Wire harness

Abstract

To provide a technique that enables a wire harness to easily bend in a direction in which torsion occurs in an electric wire, between one end and the other end thereof.SOLUTION: A wire harness 10 comprises a plurality of electric wires 20, a first terminal block 30, and a second terminal block 40. Each electric wire 20 includes a twisted wire conductor 21 and an insulative coating 26 coating the twisted wire conductor 21. One end parts of the plurality of electric wires 20 are held on a first holding part 31 of the first terminal block 30, and the other end parts are held on a second holding part 41 of the second terminal block 40. Regarding a connection attitude in the wire harness 10, the plurality of electric wires 20 bend between the first holding part 31 and the second holding part 41, that is, torsion occurs in the plurality of electric wires 20. A twisting direction of the twisted wire conductors 21 in the electric wires 20 in half of the plurality of electric wires 20 is a direction in which the twist of the twisted wire conductors 21 is tightened by the torsion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wire harness. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a wiring assembly for an equipment, which includes a plurality of wiring members for the equipment, each of which has a plurality of conductors and two connection portions provided at both ends of the conductors, and which are wired in a bent state within an equipment having an equipment main body and an equipment case that houses the equipment main body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-98786 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable that a wire harness such as the wiring assembly for a device described in Patent Document 1 be easily bent in a direction that causes a twist in the wires between one end and the other end.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that makes it possible to easily bend a wire harness between one end and the other end in a direction that causes a twist in the electric wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A wire harness according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of electric wires, each including a stranded conductor and an insulating coating covering the stranded conductor; a first holding portion that holds one ends of the plurality of electric wires; a first terminal block that includes a plurality of first terminals, each electrically connected to the one ends of a corresponding electric wire among the plurality of electric wires; a second holding portion that holds the other ends of the plurality of electric wires; and a second terminal block that includes a plurality of second terminals, each electrically connected to the other ends of a corresponding electric wire among the plurality of electric wires, and the plurality of electric wires are arranged between the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a direction intersecting a direction connecting the first holding portion and the second holding portion. When a first position is a position in which the plurality of electric wires extend straight between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, a connection position in which the first terminal block and the second terminal block are connected to their respective connection partners is a position in which the plurality of electric wires are bent between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, and a second position is a position in which a twist occurs in the plurality of electric wires when the plurality of electric wires are bent from the first position, and the twist direction of the stranded conductors in at least half of the plurality of electric wires is a direction in which the twist of the stranded conductors is tightened when the plurality of electric wires are bent from the first position to the second position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the wire harness can be easily bent between one end and the other end in a direction that causes a twist in the electric wires. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a wire harness according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the wire harness according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the wire harness according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric wire. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an S-twisted stranded conductor. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a Z-twisted stranded conductor. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view showing the wire harness in the first position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view showing a wire harness according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view showing a wire harness according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The wire harness of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0011] (1) A power supply includes a plurality of electric wires, each including a stranded conductor and an insulating coating covering the stranded conductor; a first holding part that holds one end of the plurality of electric wires; a first terminal block that includes a plurality of first terminals, each of which is electrically connected to the one end of a corresponding electric wire among the plurality of electric wires; a second holding part that holds the other end of the plurality of electric wires; and a second terminal block that includes a plurality of second terminals, each of which is electrically connected to the other end of a corresponding electric wire among the plurality of electric wires, wherein the plurality of electric wires are arranged between the first holding part and the second holding part in a direction that intersects with a direction connecting the first holding part and the second holding part; When a first position is a position in which the plurality of electric wires extend straight between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, a connection position in which the first terminal block and the second terminal block are connected to their respective connection partners is a position in which the plurality of electric wires are bent between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, and a second position is a position in which the plurality of electric wires are twisted when bent from the first position, and the twist direction of the stranded conductors of at least half of the plurality of electric wires is a direction in which the twist of the stranded conductors is tightened when the plurality of electric wires are bent from the first position to the second position. If the twist direction of the stranded conductors is a direction in which the twist of the stranded conductors is loosened when the plurality of electric wires are bent from the first position to the second position, a strong force is required to bend the stranded conductors because the insulating coating prevents the twist of the stranded conductors from loosening. On the other hand, if the twist of the stranded conductor is in a direction that tightens the twist of the stranded conductor due to the twist when the multiple electric wires are bent from the first position to the second position, the insulating coating is prevented from interfering with the loosening of the twist of the stranded conductor, and the wire harness can be bent with less force. This makes it easier to bend the wires between one end and the other end in a direction that causes a twist in the electric wires.

[0012] (2) In the wire harness of (1), the second position may be a position in which the plurality of electric wires are bent around an axis along the parallel direction of the plurality of electric wires, and the one end and the other end of each of the plurality of electric wires are shifted from each other in the parallel direction by at least the diameter of the electric wire. Even when the plurality of electric wires are bent from the first position to such a second position, a twist occurs in the plurality of electric wires. Even in this case, the wire harness can be easily bent in a direction in which a twist occurs in the electric wires between one end and the other end.

