Cable routing structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a cable routing structure that can suppress the bending radius of the exterior member from becoming too small when the link arm rotates. [Solution] The cable routing structure 1 comprises a cylindrical exterior member 30 arranged on a link arm 230 having a first end 231 connected to the vehicle body and a second end 232 connected to the sliding door; a first protector 10 having a first holding portion 11 for holding the exterior member and fixed near the first end; and a second protector 20 having a second holding portion 22 for holding the exterior member and fixed to the link arm. The first protector is positioned such that the central axis CX1 of the first holding portion is aligned with the link arm when the sliding door is in the fully closed position, and the second holding portion has an end 22a that extends the exterior member toward the first end, and when the sliding door is in the fully closed position, the end of the second holding portion is offset from the central axis of the first holding portion.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a cable arrangement structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a wire harness applied to a link mechanism. Patent Document 1 discloses a wire harness including a first protector disposed on a fixed first link and having a first cylindrical portion, a second protector disposed on a second link rotatable relative to the first link, a first end portion disposed in the first cylindrical portion, and a second end portion disposed in the second protector, and a flexible cylindrical outer member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a configuration where an outer member is held by a protector disposed on a link arm, a curved portion is formed in the outer member according to the rotation of the link arm. It is not preferable that the bending R of this curved portion becomes too small. It is desirable to be able to suppress the bending R of the curved portion formed in the outer member from becoming too small.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cable arrangement structure capable of suppressing the bending R of an outer member from becoming too small when a link arm rotates.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The cable routing structure of the present invention comprises: a cylindrical exterior member disposed on a link arm having a first end rotatably connected to the vehicle body and a second end rotatably connected to the sliding door of the vehicle; a first protector having a first holding portion for holding the exterior member and fixed near the first end on the vehicle body; a second protector having a second holding portion for holding the exterior member and fixed to the link arm; and an electric wire inserted through the exterior member and routed from the vehicle body to the sliding door, wherein the first protector is positioned such that the central axis of the first holding portion aligns with the link arm when the sliding door is in the fully closed position, the second holding portion has an end that extends the exterior member toward the first end, and when the sliding door is in the fully closed position, the end of the second holding portion is offset from the central axis of the first holding portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the cable routing structure according to the present invention, the first protector is positioned such that the central axis of the first retaining portion aligns with the link arm when the sliding door is in the fully closed position, and the second retaining portion of the second protector has an end that extends the exterior member toward the first end of the link arm, and when the sliding door is in the fully closed position, the end of the second retaining portion is offset from the central axis of the first retaining portion. According to the cable routing structure according to the present invention, a second curved portion can be formed in the exterior member, which has the effect of suppressing the bending radius of the exterior member from becoming too small. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of the cable routing structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cable routing structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cable routing structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of the cable routing structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first protector according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first protector according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the second protector according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cable routing structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cable routing structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cable arrangement structure of a comparative example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of another cable routing structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side view of another cable routing structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another second protector according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view of another cable routing structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a plan view of a modified cable routing structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a modified cable routing structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a modified example of the embodiment of the second protector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The cable routing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, this embodiment does not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art or that are substantially identical.

[0010] [Embodiment] Embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. This embodiment relates to a cable arrangement structure. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the cable arrangement structure according to the embodiment, FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the cable arrangement structure according to the embodiment, FIG. 4 is a plan view of the cable arrangement structure according to the embodiment, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first protector according to the embodiment, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first protector according to the embodiment, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second protector according to the embodiment, FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of the cable arrangement structure according to the embodiment, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cable arrangement structure of the comparative example, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another cable arrangement structure according to the embodiment, FIG. 12 is a side view of another cable arrangement structure according to the embodiment, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another second protector according to the embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another cable arrangement structure according to the embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5. FIG. 8 shows a cross-section taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 2. The cross-section position of FIG. 9 is the same as the cross-section position of FIG. 8.

[0012] The cable arrangement structure 1 according to this embodiment is a cable arrangement structure for a sliding door of a vehicle. The cable arrangement structure 1 of this embodiment includes a first protector 10, a second protector 20, an exterior member 30, and an electric wire W. The cable arrangement structure 1 constitutes a wire harness WH that is arranged between the vehicle body 110 and the sliding door 120 of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 is, for example, an automobile. The vehicle 100 may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or other automobiles.

[0013] Vehicle 100 has a link-type sliding door 120. The sliding door 120 is connected to the vehicle body 110 via a link mechanism 200. The link mechanism 200 supports the sliding door 120 so that the sliding door 120 can slide with respect to the vehicle body 110. The link mechanism 200 has at least one link arm including the illustrated link arm 230. Each link arm connects the vehicle body 110 and the sliding door 120. When the link mechanism 200 has a main arm and a sub-arm, the link arm 230 may be a sub-arm. By rotating each link arm of the link mechanism 200, the sliding door 120 slides in the vehicle longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 100 with respect to the vehicle body 110.

