Harness routing structure

Abstract

To provide a harness routing structure that can suppress harness malfunctions. [Solution] The harness routing structure 10 is characterized in that a harness 16, which is made up of bundled wires 18, is routed across a movable part 12 and a fixed part 14, the harness 16 is inserted through a tubular member 20, the tubular member 20 is routed across the movable part 12 and the fixed part 14 and is rotatably held by at least one of the movable part 12 and the fixed part 14, the harness 16 has a protected part 16a in which the wires 18 are covered by a protective member 17 and an unprotected part 16b in which the wires 18 are exposed, the unprotected part 16b is located inside the tubular member 20, the harness 16 is inserted into the tubular member 20 at at least one end of the tubular member 20 and a part of the protected part 16a is routed inside the tubular member 20, and the protected part 16a and the harness 16 are fixed by tightening the end of the tubular member 20 radially inward with a fixing member 22.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in vehicle bodies such as motorcycles and senior cars, wiring of the harness related to the handlebar (steering) is performed so as to straddle between the steering shaft on the movable part side and the vehicle body side on the fixed part side by a harness (for example, Patent Document 1). In the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, a structure in which the harness is arranged from above the handlebar pipe downward is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when adopting the structure described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, a steering cover may be set. In such a case, it is necessary to set a corrugated tube around the harness so that the cover and the harness do not interfere. Here, the electric wires passing through the corrugated tube need to ensure flexibility in order to allow rotation accompanying the steering operation. Therefore, a plurality of electric wires passing through the corrugated tube are in a free state without being bundled.

[0005] However, with the configuration described above, when the harness and corrugated tube rotate in conjunction with steering operations, the difference in circumference between the inside and outside of the corrugated tube sometimes caused contact between the end of the corrugated tube and the multiple wires passing through the corrugated tube. Such contact between the end of the corrugated tube and the wires raised concerns that the wires might be damaged or broken. To solve this problem, for example, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), it would be necessary to provide a molded protector 510 (a molded part made of resin or the like) to maintain the distance between the end 500a of the corrugated tube 500 and the wire 502, which would be costly.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a harness routing structure that can suppress malfunctions such as damage to the harness and can be constructed at low cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The harness routing structure of the present invention, provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a harness routing structure in which a harness made of bundled wires is routed across a movable part and a fixed part, wherein the harness is inserted through a tubular member, the tubular member is arranged across the movable part and the fixed part and is held in a rotatable state by at least one of the movable part and the fixed part, the harness has a protected part in which the wires are covered by a protective member and an unprotected part in which the wires are exposed, the unprotected part is located inside the tubular member, the harness is inserted from the open end of the tubular member at at least one end of the tubular member and a part of the protective part is positioned to enter the inside of the tubular member, and the protective part and the harness are fixed by tightening the end of the tubular member radially inward with a fixing member.

[0008] In the harness routing structure of the present invention, the unprotected portion where the wires are exposed is located within a tubular member. This allows for the maintenance of the flexibility of the harness (multiple wires) due to the unprotected portion while protecting each wire in the harness with the tubular member. Therefore, even when a load is applied to the harness due to the movement of a movable part (e.g., rotation), the flexibility of the unprotected portion of the harness distributes the load on the harness. As a result, the harness routing structure of the present invention can suppress localized stress concentration in the harness, thereby effectively suppressing damage to the harness.

[0009] Furthermore, in the harness routing structure of the present invention, the harness is inserted from the open end of the tubular member, and a portion of the protective part is positioned to fit inside the tubular member. In addition, in the harness routing structure of the present invention, the protective part and the harness are fixed by tightening the end of the tubular member radially inward with a fixing member. As a result, in the harness routing structure of the present invention, the harness can be kept in a predetermined position inside the tubular member. Therefore, the harness routing structure of the present invention can fix the harness and the tubular member without using a member such as a resin-molded retaining member (also referred to as a molded protector or molded part). Furthermore, in the harness routing structure of the present invention, a distance can be maintained between the end of the tubular member and the harness, so that contact between the end of the tubular member and the harness can be suppressed as the movable part moves (rotates). As a result, the harness routing structure of the present invention can suppress damage to the harness.

