Sliding door power supply device

Abstract

A power supply device for a sliding door is provided that can prevent a curved portion of an electric cable from being displaced downward due to its own weight. [Solution] The sliding door power supply device 1 has an electric cable 2 stretched between a vehicle body 100 and a sliding door 200, a vehicle body side holding part 3 fixed to the vehicle body 100 to hold one end of the electric cable 2, and a sliding door side holding part 4 fixed to the sliding door 200 to hold the other end of the electric cable 2. The electric cable 2 has a curved portion 2B formed between the vehicle body side holding part 3 and the sliding door side holding part 4, and the sliding door side holding part 4 is provided with a cable holding structure (cable accommodating part 41) that holds the electric cable 2 so that a vertical force Fu acts on the curved portion 2B of the electric cable 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a slide door power supply device that supplies power to electrical components incorporated in a slide door.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, electrical components such as a power window motor and an audio speaker have been incorporated in a slide door of an automobile. Therefore, there is a slide door power supply device that supplies power to these electrical components (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0003] Such a slide door power supply device includes an electric cable spanned between a vehicle body and a slide door, a vehicle body side holding portion fixed to the vehicle body and holding one end side of the electric cable, and a slide door side holding portion fixed to the slide door and holding the other end side of the electric cable.

[0004] By the way, when the relative distance between the vehicle body side holding portion and the slide door side holding portion approaches as the slide door moves, the tension state of the electric cable is relaxed, so there has been a problem that the middle portion of the electric cable hangs down. That is, there has been a problem that the middle portion of the electric cable is displaced downward by its own weight.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sliding door power supply device that can suppress the displacement of the middle portion of an electrical cable downward due to its own weight. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a sliding door power supply device for supplying power from a vehicle body to electrical components incorporated in a sliding door, comprising: an electrical cable stretched between the vehicle body and the sliding door; a vehicle body-side holding portion fixed to the vehicle body and holding one end of the electrical cable; and a sliding door-side holding portion fixed to the sliding door and holding the other end of the electrical cable, wherein the electrical cable has a curved portion formed between the vehicle body-side holding portion and the sliding door-side holding portion, and at least one of the vehicle body-side holding portion and the sliding door-side holding portion is provided with a cable holding structure that holds the electrical cable such that a vertical force acts on the curved portion of the electrical cable. Furthermore, the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrical cable is shorter horizontally and longer vertically, and the cable holding structure holds the electrical cable in a tilted position with the surface connected to the inner circumferential surface of the curved portion of the electrical cable tilted diagonally upward, and the curved portion is formed when the electrical cable curves from the cable holding structure on the vehicle body side toward the outside of the vehicle body and then toward the front of the vehicle body, and the cable holding structure holds the electrical cable in a tilted position with the front surface of the electrical cable tilted diagonally upward. It is.

[0008] This invention makes it possible to suppress the downward displacement of the middle portion of an electrical cable due to its own weight. More specifically, in the sliding door power supply device according to the present invention, the electrical cable has a curved portion between the vehicle body side holding portion and the sliding door side holding portion, and at least one of the vehicle body side holding portion and the sliding door side holding portion is provided with a cable holding structure that holds the electrical cable such that a vertical force acts on the curved portion of the electrical cable. Therefore, the gravitational force acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable can be canceled out by the vertical force. Consequently, displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable downward due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0009] Also, The cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrical cable is shorter horizontally and longer vertically, and the cable holding structure holds the electrical cable in a tilted position in which the surface connected to the inner circumferential surface of the curved portion of the electrical cable is tilted diagonally upward. Yes, they are.

[0010] As a result, It becomes possible to apply a torsional load in a predetermined direction to the electrical cable extending from the cable holding structure. This results in a vertical force acting from below to above on the curved portion of the electrical cable, centered on an axis along the extension direction of the cable. Therefore, the gravitational force acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable can be counteracted by this vertical force. Consequently, downward displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0011] Furthermore, the electrical cable is curved in the vehicle body side holding portion so that it extends outward from the cable holding structure and then toward the front of the vehicle body, forming the curved portion, and the cable holding structure holds the electrical cable in a tilted position with the front surface of the electrical cable facing diagonally upward.

