through-hole 112 and a fastening element 114 (see Fig. 1(b)), which is made by means of a bolt or the like.

[0032] A retaining section 116 at the upper end of the bracket 104 is a section for holding the wiring 106 over the gripping element 108 (see Fig. 3(b)). The holding section 116 comprises a support surface 118 for supporting the gripping element 108 and a through hole 120 into which the gripping element 108 is fitted.

[0033] The bracket 104 has a side flange 124 formed along its rear side edge. The side flange 124 is formed by bending the side edge of the bracket 104 from its lower end to its upper end to increase the stiffness of the bracket 104.

[0034] Fig. 2(b) shows the in Fig. 2(b) Bracket 104 shown, viewed from the front right relative to the vehicle.

[0035] The bracket 104 has a side flange 124 formed along its front side edge. The side flange 124 is also formed by bending the side edge from the lower end to the upper end of the bracket 104 to increase the stiffness of the bracket 104.

[0036] Fig. 2(c) shows the in Fig. 2(b) Bracket 104 shown from the front.

[0037] A first upright wall section 126 is a vertical, wall-like section extending upwards from the coupling section 110. The first upright wall section 126 is formed in a region between the coupling section 110 and a first curved section 128.

[0038] The first curved section 128 is a curved part between the first upright wall section 126 and a laterally extending section 130. The first curved section 128 is designed such that the laterally extending section 130 runs horizontally, but the angle of the first curved section 128 is not limited to this.

[0039] The laterally extending section 130 is a section with a laterally extending, plate-like shape and is formed in an area from the first upright wall section 126 to the stopping section 116. The laterally extending section 130 is curved by the first curved section 128 from the first upright wall section 126 towards the center, in the direction of the vehicle width, of the drive unit 102 (see Fig. 3(b)) and runs essentially horizontally.

[0040] A second curved section 132 is a curved part between the laterally extending section 130 and a second upright wall section 134. The second curved section 132 is designed such that the second upright wall section 134 runs vertically, but the angle of the second curved section 132 is not limited to this.

[0041] The second upright wall section 134 is a section that has a vertical, wall-like shape and is formed in an area from the laterally extending section 130 to the support section 116. The second upright wall section 134 extends from the laterally extending section 130 and is curved upwards.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2(b), a first bead 136 is formed on the outer corner side of the first curved section 128. The first bead 136 is designed such that it curves from the first upright wall section 126 to the laterally extending section 130, and increases the stiffness of the first curved section 128.

[0043] A second bead 138 is formed on the outer corner side of the second curved section 132. The second bead 138 is designed such that it curves from the laterally extending section 130 to the second upright wall section 134, and increases the stiffness of the second curved section 132.

[0044] The bracket 104 with the above configuration comprises the first upright wall section 126, which extends in the vertical direction, and the laterally extending section 130, which extends in the lateral direction, and can thus ensure stiffness against loads in the vertical and lateral directions. Furthermore, the bracket 104 has the second upright wall section 134, which extends in the vertical direction, and can thus ensure additional stiffness against loads in the vertical direction. The bracket 104 with this shape allows the wiring 106 (see Fig. 3(b)) to hold in a suitable manner, taking advantage of their high stiffness.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows the in Fig. 1(a) shows cabling support structure 100 seen from the front. Fig. Figure 3(a) shows the entire drive unit 102 of Fig. 1(a) seen from the front.

[0046] A first electrical component 140 is arranged above the drive unit 102. The first electrical component 140 can, for example, be designed as a current transformer for converting the electrical current supplied by a battery.

[0047] A second electrical component 142 is arranged on the right side of the drive unit 102 in the direction of the vehicle width. The second electrical component 142 can, for example, be a compressor for use in a cooling system for the vehicle interior or equipment.

[0048] The wiring 106 is routed between the first electrical component 140 and the second electrical component 142 in the engine compartment. The wiring 106 runs from above the drive unit 102 to its right side.

