Module for integrating electrical equipment and wiring harness, and wiring harness
The integrated module with a thermally conductive plate improves heat dissipation and reduces the size of electrical devices by transferring heat from heat-generating components to the plate, addressing the challenge of heat dissipation in electrical equipment with wire harnesses.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022012778
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-01-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-07
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-01-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrical equipment connected with wire harnesses face challenges in heat dissipation performance.
An integrated module comprising an electrical device with a heat-generating component, a wire harness, and a thermally conductive plate that extends along the wiring, allowing heat transfer from the component to the plate for improved dissipation.
Enhances heat dissipation performance and reduces the size of the electrical device by effectively transferring heat from the heat-generating component to the thermally conductive plate.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an integrated module of an electric device and a wire harness, and the wire harness. [Background technology]
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an interconnection box that electrically connects an instrument panel harness, an engine room harness, a door harness, and a floor harness to one another. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-202352 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] Incidentally, it is desirable to improve the heat dissipation performance of electrical equipment to which a wire harness is connected.
[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the heat dissipation performance of an electrical device to which a wire harness is connected. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The integrated module of an electrical device and a wire harness of the present disclosure is an integrated module of an electrical device and a wire harness comprising an electrical device having a heat-generating component, a wire harness having wiring extending from the electrical device, and a thermally conductive plate extending along the wiring, wherein the thermally conductive plate is positioned relative to the electrical device in a position that allows heat to be transferred from the heat-generating component to the thermally conductive plate.
[0007] The wire harness of the present disclosure also includes wiring extending from an electric device having a heat-generating component, and a thermally conductive plate extending along the wiring, wherein the thermally conductive plate includes a wiring overlapping region extending to an area where the wiring overlaps, and an equipment overlapping region overlapping the electric device and positioned relative to the electric device so that heat can be transferred from the heat-generating component to the thermally conductive plate. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the heat dissipation performance and reduce the size of an electrical device to which a wire harness is connected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an integrated module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the integrated module. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded plan view showing the integrated module. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the thermally conductive plate and the electrical device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the thermally conductive plate and the electrical device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an opening and a thermal conductor of an electric device according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an opening and a thermal conductor of an electric device according to a second modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the connection relationship between a plurality of types of connectors and a plurality of wires. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the device connector, the first harness connector, and the second harness connector. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is an exploded plan view of the wire harness. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded plan view showing a wire harness according to a third modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a wire harness according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a wire harness according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a module according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat conductor according to a sixth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.
[0011] The integrated module of an electric device and a wire harness of the present disclosure is as follows.
[0012] (1) An integrated module of an electrical device and a wire harness, comprising: an electrical device having a heat-generating component; wiring extending from the electrical device; and a thermally conductive plate extending along the wiring, wherein the thermally conductive plate is positioned relative to the electrical device so that heat can be transferred from the heat-generating component to the thermally conductive plate.
[0013] According to the present disclosure, heat is transferred from the heat-generating component to the thermally conductive plate. The thermally conductive plate is a plate that extends along the wiring. Therefore, the heat from the heat-generating component is effectively dissipated by the thermally conductive plate, thereby improving the heat dissipation of the electrical equipment to which the wire harness is connected.
[0014] (2) In the integrated module of the electrical device and the wiring harness of (1), the wiring harness may be flat as a whole. The heat-conductive plate, which can be easily set wide, enables effective heat dissipation.
[0015] (3) In the integrated module of an electric device and a wire harness according to (1) or (2), the thermally conductive plate may include a wiring overlapping region extending along the wiring and an equipment overlapping region overlapping the electric device, thereby facilitating heat transfer from the heat-generating component to the thermally conductive plate by utilizing the equipment overlapping region of the thermally conductive plate.
[0016] (4) The integrated module of an electric device and a wire harness according to (3) may further include a heat conductor interposed between the heat-generating component and the device overlapping area, thereby enabling the heat of the heat-generating component to be effectively transferred to the electric device by the heat conductor.
[0017] (5) In the integrated module of an electric device and a wire harness according to (4), the electric device may have a case for accommodating the heat-generating component, an opening formed in the case, and the thermal conductor may be disposed between the heat-generating component and the overlapping area of the electric device, passing through the opening. In this case, since the thermal conductor passes through the opening of the case, heat from the heat-generating component is effectively transferred to the thermally conductive plate.
[0018] (6) In the integrated module of the electrical device and the wire harness of (4) or (5), the electrical device may have a substrate on which the heat-generating component is mounted, and the substrate may be interposed between the heat-generating component and the thermal conductor.
[0019] The heat from the heat-generating component can be transferred from the board to the equipment overlap area through the board. Even if the heat-generating component is mounted on the opposite side of the board from the thermally conductive plate, the heat from the heat-generating component can be easily dissipated through the thermally conductive plate.
[0020] (7) In the integrated module of any one of (4) to (6) of an electric device and a wire harness, the heat conductor may include a heat-conducting insulating rubber. If the heat conductor includes a heat-conducting insulating rubber, the heat-generating component and the heat-conducting plate are insulated from each other, and heat can be easily transferred from the heat-generating component to the heat-conducting plate.
[0021] (8) In the integrated module of any one of (4) to (7) of an electric device and a wiring harness, the thermal conductor may be fixed to the thermally conductive plate. In this case, when the electric device and the wiring harness are combined, the thermal conductor can be easily interposed between the heat-generating component and the thermally conductive plate.
[0022] (9) In the integrated module of any one of the electric device and the wire harness described in (1) to (8), the thermally conductive plate may be fixed to the electric device. When the thermally conductive plate is fixed to the electric device in this way, it is easy to maintain a state in which heat can be transferred from the heat-generating component to the thermally conductive plate.
[0023] (10) In the integrated module of any one of (1) to (9) of an electric device and a wire harness, the wire harness may include an equipment connector connected to a connector of the electric device, and a first harness connector and a second harness connector, each of which is connected to a connector of a mating wire harness, and the wiring may include a plurality of wires branching from the equipment connector and connected to the first harness connector and the second harness connector. In this case, the number of connectors connected to the electric device can be reduced. This reduces the number of connectors in the electric device, enabling the electric device to be made smaller.
[0024] (11) In the integrated module of an electric device and a wire harness of (10), the wiring may include through-circuit wiring that connects the first harness connector and the second harness connector. In this case, it is possible to connect multiple types of mating wire harnesses to each other via the wire harness, which simplifies the connection of multiple types of mating wire harnesses to each other and the connection of the multiple types of mating wire harnesses to devices.
[0025] The wire harness according to the present disclosure is as follows.
[0026] (12) A wire harness comprising wiring extending from an electrical device having a heat-generating component and a thermally conductive plate extending along the wiring, wherein the thermally conductive plate includes a wiring overlapping region extending to an area where the wiring overlaps, and an equipment overlapping region overlapping the electrical device and positioned relative to the electrical device so that heat can be transferred from the heat-generating component to the thermally conductive plate.
[0027] According to the present disclosure, heat is transferred from the heat-generating component to the thermally conductive plate. The thermally conductive plate is a plate that extends along the wiring. Therefore, the heat from the heat-generating component is effectively dissipated by the thermally conductive plate, thereby improving the heat dissipation of the electrical equipment to which the wire harness is connected.
[0028] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the integrated module of an electric device and a wire harness and the wire harness of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.
