Wire harnesses and wire harness systems

Abstract

To make a fixed member support protectors of wiring harnesses, without requiring the protectors to be directly fixed to the fixed member.SOLUTION: A wiring harness system comprises: a first wiring harness comprising a first electric wire and a first protector that is fixed to a fixed member while receiving the first electric wire; and a second wiring harness provided arranged at least partially juxtaposed with the first wiring harness along the fixed member, and comprising a second electric wire and a second protector that is not fixed to the fixed member at a predetermined portion in a longitudinal direction along the second electric wire while receiving the second electric wire. The first protector comprises: an attachment part for fixing the first protector to the fixed member; and a first connection part for connecting with the predetermined portion of the second protector. The second protector comprises a second connection part disposed at the predetermined portion, and indisplaceably connected to the first connection part without being fixed to the fixed member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wire harness and a wire harness system. [Background Art]

[0002] For example, in automobiles, wire harnesses are used to supply electric power from a battery to an on-vehicle device. The wire harness disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes, in addition to an electric wire, a protector that accommodates the electric wire. The protector is formed into a predetermined shape for routing the electric wire along a fixing member such as a vehicle body panel along a desired route. The protector is fixed to the vehicle body panel with a bolt. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-115708 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which two wire harnesses are provided side by side along a vehicle body panel (fixing member). In order to fix the protector of one wire harness to the vehicle body panel with a bolt, a hole through which the bolt passes is provided in the vehicle body panel. In order to fix the protector of the other wire harness to the vehicle body panel with a bolt, a hole through which the bolt passes is provided in the vehicle body panel.

[0005] Because wire harnesses are routed in limited spaces, it may be impossible to install a structure (such as a bracket) to secure the protector to the vehicle body panel in some locations. Furthermore, while holes are made in the vehicle body panel to secure the protector with bolts, these holes can allow water and noise to enter the vehicle. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the number of holes used to secure the protector.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a wire harness that allows a protector to be supported by a fixing member such as a vehicle body panel without directly fixing the protector to the fixing member, and a wire harness system equipped with the wire harness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A wire harness system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a first wire harness having a first electric wire and a first protector that houses the first electric wire and is fixed to a fixing member; and a second wire harness having a second electric wire and a second protector that houses the second electric wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined location in the longitudinal direction along the second electric wire, and is provided so as to be aligned with the first wire harness along the fixing member, wherein the first protector has an attachment portion for fixing the first protector to the fixing member and a first connecting portion for connecting to the predetermined location of the second protector, and the second protector has a second connecting portion at the predetermined location that is not fixed to the fixing member and is connected to the first connecting portion in a manner that prevents displacement.

[0008] A wire harness according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a mating wire harness having a mating protector that houses a mating wire and is fixed to a fixing member, and a wire harness provided along the fixing member in a state that is aligned in at least a part, comprising a wire and a protector that houses the wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined location in the longitudinal direction along the wire, wherein the protector has a connecting portion at the predetermined location that is not fixed to the fixing member and is connected to a mating connecting portion of the mating protector in a manner that is not displaceable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the protector of the wire harness can be supported by a fixing member such as a vehicle body plate without having to directly fix it to the fixing member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the wire harness system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the first base portion, the first connecting portion, and a part of the first protector surrounding them. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the first base portion, the first connecting portion, and a part of the first protector surrounding them. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the second base section, the second connecting section, and a portion of the second protector surrounding them. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the second base section, the second connecting section, and a portion of the second protector surrounding them. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a top-down cross-sectional view of the connecting structure and its surrounding area. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the state before the first and second connecting parts are connected. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the completed connection between the first and second connecting sections. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the state immediately before the connection between the first and second connecting sections is completed. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the completed connection between the first and second connecting sections. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <Summary of the embodiments of this disclosure> The embodiments of this disclosure are outlined below. (1) The wire harness system of this embodiment comprises a first wire harness having a first electric wire and a first protector that houses the first electric wire and is fixed to a fixing member, and a second wire harness having a second electric wire and a second protector that houses the second electric wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined location in the longitudinal direction along the second electric wire, and is provided so as to be aligned with the first wire harness along the fixing member, wherein the first protector has an attachment portion for fixing the first protector to the fixing member and a first connecting portion for connecting to the predetermined location of the second protector, and the second protector has a second connecting portion at the predetermined location that is not fixed to the fixing member and is connected to the first connecting portion in a manner that prevents displacement.

