Leg wiring module

Abstract

To simplify the behavior of an underbody wiring member.SOLUTION: The chassis wiring module 40 includes the wiring member 50 that connects the vehicle body-side device 18 and the wheel-side device 28, and a part of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction is fixed in a rotation stopped state at the rotation stop and fixing position P on the steering rotation center axis X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an 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] The undercarriage wiring member is deformed by steering and vertical movement of the tire, and it is desirable to simplify the behavior of the undercarriage wiring member as much as possible.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to simplify the behavior of an underbody wiring member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The wiring module for suspension of the present disclosure is a wiring module for suspension that includes a wiring member that connects vehicle body side equipment and wheel side equipment, and a portion of the extension direction of the wiring member is fixed in a rotation-preventing state at a rotation-preventing fixing point on the steering rotation center axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the behavior of the underbody wiring member can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an underbody wiring module. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an underbody wiring module according to a first modified example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an underbody wiring module according to a second modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an underbody wiring module according to a third modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an underbody wiring module according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an underbody wiring module according to a fifth 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 undercarriage wiring module of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0011] (1) A wiring module for suspension that includes a wiring member that connects vehicle body side equipment and wheel side equipment, and a portion of the extension direction of the wiring member is fixed in a rotation-preventing state at a rotation-preventing fixing point on the steering rotation center axis.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, deformation of the wiring member caused by steering occurs mainly on the wheel-side device side of the rotation stop fixing point and is less likely to occur on the vehicle-body-side device side of the rotation stop fixing point. Therefore, the behavior of the suspension wiring member can be simplified with the rotation stop fixing point as the boundary.

[0013] (2) In the suspension wiring module of (1), the wiring member may be fixed at a position different from an extension line of the damper. This simplifies the behavior of the suspension wiring member in a configuration in which the extension line of the damper and the steering rotation center axis are located at different positions.

[0014] (3) In the wiring module for undercarriage according to (1) or (2), the wiring member may include a first linear transmission member and a second linear transmission member, and the length of the first linear transmission member from the rotation stop fixing point to the wheel-side device may be the same as the length of the second linear transmission member from the rotation stop fixing point to the wheel-side device. This makes it possible to suppress variation in behavior between the first linear transmission member and the second linear transmission member.

[0015] (4) In the suspension wiring module of any one of (1) to (3), the wiring member may be fixed at the rotation-preventing fixing location by a fixing member fixed to at least one of the damper, the upper arm, and the lower arm. This makes it easy to fix the wiring member in a rotation-preventing state.

[0016] (5) In a wiring module for an undercarriage according to any one of (1) to (4), the wiring member may be fixed at the rotation prevention fixing point so that the angle of the extension direction of the wiring member relative to the steering rotation center axis is within the range of ±30°.

[0017] This makes it easier for torsional deformation to occur in the portion of the wiring member closer to the wheel than the rotation prevention fixing portion.

[0018] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples 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.

[0019] [Embodiment] The following describes an underbody wiring module according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an underbody wiring module 40. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a plane perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 10 and passing through the central axis of the wheel 20. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 mainly shows the area around the wheel 20. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 mainly shows the relationship between the steering rotation central axis X, the wiring member 50, and the wheel-side device 28. In each drawing, for ease of explanation, arrows are used to indicate the fore-and-aft, up-down, and inside-outside directions. The traveling direction when the vehicle is normally traveling is the front, and the opposite side is the rear. Up-down refers to the up-down direction in the direction of gravity. The inside is the center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, and the outside is the outside of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction.

[0020] The undercarriage wiring module 40 includes a wiring member 50. The undercarriage wiring module 40 may include a fixing 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 arranged along a wiring path that connects the vehicle body side device 18 and the wheel side device 28. The fixing member 60 is a member that fixes a part of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction so that the wiring member 50 is routed along the wiring path.

[0021] An example of a vehicle body 10 to which the suspension wiring module 40 is to be assembled will be described. The vehicle body 10 is the body of a four-wheeled 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.

[0022] The vehicle body 10 comprises a floor portion 12 and a body portion 14. The floor portion 12 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 the body is integrated with a rigid frame, or may be configured with the body mounted on the frame.

[0023] 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 an upper arm 34. The suspension system shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a double wishbone suspension.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 are members formed of metal or the like. The base ends of the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 are positioned vertically apart within the fender apron 16. The base ends of the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 are supported to be swingable relative to the vehicle body 10. The axis around which the base ends of the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 swing is along the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 10. The base ends of the lower arm and the upper arm may be supported to be swingable on the floor portion at a position diagonally forward, inward, diagonally rearward, or rearward relative to the wheels. In these cases, the rotation axis around which the lower arm and the upper arm swing 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.