[0012] This makes it possible to apply a clockwise torsional load, as viewed from the outside of the vehicle body, to the electrical cable extending from the cable holding structure in the vehicle body's holding section. As a result, a vertical force acts on the curved portion of the electrical cable from below, centered on an axis along the direction of extension of the electrical cable extending from the cable holding structure, moving from below to above. Therefore, the gravitational force acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable can be canceled out by the vertical force. Consequently, displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0013] In another aspect of this invention, the electrical cable is curved so that it extends from the cable holding structure on the sliding door side toward the front of the vehicle body and then around the inside of the vehicle body toward the rear of the vehicle body, thereby forming the curved portion, and the cable holding structure may hold the electrical cable in a tilted position in which the surface of the electrical cable on the inside of the vehicle body is tilted diagonally upward.

[0014] This invention makes it possible to apply a clockwise torsional load, as viewed from the front of the vehicle, to the electrical cable extending from the cable holding structure in the sliding door side retaining portion. As a result, a vertical force acts on the curved portion of the electrical cable from below to above, centered on an axis along the direction of extension of the electrical cable extending from the cable holding structure. Therefore, the gravitational force acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable can be canceled out by the vertical force. Consequently, displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0015] In another aspect of this invention, the electrical cable may be extended from the cable holding structure at an inclined angle that is obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal direction. According to the present invention, the electric cable can be extended obliquely upward from the cable holding structure and spanned. Therefore, even if the middle part of the electric cable is displaced downward due to its own weight, such displacement can be offset. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the middle part of the electric cable from being displaced downward due to its own weight.

[0016] As an aspect of the present invention, a cable holder having the cable holding structure may be provided, and it may be possible to attach the cable holder to the attached part in an inclined state. According to the present invention, the electric cable can be extended obliquely upward and spanned with a simple configuration. Therefore, even if the middle part of the electric cable is displaced downward due to its own weight, such displacement can be offset. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the middle part of the electric cable from being displaced downward due to its own weight.

[0017] As an aspect of the present invention, the electric cable may be constituted by a flexible flat cable. Note that the flexible flat cable is used in a state where one or a plurality of sheets are overlapped.

[0018] According to the present invention, the allowable bending radius of the electric cable becomes smaller. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive load from acting on the curved portion of the electric cable. In addition, since the sheet-like insulator covering the conductor of the flexible flat cable has high elasticity, it is possible to exert a sufficient vertical force by its repulsive force.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the middle part of the electric cable from being displaced downward due to its own weight.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the slide door power supply device. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the vehicle body side holding part viewed from the front obliquely upward. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the slide door side holding part as viewed from the front, diagonally upward. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the cable holder as viewed from the front, diagonally upward. [Figure 5] Plan view of the cable holder as viewed from the direction of arrow V1 in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] Front view of the cable holder as viewed from the direction of arrow V2 in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] Plan view and front view showing the crossing path of the electric cable. [Figure 8] Perspective view of the vehicle body side holding part as viewed from the front, diagonally upward. [Figure 9] Plan view and front view showing the crossing path of the electric cable. [Figure 10] Front view corresponding to the vehicle body side holding part as viewed from the direction of arrow V3 in FIG. 1. [Figure 11] Side view corresponding to the slide door side holding part as viewed from the direction of arrow V4 in FIG. 1.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The slide door power supply device 1 according to the first embodiment of this invention will be described in detail. In this application, the direction of the vehicle body 100 is shown in all the drawings. Specifically, arrow F indicates the front side of the vehicle body, arrow B indicates the rear side of the vehicle body, arrow E indicates the outside of the vehicle body, and arrow I indicates the inside of the vehicle body. And arrow U indicates the upper side, and arrow D indicates the lower side. In addition, the front-rear direction is described as X, the left-right direction as Y, and the up-down direction as Z.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the slide door power supply device 1. In FIG. 1, a part of the cable exterior member 22 is cut away so that the flexible flat cable 21 constituting the electric cable 2 can be seen. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle body side holding part 3 as viewed from the front, diagonally upward.

[0023] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the sliding door side retaining part 4 viewed from the front and diagonally above. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cable holder 40 viewed from the front and diagonally above, Figure 5 is a plan view of the cable holder 40 viewed from the direction of arrow V1 in Figure 4, and Figure 6 is a front view of the cable holder viewed from the direction of arrow V2 in Figure 4. Finally, Figure 7 is a plan view and a front view showing the route of the electrical cable 2.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the sliding door power supply device 1 according to the present invention supplies power from the vehicle body 100 to electrical components incorporated in the sliding door 200. The sliding door power supply device 1 includes an electrical cable 2, a vehicle body-side holding part 3, and a sliding door-side holding part 4.