[0012] In the wire harness system of this embodiment, the second protector of the second wire harness is not fixed to a fixing member at a predetermined location, but is connected to the first protector, which is fixed to a fixing member. Moreover, the second connecting portion of the second protector is connected to the first connecting portion of the first protector in a way that prevents displacement. Therefore, even if the second protector is not fixed to a fixing member at a predetermined location, it is indirectly supported by the fixing member through the first protector.

[0013] (2) Preferably, the connecting structure formed by said first connecting part and said second connecting part is provided from a separated portion where said first protector and said second protector are separated away from each other to an approaching portion where they gradually approach each other. According to this configuration, the connecting structure can be configured to be small in size. The supporting rigidity of the second protector by the first protector is improved.

[0014] (3) In the wire harness according to (2) above, a load acting on the second protector acts on the first protector through the connecting structure, and further, the load is transmitted to a fixing member through an attachment portion of the first protector. Therefore, preferably, said connecting structure is provided in the vicinity of said attachment portion. According to this configuration, the first protector bears and supports the load acting on the second protector, and the burden on the first protector can be reduced.

[0015] (4) Furthermore, said second electric wire may be an electric wire for higher voltage than said first electric wire.

[0016] (5) Furthermore, in the wire harness system according to (4) above, preferably, said first protector comprises: a first main body portion provided along said first electric wire and accommodating said first electric wire therein; and a first base portion protruding from said first main body portion toward said second protector side; and said first connecting part is provided on said second protector side of said first base portion. According to this configuration, a certain distance can be provided between the first electric wire and the second electric wire by means of the first base. It is possible to suppress noise that may be generated in the first electric wire by the second electric wire for high voltage.

[0017] (6) Furthermore, in the wire harness system according to (5) above, preferably, said first base portion comprises: an opposing wall portion opposite to an outer wall of said first main body portion and having said first connecting part provided thereon; and a pair of side wall portions connecting said outer wall and said opposing wall portion; and has a hollow structure open to at least one side, and said first base portion further comprises a reinforcing part connecting said outer wall and said opposing wall portion and provided between said pair of side wall portions. According to this configuration, since the first base portion has a hollow structure, an increase in the weight of the first protector can be suppressed. The rigidity of the base portion, which is a hollow structure, is ensured by the reinforcing portion, and the supporting rigidity of the second protector by the first protector is increased.

[0018] (7) Further, preferably, when a direction in which the first protector and the second protector are arranged at the predetermined position is defined as the left-right direction, one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion includes a pair of first engagement claws provided in a direction orthogonal to the left-right direction, and the other of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion includes a second engagement claw that becomes inseparable in the left-right direction and the orthogonal direction when engaged with the pair of first engagement claws. According to this configuration, in a state where the pair of first engagement claws and the second engagement claw are engaged, the first protector and the second protector are connected while being inseparable in the left-right direction and the direction orthogonal thereto.