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

[0014] (4) In the wire harness of any one of (1) to (3), the twist direction of the stranded conductors in all of the plurality of electric wires may be a direction in which the twist when the plurality of electric wires are bent from the first position to the second position tightens the twist of the stranded conductors. This prevents the plurality of electric wires from having a twist direction in which the twist when the plurality of electric wires are bent from the first position to the second position loosens the twist of the stranded conductors, making it easier to bend the wire harness between one end and the other end in a direction in which the wires are twisted.

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

[0016] (6) In the wire harness of any one of (1) to (5), the Shore A hardness of the insulating coating measured by a durometer conforming to JIS K6253 may be 40 or more and 100 or less. In the case of a relatively hard insulating coating having a Shore A hardness of 40 or more and 100 or less, the insulating coating tightens the stranded conductors more tightly, making the stranded conductors less likely to twist in the loosening direction. Even in this case, the connection posture is such that the stranded conductors of more than half of the electric wires are twisted in the tightening direction, making it easy for the wire harness to assume the connection posture.

[0017] (7) In the wire harness of any one of (1) to (6), the insulating coating may be made of a crystalline resin. This makes the insulating coating more likely to be hard than when made of an amorphous resin. Even in this case, the wire harness is easily positioned in a connected state because the stranded conductors of more than half of the electric wires are twisted in a tightening direction.

[0018] (8) In the wire harness of any one of (1) to (7), the cross-sectional area of ​​the stranded conductor may be 10 sq. or more and 50 sq. or less, and the wire length between the first holding portion and the second holding portion may be 100 mm or more and 300 mm or less. Thus, even when a relatively large-diameter and relatively short electric wire is used, the wire harness can easily assume the connection posture because the stranded conductors of more than half of the electric wires are twisted in the tightening direction.

[0019] (9) In the wire harness of any one of (1) to (8), each of the first holding portion and the second holding portion may be a resin molded portion that is insert-molded with the electric wires as insert parts, thereby enabling each of the first holding portion and the second holding portion to firmly hold the electric wires.

[0020] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the wire harness of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0021] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, a wire harness according to an embodiment will be described. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ between drawings. Furthermore, in this specification, "perpendicular" does not only mean a strictly perpendicular state, but also includes a roughly perpendicular state. For example, roughly perpendicular means a state in which the angle formed by two directions is 80 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees, preferably 85 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees. Furthermore, in this specification, "parallel" does not only mean a strictly parallel state, but also includes a roughly parallel state. For example, roughly parallel means a state in which the angle formed by two directions is 10 degrees or less, preferably 5 degrees or less.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a wire harness 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the wire harness 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 shows parts of devices B1 and B2 to be attached. Fig. 3 is a front view showing the wire harness 10 according to the embodiment.

[0023] <Overall configuration of wire harness 10> The overall configuration of the wire harness 10 will be described. The wire harness 10 includes a plurality of electric wires 20, a first terminal block 30, and a second terminal block 40. The first terminal block 30 includes a first holding portion 31 and a plurality of first terminals 32. The first holding portion 31 holds one ends of the plurality of electric wires 20. Each of the plurality of first terminals 32 is electrically connected to one end of a corresponding electric wire 20 among the plurality of electric wires 20. The second terminal block 40 includes a second holding portion 41 and a plurality of second terminals 42. The second holding portion 41 holds the other ends of the plurality of electric wires 20. Each of the plurality of second terminals 42 is electrically connected to the other end of a corresponding electric wire 20 among the plurality of electric wires 20. The plurality of electric wires 20 electrically connect the first terminal block 30 and the second terminal block 40.

[0024] The first terminal block 30 is fixed to the first device B1. The second terminal block 40 is fixed to the second device B2. The first device B1 and the second device B2 are electrically connected via the wire harness 10. In other words, the plurality of electric wires 20, the first terminal block 30, and the second terminal block 40 form a wiring component that electrically connects the first device B1 and the second device B2. The devices B1 and B2 are in-vehicle devices. For example, the devices B1 and B2 are arranged close to each other in a vehicle, and the wire harness 10 is formed to be relatively short. For example, the first device B1 is an inverter, and the second device B2 is a motor for driving an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In this embodiment, the plurality of electric wires 20 are high-voltage electric wires, and the first terminal block 30 and the second terminal block 40 are high-voltage terminal blocks.

[0025] 1 to 3 is a connected posture. The connected posture is a posture of the wire harness 10 in a use state. Here, the connected posture is a posture in a state in which the first terminal block 30 and the second terminal block 40 are fixed to the first device B1 and the second device B2, respectively, which are arranged at predetermined positions in the vehicle.

[0026] The configuration of each part will be described in more detail.

[0027] <About Electric Wire 20> The multiple electric wires 20 are arranged between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41 in a direction intersecting the direction connecting the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41. One ends of the multiple electric wires 20 are held in a parallel state by the first holding portion 31, and the other ends of the multiple electric wires 20 are held in a parallel state by the second holding portion 41. As a result, the portions of the multiple electric wires 20 between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41 are also held in a parallel state. In this specification, as shown in FIG. 1 , the parallel direction of the multiple electric wires 20 in the first holding portion 31 may be referred to as the X direction, and two directions perpendicular to the X direction may be referred to as the Y direction and the Z direction.