[0049] Fig. 3(b) is an enlarged view of the surroundings of the in Fig. 3(a) shown bracket 104.

[0050] The coupling section 110 of the bracket 104 is on the side of the second electrical component 142 with a side section of the drive unit 102 (see Fig. 3(a)) coupled.

[0051] The stopping section 116 (see Fig. 2(c)) holds the wiring 106 via the gripping element 108 in a position that is higher than the drive unit 102. Here, the holding section 116 is located on the left side of the wiring 106 in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0052] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the in Fig. 3(b) bracket 104 shown. In Fig. In Figure 4, the cabling 106 is virtually represented by a dashed line.

[0053] The bracket 104 is arranged so that it extends from below the wiring 106 to the inner side of the drive unit 102 in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0054] If the bracket 104 is subjected to a load from the front of the vehicle, there are cases in which the bracket 104 bends around the fastening element 114 (see Fig. 1(b)) of the coupling section 110 rotates backwards as its axis. The bracket 104 in this example is designed such that even if the bracket 104 rotates back and forth about the coupling section 110 as its axis, the path of rotation does not overlap the wiring 106.

[0055] The bracket 104 also has a shape that does not overlap the wiring 106 when viewed from the front of the vehicle, as shown in Fig. 4 shown. The edge of this bracket 104 does not come into contact with the wiring 106, even when the bracket 104 rotates relative to the vehicle around the coupling section 110 as the center of rotation in the front-rear direction.

[0056] If the bracket 104 is subjected to a frontal load, for example, due to a frontal impact or the like, the cable retention structure 100 in this example makes it possible to prevent the edge of the bracket 104, which has fallen backward, from coming into contact with the cable 106 and thus avoid damage to the cable 106. Therefore, the cable retention structure 100 in this example can hold the cable 106 appropriately even in an emergency.

[0057] In this example, the retaining section 116 of the bracket 104 is located closer to the center of the drive unit 102 in the direction of the vehicle width than the coupling section 110. In particular, the retaining section 116 is spaced from the coupling section 110 by a distance D1 from the center of the drive unit 102 in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0058] The retaining section 116 is located closer to the center of the drive unit 102 than the coupling section 110. The drive unit 102 exhibits high stiffness in the event of a frontal impact or similar event. Therefore, loads applied to the retaining section 116 can be distributed by utilizing the stiffness of the drive unit 102 by arranging the retaining section 116 on the central side of the drive unit 102. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the retaining section 116 and to appropriately secure the wiring 106 by arranging the retaining section 116 on the central side of the drive unit 102.

[0059] Fig. 5 shows the in Fig. 3(a) Cable support structure shown 100 from above. Fig. 5(a) shows the drive unit 102 through the in Fig. 3(a) first electrical component shown through 140 seen from above.

[0060] The bracket 104 is attached to an area on the right side, in the direction of the vehicle width, of an upper section of the drive unit 102 and below the first electrical component 140.

[0061] Fig. 5(b) is an enlarged view of the surroundings of the in Fig. 5(a) bracket 104.

[0062] The retaining section 116 is essentially a plate-shaped section and has a shape inclined such that the surface on the wiring side faces rearward. More precisely, the retaining section 116 is inclined such that its rear end 144b is closer to the center of the drive unit 102 in the direction of the vehicle width than its front end 144a.

[0063] For example, the holding section 116 is shaped such that a [missing information] along the support surface 118 (see Fig. 2(b)) the virtual line L2 is inclined to form an angle α1 with a virtual line L1 which runs in the front-rear direction of the vehicle on the inner side of the drive unit 102 in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0064] The holding section 116 holds the cabling 106 as in Fig. 6(b) shown in the front-to-rear direction over the gripping element 108, which is described below. Since the holding section 116 here has a shape that is inclined in the direction of the vehicle width towards the center of the drive unit 102, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5(b), the wiring 106 can be routed further along the central side of the drive unit 102 in the direction of the vehicle width by using the retaining section 116. Therefore, the retaining section 116 can increase the flexibility in routing the wiring 106 by means of its inclination.

