Wiring module for underbody and arrangement structure of wiring module for underbody

Abstract

To suppress a wiring member for an underbody from being bent and deformed when a wheel is rotated by steering.SOLUTION: A wiring module 40 for an underbody comprises a wiring member 50 that connects a vehicle body-side instrument 18 to a wheel-side instrument 28 and a support member 60 that supports the wiring member 50 so that the wiring member 50 passes through a steering rotation center shaft X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an underbody wiring module and an arrangement structure for the underbody wiring module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wiring device that supplies an electric signal from a vehicle body to an in-wheel motor. Patent Document 1 discloses that the wiring must follow the rotation of the tire caused by turning the steering wheel, and therefore some slack is provided in the wiring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-271909 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to suppress bending deformation of wiring members for the suspension when the wheels are rotated by steering.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress bending deformation of a wiring member for a suspension when a wheel is rotated by steering. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The wiring module for the suspension of the present disclosure is a wiring module for the suspension that includes a wiring member that connects vehicle body side equipment and wheel side equipment, and a support member that supports the wiring member so that the wiring member passes through the steering rotation center axis.

[0007] The wiring structure of the wiring module for the suspension disclosed herein is a wiring structure for the suspension module that includes a wiring member that connects vehicle body side equipment and wheel side equipment, and is arranged so that a portion of the wiring member passes through the steering rotation center axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when the wheels are rotated by steering, bending deformation of the wiring member for the suspension can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a wiring structure of an underbody wiring module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a lower support part according to a modified example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a wiring member according to a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a support member according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a support member according to another modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification regarding the routing position of the wiring member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] The undercarriage wiring module of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0012] (1) A wiring module for a suspension system includes a wiring member that connects a vehicle body-side device and a wheel-side device, and a support member that supports the wiring member so that the wiring member passes through the steering rotation central axis. In this case, the wiring member passes through the steering rotation central axis. Therefore, when the wheel rotates due to steering, fluctuations in the distance between the portion of the wiring member located on the steering rotation central axis and the wheel-side device are suppressed. As a result, bending deformation of the wiring member is suppressed when the wheel rotates due to steering.

[0013] (2) In the suspension wiring module of (1), the support member may support the wiring member so that at least a portion of the wiring member is aligned with the steering rotation central axis. In response to the rotation of the wheel due to steering, the portion of the wiring member that is aligned with the steering rotation central axis can twist, thereby suppressing bending deformation of the wiring member.

[0014] (3) In the wiring module for undercarriage of (1) or (2), the steering rotation center axis may pass through the smallest encompassing circle in the cross section of the wiring member in the portion of the wiring member that passes through the steering rotation center axis.

[0015] (4) In the suspension wiring module of any one of (1) to (3), the support member may include an upper support portion and a lower support portion provided at a position lower than the upper support portion, and the support member may support the wiring member between the upper support portion and the lower support portion so that a portion of the wiring member passes through the steering rotation central axis. The wiring member can be easily supported between the upper support portion and the lower support portion so that the wiring member is along the steering rotation central axis.

[0016] (5) In the suspension wiring module of (4), the lower support portion may support the wiring member in a state that allows rotation about the steering rotation central axis. In response to rotation of the wheel due to steering, a portion of the wiring member between the upper support portion and the lower support portion can easily undergo torsional deformation.

[0017] (6) In the wiring module for undercarriage according to (4) or (5), the upper support portion may support the wiring member in a state that restricts rotation about the central axis of steering rotation. This can prevent twisting of the wiring member from affecting the vehicle body. Furthermore, by using this in combination with the configuration of the wiring module for undercarriage according to (4), it is possible to increase the length of twisting deformation of the wiring member at the portion along the central axis of steering rotation.

[0018] The wiring of the underbody wiring module of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0019] (7) A wiring structure for a suspension wiring module, which includes a wiring member connecting a vehicle body-side device and a wheel-side device, and a portion of the wiring member is routed so as to pass through the steering rotation central axis. The wiring member is supported so as to pass through the steering rotation central axis. Therefore, when the wheel rotates due to steering, fluctuations in the distance between the portion of the wiring member located at the steering rotation central axis and the wheel-side device are suppressed. As a result, bending deformation of the wiring member is suppressed when the wheel rotates due to steering.

[0020] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the undercarriage wiring module and the wiring structure of the undercarriage wiring module 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 of the claims.

[0021] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an explanation will be given of an underbody wiring module and a wiring structure for the underbody wiring module according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a wiring structure 30 for an underbody wiring module 40. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 10 and passing through the central axis of the wheel 20. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 mainly shows the area around the wheel 20. Fig. 3 mainly shows the relationship between the steering rotation central axis X, the wiring member 50, and wheel-side equipment.