[0010] Furthermore, the harness routing structure of the present invention can close the opening at the end of the tubular member by tightening the end of the tubular member radially inward with a fixing member, thereby reducing its diameter. As a result, the harness routing structure of the present invention can suppress the ingress of dust, water, etc. from the end of the tubular member, and thus can suppress damage to the harness due to dust, etc.

[0011] (2) The harness routing structure of the present invention described above is preferably characterized in that the tubular member is held such that it is allowed to rotate about an axis with respect to at least one of the movable part and the fixed part.

[0012] The harness routing structure of the present invention, when configured as described in (2) above, prevents excessive stress from concentrating on the harness and tubular members. Therefore, the harness routing structure of the present invention can suppress damage to the harness and tubular members.

[0013] (3) The harness routing structure of the present invention described above is preferably characterized in that the unprotected portion of the harness is positioned at least at the open end of the tubular member, spaced apart from the inner wall of the tubular member.

[0014] As described above, the harness routing structure of the present invention, when configured as described in (4) above, can prevent the unprotected portion of the harness inserted into the tubular member from contacting at least the open end of the tubular member when the movable part is rotated. As a result, the harness routing structure of the present invention can prevent the sharp portion near the open end of the tubular member, which is prone to damaging the harness, from contacting the unprotected portion of the harness, thereby improving the durability of the harness and the tubular member.

[0015] (4) The harness routing structure of the present invention described above is preferably characterized in that the tubular member is a corrugated tube.

[0016] The harness routing structure of the present invention, as described above, protects the harness with an inexpensive and simple configuration by using corrugated tubing for the tubular members. Therefore, cost reduction can be expected with the harness routing structure of the present invention. Furthermore, since the harness routing structure of the present invention can utilize general-purpose corrugated tubing, its versatility can be increased.

[0017] (5) The harness routing structure of the present invention described above is characterized in that the protective member is composed of a tape-like member, and the protective portion is covered by the tape-like member.

[0018] As described above, the harness routing structure of the present invention, when configured as described in (5) above, eliminates the need to individually prepare protective members according to the shape and size of the protected part, and allows for easy and inexpensive protection of harnesses of various shapes and sizes. Therefore, cost reduction can be expected with the harness routing structure of the present invention.

[0019] (6) The harness routing structure of the present invention described above is preferably characterized in that the fixing member is composed of a tape-shaped member.

[0020] As described above, the harness routing structure of the present invention, when configured as described in (6) above, allows the harness and tubular member to be fixed by a tape-like member without using, for example, a molded protector (molded part). Therefore, the harness routing structure of the present invention can reduce component costs. Furthermore, as described in (6) above, the harness routing structure of the present invention can accommodate and fix tubular members and harnesses of various shapes and sizes, thus improving versatility.

[0021] (7) In the harness routing structure of the present invention described above, the movable part is a steering wheel, the fixed part is a part of the vehicle body whose movement is fixed relative to the rotational movement of the steering wheel, and the tubular member is held so as to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the steering wheel.

[0022] The harness routing structure of the present invention described above, when configured as in (7) above, allows the harness to follow the rotation without damaging it in a movable part that rotates, such as a steering wheel. Therefore, it can be preferably used, for example, in the steering of small vehicles such as mobility scooters or motorcycles. This is expected to reduce the cost of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a harness wiring structure that can suppress defects such as damage to the harness and can be configured at a low cost.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a senior car (electric vehicle) equipped with the harness wiring structure of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the steering wheel when the senior car shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from the front side of the vehicle body. [Figure 3] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover part around the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2 is removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the harness wiring structure of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a front view showing an embodiment of the harness wiring structure of the present invention, FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 5(a), and FIG. 5(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 5(a). [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 5(a). [Figure 7] FIG. 7(a) is a front view showing a harness wiring structure according to a first modification of the present invention, and FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 7(a). [Figure 8] FIG. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 7(a), and FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 7(a). [Figure 9] FIG. 9(a) is an explanatory view in the front direction showing a state in which a harness is fixed using a molding protector (molded part) in a conventional harness wiring structure, and FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view in the front direction of FIG. 9(a).