[0014] The vehicle 100 of the present embodiment has a drive source such as a motor that rotates the link arms of the link mechanism 200. The vehicle 100 can move the sliding door 120 between the fully closed position and the fully open position by rotating the link arms by the drive source. FIGS. 1 to 3 show the cable structure 1 when the sliding door 120 is in the fully closed position. The fully closed position is the most forward position X1 in the movable range of the sliding door 120. In FIG. 1, the dashed-dotted line indicates the sliding door 120 and the cable structure 1 in the fully open position. The fully open position is the most rearward position X2 in the movable range of the sliding door 120.

[0015] The link mechanism 200 includes a first support member 210, a second support member 220, a link arm 230, and a connecting link 240. The first support member 210 is fixed to the vehicle body 110 of the vehicle 100. The first support member 210 is formed from, for example, a metal plate. The illustrated first support member 210, as shown in Figure 3, has a main wall 210a and a pair of support walls 210b. The pair of support walls 210b are erected from both ends in the width direction of the main wall 210a. The pair of support walls 210b face each other in the width direction of the main wall 210a. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the illustrated first support member 210 is substantially U-shaped. The first support member 210 has a passage with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. This passage can be used as a housing space for housing the first protector 10 and can also be used as a routing path for routing the electric wire W and the outer covering member 30.

[0016] The first support member 210 is fixed to the vehicle body 110 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle. With the first support member 210 fixed to the vehicle body 110, the pair of support walls 210b face each other in the vehicle vertical direction Z of the vehicle 100. The first support member 210 is fixed to the vehicle body 110 so as to extend the support walls 210b from the main wall 210a toward the sliding door 120. In other words, the leading edges of the pair of support walls 210b face the sliding door 120. The pair of support walls 210b support the pivot shaft 250, which is connected to the link arm 230 via the pivot shaft 250. The pivot shaft 250 extends in the vehicle vertical direction Z.

[0017] The link arm 230 is supported by the first support member 210 so as to be rotatable. The link arm 230 is formed from, for example, a metal plate. The illustrated link arm 230 has a main wall 230a and a pair of support walls 230b. The pair of support walls 230b are erected from both ends in the width direction of the main wall 230a. The pair of support walls 230b face each other in the width direction of the main wall 230a. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the illustrated link arm 230 is substantially U-shaped. The link arm 230 has a passage with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The passage of the link arm 230 can be used as a housing space for housing the second protector 20 and can be used as a routing path for routing the electric wire W and the sheathing member 30.

[0018] The link arm 230 has a first end 231 and a second end 232. The first end 231 is rotatably connected to the body 110 of the vehicle 100. In the illustrated link mechanism 200, the first end 231 is rotatably connected to a first support member 210 fixed to the body 110. In other words, the first end 231 is rotatably connected to the body 110 via the first support member 210. The first end 231 is connected to the first support member 210 via a pivot shaft 250. The link arm 230 rotates relative to the body 110 about the pivot shaft 250 as the center of rotation.

[0019] The link arm 230 is supported by the first support member 210 such that a pair of support walls 230b face each other in the vehicle vertical direction Z. When the sliding door 120 is in the fully closed position, the leading edge of the support wall 230b faces the sliding door 120 in the vehicle width direction Y. In other words, when the sliding door 120 is in the fully closed position, the support wall 230b protrudes from the main wall 230a toward the sliding door 120.

[0020] The second end 232 of the link arm 230 is rotatably connected to the sliding door 120 of the vehicle 100. In the illustrated link mechanism 200, the second end 232 is connected to a second support member 220 via a connecting link 240. The second support member 220 is fixed to the panel 120p of the sliding door 120. The panel 120p is a metal plate-like member that constitutes the sliding door 120. The panel 120p slides in the vehicle longitudinal direction X relative to the vehicle body 110 as a result of the operation of the link mechanism 200.

[0021] The second end 232 of the link arm 230 is connected to the connecting link 240 via a pivot shaft 260. More specifically, a pair of support walls 230b of the link arm 230 support the pivot shaft 260 and are connected to the connecting link 240 via the pivot shaft 260. In other words, the connecting link 240 is connected to the link arm 230 so as to be rotatable relative to the link arm 230. The pivot shaft 260 is located at one axial end of the connecting link 240 and extends in the vertical direction Z of the vehicle.

[0022] The connecting link 240 is connected to the second support member 220 via a rotating shaft 270. The rotating shaft 270 is located at the other axial end of the connecting link 240 and extends in the vehicle's vertical direction Z. The connecting link 240 is connected to the second support member 220 so as to be rotatable relative to the second support member 220. In other words, the connecting link 240 is rotatable relative to both the link arm 230 and the second support member 220.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the exterior member 30 is positioned on the link arm 230. The exterior member 30 is a flexible, cylindrical protective member. The exemplified exterior member 30 is a cylindrical member, such as a corrugated tube. The exterior member 30 is molded from, for example, an insulating synthetic resin.