[0029] [Embodiment] An integrated module of an electrical device and a wire harness and a wire harness according to an embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an integrated module 30M according to an embodiment arranged in a vehicle 10. The front-rear direction (FRONT, REAR), left-right direction (LEFT, RIGHT), and up-down direction (UP, LOW) shown in Fig. 1 correspond to the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the vehicle 10. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the integrated module 30M according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded plan view showing the integrated module 30M according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2.
[0030] <Overall configuration of the integrated module of electrical equipment and wire harness> An integrated module 30M of the electric device 22 and the wire harness 30 is disposed in, for example, a vehicle 10. The integrated module 30M includes the electric device 22 and the wire harness 30. The electric device 22 is a device having a heat-generating component 24 (described later) (see FIG. 5). The wire harness 30 includes wiring 50 and a thermally conductive plate 70 and has a flat shape overall. The wiring 50 extends from the electric device 22. In this embodiment, the plurality of wirings 50 are arranged along a flat path. The thermally conductive plate 70 is a plate that extends along the wiring 50. In other words, the plurality of wirings 50 include a portion that extends along the thermally conductive plate 70. The thermally conductive plate 70 is disposed along the flat shape of the plurality of wirings 50, and the wire harness 30 as a whole has a flat shape. Because the wire harness 30 has a flat shape, the wire harness 30 can be easily disposed along one main surface of a panel.
[0031] The wire harness 30 is interposed between a plurality of types of mating wire harnesses 20 and electrical equipment 22, and connects the plurality of types of mating wire harnesses 20 to each other and also connects each of the plurality of types of mating wire harnesses 20 to the electrical equipment 22. The plurality of types of mating wire harnesses 20 are arranged in different areas of the vehicle 10.
[0032] <Integrated module placement area and connection relationship> For convenience, examples of the layout area of the wire harness 30 in the vehicle 10, the mating wire harness 20, and the electrical device 22 will be described first.
[0033] The arrangement area of the wire harness 30 in the vehicle 10 is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. Considering that the wire harness 30 is interposed between multiple types of mating wire harnesses 20, the arrangement area of the wire harness 30 is preferably an area close to the boundary between multiple areas in which the multiple types of mating wire harnesses 20 are respectively arranged. Here, the arrangement area of the wire harness 30 will be described as being the area where the dash panel 11 and the cowl side panel 15 intersect.
[0034] The dash panel 11 separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment in the vehicle 10. The engine compartment is located in front of the dash panel 11, and the passenger compartment is located behind the dash panel 11. Typically, an instrument panel is provided behind the dash panel 11 and is exposed to the passenger compartment. The dash panel 11 includes a main body portion 12 and a protruding portion 13. The main surface of the main body portion 12 of the dash panel 11 extends in the left-right and up-down directions in the vehicle 10. The protruding portion 13 is provided below the left-right ends of the main body portion 12. The protruding portion 13 is a portion that protrudes toward the passenger compartment beyond the main body portion 12. The protruding portion 13 is a portion for providing a wheelhouse in the vehicle 10.
[0035] The cowl side panels 15 are continuous with the dash panel 11 on both the left and right sides of the dash panel 11. The main surfaces of the cowl side panels 15 extend in the front-to-rear and up-to-down directions of the vehicle 10. FIG. 1 shows the area where the dash panel 11 intersects with the cowl side panel 15 provided on the left side of the dash panel 11. The lower front edge of the cowl side panel 15 is curved in accordance with the protruding portion 13.
[0036] An end of an instrument panel reinforcement 17 is fixed to the cowl side panel 15. The instrument panel reinforcement 17 is provided between the dash panel 11 and the instrument panel. The instrument panel reinforcement 17 is a rod-shaped member that is long in the left-right direction.
[0037] A floor panel 18 is provided below the area where the dash panel 11 and the cowl side panel 15 intersect. The main surface of the floor panel 18 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions of the vehicle 10.
[0038] When the arrangement area of the wire harness 30 is the area where the dash panel 11 and the cowl side panel 15 intersect, the mating wire harness 20 may be an engine room harness 20A, an instrument panel harness 20B, a door harness 20C, a floor harness 20D, or the like. The engine room harness 20A is arranged in the engine room. The instrument panel harness 20B is arranged to extend along the instrument panel reinforcement 17. The door harness 20C is arranged in the door. The floor harness 20D is arranged on the floor. The mating wire harness 20 may also be a roof harness 20E. The roof harness 20E is arranged on the roof.
[0039] In this disclosure, the term "engine room" is a convenient name for the front compartment located in front of the vehicle interior, and does not necessarily mean that the engine is located in the engine room.Similarly, in this disclosure, the term "engine room harness 20A" is a convenient name for the mating wire harness 20 located in the front compartment located in front of the vehicle interior.
[0040] The layout area of the wire harness 30 and the layout area of the engine room harness 20A are separated by a dash panel 11. Here, a through hole 14 is formed in the dash panel 11. The wire harness 30 and the engine room harness 20A are connected through the through hole 14. Similarly, the layout area of the wire harness 30 and the layout area of the door harness 20C are separated by a cowl side panel 15. Here, a through hole 16 is formed in the cowl side panel 15. The wire harness 30 and the door harness 20C are connected through the through hole 16. For example, a rocker portion 18a is located at the side edge of a floor panel 18 of the vehicle. An end of the floor harness 20D connected to the wire harness 30 extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle along the rocker portion 18a. The roof is located above the area where the dash panel 11 and the cowl side panel 15 intersect. For example, the end of the roof harness 20E that is connected to the wire harness 30 extends along the A-pillar 19 from the roof to the area where the dash panel 11 and the cowl side panel 15 intersect or in the vicinity thereof.
[0041] <About electrical equipment> The electrical device 22 is arranged in the same area as the wiring harness 30. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the electrical device 22 is fixed to the cowl side panel 15. The electrical device 22 may also be fixed to the dash panel 11, the instrument panel reinforcement 17, the floor panel 18, or the like.
[0042] The electrical equipment 22 is an electrical equipment having a heat-generating component, and is, for example, an ECU (electronic control unit). The vehicle 10 may be provided with one central ECU and multiple zone ECUs. A zone ECU is provided for each of the multiple zones into which the vehicle 10 is divided. The zone ECU mainly controls the equipment present in that zone. The central ECU supervises the multiple zone ECUs to achieve cooperative control of the entire vehicle 10. The electrical equipment 22 may be, for example, a zone ECU. In this case, the control targets of the electrical equipment 22 as a zone ECU include multiple devices connected to the engine room harness 20A, the instrument panel harness 20B, the door harness 20C, and the floor harness 20D.
[0043] However, the electrical device 22, which is an ECU, may be a general ECU other than a zone ECU. Also, the electrical device 22 does not have to be an ECU, and may be, for example, a junction block (also called an electrical connection box).
[0044] <About wire harnesses> The wire harness 30 includes a plurality of wires 50 and a thermally conductive plate 70. In this embodiment, the wire harness 30 further includes a plurality of types of connectors 42, 44. The plurality of types of connectors 42, 44 are connected to different destinations. The plurality of types of connectors 42, 44 are arranged at positions corresponding to the connection positions of the electrical device 22 and the mating wire harness 20 to which they are connected.
