Connection structure between storage member and protective tube

Abstract

To achieve downsizing of a connection structure between a housing member which houses a part of a filamentous transmission member and a protection tube attached to the filamentous transmission member.SOLUTION: A connection structure between a housing member and a protection tube includes: a filamentous transmission member; a housing member which houses a first portion that is a part of the filamentous transmission member; and a protection tube which covers a second portion that is another part of the filamentous transmission member. The housing member includes: a housing body part which houses the first portion; and an extension part protruding from the housing body part to the second portion side. An end part of the protection tube is attached to the extension part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for connecting a protective tube that covers a linear transmission member to a housing member that houses the linear transmission member. [Background technology]

[0002] In Patent Document 1, some of a plurality of insulated electric wires are housed in a grommet. The plurality of insulated electric wires are covered with a corrugated tube. The end of the corrugated tube is housed in the grommet, so that the corrugated tube and the grommet are connected to each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 153045 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the end of the corrugated tube is housed in the grommet, which means that the connection between the corrugated tube and the grommet is larger than the outer diameter of the corrugated tube, resulting in a large connection structure between the corrugated tube and the grommet.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to make it possible to miniaturize the connection structure between an accommodating member that accommodates a portion of a linear transmission member and a protective tube that covers the linear transmission member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the connection structure between a accommodating member and a protective tube in a first aspect comprises a linear transmission member, a accommodating member that accommodates a first part that is a part of the linear transmission member, and a protective tube that covers a second part that is another part of the linear transmission member, wherein the accommodating member includes a accommodating main body portion that accommodates the first part and an extension portion that protrudes from the accommodating main body portion toward the second part, and an end of the protective tube covers the extension portion.

[0007] The second aspect is a connection structure between a storage member and a protective tube according to the first aspect, in which a recess that opens to the inner circumference is formed at the end of the protective tube, and a positioning protrusion that fits into the recess is formed at the extension.

[0008] A third aspect is a connection structure between a storage member and a protective tube according to the second aspect, in which the recesses are formed in multiple locations in the extension direction of the protective tube, and the positioning protrusions are formed in multiple locations.

[0009] A fourth aspect is a connection structure between a storage member and a protective tube according to the second or third aspect, wherein the recess is an annular recess formed along the circumferential direction of the protective tube, and the positioning protrusion is formed in a shape that protrudes more in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube than in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube and the first direction.

[0010] A fifth aspect is a connection structure between a housing member and a protective tube according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising an opposite side housing member that houses a third part of the linear transmission member that is located on the opposite side of the first part, sandwiching the second part therebetween, and the protective tube is formed with a length dimension that reaches the opposite side housing member when covering the extension portion.

[0011] The sixth aspect is a connection structure between a storage member and a protective tube according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the extension portion is provided with a mark indicating the appropriate position of the end of the protective tube that covers the extension portion.

[0012] A seventh aspect is the connection structure between the accommodating member and the protective tube according to the sixth aspect, in which the boundary between the accommodating main body portion and the extension portion serves as the mark. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the first aspect, the end of the protective tube covers the extension portion, so that the connecting structure between the housing member and the protective tube can be made compact.

[0014] According to the second aspect, the end of the protective tube can be securely connected to the housing member.

[0015] According to the third aspect, the positioning protrusions fit into the recesses, so that the end of the protection tube can be securely connected to the housing member.

[0016] According to the fourth aspect, the recess is an annular recess formed along the circumferential direction of the protective tube, and the positioning protrusion is formed in a shape that protrudes more in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube than in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube and the first direction, so that the end of the protective tube can be easily placed over the extension and the positioning protrusion can be easily fitted into the annular recess.

[0017] According to the fifth aspect, the end of the protective tube is formed to have a length that covers the extension portion, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the linear transmission member from being exposed between the protective tube and the housing member.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect, the protective tube covers the extension, so that the end of the protective tube can be visually observed. Using the positional relationship between the end of the protective tube and the mark as a guide, it can be confirmed whether the protective tube is properly covering the extension.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to check whether the protective tube properly covers the extension portion by checking whether the protective tube reaches the boundary between the main body portion and the extension portion, or by checking the positional relationship between the end of the protective tube and the boundary. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic plan view showing a connection structure between a housing member and a protection tube according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the connection structure between the housing member and the protective tube. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a connection structure between a housing member and a protective tube. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between a housing member and a protection tube according to a first modified example. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view showing a connection structure between a housing member and a protection tube according to a second modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view showing a connection structure between a housing member and a protection tube according to a second modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view showing a connection structure between a housing member and a protection tube according to a third modified example. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic plan view showing a connection structure between a housing member and a protection tube according to a fourth modified example. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic plan view showing a connection structure between a housing member and a protection tube according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the connection structure between the housing member and the protective tube is incorporated into a vehicle. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] {First embodiment} The connection structure between a housing member and a protective tube according to the first embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a connection structure 10 between a housing member and a protective tube. This connection structure 10 includes a linear transmission member 20, a housing member 30, and a protective tube 40.