[0028] The distal ends of the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 extend outward in the vehicle width direction within the fender apron 16. A bearing 33 is provided at the distal end of the lower arm 32. A bearing 35 is provided at the distal end of the upper arm 34. The bearings 33, 35 may be ball joints.

[0029] The lower knuckle portion 26 is rotatably supported on the tip of the lower arm 32 via a bearing portion 33. The upper knuckle portion 25 is rotatably supported on the tip of the upper arm 34 via a bearing portion 35. The bearing portion 35 is located above the bearing portion 33. The wheel 20 can rotate so as to sway left and right about a rotation axis that passes through the bearing portions 33 and 35. The rotation axis that passes through the bearing portions 33 and 35 is the steering rotation center axis X about which the wheel 20 rotates within the fender apron 16.

[0030] A spring 36 and a damper 37 are provided between the lower arm 32 and the vehicle body 10. More specifically, the upper end of the damper 37 is supported on the vehicle body 10 above the wheel 20. An opening is formed in the upper arm 34 through which the damper 37 can pass. The damper 37 reaches the lower arm 32 through the opening formed in the upper arm 34. The lower end of the damper 37 is rotatably connected to the lower arm 32. The rotation axis of the damper 37 relative to the lower arm 32 is along the front-to-rear direction.

[0031] As described above, the base ends of the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 are supported swingably relative to the vehicle body 10, and the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 support the wheel 20 so that the wheel 20 can move up and down within the fender apron 16. With the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 restricting the front-to-rear and left-to-right movement of the wheel 20, the damper 37 is interposed between the lower arm 32 and the vehicle body 10. When the wheel 20 moves up and down due to unevenness in the road surface, the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 swing up and down (see arrow R in FIG. 1 ). In response to the swinging movement of the lower arm 32, the damper 37 expands and contracts while changing its angle with respect to the lower arm 32. At this time, the expansion and contraction of the damper 37 and the spring 36 attached to the damper 37 absorbs impacts caused by unevenness in the road surface during driving.

[0032] In this embodiment, the steering rotation central axis X defined by the bearings 33 and 35 is located at a position different from an extension line Q of the damper 37. Note that, as will be described later, the extension line of the damper may coincide with the steering rotation central axis X.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The wheel-side device 28 may be a device in which an in-wheel motor and an inverter unit that drives the in-wheel motor are integrated together. In this case, the vehicle-body-side device 18 may be a power supply that supplies direct current to the inverter.

[0036] The wheel-side device 28 does not necessarily have to be an in-wheel motor. It is assumed that the wheel-side device 28 includes a sensor, an electric brake, or the like instead of or in addition to an in-wheel motor. 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.

[0037] The wheel-side device 28 may be a device including an ECU. For example, the ECU may control an inverter unit or an electric brake.

[0038] The wiring member 50 includes at least one linear transmission member that transmits 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 electric conductor. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the wiring member 50 includes a power line as an electric wire 52. The electric wire 52 is an electric wire having a core wire 52a and a coating 52b formed around the core wire 52a. The electric wire 52 is, for example, a power line that supplies three-phase AC to the in-wheel motor, and three electric wires 52 are shown in FIG. 3. The wiring member 50 may include a signal line that transmits a signal. For example, the wiring member may include a signal line for a sensor or a control. The signal line may be a coated electric wire or an optical fiber cable.

[0039] A plurality of electric wires 52 (three in this example) are bundled together. The plurality of electric wires 52 may be bundled together in any manner. For example, the plurality of electric wires 52 may be bundled together by a bracket that supports the wiring member 50 in a fixed position. The bracket here may be a fixing member 60.

[0040] The plurality of electric wires 52 may be bundled together by a protective member. The protective member may be, for example, a corrugated tube, a spirally wound adhesive tape, a sheath extrusion-coated to cover the plurality of electric wires 52, or a resin or metal tube.

[0041] The external shape of the cross section of the wiring member 50 may be any shape. In FIG. 3, the wiring member 50 has a cross section in which a plurality of electric wires 52 are gathered together so as to be in contact with each other. When the wiring member 50 is covered with a protective member, the wiring member 50 may have a cross section having a circular external shape. The external shape of the cross section of the wiring member 50 may be an ellipse, a rectangle, or the like. 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] A part of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction is fixed at a rotation-preventing fixed point P on the steering rotation central axis X in a state where it is prevented from rotating.