[0019] (8) Further, in the wire harness system according to (7) above, preferably, when the orthogonal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first electric wire or the second electric wire at the predetermined position is defined as the front-rear direction, and a direction orthogonal to the left-right direction and the front-rear direction is defined as the up-down direction, the second connecting portion includes a guided groove configured to be movable along the up-down direction by being guided by the pair of first engagement claws for connection with the first connecting portion, and the first connecting portion or the second connecting portion further includes a lock portion configured to disable movement of the second connecting portion via the guided groove in a state where the pair of first engagement claws and the second engagement claw are engaged with each other. According to this configuration, by moving the second protector in the up-down direction relative to the first protector, the pair of first engagement claws and the second engagement claw are engaged with each other. Then, in this engaged state, the engaged state of the pair of first engagement claws and the second engagement claw is maintained by the lock portion. As a result, the first protector and the second protector are connected while being inseparable in the left-right direction, the front-rear direction, and the up-down direction.

[0020] (9) The wire harness of this embodiment comprises a mating wire harness having a mating protector that houses a mating wire and is fixed to a fixing member, and a wire harness provided along the fixing member in a state that is aligned in at least a part, comprising a wire and a protector that houses the wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined location in the longitudinal direction along the wire, wherein the protector has a connecting portion at the predetermined location that is not fixed to the fixing member and is connected to a mating connecting portion of the mating protector in a manner that is not displaceable.

[0021] According to the wire harness of this embodiment, the protector is not fixed to a fixing member at a predetermined location, but is connected to a mating protector that is fixed to a fixing member. Moreover, the connection portion of the protector is connected to the mating connection portion of the mating protector in a way that prevents displacement. Therefore, even if the protector is not fixed to a fixing member at a predetermined location, it is indirectly supported by the fixing member through the mating protector.

[0022] (10) Preferably, the protector has a main body portion provided along the electric wire and housing the electric wire, and a base portion provided protruding from the main body portion toward the mating protector. With this configuration, the base portion makes it possible to provide a certain distance between the electric wire and the mating electric wire. It is possible to suppress noise that may occur between the electric wire and the mating electric wire. This is particularly suitable when the electric wire is a high-voltage electric wire.

[0023] (11) Preferably, the protector has a base at the predetermined location on the fixing member side that can come into contact with the fixing member. With this configuration, the protector supported by the mating protector is stable. In particular, when an external force acts at a predetermined location and the protector attempts to displace toward the fixing member, the base comes into contact with the fixing member and supports the protector. As a result, the load acting on the connecting structure, which is composed of the connecting part and the mating connecting part, by the external force is reduced, and damage to the connecting structure is prevented.

[0024] (12) Preferably, in the predetermined location, when the direction in which the mating protector and the protector are aligned is defined as the left-right direction, the mating connecting portion has a second engaging claw that can engage with a pair of first engaging claws provided in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction, and when engaged with the pair of first engaging claws, becomes inseparable in the left-right direction and the perpendicular direction. In this configuration, when the pair of first and second engaging claws are engaged, the mating protector and the protector are inseparably connected in the left-right direction and in the direction perpendicular thereto.

[0025] (13) In addition, in the wire harness of (12), preferably, when the orthogonal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mating wire or the wire at the predetermined location is defined as the front-rear direction, and the direction orthogonal to the left-right direction and the front-rear direction is defined as the up-down direction, the connecting portion has a guided groove that is guided by the pair of first engaging claws to allow it to move along the up-down direction for connection with the mating connecting portion, and the connecting portion further has a locking portion that prevents the movement of the connecting portion by the guided groove when the pair of first engaging claws and the second engaging claw are engaged. In this configuration, the pair of first and second engaging claws engage with the mating protector by moving the protector vertically relative to it. In this engaged state, the locking mechanism maintains the engagement between the pair of first and second engaging claws. As a result, the mating protector and the protector become inseparably connected in the left-right, front-back, and up-down directions.

[0026] <Details of the embodiments of this disclosure> The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. At least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0027] [About wire harness systems] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the wire harness system 10 of this embodiment. The wire harness system 10 can be mounted on various devices, but in this embodiment it is mounted on an automobile. The wire harness system 10 comprises a first wire harness 11 and a second wire harness 12. The first wire harness 11 and the second wire harness 12 are used to supply power from the battery to each on-board device. In this embodiment, the first wire harness 11 is a low-voltage wire harness and, although not shown, connects a first battery (e.g., a 12-volt battery) to a first on-board device. The second wire harness 12 is a high-voltage wire harness and, although not shown, connects a second battery (e.g., a 24-volt battery) to a second on-board device.