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The following describes in detail a harness routing structure 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. Please note that the figures are schematic representations for ease of understanding and may differ from the actual shape, size, and arrangement of components. Also note that hatching may be omitted in the cross-sectional areas. Furthermore, please note that the lower part of the vehicle body of the mobility scooter 1 is omitted in Figures 2 and 3.

[0026] In this embodiment, the harness routing structure 10 will be described as being mounted on an electric wheelchair called a senior scooter 1. In the following, the width direction of the senior scooter 1 may be referred to as the X direction, the front-to-back direction of the senior scooter 1 as the X direction, and the up-and-down direction of the senior scooter 1 as the Z direction. To describe the harness routing structure 10, the configuration of the senior scooter 1 will be described first.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the mobility scooter 1 is equipped with a pair of front wheels 2F, 2F, a pair of rear wheels 2R, 2R, a steering mechanism 50 including a steering wheel 52, and a seat 3. In addition to the above, the mobility scooter 1 is equipped with the harness routing structure 10 and control device 62 of the present invention. Note that in Figure 1, the covers around the seat 3 have been removed for ease of understanding.

[0028] The steering mechanism 50 can apply a steering angle to the front wheels 2F, 2F according to the steering angle of the steering wheel 52, which ranges from +R to -R, as controlled by the driver. In this embodiment, the steering wheel 52 is a bar-type handle. However, the steering wheel 52 can be of various forms other than a bar, such as a loop handle.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the steering mechanism 50 includes a steering shaft 54 ​​and a mechanism that is linked to the rotation of the steering shaft 54, in addition to the steering 52. As shown in Figure 1, the steering shaft 54 ​​(see Figure 3) rotates around the Za axis, thereby applying a steering angle to the front wheels 2F, 2F. The steering mechanism 50 includes, for example, a linkage mechanism and a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown), which can transmit the rotation of the steering shaft 54 ​​to the front wheels 2F, 2F.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the steering wheel 52 is equipped with an accelerator 6, a reverse switch 5, a brake lever 7, etc. Operational information from the steering wheel 52, accelerator 6, reverse switch 5, brake lever 7, etc., is sent to a control device 62, which will be described later, and used for vehicle driving control.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the mobility scooter 1 is equipped with a cover part 56 on the front side of the vehicle body. The cover part 56 is provided along the steering shaft 54 ​​(see Figure 3). The cover part 56 is, for example, a resin part and is intended to protect and design the front of the vehicle body, including the steering shaft 54 ​​and the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention, which will be described later.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the mobility scooter 1 has a seat 3 mounted on a frame 61 that is assembled into a vehicle body shape. The frame 61 has a steering mechanism 50 including a steering wheel 52 on the front side, and rear wheels 2R, 2R connected to a motor (not shown) as a drive source on the rear side. The rear wheels 2R, 2R are rotatably supported on the frame 61 via suspension parts 64, 64, respectively.

[0033] A base plate 66 is positioned near the center of the frame 61. A seat 3, whose height is adjusted relative to the base plate 66, is supported on the base plate 66. The seat 3 may be provided with a height adjustment mechanism as appropriate. Dampers 68, 68 are provided on the lower rear side of the seat 3. The dampers 68, 68 are designed to absorb and reduce vibrations experienced by the rear wheels 2R, 2R.

[0034] Control devices 62, 62 are provided below seat 3. The control devices 62, 62 are designed to receive power from a rechargeable battery (not shown) mounted on the vehicle body via a power supply circuit (not shown).

[0035] The power supply wires for the rear wheel 2R, 2R motors, as well as various signal wires and other wiring on the rear side, are bundled into the main unit harness 76 and connected to the control devices 62, 62. Furthermore, the various wires 18 (also referred to as wires 18) on the steering 52 side, such as those for instruments, are bundled into the main unit harness 76, passed from the steering 52 side, and connected to the control devices 62, 62 through the underside of the vehicle's bottom plate 66. Note that the control devices 62, 62 are not limited to this embodiment and can be configured in various quantities and arrangements. Also, the control devices 62, 62 may have intermediate relay devices or the like.