[0028] In the connected posture, the plurality of electric wires 20 are bent in a direction intersecting the parallel direction. The wire harness 10 is bent from a posture in which the plurality of electric wires 20 extend linearly to the connected posture. The postures of the wire harness 10, including the connected posture, will be described in detail later.

[0029] One ends of the multiple electric wires 20 are restrained by the first retaining portion 31, and when the first retaining portion 31 moves, they move in the same manner as the first retaining portion 31. The other ends of the multiple electric wires 20 are restrained by the second retaining portion 41, and when the second retaining portion 41 moves, they move in the same manner as the second retaining portion 41. Here, no member for restraining the multiple electric wires 20 is provided in a portion of the multiple electric wires 20 between the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41. The first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41 have a rigidity higher than that of the electric wires 20, and when the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41 move relative to each other, the wire harness 10 deforms so that the electric wires 20 are bent. The portion of the multiple electric wires 20 between the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41 moves in accordance with the movements of the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41. When the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41 move relative to each other, the bending state of the portion of the plurality of electric wires 20 between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41 is determined by the rigidity of the plurality of electric wires 20. A member that restrains the plurality of electric wires 20 may be provided in the portion of the plurality of electric wires 20 between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41.

[0030] Here, the number of the plurality of electric wires 20 is six. However, the number of the plurality of electric wires 20 is not limited to this and can be set appropriately depending on the connected devices, the purpose, etc. For example, the number of the plurality of electric wires 20 may be two or three. The number of the plurality of electric wires 20 may be three or more. The number of the plurality of electric wires 20 may be nine or less.

[0031] In this example, the second device B2 is an AC motor, and the multiple electric wires 20 transmit AC. The AC may be single-phase or multi-phase. For example, the six electric wires 20 may be used in two sets of three to accommodate three-phase AC. However, the type of electricity transmitted by the multiple electric wires 20 can be set according to the devices B1 and B2 to which the wire harness 10 is connected, and the multiple electric wires 20 may transmit DC.

[0032] Each of the multiple electric wires 20 includes a stranded conductor 21 and an insulating coating 26 that covers the stranded conductor 21. The stranded conductor 21 and the insulating coating 26 will be described with further reference to Figs. 4 to 6. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the electric wire 20. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an S-twisted stranded conductor 21. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a Z-twisted stranded conductor 21. In Fig. 4, the twisting direction of each member is indicated by an arrow. For ease of explanation, Figs. 5 and 6 each show a stranded conductor 21 made up of two wires 22.

[0033] The stranded conductor 21 has a plurality of strands 22. Each strand 22 is made of copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the like. The stranded conductor 21 is formed by twisting the plurality of strands 22. The strands 22 can be twisted in two ways: S twist and Z twist. In the S twist and the Z twist, the strands 22 are twisted in opposite directions. As shown in FIG. 5, the S twist is a twisting method in which, when the longitudinal direction of the stranded conductor 21 is aligned in the vertical direction, each strand 22 extends in a right-handed (clockwise) spiral from top to bottom. As shown in FIG. 6, the Z twist is a twisting method in which, when the longitudinal direction of the stranded conductor 21 is aligned in the vertical direction, each strand 22 extends in a left-handed (counterclockwise) spiral from top to bottom. Hereinafter, the S-twisted stranded conductor 21 and the electric wire 20 including the same will be given the symbol S and may be referred to as the stranded conductor 21S and the electric wire 20S, respectively. Also, the Z-twisted stranded conductor 21 and the electric wire 20 including the same will be given the symbol Z and may be referred to as the stranded conductor 21Z and the electric wire 20Z, respectively. Also, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the S-twisted and Z-twisted stranded conductors 21 and 20, they may be simply referred to as the stranded conductor 21 and the electric wire 20, respectively.

[0034] There are two directions in which the stranded conductor 21 can be twisted. One of the two directions is the same as the direction in which the multiple element wires 22 are twisted, and the other of the two directions is the opposite direction to the direction in which the multiple element wires 22 are twisted. When the multiple element wires 22 in the stranded conductor 21 are twisted in the same direction as the direction in which the multiple element wires 22 are twisted, the multiple element wires 22 are tightened. When the multiple element wires 22 in the stranded conductor 21 are twisted in the opposite direction to the direction in which the multiple element wires 22 are twisted, the multiple element wires 22 are tightened or loosened in opposite directions when the stranded conductors 21S and 21Z are twisted in the same direction. In other words, when stranded conductor 21Z is twisted in the same direction as stranded conductor 21S is tightened, it loosens, and when stranded conductor 21Z is twisted in the same direction as stranded conductor 21S is loosened, it tightens.

[0035] The cross-sectional area of ​​the stranded conductor 21 is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on the equipment to be connected, the current value, the voltage value, etc. In this example, a relatively large diameter stranded conductor 21 is used for use as a high-voltage electric wire 20. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the stranded conductor 21 is 10 sq or more and 50 sq or less. sq is a standard for the cross-sectional area of ​​a conductor defined by the JIS standard and means square millimeters. The conductor can be used for various electrical transmission purposes within the range of allowable current depending on the cross-sectional area, material, etc. of the conductor.

