Electrical equipment and wire harnesses with covers

JP2026142899APending Publication Date: 2026-09-08AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025030165
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-27
Publication Date
2026-09-08

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

【0007】 本開示によれば、電気機器の防水性を高められる。

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Abstract

The objective is to provide technology that can improve the water resistance of electrical equipment. [Solution] The electrical device 10 comprises an electronic component 20, a housing 30 in which the electronic component 20 is housed, a wire harness 40 having one end connected to the electronic component 20 inside the housing 30, an intermediate portion penetrating the housing 30, and the other end extending outside the housing 30, and a waterproof member 50 provided in the portion of the housing 30 through which the intermediate portion of the wire harness 40 penetrates. The wire harness 40 includes a plurality of wiring members 41. The waterproof member 50 includes a plurality of insertion portions 52 through which the plurality of wiring members 41 pass individually. Each of the plurality of insertion portions 52 is formed of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41 through which it passes.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical device and a wire harness with a cover. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wire harness waterproof sheet that improves the waterproof performance of a wire harness. The wire harness waterproof sheet described in Patent Document 1 simply waterproofs a wire harness that is attached to a location where it is not easily exposed to water. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-81860 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] It is desired to be able to improve the waterproof performance of electrical devices.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can improve the waterproof performance of electrical devices. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The electrical device of the present disclosure comprises: an electronic component; a housing that accommodates the electronic component; a wire harness having one end connected to the electronic component inside the housing, an intermediate portion penetrating through the housing, and the other end extending to the outside of the housing; and a waterproof member provided at a portion of the housing through which the intermediate portion of the wire harness penetrates, wherein the wire harness includes a plurality of wiring members, the waterproof member includes a plurality of insertion portions through which the plurality of wiring members individually pass, and each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed of an elastic material and is in contact with an outer periphery of the wiring member passing therethrough. [Effect of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the water resistance of electrical equipment can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view showing electrical equipment according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view showing electrical equipment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of region R1 in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded view showing electrical equipment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates the manufacturing process of a wire harness with a cover. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view showing a waterproofing member according to the first modified example. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view showing a waterproofing member according to the second modified example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The electrical equipment disclosed herein is as follows:

[0011] (1) An electrical device comprising an electronic component, a housing in which the electronic component is housed, a wire harness having one end connected to the electronic component inside the housing, an intermediate portion penetrating the housing, and the other end extending to the outside of the housing, and a waterproof member provided in the portion of the housing through which the intermediate portion of the wire harness penetrates, wherein the wire harness includes a plurality of wiring members, and the waterproof member includes a plurality of insertion portions through which the plurality of wiring members pass individually, and each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member through which it passes.

[0012] According to the electrical equipment in (1), each of the multiple insertion points is made of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member through which it is passed, thereby preventing water from entering the housing through the wiring member. This improves the waterproofness of the electrical equipment.

[0013] (2) In the electrical equipment of (1), the housing includes a housing body having an opening and housing the electronic components, and a lid that closes the opening of the housing body, and the waterproof member may be provided on the lid. This allows the lid, the waterproof member and the wire harness to be integrated.

[0014] (3) In the electrical equipment of (1) or (2), the waterproof member has a base portion that supports the plurality of insertion portions, and the base portion may be detachably attached to the housing. This makes it easy to accommodate design changes or multiple specifications by attaching waterproof members corresponding to the plurality of wiring members to the housing.

[0015] In the electric device according to any one of (4) (1) to (3), each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, at least a part of the plurality of insertion portions is a first insertion portion having a first inner diameter portion and a second inner diameter portion, the first inner diameter portion is a portion of the first insertion portion located on the housing side and having a first inner diameter, the second inner diameter portion is a portion of the first insertion portion located closer to the distal end side than the first inner diameter portion and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter, and the second inner diameter portion may be in contact with an outer periphery of a wiring member passing through the first insertion portion. Accordingly, in the first insertion portion, water ingress along the wiring member can be suppressed. When it becomes necessary to pass a wiring member having a larger diameter than that of the first insertion portion, it is possible to accommodate the large-diameter wiring member by cutting the distal end of the first insertion portion.

[0016] In the electric device according to (5) (4), at least a part of the plurality of insertion portions is a second insertion portion shorter than the first insertion portion, the second insertion portion has an inner diameter portion having the same inner diameter as the first inner diameter portion, an outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the second insertion portion is larger than an outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the first insertion portion, and the inner diameter portion may be in contact with an outer periphery of the wiring member passing through the second insertion portion. Accordingly, water ingress along a small-diameter wiring member in the first insertion portion can be suppressed, and water ingress along a large-diameter wiring member in the second insertion portion can be suppressed.

[0017] In the electric device according to any one of (6) (1) to (5), each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, and the waterproof member may include a closed tube portion formed of an elastic material with one end closed. Accordingly, by cutting one end of the closed tube portion to open both ends of the closed tube portion, it can be newly used as an insertion portion.