[0036] The above describes the configuration of the senior scooter 1, and next, the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention will be described in detail. In describing the harness routing structure 10, first, the structure for holding the harness 16 to the movable part 12 (movable side plate 70) and the fixed part 14 (fixed side plate 72) will be described.

[0037] Figure 3 shows the steering 52 in the neutral position (turning angle 0 degrees). In the harness routing structure 10, the harness 16 is routed so as to span between the movable part 12 and the fixed part 14 of the vehicle body. Here, the harness 16 is made up of bundles of multiple wires 18 (also referred to as electric wires 18 or wiring 18; see Figure 6).

[0038] The movable part 12 includes the steering 52, the steering shaft 54, and the movable side plate 70, etc. The movable side plate 70 is fixed to the shaft axis of the steering 52 or the steering shaft 54 ​​and rotates integrally with the steering shaft 54.

[0039] The fixed portion 14 includes a shaft support portion 55 and a fixed-side plate 72. The shaft support portion 55 is fixed to the frame 61 (see Figure 1) and is not linked to the rotation of the steering shaft 54. The fixed-side plate 72 is fixed to the shaft support portion 55 and, like the shaft support portion 55, is not linked to the rotation of the steering shaft 54. In other words, the fixed portion 14 is a part of the vehicle body whose movement is fixed relative to the rotation of the steering 52.

[0040] The wiring for the instrument meter 4, the wiring for the reverse switch 5 and accelerator 6, and the wiring for the brake lever 7 are bundled together as a harness 16 and routed using the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment.

[0041] In this embodiment, the harness 16 is inserted through the corrugated tube 20 (also referred to as the tubular member 20) and is positioned to straddle the space between the movable plate 70 and the fixed plate 72. That is, the corrugated tube 20 is positioned to straddle the space between the movable part 12 and the fixed part 14.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the inner diameter of the corrugated tube 20 is set to be larger than the diameter of the harness 16 (the diameter when multiple wires 18 are bundled together). Furthermore, there is a gap between the inner surface of the corrugated tube 20 and the harness 16 to allow the harness 16 to move, in order to avoid stress concentration in one place due to steering of the steering 52. The corrugated tube 20 is made of a material such as resin and is formed into a cylindrical member that can be bent and twisted.

[0043] Furthermore, the outer surface of the corrugated tube 20 has a repeating pattern of bumps and depressions arranged at a predetermined pitch in the axial direction. Each bump and depression is formed around the entire circumference of the corrugated tube 20 in the circumferential direction.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the corrugated tube 20 is held in a rotatable manner by at least one of the movable plate 70 and the fixed plate 72. In this embodiment, the corrugated tube 20 is held in a rotatable manner by a clamp 71 on the movable part 12 side and a clamp 73 on the fixed part 14 side. In other words, the corrugated tube 20 is held such that it is allowed to rotate around its axis relative to at least one of the movable part 12 and the fixed part 14. In this embodiment, the corrugated tube 20 is held so that it rotates in response to the rotation of the steering 52.

[0045] The following describes in detail how the corrugated tube 20 is held by clamps 71 and 73.

[0046] The inner circumferential surfaces of clamps 71 and 73 are formed with protrusions (not shown) that fit into grooves in recesses on the outer circumference of the corrugated tube 20. The corrugated tube 20 is fixed in a predetermined position by the protrusions of clamps 71 and 73 fitting into recesses in the corrugated tube 20. Clamps 71 and 73 can be fixed to the movable part 12 and the fixed part 14, respectively, by appropriate fixing members (not shown), such as pins or bolts. As described above, since the corrugated tube 20 is held with the protrusions (not shown) of clamps 71 and 73 fitted into grooves in recesses on the outer circumference, the corrugated tube 20 can rotate along the grooves in recesses on the outer circumference of the corrugated tube 20 without shifting in the axial direction. Therefore, the corrugated tube 20 can rotate in a direction that eliminates the twisting associated with steering the steering 52.

[0047] In this embodiment, the harness 16 is fixed to the movable plate 70 by a fixing band 74 at the end extending from one upper end of the corrugated tube 20. At the fixing portion by the fixing band 74, the harness 16 is fixed from above the tube 60. Here, the harness 16 is inserted into the tube 60.