[0022] Linear transmission member 20 is electricity It may be any linear member that transmits air, light, etc. For example, the linear transmission member may be a general electric wire having a core wire and a covering surrounding the core wire, or may be a bare conductor wire, a shielded wire, a twisted wire, an enameled wire, a nichrome wire, an optical fiber, etc. The linear transmission member that transmits electricity may be any of various signal lines and power lines. Furthermore, the linear transmission member may be a single linear object or a composite of multiple linear objects (such as a twisted wire or a cable made up of multiple linear objects gathered together and covered with a sheath).

[0023] Here, an example will be described in which the linear transmission member 20 is an electric wire 20. The electric wire 20 is a wiring member that electrically connects electrical components in a vehicle. Here, a plurality of electric wires 20 are bundled in a form that corresponds to the wiring path in the vehicle. For this reason, the connection structure 10 may be considered to be part of a wire harness that includes a plurality of electric wires. Here, the plurality of electric wires 20 are bundled while branching. Note that in each drawing, the plurality of electric wires 20 are illustrated in a bundled form. In this embodiment, the plurality of electric wires 20 are bundled so as to extend in three directions, more specifically, so as to branch in a T-shape. In this embodiment, the branched portion of the plurality of electric wires 20 is a first portion 21, and two portions extending from the first portion 21 are second portions 22A and 22B.

[0024] The accommodating member 30 is a member that accommodates the first portions 21 that are part of the electric wires 20. Here, the accommodating member 30 accommodates branched portions as the first portions 21 of the plurality of electric wires 20. In other words, the accommodating member 30 maintains the branched portions of the plurality of electric wires 20 in a certain branched shape. The accommodating member 30 may be a waterproof component that prevents water from running down the electric wires 20.

[0025] The accommodating member 30 may be a resin part molded by a mold with the first portion 21 of the electric wire 20 as an insert part. The accommodating member 30 may be a part formed by combining a pair of case-shaped resin parts capable of accommodating the first portion 21 of the electric wire 20.

[0026] The protective tube 40 is a tubular member that covers the second portions 22A and 22B, which are other portions of the electric wire 20. Here, the protective tube 40 will be described as a corrugated tube in which large diameter portions 42 and small diameter portions 44 are alternately connected. Recesses 42g that open to the inner circumferential side are formed inside the large diameter portions 42 of the inner circumferential portion of the protective tube 40. The recesses 42g are formed over the entire circumferential direction of the large diameter portions 42, and therefore are annular recesses 42g formed along the circumferential direction of the protective tube 40. A plurality of such annular recesses 42g are formed at intervals along the entire longitudinal direction of the protective tube 40, including the end portions of the protective tube 40.

[0027] The accommodating member 30 accommodates the first portion 21 of the electric wire 20, and the protective tube 40 covers the second portions 22A and 22B of the electric wire 20. In this case, in order to protect the electric wire 20, the accommodating member 30 and the protective tube 40 preferably cover the electric wire 20 without exposing the electric wire 20 therebetween. Therefore, the connection structure 10 between the accommodating member and the protective tube has the following configuration.

[0028] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the connection structure 10 between a housing member and a protective tube, and Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of Fig. 1. The housing member 30 includes a housing main body portion 32 and extension portions 34A and 34B.

[0029] The accommodating main body 32 accommodates the first portions 21 of the electric wires 20. Here, the accommodating main body 32 accommodates the first portions 21, which are branched portions of the plurality of electric wires 20. The accommodating main body 32 maintains a constant branched shape of the plurality of electric wires 20 and protects them. More specifically, the accommodating main body 32 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The accommodating main body 32 does not have to be rectangular and may have other shapes. For example, the accommodating main body 32 may have a shape in which recesses and protrusions are formed in the rectangular parallelepiped portion, or a shape in which flat and curved surfaces are combined. The plurality of electric wires 20 are led into the accommodating main body 32 from one side surface side. The first portions 21, which are branched portions of the plurality of electric wires 20, are accommodated in the accommodating main body 32, and second portions 22A and 22B branching and extending from the first portion 21 extend outward from the other side surface and the adjacent side surface of the accommodating main body 32.