[0022] The undercarriage wiring module 40 includes a wiring member 50 and a support member 60. The wiring member 50 is a wiring member that connects the vehicle body side device 18 and the wheel side device 28. The wiring member 50 is routed along a path that connects the vehicle body side device 18 and the wheel side device 28. The support member 60 is a member that supports the wiring member 50 so that the wiring member 50 is routed along a predetermined path.

[0023] For convenience of explanation, the configuration of the target portion where the underbody wiring module 40 is routed will be described.

[0024] The vehicle body 10 in which a portion of the suspension wiring module 40 is routed is the body of an automobile. FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of the vehicle body 10 around the front wheels 20. It is assumed that the suspension wiring module 40 is for the wheels 20 that are steered by steering. For example, the wheels 20 are front wheels. Note that if the rear wheels are steered, the suspension wiring module may be used for the rear wheels.

[0025] The vehicle body 10 comprises a floor portion 12 and a body portion 14. The floor portion 12 is the portion that faces the ground. The body portion 14 is provided above the floor portion 12 and forms the exterior of the vehicle body 10. The vehicle body 10 may be a monocoque body in which a rigid frame and a body are integrated together, or may be configured in such a way that the body is mounted on a frame. In this embodiment, the direction in which the vehicle normally travels may be referred to as the front, and the opposite side may be referred to as the rear.

[0026] A wheel 20 is rotatably supported on a vehicle body 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the wheel 20 is rotatably supported within a fender apron 16. The suspension system may support the wheel 20 by any suspension system, such as an independent suspension system. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the wheel 20 is supported by a lower arm 32 and a damper 36. The suspension system shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a strut-type suspension system.

[0027] More specifically, the wheel 20 includes a wheel 22 and a tire 24. The wheel 22 is made of a metal such as iron or aluminum. The wheel 22 includes a disc portion 22a and a tire mounting portion 22b. The disc portion 22a is formed in a circular plate shape. The tire mounting portion 22b is an annular portion that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the periphery of the disc portion 22a. Annular rims protrude from both side edges of the tire mounting portion 22b. A tire 24 made of an elastic material such as rubber is mounted on the outer periphery of the tire mounting portion 22b.

[0028] A wheel-side device 28 is provided on the wheel 20. Here, the description will be made assuming that the wheel-side device 28 is an in-wheel motor. The in-wheel motor is a driving motor that is incorporated into the wheel 20 and rotates the wheel 20. Here, with the wheel-side device 28 disposed in the tire mounting portion 22b, a shaft 28a of the wheel-side device (in-wheel motor) 28 is connected to the center portion of the disc portion 22a. In this way, the wheel-side device 28 is integrally incorporated into the wheel 20.

[0029] An upper knuckle portion 25 and a lower knuckle portion 26 are attached to the wheel-side device 28. The upper knuckle portion 25 extends inward in the vehicle width direction from an upper portion of the wheel-side device 28. The lower knuckle portion 26 extends inward in the vehicle width direction from a lower portion of the wheel-side device 28. An arm portion 26a that receives steering force protrudes from the lower knuckle portion 26. In this case, the arm portion 26a extends rearward from the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the lower knuckle portion 26. If the wheel-side device 28 is not an in-wheel motor, the upper knuckle portion 25 and the lower knuckle portion 26 may extend inward in the vehicle width direction from a bearing portion that rotatably supports the wheel 20.

[0030] The lower arm 32 is a member formed from metal or the like. The base end of the lower arm 32 is supported swingably relative to the floor portion 12 at a position inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the wheel 20. The axis around which the base end of the lower arm 32 swings is along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 10. The base end of the lower arm may be supported swingably on the floor portion at an angle diagonally forward, inward, diagonally rearward, or rearward relative to the wheel. In these cases, the rotation axis around which the lower arm swings may be along the left-right direction of the vehicle body, along the fore-and-aft direction, or along a direction oblique to both the left-right direction and the fore-and-aft direction.

[0031] The tip of the lower arm 32 extends from the floor portion 12 toward the inside of the fender apron 16 (here, toward the outside in the vehicle width direction). A bearing 33 is provided at the tip of the lower arm 32. The lower knuckle 26 is rotatably supported at the tip of the lower arm 32 via the bearing 33. The rotation axis defined by the bearing 33 is the steering rotation center axis X about which the wheel 20 rotates within the fender apron 16.