[0048] At the end of the corrugated tube 20 extending from the lower end, the harness 16 is fixed to the fixing plate 72 by a fixing band 75. In other words, in the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention, since the harness 16 is inserted through the corrugated tube 20, the fixing section of the harness 16 by the fixing bands 74 and 75 can be separated. Therefore, the harness 16 in this section is free and has excess length, so it is not constrained at all. As a result, the harness routing structure 10 can alleviate stress concentration in the harness 16 at the fixing section 14 caused by right and left steering of the steering 52.

[0049] Note that the fixing band 74 is not necessarily required and should be provided only if necessary, depending on the length of the harness 16 from the corrugated tube 20. Similarly, the fixing band 75 should be provided as needed, in the necessary places, depending on the length of the harness 16 from the corrugated tube 20.

[0050] Next, the details of the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0051] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the main part of the lower end of the corrugated tube 20 (between the clamp 73 and the fixing band 75 in Figure 3). As shown in Figures 4, 5(a), and 6, in the harness routing structure 10, at least one end (the lower end in this embodiment) of the corrugated tube 20 is tightened radially inward by the fixing member 22. The following will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 6.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the corrugated tube 20 has an inner diameter that is sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the harness 16 formed by bundling together a plurality of wires 18 (four wires in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4). That is, when the steering 52 is in the neutral position, each wire 18 is positioned at a distance from the inner wall of the corrugated tube 20 (a position where it does not come into contact with it).

[0053] The harness 16 has a protected section 16a where the wires 18 are covered by a protective member 17, and an unprotected section 16b where the wires 18 are exposed. Here, the protective member 17 is made of a tape-like member (hereinafter also referred to as the tape-like member 17). Therefore, the protected section 16a of the harness 16 is covered with the tape-like member 17. More specifically, the protected section 16a of the harness 16 is covered by winding a tape-like member 17 of any width around the protected section 16a. The tape-like member 17 is made of, for example, insulating tape, and can be wound around the protected section 16a to bundle and adhesively fix multiple wires 18 together. As a result, the multiple wires 18 are integrally fixed by the protected section 16a, so that the relative movement and rotation of each wire 18 are restrained.

[0054] The unprotected portion 16b of the harness 16 is the part not covered by the protective member 17, and is the part in which multiple wires 18 are exposed. That is, the multiple wires 18 in the unprotected portion 16b of the harness 16 are allowed to move and rotate relative to each other. Furthermore, the unprotected portion 16b is located inside the corrugated tube 20. Therefore, the unprotected portion 16b is protected by the corrugated tube 20.

[0055] In the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention, the harness 16 is inserted from the open end 20a of the corrugated tube 20 at least one end (in this embodiment, the lower end of the corrugated tube 20 in the Z direction), and a portion of the protective part 16a is positioned to fit inside the corrugated tube 20. Furthermore, the lower end (open end 20a) of the corrugated tube 20 is fixed to the protective part 16a via the fixing member 22 by tightening it radially inward by the fixing member 22. As a result, the unprotected part 16b of the harness 16 is positioned spaced apart from the inner wall of the corrugated tube 20, at least at the open end 20a of the corrugated tube 20. In other words, the unprotected part 16b of the harness 16 is positioned so as not to contact the open end 20a of the corrugated tube 20. In this way, in the harness routing structure 10, the protective part 16a and the harness 16 are fixed to the corrugated tube 20 while maintaining a predetermined positional relationship.

[0056] In this embodiment, the fixing member 22 is a tape-shaped member 17 similar to the protective member 17. However, the fixing member 22 may be made of a different material than the protective member 17. In this embodiment, the tape-shaped member 17 is wound around the corrugated tube 20 from the middle of the lower end, past the open end 20a, to the protective part 16a, and the tape-shaped member 17 is fixed to the protective part 16a by tightening (reducing the diameter) the open end 20a radially inward.