[0030] The extensions 34A, 34B are formed in a shape that protrudes from the accommodating main body 32 toward the second portions 22A, 22B of the electric wire 20. Here, the extension 34A is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the side surface of the accommodating main body 32. The portion of the first portion 21 of the electric wire 20 that extends from the side surface of the accommodating main body 32 is accommodated in the extension 34A. The second portion 22A extends outward from the tip of the extension 34A. The extension 34B is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the other side surface of the accommodating main body 32. The portion of the first portion 21 of the electric wire 20 that extends from the other side surface of the accommodating main body 32 is accommodated in the extension 34B. The second portion 22B extends outward from the tip of the extension 34B. The extensions 34A, 34B may be formed in a rectangular tube shape.

[0031] Assuming an example in which the accommodating member 30 is a resin part molded with the first portion 21 as an insert portion, it is assumed that the extensions 34A and 34B are resin parts molded with the first portion 21 as an insert portion together with the accommodating main body 32. Assuming an example in which the accommodating member 30 is a part combining a pair of case-shaped resin parts capable of accommodating the first portion 21, it is assumed that the extensions 34A and 34B are semi-cylindrical parts separated together with the accommodating main body 32, and that these semi-cylindrical parts are combined to sandwich the first portion 21.

[0032] The extensions 34A, 34B are formed to have a thickness that allows them to be inserted into the end of the protective tube 40. Here, the outer diameter of the main body of the extensions 34A, 34B is set smaller than the inner diameter of the protective tube 40. The protective tube 40 covers the second portions 22A, 22B of the electric wire 20 on the tip side of the extensions 34A, 34B. In addition, the end of the protective tube 40 covers the extensions 34A, 34B. Therefore, the first portion 21 and the second portion 22A of the electric wire 20 are covered and protected by the accommodating member 30 and the protective tube 40 without being exposed to the outside.

[0033] Further, the extensions 34A, 34B are formed with positioning protrusions 35A, 35B that fit into the annular recess 42g of the protective tube 40. Here, the positioning protrusions 35A, 35B are formed in an annular convex shape that protrudes along the circumferential direction of the extensions 34A, 34B, and are formed between the distal end and proximal end of the extensions 34A, 34B. The outer diameter of the positioning protrusions 35A, 35B is larger than the minimum inner diameter of the protective tube 40 and is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the annular recess 42g. Furthermore, the thickness of the positioning protrusions 35A, 35B is equal to or smaller than the width of the annular recess 42g (the width in the axial direction of the protective tube 40).

[0034] Then, the extensions 34A and 34B are pushed into the end of the protective tube 40, and the end of the protective tube 40 is placed over the extensions 34A and 34B, and the positioning protrusions 35A and 35B are fitted into the annular recesses 42g at the end of the protective tube 40. This makes it difficult for the protective tube 40 to come off the extensions 34A and 34B. The positioning protrusions 35A and 35B may be omitted. As a modification of the positioning protrusions 35A and 35B, an inclined surface 35g (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3) may be provided. The inclined surface 35g is a portion that makes it easier to fit the protective tube 40 to the outside. For example, the inclined surface 35g may be formed on the outer surface of the positioning protrusion 35A so as to be inclined inward toward the tip of the extension 34A. As a result, when the protective tube 40 is fitted onto the extension portion 34A, the protective tube 40 comes into contact with the inclined surface 35g and is smoothly guided toward the base end of the extension portion 34A. This makes it easy to fit the protective tube 40 onto the extension portion 34A. Furthermore, when the protective tube 40 is placed over the extension portion 34A, the base end side portion of the positioning protrusion 35A of the extension portion 34A fits into the annular recess 42g, making it difficult for the protective tube 40 to come off the extension portion 34A.

[0035] According to the connection structure 10 between a housing member and a protective tube configured in this manner, the ends of the protective tube 40 cover the extensions 34A, 34B, so that the electric wire 20 can be protected by preventing the electric wire 20 from being exposed to the outside between the protective tube 40 and the housing member 30. Furthermore, since the thickness of the connection structure 10 can be made the same as the thickness of the protective tube 40, the connection structure 10 can be made smaller.

[0036] Furthermore, the protective tube 40 covers the extensions 34A and 34B, and the ends of the protective tube 40 can be seen from the outside. This makes it easy to check to what extent the protective tube 40 covers the extensions 34A and 34B.

[0037] Furthermore, because the positioning protrusions 35A and 35B fit into the annular recess 42g, the end of the protective tube 40 can be securely connected to the accommodating member 30. Furthermore, because the positioning protrusions 35A and 35B are formed in an annular shape and fit into the annular recess 42g over the entire circumferential direction, the end of the protective tube 40 can be more securely connected to the accommodating member 30. This eliminates the need to separately secure the end of the protective tube 40 with tape, a belt, or the like, or to secure the other end of the protective tube 40 to a connector or the like on the other side, thereby simplifying the configuration and the assembly work.

[0038] Furthermore, since the protective tube 40 covers the extensions 34A and 34B, even if the positioning protrusions 35A and 35B come off the annular recess 42g due to vibration or the like, the protective tube 40 remains covering the extensions 34A and 34B, preventing the electric wire 20 from being exposed to the outside.