[0018] In the electric device of (7) (6), the closed tube portion has a first inner diameter portion and a second inner diameter portion, the first inner diameter portion is a portion of the closed tube portion located on the housing side and having a first inner diameter, the second inner diameter portion is a portion of the closed tube portion located closer to the distal end side than the first inner diameter portion and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter, and an end portion closer to the distal end side than the second inner diameter portion may be closed. Accordingly, when the closed tube portion is used as the insertion portion, changing the portion to be excised allows adaptation to differences in the diameter of the wiring member passed through the closed tube portion.

[0019] (8) Furthermore, the wire harness with a lid of the present disclosure includes: a lid that closes an opening of a housing main body in which an electronic component is accommodated; a wire harness having an intermediate portion penetrating through the lid, one end portion connected to the electronic component, and the other end portion opposite to the one end portion extending out from the lid; and a waterproof member provided in a portion of the lid through which the intermediate portion of the wire harness penetrates, wherein the wire harness includes a plurality of wiring members, the waterproof member includes a plurality of insertion portions through which the plurality of wiring members individually pass, and each of the plurality of insertion portions is a wire harness with a lid that is formed of an elastic material and is in contact with an outer periphery of the wiring member passed therethrough.

[0020] According to the wire harness with a lid of (8), since each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer periphery of the wiring member passed therethrough, water intrusion from the penetration portion of the wire harness in the lid can be suppressed. Thereby, the waterproof performance of the electric device to which the lid is attached can be improved.

[0021] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the electric device of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and is defined by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

[0022] In each drawing, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for ease of explanation. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. Furthermore, the terms "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification include not only cases where they are strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also cases where they are approximately parallel or orthogonal within the range that achieves the function and effect of this embodiment.

[0023] In this disclosure, the three mutually orthogonal directions are defined as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. One side of the X direction is designated as the X1 direction, and the other side as the X2 direction. One side of the Y direction is designated as the Y1 direction, and the other side as the Y2 direction. One side of the Z direction is designated as the Z1 direction, and the other side as the Z2 direction. The X1 direction, X2 direction, Y1 direction, Y2 direction, Z1 direction, and Z2 direction are shown in each drawing.

[0024] [Embodiment 1] The following describes the electrical equipment according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a plan view showing the electrical equipment 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a front view showing the electrical equipment 10. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of region R1 in Figure 3. Figure 5 is an exploded plan view showing the electrical equipment 10.

[0025] The electrical device 10 comprises electronic components 20, a housing 30, a wire harness 40, and a waterproof member 50.

[0026] The electronic component 20 may include a circuit board 21 and a connector 22. The connector 22 is, for example, a board connector connected to the circuit board 21. The electronic component 20 may also be, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0027] The electronic components 20 are housed in the housing 30. The housing 30 includes a housing body 31 and a lid 34. The electronic components 20 are housed in the housing body 31. The housing body 31 has a housing section 32 and an opening 33. The housing section 32 is a hollow portion inside the housing body 31. The housing section 32 may be sized to accommodate a circuit board 21 in a plan view. The opening 33 connects the housing section 32 to the outside of the housing 30. As shown by arrow A1 in Figure 5, for example, the opening 33 may be an opening for inserting and removing the circuit board 21 from the housing body 31. For example, almost the entire surface of one side of the housing body 31 may be the opening 33. The opening 33 may be an opening other than for the circuit board 21.

[0028] The lid 34 closes the opening 33 of the housing body 31. The lid 34 has a closing portion 35 and a mounting portion 38. The closing portion 35 is the part that closes the opening 33. The mounting portion 38 is the part that is attached to the housing body 31. The configuration of the mounting portion 38 is not particularly limited, and known mounting structures for the housing body 31 and the lid 34 can be applied.

[0029] One end of the wire harness 40 is connected to the electronic component 20 inside the housing 30. The middle section of the wire harness 40 passes through the housing 30. The other end of the wire harness 40 extends outside the housing 30.

[0030] The wire harness 40 includes a plurality of wiring members 41. Each wiring member 41 is an electric wire or an optical fiber, etc. Here, each wiring member 41 is an insulated electric wire. An insulated electric wire has a core wire 42 and an insulating sheath 43 covering the core wire 42. Here, an example is described in which all of the plurality of wiring members 41 are the same thickness. The plurality of wiring members 41 may consist of multiple types of wiring members 41 with different thicknesses. An example in which the plurality of wiring members 41 consist of multiple types of wiring members 41 with different thicknesses will be described in the modified examples below.