[0045] Here, "a portion of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction being fixed at a rotation-preventing fixing point P on the steering rotation central axis X" means that a portion of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction is supported at the rotation-preventing fixing point P at a fixed position or within a fixed area with respect to the steering rotation central axis X so that the steering rotation central axis X is maintained in a positional relationship such that the steering rotation central axis X passes through a minimum inclusive circle C in the cross section of the wiring member 50. The minimum inclusive circle C is the smallest circle that can include the portion of the wiring member 50 that appears in the cross section. For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the wiring member 50 is a collective shape of the cross sections of a plurality of electric wires 52, the minimum inclusive circle C is the smallest circle that can include the outer diameters of the cross sections of the plurality of electric wires 52. Furthermore, "the steering rotation central axis X passing through the minimum inclusive circle C" includes the case where the steering rotation central axis X passes through the boundary line of the minimum inclusive circle C.

[0046] It is sufficient that the steering rotation central axis X passes through the smallest encompassing circle C. Therefore, at the rotation prevention fixing point P, the extension direction of the wiring member 50 and the steering rotation central axis X may be parallel to each other or may intersect at an angle. At the rotation prevention fixing point P, the angle of the extension direction of the wiring member 50 with respect to the steering rotation central axis X may be within a range of ±30°, ±20°, ±10°, ±5°, or ±1°.

[0047] In this embodiment, a portion of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction is fixed by the fixing member 60. The fixing member 60 may be any member capable of fixing a portion of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction in the above-described state, and the configuration thereof is not particularly limited. The fixing member is preferably supported by a portion that does not rotate around the steering rotation central axis X due to the rotation of the wheel 20 around the steering rotation central axis X. For example, the fixing member 60 may be supported by at least one of the damper 37, the lower arm 32, and the upper arm 34.

[0048] Furthermore, a state in which a portion of the wiring member 50 in its extension direction is prevented from rotating at the rotation prevention fixing point P on the steering rotation central axis X means that a portion of the wiring member 50 in its extension direction is prevented from rotating around the steering rotation central axis X at the rotation prevention fixing point P. Therefore, at the rotation prevention fixing point P, a portion of the wiring member 50 in its extension direction may swing around the axis about which the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 swing. In this embodiment, at the rotation prevention fixing point P, a portion of the wiring member 50 in its extension direction is also prevented from rotating around its own central axis.

[0049] In this embodiment, the fixing member 60 includes a long portion 62 and a wiring fixing portion 64. A base end of the long portion 62 is fixed to the lower arm 32 by screwing, welding, or the like at a position different from the steering rotation central axis X. The long portion 62 extends upward from the lower arm 32 in a position parallel to the steering rotation central axis X. A tip end of the long portion 62 is located between the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34.

[0050] The wiring fixing portion 64 is a portion that fixes the wiring member 50 in a rotation-preventing state. For example, the wiring fixing portion 64 includes a base plate portion 64a and a push-in plate portion 64b. The base plate portion 64a extends from the tip of the elongated portion 62 in a direction that intersects (here, orthogonal to) the extending direction of the elongated portion 62. For example, the elongated portion 62 and the base plate portion 64a may be a component formed from a single metal plate. The wiring fixing portion 64 is spaced above the lower arm 32 and below the upper arm 34.

[0051] The tip of the base plate portion 64a reaches directly to the side of the steering rotation central axis X. The pushing plate portion 64b has a recess 64c capable of accommodating the wiring member 50. For example, the pushing plate portion 64b having the recess 64c may be formed by bending a metal plate.

[0052] Then, with a portion of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction housed in the recess 64c, both ends of the pressing plate portion 64b are fixed to the base plate portion 64a. The pressing plate portion 64b may be fixed to the base plate portion 64a by screwing, welding, crimping, or the like. With both ends of the pressing plate portion 64b fixed to the base plate portion 64a, the opening of the recess 64c is closed by the base plate portion 64a. In this state, a portion of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction is sandwiched between the base plate portion 64a and the pressing plate portion 64b, preventing rotation of the wiring member 50. With the pressing plate portion 64b fixed to the base plate portion 64a, the steering rotation central axis X is set to pass through the recess 64c. Therefore, the portion of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction fixed in the recess 64c is fixed in an anti-rotation state on the steering rotation central axis X.

[0053] In other words, the location where the fixed member 60 is supported is a position deviated from the steering rotation central axis X, and the fixed member 60 passes around the steering rotation central axis X to reach the steering rotation central axis X or a position immediately adjacent to the steering rotation central axis X. A part of the extending direction of the wiring member 50 is fixed in a rotation-stopped state to the portion of the fixed member 60 that reaches the steering rotation central axis X or a position immediately adjacent to the steering rotation central axis X.