[0039] Various modifications will be described based on the first embodiment.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the first modified example. As shown in Fig. 4, positioning protrusions 35A are formed at multiple locations (two in this example) in the extension direction of the protective tube 40. The multiple positioning protrusions 35A are arranged at a pitch that corresponds to the pitch of the annular recesses 42g formed on the inner periphery of the protective tube 40. Therefore, the multiple positioning protrusions 35A fit into each of the multiple annular recesses 42g of the protective tube 40.

[0041] According to this first modified example, the end of the protection tube 40 can be connected to the housing member 30 more securely because the positioning protrusions 35A are fitted into the annular recesses 42g.

[0042] Figures 5 and 6 are partially enlarged views showing the second modified example. Figures 5 and 6 are views of the extension 34A as viewed from the tip side. Figure 5 shows the state in which the end of the protective tube 40 is in the process of being placed over the extension 34A, and Figure 6 shows the state in which the end of the protective tube 40 has been placed over the extension 34A.

[0043] In the second modification, instead of the positioning protrusion 35A, te, place The positioning protrusion 135A is formed in a shape that protrudes more in a first direction A1 perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube 40 than in a second direction A2 perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube 40 and the first direction A1.

[0044] Here, the positioning protrusion 135A is formed in a shape that protrudes elliptical along the circumferential direction of the extension 34A. The long axis direction of the positioning protrusion 135A coincides with the first direction A1, and therefore the positioning protrusion 135A protrudes most in the first direction A1. The short axis direction of the positioning protrusion 135A coincides with the second direction A2, and therefore the positioning protrusion 135A does not protrude or protrudes least in the second direction A2. It is not essential that the positioning protrusion be elliptical. It is not essential that the outer shape of the positioning protrusion be arc-shaped. For example, the positioning protrusion may have a shape that protrudes partially in a rectangular shape in the circumferential direction of the extension 34A.

[0045] According to the second modified example, when a force F is applied to the end of the protective tube 40 along the second direction to deform the end into an elliptical shape so as to be longer in the first direction A1, the positioning protrusion 135A can easily fit into the annular recess 42g beyond the opening side portion of the end of the protective tube 40 (see FIG. 5). When the force F is released, the end of the protective tube 40 returns to its original shape, and the positioning protrusion 135A fits into the annular recess 42g (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the end of the protective tube 40 can be easily fitted over the extension 34A, and the positioning protrusion 135A can be easily fitted into the annular recess 42g.

[0046] 7 is a partially enlarged view showing a third modified example. In this modified example, the extension 34A is provided with a mark 136A that indicates the appropriate position of the protective tube 40 that will be placed over the extension 34A. Here, a ring-shaped protrusion that protrudes further than the main body of the extension 34A is formed at the base end of the extension 34A, and the step on the tip side of this protrusion is the mark 136A. The protrusion dimension of this protrusion is smaller than the protrusion dimension of the positioning protrusion 35A, so that the end of the protective tube 40 can also be placed over the portion where the mark 136A is provided.

[0047] When the protective tube 40 is placed over the extension 34A, the relative positional relationship between the end of the protective tube 40 and the mark 136A is visually confirmed, and the end of the protective tube 40 is made to extend beyond the mark 136A. This allows confirmation that the protective tube 40 is securely placed over the extension 34A, in this case, whether the positioning protrusion 35A is fully engaged with the annular recess 42g. In other words, because the protective tube 40 is placed over the extension 34A, the end of the protective tube 40 can be visually confirmed. Then, using the positional relationship between the end of the protective tube 40 and the mark 136A as a guide, it can be confirmed that the protective tube 40 is properly placed over the extension 34A.

[0048] In this modification, a protrusion is formed on the extension 34A, and a step of the protrusion forms the mark 136A. In the first embodiment, the boundary between the housing main body 32 and the extension 34A is designated as the mark 36A, and by checking the positional relationship between the end of the protective tube 40 and the mark 36A, it is possible to confirm whether the protective tube 40 is properly covering the extension 34A. For example, if the end of the protective tube 40 reaches the mark 36A, i.e., if it is in contact with the housing main body 32, it may be determined that the protective tube 40 is properly covering the extension 34A. Alternatively, if the distance between the end of the protective tube 40 and the mark 36A is a predetermined distance or less, it may be determined that the protective tube 40 is properly covering the extension 34A.

[0049] In the first embodiment, it is not essential that the accommodating member 30 accommodates branched portions of the plurality of electric wires 20. The accommodating member may accommodate intermediate portions of the electric wires in the extending direction, or may accommodate end portions of the electric wires.