[0036] When the stranded conductor 21 has a large diameter, the number of strands 22 may be large. When the number of strands 22 is large, the stranded conductor 21 may have a so-called child strand and parent strand configuration. Specifically, the plurality of strands 22 are divided into a plurality of groups, each of which has two or more strands 22. In each group, two or more strands 22 are twisted together to form a child strand 23. The plurality of child strands 23 are further twisted together to form a parent strand. The parent strand is used as the stranded conductor 21. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, seven strands 22 are twisted together to form a child strand 23, and 19 child strands 23 are twisted together to form the stranded conductor 21 (parent strand). Note that in the example shown in FIG. 4, the strands 22 are depicted in only one child strand 23, and the strands 22 are omitted from the other child strands 23. Of course, the number of wires 22 constituting the child strand 23 and the number of child strands 23 constituting the stranded conductor 21 are not limited to these and can be set as appropriate. Furthermore, the stranded conductor 21 does not have to have a child twist and parent twist configuration. In the stranded conductor 21, all of the wires 22 may be twisted together.

[0037] When the stranded conductor 21 has a child twist and parent twist configuration, the child twist direction and the parent twist direction may be the same or opposite to each other. When the child twist direction and the parent twist direction are the same to each other, the twist direction is the twist direction of the stranded conductor 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , when the child twist direction and the parent twist direction are opposite to each other, the parent twist direction is the twist direction of the stranded conductor 21. This is because the parent twist direction is more closely related to the tightening or loosening of the multiple strands 22 when the stranded conductor 21 is twisted than the child twist direction. In other words, whether the multiple strands 22 tighten or loosen when the stranded conductor 21 is twisted is mainly determined by the parent twist direction.

[0038] The stranded conductor 21 may also be a concentric stranded conductor having multiple layers of parent strands arranged radially. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, six child strands 23B and twelve child strands 23C are each parent-twisted around one child strand 23A arranged on a central axis. The six child strands 23B form an inner first layer 24, and the twelve child strands 23C form an outer second layer 25. The parent twist directions of the layers may all be the same, or the parent twist directions of some layers may be opposite to those of the other layers. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the parent twist directions of all layers are the same, the twist direction of the stranded conductor 21 is the twist direction of the stranded conductor. When the parent twist directions of some layers are opposite to those of the other layers, the parent twist direction of the outermost layer is the twist direction of the stranded conductor 21. This is because the parent twist direction of the outermost layer is more closely related to the tightening or loosening of the multiple strands 22 when the stranded conductor 21 is twisted than the parent twist direction of the inner layers. In other words, whether the multiple strands 22 tighten or loosen when the stranded conductor 21 is twisted is determined primarily by the parent twist direction of the outermost layer.

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

[0040] The hardness of the insulating coating 26 is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on the material, thickness, etc. Here, the insulating coating 26 is formed to be relatively hard within a range that does not make it difficult to bend and deform the electric wire 20 into the connection posture. For example, the Shore A hardness of the insulating coating 26 measured by a durometer conforming to JIS K6253 may be 40 or more and 100 or less.

[0041] The insulating coating 26 may be formed, for example, by extruding a softened resin material around the stranded conductor 21. As shown in FIG. 4 , the resin material may fill the gaps between the parent stranded wires in the outermost layer, so that the entire inner surface of the insulating coating 26 is in contact with the parent stranded wires in the outermost layer. This reduces the room for the parent stranded wires in the outermost layer to loosen, making it easier for the electric wire 20 to twist in the direction tightening rather than loosening the stranded conductor 21. However, the inner surface of the insulating coating 26 may be circular, so that only a portion of the inner surface of the insulating coating 26 is in contact with the parent stranded wires in the outermost layer. In this case, another portion of the inner surface of the insulating coating 26 may not be in contact with the parent stranded wires in the outermost layer, and a gap may be left between the other portion of the inner surface of the insulating coating 26 and the parent stranded wires in the outermost layer.

[0042] <Regarding the first terminal block 30> The first terminal 32 includes a first wire connection portion 32a and a first device connection portion 32b. The first wire connection portion 32a is a portion connected to one end of the electric wire 20. The first device connection portion 32b is a portion connected to the first device B1. For example, the first wire connection portion 32a is provided at one end of the first terminal 32, and the first device connection portion 32b is provided at the other end of the first terminal 32. The manner of connection between the first wire connection portion 32a and the electric wire 20 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set by crimping, ultrasonic welding, resistance welding, or the like. The manner of connection between the first device connection portion 32b and the first device B1 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set by fitting a male terminal and a female terminal, screw fastening, or the like.