[0032] A spring 35 and a damper 36 are provided between the upper knuckle portion 25 and the vehicle body 10. More specifically, the upper end of the damper 36 is supported on the vehicle body 10 above the wheel 20. The upper knuckle portion 25 is rotatably supported on the lower end of the damper 36 via a bearing portion 37. The rotation axis defined by the bearing portion 37 is the steering rotation center axis X about which the wheel 20 rotates within the fender apron 16.

[0033] As described above, the base end of the lower arm 32 is supported so as to be able to swing relative to the floor portion 12, and therefore the lower arm 32 supports the wheel 20 so as to be able to move up and down within the fender apron 16. With the direction of movement of the wheel 20 restricted by the lower arm 32, the damper 36 is interposed between the upper knuckle portion 25 and the vehicle body 10. The damper 36 and the spring 35 attached to the damper 36 absorb shocks caused by unevenness in the road surface during driving.

[0034] In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the bearing 33 and the rotation axis of the bearing 37 are positioned on the steering rotation central axis X of the wheel 20. The central axis of the damper 36 is also positioned on the steering rotation central axis X of the wheel 20. However, the central axis of the damper does not need to coincide with the steering rotation central axis X.

[0035] A tie rod 38 is connected to the tip of the arm portion 26a. When the steering wheel 19 is rotated by the driver's steering, the rotational motion is transmitted to the tie rod 38 as a movement in the vehicle width direction via the steering shaft 19a and a transmission mechanism 19b, such as a rack-and-pinion mechanism. When the tie rod 38 moves in the vehicle width direction, the lower knuckle portion 26 can rotate about the rotation axis of the bearing portion 33 (i.e., the steering rotation center axis X). This allows the wheels 20 to rotate about the steering rotation center axis X by steering. The rotation of the wheels 20 about the steering rotation center axis X changes the traveling direction of the vehicle body 10. In other words, the steering rotation center axis X may be the central axis about which the wheels 20 rotate when the steering wheel 19 is operated. The steering rotation center axis X may be understood to be an axis closer to the direction of gravity than the horizontal direction. The steering rotation center axis X may be understood to be the central axis about which the wheels 20 rotate to change the traveling direction of the vehicle body 10.

[0036] A vehicle-body-side device 18 is provided on the vehicle body 10 side, and a wheel-side device 28 is provided on the wheel 20 side. The wheel-side device 28 is incorporated into the wheel 20 and rotates around the steering rotation central axis X together with the wheel 20 relative to the vehicle body 10. As described above, if the wheel-side device 28 is assumed to be an in-wheel motor, the vehicle-body-side device 18 is assumed to be a drive unit that drives the in-wheel motor. For example, if the in-wheel motor is a three-phase induction motor, the vehicle-body-side device 18 is assumed to be an inverter unit that provides three-phase AC of U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase for driving the in-wheel motor. The vehicle-body-side device 18 is provided on the vehicle body 10, and is a device that does not rotate even when the wheel 20 rotates around the steering rotation central axis X.

[0037] The wheel-side device 28 does not necessarily have to be an in-wheel motor. Instead of or in addition to an in-wheel motor, the wheel-side device 28 may be a sensor, an electric brake, or the like. For example, the sensor may be a sensor that detects the rotation speed of the wheel, or a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the in-wheel motor, or the like. The wheel-side device 28 may be an electric brake that includes a motor or the like and brakes the rotation of the wheel 20 using electricity as power. The electric brake may be an electric parking brake used when parking the vehicle, or a brake used when driving the vehicle. The body-side device 18 may be any device that transmits and receives signals to and supplies power to the wheel-side device 28. For example, the body-side device 18 may include a function as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that receives signals from a sensor and controls the electric brake. The body-side device 18 may be provided inside or outside the vehicle body 10. In this example, the body-side device 18 is provided inside the vehicle body 10.

[0038] The wiring member 50 includes at least one transmission medium for transmitting electricity or light. One end of the wiring member 50 is connected to the vehicle-body device 18. The other end of the wiring member 50 is connected to the wheel-side device 28. Here, the wiring member 50 includes at least one electrical conductor. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the wiring member 50 includes a power line 52 and a signal line 53. The power line 52 is an electric wire having a core wire 52a and a coating 52b formed around the core wire 52a. The power line 52 is, for example, a power line that supplies three-phase AC to the in-wheel motor, and three power lines 52 are shown in FIG. 3. The signal line 53 is an electric wire having a core wire 53a and a coating 53b formed around the core wire 53a. The signal line 53 is a line that transmits a signal, for example, a signal line for a sensor or control, and two signal lines 53 are shown in FIG. 3. The wiring member 50 may include an optical fiber cable instead of or in addition to the electric conductor.

