Harness exterior body and harness exterior body assembly method

Abstract

To provide a harness exterior body in which an insertion tube having a metal layer and a braided wire can be connected so as to be electrically conductible, and a method for assembling the harness exterior body.SOLUTION: In a harness exterior body 10, an insertion tube 20 in which a wire harness WH is inserted, and a tubular braided wire 30 are connected in series. The insertion tube 20 has a metal layer 22 an end of which is exposed, and includes a fixing tool 40 that fixes the braided wire 30 covering the exposed metal layer 22. The fixing tool 40 includes: an external fitting ring 50 that is externally fitted to the braided wire 30 covering the metal layer 22; and a screw ring 60 that is screwed with the external ring 50. A direction in which the braided wire 30 is disposed with respect to the insertion tube 20 is set to an end side and the opposite side is set to an end side. An outer shape of the external ring 50 is formed into a tapered shape gradually enlarged in diameter from the end side to the base side. The diameter of the external fitting ring 50 is reduced in accordance with a screwed amount of the screw ring 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a harness exterior body that exteriorizes, for example, a wire harness formed by bundling electric wires, and to an assembly method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrical equipment installed in automobiles and the like is connected to other electrical equipment and power supplies via a wire harness (hereinafter referred to as a harness) made of bundled insulated wires to form an electrical circuit. Such harnesses are prevented from being affected by noise by being inserted inside an insertion tube having a metal layer. The harness leading out of the insertion tube is inserted inside a tubular braided wire that is electrically connected to the metal layer of the insertion tube, thereby ensuring shielding while maintaining flexibility.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, in a portion where the braided wire is fixed to the pipe, the braided wire is placed around the outer periphery of the pipe and then fastened with a crimping ring. This is said to enable a conductive connection between the metal layer of the insertion tube and the braided wire. However, it is necessary to attach a crimping ring to the outer periphery of the braided wire placed around the outer periphery of the pipe and then fasten the crimping ring to prevent the braided wire from shifting, which is a very time-consuming process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-81158 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a harness exterior that can easily electrically connect an insertion tube having a metal layer to a braided wire, and a method for assembling the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a harness exterior in which an insertion tube for inserting a harness therein and a tubular braided wire are connected in series, the insertion tube having a metal layer with at least an end exposed, and a fixture for fixing the braided wire covering the exposed metal layer, the fixture including an outer fitting ring fitted onto the braided wire covering the metal layer, and a screw ring screwed onto the outer fitting ring, the direction in which the braided wire is arranged with respect to the insertion tube being the distal end side and the opposite direction being the proximal end side, the outer shape of the outer fitting ring being formed in a tapered shape whose diameter gradually increases from the distal end side toward the proximal end side, and the outer fitting ring has a diameter that decreases in accordance with the amount of screwing with the screw ring. The outer fitting ring is provided with a ring main body on the base end side and an extending portion extending from the ring main body to the tip end side, and a plurality of the extending portions are provided in the circumferential direction of the ring main body, and at least a portion of the extending portion is formed in the tapered shape, and the threaded ring is provided with a threaded portion configured to be threadably engaged with the ring main body, and a tip portion that is disposed on the tip side of the threaded portion and has an abutment portion that abuts against the base end side of the extending portion when the outer fitting ring is attached to the threaded ring, and a space is secured on the outside of the tip side of the extending portion to allow outward deformation of the extending portion when the outer fitting ring is attached to the threaded ring. It is characterized by:

[0007] According to the present invention, the harness exterior can be easily constructed by electrically connecting the insertion tube having the metal layer and the braided wire. In more detail, an outer fitting ring is fitted onto the braided wire covering the metal layer exposed at the end of the insertion tube having a metal layer, and a screwing ring is screwed onto the outer fitting ring. Here, the outer shape of the outer fitting ring is formed in a tapered shape that gradually increases in diameter from the distal end to the proximal end, so that when the screwing ring is screwed onto the outer fitting ring, the diameter of the outer fitting ring is reduced according to the amount of screwing of the screwing ring onto the outer fitting ring. As the diameter of the outer fitting ring is reduced in this way, the braided wire is pressed against the metal layer, making it easy to electrically connect the insertion tube having a metal layer and the braided wire.

[0008] Also, The outer fitting ring includes a ring body on the base end side and an extension portion extending from the ring body to the tip end side, and the extension portion is provided in a plurality of portions in the circumferential direction of the ring body, and at least a part of the extension portion is formed in the tapered shape. There are.

[0009] This means: With a simple structure, the threaded ring can be threaded onto the outer fitting ring, and the outer fitting ring can be reduced in diameter depending on the amount of threading of the threaded ring onto the outer fitting ring. In more detail, the outer fitting ring has a plurality of extending portions extending from the ring body on the base end side toward the tip end side in the circumferential direction of the ring body, and the extending portions are tapered. Therefore, by screwing the threaded ring onto the outer fitting ring, the diameter of the extending portions of the outer fitting ring can be reduced depending on the amount of threading of the threaded ring onto the outer fitting ring, making it possible to easily electrically connect an insertion tube having a metal layer to a braided wire.