[0031] A connector 44 is provided at one end of the wiring member 41. The connector 44 is connected to the connector 22 inside the housing 30. The connector 44 is a non-waterproof type connector. For example, the connector 44 includes a plurality of connector terminals and a connector housing. The connector terminals are connected to the end of the wiring member by crimping or the like. The connector housing is formed in a box shape. Multiple cavities are formed in the connector housing. Connector terminals are housed in each cavity. The cavities penetrate two faces of the connector housing that are opposite each other. For example, in a non-waterproof type connector, while the structure is simple, water can flow from one end opening of the cavity to the other end opening. As shown by arrow A2 in Figure 5, the connector 44 may be connected to the connector 22 located inside the housing 30 when the lid 34 is attached to the housing body 31.

[0032] A connector 45 may be provided at the other end of the wiring member 41. The connector 45 may be connected to a connector of another device or another wire harness. Multiple wiring members 41 may be bundled together between the waterproof member 50 and the connector 45 by a bundling member 46. The bundling member 46 may be a bundling member such as tape or cable ties, or an exterior member (protective member) such as a sheet or protector. Of the multiple wiring members 41, the bundled wiring between the waterproof member 50 and the connector 44 does not have to be bundled together by a bundling member 46.

[0033] The waterproof member 50 is provided in the housing 30 at the point where the middle portion of the wire harness 40 passes through. In this case, the waterproof member 50 is provided on the lid 34. The waterproof member 50 includes a plurality of insertion portions 52. In this case, the waterproof member 50 includes a closed pipe portion 56 and a base portion 60.

[0034] Each of the multiple insertion sections 52 is formed in a tubular shape. Both ends of each insertion section 52 are open. The insertion sections 52 are configured so that multiple wiring members 41 can pass through them individually. Each of the multiple insertion sections 52 is formed of an elastic material. The elastic material is rubber or elastomer, for example. The elastic material may be EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber), for example. Each insertion section 52 is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41 through which it is passed. This prevents water from entering between the insertion section 52 and the wiring member 41.

[0035] The closed section 56 is formed of an elastic material. The closed section 56 is formed in a tubular shape. One end of the closed section 56 is closed. In this case, the other end of the closed section 56 is open.

[0036] The base portion 60 supports a plurality of insertion portions 52. The base portion 60 is detachably attached to the housing 30. For example, the portion of the base portion 60 that is on the outer edge side of the portion that supports the insertion portions 52 may be attached to the lid 34 by fastening members 62. In the lid 34, an inner flange portion 37 may protrude from the inner surface of the through hole 36 toward the inner circumference, and fastening members 62 may be fastened to the inner flange portion 37. In the lid 34, fastening members 62 may be fastened to the outer surface facing away from the housing body 31.

[0037] The base portion 60 may be separate from the insertion portion 52. In this case, multiple through holes may be formed in the base portion 60, and the base end portion 53 of the insertion portion 52 may be fitted into each of the multiple through holes. This allows the base portion 60 to support the insertion portion 52. Furthermore, in the fitted portion, the insertion portion 52 and the inner surface or inner peripheral edge of the through hole 36 are in contact around the entire circumference, which can prevent water from entering between the base portion 60 and the insertion portion 52.

[0038] The base portion 60 may be made of, for example, a hard resin. In this case, the space between the base portion 60 and the lid 34 may be sealed by an annular water-sealing member 61 such as an O-ring. For example, the annular water-sealing member 61 may be located between the insertion portion 52 and the fastening member 62. For example, the annular water-sealing member 61 may be in contact with the inner flange portion 37. The annular water-sealing member 61 may be provided on the lid 34 or on the waterproof member 50.

[0039] The base portion 60 may be made of an elastic material. In this case, the base portion 60 may be separate from the multiple insertion portions 52 or it may be integrated with them. If the base portion 60 is integrated with the multiple insertion portions 52, the part where the material is connected becomes the part that supports the base portion 60 and the insertion portions 52, and the support structure between the base portion 60 and the insertion portions 52 can be simplified. Also, if the base portion 60 is made of an elastic material, water can be stopped between the periphery of the through hole 36 of the lid 34 and the base portion 60 by fitting the base portion 60 into the through hole 36 of the lid 34, without the need for an annular water-stopping member 61 or the like.

[0040] However, the base portion 60 may be omitted. In this case, instead of the through hole 36, multiple through holes of the base portion 60 may be formed in the lid 34, and each insertion portion 52 may be individually attached to the lid 34.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the wire harness 40, the cover 34, and the waterproof member 50 can be considered as a wire harness with a cover 100.

[0042] The wire harness with cover 100 comprises a cover 34, a wire harness 40, and a waterproof member 50. The cover 34 closes the opening 33 of the housing body 31 that houses the electronic components 20. The middle portion of the wire harness 40 passes through the cover 34. One end and the other end of the wire harness 40 extend from the cover 34 to opposite sides. One end is connected to the electronic components 20. The other end is connected to a connector of another device or another wire harness 40. The waterproof member 50 is provided in the portion of the cover 34 through which the middle portion of the wire harness 40 passes. The wire harness 40 includes a plurality of wiring members 41. The waterproof member 50 includes a plurality of insertion parts 52 through which the plurality of wiring members 41 pass individually. Each of the plurality of insertion parts 52 is formed of an elastic material. Each insertion part 52 is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41 through which it passes.