[0024] The wiring structure 1 has at least one electric wire W. The electric wire W is inserted through the exterior member 30 and routed from the vehicle body 110 to the sliding door 120 of the vehicle 100. The wiring structure 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of electric wires W. Each electric wire W is, for example, a covered electric wire having a core wire and an insulating sheath.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the exterior member 30 is routed from the vehicle body 110 to the panel 120p of the sliding door 120 via the first support member 210 and the link arm 230. As shown in Figure 3, the exterior member 30 is inserted through the first protector 10 and the second protector 20 and is held in place by the two protectors 10 and 20.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the first protector 10 is positioned on the first support member 210 and fixed to the first support member 210. That is, the first protector 10 is fixed to the vehicle body 110 and is immovable relative to the vehicle body 110. The first protector 10 may be held by the first support member 210. The first protector 10 is fixed near the first end 231 on the vehicle body 110. The illustrated first protector 10 is positioned near the pivot axis 250 on the first support member 210. Figure 3 shows the link arm 230 when the sliding door 120 is in the fully closed position. At this time, the first protector 10 is located on the opposite side of the link arm 230 from the pivot axis 250. That is, the first protector 10 is located on the extension of the link arm 230 and near the first end 231.

[0027] The first protector 10 is a cylindrical member and has a first retaining portion 11 that holds the exterior member 30. The central axis of the first retaining portion 11 is aligned with the axial direction of the first support member 210. In other words, the exterior member 30 extends from the first retaining portion 11 along the axial direction of the first support member 210.

[0028] The second protector 20 is fixed near the second end 232 of the link arm 230. The second protector 20 may also be held by the link arm 230. The second protector 20 is a cylindrical member and has a second retaining portion 22 for holding the exterior member 30. The second retaining portion 22 is open toward the side of the first end 231. That is, the exterior member 30 extends from the second retaining portion 22 toward the side of the first end 231. The exterior member 30 is held by the first retaining portion 11 and the second retaining portion 22 and extends between the two retaining portions 11 and 22.

[0029] Figure 4 shows the wiring structure 1 and wire harness WH when the sliding door 120 is in the fully open position. When the sliding door 120 is in the fully open position, the link arm 230 extends diagonally rearward from the rotation axis 250. That is, when the sliding door 120 is in the fully open position, the orientation of the link arm 230 is such that the second end 232 is located on the rear side X2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction X relative to the first end 231.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, when the sliding door 120 is in the fully open position, a curved portion 31 is formed on the exterior member 30. The curved portion 31 is formed near the rotation axis 250 and has a shape that curves toward the front X1 in the vehicle longitudinal direction X. The illustrated curved portion 31 protrudes toward the outside space from the first support member 210 and the link arm 230.

[0031] In the following description, the state in which the sliding door 120 is in the fully closed position will be simply referred to as the "fully closed state," and the state in which the sliding door 120 is in the fully open position will be simply referred to as the "fully open state." The link mechanism 200 of this embodiment is configured to form a curved portion 31 on the exterior member 30 when it is in the fully open state. More specifically, the rotating shaft 250 is positioned X1 in front of the first protector 10 in the vehicle longitudinal direction X.

[0032] In the fully closed state, as shown in Figure 1, the first support member 210 and the link arm 230 are aligned in a straight line. The rotation axis 250 is located between the first holding part 11 and the second holding part 22. In this case, the distance from the first holding part 11 to the second holding part 22 is the longest. In the fully open state, as shown in Figure 4, the first holding part 11 and the second holding part 22 are located on the rear side X2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction X with respect to the rotation axis 250. The first holding part 11, the rotation axis 250, and the second holding part 22 are arranged to form a V shape. Therefore, the distance from the first holding part 11 to the second holding part 22 in the fully open state is smaller than the distance in the fully closed state. This difference in distance creates the curved portion 31 in the fully open state.

[0033] The cable routing structure 1 of this embodiment is configured to prevent the bending radius of the curved portion 31 from becoming too small, as will be explained below. In the cable routing structure 1 of this embodiment, the position of the second holding portion 22 is set so as to appropriately absorb the excess length of the exterior member 30 that occurs when the cable is fully open. More specifically, the position of the second holding portion 22 is set so as to cause the exterior member 30 to form a second curved portion 32, and to absorb the excess length with the second curved portion 32.

[0034] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first protector 10 has a first holding portion 11 and a cylindrical restricting portion 12. The first protector 10 is molded from, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The first holding portion 11 is configured to hold the exterior member 30 in a linear shape.