[0050] For example, as in a fourth modified example shown in Fig. 8, a connector cover 220 covers the base end of a connector 210. A terminal is connected to the end of an electric wire 20, and the terminal is held in a cavity of the connector 210. The electric wire 20 extends outward from the base end of the connector 210. The connector cover 220 is an example of a housing member because it covers a first portion 221 of the electric wire 20 that includes the portion inside the connector 210 and the portion extending from the base end side of the connector 210.

[0051] Connector cover 220 is a member including a housing main body 232 and an extension 234, and is, for example, a component molded from resin or the like. Connector cover 220 may be a component integrally formed by molding, or may be a component formed by combining a pair of case-shaped resin components. Connector cover 220 may be formed from an elastic material such as rubber.

[0052] The accommodating main body 232 accommodates the connector 210 and the first portion 221, which is the end of the electric wire 20. The extension portion 234 is a cylindrical portion extending from the base end of the accommodating main body 232, and accommodates the first portion 221 of the electric wire 20 extending from the base end of the accommodating main body 232. The portion of the electric wire 20 extending from the extension portion 234 is the second portion 222.

[0053] The extension 234 may be formed with a positioning protrusion 235, similar to the positioning protrusion 35A of the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows an example in which the positioning protrusion 235 is formed.

[0054] As in the first embodiment, the end of the protective tube 40 is placed over the extension 234. The positioning protrusion 235 is fitted into the annular recess 42g of the protective tube 40.

[0055] This modification also provides the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0056] {Second embodiment} The connection structure between a accommodating member and a protective tube according to the second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view showing a connection structure 310 between a accommodating member and a protective tube. This connection structure 310 includes a linear transmission member 20, a accommodating member 330, a protective tube 40, and connector covers 352A and 352B as opposite accommodating members.

[0057] The linear transmission member 20 and the protective tube 40 have the same configuration as those described in the first embodiment.

[0058] Similar to the accommodating member 30 described in the first embodiment, the accommodating member 330 includes an accommodating main body 32 and extensions 34A and 34B. In the accommodating member 330, positioning protrusions may or may not be formed on the extensions 34A and 34B, and Fig. 9 shows an example in which no positioning protrusions are formed.

[0059] A second portion 22A of the electric wire 20 extends from the extension portion 34A. A third portion 323A is present on the opposite side of the second portion 22A of the electric wire 20 from the first portion 21. Here, the third portion 323A is an end portion of the electric wire 20.

[0060] A connector 310A is connected to an end of an electric wire 20. A connector cover 352A covers the base end of this connector 310A. That is, a terminal is connected to the end of the electric wire 20, and the terminal is held in a cavity of the connector 310A. The electric wire 20 extends outward from the base end of the connector 310A. The connector cover 352A is an example of an opposite-side housing member because it covers a third portion 323A of the electric wire 20 that includes the portion inside the connector 210 and the portion extending from the base end side of the connector 210.

[0061] Connector cover 352A is a member including a housing main body 353A and an extension 354A, and is, for example, a component molded from resin or the like. Connector cover 352A may be a component integrally formed by molding, or may be a component formed by combining a pair of case-shaped resin components. Connector cover 352A may be formed from an elastic member such as rubber.

[0062] The accommodating main body 353A accommodates the connector 310A and the third portion 323A, which is an end portion of the electric wire 20. The extension portion 354A is a cylindrical portion extending from the base end portion of the accommodating main body 353A, and accommodates the third portion 323A of the electric wire 20 extending from the base end portion of the accommodating main body 353A. The portion of the electric wire 20 between the extension portion 34A and the extension portion 354A is the second portion 22A.

[0063] The extension 354A may or may not have a positioning protrusion formed thereon, and FIG. 9 shows an example in which no positioning protrusion is formed.

[0064] The protective tube 40 is formed with a length dimension that reaches the connector cover 352A when it is covering the extension portion 34A. Here, the protective tube 40 reaching the connector cover 352A may be interpreted as the end of the protective tube 40 contacting the connector cover 352A in a state where movement toward the connector cover 352A is restricted. Here, the length L of the protective tube 40 exceeds the distance D1 between the extension portion 34A and the extension portion 354A and is set to be the same as the distance D between the accommodating main body portion 32 and the accommodating main body portion 353A. The length L of the protective tube 40 is set to be a length that exceeds the distance D between the accommodating main body portion 32 and the accommodating main body portion 353A, and the protective tube 40 may be disposed in a compressed state between the accommodating main body portion 32 and the accommodating main body portion 353A.

[0065] Further, the second portion 22B of the electric wire 20 extends from the extension portion 34B. The third portion 323B is present on the opposite side of the second portion 22B of the electric wire 20 from the first portion 21. Here, the third portion 323B is an end portion of the electric wire 20.