[0043] Figure 6 illustrates the manufacturing process of the wire harness 100 with a cover.

[0044] The manufacturing method for the wire harness 100 with a cover includes a first insertion step, a connector attachment step, a second insertion step, and a waterproofing component attachment step. Unless otherwise specified, the order of these steps is not important.

[0045] The first insertion step is the step of passing the wiring member 41 through the insertion section 52. For example, the insertion section 52 may originally be a closed pipe section 56. In the closed pipe section 56 through which the wiring member 41 is to be passed, the closed end 57 is cut off by the cutting tool C, as shown by arrow A3 in Figure 6. The portion remaining after the closed end 57 has been removed from the closed pipe section 56 becomes the insertion section 52. As shown by arrow A4 in Figure 6, the wiring member 41 is passed through the insertion section 52. The first insertion step is preferably performed before the connector mounting step.

[0046] The connector mounting process involves attaching a connector 44 to one end of a wiring member 41. For example, the connector is mounted by attaching connector terminals to one end of each wiring member 41 and inserting each connector terminal into the cavity of the connector housing.

[0047] The second insertion step is the step of passing the wiring member 41 through the through hole 36 of the cover 34. The second insertion step may be performed after the first insertion step. If the through hole 36 of the cover 34 is large enough to pass the connector 44 through, the second insertion step may be performed after the connector mounting step. If the through hole 36 of the cover 34 is not large enough to pass the connector 44 through, the second insertion step may be performed before the connector mounting step.

[0048] The waterproofing member installation process involves attaching the waterproofing member 50 to the lid 34. The waterproofing member 50 can be attached to the lid 34 by fastening it to the lid 34 with the fastening member 62.

[0049] The first insertion process and the connector attachment process result in a wire harness with a waterproof component. The second insertion process and the waterproof component attachment process are then performed on the wire harness with the waterproof component to result in a wire harness with a cover 100. However, the wire harness with a cover 100 may be formed without going through the wire harness with the waterproof component process. For example, the first insertion process, the second insertion process, and the connector attachment process may be performed after the waterproof component attachment process.

[0050] The manufacturing method for the electrical device 10 includes, in addition to the above steps of the manufacturing method for the wire harness 100 with a cover, a housing step, a connection step, and a cover mounting step. The housing step is the step of housing the electronic components 20 in the housing body 31. The connection step is the step of connecting the connectors 22 and 44 to each other. The cover mounting step is the step of attaching the cover 34 to the housing body 31. The cover mounting step is performed after the housing step and the connection step. The housing step and the connection step can be performed in any order.

[0051] The electrical equipment 10 may be manufactured without going through the covered wire harness 100. For example, the waterproofing component installation step may be performed at the end of the above process.

[0052] Figure 7 is a front view showing a waterproof member 150 according to the first modified example. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. In the following description, elements described so far will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, a waterproof member 150 may be attached to the lid 34 instead of the waterproof member 50. A waterproof member 50 may be attached to the through hole 36 of the lid 34 as shown by arrow A5. A waterproof member 150 may be attached to the through hole 36 of the lid 34 as shown by arrow A6. The waterproof member 150 has multiple types (in this case, three types) of insertion parts 152A, 152B, and 152C with different inner diameters. The inner diameter of insertion part 152A is larger than the inner diameter of insertion part 152B, and the inner diameter of insertion part 152B is larger than the inner diameter of insertion part 152C.

[0054] Wiring members 41A, 41B, and 41C of corresponding thicknesses pass through insertion sections 152A, 152B, and 152C. Wiring member 41A passes through insertion section 52A, wiring member 41B passes through insertion section 52B, and wiring member 41C passes through insertion section 52C. The outer diameter of wiring member 41A is larger than the outer diameter of wiring member 41B, and the outer diameter of wiring member 41B is larger than the outer diameter of wiring member 41C. The outer diameter of wiring member 41A is the outer diameter of the insulating coating 43A of wiring member 41A. The outer diameter of wiring member 41B is the outer diameter of the insulating coating 43B of wiring member 41B. The outer diameter of wiring member 41C is the outer diameter of the insulating coating 43C of wiring member 41C. The conductor size of the core wire 42A of wiring member 41A is larger than the conductor size of the core wire 42B of wiring member 41B, and the conductor size of the core wire 42B of wiring member 41B is larger than the conductor size of the core wire 42C of wiring member 41C.