[0045] In this embodiment, the multiple wirings 50 are fixed to base members 56, 62 to maintain a flat shape. The base members 56, 62 are, for example, resin sheets. The base members 56, 62 are formed into shapes that branch or bend depending on the positions of the multiple types of connectors 42, 44 and the paths of the wirings 50. The multiple wirings 50 are fixed to the base member 56 or the base member 62. The base members 56 and 62 are stacked, thereby arranging the multiple wirings 50 in a flat shape. If the wirings 50 are arranged between the base members 56, 62, the wirings 50 can be easily protected by the base members 56, 62. It is not essential that the wire harness 30 be flat. The wire harness 30 may be bundled with a bundling member such as adhesive tape or a cable tie, and part or all of the wire harness 30 may be kept bundled in a circular shape.
[0046] Connectors 42, 44 are connected to each of a plurality of ends of the wiring 50. The wiring 50 is connected to the electric device 22 via the connector 42, and is connected to the mating wire harness 20 via the connector 44. It is not essential that the wiring 50 be connected to the electric device 22 and the mating wire harness 20 via the connectors 42, 44. At least a portion of the wiring 50 may be wiring that is directly drawn out from the electric device 22 or wiring that is directly connected to wiring in the mating wire harness 20.
[0047] The thermally conductive plate 70 is a plate that extends along the multiple wirings 50. In this embodiment, the thermally conductive plate 70 is flat. The thermally conductive plate 70 may be curved in the thickness direction. The thermally conductive plate 70 is a plate with good thermal conductivity, for example, a metal plate made of iron, aluminum, copper, or the like. The thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive plate 70 is greater than that of air, and preferably greater than that of resin. For example, the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive plate 70 is 80 (W / mK) or more, and preferably 230 (W / mK) or more.
[0048] The thermally conductive plate 70 is disposed in a position relative to the electric device 22 that allows heat to be transferred from the heat-generating component 24 to the thermally conductive plate 70. The position in which the thermally conductive plate 70 is disposed in a position relative to the electric device 22 that allows heat to be transferred from the heat-generating component 24 to the thermally conductive plate 70 includes, for example, a case in which the thermally conductive plate 70 is in contact with the heat-generating component 24 via a heat transfer material other than air, or a case in which the thermally conductive plate 70 is in direct contact with the heat-generating component 24. In other words, it is sufficient that the thermal conductivity is better than when air is mainly interposed between the electric device 22 and the thermally conductive plate 70.
[0049] In this embodiment, the thermally conductive plate 70 includes a wiring overlap region 72 and an equipment overlap region 74 .
[0050] The wire overlap region 72 is a region that extends along the wire 50. In this embodiment, the wire overlap region 72 extends along the entire path of the wire 50, except for the region adjacent to the connector 44 at the end of the wire 50. The wire overlap region 72 only needs to overlap at least a portion of the path of the wire 50. The wire overlap region 72 may also have additional regions that do not overlap the path of the wire 50.
[0051] The device overlap region 74 is a region that overlaps with the electrical device 22. In this embodiment, the connector 42 is connected to the electrical device 22. Therefore, the electrical device 22 is located on an extension of the connector 42 of the wiring 50. The device overlap region 74 is a region that extends from the wiring overlap region 72 toward the region where the electrical device 22 is located. In this embodiment, the device overlap region 74 overlaps the entire electrical device 22. It is sufficient that the device overlap region 74 overlaps at least a portion of the electrical device 22. The device overlap region 74 may also have an additional region that does not overlap with the electrical device 22.
[0052] The thermally conductive plate 70 may have a fixing portion for fixing to the vehicle with a fixing device such as a screw or a clip. FIGS. 1 to 3 show a portion of a fixing piece 71 as an example of the fixing portion. The fixing piece 71 is a partial plate-like portion extending outward from the outer peripheral edge of the thermally conductive plate 70 and has an insertion hole 71h. The fixing piece 71 is fixed to the vehicle with a screw S or the like while in contact with the vehicle (e.g., the cowl side panel 15). The contact of the thermally conductive plate 70 with the vehicle facilitates heat transfer from the thermally conductive plate 70 to the vehicle. A plurality of fixing pieces 71 may be provided around the periphery of the thermally conductive plate 70 as needed.
[0053] The structure for fixing the thermally conductive plate 70 to the vehicle is not limited to the above example. The thermally conductive plate 70 may be fixed to the vehicle by other fitting structures, welding, etc., or may be supported in a fixed position by the electrical equipment 22, etc.
[0054] The wiring 50 and the base members 56, 62 supporting the wiring 50 may be integrated with the thermally conductive plate 70. For example, the wiring 50 and the base members 56, 62 may be arranged on one main surface of the thermally conductive plate 70 (the side opposite to the side that contacts the vehicle), and then bound to them with a binding member 79 such as adhesive tape or a cable tie (FIG. 2). The integration of the wiring 50 and the base members 56, 62 with the thermally conductive plate 70 is not limited to the above example, and may be achieved by, for example, double-sided tape, adhesive, screws, or the like.
[0055] If the wiring 50 and the thermally conductive plate 70 are integrated, the thermally conductive plate 70 can serve to keep the wiring 50 flat along the thermally conductive plate 70 .
[0056] <Relationship between thermally conductive plates and electrical equipment> The positional relationship between the thermally conductive plate 70 and the electric device 22 will now be described. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the thermally conductive plate 70 and the electric device 22. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the thermally conductive plate 70 and the electric device 22. Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 shows the case 23, the circuit board 25, the heat conductor 78, and the thermally conductive plate 70 in cross section.
[0057] The electric device 22 has a heat-generating component 24. The heat-generating component 24 is an element that generates heat in an electric circuit, such as an electromagnetic relay, a semiconductor switch, a fuse, an IC (Integrated Circuit), etc. In this embodiment, the electric device 22 includes a case 23, a circuit board 25, and a connector 26.
[0058] The case 23 is a box made of resin or the like. In this embodiment, the case 23 is formed in a flat box shape. A heat-generating component 24 is housed inside the case 23.
[0059] A circuit board 25 is fixed inside the case 23. The circuit board 25 has a circuit pattern formed of copper foil or the like. A heat-generating component 24 is mounted on the circuit board 25. The number and position of the heat-generating components 24 are arbitrary. In this embodiment, a plurality of heat-generating components 24 (two in the figure) are mounted and fixed at intervals on the circuit board 25. Other electronic components may be mounted on the circuit board 25. The heat-generating component 24 faces one plate portion of the case 23.
[0060] Connector 26 penetrates the inside and outside of case 23 at one side plate portion of case 23. Terminals of connector 26 are electrically connected to the circuit pattern of circuit board 25 inside case 23. By connecting device connector 42 of wire harness 30 to connector 26, wiring 50 is connected to the circuit within electrical device 22.
[0061] An opening 24h is formed in the case 23 at a position corresponding to the heat-generating component 24. The opening 24h may be formed in a position that allows at least a portion of the heat-generating component 24 to face outward. In other words, when the plate portion of the case 23 in which the opening 24h is formed is observed from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the plate portion, at least a portion of the opening 24h may overlap with at least a portion of the heat-generating component 24. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the opening 24h includes multiple regions that overlap with the multiple heat-generating components 24 and connects these multiple regions. In other words, the opening 24h is formed as a single opening 24h that is common to the multiple heat-generating components 24.