[0035] The first retaining portion 11 has a groove 13 for supporting the exterior member 30, a locking rib 14, and a hole 15. The groove 13 is a straight groove that supports the outer circumferential surface of the exterior member 30. The cross-sectional shape of the illustrated groove 13 is an arc shape. The first retaining portion 11 has a central axis CX1. The central axis CX1 is located at the center of the arc of the cross-sectional shape of the groove 13. When the first retaining portion 11 is viewed from the vehicle's vertical direction Z, the center line of the exterior member 30 held by the first retaining portion 11 coincides with the central axis CX1.

[0036] The locking rib 14 is positioned in the groove 13 and protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the groove 13 toward the central axis CX1. The locking rib 14 is inserted into an annular recess in the exterior member 30 to lock the exterior member 30. The locking rib 14 in this embodiment has an arc shape and is arranged in multiples along the axial direction of the groove 13. The illustrated locking rib 14 is positioned at the end of the groove 13 on the side of the restricting portion 12.

[0037] The hole 15 is located adjacent to the groove 13. The hole 15 is formed so that a fastening member for fixing the exterior member 30 to the first retaining part 11 can be inserted into it. That is, the exterior member 30 is fixed to the groove 13 by the fastening member inserted into the hole 15. The fastening member may be a cable tie. The first retaining part 11 has a hole 15 located adjacent to the locking rib 14. The fastening member inserted into this hole 15 fastens the exterior member 30 so as to press it toward the locking rib 14. The exterior member 30 may also be fixed to the first retaining part 11 by adhesive tape or the like, or by other materials.

[0038] The restricting portion 12 is configured to restrict the shape of the exterior member 30. The restricting portion 12 is located in front of the first retaining portion 11 X1 and is positioned on the extension of the first retaining portion 11 in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle.

[0039] The regulating section 12 includes a bottom wall 16, a first side wall 17, and a second side wall 18. The bottom wall 16 is a wall that supports the exterior member 30 from below. The bottom wall 16 can restrict the sagging of the exterior member 30. The first side wall 17 and the second side wall 18 are erected upward from the bottom wall 16 and face each other in the width direction of the bottom wall 16.

[0040] The first side wall 17 protrudes from the inner end Y1 of the bottom wall 16. Inner Y1 is the side of the vehicle body 110 relative to the sliding door 120 in the vehicle width direction Y. The second side wall 18 protrudes from the outer end Y2 of the bottom wall 16. Outer Y2 is the side of the sliding door 120 relative to the vehicle body 110 in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0041] The first side wall 17 restricts the deflection of the exterior member 30 toward the inner Y1. In Figure 6, the exterior member 30 receiving a force F1 toward the inner Y1 is shown by a dashed line. The force F1 toward the inner Y1 acts on the exterior member 30, for example, when the sliding door 120 slides from the fully closed position to the fully open position. When the force F1 toward the inner Y1 acts on the exterior member 30, the first side wall 17 supports the exterior member 30 and can restrict the deflection deformation of the exterior member 30 due to the force F1. The illustrated first side wall 17 is a straight wall portion along the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle.

[0042] The second side wall 18 is curved to allow deformation of the exterior member 30 when forming the curved portion 31. The second side wall 18 is curved outward Y2 as it moves towards the front X1 in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle. The second side wall 18 is located radially inward with respect to the curved portion 31 formed in the exterior member 30. The passage formed by the two side walls 17 and 18 has a tapered shape that narrows in width as it approaches the first retaining portion 11.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, the second protector 20 is a cylindrical member. The second protector 20 is molded from, for example, an insulating synthetic resin. The second protector 20 has a main body 21 and a second holding part 22. The main body 21 in Figure 7 has a cylindrical shape. The cross-sectional shape of the illustrated main body 21 is rectangular. That is, the main body 21 has a rectangular tubular shape. The main body 21 has an opening 23 and a pull-out opening 24.

[0044] The main body 21 has a first end 21a, a second end 21b, and an intermediate section 21c. The first end 21a is the end of the main body 21 closest to the vehicle body 110, and the second end 21b is the end of the main body 21 closest to the sliding door 120. The opening 23 opens to the first end 21a of the main body 21, and the pull-out opening 24 opens to the second end 21b of the main body 21. The opening 23 and the pull-out opening 24 open toward opposite sides of each other.

[0045] The intermediate section 21c is the portion between the first end 21a and the second end 21b. The intermediate section 21c is inclined so as to offset the position of the second end 21b relative to the first end 21a. More specifically, the first end 21a and the second end 21b extend in the same direction. The intermediate section 21c extends diagonally to the two ends 21a and 21b. In other words, the main body 21 is bent at the boundary between the first end 21a and the intermediate section 21c, and also bent at the boundary between the second end 21b and the intermediate section 21c.

[0046] With the second protector 20 fixed to the link arm 230, the first end 21a and the second end 21b extend along the first direction D1. The first direction D1 is the axial direction of the link arm 230. The intermediate section 21c is inclined to offset the positions of the two ends 21a and 21b in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 is the width direction of the link arm 230 and is perpendicular to the first direction D1. In other words, the intermediate section 21c extends from the first end 21a to the second end 21b along a direction inclined with respect to the first direction D1.