[0054] A part of the extending direction of the wiring member 50 is along the steering rotation central axis X at and near the part fixed by the fixing member 60. Each end of the wiring member 50 is bent at a point away from the fixing member 60 and directed toward the vehicle body side device 18 or the wheel side device 28 to which it is connected.

[0055] Because the fixing member 60 is supported by the lower arm 32, the fixing member 60 does not follow the rotation of the wheel 20 about the steering rotation central axis X. Therefore, a portion of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction fixed by the fixing member 60 is fixed in a non-rotating state on the steering rotation central axis X, and even if the wheel 20 rotates about the steering rotation central axis X, the portion of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction does not rotate about the steering rotation central axis X.

[0056] The configuration for fixing the wiring member 50 in a rotation-preventing state is not limited to the above example. For example, the fixing member 60 may be a component including a resin portion molded with a mold insert that is part of the wiring member 50 in the extension direction. In this case, the resin portion comes into close contact with the outer periphery of the wiring member 50 in the extension direction, thereby preventing the wiring member 50 from rotating. Alternatively, for example, the fixing member may have a plastically deformable metal plate portion that is crimped and fixed to part of the wiring member 50 in the extension direction. Alternatively, for example, part of the wiring member 50 in the extension direction may be fixed to a fixing target member that is aligned with the steering rotation central axis X using a binding member such as a binding band.

[0057] The position at which a portion of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction is fixed on the steering rotation central axis X is arbitrary. In the present embodiment, a portion of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction is fixed between the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34, that is, between the upper and lower bearings 33, 35. A portion of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction may be fixed at a position below the lower arm 32 (i.e., the lower bearing) or above the upper arm 34 (i.e., the upper bearing) on ​​the steering rotation central axis X.

[0058] The wiring member 50 extends from the vehicle-body side device 18 inside the vehicle body 10, passes through the fender apron 16, and is guided toward above the wiring fixing portion 64 of the fixing member 60. Depending on the positional relationship between the location where the wiring member 50 is pulled out from the vehicle body 10 and the wiring fixing portion 64 on the steering rotation central axis X, the portion of the wiring member 50 closer to the vehicle body 10 than the fixing point is arranged in an appropriate bent state. Furthermore, even if another component is interposed between the location where the wiring member 50 is pulled out from the vehicle body 10 and the wiring fixing portion 64 on the steering rotation central axis X, the portion of the wiring member 50 closer to the vehicle body 10 than the rotation stop fixing point P may be arranged in a bent state to avoid contact with the other component.

[0059] A part of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction is fixed in a state where it is prevented from rotating on the steering rotation central axis X by the wiring fixing portion 64. In other words, an intermediate portion of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction is fixed in a state where it is prevented from rotating on the steering rotation central axis X.

[0060] Furthermore, the wiring member 50 is guided downward from the wiring fixing portion 64, bent outward in the vehicle width direction, extended toward the wheel-side device 28, and connected to the wheel-side device 28 via the connector 51. The portion of the wiring member 50 closer to the wheel 20 than the wiring fixing portion 64 is also bent appropriately in consideration of the positional relationship between the wiring fixing portion 64 and the wheel-side device 28 and to avoid interference with other components.

[0061] The operation of the underbody wiring module 40 including the wiring member 50 will be described.

[0062] 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 and right. As shown in the figure, 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 positional relationship between the rotation stop fixing point P on 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 rotation stop fixing point P on the steering rotation central axis X, the portion of the wiring member 50 extending from the rotation stop fixing point P to the wheel-side device 28 is kept in as constant a bend as possible 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 bends or straightens the wiring member 50 is unlikely to act, and bending deformation of the wiring member 50 is suppressed.

[0063] Furthermore, because a portion of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction is prevented from rotating at the rotation prevention fixing point P, when the wheel 20 is rotated by steering, it is conceivable that a portion of the wiring member 50 between the portion fixed by the rotation prevention fixing point P and the wheel-side device 28 will be twisted and deformed. For example, it is conceivable that a portion of the wiring member 50 along the steering rotation central axis X near the rotation prevention fixing point P will be prone to be twisted and deformed.

[0064] That is, the rotation of the wheel 20 around the steering rotation center axis X due to steering can be accommodated by the twisting deformation of the wiring member 50, rather than the bending deformation.

