Wire harness clamping method

Abstract

This invention provides a wire harness clamping method that reduces the number of components in the fastening device and the clamping space required. [Solution] A method for clamping a wire harness mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a first step of inserting the wire harness into a heat-deformable member having an opening that becomes cylindrical when closed; and a second step of pressing and heating the member from multiple directions to deform it and welding the opening to close it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for clamping a wire harness mounted on a vehicle or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat-sealing fastener that improves workability, has a simple body structure, few parts, is lightweight, can be continuously used with one hand, and has a relatively large selection of binding materials.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When clamping a wire harness using a binding band, depending on the wire diameter of the wire harness, there is a problem that the extra portion to be cut and discarded becomes large after passing the wire harness through the band portion for binding.

[0005] In addition, since a buckle mechanism (band passing structure) for tightening through the band portion is required, there is a problem that the size of the fastener becomes large and takes up space.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a method for clamping a wire harness that can reduce the number of parts and the clamping space of the fastener.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the disclosed technology is a method for clamping a wire harness mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a first step of inserting a wire harness through an opening into a heat-deformable member having an opening that becomes cylindrical when closed; and a second step of deforming the member by pressing and heating it from multiple directions and welding the opening to close it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the wire harness clamping method described above, the number of fastener components and clamping space can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an example of a wire harness clamping mechanism and wire harness used in a wire harness clamping method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram illustrating the procedure for clamping wire harnesses. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram illustrating the procedure for clamping wire harnesses. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram illustrating the procedure for clamping wire harnesses. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram illustrating the procedure for clamping wire harnesses. [Figure 6] First modified example of a wire harness clamping mechanism used in a wire harness clamping method [Figure 7] A second modified example of a wire harness clamping mechanism used in a wire harness clamping method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Embodiment> [composition] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a wire harness clamping mechanism 100 and a wire harness 200 used in a wire harness clamping method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] A wire harness (W / H) 200 is a bundle of multiple wires used for power supply, control signal communication, etc., enclosed in an outer casing (wire bundle). The wire harness 200 of this embodiment is used, for example, in a vehicle (not shown).

[0013] The wire harness clamp mechanism 100 is a component for holding the wire harness 200 and securing it to a vehicle or the like. This wire harness clamp mechanism 100 comprises a holding portion (tightening portion) 110 and a clamp portion (anchor portion) 120.

[0014] The holding portion 110 has an opening 110a into which the wire harness 200 is inserted, and the cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the wire harness 200 to be inserted is approximately C-shaped (receiving shape). This wire harness clamp mechanism 100 is formed of a heat-deformable material, and the holding portion 110 can be made cylindrical by closing the opening 110a by heating and pressing. This holding portion 110 has the role of bundling multiple electric wires and protecting, regulating, and maintaining the path of the wire harness 200. Examples of materials that can be used as the heat-deformable material of the wire harness clamp mechanism 100 include polypropylene and polyethylene.

[0015] The clamp portion 120 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into a predetermined hole (not shown) provided in the vehicle's panel. By inserting this clamp portion 120 into the predetermined hole, the wire harness clamp mechanism 100, and consequently the wire harness 200, can be fixed to the vehicle.

[0016] [method] Next, referring further to FIGS. 2 to 5, a method of clamping a wire harness according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIGS. 2 to 5 are schematic views of a wire harness clamping mechanism 100 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the wire harness 200.

[0017] (Step 1: FIG. 2) The wire harness 200 is inserted (set) through the opening 110a so as to be accommodated inside the holding portion 110 of the wire harness clamping mechanism 100. The insertion of this wire harness 200 is performed in a predetermined facility.

[0018] (Step 2: FIG. 3) When the wire harness 200 is accommodated inside the holding portion 110 of the wire harness clamping mechanism 100, the holding portion 110 is heated and pressed by the processing devices 310, 320, and 330. The heating and pressing of the holding portion 110 by these processing devices 310, 320, and 330 are performed in a predetermined facility.