[0043] The first holding portion 31 is formed, for example, from resin. The first holding portion 31 is formed by molding one end of the plurality of electric wires 20 as an insert part. The first holding portion 31 is a resin-molded portion that is insert-molded using the plurality of electric wires 20 as an insert part. Here, the plurality of first terminals 32 are also insert parts. As a result, the plurality of first terminals 32 are held in a parallel state by the first holding portion 31. Furthermore, the connection portion between the first electric wire connection portion 32a and the electric wires 20 is provided within the first holding portion 31. As a result, at one end of the plurality of electric wires 20, the portion where the insulating coating 26 is peeled off for connection to the first electric wire connection portion 32a is covered and insulated by the first holding portion 31. The first holding portion 31 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and an opening 31h is formed inside the first holding portion 31. The first device connection portion 32b extends into the opening 31h.

[0044] The first terminal block 30 may be provided with a member such as a base member 33. The base member 33 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate. An elliptical through-hole is formed in the center of the base member 33, and the first holding portion 31 is integrally formed around the periphery of the through-hole.

[0045] A base member 33 extends from the outer periphery of the first holding portion 31. With the base member 33 in contact with the housing of the first device B1, the base member 33 is fixed to the first device B1 by screws or the like. The housing of the first device B1 is grounded to the vehicle body. Therefore, the base member 33 is grounded via the housing of the first device B1. With the first terminal block 30 fixed to the first device B1 in this way, the first device connecting portion 32b is connected to a terminal of the first device B1. The first terminal block 30 may be provided with a shield shell or the like that is electrically connected to the base member 33.

[0046] <Regarding the second terminal block 40> The second terminal 42 includes a second electric wire connection portion 42a and a second device connection portion 42b. The second electric wire connection portion 42a is a portion connected to the other end of the electric wire 20. The second device connection portion 42b is a portion connected to the second device B2. For example, the second electric wire connection portion 42a is provided at one end of the second terminal 42, and the second device connection portion 42b is provided at the other end of the second terminal 42. The manner of connection between the second electric wire connection portion 42a and the electric wire 20 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set by crimping, ultrasonic welding, resistance welding, or the like. The manner of connection between the second device connection portion 42b and the second device B2 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set by fitting a male terminal and a female terminal, screw fastening, or the like.

[0047] The second holding portion 41 is formed, for example, from resin. The second holding portion 41 is formed by molding the other ends of the multiple electric wires 20 as insert parts. The second holding portion 41 is a resin-molded portion that is insert-molded with the multiple electric wires 20 as insert parts. Here, the multiple second terminals 42 are also insert parts. As a result, the multiple second terminals 42 are held in a parallel state by the second holding portion 41. Furthermore, the connection portions between the second electric wire connection portions 42a and the electric wires 20 are provided within the second holding portion 41. As a result, at the other ends of the multiple electric wires 20, the portions where the insulating coating 26 is peeled off for connection to the second electric wire connection portions 42a are covered and insulated by the second holding portion 41. The second holding portion 41 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and an opening 41h is formed inside the second holding portion 41. The second device connection portion 42b extends into the opening 41h.

[0048] Here, there is no portion of the insulating coating 26 peeled off in the portion of the electric wire 20 between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41. The stranded conductor 21 is covered with the insulating coating 26 over the entire length and the entire circumference between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41. The stranded conductor 21 is not exposed between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41.

[0049] The second terminal block 40 may include other members such as a fixing portion 43. The fixing portion 43 is formed, for example, from resin. The fixing portion 43 is formed in a shape that protrudes from the periphery of the second holding portion 41, for example, in a plate shape. The fixing portion 43 is a resin part molded separately from the second holding portion 41, and may be configured to be integrated with the second holding portion 41. The fixing portion 43 may also be molded integrally with the second holding portion 41.

[0050] The fixing portion 43 is fixed to the second device B2 by screwing or the like. In this case, a through hole for screwing is formed in the fixing portion 43. A cylindrical collar may be embedded in the through hole. The collar may be made of a material having higher rigidity than the resin that forms the fixing portion 43, such as metal.

[0051] The fixed unit 43 may hold a plurality of relay terminals. One end of each relay terminal may be connected to the second device connection unit 42b, and the other end of each relay terminal may be connected to a terminal of the second device B2. Note that the second device connection unit 42b may be connected to the terminal of the second device B2 without passing through a relay terminal.

[0052] <Relationship between the Posture of the Wire Harness 10 and the Twisting of the Wires 20> The relationship between the posture of the wire harness 10 and the twisting of the electric wires 20 will be further described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a front view showing the wire harness 10 in the first posture 11.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7 , the wire harness 10 has a first position 11 in which the plurality of electric wires 20 extend straight between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41. In the first position 11, the first terminal block 30 and the second terminal block 40 are not misaligned in the X direction. The spacing between adjacent electric wires 20 in the first holding portion 31 is the same as the spacing between adjacent electric wires 20 in the second holding portion 41. Therefore, in the first position 11, the plurality of electric wires 20 are close to being strictly parallel.

[0054] The length of the electric wires between the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41 is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. The distance between the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41 in the first position 11 is the same as the length of the electric wires between the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41. For example, the length of the electric wires between the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41 may be 100 mm or more and 300 mm or less. If the length of the electric wires between the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41 is short, the wire harness 10 is less likely to bend. If the length of the electric wires between the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41 is long, the effects of bending are less likely to appear in the portions restrained by the first retaining portion 31 and the second retaining portion 41.