[0062] The device overlapping region 74 of the thermally conductive plate 70 is arranged along the plate portion of the case 23 where the opening 24h is formed. It is preferable that the thermally conductive plate 70 be maintained in a fixed position relative to the electric device 22. The electric device 22 may be fixed to the thermally conductive plate 70. For example, a fixing piece 23p having a hole 23h may be formed protruding from the case 23, and the fixing piece 23p may be overlapped with a fixing piece 71 formed on the thermally conductive plate 70. In this case, a screw S may be inserted through the holes 23h and 71h and fastened to a nut. If a nut is provided on the vehicle side, the electric device 22 and the thermally conductive plate 70 can be fixed to the vehicle 10 together. FIG. 6 illustrates one fixing piece 23p. Multiple fixing pieces 23p may be provided around the periphery of the case 23 as necessary. The thermally conductive plate 70 and the case 23 may be separately fixed to the vehicle 10 or the like, thereby maintaining a fixed positional relationship between the thermally conductive plate 70 and the case 23.
[0063] The integrated module 30M includes a thermal conductor 78 interposed between the heat-generating component 24 and the device overlapping region 74. The thermal conductor 78 has better thermal conductivity than air, and preferably has better thermal conductivity than the resin forming the case 23. For example, the thermal conductivity of the thermal conductor 78 is 1.0 (W / mK) or more, and preferably 6.5 (W / mK) or more.
[0064] For example, the thermal conductor 78 may be thermally conductive and insulating rubber that has good thermal conductivity and insulating properties. The thermally conductive rubber is, for example, rubber containing a filler (such as magnesium oxide) that has good thermal conductivity and insulating properties. If the thermal conductor 78 is rubber, it is easy to bring the thermal conductor 78 into close contact with the heat-generating component 24 and the thermally conductive plate 70. It is also easy to bring the thermal conductor 78 into close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the opening 24h. The thermal conductor 78 may be ceramic or thermally conductive grease.
[0065] The thermal conductor 78 is formed in a shape that can be placed within the opening 24h. In this embodiment, the opening 24h is rectangular, and the thermal conductor 78 is rectangular so that it can be placed within the opening 24h. The surface 78F of the thermal conductor 78 facing the heat-generating component 24 can face the heat-generating component 24. The surface 78F of the thermal conductor 78 only needs to face at least a portion of the heat-generating component 24. The surface 78F of the thermal conductor 78 may have a portion that extends beyond the heat-generating component 24. In this embodiment, the surface 78F of the thermal conductor 78 extends to the same size as the opening 24h. Therefore, the surface 78F of the thermal conductor 78 can contact the entire top surfaces of the multiple heat-generating components 24 and also extends between the multiple heat-generating components 24.
[0066] The thermal conductor 78 may have a shape other than a rectangular parallelepiped. For example, the thermal conductor 78 may have a cylindrical shape with its circular end face facing the upper surface of the heat-generating component 24.
[0067] The outer peripheral surface of the thermal conductor 78 is preferably disposed so as to contact the inner peripheral surface of the opening 24h, thereby making it difficult for water, dust, and the like to enter the case 23 through the gap between the thermal conductor 78 and the opening 24h.
[0068] Other intervening materials may be interposed between the thermal conductor 78 and the heat-generating component 24 or between the thermal conductor 78 and the device overlapping region 74. The intervening materials may be thermally conductive sheets, thermally conductive adhesives, thermally conductive double-sided tape, or thermally conductive grease, which improve adhesion to the mating surface. If the intervening material is thermally conductive adhesive or thermally conductive double-sided tape, it is possible to keep the thermal conductor 78 fixed to the heat-generating component 24 or the device overlapping region 74.
[0069] If the thermal conductor 78 is fixed to the thermally conductive plate 70, it becomes easy to interpose the thermal conductor 78 between the heat-generating component 24 and the component overlapping region 74 when integrating the electric device 22 and the wire harness 30. For example, when assembling the electric device 22 to the thermally conductive plate 70, if the thermal conductor 78 is inserted into the opening 24h, the thermal conductor 78 is disposed between the heat-generating component 24 and the component overlapping region 74.
[0070] A first modified example of the openings and thermal conductors is shown in FIG. 8. As shown in the figure, a plurality of openings 24Bh corresponding to the opening 24h may be formed corresponding to each heat-generating component 24. In FIG. 8, openings 24Bh are formed directly above each of the heat-generating components 24, and the plurality of openings 24Bh are not connected but separated. In this case, a plurality of heat conductors 78B corresponding to the heat conductor 78 are disposed in each of the plurality of openings 24Bh and are disposed between each of the heat-generating components 24 and the thermally conductive plate 70. In this case, the openings 24Bh formed in the case 23 can be made smaller, and the rigidity of the case 23 can be increased.
[0071] A second modification of the openings and thermal conductors is shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, opening 24Ch corresponding to opening 24h is larger than opening 24h. Therefore, opening 24Ch is formed in an area larger than the area where the multiple heat-generating components 24 are present. In FIG. 9, opening 24Ch is formed so as to extend widely in all four directions around the area where the multiple heat-generating components 24 are present. In this case, multiple heat conductors 78C corresponding to heat conductor 78 are arranged in opening 24Ch and are interposed between each of the multiple heat-generating components 24 and the thermally conductive plate 70. In this case, since it is sufficient to insert each heat conductor 78C into one opening 24Ch, the arrangement of heat conductors 78C is simplified. Furthermore, the cross section of heat conductor 78C can be increased to improve thermal conductivity.
[0072] It is not essential that an opening be formed in the case. For example, the heat-generating component 24 may be in contact with the inner surface of the case via a thermal conductor, and a thermally conductive plate may be in contact with the case.
[0073] <Examples of wiring connections> Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the multiple types of connectors 42, 44 and the multiple wirings 50. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the device connector 42, the first harness connector 44X, and the second harness connector 44Y.
[0074] The wire harness 30 includes an equipment connector 42 and multiple types of harness connectors 44. The equipment connector 42 is connected to the connector 26 of the electrical equipment 22. Each of the multiple types of harness connectors 44 is connected to a different connector of the mating wire harness 20. In this example, the multiple types of harness connectors 44 include an engine room (ER) harness connector 44A, an instrument panel (IP) harness connector 44B, a door (DR) harness connector 44C, and a floor (FL) harness connector 44D. However, it is not necessary to provide all of the engine room harness connector 44A, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D as the multiple types of harness connectors 44; it is preferable to provide two or more types. Furthermore, when a roof harness 20E is assumed as the mating wire harness 20, a roof harness connector 44E is provided as one of the multiple types of harness connectors 44. For example, the roof harness connector 44E may be disposed in the vehicle above the device connector 42, the engine room harness connector 44A, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D. Wiring connected to the roof harness connector 44E may extend vertically along the side of the device 22.
[0075] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the various types of connectors 40 are one connector. That is, the device connector 42, the engine room harness connector 44A, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D are each one connector. In the present disclosure, two or more connectors are also considered to be one type of connector if they have the same connection destination. In other words, any number of connectors connected to the same device 22 or the same mating wire harness 20 are considered to be one type of connector. From another perspective, each of the multiple types of connectors 40 consists of one or more connectors (hereinafter referred to as split connectors). Each type of connector may include connectors having the same structure. Here, even if connectors have the same structure, they are considered to be different types of connectors if they have different connection destinations.
[0076] At least one of the multiple types of connectors 40 may have two or more divided connectors. For example, the connector 40 with the largest number of poles among the multiple types of connectors 40 (e.g., device connector 42) may have two or more divided connectors. This makes it easier to manufacture the connector 40 with the largest number of poles among the multiple types of connectors 40.