[0065] The twisting deformation of the wiring member 50 caused by steering is stopped by the rotation stop fixing point P, and is not transmitted to the vehicle body 10 beyond the rotation stop fixing point P. Therefore, even when the steering is performed, the portion of the wiring member 50 closer to the vehicle body 10 than the rotation stop fixing point P is less likely to twist.

[0066] When the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 swing due to unevenness in the road surface or the like, the fixing member 60 supported by the lower arm 32 also swings. As a result, the rotation prevention fixing point P is displaced so as to swing relative to the vehicle body 10. This is thought to cause the portion of the wiring member 50 between the vehicle body 10 and the rotation prevention fixing point P to swing and undergo bending deformation. As described above, since torsional deformation is not easily transmitted from the rotation prevention fixing point P to the vehicle body 10 side, the portion of the wiring member 50 between the vehicle body 10 and the rotation prevention fixing point P is less likely to undergo torsional deformation due to steering, and bending deformation occurs mainly due to the up and down movement of the vehicle body 10.

[0067] Therefore, in the portion of the wiring member 50 closer to the wheel side equipment 28 than the rotation stop fixing point P, twisting deformation occurs mainly due to the rotation of the wheel 20 around the steering rotation center axis X, and in the portion of the wiring member 50 closer to the vehicle side equipment 18 than the rotation stop fixing point P, bending deformation occurs mainly due to the up and down movement of the wheel 20.

[0068] With the suspension wiring module 40 configured in this manner, deformation of the wiring member 50 caused by steering occurs mainly closer to the wheel-side device 28 than the rotation stop fixing point P, and is less likely to occur closer to the vehicle-body side device 18 than the rotation stop fixing point P. Deformation of the wiring member 50 caused by up and down movement of the wheel 20 occurs mainly closer to the vehicle-body side device 18 than the rotation stop fixing point P, and is less likely to occur closer to the wheel-side device 28 than the rotation stop fixing point P. Therefore, compound deformation is less likely to occur in the wiring member 50, and the deformation behavior of the wiring member 50 is simplified with the rotation stop fixing point P as the boundary. This is expected to improve the durability of the wiring member 50. Furthermore, it is easier to understand the behavior of the wiring member 50, and it is easier to take measures to improve durability.

[0069] Furthermore, since bending deformation of the wiring member 50 is suppressed on the wheel 20 side of the rotation stop fixing point P, there is no need to ensure space near the wheel 20 in consideration of bending deformation of the wiring member 50. This makes it possible to minimize the space required for routing the wiring member 50 near the wheel 20.

[0070] Furthermore, since bending deformation of the wiring member 50 near the wheel 20 is suppressed, the wiring member 50 is less likely to bend and deform and come into contact with peripheral members of the wheel 20, and it is possible to reduce the number of locations where protective members for the wiring member 50 are provided. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the wiring member 50 near the wheel 20.

[0071] Furthermore, since bending deformation of the wiring member 50 near the wheel 20 is suppressed, it is possible to reduce the number of fixing points of the wiring member 50 near the wheel 20. This makes it easier to install the wiring member 50 and also makes it easier to design for securing fixing points.

[0072] Furthermore, the damper 37 is located at a position horizontally offset from the steering rotation central axis X, and the wiring member 50 is fixed at a rotation prevention fixing point P that is located at a position different from the extension line Q of the damper 37. Therefore, in a configuration in which the extension line Q of the damper 37 and the steering rotation central axis X are different, the behavior of the wiring member 50 can be simplified.

[0073] Furthermore, if the wiring member 50 is fixed at the rotation prevention fixing point P by a fixing member fixed to at least one of the damper 37, the lower arm 32, and the upper arm 34, it is easy to fix the wiring member 50 in a state where its rotation around the steering rotation center axis X is stopped.

[0074] <Modification> Various modified examples will be described.

[0075] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an undercarriage wiring module 140 according to a first modified example. In the undercarriage wiring module 140 according to the first modified example, a wiring member 150 corresponding to the wiring member 50 has an electric wire 152A as a first linear transmission member, an electric wire 152B as a second linear transmission member, and an electric wire 152C as a third linear transmission member.

[0076] Let L1 be the length from the rotation stop fixing point P of the electric wire 152A to the wheel-side device 28, L2 be the length from the rotation stop fixing point P of the electric wire 152B to the wheel-side device 28, and L3 be the length from the rotation stop fixing point P to the wheel-side device 28 of the electric wire 152C. When the lengths L1, L2, and L3 are the same, this includes the case where the lengths L1, L2, and L3 are the same within the manufacturing tolerance range. For example, when the lengths L1, L2, and L3 are the same, this includes the case where the difference in the actual lengths of L1, L2, and L3 is within a +5% range.