[0055] 1 to 3 is a connection posture in which the first terminal block 30 and the second terminal block 40 are connected to their respective connection partners. The connection posture is not the first posture 11 but the second posture 12. The second posture 12 is a posture in which the plurality of electric wires 20 are bent between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41, and when the plurality of electric wires 20 are bent from the first posture 11, a twist occurs in the plurality of electric wires 20.

[0056] The second position 12 may be a position in which the plurality of electric wires 20 are bent around an axis along the parallel direction of the plurality of electric wires 20, and one end and the other end of each of the plurality of electric wires 20 are misaligned in the parallel direction by at least the diameter of the electric wire 20. Such a second position 12 is a position that combines an L-shaped bending and an offset movement. Specifically, in FIG. 2, the position of the wire harness 10 indicated by the two-dot chain line is the first position 11, and the position of the wire harness 10 indicated by the solid line is the second position 12. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, in the second position 12, the plurality of electric wires 20 are bent around an axis along the X direction. The plurality of electric wires 20 are bent in an L-shape. Furthermore, in FIG. 3, the position of the wire harness 10 indicated by the solid line is the second position 12. In FIG. 3, the wire harness 10 indicated by the two-dot chain line shows a state in which one end and the other end of the electric wires 20 are not misaligned in the X direction. 3, in the second posture 12, one end and the other end of each of the plurality of electric wires 20 are offset in the X direction by an amount equal to or greater than the diameter of the electric wire 20. The plurality of electric wires 20 are offset between the one end and the other end in the parallel direction.

[0057] In the second posture 12, the angle formed between the direction in which the multiple electric wires 20 extend from the first holding portion 31 and the direction in which the multiple electric wires 20 extend from the second holding portion 41 may be 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less. This angle is the angle in the side view shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a case in which the angle formed between the direction in which the multiple electric wires 20 extend from the first holding portion 31 (Z direction in FIG. 2) and the direction in which the multiple electric wires 20 extend from the second holding portion 41 (Y direction in FIG. 2) is perpendicular. In the second posture 12, the juxtaposition direction of the multiple electric wires 20 in the first holding portion 31 and the juxtaposition direction of the multiple electric wires 20 in the second holding portion 41 may be parallel. FIG. 1 shows a case in which the juxtaposition direction of the multiple electric wires 20 in the first holding portion 31 (X direction in FIG. 1) and the juxtaposition direction of the multiple electric wires 20 in the second holding portion 41 (X direction in FIG. 1) are parallel.

[0058] The twist direction of the stranded conductors 21 in more than half of the electric wires 20 is a direction in which the twist of the stranded conductors 21 is tightened by the twist when the electric wires 20 are bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12. Here, the twist direction of the stranded conductors 21 in all of the electric wires 20 is a direction in which the twist of the stranded conductors 21 is tightened by the twist when the electric wires 20 are bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12.

[0059] 3 is a state in which the first retaining portion 31 is shifted in the positive direction in the X direction relative to the second retaining portion 41 when the wire harness 10 in the second position 12 is observed from the inner peripheral side relative to bending around an axis along the X direction, and when the first retaining portion 31 is observed to be positioned higher than the second retaining portion 41. When the connection position of the wire harness 10 is the second position 12 shown in FIG. 3, the twist of the S-twisted electric wire 20 when bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12 tightens the twist of the stranded conductors 21, and the twist of the Z-twisted electric wire 20 when bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12 loosens the twist of the stranded conductors 21. Therefore, when the connection posture of the wire harness 10 is the second posture 12 shown in FIG. 3, it is sufficient that more than half of the electric wires 20 are S-twisted electric wires 20, and it is preferable that all of the electric wires 20 are S-twisted electric wires 20.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a front view showing a wire harness 110 according to a first modified example.

[0061] The posture of the wire harness 110 in Fig. 8 is a second posture 112. The second posture 112 of the wire harness 110 shown in Fig. 8 is different from the second posture 12 of the wire harness 10 according to the embodiment. Specifically, the second posture 112 of the wire harness 110 shown in Fig. 8 is a posture obtained by offsetting in the opposite direction in the X direction from the second posture 12 of the wire harness 10 according to the embodiment. The second posture 112 shown in Fig. 8 is a posture in which the first retaining portion 31 is shifted in the negative direction in the X direction relative to the second retaining portion 41 when the wire harness 110 in the second posture 112 is observed from the inner peripheral side with respect to bending around an axis along the X direction and when the first retaining portion 31 is observed to be positioned above the second retaining portion 41.

[0062] When the connection posture of the wire harness 110 is the second posture 112 shown in Fig. 8 , the twist of the S-twisted electric wire 20S when bent from the first posture 11 to the second posture 112 loosens the twist of the stranded conductors 21S, and the twist of the Z-twisted electric wire 20Z when bent from the first posture 11 to the second posture 112 tightens the twist of the stranded conductors 21Z. Therefore, when the connection posture of the wire harness 110 is the second posture 112 shown in Fig. 8 , it is sufficient that more than half of the electric wires 20 are Z-twisted electric wires 20Z, and it is preferable that all of the electric wires 20 are Z-twisted electric wires 20Z.