[0039] A plurality of electric wires (here, power wires 52 and signal wires 53) are bundled together. The power wires 52 and signal wires 53 may be bundled together in any manner. For example, the power wires 52 and signal wires 53 may be bundled together by a protective member 54. The protective member 54 may be, for example, a corrugated tube, a spirally wound adhesive tape, a sheath extrusion-coated to cover the power wires 52 and the signal wires 53, or a resin or metal tube. The power wires 52 and the signal wires 53 do not need to be bundled together by the protective member 54 or the like over their entire longitudinal lengths. For example, the protective member 54 may be omitted, and the power wires 52 and the signal wires 53 may be bundled together by a bracket that supports the wiring member 50 in a fixed position. The bracket here may be a support member 60.

[0040] Some or all of the multiple electrical conductors may be combined into one by an extrusion-coated covering portion. For example, a cable may be configured in which multiple core wires for power supply are combined into one by an extrusion-coated covering portion.

[0041] The external shape of the cross section of the wiring member 50 may be any shape. In Fig. 3, a plurality of power supply lines 52 and signal lines 53 are covered with a protective member 54, and an example in which the external shape of the cross section of the wiring member 50 is circular is shown. The external shape of the cross section of the wiring member 50 may be elliptical, rectangular, or the like. Note that the cross section is a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the wiring member 50.

[0042] One end of the wiring member 50 may be connected to the vehicle-body side device 18 via a connector. The wiring member 50 may be directly drawn out from the vehicle-body side device 18. One end of the wiring member 50 may be connected to the vehicle-body side device 18 via another wiring member.

[0043] The other end of the wiring member 50 may be connected to the wheel-side device 28 via a connector 51. The other end of the wiring member 50 may be directly connected to the wheel-side device 28 without a connector. At the other end of the wiring member 50, multiple electric wires may branch out and be connected to different locations.

[0044] The wiring member 50 is routed so as to pass through the steering rotation center axis X. Here, the support member 60 supports the wiring member 50 so that the wiring member 50 passes through the steering rotation center axis X. Here, the wiring member 50 passing through the steering rotation center axis X means that the wiring member 50 is in a positional relationship such that the steering rotation center axis X passes through a minimum inclusive circle C in any cross section of the wiring member 50 in the longitudinal direction. Note that the minimum inclusive circle C is the smallest circle that can include a portion of the wiring member 50 that appears in the cross section. For example, if the cross section of the wiring member 50 is circular, the outline circle of the wiring member 50 that appears in the cross section is the minimum inclusive circle C. Furthermore, the steering rotation center axis X passing through the minimum inclusive circle C includes the case where the steering rotation center axis X passes through the boundary line of the minimum inclusive circle.

[0045] It is sufficient that the steering rotation central axis X passes through the smallest including circle C, and therefore, when the wiring member 50 passes through the steering rotation central axis X, this includes a case where the wiring member 50 intersects with the steering rotation central axis X and a case where a part of the wiring member 50 is aligned with the steering rotation central axis X. FIG. 1 shows an example in which a part 50a of the wiring member 50 is aligned with the steering rotation central axis X. Because it is sufficient that the steering rotation central axis X passes through the smallest including circle C, it is not necessary for the central axis of the wiring member 50 and the steering rotation central axis X to coincide with each other in the part of the wiring member 50 that is aligned with the steering rotation central axis X.

[0046] In other words, the wiring member 50 may be positioned such that the steering rotation center axis X passes through the smallest encompassing circle C in the cross section of the wiring member 50 in the portion that passes through (intersects with) the steering rotation center axis X or in the portion that is along the steering rotation center axis X.

[0047] In order to suppress bending deformation of the wiring member 50, it is preferable to make the length of the portion of the wiring member 50 along the steering rotation central axis X long.

[0048] Furthermore, the statement that the support member 60 supports the wiring member 50 so that the wiring member 50 passes through the steering rotation central axis X includes both a case where the wiring member 50 can move along its extension direction while passing through the steering rotation central axis X, and a case where the wiring member 50 cannot move.

[0049] The support member 60 may be configured to support the wiring member 50 in the above-described routing configuration, and the configuration is not particularly limited. The support member may be a single support member or may include multiple support portions. The support member may be supported on the vehicle body 10 side or on the wheel 20 side. Here, "supporting the support member on the vehicle body 10 side" means that the support member is supported on a portion that does not rotate when the wheel 20 rotates around the steering rotation central axis X. For example, this is the case when the support member is supported on the damper 36 or the lower arm 32. Furthermore, "supporting the support member 60 on the wheel 20 side" means that the support member is supported on a portion that rotates in response to the rotation of the wheel 20 around the steering rotation central axis X. For example, this is the case when the support member is supported on the upper knuckle portion 25 or the lower knuckle portion 26.