[0010] child In one aspect of the invention, a protrusion may be provided on the inner surface of the extension portion to press the braided wire against the metal layer. The protrusion may be provided on each of the plurality of extending portions, or it is not necessary that the protrusion is provided on all of the extending portions as long as the protrusion is provided on any one of the extending portions.

[0011] According to this invention, when a screw-fitting ring is screwed onto the outer fitting ring and the outer fitting ring is reduced in diameter in accordance with the amount of screwing of the screw-fitting ring onto the outer fitting ring, the convex portion presses the braided wire against the metal layer, thereby improving the conductivity between the metal layer and the braided wire.

[0012] As a further aspect of the present invention, the protrusion may be formed by bending a tip of the extension inward. According to this invention, it is possible to form a protrusion with a simple structure, press the braided wire against the metal layer, and further improve conductivity.

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the protrusions may be provided in a plurality along the longitudinal direction of the metal layer, or in a plurality along the circumferential direction.Furthermore, the protrusions may be provided in a plurality along the longitudinal direction and in a plurality along the circumferential direction and arranged in a grid pattern. According to this invention, the protrusions press the braided wire against the metal layer at a plurality of locations, thereby further improving conductivity.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the outer fitting ring may be made of a resin having a lower strength than the metal layer. According to this invention, when the threaded ring is threaded onto the outer fitting ring and the diameter of the outer fitting ring is reduced in accordance with the amount of threading of the threaded ring relative to the outer fitting ring, even if the diameter-reducing force is large, the outer fitting ring, which has a lower strength than the metal layer, deforms. Therefore, the metal layer does not deform, and the insertion tube having the metal layer and the braided wire can be easily connected electrically.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the insertion tube may be provided with an outer layer surrounding the outside of the metal layer and an inner layer disposed on the inner surface of the metal layer, and the braided wire may be fixed to the metal layer exposed when the outer layer is peeled off at the end of the insertion tube. According to this invention, the harness inserted inside can be protected by the inner layer, and the outer layer can protect and insulate the metal layer.

[0016] The present invention also provides a method for assembling a harness exterior body including an insertion tube through which a harness is inserted and a tubular braided wire, the method including covering the exposed metal layer of the insertion tube having at least an end portion exposed with the braided wire, an outer fitting ring fitted onto the braided wire covered on the metal layer, and a screwing ring screwed onto the outer fitting ring, the outer shape of the outer fitting ring being formed in a tapered shape with a diameter gradually increasing from the tip side toward the base side, with the direction in which the braided wire is arranged relative to the insertion tube being the tip side and the opposite direction being the base side, the outer fitting ring comprises a ring main body on the base end side and an extension portion extending from the ring main body toward the tip end side, a plurality of the extension portions are provided in the circumferential direction of the ring main body, and at least a portion of the extension portion is formed in the tapered shape, the threaded ring comprises a threaded portion configured to be threadably engaged with the ring main body, and a tip portion that is disposed on the tip side of the threaded portion and has an abutment portion that abuts against the base end side of the extension portion when the outer fitting ring is attached to the threaded ring, and a space is secured on the outside of the tip side of the extension portion to allow outward deformation of the extension portion when the outer fitting ring is attached to the threaded ring, The braided wire is fixed to the metal layer by a fixture whose diameter decreases according to the amount of engagement of the outer fitting ring with the screw ring.

[0017] According to the present invention, the harness exterior can be easily constructed by electrically connecting the insertion tube having the metal layer and the braided wire. In more detail, an outer fitting ring is fitted onto the braided wire covering the metal layer exposed at the end of the insertion tube having a metal layer, and a screwing ring is screwed onto the outer fitting ring. The outer shape of the outer fitting ring is tapered so that the diameter gradually increases from the distal end to the proximal end, and when the screwing ring is screwed onto the outer fitting ring, the diameter of the outer fitting ring is reduced according to the amount of screwing of the screwing ring onto the outer fitting ring. As a result, the diameter of the outer fitting ring is reduced, pressing the braided wire against the metal layer, and therefore, the insertion tube having a metal layer and the braided wire can be easily connected so as to be conductive.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, an internal support jig that supports the exposed metal layer from the inside can be inserted into the metal layer from the end of the insertion tube, the braided wire can be placed over the exposed metal layer, the braided wire can be fixed to the metal layer with the fixing device, and then the internal support jig can be removed.