[0066] A connector 310B is connected to an end of the electric wire 20. A connector cover 352B covers the base end of this connector 310B. That is, a terminal is connected to the end of the electric wire 20, and the terminal is held in a cavity of the connector 310B. The electric wire 20 extends outward from the base end of the connector 310B. The connector cover 352B is an example of an opposite-side housing member because it covers a third portion 323B including the portion of the electric wire 20 inside the connector 210 and the portion extending from the base end side of the connector 210.

[0067] The connector cover 352B is a member including a housing main body portion 353B and a holding portion 354B, and is, for example, a component molded from resin or the like. The connector cover 352B may be a component integrally formed by molding, or may be a component formed by combining a pair of case-shaped resin components. The connector cover 352B may be formed from an elastic member such as rubber.

[0068] The accommodating main body 353B accommodates the third portion 323B, which is the end of the electric wire 20, together with the connector 310B. The holding portion 354B is a cylindrical portion extending from the base end of the accommodating main body 353B. The holding portion 354B is formed into a shape capable of accommodating the other end of the protective tube 40, and a tube positioning protrusion 355B that fits into an annular recess in the other end of the protective tube 40 is formed on its inner periphery. The holding portion 354B accommodates the third portion 323B of the electric wire 20, which extends from the base end of the accommodating main body 353B, together with the other end of the protective tube 40. The connector cover 352B may be configured as a two-piece structure that is combined while sandwiching and fixing the other ends of the connector 310B and the protective tube 40. The portion of the electric wire 20 between the extension portion 34B and the holding portion 354B is the second portion 22B.

[0069] The protective tube 40 is formed with a length dimension that allows it to reach the connector cover 352B while covering the extension portion 34B. The protective tube 40 reaching the connector cover 352B may be understood as a state in which an end of the protective tube 40 is in contact with the connector cover 352B while movement toward the connector cover 352B is restricted. Here, the other end of the protective tube 40 is held in a positioned state by the holding portion 354B. Based on the position in which the other end of the protective tube 40 is positioned by the holding portion 354B, the length of the protective tube 40 is set to a size that allows it to cover the extension portion 34B. The protective tube 40 may be set to a length that allows it to contact the accommodating main body 32. The protective tube 40 may be set to a length that allows it to reach the accommodating main body 32 and be disposed in a compressed state between the holding portion 354B and the accommodating main body 32.

[0070] According to the second embodiment, the ends of the protective tube 40 cover the extensions 34A and 34B, and therefore the electric wires 20 can be protected by being prevented from being exposed to the outside between the protective tube 40 and the accommodating member 30. Furthermore, the thickness of the connection structure 310 can be made the same as the thickness of the protective tube 40, and therefore the connection structure 310 can be made smaller.

[0071] Furthermore, the protective tube 40 is formed with a length that covers the extensions 34A and 34B from the connector covers 352A and 352B, which are the opposite-side accommodating members, and therefore prevents the wires 20 from being exposed between the protective tube 40 and the accommodating member 330. Furthermore, even if positioning protrusions are not formed on the extensions 34A and 34B of the accommodating member 330, the wires 20 are kept in a state of covering the extensions 34A and 34B, which enables simplification of the configuration and assembly.

[0072] The opposite-side accommodating member may be configured such that the other end of the protective tube 40 is not fixed in a fixed position but is merely restricted from moving toward the opening, as in connector cover 352A, or such that the other end of the protective tube 40 is positioned, as in connector cover 352B.

[0073] It is also possible to understand that connector cover 352A is the accommodating member, and accommodating member 330 is the opposite accommodating member. In this case, even if positioning protrusion 35A is formed on extension 34A, if no positioning protrusion is formed on connector cover 352A, the configuration and assembly can be simplified.

[0074] Furthermore, if the protective tube 40 is configured to be disposed in a compressed state between the housing member 330 and the opposite housing member, the electric wires 20 are unlikely to become exposed even when vibrations or the like occur.

[0075] In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, marks 36A and 136A may be provided, which make it possible to check whether the protective tube 40 is long enough to cover the extension portion 34A.

[0076] <Modification> In each of the above embodiments and modified examples, the protective tube 40 does not necessarily have to be a corrugated tube. It may also have a tube shape with a continuous, uniform diameter portion. In this case, a recess opening to the inner periphery may be formed at the end of the protective tube so that the positioning protrusion formed on the extension portion can be fitted into the end of the protective tube. In this case, the recess may be an annular groove formed over the entire circumferential direction of the inner periphery of the end of the protective tube. In this case, the positioning protrusion may be a protrusion formed over the entire circumferential direction of the extension portion, or a protrusion formed partially in the circumferential direction of the extension portion. Furthermore, the recess may be a recess formed partially in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery of the end of the protective tube, or may be a through hole. In this case, the recess may be a protrusion formed partially in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery of the end of the protective tube.