[0050] In this embodiment, the support member 60 includes an upper support portion 62 and a lower support portion 64. The lower support portion 64 is provided below the upper support portion 62. The wiring member 50 is supported by the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64, so that the wiring member 50 passes through the steering rotation central axis X between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64.

[0051] More specifically, an upper support portion 62 and a lower support portion 64 are provided between the tip end of the upper knuckle portion 25 and the tip end of the lower knuckle portion 26. The tip end of the upper knuckle portion 25, the upper support portion 62, the lower support portion 64, and the tip end of the lower knuckle portion 26 are aligned in this order from top to bottom along the steering rotation central axis X with a gap between them. The upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 are supported relative to the tip end of the damper 36 by an extended support portion 61. The extended support portion 61 extends from the lower end of the damper 36, bypassing the tip end of the upper knuckle portion 25 and facing downward in a position parallel to the steering rotation central axis X. The extended support portion 61 may be fixed to the damper 36 by welding, screwing, or the like. The tip end of the extended support portion 61 reaches a position shorter than the tip end of the lower knuckle portion 26. The upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 are supported by the damper 36 via the extension support portion 61, and therefore do not follow the rotation of the wheel 20 around the steering rotation central axis X. Therefore, the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 are supported on the vehicle body 10 side.

[0052] The upper support portion 62 is supported at an intermediate portion of the extension support portion 61 in the extension direction. The upper support portion 62 may be formed integrally with the extension support portion 61, or may be fixed to the extension support portion 61 by welding, screwing, or the like. The upper support portion 62 is provided at a position spaced downward from the tip of the upper knuckle portion 25 along the steering rotation central axis X. In this position, the upper support portion 62 supports a portion of the wiring member 50 at a position on the steering rotation central axis X. The upper support portion 62 may be configured to support a portion of the wiring member 50 at a fixed position. For example, the upper support portion 62 may be an annular member having a hole through which the wiring member 50 is inserted. The upper support portion 62 may be configured to be screwed in place with a pair of clamping pieces clamping a portion of the wiring member 50. The upper support portion 62 may be configured to have a crimping piece that is crimped to a portion of the wiring member 50. The upper support portion 62 may support a portion of the wiring member 50 in a state in which rotation about the steering rotation central axis X is restricted. Here, restricting the rotation of a portion of the wiring member 50 by the upper support portion 62 refers to a state in which the upper support portion 62 restricts the rotation of the wiring member 50 more than the lower support portion 64. Therefore, the upper support portion 62 may support a portion of the wiring member 50 in a range in which it is mechanically difficult to rotate due to the action of frictional force or the like, or in a state in which the rotation range is narrower, compared to the lower support portion 64. As exemplified in this embodiment, the upper support portion 62 may support a portion of the wiring member 50 in a state in which rotation about the steering rotation central axis X is stopped.

[0053] The lower support portion 64 is supported by the tip end portion of the extended support portion 61. The lower support portion 64 may be formed integrally with the extended support portion 61, or may be fixed to the extended support portion 61 by welding, screwing, or the like. The lower support portion 64 is provided at a position spaced downward from the upper support portion 62 along the steering rotation central axis X and spaced upward from the tip end portion of the lower knuckle portion 26. In this position, the lower support portion 64 supports a portion of the wiring member 50 at a position on the steering rotation central axis X. The lower support portion 64 may be configured to support a portion of the wiring member 50 at a fixed position. For example, the lower support portion 64 may have a configuration similar to that of the upper support portion 62.

[0054] The lower support portion 64 may be configured to support the wiring member 50 in a state that allows rotation about the steering rotation central axis X. For example, FIG. 3 shows an example in which the lower support portion 64 is formed in an annular shape, and the inner diameter of the lower support portion 64 is larger than the smallest encompassing circle in the cross section of the other part of the wiring member 50. When the wiring member 50 is inserted into the lower support portion 64, a gap is formed between the wiring member 50 and the inner periphery of the lower support portion 64. Therefore, the wiring member 50 can rotate within the lower support portion 64.

[0055] The wiring member 50 extends from the vehicle-body-side device 18 within the vehicle body 10, passes through the fender apron 16, and is guided toward the tip of the upper knuckle portion 25. The wiring member 50 passes between the tip of the upper knuckle portion 25 and the upper support portion 62, and is supported by the upper support portion 62 on the steering rotation central axis X. The wiring member 50 is further guided toward the lower support portion 64, and is supported by the lower support portion 64 on the steering rotation central axis X. A portion of the wiring member 50 between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 is supported along the steering rotation central axis X. The wiring member 50 also extends between the lower support portion 64 and the tip of the lower knuckle portion 26 toward the wheel-side device 28, and is connected to the wheel-side device 28 via a connector 51.