[0055] Since the waterproof members 50 and 150 are separate parts from the lid 34, the number of parts can be reduced when the type (size) of the housing and the type of waterproof member differ by replacing them with the lid 34 according to the number and diameter of the wiring members 41. Specifically, if there are three types of housings and three types of waterproof members, then 3 x 3 = 9 types of parts are required to accommodate the differences in housing types and waterproof member types. In contrast, as in this disclosure, when the lid 34 and the waterproof members 50 and 150 are separate parts, the 3 types of lids and the 3 types of waterproof members, totaling 6 types of parts, can accommodate the above 9 types of parts.

[0056] Figure 9 is a front view showing a waterproof member 250 according to the second modified example. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 9.

[0057] The waterproof member 250 includes three types of insertion sections 252A, 252B, and 252C. Wiring members 41A, 41B, and 41C of corresponding thicknesses are passed through the insertion sections 252A, 252B, and 252C. Wiring member 41A is passed through insertion section 252A, wiring member 41B is passed through insertion section 252B, and wiring member 41C is passed through insertion section 252C. Insertion section 252A is shorter than insertion section 252B, and insertion section 252B is shorter than insertion section 252C. The positions of the base ends 53 of insertion sections 252A, 252B, and 252C are the same. The positions of the tip ends 54 of insertion sections 252A, 252B, and 252C are different. The amount of protrusion of the insertion portion 252C from the base portion 60 is greater than the amount of protrusion of the insertion portion 252B, and the amount of protrusion of the insertion portion 252B from the base portion 60 is greater than the amount of protrusion of the insertion portion 252A.

[0058] The insertion portion 252A has one inner diameter portion 255A. The inner diameter portion 255A is a portion having an inner diameter D1. The inner diameter portion 255A is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41A that passes through the insertion portion 52A.

[0059] The insertion portion 252B has an inner diameter portion 255B in addition to the inner diameter portion 255A. The insertion portion 52B has two inner diameter portions 255A and 255B. The inner diameter portion 255B is located on the tip side of the insertion portion 252B than the inner diameter portion 255A. The inner diameter portion 255B is a portion having an inner diameter D2 that is smaller than the inner diameter D1. The inner diameter portion 255B is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41B that passes through the insertion portion 252B. The inner diameter portions 255A and 255B are connected in a stepped manner. The inner diameter portions 255A and 255B may be connected in a uniform tapered manner.

[0060] The insertion portion 252C has an inner diameter portion 255C in addition to the inner diameter portions 255A and 255B. The insertion portion 252C has three inner diameter portions 255A, 255B, and 255C. The inner diameter portion 255C is located on the tip side of the insertion portion 252C, closer to the inner diameter portion 255B. The inner diameter portion 255C is a portion having an inner diameter D3 that is smaller than the inner diameter D2. The inner diameter portion 255C is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41C that passes through the insertion portion 252C. The inner diameter portions 255B and 255C are connected in a stepped manner. The inner diameter portions 255B and 255C may be connected in a uniform tapered manner.

[0061] The waterproof member 250 includes a closed pipe section 256. The closed pipe section 256 is closed at one end, similar to the closed pipe section 56. The closed pipe section 256 has inner diameter sections 259A, 259B, and 259C, similar to the insertion section 252C. The inner diameter sections 259A, 259B, and 259C of the closed pipe section 256 have the same configuration as the inner diameter sections 255A, 255B, and 255C of the insertion sections 252A, 252B, and 252C. In the closed pipe section 256, the end closer to the tip than the inner diameter section 255C is a closed end 57.

[0062] The closed section 256, like the closed section 56 described above, remains as a closed section 56 when there is no wiring member 41 to pass through, and the tip portion including the closed end 57 is cut off when there is a wiring member 41 to pass through. In this case, depending on the cutting position of the closed section 256, it becomes one of the insertion sections 252A, 252B, or 252C. Specifically, if the closed section 256 is cut at the tip of the inner diameter section 259A as shown by arrow A7, it becomes the insertion section 252A. If the closed section 256 is cut at the tip of the inner diameter section 259B as shown by arrow A8, it becomes the insertion section 252B. If the closed section 256 is cut at the tip of the inner diameter section 259C as shown by arrow A9, it becomes the insertion section 252C.

[0063] In the waterproof member 250, the outer diameters of the inner diameter portions 259A, 259B, and 259C may be the same. This makes it easier to manufacture the waterproof member 250.

[0064] If the outer diameters of the inner diameter sections 259A, 259B, and 259C are the same, it may be difficult to determine the exact cutting position when cutting the closed pipe section 256 to create the through sections 252A, 252B, and 252C. In this case, annular recesses S1, S2, and S3 may be provided on the outer surface of the closed pipe section 256. Each of the annular recesses S1, S2, and S3 may be provided, for example, so as to be continuous over the entire circumference of the outer surface of the closed pipe section 256, or it may be provided only in a part of the circumference.