[0047] The second retaining portion 22 is located at the first end portion 21a. The second retaining portion 22 has a groove 25 that supports the exterior member 30 and a locking rib 26 located in the groove 25. The groove 25 protrudes from the opening 23 in the axial direction of the first end portion 21a. The groove 25 supports the exterior member 30 from below. The locking rib 26 protrudes from the inner surface of the groove 25. The locking rib 26 is inserted into an annular recess in the exterior member 30 to lock the exterior member 30. The locking rib 26 in this embodiment has an arc shape and is arranged in multiples along the axial direction of the groove 25.

[0048] The second retaining portion 22 has a central axis CX2. The central axis CX2 is located at the center of the arc of the locking rib 26. When the second retaining portion 22 is viewed from the vehicle's vertical direction Z, the center line of the exterior member 30 held by the second retaining portion 22 coincides with the central axis CX2.

[0049] The second retaining portion 22 has an end portion 22a. The exterior member 30 held by the second retaining portion 22 extends out into the external space from the end portion 22a. The end portion 22a is, for example, the tip of a groove 25. The end portion 22a may also be a locking rib 26 located furthest from the opening 23.

[0050] The exterior member 30 is routed, for example, through the main body 21. The locking rib 26 of the second retaining part 22 engages with the exterior member 30 and holds the exterior member 30. The exterior member 30 may be fixed to the second retaining part 22 by cable ties or tape.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, the second protector 20 is positioned so that its opening 23 faces the first protector 10. In other words, the second protector 20 is positioned so that its opening 23 faces the rotation center of the link arm 230. The end 22a of the second retaining portion 22 faces the first end 231 of the link arm 230. Therefore, the exterior member 30 extends from its end 22a toward the first end 231 of the link arm 230. The direction in which the exterior member 30 extends from the second retaining portion 22 is the axial direction of the link arm 230. For example, in the fully closed state, the exterior member 30 extends from the second retaining portion 22 along the vehicle's longitudinal direction X.

[0052] The exterior member 30 is pulled out from the outlet 24 toward the sliding door 120. A notch 233 corresponding to the exterior member 30 is formed in the link arm 230. The exterior member 30 is pulled out to the outside of the link arm 230 through the notch 233. The exterior member 30 pulled out from the notch 233 is routed along the panel 120p as shown in Figure 2. The electric wire W is connected to a device located on the sliding door 120.

[0053] Figure 8 shows the relative position of the second protector 20 to the first protector 10 in the fully closed state. The central axis CX1 of the first retaining part 11 is aligned with the link arm 230 in the fully closed state. In this embodiment, the central axis CX1 of the first retaining part 11 is parallel to the axial direction of the link arm 230 in the fully closed state. The central axis CX1 may also be parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal direction X.

[0054] The end portion 22a of the second retaining portion 22 is located at a position offset from the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11. More specifically, the center 22x of the end portion 22a lies on a different axis from the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11. The position of the center 22x is on the line of the central axis CX2 of the second retaining portion 22.

[0055] The central axis CX2 of the second retaining part 22 is offset from the central axis CX1 of the first retaining part 11. As shown in Figure 8, the central axis CX2 of the second retaining part 22 is parallel to the central axis CX1 of the first retaining part 11 and is located on a different axis. As shown in Figure 8, the central axis CX2 of the second retaining part 22 is offset in the vehicle width direction Y relative to the central axis CX1 of the first retaining part 11 and is located outward Y2 relative to the central axis CX1. Therefore, the center 22x of the end portion 22a is offset toward the sliding door 120 side relative to the central axis CX1 of the first retaining part 11.

[0056] Because the end portion 22a of the second retaining portion 22 is offset from the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11, a second curved portion 32 is formed in the exterior member 30. The second curved portion 32 is formed in the area between the first retaining portion 11 and the second retaining portion 22 of the exterior member 30. The second curved portion 32 is curved away from the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11. In Figure 8, the second curved portion 32 is curved toward the side of the sliding door 120.

[0057] The exterior member 30 in Figure 8 also has a curved portion 31c formed therein. The curved portion 31c corresponds to the curved portion 31 in the fully open state. The curved portion 31c is formed in the area between the first holding portion 11 and the second curved portion 32. The curved portion 31c curves gently toward the side opposite to the sliding door 120. Thus, in the fully closed state, the exterior member 30 has two curved portions 31c and 32 and is deformed into a roughly S-shape.

[0058] Figure 9 shows the cable routing structure 1 in the fully open position. The link arm 230 rotates from the fully closed position to the fully open position with the rotation axis 250 as the center of rotation. At this time, excess length is created in the outer casing member 30 between the first holding part 11 and the second holding part 22. In the cable routing structure 1 of this embodiment, the second curved part 32 absorbs the excess length created in the outer casing member 30. This prevents the bending radius of the curved part 31 from becoming too small.