[0056] If the lower support portion 64 rotatably supports the wiring member 50, the twist of the wiring member 50 caused by the rotation of the wheel 20 about the steering rotation central axis X can be transmitted between the lower support portion 64 and the upper support portion 62 of the wiring member 50. Furthermore, if the upper support portion 62 supports the wiring member 50 non-rotatably, the twist of the wiring member 50 is less likely to be transmitted to the part of the wiring member 50 that is closer to the vehicle body 10 than the upper support portion 62.

[0057] According to the thus configured undercarriage wiring module 40 and the wiring structure 30 for the undercarriage wiring module, at least a portion of the wiring member 50 is supported by the steering rotation central axis X. Therefore, when the wheel 20 rotates due to steering, fluctuations in the distance between the portion of the wiring member 50 located on the steering rotation central axis X and the wheel-side device 28 are suppressed. As a result, when the wheel 20 rotates due to steering, bending deformation of the wiring member 50 is suppressed.

[0058] This will be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 3. In Fig. 3, the wheel-side device 28 and the wiring member 50 extending toward the wheel-side device 28 are indicated by solid lines when the vehicle body is kept straight, and the wheel-side device 28 and the wiring member 50 extending toward the wheel-side device 28 are indicated by chain double-dashed lines when the vehicle body is turning left or right. As shown in Fig. 3, when the wheel 20 rotates about the steering rotation central axis X, the wheel-side device 28 to which the wiring member 50 is connected rotates about the steering rotation central axis X. Therefore, the distance between the steering rotation central axis X and the wheel-side device 28 is kept as constant as possible. Because the wiring member 50 is connected to the wheel-side device 28 via the steering rotation central axis X, the portion of the wiring member 50 extending from the steering rotation central axis X to the wheel-side device 28 is kept as constant as possible in length L, even when the wheel 20 rotates about the steering rotation central axis X. Therefore, when the wheel 20 is rotated by steering, a force that stretches or contracts the wiring member 50 is unlikely to act, and bending deformation of the wiring member 50 is suppressed.

[0059] As a result of suppressing bending deformation of the wiring member 50, the life of the wiring member 50 is further extended.

[0060] Furthermore, since bending deformation of the wiring member 50 is suppressed, there is no need to ensure space around the wiring member 50 in consideration of bending deformation. This makes it possible to minimize the space required for routing the wiring member 50.

[0061] Furthermore, since bending deformation of the wiring member 50 is suppressed, the wiring member 50 is less likely to bend and deform and come into contact with surrounding components, and it is possible to reduce the number of locations where protective members for the wiring member 50 are provided. This allows the wiring member 50 to be made smaller.

[0062] Furthermore, since bending deformation of the wiring member 50 is suppressed, it is possible to reduce the number of fixing points of the wiring member 50. This makes it easier to install the wiring member 50 and also makes it easier to design for securing fixing points.

[0063] Furthermore, if at least a portion of the wiring member 50 is aligned along the steering rotation central axis X, the portion of the wiring member 50 that is aligned along the steering rotation central axis X can twist in accordance with the rotation of the wheel 20 about the steering rotation central axis X. This distributes deformation caused by the rotation of the wheel 20 about the steering rotation central axis X over a wide area, further extending the life of the wiring member 50.

[0064] As a specific example, it is preferable that the wiring member 50 be aligned along the steering rotation central axis X between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64. This makes it possible to easily support the wiring member 50 so that a portion of the wiring member 50 is aligned along the steering rotation central axis X.

[0065] In order for the wiring member 50 to undergo torsional deformation between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64, it is preferable that the torsion caused by the rotation of the wheel 20 about the steering rotation central axis X is transmitted to a portion of the wiring member 50 above the portion of the wiring member 50 supported by the lower support portion 64. For example, as described above, the lower support portion 64 may be configured to support the wiring member 50 in a state that allows rotation about the steering rotation central axis X. This allows the portion of the wiring member 50 between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 to easily undergo torsional deformation in response to the rotation of the wheel 20 caused by steering.

[0066] Furthermore, the support member 60 may support the wiring member 50 so that twisting of the wiring member 50 is not transmitted to the vehicle body 10 side from the point supported by the support member 60. For example, as in the above embodiment, the upper support portion 62 may be supported on the vehicle body 10 side, such as at the tip of the damper 36, and the upper support portion 62 may support the wiring member 50 so that it cannot rotate.