[0057] The above describes the configuration of the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention. Next, the operation of the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention will be described.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, the steering 52 is in a neutral position, the +R direction represents the steering 52 being steered to the left, and the -R direction represents the steering 52 being steered to the right. By steering the steering 52 to the left or right, the movable clamp 71 rotates integrally with the movable part 12 in the -R or +R direction around axis Za. Since the corrugated tube 20 is rotatably held by the clamp 71, it rotates around its axis in accordance with the steering direction of the steering 52.

[0059] In this case, the unprotected portion 16b of the harness 16 inserted into the corrugated tube 20 is in a free state where the individual wires 18 are not bundled together, thus mitigating the concentration of torsional stress associated with steering the steering 52. In other words, the unprotected portion 16b of the harness 16 inserted into the corrugated tube 20 can flexibly release torsional forces in response to steering the steering 52.

[0060] On the other hand, near the open end 20a of the corrugated tube 20, there is a concern that torsional forces may act and cause the harness 16 to come into contact with the open end 20a of the corrugated tube 20. However, in the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention, near the open end 20a of the corrugated tube 20, the harness 16 is covered by a protective member 17 as a protective part 16a. Therefore, even if the open end 20a of the corrugated tube 20 comes into contact with the harness 16, damage to the harness 16 is suppressed by the protective part 16a.

[0061] Thus, the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention can maintain the flexibility and bendability of the harness 16 within the corrugated tube 20 while suppressing damage to the harness 16 at the open end 20a of the corrugated tube 20.

[0062] Next, the harness routing structure 100 according to the first modified example will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Note that the same reference numerals are used for parts and other components similar to those in the embodiments described above.

[0063] The harness routing structure 100 according to the first modified example is the same as the embodiment described above, except that the diameter of the corrugated tube 20 is smaller, so the description of the similar parts will be omitted.

[0064] As shown in Figures 7(a), 7(b), 8(a), and 8(b), the corrugated tube 20 is formed with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the harness 16, which is made up of bundled wires 18 (four in the first modified example). Therefore, when the steering 52 is in a neutral position (when the corrugated tube 20 is not twisted), each wire 18 (unprotected portion 16b) and the inner surface of the corrugated tube 20 are positioned in close proximity. In this state, however, each wire 18 and the inner surface of the corrugated tube 20 are spaced apart. In other words, each wire 18 and the corrugated tube 20 are positioned so as not to come into contact with each other.

[0065] In the harness routing structure 100, similar to the embodiment described above, the unprotected portion 16b of the harness 16 is inserted into the corrugated tube 20, and a portion of the protected portion 16a of the harness 16 is positioned to extend inside the corrugated tube 20.

[0066] The above describes one embodiment of the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention. Next, the effects and advantages realized by the harness routing structure 101 of the present invention will be described below.

[0067] The harness routing structure 10 of the present invention described above has the following characteristic configurations (a) to (g). Therefore, the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention can achieve unique effects that cannot be achieved with conventional technology, as described below.

[0068] (a) The harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment is a harness routing structure 10 in which a harness 16, which is made up of bundled wires 18, is routed so as to straddle the space between a movable part 12 and a fixed part 14, wherein the harness 16 is inserted through a tubular member 20, the tubular member 20 is positioned to straddle the space between the movable part 12 and the fixed part 14 and is held in a rotatable state on at least one of the movable part 12 and the fixed part 14, and the harness 16 is a protective part 1 in which the wires 18 are covered by a protective member 17 The present invention comprises a 6a and an unprotected portion 16b in which the wire 18 is exposed, wherein the unprotected portion 16b is located inside the tubular member 20, and at least one end of the tubular member 20, the harness 16 is inserted from the open end 20a of the tubular member 20, and a part of the protective portion 16a is positioned to fit inside the tubular member 20, and the protective portion 16a and the harness 16 are fixed together by tightening the end of the tubular member 20 radially inward with a fixing member 22.

[0069] In this embodiment, the harness routing structure 10 has an unprotected portion 16b where the wires 18 are exposed, located inside the tubular member 20. This allows the tubular member 20 to protect each wire 18 in the harness 16 while maintaining the flexibility of the harness 16 (multiple wires 18) due to the unprotected portion 16b. Therefore, even when a load is applied to the harness 16 due to the movement (e.g., rotation) of the movable part 12, the flexibility of the unprotected portion 16b in the harness 16 distributes the load applied to the harness 16. As a result, the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment can suppress localized stress concentration in the harness 16, thereby effectively suppressing damage to the harness 16.