[0077] Here, the reference position at the rotation prevention fixing point P may be, for example, a fixing point of each of the electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C fixed by the fixing member 60 at a position closest to the wheel-side device 28. Also, the reference position at the wheel-side device 28 may be, for example, a position at which the electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C reach the connector 51. If the connector 51 does not exist, the reference position at the wheel-side device 28 may be, for example, a position at which the electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C are introduced into the wheel-side device 28.

[0078] The lengths L1, L2, and L3 are not lengths on a plane perpendicular to the steering rotation central axis X, but lengths of the electric wires 152A, 152B, and 152C in three-dimensional space. Therefore, when the electric wires 152A, 152B, and 152C have a portion along the steering rotation central axis X, a portion oblique to the steering rotation central axis X, or a portion that forms a curve between the rotation prevention fixing point P and the wheel-side device 28, the lengths L1, L2, and L3 are lengths that take into account the actual path lengths of those portions.

[0079] In this embodiment, the electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C extend downward from the rotation stop fixing point P along the steering rotation central axis X, and then bend toward the wheel-side device 28 (see FIG. 1).

[0080] The wheel-side device 28 includes a device main body 172 and a plurality of (here, three) connectors 174A, 174B, 174C. Each of the plurality of connectors 174A, 174B, 174C holds the electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C in a position where they are drawn out from the device main body 172 toward the steering rotation central axis X. Each of the plurality of connectors 174A, 174B, 174C holds the electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C in the above-mentioned position at a different position around the steering rotation central axis X. Here, maintaining the connectors 174A, 174B, 174C in a position in which the electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C are pulled out from the device main body 172 toward the steering rotation central axis X means, for example, that when the portions of the electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C pulled out from the connectors 174A, 174B, 174C are extended, they pass through the steering rotation central axis X.

[0081] Here, the multiple connectors 174A, 174B, and 174C are provided on the device main body 172 in an orientation facing the steering rotation central axis X. Here, the connectors 174A, 174B, and 174C facing the steering rotation central axis X means, for example, that an imaginary extension area extending from the connectors 174A, 174B, and 174C as a starting area (preferably the center of the connectors 174A, 174B, and 174C in the width direction as the starting point) in the direction in which the connector 51 connects to the connectors 174A, 174B, and 174C passes through the steering rotation central axis X, and the portions of the connectors 174A, 174B, and 174C to which the connector 51 is connected are oriented facing the steering rotation central axis X.

[0082] The connection direction of connector 51 to connectors 174A, 174B, 174C coincides with the direction in which connectors 174A, 174B, 174C face the steering rotation central axis X. The extension direction of electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C from connector 51 is opposite to the side of connector 51 that is connected to connectors 174A, 174B, 174C. Therefore, when connector 51 is connected to connectors 174A, 174B, 174C, electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C extending from the back of connector 51 are drawn out to face the steering rotation central axis X, in line with the direction in which connectors 174A, 174B, 174C face.

[0083] Here, a base portion 173 is provided on an inner portion in the vehicle width direction of the device main body 172. The inner portion in the vehicle width direction of the base portion 173 has a shape that gradually recesses from both outer portions in the width direction (front-rear direction based on the vehicle body) toward the center in the width direction.

[0084] When the wheel 20 is in a neutral position (when the vehicle is traveling straight), the base portion 173 is provided on the outer side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the steering rotation central axis X. Of the three connectors 174A, 174B, 174C, one connector 174B is provided in the center of the base portion 173 in the width direction and faces inward along the vehicle width direction toward the steering rotation central axis X. The other two connectors 174A, 174C are provided on both ends of the base portion 173 in the width direction. One widthwise end of the base portion 173 (the front end in the vehicle longitudinal direction) faces diagonally rearward with respect to the inward width of the vehicle, so the connector 174A provided in this portion faces diagonally rearward with respect to the inward width of the vehicle and faces toward the steering rotation central axis X. The other widthwise end portion (rear portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction) of the base portion 173 faces diagonally forward relative to the inward direction of the vehicle width, and therefore the connector 174C provided in this portion faces diagonally forward relative to the inward direction of the vehicle width and faces the steering rotation central axis X. The multiple connectors 174A, 174B, 174C are connectors having recesses to which the connectors 51 are connected, and may be provided so as to face the steering rotation central axis X while being embedded in the device main body 172. The multiple connectors 174A, 174B, 174C may protrude from the device main body 172 or from the base portion 173. The three connectors 174A, 174B, 174C may be configured as an integrated unit by the base portion 173 as described above, or may be provided separately in the device main body.