[0067] As in the present embodiment, if the upper support portion 62 supports the wiring member 50 in a state in which rotation about the steering rotation central axis X is restricted, it is possible to prevent twisting of the wiring member 50 from affecting the vehicle body. Furthermore, in combination with the configuration in which the lower support portion 64 rotatably supports the wiring member 50, it is possible to increase the length of the wiring member 50 that can be twisted along the steering rotation central axis X.

[0068] [Variations] Various modifications will be described with reference to the above embodiment.

[0069] Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a lower support part 164 according to a modified example. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to that taken along line III-III in Fig. 1. The lower support part 164 corresponds to the lower support part 64, and supports the wiring member 50 below the upper support part 62.

[0070] The lower support portion 164 includes an outer main body portion 164a and an inner rotation support portion 164b. The outer main body portion 164a is supported on the damper 36 by the extension support portion 61. Therefore, the outer main body portion 164a is a portion that does not rotate even when the wheel 20 rotates around the steering rotation center axis X. The inner rotation support portion 164b is rotatably supported relative to the outer main body portion 164a. Various bearing structures, such as a rolling bearing or a fluid bearing, may be employed for the lower support portion 164. The inner rotation support portion 164b may support the wiring member 50 in a state that allows rotation, or may support the wiring member 50 in a state that prevents rotation. In the latter case, when the wiring member 50 twists, the inner rotation support portion 164b rotates relative to the outer main body portion 164a, so that friction, etc., is less likely to occur between the wiring member 50 and the inner rotation support portion 164b.

[0071] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified wiring member 250. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG.

[0072] Similar to the wiring member 50, the wiring member 250 includes a plurality of (three in this case) power lines 52 and a plurality of (two in this case) signal lines 53. The plurality of power lines 52 are arranged in a state of being flat and strip-shaped. The plurality of signal lines 53 are disposed on one side of the plurality of flat power lines 52. The plurality of power lines 52 and the plurality of signal lines 53 are bundled together by a protective member 254 so that the plurality of power lines 52 form a flat strip-shaped configuration.

[0073] As described above, like protective member 54, protective member 254 may be a corrugated tube, a spirally wound adhesive tape, a sheath extrusion-coated to cover power line 52 and signal line 53, or a resin tube. Power line 52 and signal line 53 may also be bundled together by a bracket that supports wiring member 50 at a fixed position. For example, multiple core wires 52a in multiple power lines 52 may be covered with a common resin and configured as a single wiring member.

[0074] In this way, the wiring member 250 may have a flat shape that is flat in one direction.

[0075] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified support member 360. In this modified example, the support member 360 has an extended support portion 361 corresponding to the extended support portion 61 supporting the upper support portion 62, but not supporting the lower support portion 64.

[0076] The lower support portion 64 is supported by the lower knuckle portion 26. That is, an extended support portion 363 is provided so as to extend upward from the tip of the lower knuckle portion 26 along the steering rotation central axis X. The lower support portion 64 is supported by the tip of the extended support portion 361. The extended support portion 361 may be welded to the lower knuckle portion 26 and the lower support portion 64, may be screwed to them, or may be formed integrally with them.

[0077] In this modified example, the lower support portion 64 is supported by the lower knuckle portion 26 via the extended support portion 363. Therefore, when the wheel rotates about the steering rotation central axis X, the lower support portion 64 also rotates about the steering rotation central axis X. Therefore, even if the lower support portion 64 supports the wiring member 50 non-rotatably, similar to the support configuration by the upper support portion 62, the wiring member 50 can twist between the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64.

[0078] In this case, it is sufficient that the lower support portion 64 is supported on the wheel 20 side. For example, the lower support portion 64 may be supported on the wheel-side device 28 or the like via another supporting member. In other words, the lower support portion 64 may be directly or indirectly supported on a portion that rotates about the steering rotation central axis X but does not rotate about the running rotation axis.

[0079] It is not essential that the support member 60 include the upper support portion 62 and the lower support portion 64 .

[0080] 7, for example, the lower support portion 64 may be omitted. That is, in this modification, the support member 460 has a configuration in which the lower support portion 64 in the above embodiment is omitted. In this case, the wiring member 50 extends from the support member 460 toward the wheel-side device 28 and is connected to the wheel-side device 28.

[0081] In this modification, when the wheel 20 is rotated by steering, fluctuation in the distance between the portion of the wiring member 50 that is supported on the steering rotation central axis X by the support member 460 and the wheel-side device 28 is suppressed. This suppresses bending deformation of the wiring member 50 when the wheel 20 is rotated by steering.