[0070] Furthermore, in the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment, the harness 16 is inserted from the open end 20a of the tubular member 20, and a portion of the protective part 16a is positioned to fit inside the tubular member 20. In addition, in the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment, the protective part 16a and the harness 16 are fixed by tightening the end of the tubular member 20 radially inward with the fixing member 22. As a result, in the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment, the harness 16 can be kept in a predetermined position inside the tubular member 20. Therefore, the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment can fix the harness 16 and the tubular member 20 without using a member such as a resin-molded retaining member (also referred to as a molded protector or molded part). Furthermore, in the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment, a distance can be maintained between the end of the tubular member 20 and the harness 16, so that contact between the end of the tubular member 20 and the harness 16 can be suppressed as the movable part 12 moves (rotates). As a result, the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment can suppress damage to the harness 16.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the harness routing structure 10 can close the opening at the end of the tubular member 20 by tightening the end of the tubular member 20 radially inward with the fixing member 22, thereby reducing its diameter. As a result, the harness routing structure 10 in this embodiment can suppress the ingress of dust, water, etc. from the end of the tubular member 20, thereby suppressing damage to the harness 16 due to dust, etc.

[0072] (b) The harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment described above is characterized in that the tubular member 20 is held such that it is allowed to rotate around its axis with respect to at least one of the movable part 12 and the fixed part 14.

[0073] By configuring the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment as described in (b) above, excessive stress is not concentrated on the harness 16 or the tubular member 20. Therefore, the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment can suppress damage to the harness 16 and the tubular member 20.

[0074] (c) The harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment described above is characterized in that the unprotected portion 16b of the harness 16 is positioned at least at the open end 20a of the tubular member 20, spaced apart from the inner wall of the tubular member 20.

[0075] As described above, the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment, when configured as shown in (c), can prevent the unprotected portion 16b of the harness 16 inserted into the tubular member 20 from contacting at least the open end 20a of the tubular member 20 when the movable part 12 is rotated. As a result, the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment can prevent the sharp portion near the open end 20a of the tubular member 20, which is prone to damaging the harness 16, from contacting the unprotected portion 16b of the harness 16, thereby improving the durability of the harness 16 and the tubular member 20.

[0076] (d) The harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment described above is characterized in that the tubular member 20 is a corrugated tube 20.

[0077] The harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment, as described above, protects the harness 16 with an inexpensive and simple configuration by using a corrugated tube 20 for the tubular member 20. Therefore, cost reduction can be expected with the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment. In addition, since the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment can use a general-purpose corrugated tube 20, its versatility can be increased.

[0078] (e) The harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment described above is characterized in that the protective member 17 is composed of a tape-shaped member 17, and the protective portion 16a is covered by the tape-shaped member 17.

[0079] As described above, the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment, when configured as shown in (e), does not require the preparation of individual protective members 17 according to the shape and size of the protective part 16a, and can easily protect harnesses 16 of various shapes and sizes at a low cost. Therefore, cost reduction can be expected with the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment.

[0080] (f) The harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment described above is characterized in that the fixing member 22 is composed of a tape-shaped member 22.

[0081] As described above, the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment, when configured as shown in (f), allows the harness 16 and the tubular member 20 to be fixed by the tape-shaped member 22 without using, for example, a molded protector 510 (molded part, see Figure 11). Therefore, the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment can reduce component costs. Furthermore, as described in (f), the harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment can accommodate and fix tubular members 20 and harnesses 16 of various shapes and sizes, thus improving versatility.

[0082] (g) In the harness routing structure 10 of the above-described embodiment, the movable part 12 is the steering 52, the fixed part 14 is a part of the vehicle body whose movement is fixed relative to the rotational movement of the steering 52, and the tubular member 20 is held so as to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the steering 52.