[0019] According to this invention, when a screw-fitting ring is screwed onto the outer fitting ring and the outer fitting ring is reduced in diameter in accordance with the amount of screwing of the screw-fitting ring onto the outer fitting ring, even if the diameter-reducing force is large, the metal layer is supported from the inside by an internal support jig, so that the metal layer does not deform and the insertion tube having the metal layer can be easily connected to the braided wire so as to be conductive. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a harness exterior body and an assembling method thereof that can easily connect an insertion tube having a metal layer and a braided wire so as to be conductive. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a wire harness with an exterior body. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram of an insertion tube. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are schematic cross-sectional views of a method for connecting a braided wire to an insertion tube. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are schematic cross-sectional views of a method for connecting a braided wire to an insertion tube. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a method for connecting a braided wire to an insertion tube. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a harness exterior and a fastener according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another method for connecting a braided wire to an insertion tube. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention relates to a harness exterior 10 in which an insertion tube 20 through which a wire harness WH is inserted and a braided wire 30 formed by braiding metal wires are connected in series, and a method for assembling the harness exterior 10 provided with the insertion tube 20 through which a wire harness WH is inserted and the tubular braided wire 30. One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the wire harness 1 with an exterior body, and Fig. 2 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the harness exterior body 10. Fig. 3 shows an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the insertion tube 20, Figs. 4 and 5 show explanatory diagrams illustrating the outer fitting ring 50 constituting the fixture 40, and Figs. 6 and 7 show explanatory diagrams illustrating the screw-fit ring 60 constituting the fixture 40.

[0024] Figures 3 to 7 will be described in detail. Figure 3(a) shows a schematic plan view of the insertion tube 20, and Figure 3(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 3(a). Figure 4(a) shows a schematic side view of the outer fitting ring 50, Figure 4(b) shows a schematic front view of the outer fitting ring 50, and Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Figure 4(a). Figure 6(a) shows a schematic side view of the threaded ring 60, Figure 6(b) shows a schematic front view of the threaded ring 60, and Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in Figure 6(a).

[0025] 8 to 10 are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a method for electrically connecting the insertion tube 20 and the braided wire 30. More specifically, Fig. 8(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which the outer fitting ring 50 has been inserted into the metal layer 22 covered with the braided wire 30, Fig. 8(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which the screwing ring 60 is in the middle of being screwed onto the outer fitting ring 50, and Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a state in which the screwing ring 60 has been screwed onto the outer fitting ring 50. Fig. 10(a) is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the α portion in Fig. 8(b), and Fig. 10(b) is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the β portion in Fig. 9. 8 and 9 are schematic cross-sectional views corresponding to the cross section taken along the line BB in FIG. 4(a).

[0026] Here, the direction in which the braided wire 30 is disposed relative to the insertion tube 20 along the longitudinal direction of the insertion tube 20 is referred to as the distal end side, and the opposite direction, i.e., the direction in which the insertion tube 20 is disposed relative to the braided wire 30, is referred to as the proximal end side. Also, a view taken along the longitudinal direction of the insertion tube 20 from the distal end side is referred to as a front view.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the wire harness 1 with an exterior body has a portion of the wire harness WH inserted inside the harness exterior body 10. The wire harness WH is for high voltage use and is configured by bundling together multiple electric wires, each of which has a conductor formed by bundling multiple conductive core wires and having its outer surface covered with an insulating coating. In this embodiment, the wire harness WH is for high voltage, but is not limited to this and may be for other voltages.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the harness outer casing 10 has a structure in which a flexible tubular braided wire 30 made by braiding metal wires is connected to the tip of an insertion tube 20, which is a tubular body with a circular cross section, via a fixing device 40.

[0029] 2 and 3, the insertion tube 20 is a tubular body with a circular cross section having an inner diameter large enough to insert the wire harness WH therethrough, and has a certain degree of rigidity. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the insertion tube 20 has a three-layer structure in which, from the inside of the diameter, an inner layer 21, a metal layer 22, and an outer layer 23 are closely adhered in the radial direction. Note that, since the outer layer 23 is peeled off at the tip side of the insertion tube 20, the metal layer 22 is exposed at the tip side of the insertion tube 20.

[0030] The inner surface layer 21 is a tubular body with a circular cross section made of an insulating resin that is softer than the metal layer 22 and has insulating properties. The metal layer 22 is a tubular body made of conductive aluminum and having a circular cross section. The inner surface layer 21 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the metal layer 22 in close contact therewith.

[0031] In this embodiment, the metal layer 22 is made of aluminum, but is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive, and metal types such as iron, copper, and stainless steel can be appropriately selected.

[0032] The outer layer 23 is made of an insulating resin having insulating properties, similar to the inner layer 21 , and surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the metal layer 22 . That is, the insertion tube 20 is a tubular body with a three-layer structure in which the inner and outer surfaces of a metal layer 22, which is a tubular body with a circular cross section made of a conductive metal, are covered with an inner layer 21 and an outer layer 23 made of insulating resin with insulating properties.

[0033] 1 and 2, the braided wire 30 is a flexible, tubular braided member formed by braiding tin-plated copper metal wires. The braided wire 30 has an inner diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the metal layer 22. In this embodiment, the braided wire 30 is made of commonly used tin-plated copper wire, but may be made of other metal wires such as aluminum wire.