[0077] The connector cover described in the embodiment or modification may be a part that is integrally molded with the connector.

[0078] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which wire harnesses WH1 and WH2 including the connection structures 10 and 310 between the housing member and the protective tube are incorporated into a vehicle.

[0079] The wire harness WH1 can be incorporated into a vehicle, for example, as a wiring component connecting the vehicle body 500 and the wheel 510. A wire harness for a wheel needs to be arranged in the narrow space between the wheel house and the wheel 510. Moreover, since it is arranged around the wheel, there is a relatively high demand for protection. The connection structures 10, 310 are configured to suppress exposure of the electric wires 20 between the protective tube 40 and the housing member 30, 330, etc., while enabling the connection structures 10, 310 to be miniaturized, and are therefore suitable for use as the wire harness WH1 connecting the vehicle body 500 and the wheel 510.

[0080] Furthermore, the wire harness WH2 can be incorporated into a vehicle as a wiring member arranged in a space S located forward of the passenger compartment and separated from the outside. In a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, the space S is a space called an engine compartment, and in an electric vehicle, it is a space where an electric motor may be arranged. Such a space S may be understood as a space S where a power generator such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor is arranged. Since the space S is an environment that is prone to vibration due to the internal combustion engine or the electric motor, the wiring members arranged in the space S are also subjected to vibration.

[0081] When the wire harness WH2 including the connection structure 10 is disposed in the space S, the positioning protrusions 35A, 35B of the extensions 34A, 34B fit into the annular recess 42g of the protective tube 40, so that the protective tube 40 and the accommodating member 30 move together within the space S, making it difficult for the extensions 34A, 34B to come off the protective tube 40. This eliminates the need to increase the holding force between the extensions 34A, 34B and the ends of the protective tube 40, making it possible to simplify the configuration.

[0082] Furthermore, when the wire harness WH2 including the connection structure 310 is disposed in the space S, the protective tube 40 is disposed between the accommodating member 330 and the connector covers 352A, 352B and covers the extensions 34A, 34B. Therefore, even if the wire harness WH2 vibrates, the protective tube 40 covering the extensions 34A, 34B prevents the electric wires 20 from being exposed even if the protective tube 40 is displaced. Therefore, with a simple configuration, the electric wires 20 can be sufficiently protected even in a vibration environment.

[0083] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. For example, one wire harness may have both a configuration in which the protective tube is held by the positioning protrusion relative to the extension, as in the first embodiment, and a configuration in which the protective tube is provided between the accommodating member and the opposite accommodating member, as in the second embodiment.

[0084] The present disclosure discloses the following aspects. The connection structure between a accommodating member and a protective tube in the first aspect comprises a linear transmission member, a accommodating member that accommodates a first part that is a part of the linear transmission member, and a protective tube that covers a second part that is another part of the linear transmission member, wherein the accommodating member includes a accommodating main body portion that accommodates the first part and an extension portion that protrudes from the accommodating main body portion toward the second part, and an end of the protective tube covers the extension portion. The second aspect is a connection structure between a storage member and a protective tube according to the first aspect, in which a recess that opens to the inner circumference is formed at the end of the protective tube, and a positioning protrusion that fits into the recess is formed at the extension. A third aspect is a connection structure between a storage member and a protective tube according to the second aspect, in which the recesses are formed in multiple locations in the extension direction of the protective tube, and the positioning protrusions are formed in multiple locations. A fourth aspect is a connection structure between a storage member and a protective tube according to the second or third aspect, wherein the recess is an annular recess formed along the circumferential direction of the protective tube, and the positioning protrusion is formed in a shape that protrudes more in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube than in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube and the first direction. A fifth aspect is a connection structure between a housing member and a protective tube according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising an opposite side housing member that houses a third part of the linear transmission member that is located on the opposite side of the first part, sandwiching the second part therebetween, and the protective tube is formed with a length dimension that reaches the opposite side housing member when covering the extension portion. The sixth aspect is a connection structure between a storage member and a protective tube according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the extension portion is provided with a mark indicating the appropriate position of the end of the protective tube that covers the extension portion. A seventh aspect is the connection structure between the accommodating member and the protective tube according to the sixth aspect, in which the boundary between the accommodating main body portion and the extension portion serves as the mark. According to the first aspect, the end of the protective tube covers the extension portion, so that the connecting structure between the housing member and the protective tube can be made compact. According to the second aspect, the end of the protective tube can be securely connected to the housing member. According to the third aspect, the positioning protrusions fit into the recesses, so that the end of the protection tube can be securely connected to the housing member. According to the fourth aspect, the recess is an annular recess formed along the circumferential direction of the protective tube, and the positioning protrusion is formed in a shape that protrudes more in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube than in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube and the first direction, so that the end of the protective tube can be easily placed over the extension and the positioning protrusion can be easily fitted into the annular recess. According to the fifth aspect, the end of the protective tube is formed to have a length that covers the extension portion, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the linear transmission member from being exposed between the protective tube and the housing member. According to the sixth aspect, the protective tube covers the extension, so that the end of the protective tube can be visually observed. Using the positional relationship between the end of the protective tube and the mark as a guide, it can be confirmed whether the protective tube is properly covering the extension. According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to check whether the protective tube properly covers the extension portion by checking whether the protective tube reaches the boundary between the main body portion and the extension portion, or by checking the positional relationship between the end of the protective tube and the boundary. Although the present invention has been described in detail as above, the above description is merely illustrative in all respects and does not limit the present invention. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be envisioned without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10, 310 Connection structure between housing member and protective tube 20 Linear transmission components (electric wires) 21, 221 Part 1 22A, 22B, 222 2nd part 30, 330 housing member 32, 232, 353A, 353B Housing body 34A, 34B, 234, 354A extension 35A, 35B, 135A, 235 Positioning protrusion 36A, 136A landmarks 40 protective tube 42g Annular recess 210, 310A, 310B Connectors 220, 352A, 352B Connector Cover 323A, 323B 3rd part 354B Holding part 355B Tube positioning protrusion A1 1st direction A2 2nd direction