[0028] The first wire harness 11 includes a first electric wire 13 and a first protector 14 that houses and protects the first electric wire 13. The first protector 14 is molded into a predetermined shape to route the first electric wire 13 along the vehicle body panel (fixing member) 7 in a desired path. The second wire harness 12 includes a second electric wire 15 and a second protector 16 that houses and protects the second electric wire 15. The second protector 16 is molded into a predetermined shape to route the second electric wire 15 along the vehicle body panel 7 in a desired path.

[0029] The first wire harness 11 and the second wire harness 12 are installed side by side along the vehicle body panel 7. Furthermore, in the configuration shown in Figure 1, the first wire harness 11 and the second wire harness 12 are each positioned to face the vehicle body panel 7 along their entire length. The first wire harness 11 and the second wire harness 12 are aligned in close proximity at two points and aligned in separated positions at two points. In other words, the wire harness system 10 has a first proximity section 17 and a second proximity section 19 where the first wire harness 11 and the second wire harness 12 are close together, and a first separation section 18 and a second separation section 20 where the first wire harness 11 and the second wire harness 12 are separated.

[0030] The first approach portion 17, the first diverging portion 18, the second approach portion 19, and the second diverging portion 20 are arranged in order from one longitudinal side (lower left side in Figure 1) to the other side (upper right side in Figure 1) of the second wire harness 12. Note that the first wire harness 11 and the second wire harness 12 may not have the linear configuration shown, and it is sufficient that at least a portion of the first wire harness 11 and the second wire harness 12 are aligned along the vehicle body panel 7.

[0031] The first electric wire 13 is composed of one or more wires. The second electric wire 15 is composed of one or more wires. The first electric wire 13 is a low-voltage electric wire, and the second electric wire 15 is a high-voltage electric wire through which higher voltage electricity flows than the first electric wire 13. Both ends of the first electric wire 13 are exposed from the first protector 14. The first protector 14 has a partial wall portion 65 that protrudes from its end. The partial wall portion 65 is provided so as to run along the exposed first electric wire 13. The first electric wire 13 is wrapped with adhesive tape together with the partial wall portion 65 and fixed to the first protector 14.

[0032] Both ends of the second electric wire 15 are exposed from the second protector 16, and corrugated tubes 9 are connected to each of the longitudinal sides of the second protector 16, through which the second electric wire 15 passes. Both ends of the second protector 16 have an enlarged shape to connect the corrugated tubes 9. The enlarged portion of the second protector 16, as described above, is provided with the second base portion 34, which will be described later. The second protector 16 has a partial wall portion 66 that protrudes from its end. The partial wall portion 66 is provided so as to follow the corrugated tube 9 that covers the second electric wire 15. The corrugated tube 9 is wrapped together with the partial wall portion 66 with adhesive tape and fixed to the second protector 16.

[0033] The first protector 14 is made of synthetic resin and is configured to be long along the first electric wire 13. The first protector 14 has a first case portion 21 with a U-shaped cross-section and a first cover portion 22 attached to the first case portion 21. The first electric wire 13 passes through the internal space formed between the first case portion 21 and the first cover portion 22. The first case portion 21 and the first cover portion 22 constitute a first main body portion 31 that houses the first electric wire 13, and the first main body portion 31 is provided along the routing path of the first electric wire 13.

[0034] The first protector 14 is fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at multiple locations (two locations in Figure 1). For this purpose, the first protector 14 has a first bracket portion 23 provided on one side in its longitudinal direction and a second bracket portion 24 provided on the other side in its longitudinal direction. The first bracket 23 and the second bracket 24 are integrally molded with the first case portion 21.