[0025] The electrical cable 2 is stretched between the vehicle body 100 and the sliding door 200. The electrical cable 2 is made up of multiple flexible flat cables (hereinafter referred to as FFCs) 21 stacked on top of each other, and each FFC 21 has a structure in which parallel strip-shaped conductive materials are sandwiched between sheet-shaped insulators. Such a bundle of FFCs 21 is covered with a flexible cable sheath member 22. The vertical cross-section of the electrical cable 2 is short in the horizontal direction (directions defined by the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y) and long in the up-down direction Z.

[0026] The vehicle body-side holding part 3 is fixed to the vehicle body 100 and holds one end of the electrical cable 2. The vehicle body-side holding part 3 has a cable holder 30 that is fixed to the floor panel 101 of the vehicle body 100. A connector unit 5 is attached to the cable holder 30 for connecting the electrical cable 2 and the power cable on the vehicle body 100 side. In the sliding door power supply device 1 according to this embodiment, the power cable is connected to a relay cable 71 extending from the connector unit 5. The cable holder 30 will be briefly described below.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the cable holder 30 has a cable housing section 31 and a connector unit housing section 32 arranged side by side in the left-right direction Y of the vehicle body 100. The cable holder 30 is also provided with a cable bending restricting section 33 and floor panel mounting sections 34 and 35.

[0028] The cable housing section 31 refers to the area where a cable housing space 31S for housing the electrical cable 2 is provided, and the connector unit housing section 32 refers to the area where a connector unit housing space 32S for housing the connector unit 5 is provided. The cable bending restriction section 33 refers to the area that restricts the shape of the curved portion 2Bb of the electrical cable 2 pulled to the front side F of the vehicle body by the sliding door 200 when the sliding door 200 is in a fully closed state. The floor panel mounting sections 34 and 35 refer to the areas for attaching the cable holder 40 to the floor panel 101.

[0029] The sliding door-side retaining part 4 is fixed to the sliding door 200 and holds the other end of the electrical cable 2. The sliding door-side retaining part 4 has a cable holder 40 that is fixed to the inner panel 201 of the sliding door 200. A connector unit 6 is attached to the cable holder 40 for connecting the electrical cable 2 and the electrical cable on the sliding door 200 side. In the sliding door power supply device 1 according to this embodiment, the electrical cable is connected to a relay cable 72 extending from the connector unit 6. The cable holder 40 will be described in detail below.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the cable holder 40 has a cable housing section 41 and a connector unit housing section 42 arranged side by side in the front-rear direction X of the vehicle body 100. The cable holder 40 is also provided with a cable bending restricting section 43 and inner panel mounting sections 44 and 45.

[0031] The cable housing section 41 refers to the part that houses the electrical cable 2. In other words, the cable housing section 41 refers to the part where a cable housing space 41S for housing the electrical cable 2 is provided. The cable housing space 41S is open towards the upper side U, and during assembly, the electrical cable 2 is fitted in from this open end.

[0032] The cable housing section 41 is provided in the cable holder 40 from the front end to the middle portion in the front-rear direction X. The cable housing section 41 has a pair of side plate sections 411 and a bottom plate section 412 that connects the lower ends D of each side plate section 411. The cable housing section 41 also has a cable insertion hole 41a that opens toward the front side F of the vehicle body and a rear wall section 414 that faces the cable insertion hole 41a.

[0033] In addition, the cable housing section 41 is provided with locking portions 415 that protrude from each side plate portion 411 toward the opposing side plate portion 411. In other words, the cable housing section 41 is provided with locking portions 415 that protrude toward the electrical cable 2 housed in the cable housing space 41S. These locking portions 415 fit into the grooves of the cable sheathing member 22. Therefore, the cable housing section 41 functions as a cable holding structure.

[0034] In addition, the cable housing section 41 has through holes 41h formed along each of the pair of side plate sections 411, through which cable ties 91 (see Figure 3) can be inserted. Therefore, the electrical cable 2 is secured by the cable ties 91 while housed in the cable housing space 41S. In this way, the cable housing section 41 prevents the electrical cable 2 from rattling, shifting position, or being pulled out of the cable housing space 41S.