[0065] Fig. 6 shows the in Fig. 3(a) Wiring support structure shown 100 from the right side in the direction of the vehicle width. Fig. 6(a) shows the entire drive unit 102 of Fig. 3(a) seen from the right side.

[0066] As mentioned above, the first electrical component 140 is located above the drive unit 102 in the engine compartment. The bracket 104 is attached to a section of the drive unit 102 below the first electrical component 140.

[0067] Fig. 6(b) is an enlarged view of the surroundings of the in Fig. Bracket 104 shown in Figure 6(a). Bracket 104 is attached to a lateral section of the drive unit 102 by means of a fastening section 110. The retaining section 116 (see Figure 6(a)) Fig. 7) is located on the left side of wiring 106 in the direction of the vehicle width (i.e., on the distal side in Fig. 6(b)).

[0068] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the in Fig. 6(b) bracket 104 shown.

[0069] In Fig. Figure 7 is a structure S1 that approaches the drive unit 102 from the front when a frontal impact occurs, represented by a virtual line. In particular, if a colliding object is in a high position relative to the vehicle in which the wiring support structure 100 is implemented, it can happen that the structure S1 approaches the drive unit 102 from an obliquely upper front position.

[0070] When the bracket 104 is subjected to a load from the front of the vehicle, it can rotate along a path R1 around the coupling section 110 as its center of rotation. This rotation allows the load to be deflected from the front, thereby securing the wiring 106 appropriately.

[0071] Viewed from the side, the upper end of the bracket 104 is slightly inclined backwards relative to the lower end. Therefore, the coupling section 110 on the lower end is positioned at a distance D2 in front of the retaining section 116 on the upper end.

[0072] The retaining section 116 of the bracket 104 is located behind the coupling section 110. Therefore, contact between the wiring 106 (see Fig. 6(b)) and the structure S1 are avoided if the structure S1 approaches from the front due to a frontal impact or the like. Since the coupling section 110 is located in front of the holding section 116, a load is applied to the coupling section 110 from the front before it is applied to the holding section 116. Therefore, the support 104 can fall backward around the coupling section 110 as its center of rotation.

[0073] As described above, the coupling section 110 of the bracket 104 is located in front of the holding section 116 and is more likely to be subjected to a load, so that the coupling section 110 is subjected to a load and rotates backwards to some extent before the load is applied to the holding section 116. This allows the bracket 104 to secure the wiring 106 (see Fig. 6(b)), which is held by the retaining section 116, to move backwards in order to avoid contact between the wiring 106 and the structure S1.

[0074] The bracket 104 is attached to a section of the drive unit 102 below the first electrical component 140. Even in this configuration, if the front structure S1 approaches the bracket 104 in the event of a frontal impact or the like, the bracket 104 and the wiring 106 can be protected, since the first electrical component 140 houses the structure S1.

[0075] Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective sectional view of the [unclear text]. Fig. 7 shown bracket 104. Fig. Figure 8 shows a cross-section of bracket 104 in Fig. 7 along line AA, viewed from the rear right relative to the vehicle.

[0076] The bracket 104 has a mounting section 146 at its lower end on the rear side of the coupling section 110. The mounting section 146 is a section that projects towards the center of the drive unit 102 in the direction of the vehicle width. A flange-like projection 148 is provided on a side section of the drive unit 102. The mounting section 146 can come into contact with the projection 148 of the drive unit 102 from above.

[0077] Mounting section 146 allows the bracket 104 to maintain a slightly backward-tilted orientation, as shown in Fig. 7 shown by coming into contact with the drive unit 102 from above.

[0078] Furthermore, the mounting section 146 enables the bracket 104 to maintain its normal position and orientation by engaging with the drive unit 102 when the bracket 104 is subjected to a frontal load due to a frontal impact or the like. The mounting section 146 can also be deformed by the frontal load. That is, the mounting section 146 does not completely withstand the load, but deforms when the bracket 104 rotates, causing the bracket 104 to fall backward and thus deflecting the load.