[0059] Figure 10 shows a comparative example cable routing structure 400. The comparative example cable routing structure 400 has a door-side protector 420. The door-side protector 420 has a holding portion 422 for holding the exterior member. The door-side protector 420 holds the exterior member 30 at a position where a second curved portion 32 is not formed on the exterior member 30. In other words, the exterior member 30 in Figure 10 does not have a second curved portion 32. In the case of the comparative example cable routing structure 400, the exterior member 30 extends linearly along the main wall 230a from the door-side protector 420 toward the curved portion 31.

[0060] In the comparative example wiring structure 400, the excess length of the exterior member 30 cannot be absorbed between the door-side protector 420 and the curved portion 31. In other words, the exterior member 30 does not have a curved shape that allows excess length to escape between the door-side protector 420 and the curved portion 31. As a result, the resulting excess length deforms the exterior member 30 to reduce the bending radius of the curved portion 31. Consequently, this may affect the bending durability of the exterior member 30.

[0061] According to the cable routing structure 1 of this embodiment, a second curved portion 32 can be formed in the exterior member 30. When excess length is generated in the exterior member 30 due to the movement of the sliding door 120, the second curved portion 32 deforms and absorbs the excess length. In other words, the second curved portion 32 can alleviate the compressive stress generated in the exterior member 30 between the second holding portion 22 and the curved portion 31. Therefore, the cable routing structure 1 of this embodiment can prevent the bending radius of the curved portion 31 from becoming too small.

[0062] Figures 11 and 12 show other second protectors 20 according to the embodiment. The second protectors 20 in Figures 11 and 12 are formed such that the end 22a of the second retaining portion 22 is offset in the vehicle vertical direction Z. As shown in Figure 12, the central axis CX2 of the second retaining portion 22 is offset Z1 upward in the vehicle vertical direction Z relative to the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11. That is, the center 22x of the end 22a is offset Z1 upward relative to the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11. A second curved portion 32 is formed in the exterior member 30 in accordance with the offset of the end 22a relative to the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11. The second curved portion 32 has a curved shape that is directed away from the central axis CX1. When the end 22a is offset Z1 upward relative to the central axis CX1, the second curved portion 32 has a curved shape directed upward Z1.

[0063] Figure 13 shows the second protector 20 as shown in Figures 11 and 12. The body 21 of the second protector 20 has a cylindrical portion 27 and a base portion 28. The cylindrical portion 27 has a cylindrical shape and has a through hole through which the exterior member 30 can be inserted. The cylindrical portion 27 in Figure 13 extends in a straight line. The cylindrical portion 27 has a first end 27a and a second end 27b. The first end 27a is the end of the cylindrical portion 27 closer to the vehicle body 110 in the cable routing path, and the second end 27b is the end of the cylindrical portion 27 closer to the sliding door 120 in the cable routing path. An opening 23 is provided at the first end 27a, and an outlet 24 is provided at the second end 27b.

[0064] The base portion 28 is the part held by the link arm 230 and is adjacent to the cylindrical portion 27. The second protector 20 is positioned on the link arm 230, for example, such that the base portion 28 is positioned lower Z2 relative to the cylindrical portion 27.

[0065] The second retaining portion 22 is located at the first end portion 27a. The second retaining portion 22 has a groove 25 for supporting the exterior member 30 and a locking rib 26 located in the groove 25. The groove 25 protrudes from the opening 23 in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 27. The groove 25 supports the exterior member 30 from below. The locking rib 26 protrudes from the inner surface of the groove 25. The locking rib 26 is inserted into an annular recess in the exterior member 30 to lock the exterior member 30.

[0066] The exterior member 30 is inserted through the cylindrical portion 27 and held by the second retaining portion 22. The exterior member 30 extends from the end 22a of the second retaining portion 22 toward the first end 231 of the link arm 230. The center 22x of the end 22a lies on the line of the central axis CX2 of the second retaining portion 22.

[0067] As shown in Figure 11, the cylindrical portion 27 of the second protector 20 protrudes from the link arm 230 toward the upper side Z1 in the vehicle's vertical direction Z. In other words, the second protector 20 is fixed to the link arm 230 such that the cylindrical portion 27 penetrates the support wall 230b on the upper side Z1. The notch 233 in the link arm 230 is formed so as not to interfere with the cylindrical portion 27 and the exterior member 30.

[0068] As shown in Figure 12, the exterior member 30 has a substantially S-shape between the first retaining portion 11 and the second retaining portion 22. The exterior member 30 has a second curved portion 32 and a third curved portion 33. The third curved portion 33 is formed between the second curved portion 32 and the first retaining portion 11. The third curved portion 33 in Figure 12 is curved downwards towards Z2.