[0085] When observed in a plane perpendicular to the steering rotation central axis X, the multiple electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C extend radially from the steering rotation central axis X toward the corresponding connectors 174A, 174B, 174C, and the connectors 51 at each end extend to the corresponding connectors 174A, 174B, 174C. That is, the electric wire 152B extends linearly from the steering rotation central axis X toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the central connector 174B. The electric wire 152C extends linearly from the steering rotation central axis X obliquely rearward with respect to the outward direction in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the connector 174C at the rear side in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body 10. The electric wire 152A extends linearly from the steering rotation central axis X obliquely forward with respect to the outward direction in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the connector 174A at the front side in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body 10. That is, the three electric wires 152A, 152B, 152C extend linearly and radially around the steering rotation central axis X in a plane perpendicular to the steering rotation central axis X.

[0086] The multiple connectors 174A, 174B, 174C may be provided on the device main body 172 so as to be aligned along an arc whose center of curvature is the steering rotation central axis X. In other words, the multiple connectors 174A, 174B, 174C may be provided at positions equidistant from the steering rotation central axis X when viewed along the steering rotation central axis X.

[0087] If the extension distance of each electric wire 152A, 152B, 152C from the rotation stop fixing point P and the bending position toward the wheel side device 28 are aligned in the direction of the steering rotation central axis X, the above lengths L1, L2, L3 can be made the same.

[0088] According to this modification, it is expected that the electric wires 152A, 152B, and 152C will behave in a similar manner between the rotation prevention fixing point P and the wheel-side device 28. For example, it is possible to make the states of torsional deformation of the electric wires 152A, 152B, and 152C due to steering uniform. This makes it possible to make the durability of each of the electric wires 152A, 152B, and 152C uniform.

[0089] In this modification, it is assumed that the electric wires 152A, 152B, and 152C are power lines for supplying three-phase AC. When DC power is supplied to the wheel-side device 28, it is assumed that the wiring member 150 includes two electric wires for power supply. In this case, it is sufficient that the two electric wires have the same length between the rotation stop fixing point P and the wheel-side device 28.

[0090] Furthermore, in the undercarriage wiring module 140 according to this modification, in addition to the multiple electric wires set to the same length between the rotation prevention fixing point P and the wheel-side device 28, other electric wires different in length from the multiple electric wires may be provided. For example, signal electric wires thinner than the electric wires 152A, 152B, and 152C may be provided.

[0091] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an underbody wiring module 240 according to a second modification. As shown in the figure, a fixing member 260 corresponding to the fixing member 60 may be supported by the upper arm 34. The fixing member 260 is supported in a hanging manner from the upper arm 34. A part of the wiring member 50 in its extending direction is fixed to the tip of the fixing member 260 at a rotation-preventing fixing point P on the steering rotation central axis X in an anti-rotation state.

[0092] As in the case of fixed member 260B indicated by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 5, a base end portion of fixed member 260B may be supported by damper 37. In this case, fixed member 260B extends outward in the vehicle width direction from damper 37. A part of wiring member 50 in its extending direction is fixed to the tip end portion of fixed member 260B in a rotation-preventing fixed position P on steering rotation central axis X in a rotation-preventing state.

[0093] The undercarriage wiring module may be fixed at a plurality of rotation-preventing fixing points P. For example, the above embodiment and the second modified example may be combined, and the wiring member 50 may be fixed in a rotation-preventing state in part of its extending direction at two rotation-preventing fixing points P by the fixing members 60 and 260B.

[0094] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an underbody wiring module 340 according to a third modified example. As shown in the figure, in addition to the fixing member 60, an additional fixing member 360 may support another part of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction.

[0095] The additional fixing member 360 may fix another part of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction on the steering rotation central axis X in a state where the wiring member 50 is prevented from rotating, or may fix the other part in a state where the wiring member 50 is allowed to rotate.

[0096] For example, the additional fixing member 360 extends from the wheel-side device 28 toward the steering rotation central axis X and fixes another part of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction on the steering rotation central axis X. The additional fixing member 360 may be supported by the lower knuckle portion 26 or the upper knuckle portion 25.

[0097] At the tip end of the additional fixing member 360, another part of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction may be fixed in a state where it is prevented from rotating relative to the additional fixing member 360. In this case, the wheel 20 and the additional fixing member 360 rotate around the steering rotation central axis X due to steering. Therefore, while the other part of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction is located on the steering rotation central axis X, it rotates around the steering rotation central axis X due to steering. In this respect, the additional fixing member 360 differs from the fixing member 60 described above.