[0065] The annular recess S1 serves as a guide for the cutting position when transitioning from the closed pipe section 256 to the insertion section 252A. For example, the annular recess S1 is provided at the end of the inner diameter section 259A on the inner diameter section 259B side. The annular recess S1 remains in the insertion sections 252B and 252C. The annular recess S1 may or may not remain in the insertion section 252A. For example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut on the closed end 57 side of the annular recess S1, the annular recess S1 remains in the insertion section 252A. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 56 is cut on the open end 58 side of the annular recess S1, the annular recess S1 does not remain in the insertion section 252A. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut at the bottom of the annular recess S1, the corner of the outer surface of the tip 54 of the insertion section 252A becomes tapered.

[0066] The annular recess S2 serves as a guide for the cutting position when transitioning from the closed pipe section 256 to the insertion section 252B. For example, the annular recess S2 is provided at the end of the inner diameter section 259B on the inner diameter section 259C side. The annular recess S2 remains in the insertion section 252C but not in the insertion section 252A. The annular recess S2 may or may not remain in the insertion section 252B. For example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut on the closed end 57 side of the annular recess S2, the annular recess S2 remains in the insertion section 252B. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut on the open end 58 side of the annular recess S2, the annular recess S2 does not remain in the insertion section 252B. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut at the bottom of the annular recess S2, the corner of the outer surface of the tip 54 of the insertion section 252B becomes tapered.

[0067] The annular recess S3 serves as a guide for the cutting position when transitioning from the closed pipe section 256 to the insertion section 252C. For example, the annular recess S3 is provided in the inner diameter section 259C at a position close to the closed end 57. The annular recess S3 does not remain in the insertion sections 252A and 252B. The annular recess S3 may or may not remain in the insertion section 252C. For example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut on the closed end 57 side of the annular recess S3, the annular recess S3 remains in the insertion section 252C. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut on the open end 58 side of the annular recess S3, the annular recess S3 does not remain in the insertion section 252C. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut at the bottom of the annular recess S3, the corner of the outer surface of the tip 54 of the insertion section 252C becomes tapered. In the closed pipe section 56 described above, an annular recess similar to the annular recess S3 may be formed as a guide for the cutting position of the closed end 57.

[0068] Of the multiple insertion portions 252A, 252B, and 252C in the waterproof member 250, at least some of the insertion portions are first insertion portions. The first insertion portion has a first inner diameter portion and a second inner diameter portion. The first inner diameter portion is located on the housing 30 side of the first insertion portion. The first inner diameter portion is the part having a first inner diameter. The second inner diameter portion is located on the tip side of the first insertion portion than the first inner diameter portion. The second inner diameter portion is the part having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter. The second inner diameter portion is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member passing through the first insertion portion.

[0069] Furthermore, at least some of the multiple insertion portions 252A, 252B, and 252C in the waterproof member 250 are second insertion portions. The second insertion portions are shorter than the first insertion portions. The second insertion portions have an inner diameter portion having the same inner diameter as the first inner diameter portion. The outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the second insertion portion is larger than the outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the first insertion portion. The inner diameter portion is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member passing through the second insertion portion.

[0070] Of the insertion parts 252A, 252B, and 252C described above, insertion parts 252B and 252C are examples of first insertion parts, and insertion parts 252A and 252B are examples of second insertion parts. For example, in the combination of insertion parts 252A and 252B, insertion part 252B becomes the first insertion part and insertion part 252A becomes the second insertion part. Also, for example, in the combination of insertion parts 252A and 252C, insertion part 252C becomes the first insertion part and insertion part 52A becomes the second insertion part. Also, for example, in the combination of insertion parts 252B and 252C, insertion part 252C becomes the first insertion part and insertion part 252B becomes the second insertion part.

[0071] Of the inner diameter sections 255A, 255B, and 255C described above, inner diameter sections 255A and 255B are examples of first inner diameter sections, and inner diameter sections 255B and 255C are examples of second inner diameter sections. For example, in the combination of inner diameter sections 255A and 255B, inner diameter section 255A becomes the first inner diameter section, and inner diameter section 255B becomes the second inner diameter section. Also, for example, in the combination of inner diameter sections 255A and 255C, inner diameter section 255 becomes the first inner diameter section, and inner diameter section 255C becomes the second inner diameter section. Also, for example, in the combination of inner diameter sections 255B and 255C, inner diameter section 255B becomes the first inner diameter section, and inner diameter section 255C becomes the second inner diameter section.

[0072] The closed pipe section 256 in the waterproof member 250 has a first inner diameter section and a second inner diameter section. The first inner diameter section is located on the housing 30 side of the closed pipe section 256. The first inner diameter section is the part having a first inner diameter. The second inner diameter section is located on the tip side of the closed pipe section 256, closer to the first inner diameter section. The second inner diameter section is the part having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter. In the closed pipe section 256, the end closer to the tip side of the second inner diameter section is closed.