[0034] The fixture 40 that connects the insertion tube 20 and the braided wire 30 is a tubular body that is shorter than the length along the longitudinal direction of the metal layer 22, and as shown in Figure 2, it is composed of an outer fitting ring 50 that is placed on the base end side and a screw-fitting ring 60 that screws onto the tip end side of the outer fitting ring 50.

[0035] The outer fitting ring 50 is a tubular body made of resin that is weaker than the metal layer 22, and as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), it is composed of a ring main body 51 on the base end side and four extension portions 52 extending from the ring main body 51 to the tip end side.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 5, the ring body 51 is composed of a base end 511 having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the metal layer 22, and an annular screw-on portion 512 protruding from the tip of the base end 511.

[0037] The base end portion 511 is a cylindrical body formed in an annular shape when viewed from the front, with an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the outer layer 23 and an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the metal layer 22 . 4(a), 4(b), and 5, the threaded portion 512 is an annular body that protrudes from approximately the center of the thickness of the base end portion 511 toward the tip. That is, the threaded portion 512 is configured as a cylindrical body that is larger in diameter than the inner diameter of the base end portion 511 and smaller in diameter than the outer diameter of the base end portion 511. A helical thread 513 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the threaded portion 512 and protrudes radially outward.

[0038] 4(b), four extension portions 52 are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the ring body 51. That is, the four extension portions 52 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction so that there is a gap between adjacent extension portions 52.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 5, the extending portion 52 is an arc-shaped extension piece in front view that extends from the threaded portion 512 toward the tip, and is inclined slightly radially inward as it approaches the tip. The tip of the extending portion 52 is formed with a bent convex portion 521 that is bent radially inward. The radially inner end of the bent convex portion 521 is slightly rounded, as shown in Figure 4(c).

[0040] The extensions 52, which are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the ring body 51 in this manner, are configured so that the inner diameter of the tip portion is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the base end portion 511. In other words, the inner diameter of the tip portion of the extension 52 is configured so as to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the metal layer 22.

[0041] In addition, since a gap of a predetermined size is provided between adjacent extension portions 52 in the circumferential direction, when an external force directed radially inward acts on the extension portion 52, the extension portion 52 can bend radially inward so as to reduce its diameter.

[0042] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the screw ring 60 is a cylindrical tubular body having a through hole along the longitudinal direction, and is integrally formed with a screw portion 61 arranged on the base end side in the longitudinal direction and a tip portion 62 arranged on the tip side of the screw portion 61.

[0043] The threaded portion 61 has an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the base end portion 511 and is cylindrical in shape with an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the threaded portion 512. The inner peripheral surface of the threaded portion 61 is provided with a screw groove 611 configured to be able to threadably engage with the screw thread 513. The length of the threaded portion 61 along the longitudinal direction is equal to the length of the threaded portion 512 along the longitudinal direction.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6(b) and 7, the tip portion 62 is composed of a reduced diameter portion 621 protruding from the threaded portion 61 toward the tip side, and an insertion portion 622 on the tip side of the reduced diameter portion 621, which has an insertion hole of approximately the same diameter as the inner diameter of the base end portion 511.

[0045] The reduced diameter portion 621 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an outer circumferential surface that is flush with the outer circumferential surface of the screw-engagement portion 61 and an inner circumferential surface that gradually reduces in diameter radially inward as it moves from the base end side to the tip end side in the longitudinal direction. This inner circumferential surface of the reduced diameter portion 621 that reduces in diameter as it moves toward the tip end side serves as the abutment portion 623.

[0046] The base end side of the abutting portion 623 protrudes slightly radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the threaded portion 61 so as to be positioned slightly radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the extending portion 52. The radially inner end of the abutting portion 623 configured in this manner is chamfered and rounded.

[0047] Next, a method for connecting the insertion tube 20 and the braided wire 30 via the outer fitting ring 50 and the screw-fitting ring 60 configured as described above will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. First, the outer layer 23 is peeled off at the tip of the insertion tube 20, and the braided wire 30 is placed over the exposed metal layer 22. Then, an outer fitting ring 50 is attached radially outside the metal layer 22 over which the braided wire 30 is placed (see FIG. 8(a)).

[0048] In this way, when the outer fitting ring 50 is attached to the metal layer 22 covered with the braided wire 30, a small gap is formed between the base end 511 and the braided wire 30, and the bent convex portion 521 is spaced radially outward from the braided wire 30. Therefore, when the outer fitting ring 50 is attached, it is possible to prevent the braided wire 30 from getting caught on the outer fitting ring 50 and becoming detached from the metal layer 22 or being damaged.

[0049] With the outer fitting ring 50 attached in this manner, the threaded ring 60 is brought close to the outer fitting ring 50 from the tip side, and the thread grooves 611 are threaded onto the screw threads 513 (see FIG. 8(b)). As a result, the base end portions of the abutting portions 623 abut against the outer peripheral surface of the extending portions 52, and the extending portions 52 are inclined radially inward so as to reduce in diameter radially inward (see FIGS. 8(b) and 10(a)).