[0035] The connector unit housing section 42 refers to the part that houses the connector unit 6. In other words, the connector unit housing section 42 refers to the part where the connector unit housing space 42S for housing the connector unit 6 is provided. The connector unit housing space 42S is open toward the upper side U, and during assembly, the connector unit 6 is fitted in from this open end.

[0036] The connector unit housing section 42 is provided in the cable holder 40 from the middle to the rear end in the front-rear direction X. The connector unit housing section 42 has a pair of side plate sections 421 and a bottom plate section 422 that connects the lower ends D of each side plate section 421. The connector unit housing section 42 also has a front wall section 423 located further rear B of the vehicle body than the rear wall section 414 of the cable housing section 41, and a rear wall section 424 that faces the front wall section 423.

[0037] In addition, the connector unit housing section 42 is provided with a notch 42n that connects the rear wall section 424 in the vertical direction Z and cuts out the bottom plate section 422 to the middle of the front-rear direction X. Furthermore, fixing claws 42f and fixing grooves 42g for fixing the connector unit 6 are provided on the extension line from the notch 42n toward the front side F of the vehicle body in the front wall section 423. Thus, the connector unit housing section 42 functions as a connector unit holding structure.

[0038] Furthermore, the connector unit housing section 42 has an insertion hole 42h formed along the front wall section 423, through which a cable tie 92 (see Figure 3) can be inserted. Therefore, the connector unit 6 is secured by the cable tie 92 while housed in the connector unit housing space 42S. In this way, the connector unit housing section 42 prevents the connector unit 6 from rattling, shifting position, or being pulled out of the connector unit housing space 42S.

[0039] The cable bending restricting section 43 refers to the part that restricts the shape of the curved portion 2Ba of the electrical cable 2. More specifically, the cable bending restricting section 43 refers to the part that restricts the shape of the curved portion 2Ba (see Figures 1 and 7) of the electrical cable 2 that is pulled to the front side F of the vehicle body by the sliding door 200 when the sliding door 200 is in a fully closed state. The arcuate surface 43s of the cable bending restricting section 43 is connected seamlessly to the side plate portion 411 that constitutes the aforementioned cable housing space 41S.

[0040] The cable bending restrictor 43 is provided at the front end of the inner side I of the vehicle body in the cable housing 41. The cable bending restrictor 43 is a semi-cylindrical portion formed with a radius larger than the allowable bending radius of the electrical cable 2, so that the curved portion 2Ba of the electrical cable 2 wraps around the arcuate surface 43s. In this way, the cable holder 40 prevents the electrical cable 2 from being bent locally when the sliding door 200 is fully closed, and consequently prevents a large load from being applied to the electrical cable 2.

[0041] The inner panel mounting portion 44 refers to the portion for attaching the front end portion of the cable holder 40 to the inner panel 201. The inner panel mounting portion 44 extends upward U from the side plate portion 411 on the outer side E of the vehicle body that constitutes the cable housing portion 41, and a bolt seat portion 441 is formed in its central part. A through hole is formed in the bolt seat portion 441 that penetrates in the left-right direction Y, and a mounting bolt can be inserted through this through hole.

[0042] The inner panel mounting portion 45 refers to the portion for attaching the rear end portion of the cable holder 40 to the inner panel 201. The inner panel mounting portion 45 extends from the side plate portion 421 on the outer side E of the vehicle body, which constitutes the connector unit housing portion 42, toward the rear side B of the vehicle body, and a fastener seat portion 451 is formed in its central part. A through hole is formed in the fastener seat portion 451 that penetrates in the left-right direction Y, and a fastener 452 is fitted into it via a guide groove connected to this through hole.

[0043] Incidentally, these inner panel mounting portions 44 and 45 are inclined at a predetermined angle that is not parallel to the central axis C (see Figures 6 and 7) in the direction from the open end of the cable housing space 41S toward the bottom plate portion 412. Furthermore, these inner panel mounting portions 44 and 45 are also inclined at a similar angle with respect to the central axis (not shown) in the direction from the open end of the connector unit housing space 42S toward the bottom plate portion 422. However, it is also possible that only the cable housing space 41S is configured to be inclined. In the sliding door power supply device 1 according to this embodiment, the inclination is at an angle of 15 degrees, which was found through various experiments.