[0077] When the connector 40 includes multiple split connectors, it is preferable that the number of types of connectors 40 is four or more and that the number of split connectors is N or less, where N is the number of types of connectors 40 in the wire harness 30 minus two. This allows for a smaller number of pairs of connectors to be mated compared to when one type of connector 40 is connected to another type of connector 40. Specifically, here, the connectors 40 in the wire harness 30 are five types: an instrument connector 42, an engine room harness connector 44A, an instrument panel harness connector 44B, a door harness connector 44C, and a floor harness connector 44D. Therefore, when each of the instrument connector 42, the engine room harness connector 44A, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D includes multiple split connectors, it is preferable that the number of split connectors is three or less. For example, when four mating wire harnesses 20, i.e., an engine room harness 20A, an instrument panel harness 20B, a door harness 20C, and a floor harness 20D, are connected to the device 22, four sets of connectors must be mated. On the other hand, when the device connector 42 is made up of three or less divided connectors, the number of sets of connectors to be mated can be three or less.
[0078] The plurality of wirings 50 includes a through circuit wiring 52 and a plurality of device wirings 51. The through circuit wiring 52 connects the harness connectors 44 together. The device wiring 51 connects the device connectors 42 and the harness connectors 44.
[0079] As shown in Fig. 3, here, device wirings 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D are provided as the device wiring 51. The device wiring 51A connects the engine room harness connector 44A and the device connector 42. The device wiring 51B connects the instrument panel harness connector 44B and the device connector 42. The device wiring 51C connects the door harness connector 44C and the device connector 42. The device wiring 51D connects the floor harness connector 44D and the device connector 42. Note that each of the device wirings 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D may be one or more.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 10 , here, through circuit wirings 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and 52E are provided as the through circuit wiring 52. The through circuit wiring 52A connects the engine room harness connector 44A and the instrument panel harness connector 44B. The through circuit wiring 52B connects the engine room harness connector 44A and the floor harness connector 44D. The through circuit wiring 52C connects the instrument panel harness connector 44B and the door harness connector 44C. The through circuit wiring 52D connects the instrument panel harness connector 44B and the floor harness connector 44D. The through circuit wiring 52E connects the door harness connector 44C and the floor harness connector 44D. Note that each of the through circuit wirings 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, and 52E may be one or more.
[0081] Therefore, here, out of the ten paths between the five types of connectors 42, 44, the wiring 50 is provided in nine paths other than the one path between the engine room harness connector 44A and the door harness connector 44C.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 11 , in the present disclosure, the multiple types of harness connectors 44 include a first harness connector 44X and a second harness connector 44Y. The first harness connector 44X is connected to a first mating wire harness 20X. The second harness connector 44Y is connected to a second mating wire harness 20Y. The three types of connectors 42, 44, i.e., the device connector 42, the first harness connector 44X, and the second harness connector 44Y, are connected to each other by wiring 50. Specifically, the first harness connector 44X and the second harness connector 44Y are connected to the device connector 42 by multiple device wirings 51. The device connector 42 and the first harness connector 44X are connected by first device wirings 51X. The device connector 42 and the second harness connector 44Y are connected by second device wirings 51Y. The first harness connector 44X and the second harness connector 44Y are connected by a through circuit wiring 52. We will now explain whether the four types of harness connectors 44, namely, the engine room harness connector 44A, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D, qualify as the first harness connector 44X and the second harness connector 44Y.
[0083] Six combinations are generated by selecting two of the four types of harness connectors 44, i.e., the engine room harness connector 44A, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D. Of the six combinations, five combinations, excluding one combination consisting of the engine room harness connector 44A and the door harness connector 44C, have through-circuit wiring 52 connecting the two types of harness connectors 44 in that combination. Furthermore, all of the four types of harness connectors 44, i.e., the engine room harness connector 44A, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D, are connected to the device connector 42 via device wiring 51. Therefore, of the six combinations, five combinations, excluding one combination consisting of the engine room harness connector 44A and the door harness connector 44C, can be considered to be combinations of the first harness connector 44X and the second harness connector 44Y.
[0084] On the other hand, here, the wire harness 30 does not have the through circuit wiring 52 that connects the engine room harness connector 44A and the door harness connector 44C. Therefore, here, the engine room harness connector 44A and the door harness connector 44C are not considered to be a combination of the first harness connector 44X and the second harness connector 44Y.
[0085] As the multiple types of harness connectors 44, three or more types of harness connectors 44 may be provided, and the wire harness 30 may have through circuit wiring 52 connecting the three or more types of harness connectors 44 to each other. Four combinations are generated by selecting three types from the engine room harness connector 44A, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D. Of the four combinations, two combinations, excluding two combinations that simultaneously include the engine room harness connector 44A and the door harness connector 44C, have through circuit wiring 52 connecting the three types of harness connectors 44 to each other. Of the four combinations, two combinations, excluding two combinations that simultaneously include the engine room harness connector 44A and the door harness connector 44C, can be considered to be the three or more types of harness connectors 44.
[0086] Specifically, the engine room harness connector 44A, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, and the floor harness connector 44D are connected to one another via through circuit wiring 52A, 52B, and 52D. Therefore, the combination of the engine room harness connector 44A, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, and the floor harness connector 44D can be considered to be the three or more types of harness connectors 44. Similarly, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D are connected to one another via through circuit wiring 52C, 52D, and 52E. Therefore, the combination of the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D can be considered to be the three or more types of harness connectors 44.
[0087] However, a through-circuit wiring 52 that connects the engine room harness connector 44A and the door harness connector 44C may be provided in the wire harness 30. In this case, the engine room harness connector 44A, the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D are connected to one another via the through-circuit wiring 52.
[0088] The wiring 50 can also be understood to include a plurality of wirings 51X, 51Y branching from the device connector 42 and connected to the first harness connector 44X and the second harness connector 44Y.
[0089] <Configuration example for keeping wiring flat> Fig. 12 is an exploded plan view of the wire harness 30. The thermally conductive plate 70 is omitted from Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 12, in this embodiment, some of the multiple wires 50 are grouped together to form a first wire group 54, and another part of the multiple wires 50 is grouped separately from the first wire group 54 to form a second wire group 60. Here, the multiple wires 50 are fixed to and grouped together on base members 56, 62.
[0090] The method for dividing the plurality of wirings 50 into the first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60 is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. Here, the plurality of wirings 50 are divided based on the device wirings 51 and the through circuit wirings 52. Specifically, the majority of the first wiring group 54 are device wirings 51. The majority of the second wiring group 60 are through circuit wirings 52. Of the first wiring group 54, 60% or more may be device wirings 51, 70% or more may be device wirings 51, 80% or more may be device wirings 51, or 90% or more may be device wirings 51. Furthermore, all (100%) of the first wiring group 54 may be device wirings 51. Similarly, of the second wiring group 60, 60% or more may be device wirings 52, 70% or more may be device wirings 52, 80% or more may be device wirings 52, or 90% or more may be device wirings 52. Furthermore, all (100%) of the second wiring group 60 may be the through circuit wirings 52.
[0091] In this example, all (100%) of the first wiring group 54 is the device wiring 51. Furthermore, 90% or more of the second wiring group 60 is the through circuit wiring 52. Of the device wiring 51, device wiring 51A connecting the engine room harness connector 44A and the device connector 42 is provided in the second wiring group 60. Of the device wiring 51, device wirings 51B, 51C, and 51D excluding device wiring 51A are provided in the first wiring group 54. All of the through circuit wiring 52 is provided in the second wiring group 60.