[0069] Figure 14 shows the wiring structure 1 in the fully open state. As the sliding door 120 moves, excess length is generated in the exterior member 30, and the second curved portion 32 deforms to absorb the excess length. The exterior member 30 can absorb the excess length by deforming, for example, by moving the second curved portion 32 upward Z1. By absorbing the excess length between the second retaining portion 22 and the curved portion 31, the bending radius of the curved portion 31 is prevented from becoming too small.

[0070] The height of the link arm 230 may be adjusted so that the second protector 20 does not protrude. For example, the height of the link arm 230 may be set to a height that can accommodate the entire second protector 20 from its upper end to its lower end. In this case, the wire harness WH can be housed inside the link arm 230 so that it is not visible from the side of the vehicle interior.

[0071] As described above, the wiring structure 1 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical exterior member 30, a first protector 10, a second protector 20, and an electric wire W. The exterior member 30 is positioned on a link arm 230 and wires are routed along the link arm 230. The link arm 230 has a first end 231 rotatably connected to the vehicle body 110 of the vehicle 100, and a second end 232 rotatably connected to the sliding door 120 of the vehicle 100. The first protector 10 has a first holding portion 11 for holding the exterior member 30 and is fixed near the first end 231 on the vehicle body 110. The second protector 20 has a second holding portion 22 for holding the exterior member 30 and is fixed to the link arm 230. The electric wire W is inserted through the exterior member 30 and routed from the vehicle body 110 to the sliding door 120.

[0072] The first protector 10 is positioned such that the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11 is aligned with the link arm 230 when the sliding door 120 is in the fully closed position. The second retaining portion 22 has an end portion 22a that extends the exterior member 30 toward the first end portion 231. When the sliding door 120 is in the fully closed position, the end portion 22a of the second retaining portion 22 is offset from the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11. As a result, a second curved portion 32 is formed between the end portion 22a and the first retaining portion 11, and the excess length is absorbed by the second curved portion 32. Therefore, the cable routing structure 1 of this embodiment can prevent the bending radius of the curved portion 31 of the exterior member 30 from being too small.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the sliding door 120 is in the fully closed position, the link arm 230 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 100. The end 22a of the second retaining portion 22 is offset, for example, toward the sliding door 120 with respect to the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11. In this case, the exterior member 30 has a second curved portion 32 that curves toward the sliding door 120.

[0074] The end portion 22a of the second retaining portion 22 may be offset in the vehicle vertical direction Z of the vehicle 100 with respect to the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11. In this case, a second curved portion 32 is formed in the exterior member 30 that curves toward the vehicle vertical direction Z. The end portion 22a may be offset upward Z1 or downward Z2 with respect to the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11.

[0075] Furthermore, the direction in which the end portion 22a of the first retaining portion 11 is shifted relative to the central axis CX1 is not limited to the vehicle width direction Y or the vehicle vertical direction Z. For example, the end portion 22a may be shifted in a third direction relative to the central axis CX1. This third direction is inclined with respect to both the vehicle width direction Y and the vehicle vertical direction Z.

[0076] The second protector 20 may be composed of a combination of multiple components. For example, the second protector 20 may have a groove-shaped first component and a cover that engages with the first component. In this case, the second retaining portion 22 may be positioned on the first component. The cover can be assembled to the first component to hold the exterior component 30.

[0077] [Modified examples of embodiments] A modified example of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17. Figure 15 is a plan view of the cable routing structure according to the modified example of the embodiment, Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the cable routing structure according to the modified example of the embodiment, and Figure 17 is a perspective view of the second protector according to the modified example of the embodiment. One difference in the modified example of the embodiment from the above embodiment is that, for example, the central axis CX2 of the second holding part 22 is inclined.

[0078] Figures 15 and 16 show the cable routing structure 1 in the fully closed state. The end 22a of the second retaining portion 22 is positioned offset from the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11, as in the above embodiment. In the modified embodiment, the second retaining portion 22 is inclined to form a second curved portion 32 on the exterior member 30.

[0079] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the second protector 20 according to a modified embodiment has a cylindrical body 21 bent into a substantially V shape. The body 21 has a first cylindrical portion 21d and a second cylindrical portion 21e. Both cylindrical portions 21d and 21e have a straight shape. The opening 23 is located at the tip of the first cylindrical portion 21d. The outlet 24 is located at the tip of the second cylindrical portion 21e. The two cylindrical portions 21d and 21e intersect to form a V shape.

[0080] The second retaining portion 22 is located at the tip of the first cylindrical portion 21d. The second retaining portion 22 has a groove 25 and a locking rib 26 located in the groove 25. The groove 25 protrudes from the opening 23 in the axial direction of the first cylindrical portion 21d. The locking rib 26 protrudes from the inner surface of the groove 25 and locks the exterior member 30. The center 22x of the end portion 22a is located on the line of the central axis CX2 of the second retaining portion 22.

[0081] As shown in Figure 16, the second protector 20 is fixed to the link arm 230 such that the second cylindrical portion 21e extends in the first direction D1. The first direction D1 is the axial direction of the link arm 230, as described above. The second cylindrical portion 21e is located in front of the first cylindrical portion 21d by X1.