[0073] Of the inner diameter sections 259A, 259B, and 259C described above, inner diameter sections 259A and 259B are examples of first inner diameter sections, and inner diameter sections 259B and 259C are examples of second inner diameter sections. For example, in the combination of inner diameter sections 259A and 259B, inner diameter section 259A becomes the first inner diameter section, and inner diameter section 259B becomes the second inner diameter section. Also, for example, in the combination of inner diameter sections 259A and 259C, inner diameter section 259A becomes the first inner diameter section, and inner diameter section 259C becomes the second inner diameter section. Also, for example, in the combination of inner diameter sections 259B and 259C, inner diameter section 259B becomes the first inner diameter section, and inner diameter section 259C becomes the second inner diameter section.

[0074] A single housing 30 and waterproof member 250 can be applied to multiple types of electronic components 20 and wire harnesses 40. In the case of the waterproof members 50 and 150, if the number and size of holes in the waterproof members 50 and 150 do not correspond to the wiring components 41, 41A, 41B, and 41C used, it may be necessary to install new waterproof members 50 and 150. In this case, there is a risk that the number of component types for the waterproof members 50 and 150 will increase.

[0075] In the waterproofing member 250, multiple thicknesses are provided in the hollow portion inside the closed pipe section 256. By changing the cut portion of the closed pipe section 256 according to the thickness of the wiring members 41A, 41B, and 41C used, it becomes either an insertion section 252A, an insertion section 252B, or an insertion section 252C. This allows for the absorption of variations in the thickness of the wiring members 41A, 41B, and 41C, and suppresses the increase in the number of component types of the waterproofing member 250.

[0076] <Effects, etc.> With the electrical device 10 configured as described above, each of the multiple insertion parts 52 is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41 through which it is passed, which is made of an elastic material. This prevents water from entering the housing 30 through the penetration of the wiring member 41. As a result, the waterproofness of the electrical device 10 can be improved.

[0077] The electronic component 20 is, for example, a non-waterproof ECU. Non-waterproof ECUs are generally mounted in locations where they are not exposed to water. If a non-waterproof ECU is placed in a location where it may be exposed to water, it is necessary to prevent failure due to water exposure. One possible solution to this water exposure problem is to use a housing and connector with high waterproof performance. However, in this case, the mounting location may be limited, and the design for waterproofing may require additional effort, increasing costs. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to provide simple waterproofing performance with as little additional cost as possible.

[0078] In this disclosure, a housing 30 sized to cover a non-waterproof ECU is created, and a configuration is provided within the housing 30 to prevent water from passing through the wire harness 40's penetration points, thereby achieving water ingress prevention easily and at low cost. Specifically, when a bundle of multiple wiring members 41 is passed through the housing 30, water may enter due to capillary action in the small gaps in the bundle, or due to pressure changes through the gaps. In response to this, in this disclosure, a passage 52 is provided within the housing 30 at the wire harness 40's penetration points, allowing each wiring member 41 of the wire harness 40 to pass through individually, thereby sealing each wiring member 41 individually. This suppresses water ingress due to capillary action in the small gaps in the bundle, or due to pressure changes through the gaps.

[0079] Furthermore, the waterproofing member 50 is provided on the lid 34 of the housing 30. This allows the lid 34, the waterproofing member 50, and the wire harness 40 to be integrated into one unit.

[0080] Furthermore, the waterproof member 50 has a base portion 60 that supports multiple insertion portions 52, and the base portion 60 is detachably attached to the housing 30. This makes it easy to accommodate design changes or multiple specifications by attaching waterproof members 50 corresponding to multiple wiring members 41 to the housing 30.

[0081] Furthermore, the waterproof member 50 includes a closed pipe section 56 formed of an elastic material with one end closed. This allows for the creation of a new insertion section 52 by opening both ends of the closed pipe section 56, such as by cutting off one end of the closed pipe section 56.

[0082] Furthermore, in the waterproof member 250, the second inner diameter portion 255B (255C) of the first insertion portion 252B (252C) is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41B (41C) passing through the first insertion portion 252B (252C). This prevents water from entering the first insertion portion 252B (252C) via the wiring member 41B (41C). Also, if it becomes necessary to pass a wiring member 41A (41B) with a larger diameter than the first insertion portion 252B (252C), the tip of the first insertion portion 252B (252C) can be cut off to accommodate the larger diameter wiring member 41A (41B).

[0083] Furthermore, in the waterproof member 250, the inner diameter portion 255A (255B) of the second insertion portion 252A (252B), which has the same inner diameter as the first inner diameter portion 255A (255B) of the first insertion portion 252B (252C), is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41A (41B) passing through the second insertion portion 252A (252B). This makes it possible to suppress water ingress through the small-diameter wiring member 41B (41C) in the first insertion portion 252B (252C), and to suppress water ingress through the large-diameter wiring member 41A (41B) in the second insertion portion 252A (252B).