[0044] With this configuration, as shown in Figure 7, when the cable holder 40 is attached to the inner panel 201, the cable housing section 41 is tilted at an angle of 15 degrees with respect to the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the cable housing section 41, which functions as a cable holding structure, can hold the electrical cable 2 in a tilted position with the surface 2s connected to the inner circumferential surface of the curved portion 2Ba facing diagonally upward. In other words, the cable housing section 41 can hold the electrical cable 2 in a tilted position with the surface 2s on the vehicle body side I facing diagonally upward.

[0045] Therefore, a clockwise torsional load Ft can be applied to the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable insertion hole 41a of the cable housing section 41, as viewed from the front side F of the vehicle body. As a result, a vertical force Fu acts on the curved portion 2Ba of the electrical cable 2 from the lower side D to the upper side U, centered on axis A along the extension direction of the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable holding structure. In this way, the gravitational force G acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 can be canceled out by the vertical force Fu.

[0046] As described above, the sliding door power supply device 1 according to the first embodiment supplies power from the vehicle body 100 to electrical components incorporated in the sliding door 200. The sliding door power supply device 1 includes an electrical cable 2 stretched between the vehicle body 100 and the sliding door 200, a vehicle body-side holding part 3 fixed to the vehicle body 100 and holding one end of the electrical cable 2, and a sliding door-side holding part 4 fixed to the sliding door 200 and holding the other end of the electrical cable 2. The electrical cable 2 has curved portions 2Ba and 2Bb formed between the vehicle body-side holding part 3 and the sliding door-side holding part 4, and the sliding door-side holding part 4 is provided with a cable holding structure (cable housing part 41) that holds the electrical cable 2 such that a vertical force Fu acts on the curved portion 2Ba of the electrical cable 2.

[0047] With this type of sliding door power supply device 1, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 downward D due to its own weight. More specifically, in the sliding door power supply device 1 according to the present invention, the electrical cable 2 has curved portions 2Ba and 2Bb formed between the vehicle body side holding portion 3 and the sliding door side holding portion 4. The sliding door side holding portion 4 is provided with a cable holding structure (cable housing portion 41) that holds the electrical cable 2 such that a vertical force Fu acts on the curved portion 2Ba of the electrical cable 2. Therefore, the gravitational force G acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 can be canceled out by the vertical force Fu. Consequently, displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 downward D due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0048] Furthermore, in the sliding door power supply device 1 according to the first embodiment, the cross-section of the electrical cable 2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is shorter in the horizontal direction (directions defined by the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y) and longer in the up-down direction Z, and the cable holding structure (cable housing section 41) holds the electrical cable 2 in a tilted position in which the surface 2s connected to the inner circumferential surface of the curved portions 2Ba, 2Bb of the electrical cable 2 is tilted diagonally upward.

[0049] With this type of sliding door power supply device 1, it is possible to apply a torsional load Ft in a predetermined direction to the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable holding structure (cable housing section 41). As a result, a vertical force Fu acts on the curved portions 2Ba and 2Bb of the electrical cable 2 from the lower side D to the upper side U, centered on axis A along the extension direction of the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable holding structure (cable housing section 41). Therefore, the gravitational force G acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 can be canceled out by the vertical force Fu. Consequently, displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 downwards to the lower side D due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, in the sliding door power supply device 1 according to the first embodiment, the electrical cable 2 is curved so that it moves from the cable holding structure (cable housing 41) in the sliding door side holding part 4 toward the front side F of the vehicle body, then around the inside side I of the vehicle body toward the rear side B of the vehicle body, forming a curved portion 2Ba. The cable holding structure (cable housing 41) holds the electrical cable 2 in a tilted position with the surface 2s of the electrical cable 2 on the inside side I of the vehicle body tilted diagonally upward.

[0051] With this type of sliding door power supply device 1, it is possible to apply a clockwise torsional load Ft to the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable holding structure (cable housing section 41) in the sliding door side holding section 4, as viewed from the front side F of the vehicle body. As a result, a vertical force Fu acts on the curved portion 2B of the electrical cable 2 from the lower side D to the upper side U, centered on axis A along the extension direction of the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable holding structure (cable housing section 41). Therefore, the gravitational force G acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 can be canceled out by the vertical force Fu. Consequently, displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 downward D due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0052] Furthermore, in the sliding door power supply device 1 according to the first embodiment, the electrical cable 2 is made of FFC21. With this type of sliding door power supply device 1, the allowable bending radius of the electrical cable 2 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive load from acting on the curved portions 2Ba and 2Bb of the electrical cable 2. In addition, because the sheet-like insulator covering the conductor of the FFC 21 has high elasticity, it is possible to exert a sufficient vertical force Fu through its repulsive force.