[0082] The second protector 20 is fixed such that the first cylindrical portion 21d is inclined with respect to the first direction D1. More specifically, the first cylindrical portion 21d is inclined so that it moves away from the main wall 230a of the link arm 230 and closer to the first end portion 231 as it approaches the end portion 22a. In the fully closed state shown in Figure 16, the second retaining portion 22 is inclined with respect to the central axis CX1 such that it moves away from the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11 as it approaches the end portion 22a. In the fully closed state, the first cylindrical portion 21d extends diagonally backward from the second cylindrical portion 21e.

[0083] The second retaining portion 22 holds the exterior member 30 and forms a second curved portion 32 on the exterior member 30. As shown in Figure 16, the second curved portion 32 in the fully closed state has a curved shape that moves away from the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11. In other words, in the fully closed state, the central axis CX2 of the second retaining portion 22 is inclined with respect to the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11 so as to form a curved shape on the exterior member 30 that moves away from the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11.

[0084] The inclination of the second retaining portion 22 improves the deformability of the exterior member 30 when absorbing the resulting excess length. The direction in which the exterior member 30 extends from the second retaining portion 22 is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the link arm 230. As a result, the exterior member 30 becomes more easily deformed so as to move the second curved portion 32 away from the main wall 230a. Therefore, when the sliding door 120 moves toward the fully open position and excess length is generated in the exterior member 30, the compressive stress along the axial direction of the exterior member 30 is relieved.

[0085] As described above, in the modified wiring structure 1 of the embodiment, when the sliding door 120 is in the fully closed position, the central axis CX2 of the second retaining portion 22 is inclined with respect to the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11, such that a curved shape is formed in the exterior member 30 that moves away from the central axis CX1 of the first retaining portion 11. This makes it possible to improve the excess length absorption capacity of the second curved portion 32. Furthermore, by inclining the central axis CX2 of the second retaining portion 22, it is possible to reduce the required amount of displacement in the second retaining portion 22. For example, when the same excess length absorption capacity is secured, inclining the central axis CX2 makes it possible to reduce the amount of displacement of the end 22a compared to when it is not inclined.

[0086] The embodiments and modifications disclosed above can be combined and implemented as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1: Cable routing structure 10: First Protector 11: First retaining part, 12: Regulating part, 13: Groove, 14: Locking rib, 15: Hole 16: Bottom wall, 17: First side wall, 18: Second side wall 20: Second protector 21: Main body, 21a: First end, 21b: Second end, 21c: Middle part 22: Second retaining portion, 22a: End, 22x: Center of the end 23: Opening, 24: Drawer opening 25: Groove, 26: Locking rib, 27: Cylindrical section, 28: Base 30: Exterior component, 31: Curved section, 32: Second curved section, 33: Third curved section 100: Vehicle, 110: Body, 120: Sliding door, 120p: Panel 200: Link mechanism 210: First support member, 210a: Main wall, 210b: Support wall 220: Second support member 230: Link arm, 230a: Main wall, 230b: Support wall 231: First end, 232: Second end, 233: Notch 240: Connection Link 250, 260, 270: Rotation axis 400: Cable routing structure of the comparative example, 420: Protector on the door side CX1,CX2: Center axis line D1: First direction, D2: Second direction W: Electric wire WH: Wire harness X: Front-to-back direction of the vehicle, X1: Front side, X2: Rear side Y: vehicle width direction, Y1: inside, Y2: outside Z: vertical direction of the vehicle, Z1: upper side, Z2: lower side

Claims

1. A cylindrical exterior member is disposed on a link arm having a first end rotatably connected to the vehicle body and a second end rotatably connected to the vehicle's sliding door, A first protector having a first retaining portion for holding the exterior member and fixed near the first end on the vehicle body, A second protector having a second holding portion for holding the exterior member and fixed to the link arm, A wire inserted through the exterior member and routed from the vehicle body to the sliding door, Equipped with, The first protector is positioned such that when the sliding door is in the fully closed position, the central axis of the first retaining portion aligns with the link arm. The second retaining portion has an end that extends the exterior member toward the first end, When the sliding door is in the fully closed position, the end of the second retaining part is offset from the central axis of the first retaining part. A cable routing structure characterized by the following features.

2. When the sliding door is in the fully closed position, the link arm extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the end of the second retaining portion is offset toward the sliding door with respect to the central axis of the first retaining portion. The cable routing structure according to claim 1.

3. The end of the second holding portion is offset in the vehicle's vertical direction with respect to the central axis of the first holding portion. The cable routing structure according to claim 1.

4. When the sliding door is in the fully closed position, the central axis of the second retaining portion is inclined with respect to the central axis of the first retaining portion such that a curved shape is formed in the exterior member that moves away from the central axis of the first retaining portion. The cable routing structure according to claim 1.

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