[0084] Furthermore, in the waterproof member 250, the closed pipe section 256 has a first inner diameter section 259A (259B) and a second inner diameter section 259B (259C), and the end of the closed pipe section 256 closer to the tip than the second inner diameter section 259B (259C) is closed. This allows for accommodating differences in the diameters of the wiring members 41A, 41B, and 41C that pass through the closed pipe section 256 by changing the portion that is cut off when the closed pipe section 256 is made into insertion sections 252A, 252B, and 252C.

[0085] Furthermore, with the wire harness 100 with a cover configured as described above, each of the multiple insertion portions 52 is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41 through which it is passed, which is made of an elastic material. This prevents water from entering the wire harness 40 through the cover 34. As a result, the waterproofness of the electrical equipment 10 to which the cover 34 is attached can be improved.

[0086] [Note] Furthermore, the configurations described in each of the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 10 Electrical equipment 20 Electronic Components 21 Circuit board 22 connectors 30 cabinets 31. Main unit 32 Storage Unit 33 Opening 34 Lid 35 Occlusion 36 Through holes 37 Inner flange section 38 Mounting part 40 Wire Harnesses 41, 41A, 41B, 41C Wiring components 42, 42A, 42B, 42C core wires 43, 43A, 43B, 43C Insulation coating 44, 45 Connectors 50, 150, 250 Waterproofing materials 52, 152A, 152B, 152C, 252A, 252B, 252C Insertion section 53 Proximal end 54 Tip 56, 256 Closed section 57 Closed end 58 Open end 60 Base section 61 Annular water-stopping member 62 Fastening members 100 wire harnesses with covers 255A, 255B, 255C, 259A, 259B, 259C Bore S1, S2, S3 annular recess

Claims

1. Electronic components and, A housing that contains the aforementioned electronic components, A wire harness having one end connected to the electronic component inside the housing, a middle section penetrating the housing, and the other end extending outside the housing, A waterproof member provided in the housing in the portion through which the intermediate part of the wire harness passes, Equipped with, The aforementioned wire harness includes a plurality of wiring members, The waterproof member includes a plurality of insertion portions through which the plurality of wiring members pass individually, An electrical device in which each of the aforementioned plurality of insertion portions is made of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of a wiring member through which it is passed.

2. An electrical device according to claim 1, The housing includes a housing body having an opening and housing the electronic components, and a lid that closes the opening of the housing body. The aforementioned waterproofing member is provided on the lid, and is an electrical device.

3. An electrical appliance according to claim 1 or claim 2, The waterproof member has a base portion that supports the plurality of insertion portions, An electrical device in which the base portion is detachably attached to the housing.

4. An electrical appliance according to claim 1 or claim 2, Each of the aforementioned plurality of insertion portions is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, Of the plurality of insertion portions, at least some of the insertion portions are first insertion portions having a first inner diameter portion and a second inner diameter portion. The first inner diameter portion is the part of the first insertion portion that is located on the housing side and has a first inner diameter. The second inner diameter portion is a part of the first insertion portion that is located closer to the tip than the first inner diameter portion and has a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter. An electrical device in which the second inner diameter portion is in contact with the outer circumference of a wiring member passing through the first insertion portion.

5. The electrical equipment according to claim 4, At least some of the aforementioned multiple insertion portions are second insertion portions that are shorter than the first insertion portion. The second insertion portion has an inner diameter portion having the same inner diameter as the first inner diameter portion, The outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the second insertion portion is larger than the outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the first insertion portion. An electrical device in which the inner diameter portion is in contact with the outer circumference of a wiring member passing through the second insertion portion.

6. An electrical appliance according to claim 1 or claim 2, Each of the aforementioned plurality of insertion portions is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, The waterproofing member includes a closed pipe portion formed of an elastic material and having one end closed, in an electrical device.

7. The electrical equipment according to claim 6, The closed pipe section has a first inner diameter section and a second inner diameter section. The first inner diameter portion is the part of the closed pipe portion that is located on the housing side and has a first inner diameter. The second inner diameter portion is a part of the closed pipe portion that is located closer to the tip than the first inner diameter portion and has a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter. An electrical device in which the end closer to the tip than the second inner diameter portion is closed.

8. A cover that seals the opening of the main casing where the electronic components are housed, A wire harness having one end that penetrates the lid and connects to an electronic component, and the other end opposite to the one end that extends out from the lid, A waterproof member provided in the lid at the portion through which the intermediate part of the wire harness passes, Equipped with, The aforementioned wire harness includes a plurality of wiring members, The waterproof member includes a plurality of insertion portions through which the plurality of wiring members pass individually, A wire harness with a cover, in which each of the plurality of insertion portions is made of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member through which it is passed.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Wire harness waterproof sheet, wire harness with waterproof sheet, and simple waterproof structure for wire harness

    JP2016081860A