[0050] Then, by further engaging the screw thread 513 with the screw groove 611, the abutting portion 623 gradually moves toward the base end. As a result, the abutting portion 623 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the base end side of the extending portion 52, and the extending portion 52 is inclined at a steeper angle radially inward so as to reduce in diameter radially inward. In other words, as the degree of engagement between the screw thread 513 and the screw groove 611 increases, the extending portion 52 reduces in diameter radially inward.

[0051] 9, the threaded ring 60 can be attached to the outer fitting ring 50 by further threading the threaded threads 513 and the thread grooves 611. In this manner, when the threaded ring 60 is attached to the outer fitting ring 50, the abutting portion 623 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion of the extending portion 52, so that the extending portion 52 is further inclined radially inward, and the bent convex portion 521 presses the braided wire 30 against the metal layer 22 (see FIG. 10(b)). As a result, the insertion tube 20 and the braided wire 30 can be connected via the fixture 40 composed of the outer fitting ring 50 and the threaded ring 60 so that the braided wire 30 and the metal layer 22 are electrically connected to each other.

[0052] 10(b), when the screw ring 60 is attached to the outer fitting ring 50, there is a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the extending portion 52 and the inner peripheral surface of the reduced diameter portion 621. Therefore, if the angle of inclination of the extending portion 52 toward the radially inward direction becomes steep and the extending portion 52 is pressed firmly against the metal layer 22, a reaction force acts on the bent convex portion 521, causing the extending portion 52 to bend toward the radially outward direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the braided wire 30 from being pressed excessively against the metal layer 22, and to prevent the braided wire 30 from being damaged.

[0053] In this manner, the harness exterior 10 has the insertion tube 20, through which the wire harness WH is inserted, and the tubular braided wire 30 connected in series. The insertion tube 20 has the metal layer 22 with an exposed end, and is provided with a fixture 40 that fixes the braided wire 30 that covers the exposed metal layer 22. The fixture 40 includes an outer fitting ring 50 that fits over the braided wire 30 that covers the metal layer 22, and a screw-fitting ring 60 that screws onto the outer fitting ring 50. The direction in which the braided wire 30 is arranged with respect to the insertion tube 20 is the distal end side, and the opposite direction is the proximal end side. The outer fitting ring 50 has an outer shape (extension portion 52) that is formed in a tapered shape that gradually increases in diameter from the distal end side toward the proximal end side, and the outer fitting ring 50 reduces in diameter depending on the amount of screwing with the screw-fitting ring 60.

[0054] This allows the harness exterior 10 to be configured by easily connecting the insertion tube 20 having the metal layer 22 and the braided wire 30 in a conductive manner. More specifically, an outer fitting ring 50 is fitted onto the braided wire 30 covering the metal layer 22 exposed from the end of the insertion tube 20, and a screwing ring 60 is screwed onto the outer fitting ring 50. Here, since the outer shape (extending portion 52) of the outer fitting ring 50 is formed in a tapered shape that gradually increases in diameter from the distal end toward the proximal end, when the screwing ring 60 is screwed onto the outer fitting ring 50, the diameter of the outer fitting ring 50 is reduced in accordance with the amount of screwing of the screwing ring 60 into the outer fitting ring 50. As the diameter of the outer fitting ring 50 is reduced in this way, the braided wire 30 is pressed against the metal layer 22, and therefore the insertion tube 20 having the metal layer 22 and the braided wire 30 can be easily connected electrically.

[0055] The outer fitting ring 50 is provided with a ring body 51 on the base end side and an extension portion 52 extending from the ring body 51 toward the tip end side, and the extension portions 52 are provided in multiple (four) circumferential directions relative to the ring body 51, and at least a portion of the extension portions 52 is formed in a tapered shape.

[0056] This allows the threaded ring 60 to be threaded onto the outer fitting ring 50 with a simple structure, and the outer fitting ring 50 can be reduced in diameter depending on the amount of threading of the threaded ring 60 onto the outer fitting ring 50. More specifically, in the outer fitting ring 50, the four extending portions 52 extending from the ring body 51 on the base end side toward the tip end and provided around the ring body 51 in the circumferential direction are formed in a tapered shape, so that by screwing the engagement ring 60 onto the outer fitting ring 50, the extending portions 52 of the outer fitting ring 50 are reduced in diameter in accordance with the amount of engagement of the engagement ring 60 with the outer fitting ring 50. The extending portions 52 reduced in diameter in this manner can easily connect the insertion tube 20 having the metal layer 22 and the braided wire 30 so as to be conductive.

[0057] Furthermore, a bent convex portion 521 that presses the braided wire 30 against the metal layer 22 is provided on the inner surface side of the extending portion 52. Therefore, when the screw-fitting ring 60 is screwed onto the outer fitting ring 50 and the outer fitting ring 50 is reduced in diameter in accordance with the amount of screwing of the screw-fitting ring 60 onto the outer fitting ring 50, the bent convex portion 521 can press the braided wire 30 against the metal layer 22. This ensures a reliable connection between the metal layer 22 and the braided wire 30, thereby improving the conductivity between the metal layer 22 and the braided wire 30.