Claims

1. a linear transmission member; a housing member that houses a first portion that is a part of the linear transmission member; a protective tube covering a second portion, which is another part of the linear transmission member; Equipped with the housing member includes a housing main body portion that houses the first portion, and an extension portion that protrudes from the housing main body portion toward the second portion, an end of the protective tube overlies the extension; an opposite side accommodating member that accommodates a third portion of the linear transmission member that is located on the opposite side of the first portion with the second portion interposed therebetween, the protective tube is disposed between the accommodating member and the opposite accommodating member in a state where the protective tube covers the extension portion, A portion of the protective tube that covers the extension portion is exposed, the accommodating member and the opposite accommodating member are a combination of a member that maintains branching points of the plurality of linear transmission members in a certain branching shape and a connector cover that covers a connector provided at an end of the linear transmission members, the extension portion extends from one main surface of the accommodating main body portion, and an end of the protective tube contacts the one main surface of the accommodating main body portion; a recessed portion that opens to the inner circumferential side is formed at an end of the protective tube; A connection structure between a housing member and a protective tube, wherein the extension portion is formed with a positioning protrusion that fits into the recess, and the number of the positioning protrusions is one or two.

2. A connection structure between the housing member and the protective tube according to claim 1, A connection structure between an accommodating member and a protective tube, wherein an end of the protective tube is in contact with a flat portion of the one main surface of the accommodating main body around the extension portion.

3. A connection structure between the housing member and the protective tube according to claim 1 or claim 2, the recess is an annular recess formed along the circumferential direction of the protective tube, A connection structure between a accommodating member and a protective tube, wherein the positioning protrusion is formed in a shape that protrudes more in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube than in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the protective tube and the first direction.

4. 4. A connection structure between a housing member and a protective tube according to claim 1, A connection structure between a housing member and a protective tube, wherein the protective tube is formed with a length dimension that reaches the opposite housing member when it is placed over the extension portion.

5. 5. A connection structure between a housing member and a protective tube according to claim 1, A connection structure between a housing member and a protective tube, wherein the extension portion is provided with a mark that indicates the appropriate position of the end of the protective tube that covers the extension portion.

6. A connection structure between the housing member and the protective tube according to claim 5, A connection structure between a housing member and a protective tube, wherein the boundary between the housing main body portion and the extension portion serves as the mark.

7. A linear transmission member; a housing member that houses a first portion that is a part of the linear transmission member; a protective tube covering a second portion, which is another part of the linear transmission member; Equipped with the housing member includes a housing main body portion that houses the first portion, and an extension portion that protrudes from the housing main body portion toward the second portion, an end of the protective tube overlies the extension; an opposite side accommodating member that accommodates a third portion of the linear transmission member that is located on the opposite side of the first portion with the second portion interposed therebetween, the protective tube is disposed between the accommodating member and the opposite accommodating member in a state where the protective tube covers the extension portion, A portion of the protective tube that covers the extension portion is exposed, the accommodating member and the opposite accommodating member are a combination of a member that maintains branching points of the plurality of linear transmission members in a certain branching shape and a connector cover that covers a connector provided at an end of the linear transmission members, A connection structure between a housing member and a protective tube, wherein the extension portion extends from one main surface of the housing main body portion, and the end of the protective tube contacts a flat portion of the one main surface of the housing main body portion around the extension portion.

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