[0063] The wire harnesses 10, 110 are manufactured, for example, in a first position 11 and transported to attachment locations for the devices B1, B2 while still in the first position 11. Then, at the attachment locations for the devices B1, B2, the wire harnesses 10, 110 are bent from the first position 11 to second positions 12, 112 and attached to the devices B1, B2.

[0064] <Effects, etc.> If the twist of the stranded conductors 21 is in a direction that loosens the twist of the stranded conductors 21 due to twisting when the multiple electric wires 20 are bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12, 112, the insulating coating 26 prevents the twist of the stranded conductors 21 from loosening, and a strong force is required to bend the electric wires 20. In contrast, with the wire harnesses 10, 110 configured as described above, the twist of the stranded conductors 21 is in a direction that tightens the twist of the stranded conductors 21 due to twisting when the multiple electric wires 20 are bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12, 112. This prevents the insulating coating 26 from preventing the twist of the stranded conductors 21 from loosening, and the electric wires 20 can be bent with a weak force. This makes it easier to bend the wire harnesses 10, 110 in a direction that causes twisting of the electric wires 20 between one end and the other end.

[0065] In addition, the second positions 12, 112 are positions in which the plurality of electric wires 20 are bent around an axis along the parallel direction, and one end and the other end of each of the plurality of electric wires 20 are shifted in the parallel direction by at least the diameter of the electric wire 20. Even when the plurality of electric wires 20 are bent from the first position 11 to such second positions 12, 112, twists occur in the plurality of electric wires 20. Even in this case, the wire harnesses 10, 110 can be easily bent in a direction in which twists occur in the electric wires 20 between one end and the other end.

[0066] In the second posture 12, 112, the angle formed between the direction in which the plurality of electric wires 20 extend from the first holding portion 31 and the direction in which the plurality of electric wires 20 extend from the second holding portion 41 is 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less, and the parallel direction of the plurality of electric wires 20 in the first holding portion 31 is parallel to the parallel direction in the second holding portion 41. Even in this case, the wire harness 10, 110 can be easily bent in a direction in which the electric wires 20 are twisted between one end and the other end.

[0067] Furthermore, the twist direction of the stranded conductors 21 in all of the electric wires 20 is a direction in which the twist when the electric wires 20 are bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12, 112 tightens the twist of the stranded conductors 21. As a result, there are no electric wires 20 in which the twist direction of the stranded conductors 21 when the electric wires 20 are bent from the first position 11 to the second position 12, 112 loosens the twist of the stranded conductors 21, and the wire harness 10, 110 can be easily bent between one end and the other end in a direction in which the electric wires 20 are twisted.

[0068] The number of electric wires 20 is three or more. Even in this case, the wire harnesses 10, 110 can be easily bent in a direction that causes twisting of the electric wires 20 between one end and the other end.

[0069] Furthermore, the Shore A hardness of the insulating coating 26 measured by a durometer conforming to JIS K6253 is 40 or more and 100 or less. When the insulating coating 26 is relatively hard, with a Shore A hardness of 40 or more and 100 or less, the insulating coating 26 tightens the stranded conductors 21, making the stranded conductors 21 less likely to twist in the loosening direction. Even in this case, the connection posture is such that the stranded conductors 21 of more than half of the electric wires 20 are twisted in the tightening direction, so the wire harnesses 10, 110 can easily assume the connection posture.

[0070] Furthermore, the insulating coating 26 is made of a crystalline resin. This makes the insulating coating 26 more likely to be hard than if it were made of an amorphous resin. Even in this case, the connection posture is such that the stranded conductors 21 of more than half of the electric wires 20 are twisted in the tightening direction, so the wire harnesses 10, 110 can easily assume the connection posture.

[0071] The cross-sectional area of ​​the stranded conductor 21 is 10 sq or more and 50 sq or less, and the wire length between the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41 is 100 mm or more and 300 mm or less. As a result, even when a relatively large-diameter and relatively short electric wire 20 is used, the connection posture is such that the stranded conductors 21 of more than half of the electric wires 20 are twisted in the tightening direction, and therefore the wire harnesses 10, 110 can easily assume the connection posture.

[0072] Moreover, each of the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41 is a resin molded portion that is insert molded using the plurality of electric wires 20 as an insert part. This allows each of the first holding portion 31 and the second holding portion 41 to firmly hold the plurality of electric wires 20. Furthermore, one end of the plurality of electric wires 20 is likely to move in the same manner as the first holding portion 31, and the other end of the plurality of electric wires 20 is likely to move in the same manner as the second holding portion 41.

[0073] [Note] FIG. 9 is a front view showing a wire harness 210 according to the second modified example.

[0074] The wire harness 210 differs from the wire harnesses 10 and 110 in that it includes a plurality of first terminal blocks 230 (two in this example). Thus, the electric wires 20 may branch when one of the first terminal block and the second terminal block is single and the other is multiple. Even in this case, the same effect as in the embodiment can be obtained when a plurality of electric wires 20 are arranged side by side and the relationship between the first position 11 and the second position 12, 112 is established between at least one pair of the first terminal block 230 and the second terminal block 40. Each first terminal block 230 includes three first terminals 32, and the first holding portion 231 has a size corresponding to the three first terminals 32. The other configurations of the first terminal block 230 may be the same as those of the first terminal block 30.