[0092] The first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60 are each formed flat and stacked on top of each other. Here, the first wiring group 54 has a plurality of electric wires 55 and a flat base member 56 that keeps the plurality of electric wires 55 flat. Here, the electric wires 55 and the base member 56 are fixed. The electric wires 55 and the base member 56 do not have to be fixed. The second wiring group 60 has a plurality of electric wires 61 and a flat base member 62 that keeps the plurality of electric wires 61 flat. Here, the electric wires 61 and the base member 62 are fixed. The electric wires 61 and the base member 62 do not have to be fixed. Each of the electric wires 55, 61 is an insulated electric wire having a core wire and a coating layer that covers the core wire. The insulated electric wire may have an extrusion-molded coating layer. The insulated electric wire may be an enameled electric wire. Each of the base members 56, 62 may be a resin member, a metal member, or a composite member having both a resin portion and a metal portion. For example, the base member may be a resin molded product having one or more grooves formed therein capable of accommodating multiple wires. The following description focuses on the relationship between the electric wires 55 and the base member 56 in the first wiring group 54. The relationship between the electric wires 55 and the base member 56 in the first wiring group 54 can be applied to the relationship between the electric wires 61 and the base member 62 in the second wiring group 60, unless there is a contradiction.
[0093] The plurality of electric wires 55 are arranged side by side on the main surface of the base member 56. The electric wires 55 are fixed to the base member 56, thereby maintaining a parallel state. The manner in which the electric wires 55 and the base member 56 are fixed is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. For example, the electric wires 55 and the base member 56 may be fixed by fusion. In this case, resin contained in at least one of the coating of the electric wires 55 and the main surface of the base member 56 melts and adheres to the surface of the mating member to be fixed. Furthermore, for example, the electric wires 55 and the base member 56 may be attached with an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
[0094] In the first wiring group 54, the electric wires 55 are arranged so as not to cross each other on the base member 56. In the second wiring group 60, the electric wires 61 are also arranged so as not to cross each other on the base member 62. This prevents the first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60 from becoming thicker, and prevents the wire harness 30 in which the first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60 are stacked from becoming thicker. However, at least one of the first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60 may be provided with an intersection where the electric wires cross each other on the base member.
[0095] The base members 56, 62 are flexible sheet members 56, 62. The sheet members 56, 62 may be sheets containing a fibrous material such as nonwoven fabric. The sheet members 56, 62 may also be sheets having a solid cross section. The sheet members 56, 62 have flexibility that allows them to follow the bending of the electric wires 55, 61.
[0096] Here, a portion of the wire harness 30 is arranged along the dash panel 11. The wiring portion extending from the engine room harness connector 44A is held so as to be arranged along the dash panel 11.
[0097] Another part of the wire harness 30 is arranged along the cowl side panel 15. The instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D are aligned in the height direction, and the wiring portions extending from the instrument panel harness connector 44B, the door harness connector 44C, and the floor harness connector 44D are held so as to be arranged along the cowl side panel 15.
[0098] The wire harness 30 is arranged in a state in which the electric wires 61 and the sheet member 62 are bent in the thickness direction between a portion arranged along the dash panel 11 and a portion arranged along the cowl side panel 15. Here, the portion arranged along the dash panel 11 is only the second wiring group 60 out of the first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60. For this reason, the wire harness 30 is easily bent in the thickness direction between the portion arranged along the dash panel 11 and the portion arranged along the cowl side panel 15.
[0099] The first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60 are stacked so that the main surface of the base member 56 to which the electric wires 55 are fixed faces the main surface of the base member 62 to which the electric wires 61 are fixed. This surrounds and protects the electric wires 55, 61 between the base members 56, 62. Alternatively, the first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60 may be stacked so that the main surface of the base member 56 to which the electric wires 55 are fixed faces the main surface of the base member 62 to which the electric wires 61 are not fixed, or so that the main surface of the base member 62 to which the electric wires 61 are fixed faces the main surface of the base member 56 to which the electric wires 55 are not fixed. Furthermore, the first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60 may be stacked so that the main surface of the base member 56 to which the electric wires 55 are not fixed faces the main surface of the base member 62 to which the electric wires 61 are not fixed.
[0100] The first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60 are stacked so that the electric wires 55 and the electric wires 61 overlap each other. The electric wires 55, 61 are arranged in two layers, with one layer of the electric wires 55 overlapping another layer of the electric wires 61. Depending on the space available where the wire harness 30 is arranged, it may be desirable to reduce the width of at least a portion of the wire harness 30 even if this results in a slight increase in the thickness. In such a case, for example, the electric wires 55, 61 may be arranged in three or more layers. Alternatively, for example, the base members 56, 62 may not be provided, and the electric wires 55, 61 may be bundled together with a bundling member such as tape so as to have a circular cross section.
[0101] The base member 56 has extension pieces 56a. The extension pieces 56a are provided on both sides of the portion where the electric wires 55 are arranged. The base member 62 also has similar extension pieces 62a. The extension pieces 56a of the base member 56 and the extension pieces 62a of the base member 62 are fixed to each other, thereby fixing the first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60. However, the extension pieces 56a of the base member 56 and the extension pieces 62a of the base member 62 do not have to be fixed to each other.
[0102] The connectors 42, 44 may be held by the base members 56, 62. The electrical wires 55, 61 may extend from the ends of the base members 56, 62, and the connectors 42, 44 may be provided separately from the base members 56, 62.
[0103] The length of each of the multiple wirings 50 is within one meter. In the wire harness 30, the longest wiring 50 is the through circuit wiring 52B connecting the engine room harness connector 44A and the floor harness connector 44D, or the through circuit wiring 52C connecting the instrument panel harness connector 44B and the floor harness connector 44D. The lengths of these through circuit wirings 52B and 52C are within one meter.
[0104] The configuration for maintaining the plurality of wires 50 in a flat shape is not limited to the above example. For example, a protector that is a resin molded product may form a storage space along a predetermined path, and the plurality of wires 50 may be stored in the storage space to maintain a flat shape. In this case, the protector may be formed with a plurality of parallel groove-shaped storage spaces that store one, two, or three wires 50, and the plurality of wires 50 may be stored separately in the grooves, thereby maintaining a flat shape as a whole. Alternatively, the protector may be formed with flat storage spaces that store the plurality of wires along a predetermined path, and the plurality of wires may be stored in the flat storage spaces to maintain a flat shape. Of course, the configuration in which a plurality of parallel groove-shaped storage spaces are formed and the configuration in which a flat storage space is formed may be combined.
[0105] The plurality of wirings 50 may be fixed to the thermally conductive plate 70 by adhesive tape, a binding member such as a cable tie, double-sided tape, adhesive, or the like.
[0106] <Effects, etc.> In the integrated module 30M or the wire harness 30 configured as described above, the thermally conductive plate 70 is disposed at a position relative to the electric device 22 where heat can be transferred from the heat-generating component 24 to the thermally conductive plate 70. Therefore, heat generated in the heat-generating component 24 is easily transferred to the thermally conductive plate 70. Because the thermally conductive plate 70 is a plate that extends along the wiring 50, heat is effectively dissipated by the thermally conductive plate 70. This can improve the heat dissipation of the electric device 22 to which the wire harness 30 is connected.