[0053] Next, a sliding door power supply device 1 according to a second embodiment of this invention will be described. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the vehicle body side holding part 3 viewed from the front and diagonally above. Figure 9 is a plan view and a front view showing the route of the electrical cable 2. Here, the cable holder 30 will be described in detail below.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8, the cable holder 30 has a cable housing section 31 and a connector unit housing section 32 arranged side by side in the left-right direction Y of the vehicle body 100. The cable holder 30 is also provided with a cable bending restricting section 33 and floor panel mounting sections 34 and 35.

[0055] The cable housing section 31 refers to the part where a cable housing space 31S for housing the electrical cable 2 is provided. Therefore, the cable housing section 31 functions as a cable holding structure. The cable housing section 31 is fitted with a cover (not shown) to prevent the electrical cable 2 from rattling, shifting position, or being pulled out of the cable housing space 31S.

[0056] The connector unit housing section 32 refers to the portion where the connector unit housing space 32S for housing the connector unit 5 is provided. Therefore, the connector unit housing section 32 functions as a connector unit holding structure. The connector unit housing section 32 is secured by the cable tie 93, which prevents the connector unit 5 from rattling, shifting position, or being pulled out of the connector unit housing space 32S.

[0057] The cable bending restriction section 33 refers to the part that restricts the shape of the curved portion 2Bb of the electrical cable 2 that is pulled to the front side F of the vehicle body by the sliding door 200 when the sliding door 200 is in a fully closed state. Therefore, the cable holder 30 prevents the electrical cable 2 from being bent locally when the sliding door 200 is in a fully closed state, and consequently prevents a large load from being applied to the electrical cable 2.

[0058] The floor panel mounting sections 34 and 35 refer to the parts for attaching the cable holder 30 to the floor panel 101. The bolt seat 341 of the floor panel mounting section 34 has a through hole that penetrates in the vertical direction Z, and a mounting bolt can be inserted through this through hole. The fastener seat 351 of the floor panel mounting section 35 is provided with a pair of locking claws that protrude downward, and the fastener 352 is fitted along these locking claws.

[0059] Incidentally, these floor panel mounting portions 34 and 35 are inclined at a predetermined angle that is not perpendicular to the central axis C (see Figure 9) in the direction from the open end of the cable housing space 31S toward the bottom plate portion 312. Furthermore, these floor panel mounting portions 35 and 36 are inclined at a similar angle with respect to the central axis (not shown) in the direction from the open end of the connector unit housing space 32S toward the bottom plate portion. However, it is also possible that only the cable housing space 31S is configured to be inclined. In the sliding door power supply device 1 according to this embodiment, the inclination is at an angle of 15 degrees, which was found through various experiments.

[0060] With this configuration, as shown in Figure 9, when the cable holder 30 is attached to the floor panel 101, the cable housing section 31 is tilted at an angle of 15 degrees with respect to the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the cable housing section 31, which functions as a cable holding structure, can hold the electrical cable 2 in a tilted position with the surface 2s connected to the inner circumferential surface of the curved portion 2Bb facing diagonally upward. In other words, the cable housing section 31 can hold the electrical cable 2 in a tilted position with the surface 2s on the front side F of the vehicle body facing diagonally upward.

[0061] Therefore, it becomes possible to apply a clockwise torsional load Ft to the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable insertion hole 31a of the cable housing section 31, as viewed from the outside of the vehicle body E. As a result, a vertical force Fu acts on the curved portion 2Bb of the electrical cable 2 from the lower side D to the upper side U, centered on axis A along the extension direction of the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable holding structure. In this way, the gravitational force G acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 can be canceled out by the vertical force Fu.

[0062] As described above, the sliding door power supply device 1 according to the second embodiment supplies power from the vehicle body 100 to electrical components incorporated in the sliding door 200. The sliding door power supply device 1 includes an electrical cable 2 stretched between the vehicle body 100 and the sliding door 200, a vehicle body-side holding part 3 fixed to the vehicle body 100 and holding one end of the electrical cable 2, and a sliding door-side holding part 4 fixed to the sliding door 200 and holding the other end of the electrical cable 2. The electrical cable 2 has curved portions 2Ba and 2Bb formed between the vehicle body-side holding part 3 and the sliding door-side holding part 4, and the vehicle body-side holding part 3 is provided with a cable holding structure (cable housing part 31) that holds the electrical cable 2 such that a vertical force Fu acts on the curved portion 2Bb of the electrical cable 2.