[0083] The harness routing structure 10 of this embodiment described above, when configured as shown in (g) above, can follow the rotation of a movable part 12 that rotates, such as the steering wheel 52, without damaging the harness 16. Therefore, it can be preferably used for the steering of small vehicles such as mobility scooters 1 or motorcycles. This is expected to reduce the cost of the vehicle.

[0084] The above describes the configuration and effects of the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention. However, the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the harness routing structure 10 may be as described in (a) above, and can be formed in various shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention may, for example, not include some or all of the configurations related to (b) to (g) above, or may include some or all of (b) to (g) above, along with other configurations.

[0085] In this embodiment, a harness 16 made by bundling four wires 18 is used, but the wires 18 constituting the harness 16 can be of various numbers and diameters. Also, the harness 16 made by bundling the wires 18 can be of various shapes. Furthermore, although this embodiment illustrates the case where the harness routing structure 10 is mounted on a mobility scooter 1, the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention can be used not only on mobility scooters 1, but also on various vehicles and various devices having movable parts 12. Furthermore, although a corrugated tube 20 is used for the tubular member 20 in this embodiment, the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention is not limited to this and can be used with various tubular members. For example, the tubular member 20 may be a tube without irregularities.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the harness routing structure 10 is provided only on one side (lower end) of the tubular member 20, but the harness routing structure 10 may be provided on both ends of the tubular member 20, or only on the other side (upper end) of the tubular member 20. Also, the protective member 17 of the harness 16 is not limited to a tape-shaped member 17, and various types can be used. In addition, the range in which the protective portion 16a of the harness 16 is inserted inside the tubular member 20 can be appropriately changed considering the distance between the inner diameter of the tubular member 20 and the harness 16. Furthermore, the holding of the tubular member 20 to the movable portion 12 and the fixed portion 14 is not limited to the clamps 71 and 73 of the above-described embodiment, and various types of holding members can be used.

[0087] Furthermore, although the fixing member 22 in this embodiment is composed of a tape-shaped member 17, the harness routing structure 10 of the present invention is not limited to this, and various types can be used as long as they can be tightened (reduced in diameter) in the inner diameter direction of the tubular member 20 from the end of the tubular member 20 to the protective portion 16a of the harness 16. In addition, the fixing member 22 may be the same as the protective member 17 as in this embodiment, or it may be made of a different material than the protective member 17. By using a common material for both the fixing member 22 and the protective member 17, improved versatility and cost reduction can be expected.

[0088] The above describes various embodiments and modifications of the harness routing structure according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to those exemplified in the embodiments and modifications described above, and it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments may exist in the spirit and nature of the teachings, without departing from the scope of the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0089] This invention can be used in movable parts such as steering systems of various vehicles. Furthermore, this invention is particularly suitable for use in the steering systems of small vehicles such as mobility scooters and motorcycles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1: Senior scooter 10: Harness routing structure 12: Moving part 14: Fixed part 16: Harness 16a: Protective part 16b: Unprotected part 17: Protective material (tape-like material) 18:Wire (wiring, electric wire) 20: Tubular member (corrugated tube) 20a: Open end 22: Fixing member (tape-shaped member) 50: Steering mechanism 52: Steering wheel 70: Movable side plate 72: Fixed side plate 100: Harness routing structure 101: Harness routing structure

Claims

1. A harness routing structure in which a harness, made by bundling multiple wires together, is routed so as to span between a movable part and a fixed part, The harness is inserted through a tubular member, The tubular member is positioned to straddle the space between the movable part and the fixed part, and is held in a rotatable state by at least one of the movable part and the fixed part. The harness has a protected section in which the wires are covered by a protective member, and an unprotected section in which the wires are exposed. The unprotected portion is located inside the tubular member, A harness routing structure characterized in that, at least one end of the tubular member, the harness is inserted from the open end of the tubular member, a portion of the protective part is positioned to fit inside the tubular member, and the protective part and the harness are fixed together by tightening the end of the tubular member radially inward with a fixing member.

2. The harness rigging structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular member is held such that it allows rotation around an axis with respect to at least one of the movable part and the fixed part.

3. The harness wiring structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the unprotected portion of the harness is positioned at least at the open end of the tubular member, spaced apart from the inner wall of the tubular member.

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