[0058] Furthermore, since bent convex portion 521 is formed by bending the tip of extension portion 52 inward, bent convex portion 521 can be formed with a simple structure. Therefore, braided wire 30 can be pressed against metal layer 22 with a simple structure, and conductivity can be further improved.

[0059] Furthermore, by providing a plurality of bent convex portions 521 in the circumferential direction, the braided wire 30 can be pressed against the metal layer 22 at a plurality of locations by the bent convex portions 521, thereby further improving the conductivity.

[0060] Furthermore, since the outer fitting ring 50 is made of a resin having a lower strength than the metal layer 22, when the screw-fitting ring 60 is screwed onto the outer fitting ring 50 and the outer fitting ring 50 is reduced in diameter in accordance with the amount of screwing of the screw-fitting ring 60 onto the outer fitting ring 50, even if the diameter-reducing force is large, the outer fitting ring 50, which has a lower strength than the metal layer 22, deforms, so that the metal layer 22 does not deform, and the insertion tube 20 having the metal layer 22 and the braided wire 30 can be easily connected to each other so as to be conductive.

[0061] Furthermore, the insertion tube 20 is provided with an outer layer 23 surrounding the outside of the metal layer 22 and an inner layer 21 arranged on the inner surface of the metal layer 22, and the braided wire 30 is fixed to the metal layer 22 exposed when the outer layer 23 is peeled off at the end of the insertion tube 20, so that the wire harness WH inserted inside can be protected by the inner layer 21, and the outer layer 23 can protect and insulate the metal layer 22.

[0062] In correspondence with the configuration and embodiments of the present invention, The harness is compatible with the WH wire harness. Similarly, The insertion tube corresponds to the insertion tube 20; The braided wire corresponds to the braided wire 30, The harness exterior corresponds to the harness exterior 10, The metal layer corresponds to metal layer 22, The fixture corresponds to fixture 40, The outer fitting ring corresponds to the outer fitting ring 50, The threaded ring corresponds to the threaded ring 60, The ring body corresponds to the ring body 51, The extension corresponds to the extension 52, The convex portion corresponds to the bent convex portion 521, The outer layer corresponds to outer layer 23; The inner surface layer corresponds to inner surface layer 21, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and can be applied based on the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and many embodiments can be obtained.

[0063] For example, in this embodiment, four extension portions 52 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, but the number may be changed as appropriate. In addition, in this embodiment, the bent convex portions 521 are provided on each of the four extension portions 52 arranged in the circumferential direction, but the number may be adjusted as appropriate, for example, by providing them on two extension portions 52 facing each other and not providing them on the extension portion 52 adjacent to the extension portion 52 on which the bent convex portion 521 is provided.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the bent convex portion 521 is formed by curving the tip portion of the extension portion 52 radially inward, but this is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, a protruding convex portion 522 that protrudes radially inward from a linear extension portion 52a whose tip portion is linear may be provided (see Figure 11).

[0065] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the bent convex portion 521 is provided at the tip of the extension portion 52, but for example, as shown in FIG. 11(a), a plurality of protruding convex portions 522 may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the linear extension portion 52a, or as shown in FIG. 11(b), a plurality of spherical convex portions 523 protruding in an approximately hemispherical shape from the inner surface of the linear extension portion 52a may be provided along the longitudinal direction and in the circumferential direction, and may be arranged in a grid pattern.

[0066] The outer fitting ring 50 provided with the protruding convex portions 522 and the spherical convex portions 523 will be briefly described below with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11(a) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the harness exterior 10 on which a plurality of protruding convex portions 522 formed in an arc shape in a front view are provided along the longitudinal direction, and Fig. 11(b) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the outer fitting ring 50 and the screw-fitting ring 60 on which substantially hemispherical spherical convex portions 523 protruding radially inward are provided in a lattice pattern. Here, in FIG. 11, the same components as those in the harness exterior body 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the characteristic components will be described in detail.

[0067] Similar to the extending portion 52, the linear extending portion 52a is an extending piece that is arc-shaped in a front view and extends from the tip of the ring body 51 in the longitudinal direction, and four of them are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the ring body 51. Note that, unlike the extending portion 52, the tip portion of the linear extending portion 52a is formed in a straight line.

[0068] The protruding convex portions 522 provided on the linear extending portion 52a protrude radially inward from the tip portion and the center portion of the linear extending portion 52a. The protruding convex portions 522 configured in this manner are formed along the circumferential direction of the linear extending portion 52a. In other words, the protruding convex portions 522 are formed in an arc shape in a front view from the inner circumferential surface of the linear extending portion 52a. Furthermore, the protruding convex portion 522 provided on the tip side of the linear extending portion 52a is configured to have a smaller protruding amount than the protruding convex portion 522 provided in the central portion of the linear extending portion 52a.