[0107] In particular, in recent years, there has been an increase in configurations in which zone ECUs (electronic control units) are installed for each zone of a vehicle, separate from a central ECU. It is desirable to reduce the size of at least one of the central ECU and the zone ECU while taking heat countermeasures into consideration. According to this embodiment, by using the electrical device 22 as a zone ECU, heat countermeasures can be taken for the zone ECU, and by taking heat countermeasures for the zone ECU, the zone ECU can be reduced in size.
[0108] The thermally conductive plate 70 also includes a wiring overlapping region 72 that extends along the wiring 50, and a device overlapping region 74 that overlaps the electrical device 22. Therefore, by utilizing the device overlapping region 74, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which heat is transferred from the heat-generating component 24 to the device overlapping region 74.
[0109] Furthermore, by interposing the thermal conductor 78 between the heat-generating component 24 and the device overlapping area 74, the heat from the heat-generating component 24 is effectively transferred to the thermally conductive plate 70 via the thermal conductor 78. This improves the heat dissipation of the electric device 22.
[0110] Furthermore, if the thermal conductor 78 is made of thermally conductive insulating rubber, the heat generating component 24 and the thermally conductive plate 70 can be insulated from each other while allowing heat to be easily transferred from the heat generating component 24 to the thermally conductive plate 70 .
[0111] Furthermore, if the thermal conductor 78 is fixed to the thermally conductive plate 70, it is easy to interpose the thermal conductor 78 between the heat-generating component 24 and the thermally conductive plate 70 when the electrical device 22 and the wire harness 30 are combined.
[0112] Furthermore, if the thermally conductive plate 70 is fixed to the electrical device 22, it is easy to maintain a configuration that allows heat to be transferred from the heat-generating component 24 to the thermally conductive plate 70. For example, as described above, it is easy to interpose the thermal conductor 78 between the heat-generating component 24 and the thermally conductive plate 70.
[0113] The wire harness 30 includes an instrument connector 42 and a first harness connector 44X and a second harness connector 44Y to which the connectors of the mating wire harnesses 20X and 20Y are respectively connected. The wiring 50 includes a plurality of wires branching from the instrument connector 42 and connected to the first harness connector 44X and the second harness connector 44Y. Therefore, the electrical device 22 can be provided with only the connector 26, without providing separate connectors for the mating wire harnesses 20X and 20Y. This allows the number of connectors in the electrical device 22 to be reduced. Even if the total number of connector terminals in an electrical device remains the same, a larger number of connectors may result in an increased size of the electrical device due to the space required for installing connector housings. Reducing the number of connectors in the electrical device 22 allows the electrical device 22 to be made smaller.
[0114] The wiring 50 also includes through circuit wiring 52 that connects the first harness connector 44X and the second harness connector 44Y. Therefore, the mating wire harness 20X connected to the first harness connector 44X and the mating wire harness 20Y connected to the second harness connector 44Y are connected via the through circuit wiring 52. This makes it possible to connect multiple types of mating wire harnesses together via the wire harness 30, facilitating the connection of multiple types of mating wire harnesses together and the connection of the multiple types of mating wire harnesses to devices.
[0115] FIG. 13 is an exploded plan view showing a wire harness 330 according to a third modified example.
[0116] In the wire harness 330 according to the third modification, the first wiring group 354 and the second wiring group 360 are separated in a manner different from the manner in which the first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60 are separated in the wire harness 30. Here, the wirings 50 are separated into the first wiring group 354 and the second wiring group 360 based on whether they are power lines 355 or signal lines 361. Specifically, the majority of the first wiring group 354 are power lines 355, and the majority of the second wiring group 360 are signal lines 361. Alternatively, the proportion of power lines 355 in the first wiring group 354 is higher than the proportion of power lines in the second wiring group 360. This makes it possible to separate most of the power lines 355 from most of the signal lines 361.
[0117] The proportion of power supply lines 355 in the first wiring group 354 is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately. For example, the proportion of power supply lines 355 in the first wiring group 354 may be 50% or more, or may be less than 50%. In other words, the majority of the first wiring group 354 may be power supply lines 355 or signal lines.
[0118] Furthermore, a majority of all power supply lines in the wire harness 330 may be arranged in the first wiring group 354. A majority of all signal lines in the wire harness 330 may be arranged in the second wiring group 360. The first wiring group 354 may or may not include signal lines. The second wiring group 360 may or may not include power supply lines.
[0119] 13 , of the wiring 50 connected to the door harness connector 44C and the wiring 50 connected to the floor harness connector 44D, the power supply wire 355 is provided in the first wiring group 354, and the signal wire 361 is provided in the second wiring group 360. The power supply wire 355A in the first wiring group 354 connects the door harness connector 44C and the floor harness connector 44D to the device connector 42, respectively. The power supply wire 355B in the first wiring group 354 connects the door harness connector 44C and the floor harness connector 44D to the other harness connectors 44, respectively. The signal wire 361A in the second wiring group 360 connects the door harness connector 44C and the floor harness connector 44D to the device connector 42, respectively. The signal wire 361B in the second wiring group 360 connects the door harness connector 44C and the floor harness connector 44D to the other harness connectors 44, respectively.
[0120] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a wire harness 430 according to the fourth modified example. Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a wire harness 430 according to the fourth modified example.
[0121] In a wire harness 430 according to the fourth modification, the shape of the connector 46 is different from the shape of the connector 44 in the wire harness 30. Specifically, at least one of the multiple types of connectors 44 is composed of multiple split connectors 47, 48. The multiple split connectors 47, 48 include a first split connector 47 and a second split connector 48. The wires 50 of the first wiring group 54 are connected to the first split connector 47. The wires of the second wiring group 60 are connected to the second split connector 48. This makes it less necessary to insert either the wires 50 of the first wiring group 54 or the wires 50 of the second wiring group 60 into the connector 44 into which either the wires 50 of the first wiring group 54 or the wires 50 of the second wiring group 60 have been inserted beforehand, compared to the wire harness 30. This makes it easier to separately manufacture the first wiring group 54 and the second wiring group 60 and later combine them to form the wire harness 430.
[0122] Here, a first split connector 47 and a second split connector 48 are combined to form a stacked connector 46. Therefore, here, at least one type of connector 46 of the multiple types of connectors 40 is a stacked connector 46 made up of multiple split connectors 47, 48 combined with each other. The various connectors 44 may be divided in a manner other than a stacked connector 46. For example, the device connector 42 may be divided into multiple split connectors arranged in a direction intersecting the thickness direction. Two split connectors may be connected to the electrical device 22 separately without being combined.
[0123] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a module 530M according to the fifth modified example.
[0124] In this module 530M, wiring 650 corresponding to wiring 50 includes a plurality of wirings 650X, 650Y branching out from device connector 42 to a plurality of (here, two) harness connectors 544X, 544Y. Wiring 650 is fixed to a base member 556 such as a sheet member and maintained in a flat state.
[0125] A thermally conductive plate 570 corresponding to the thermally conductive plate 70 extends along the wiring 650. The thermally conductive plate 570 extends, for example, along the base member 556. As in the above embodiment, the thermally conductive plate 570 also overlaps the electrical device 22. In this modification, the module 530M does not have through circuit wiring. Furthermore, the multiple wirings 50 are not divided into multiple groups but are grouped together and maintained in a flat shape.
[0126] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of a thermal conductor 678 according to a sixth modification.