[0063] With this type of sliding door power supply device 1, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 downward D due to its own weight. More specifically, in the sliding door power supply device 1 according to the present invention, the electrical cable 2 has curved portions 2Ba and 2Bb formed between the vehicle body side holding portion 3 and the sliding door side holding portion 4. The vehicle body side holding portion 3 is provided with a cable holding structure (cable housing portion 31) that holds the electrical cable 2 such that a vertical force Fu acts on the curved portion 2Bb of the electrical cable 2. Therefore, the gravitational force G acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 can be canceled out by the vertical force Fu. Consequently, displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 downward D due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, in the sliding door power supply device 1 according to the second embodiment, the cross-section of the electrical cable 2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is shorter in the horizontal direction (directions defined by the front-rear direction X and the left-right direction Y) and longer in the up-down direction Z, and the cable holding structure (cable housing section 31) holds the electrical cable 2 in a tilted position in which the surface 2s connected to the inner circumferential surface of the curved portions 2Ba, 2Bb of the electrical cable 2 is tilted diagonally upward.

[0065] With this type of sliding door power supply device 1, it is possible to apply a torsional load Ft in a predetermined direction to the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable holding structure (cable housing section 31). As a result, a vertical force Fu acts on the curved portions 2Ba and 2Bb of the electrical cable 2 from the lower side D to the upper side U, centered on axis A along the extension direction of the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable holding structure (cable housing section 31). Therefore, the gravitational force G acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 can be canceled out by the vertical force Fu. Consequently, displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 downwards D due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0066] Furthermore, in the sliding door power supply device 1 according to the second embodiment, the electrical cable 2 is curved so that it moves from the cable holding structure (cable housing 31) in the vehicle body side holding part 3 toward the outside E of the vehicle body and then toward the front F of the vehicle body, forming a curved portion 2Bb, and the cable holding structure (cable housing 31) holds the electrical cable 2 in a tilted position with the surface 2s of the electrical cable 2 toward the front F of the vehicle body, tilted diagonally upward.

[0067] With this type of sliding door power supply device 1, it is possible to apply a clockwise torsional load Ft to the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable holding structure (cable housing section 31) in the vehicle body side holding section 3, as viewed from the outside of the vehicle body E. As a result, a vertical force Fu acts on the curved portion 2B of the electrical cable 2 from the lower side D to the upper side U, centered on axis A along the extension direction of the electrical cable 2 extending from the cable holding structure (cable housing section 31). Therefore, the gravitational force G acting on the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 can be canceled out by the vertical force Fu. Consequently, displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 downward D due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0068] Furthermore, in the sliding door power supply device 1 according to the second embodiment, the electrical cable 2 is also made of FFC21. With this type of sliding door power supply device 1, the allowable bending radius of the electrical cable 2 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive load from acting on the curved portions 2Ba and 2Bb of the electrical cable 2. In addition, because the sheet-like insulator covering the conductor of the FFC 21 has high elasticity, it is possible to exert a sufficient vertical force Fu through its repulsive force.

[0069] In the correspondence between the structure of the present invention and the embodiments described above, The sliding door power supply device corresponds to the sliding door power supply device 1. The electrical cable corresponds to electrical cable 2, The vehicle body side retaining part corresponds to the vehicle body side retaining part 3, The sliding door side retaining part corresponds to the sliding door side retaining part 4. The cable holder is compatible with cable holder 30. The cable holder is compatible with cable holder 40. The cable holding structure corresponds to the cable housing section 31. The cable retention structure corresponds to the cable housing section 41. The body is compatible with body 100, The mounting portion corresponds to the floor panel 101, The sliding door is compatible with the 200 sliding door. The mounting portion corresponds to the inner panel 201. The curved section corresponds to curved section 2Ba, The curved section corresponds to curved section 2Bb, The surface connected to the inner circumferential surface of the curved portion corresponds to surface 2s. The inner surface of the electrical cable corresponds to surface 2s. In the electrical cable, the front surface of the vehicle body corresponds to surface 2s, This invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0070] For example, as shown in Figure 10, in the vehicle body side holding portion 3, instead of applying a torsional load Ft to the electrical cable 2, the electrical cable 2 may be extended from the cable holding structure (cable housing portion 31) at an inclination angle α that is diagonally upward with respect to the left-right direction Y. In other words, the cable holder 30 may be installed so that it gradually inclins upward U as it moves from the inside I of the vehicle body to the outside E of the vehicle body, thereby extending the electrical cable 2 from the cable holding structure (cable housing portion 31) at an inclination angle α that is diagonally upward with respect to the left-right direction Y.