[0069] When the screw ring 60 is screwed onto the outer fitting ring 50 configured in this manner, the abutting portions 623 abut against the linear extending portions 52a, causing the linear extending portions 52a to bend radially inward so as to reduce in diameter inward in the radial direction. This allows the multiple protruding convex portions 522 provided at the tip and central portion of the linear extending portions 52a to cooperate to press the braided wire 30 against the metal layer 22 (see FIG. 11(a)).

[0070] 11(b), the spherical protrusions 523 protrude hemispherically from the inner circumferential surface toward the radially inward direction at the tip, central, and base end portions of the linear extension portion 52a. These spherical protrusions 523 are provided at both circumferential end portions at the tip and base end of the linear extension portion 52a, and one is provided at the circumferential center of the central portion of the linear extension portion 52a. That is, a plurality of hemispherically protruding spherical protrusions 523 are provided along the longitudinal direction and in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the linear extension portion 52a, and are arranged in a grid pattern.

[0071] Like the protruding protrusion 522, the spherical protrusion 523 provided on the tip side of the linear extending portion 52a is configured to protrude less than the spherical protrusion 523 provided in the central portion of the linear extending portion 52a. The spherical protrusion 523 provided in the central portion of the linear extending portion 52a is configured to protrude less than the spherical protrusion 523 provided on the base end side of the linear extending portion 52a. That is, the protrusion amount of the spherical protrusion 523 increases from the tip side toward the base end side.

[0072] By screwing the screw ring 60 onto the outer fitting ring 50 configured in this manner, the abutting portions 623 come into contact with the linear extending portions 52a, causing the linear extending portions 52a to bend radially inward so as to reduce in diameter in the radially inward direction. This allows the multiple spherical protrusions 523 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the linear extending portions 52a to cooperate to press the braided wire 30 against the metal layer 22 (see FIG. 11(a)).

[0073] In this way, by providing multiple protruding convex portions 522 along the longitudinal direction, or by providing multiple spherical convex portions 523 along the longitudinal direction and multiple spherical convex portions 523 in the circumferential direction and arranging them in a grid pattern, the braided wire 30 can be pressed against the metal layer 22 at multiple points, thereby further improving conductivity.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the insertion tube 20 and the braided wire 30 are connected by screwing the screw ring 60 onto the outer fitting ring 50 that covers the metal layer 22, but as shown in Fig. 12, for example, before screwing the screw ring 60, an inner support jig 70 may be inserted inside the insertion tube 20 to restrict deformation of the inner surface layer 21 and the metal layer 22 due to screwing of the screw ring 60 onto the outer fitting ring 50. Below, the connecting process of connecting the insertion tube 20 and the braided wire 30 using the inner support jig 70 will be briefly described with reference to Fig. 12.

[0075] 12A and 12B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the connection process for electrically connecting the insertion tube 20 and the braided wire 30 using an inner support jig 70. More specifically, Fig. 12A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the state in which the inner support jig 70 has been inserted into the metal layer 22 covered with the braided wire 30, and Fig. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the state in which the screw ring 60 has been screwed onto the outer fitting ring 50.

[0076] The internal support jig 70 is composed of a cylindrical support portion 71 having an outer diameter approximately the same as the inner diameter of the inner surface layer 21, and an axial portion 72 extending longitudinally from the center of the support portion 71 toward the tip side, and can be inserted into the braided wire 30 and the insertion tube 20 from the tip side.

[0077] In the method of connecting the insertion tube 20 and the braided wire 30 using the internal support jig 70 configured in this manner, as shown in Figure 12(a), the braided wire 30 is placed over the exposed metal layer 22, and the internal support jig 70 is inserted into the insertion tube 20 and the braided wire 30 so that the support portion 71 is positioned at a position corresponding to the metal layer 22.

[0078] With the inner support jig 70 inserted into the insertion tube 20 in this manner, the screwing ring 60 is screwed onto the outer fitting ring 50 disposed on the metal layer 22. As a result, the extending portions 52 are inclined so as to reduce in diameter radially inward, and the bent convex portions 521 press the braided wire 30 against the metal layer 22 (see FIG. 12(b)). At this time, since the support portions 71 support the inner surface layer 21 and the metal layer 22, screwing the screwing ring 60 onto the outer fitting ring 50 prevents the bent convex portions 521 from excessively pressing the metal layer 22 and deforming the inner surface layer 21 and the metal layer 22 radially inward. This ensures electrical continuity between the metal layer 22 and the braided wire 30 while maintaining the shape of the inner surface layer 21.

[0079] Then, by pulling the shaft portion 72 toward the tip, the internal support jig 70 is removed from the insertion tube 20 and the braided wire 30, thereby manufacturing a harness outer casing 10 in which the metal layer 22 and the braided wire 30 are electrically connected while suppressing deformation of the inner surface layer 21 and the metal layer 22.