[0127] In the above embodiment, the opening 24h is formed in the case 23 at a position facing the heat-generating component 24, and the thermal conductor 78 is disposed within the opening 24h. Therefore, the thermal conductor 78 can face the heat-generating component 24 from the side opposite to the circuit board 25 with respect to the heat-generating component 24.
[0128] In this modification, the device overlapping region 74 of the thermally conductive plate 70 is arranged on the side of the case 23 that is closer to the circuit board 25 than the heat-generating component 24. Therefore, an opening 624h is formed in the region of the case 23 that faces the circuit board 25 from the side opposite to the heat-generating component 24.
[0129] The thermal conductor 678 is interposed between the thermally conductive plate 70 and the circuit board 25, passing through the opening 624h. The thermal conductor 678 may be in direct contact with the thermally conductive plate 70 and the circuit board 25. Another intervening material may be interposed between the thermal conductor 678 and the thermally conductive plate 70 or the circuit board 25. The intervening material is a thermally conductive sheet, a thermally conductive adhesive, a thermally conductive double-sided tape, or a thermally conductive grease that improves adhesion to the other side.
[0130] According to this modification, the heat of the heat-generating component 24 is transferred to the circuit board 25 by the heat-generating component 24 coming into contact with the circuit board 25 or via the leads of the heat-generating component 24. The heat transferred to the circuit board 25 is transferred from the thermal conductor 678 to the thermally conductive plate 70 and dissipated. Therefore, even if the heat-generating component 24 is mounted on the opposite side of the circuit board 25 from the thermally conductive plate 70, the heat of the heat-generating component 24 can be easily dissipated via the thermally conductive plate 70.
[0131] Alternatively, an opening may be formed in the side wall of the case, and the thermal conductor may be in direct or indirect contact with the side surface of the heat-generating component 24 or the circuit board 25 through the opening in the side wall. In this case, it is preferable that a portion of the thermally conductive plate is formed to extend outside the side wall of the case, and the thermal conductor is in direct or indirect contact with the extended portion. This is effective when the heat-generating component 24 is mounted near the periphery of the circuit board 25.
[0132] At least some of the multiple types of connectors may be standby connectors fixed to a vehicle, etc. For example, at least some of the multiple types of harness connectors 44 may be standby connectors. This makes it easier to connect a mating wire harness to the harness connector 44.
[0133] The area where the wire harness 30 is arranged may be an area close to a rear seat or a rear luggage compartment, etc. In this case, the mating wire harness 20 may be a floor harness, a seat harness, a rear harness, etc.
[0134] In the above embodiment and each modified example, the case 23 and the thermally conductive plate 70, 570 are separate bodies. However, the case and the thermally conductive plate may be integrally formed. For example, a single metal plate may be press-formed so that part of the thermally conductive plate forms the case.
[0135] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]
[0136] 10 vehicles 11 Dash panel 12 Main body part 13 Overhang part 14, 16 Through holes 15 Cowl side panel 17 Instrument panel reinforcement 18 Floor Panel 18a Rocker Club 19 A-pillar 20 Mating wire harness (20A engine room harness, 20B instrument panel harness, 20C door harness, 20D floor harness, 20E roof harness) 20X 1st mating wire harness 20Y Second mating wire harness 22 Electrical Equipment 23 cases 23h hole 23p fixed piece 24 Heat-generating components 24h, 24Bh, 24Ch, 24h opening 25 Circuit Board 26 Connectors 30, 330, 430 Wire Harness 30M, 530M Integrated module of electrical equipment and wire harness 42 Equipment Connectors 44 Harness connector (44A Engine room harness connector, 44B Instrument panel harness connector, 44C Door harness connector, 44D Harness connector, 44E Roof harness connector) 44X, 544X 1st harness connector 44Y, 544Y Second harness connector 46 Stacked Connector 47 First division connector 48 Second split connector 50, 650, 650X, 650Y wiring 51, 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D equipment wiring 51X Wiring for 1st device 51Y 2nd device wiring 52, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E Through circuit wiring 54 1st wiring group 55, 61 Electric wire 56, 62, 556 Seat member (base member) 56a, 62a extension piece 60 2nd wiring group 62a Extension piece 70, 570 Thermally conductive plate 71 Fixed piece 71h Insertion hole 72 Wiring overlap area 74 Equipment overlap area 78, 78B, 78C Thermal Conductors 78F side 79 Binding material 354 1st wiring group 355, 355A, 355B power wire 360 2nd wiring group 361, 361A, 361B signal line S screw
Claims
1. an electrical device having a heat-generating component; a wire harness having wiring extending from the electrical device and a thermally conductive plate extending along the wiring; Equipped with the thermally conductive plate is disposed at a position relative to the electrical device where heat can be transferred from the heat-generating component to the thermally conductive plate; The wire harness is flat overall, the thermally conductive plate includes a wiring overlapping region extending along the wiring and an equipment overlapping region overlapping the electrical equipment, the wiring overlapping region and the device overlapping region extend in a direction along the same plane in a plan view, The electrical device is also flat in the same direction as the wire harness, and the integrated module of the electrical device and the wire harness is also flat in the same direction as the wire harness.
2. An integrated module of the electrical device and wire harness according to claim 1, The integrated module of the electric device and the wire harness further comprises a heat conductor interposed between the heat generating component and the device overlapping region.
3. An integrated module of the electrical device and wire harness according to claim 2, the electrical device has a case that houses the heat-generating component, An opening is formed in the case, the heat conductor is disposed between the heat generating component and the equipment overlapping area while passing through the opening; the heat conductor is a heat conductive insulating rubber, a ceramic, or a heat conductive grease, and passes through the opening; The opening is formed at a position corresponding to the heat-generating component, and the module is an integrated module of an electric device and a wire harness.
4. An integrated module of the electrical device according to claim 2 or claim 3 and a wire harness, the electrical device has a substrate on which the heat-generating component is mounted, The integrated module of an electric device and a wire harness, wherein the substrate is interposed between the heat-generating component and the heat conductor.
5. An integrated module of an electrical device and a wire harness according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The heat conductor includes a heat conductive insulating rubber.
6. An integrated module of an electrical device and a wire harness according to any one of claims 2 to 5, The heat conductor is fixed to the heat conductive plate, thereby integrating the electric device and the wiring harness into a module.
7. 7. The integrated module of the electrical device and the wire harness according to claim 1, The thermally conductive plate is fixed to the electric device, and the integrated module of the electric device and the wire harness is thus formed.
8. The integrated module of the electrical device and the wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the wire harness includes an equipment connector to be connected to a connector of the electric equipment, and a first harness connector and a second harness connector to be connected to connectors of mating wire harnesses, The wiring includes a plurality of wirings branching from the device connector and connected to the first harness connector and the second harness connector.
9. An integrated module of the electrical device and the wire harness according to claim 8, The wiring includes through circuit wiring that connects the first harness connector and the second harness connector.
10. Wiring extending from an electrical device having a heat-generating component; a thermally conductive plate extending along the wiring; Equipped with the thermally conductive plate includes a wiring overlapping region that extends to a region where the wirings overlap, and an equipment overlapping region that is overlapped with the electric equipment and is disposed at a position relative to the electric equipment where heat can be transferred from the heat-generating component to the thermally conductive plate, The wiring overlapping region and the device overlapping region extend in a direction along the same plane in a plan view of the wire harness.
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