[0098] At the tip of the additional fixing member 360, another part of the wiring member 50 in the extension direction may be inserted and held with some play, and a part of the wiring member 50 in the extension direction may be allowed to rotate relative to the additional fixing member 360.

[0099] The additional fixing member may be supported by at least one of the lower arm 32, the upper arm 34, and the damper 37, and the additional fixing member may support a portion of the wiring member 50 in the extension direction while allowing rotation.

[0100] Furthermore, a member for supporting another part of the wiring member 50 in the extending direction may be added at a position away from the steering rotation central axis X.

[0101] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a suspension wiring module 440 according to a fourth modified example. In this figure, a fixing member 460 is used instead of the fixing member 60. The fixing member 460 protrudes upward from the upper arm 34, and fixes a part of the wiring member 50 in an extension direction in a rotation-preventing state on the steering rotation central axis X at a rotation-preventing fixing point P located above the upper arm 34. In this way, the rotation-preventing fixing point P does not have to be located between the lower arm 32 and the upper arm 34 (i.e., between the upper and lower bearings).

[0102] 7, the knuckles 25, 26 are omitted, and the components inside the wheel 20 (the housing of the wheel-side device 28) and the like are rotatably supported at the tip ends of the arms 32, 34 via bearings. The connector 51 is connected to the front part of the wheel-side device 28. The rotation prevention fixing point P may be provided at a position lower than the lower arm 32.

[0103] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a suspension wiring module 540 according to a fifth modified example. In this figure, the upper arm 34 is omitted, and the lower end of the damper 37 is connected to the upper part of the bearing portion of the upper knuckle portion 25. In other words, Fig. 8 shows an example of a strut suspension, not a double wishbone suspension. In this example, an extension line Q of the damper 37 coincides with the steering rotation center axis X.

[0104] In this example, a fixing member 460 corresponding to fixing member 60 is provided in a hanging manner downward from the lower end of damper 37, passing around upper knuckle portion 25. A part of the extending direction of wiring member 50 is fixed to the lower end of fixing member 460 in a state where it is prevented from rotating on steering rotation central axis X.

[0105] In this modified example as well, deformation of the wiring member 50 caused by steering occurs mainly on the wheel-side device 28 closer to the rotation stop fixing point P, and is less likely to occur on the vehicle-body-side device 18 side closer to the rotation stop fixing point P. Furthermore, deformation of the wiring member 50 caused by up and down movement of the wheel 20 occurs mainly on the vehicle-body-side device 18 side closer to the rotation stop fixing point P, and is less likely to occur on the wheel-side device 28 side closer to the rotation stop fixing point P. Therefore, the rotation stop fixing point P can be used as a boundary to separate the section on the path of the wiring member 50 where deformation caused by steering rotation occurs from the section where deformation caused by up and down movement occurs, and the behavior of the wiring member 50 for the suspension can be simplified.

[0106] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 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 32 Lower arm 33, 35 Bearing section 34 Upper Arm 36 Spring 37 Damper 38 tie rod 40, 140, 240, 340, 440, 540 Undercarriage Wiring Module 50, 150 Wiring materials 51 Connector 52, 152A, 152B, 152C wire 52a core wire 52b Covering 60, 260, 260B, 460 fixed parts 62 Long section 64 Wiring fixing part 64a Base plate 64b Push-in plate 64c recess 140 Undercarriage wiring module 172 Device body 173 Base 174A, 174B, 174C Connectors 360 Additional fixing member C minimum enclosing circle P Rotation stop fixing point Q Damper extension X Steering rotation center axis

Claims

1. a wiring member for connecting the vehicle body side device and the wheel side device; a part of the wiring member in the extending direction is fixed at a rotation stop fixing point on the steering rotation central axis in a state where rotation around the steering rotation central axis is stopped, The wiring member is fixed at the rotation prevention fixing point by a fixing member fixed to a lower arm.

2. The undercarriage wiring module according to claim 1, The wiring module for undercarriage, wherein the wiring member is fixed at a position different from an extension line of the damper.

3. 3. The undercarriage wiring module according to claim 1, the wiring member includes a first linear transmission member and a second linear transmission member, A wiring module for an undercarriage, wherein the length of the first linear transmission member from the rotation stop fixing point to the wheel side equipment is the same as the length of the second linear transmission member from the rotation stop fixing point to the wheel side equipment.

4. The undercarriage wiring module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The wiring module for undercarriage is fixed at the rotation prevention fixing point so that the angle of the extending direction of the wiring member with respect to the steering rotation central axis is within a range of ±30°.

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