[0019] (Step 3: FIG. 4) The heating and pressing by the processing devices 310, 320, and 330 are continuously performed until the opening 110a of the holding portion 110 is closed and the wire harness 200 is sandwiched by the holding portion 110. The heating and pressing of the holding portion 110 by these processing devices 310, 320, and 330 are performed in a predetermined facility.

[0020] (Step 4: FIG. 5) The processing device 330 presses the closed opening 110a of the holding portion 110 while applying heat to weld and close it. Thereby, the wire harness 200 is held by the wire harness clamping mechanism 100. The heat welding of the opening 110a by this processing device 330 is performed in a predetermined facility.

[0021] [Modification Example] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first modified example of the wire harness clamp mechanism 100. This first modified example of the wire harness clamp mechanism 100 has adjusters 110b on both arms that form the opening 110a of the holding portion 110.

[0022] The adjuster 110b is a mechanism for adjusting the state (clamp shape) of the wire harness 200 held by the holding part 110 according to the wire diameter of the wire harness 200. The adjuster 110b has a notched shape (sawtooth shape) so that it can suitably hold the wire harness 200 for each variation in wire diameter of the wire harness 200. Due to the notched shape provided on both arms, when the opening 110a of the holding part 110 is closed (both arms are overlapped) in step 3 described above, both arms of the holding part 110 interlock with the adjuster 110b (adjusting the interlocking width), so that a holding shape that closely conforms to the wire diameter of the wire harness 200 can be maintained.

[0023] Furthermore, the tip of the adjuster 110b's arm may be made sharp. This sharp shape and notch shape of the arm tip prevent the weld from peeling off from the arm tip of the holding part 110, thereby improving the strength of the weld.

[0024] [Differentiation] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second modified example of the wire harness clamp mechanism 100. In this second modified example of the wire harness clamp mechanism 100, one arm of the holding portion 110 has a convex shape 110c, and the other arm has a concave shape 110d.

[0025] One arm is provided with a convex shape 110c on the surface facing the other arm when the opening 110a is closed. The other arm is provided with a concave shape 110d on the surface facing the other arm when the opening 110a is closed. As a result, when the opening 110a of the holding part 110 is closed (both arms are overlapped) in step 3 described above, the convex shape 110c and the concave shape 110d fit together, preventing the tip of one arm of the holding part 110 from shifting laterally (welding misalignment).

[0026] <Effects and Actions> As described above, according to the wire harness clamping method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the band shape is eliminated, and the holding portion 110 of the wire harness clamping mechanism 100 is made into a shape having an opening 110a (the W / H fixing portion is in the shape of a receiving opening). The wire harness 200 placed on the holding portion 110 is then held in place by closing the opening 110a by heat welding.

[0027] This allows the wire harness 200 to be clamped without the use of cable ties and buckle mechanisms. This reduces the number of parts and clamping space required for the fastening device (reducing waste and size of the band section, reducing wasted space in the band threading section, and eliminating difficulties in band threading). It also allows for space adjustment according to the wire diameter of the wire harness 200.

[0028] Furthermore, the wire harness clamping method according to one embodiment of this disclosure can be used not only for clamping the wire harness 200, but also as a protector for various components including the wire harness 200. [Industrial applicability]

[0029] The wire harness clamping method of this disclosure can be used when it is desired to clamp a wire harness without using cable ties and buckle mechanisms. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0030] 100 Wire Harness Clamp Mechanism 110 Holding part 110a opening 110b Adjuster 110c convex shape 110d concave shape 120 Clamp section 200 Wire Harness 310, 320, 330 processing equipment

Claims

1. A method for clamping a wire harness installed in a vehicle, A first step involves inserting the wire harness through an opening into a heat-deformable member having an opening that becomes cylindrical when closed, The second step includes pressing and heating the member from multiple directions to deform it and welding the opening to close it, How to clamp a wire harness.

2. In the second step, the width of the opening to be welded is adjusted according to the wire diameter of the wire harness. A method for clamping a wire harness according to claim 1.

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