[0082] 8, a portion of the wiring member 50 that is connected to the wheel-side device 28 and supported at a fixed position may be located on the steering rotation central axis X. In this case, a base end of a connector 51 that is connected to the wheel-side device 28 is located on the steering rotation central axis X. A portion of the wiring member 50 that enters the base end of the connector 51 is the portion of the wiring member 50 that is connected to the wheel-side device 28 and supported at a fixed position. The wiring member 50 may be introduced directly into the wheel-side device 28 without using a connector. In this case, the portion of the wiring member 50 that is introduced into the wheel-side device 28 is the portion that is connected to the wheel-side device 28 and supported at a fixed position. Such an arrangement position of the wiring member 50 may be realized by changing the shape of the wheel-side device 28, changing the position setting of the steering rotation central axis X with respect to the wheel 20, or the like.

[0083] According to this example, the wiring member 50 can reach the base end of the connector 51 from the support member 460 along the steering rotation central axis X. Therefore, twisting of the wiring member 50 caused by rotation of the wheel 20 about the steering rotation central axis X is dispersed to the portion of the wiring member 50 along the steering rotation central axis X. This enables the wiring member 50 to have a further longer life.

[0084] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10. Body 12th floor 14 Body part 16 Fender apron 18 Vehicle body equipment 19. Steering Wheel 19a Steering shaft 19b Transmission mechanism 20 wheels 22 wheels 22a Disc section 22b Tire mounting section 24 Tires 25 Upper knuckle 26 Lower knuckle 26a Arm section 28 Wheel side equipment 28a shaft 30 Wiring structure 32 Lower arm 33 Bearing section 35 spring 36 Damper 37 Bearing section 38 tie rod 40 Undercarriage wiring module 50 Wiring materials 50a part 51 Connector 52 Power line 52a core wire 52b Covering 53 Signal line 53a core wire 53b Covering 54 Protective material 60 Support member 61 Extension support part 62 Upper support part 64 Lower support part 164 Lower support part 164a Outer body part 164b Inner rotation support 250 Wiring materials 254 Protective materials 360 Support member 361 Extension support part 363 Extension support part 460 Support member C minimum enclosing circle L fixed length X Steering rotation center axis

Claims

1. a wiring member connecting the vehicle body side device and the wheel side device; a support member that supports the wiring member so that the wiring member passes through a steering rotation central axis; Equipped with the support member includes an upper support portion and a lower support portion provided at a position lower than the upper support portion, The upper support portion and the lower support portion are supported on the vehicle body side in relation to the vehicle body and wheels.

2. The undercarriage wiring module according to claim 1, The support member supports the wiring member so that at least a portion of the wiring member is aligned with the steering rotation central axis.

3. 3. The undercarriage wiring module according to claim 1, A wiring module for undercarriage, wherein the steering rotation central axis passes through a smallest encompassing circle in a cross section of the wiring member at a portion of the wiring member that passes through the steering rotation central axis.

4. The undercarriage wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The support member supports the wiring member between the upper support portion and the lower support portion so that a portion of the wiring member passes through a steering rotation central axis.

5. The undercarriage wiring module according to claim 4, The lower support portion supports the wiring member in a state allowing rotation about the steering rotation central axis.

6. a wiring member connecting the vehicle body side device and the wheel side device; a support member that supports the wiring member so that the wiring member passes through a steering rotation central axis; Equipped with the support member includes an upper support portion and a lower support portion provided at a position lower than the upper support portion, the support member supports the wiring member between the upper support portion and the lower support portion such that a portion of the wiring member passes through a steering rotation central axis, the lower support portion supports the wiring member in a state allowing rotation about the steering rotation central axis, the upper support portion supports the wiring member in a state in which rotation about the steering rotation central axis is restricted, The wiring member is connected from the vehicle body side device to the upper support portion and further to the wheel side device via the lower support portion, in an undercarriage wiring module.

7. a wiring member for connecting the vehicle body side device and the wheel side device; A wiring structure for a suspension wiring module, in which a portion of the wiring member includes an upper support portion and a lower support portion provided at a position lower than the upper support portion, and the upper support portion and the lower support portion are arranged so as to pass through the steering rotation center axis by a support member supported on the vehicle body side in relation to the vehicle body and the wheel.

8. a wiring member for connecting the vehicle body side device and the wheel side device; an upper support target portion of the wiring member is supported at an upper support position in a state where rotation about the steering rotation central axis is restricted, and a lower support target portion of the wiring member is supported at a lower support position below the upper support position in a state where rotation about the steering rotation central axis is permitted, so that a part of the wiring member is routed along the steering rotation central axis, The wiring member is connected from the vehicle body side device to the wheel side device via the upper support position and further via the lower support position, in the wiring structure for an underbody wiring module.

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