[0071] Similarly, as shown in Figure 11, in the sliding door side holding portion 4, instead of applying a torsional load Ft to the electrical cable 2, the electrical cable 2 may be extended from the cable holding structure (cable housing portion 41) at an inclination angle β that is diagonally upward with respect to the longitudinal direction X. In other words, the cable holder 40 may be installed so that it gradually inclins upward U as it moves from the rear side B of the vehicle body to the front side F of the vehicle body, thereby extending the electrical cable 2 from the cable holding structure (cable housing portion 41) at an inclination angle β that is diagonally upward with respect to the longitudinal direction X.

[0072] With this type of sliding door power supply device 1, the electrical cable 2 can be extended diagonally upward from the cable holding structure (cable housing section 31 and cable housing section 41) and stretched across. Therefore, even if the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 is displaced downward D due to its own weight, this amount of displacement can be offset. Thus, the displacement of the middle portion of the electrical cable 2 downward D due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0073] In addition, with this sliding door power supply device 1, despite its simple configuration, the electrical cable 2 can be extended diagonally upward and spanned across the door. Therefore, even if a portion of the electrical cable 2 is displaced downward D due to its own weight, this displacement can be offset. Thus, the displacement of a portion of the electrical cable 2 downward D due to its own weight can be suppressed.

[0074] Finally, in the sliding door power supply device 1 according to each embodiment described above, the electrical cable 2 is said to be made by overlapping multiple FFC21 sheets. However, it may also be made by bundling together so-called insulated wires with a round cross-section. Alternatively, it may be made by overlapping so-called ribbon wires with a flat cross-section. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1…Sliding door power supply device 2… Electrical cable 3…Vehicle body side retaining part 4…Sliding door side retaining part 30… Cable holder 40… Cable holder 31…Cable housing section 41…Cable housing section 100... Vehicle body 101... Floor panel 200... Sliding door 201...Inner panel 2Ba…Curved part 2Bb... Curved section 2s... Surface connected to the inner circumferential surface of the curved section 2s... The side of the electrical cable that is inside the vehicle body 2s... Front side of the vehicle body in the electrical cable

Claims

1. A sliding door power supply device that supplies power from the vehicle body to electrical components incorporated into the sliding door, An electrical cable is stretched between the vehicle body and the sliding door, A vehicle body side holding part fixed to the vehicle body and holding one end of the electrical cable, It has a sliding door side holding part that is fixed to the sliding door and holds the other end of the electrical cable, The aforementioned electrical cable has a curved portion formed between the vehicle body side retaining portion and the sliding door side retaining portion. At least one of the vehicle body-side holding portion and the sliding door-side holding portion is provided with a cable holding structure that holds the electrical cable such that a vertical force acts on the curved portion of the electrical cable. The cross-section of the aforementioned electrical cable perpendicular to its longitudinal direction is shorter horizontally and longer vertically. The cable holding structure holds the electrical cable in a tilted position in which the surface connected to the inner circumferential surface of the curved portion of the electrical cable is tilted diagonally upward. The electrical cable is curved in the vehicle body side holding portion so as to extend outwards from the cable holding structure and then toward the front of the vehicle body, thereby forming the curved portion. The cable holding structure holds the electrical cable in a tilted position, with the front surface of the electrical cable facing diagonally upward. Sliding door power supply device.

2. The electrical cable extends from the cable holding structure at an angle of inclination that is diagonally upward with respect to the horizontal direction. The sliding door power supply device according to claim 1.

3. A cable holder having the aforementioned cable holding structure is provided, The cable holder can be attached to the mounting part while in an inclined position. The sliding door power supply device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned electrical cable is composed of a flexible flat cable. A sliding door power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images