[0075] Furthermore, as in the wire harness 210, the twist directions of the electric wires 20 may be different. That is, in the wire harness 210, one first terminal block 230A is shifted in the positive direction in the X direction, and the other first terminal block 230B is shifted in the negative direction in the X direction. In this case, among the plurality of electric wires 20 (three in this case) connecting one first terminal block 230A and the second terminal block 40, half or more of the electric wires 20 may be S-twisted electric wires 20S as in the wire harness 10 according to the embodiment, and preferably all of the electric wires 20 are S-twisted electric wires 20S. Furthermore, among the plurality of electric wires 20 (three in this case) connecting the other first terminal block 230B and the second terminal block 40, half or more of the electric wires 20 may be Z-twisted electric wires 20Z as in the wire harness 110 according to the first modification, and preferably all of the electric wires 20 are Z-twisted electric wires 20Z.

[0076] In addition, although the first holding portions 31, 231 have been described so far as being molded resin portions that are insert-molded using the electric wire 20 as an insert part, this is not a required configuration. For example, the first holding portions 31, 231 may be separately molded parts that are molded without using the electric wire 20 as an insert part. For example, the first holding portion 31 may be a holding member having a rod-shaped member with a groove formed therein into which the electric wire 20 fits. Such a holding member is attached to the electric wire 20 from the side of the electric wire 20. Also, for example, the first holding portion 31 may be a housing having a cavity formed therein into which the electric wire 20 is inserted. The electric wire 20 is inserted into the cavity of such a housing from the tip. A member for fixing the electric wire 20, such as a rubber ring or a back retainer, may be attached to the holding member or housing.

[0077] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10, 110, 210 Wire Harness 11 1st posture 12, 112 2nd posture 20 Electric wire 20S S-stranded wire 20Z Z-stranded wire 21 Stranded conductor 21S S-twisted stranded conductor 21Z Z-twisted stranded conductor 22 wire 23, 23A, 23B, 23C child stranded wire 24 1st layer 25 2nd layer 26 Insulation coating 30, 230, 230A, 230B 1st terminal block 31, 231 1st holding part 31h opening 32 1st terminal 32a First wire connection part 32b First device connection 33 Base material 40 2nd terminal block 41 Second holding unit 41h opening 42 Terminal 2 42a Second wire connection part 42b Second machine connection 43 fixed part B1 No.1 Machine B2 Second Machine

Claims

1. a plurality of electric wires each including a stranded conductor and an insulating coating covering the stranded conductor; a first terminal block including a first holding portion that holds one end of the plurality of electric wires and a plurality of first terminals that are each electrically connected to the one end of a corresponding one of the plurality of electric wires; a second terminal block including a second holding portion that holds the other ends of the plurality of electric wires and a plurality of second terminals that are each electrically connected to the other ends of a corresponding one of the plurality of electric wires; Equipped with the plurality of electric wires are arranged between the first holding portion and the second holding portion in a direction intersecting a direction connecting the first holding portion and the second holding portion, When the first posture is a posture in which the plurality of electric wires extend straight between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, a connection posture in which the first terminal block and the second terminal block are connected to their respective connection partners is a second posture in which the plurality of electric wires are bent between the first holding portion and the second holding portion, and a twist occurs in the plurality of electric wires when the plurality of electric wires are bent from the first posture; the twist direction of the stranded conductors in at least half of the plurality of electric wires is a direction in which the twist of the stranded conductors is tightened by the twist when the plurality of electric wires are bent from the first position to the second position, The plurality of electric wires is three or more, Three of the plurality of electric wires are grouped into one set, a wire harness in which the twist direction of the stranded conductors in at least half of the electric wires in a set of three electric wires is a direction in which the twist of the stranded conductors is tightened by the twist when the plurality of electric wires are bent from the first position to the second position.

2. The wire harness according to claim 1, the second posture is a posture in which the plurality of electric wires are bent around an axis along a parallel direction of the plurality of electric wires, and the one end and the other end of each of the plurality of electric wires are shifted from each other in the parallel direction by an amount equal to or greater than a diameter of the electric wire.

3. The wire harness according to claim 2, In the second posture, an angle formed between a direction in which the plurality of electric wires extend from the first holding portion and a direction in which the plurality of electric wires extend from the second holding portion is 60 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less, and a parallel direction of the plurality of electric wires in the first holding portion and a parallel direction of the plurality of electric wires in the second holding portion are parallel to each other.

4. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a wire harness in which the twist direction of the stranded conductors in all of the plurality of electric wires is a direction in which the twist when the plurality of electric wires are bent from the first position to the second position tightens the twist of the stranded conductors.

5. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The wire harness, wherein the insulating coating has a Shore A hardness of 40 or more and 100 or less as measured by a durometer conforming to JIS K6253.

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

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

8. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the first holding portion and the second holding portion are each a resin molded portion that is insert molded using the plurality of electric wires as an insert part.

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