[0079] Fig. Figure 9 shows a variant (holder 200) of the in Fig. 2(c) shown bracket 104.

[0080] A bracket 200 in this variant has a chamfered section 202. The chamfered section 202 is formed by chamfering an outer corner in a curved section between the first upright wall section 126 and the laterally extending section 130. The chamfered section 202 is provided with a second bead 204 that extends over the first upright wall section 126 and the laterally extending section 130 to ensure rigidity.

[0081] Since the bracket 200 has the beveled section 202, the shape of the bracket 200 is determined by the wiring 106 in Fig.4 withdrawn to the drive unit 102. This means that the bracket 200 can ensure a greater distance to the wiring 106, which is held by the retaining section 116. Accordingly, the bracket 200 can also reduce the possibility of contact with the wiring 106 when the bracket 200 rotates back and forth around the coupling section 110 as a center of rotation in the event of a frontal impact or the like, and can hold the wiring 106 appropriately.

[0082] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the example described above. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art will think of various variants and modifications that fall within the scope of the claims, and these variants and modifications are to be understood as naturally included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0083] The present invention is applicable to a vehicle wiring support structure. Reference symbol list 100 cabling support structures; 102 Drive unit; 104 bracket; 106 Cabling; 108 Gripping element; 110 Coupling section; 112 Through hole; 114 Fastening element; 116 Stop section; 118 Support surface; 120 through-hole; 122 Side flange; 124 Side flange; 126 first upright wall section; 128 first curved section; 130 laterally extended section; 132 second curved section; 134 second upright wall section; 136 first bulge; 138 second bulge; 140 first electrical component; 142 second electrical component; 144a End; 144b End; 146 Assembly section; 148 lead; 200 bracket; 202 chamfered section; 204 second bulge; L1 virtual line; L2 virtual line; R1 route; S1 structure QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2014-76745A

[0003]

Claims

Vehicle wiring support structure (100) comprising: a drive unit (102) mounted in an engine compartment of a vehicle; wiring (106) routed between a predetermined first electrical component (140) located above the drive unit (102) and a predetermined second electrical component (142) located on one side of the drive unit (102); and a support (104) attached to the drive unit (102) and holding the wiring (106), the support (104) comprising: a coupling section (110) coupled to a side section of the drive unit (102) on the side of the second electrical component (142); and a holding section (116) which holds the wiring (106) in a position higher than the drive unit (102), wherein a path (R1) of the holder (104) when it rotates back and forth about the coupling section (110) as a center of rotation does not cross the wiring (106). Vehicle wiring support structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support section (116) is arranged closer to a center of the drive unit (102) in the direction of the vehicle width than the coupling section (110). Vehicle wiring support structure (100) according to claim 2, wherein the support (104) further comprises: a first upright wall section (126) extending upwards from the coupling section (110); and a laterally extending section (130) formed between the first upright wall section (126) and the support section (116), curving and extending from the first upright wall section (126) in the direction of the vehicle width to the center of the drive unit (102). Vehicle wiring support structure (100) according to claim 3, wherein the support (104) further comprises a second upright wall section (134) formed between the laterally extending section (130) and the support section (116), which curves and extends upwards from the laterally extending section (130). Vehicle wiring support structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support section (116) holds the wiring (106) along a front-to-rear direction and is inclined such that a rear side of the support section (116) is closer to a center of the drive unit (102) in the direction of the vehicle width than its front side. Vehicle wiring support structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling section (110) is arranged in front of the support section (116). Vehicle wiring support structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support (104) further comprises a mounting section (146) which projects from a position behind the coupling section (110) to a center of the drive unit (102) in the direction of the vehicle width, wherein the mounting section (146) is able to make contact with the drive unit (102) from above. Vehicle wiring support structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support (104) is attached to a region of the drive unit (102) below the first electrical component (140).

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