[0080] In this manner, the inner support jig 70 that supports the exposed metal layer 22 from the inside is inserted from the end of the insertion tube 20 into the inside of the metal layer 22, the braided wire 30 is placed over the exposed metal layer 22, the braided wire 30 is fixed to the metal layer 22 with the fastener 40, and then the inner support jig 70 is removed. The engaging ring 60 is then screwed onto the outer fitting ring 50, and when the outer fitting ring 50 is reduced in diameter in accordance with the amount of engagement of the engaging ring 60 with the outer fitting ring 50, even if the diameter-reducing force is large, the inner support jig 70 supports the metal layer 22 from the inside, so that the metal layer 22 is not deformed, and the insertion tube 20 having the metal layer 22 and the braided wire 30 can be easily and electrically connected. This allows the wire harness WH to be reliably inserted into the insertion tube 20, and a harness exterior 10 can be formed that prevents noise from affecting the wire harness WH. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10. Harness exterior body 20 Insertion tube 21 Inner layer 22 Metal layer 23 Outer layer 30 braided wire 40 Fixtures 50 outer ring 51 Ring body 52 Extension 521 Bent convex part 522 protruding convex part 523 spherical convex part 60 Threaded ring 70 Internal support jig WH Wire Harness

Claims

1. A harness exterior body in which an insertion tube through which a harness is inserted and a tubular braided wire are connected in series, the insertion tube has a metal layer with at least an end exposed; a fixture for fixing the braided wire covering the exposed metal layer; The fixture is an outer fitting ring that fits over the braided wire that is covered over the metal layer; a threaded ring that is threadedly engaged with the outer fitting ring, a direction in which the braided wire is disposed relative to the insertion tube is defined as a distal end side, and a direction opposite thereto is defined as a proximal end side; The outer fitting ring has an outer shape that is tapered so that its diameter gradually increases from the distal end side to the proximal end side, the outer fitting ring is reduced in diameter in accordance with the amount of engagement with the threaded ring, The outer fitting ring is The base end side ring body; an extension portion extending from the ring body toward the tip end, The extension portion is provided in a plurality in the circumferential direction of the ring body, At least a portion of the extension portion is formed in the tapered shape, The threaded ring has: a threaded portion configured to be threadably engaged with the ring body; a distal end portion having an abutment portion that is disposed on a distal end side of the screw-engaging portion and abuts against a proximal end side of the extension portion when the outer fitting ring is attached to the screw-engaging ring, A space is secured on the outside of the tip end of the extension portion to allow the extension portion to deform outward when the outer fitting ring is attached to the threaded ring. Harness exterior body.

2. A protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the extension portion to press the braided wire against the metal layer. The harness exterior according to claim 1 .

3. The protrusion is formed by bending the tip of the extension inward. The harness exterior according to claim 2 .

4. The protrusions are provided in a plurality along the longitudinal direction of the metal layer. The harness exterior according to claim 2 .

5. The protrusions are provided in a plurality in the circumferential direction. The harness exterior according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The protrusions are provided in a plurality along the longitudinal direction and in a plurality along the circumferential direction, and are arranged in a grid pattern. The harness exterior according to claim 2 .

7. The outer fitting ring is made of resin having a lower strength than the metal layer. The harness exterior according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The insertion tube is an outer layer surrounding the outside of the metal layer; and an inner layer disposed on the inner surface of the metal layer; The braided wire is fixed to the metal layer exposed when the outer layer is peeled off at the end of the insertion tube. The harness exterior according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for assembling a harness exterior body including an insertion tube through which a harness is inserted and a tubular braided wire, comprising: the braided wire is placed over the exposed metal layer of the insertion tube having at least an end portion of the metal layer exposed; an outer fitting ring that fits around the braided wire that is covered on the metal layer; and a screw ring that screws onto the outer fitting ring, The direction in which the braided wire is disposed relative to the insertion tube is defined as the distal end side, and the opposite direction is defined as the proximal end side, The outer fitting ring has an outer shape that is tapered so that its diameter gradually increases from the distal end side to the proximal end side, The outer fitting ring is The base end side ring body; an extension portion extending from the ring body toward the tip end, The extension portion is provided in a plurality in the circumferential direction of the ring body, At least a portion of the extension portion is formed in the tapered shape, The threaded ring has: a threaded portion configured to be threadably engaged with the ring body; a distal end portion having an abutment portion that is disposed on a distal end side of the screw-engaging portion and abuts against a proximal end side of the extension portion when the outer fitting ring is attached to the screw-engaging ring, a space is secured on the outside of the tip end side of the extension portion to allow the extension portion to deform outward when the outer fitting ring is attached to the threaded ring; The braided wire is fixed to the metal layer by a fixture whose diameter decreases depending on the amount of engagement of the outer fitting ring with the screw ring. A method for assembling a harness exterior body.

10. inserting an internal support jig into the metal layer from the end of the insertion tube to support the exposed metal layer from the inside; Covering the exposed metal layer with the braided wire; The braided wire is fixed to the metal layer with the fixing tool, and then the inner support jig is removed. The method for assembling the harness exterior body according to claim 9.

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