[0035] The first protector 14 is directly fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 by the first bracket portion 23 and the second bracket 24. A hole is formed in the vehicle body panel 7 for this fixing. The first bracket portion 23 and the second bracket 24 have either a first fixing structure or a second fixing structure, as described below, for fixing the first protector 14 to the vehicle body panel 7. The first fixing structure has a clip that fits into the hole with elastic deformation. The second fixing structure has a bolt that passes through the hole and a nut that is fastened to the bolt.

[0036] The first protector 14 further has a first connecting portion 25 for connecting to the second protector 16. The specific configuration of the first connecting portion 25 will be described later. The first bracket portion 23 and the first connecting portion 25 are provided on the first approach portion 17. The second bracket portion 24 and the third bracket portion 28 of the second protector 16, which will be described later, are provided on the second separation portion 20. As described above, the first protector 14 has a first bracket portion 23 and a second bracket portion 24 as mounting portions for fixing the first protector 14 to the vehicle body panel 7. Furthermore, the first protector 14 has a first connecting portion 25 for connecting to a part of a predetermined location 29 of the second protector 16. The predetermined location 29 is included in the first approach portion 17.

[0037] The second protector 16 is made of synthetic resin and is configured to be long along the second electric wire 15. The second protector 16 has a second case portion 26 with a U-shaped cross-section and a second cover portion 27 attached to the second case portion 26. The second electric wire 15 passes through the internal space formed between the second case portion 26 and the second cover portion 27. The second case portion 26 and the second cover portion 27 constitute a second main body portion 32 that houses the second electric wire 15, and the second main body portion 32 is provided along the routing path of the second electric wire 15.

[0038] In this embodiment, the second protector 16 is fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at one point. For this purpose, the second protector 16 has a third bracket portion 28 provided on the other side in its longitudinal direction. The third bracket 28 is integrally molded with the second case portion 26.

[0039] A portion of the second protector 16 is directly fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 by the third bracket portion 28. A hole is formed in the vehicle body panel 7 for this fixing. The third bracket portion 28 has the first structural structure or the second fixing structure described above for fixing the second protector 16 to the vehicle body panel 7. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the first bracket portion 23 is fixed to the flat plate portion of the vehicle body panel 7, and the second bracket portion 24 and the third bracket portion 28 are fixed to the girder 7a that is present in the vehicle body panel 7 and protrudes from the flat plate portion.

[0040] The second protector 16 is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 on one side in its longitudinal direction. In other words, the second protector 16 is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at a predetermined location 29 on one side in its longitudinal direction. This predetermined location 29 of the second protector 16 is supported by the first connecting portion 25 of the first protector 14, which is fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 by the first bracket portion 23, and is indirectly fixed to the vehicle body panel 7. For this reason, the second protector 16 has a second connecting portion 30 at the predetermined location 29. The second connecting portion 30 is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 and is connected to the first connecting portion 25 in a way that prevents displacement. The specific configuration of the second connecting portion 30 will be described later.

[0041] The connecting structure 40, composed of a first connecting portion 25 and a second connecting portion 30, is provided in the first approach portion 17, where the first protector 14 and the second protector 16 gradually approach each other from the first separation portion 18. In other words, the connecting structure 40 is included in the first approach portion 17. Furthermore, if the direction in which the first protector 14 and the second protector 16 are aligned at a predetermined location 29 included in the first approach portion 17 is defined as the left-right direction, then the first bracket portion 23 is provided on one side of the first protector 14 in the left-right direction, and the connecting structure 40 is provided on the other side of the first protector 14 in the left-right direction.

[0042] Furthermore, the connecting structure 40 is provided in the vicinity of the first bracket portion 23. The connecting structure 40 only needs to be provided in the vicinity of the first bracket portion 23, and both the connecting structure 40 and the first bracket portion 23 need to be provided within the range of the first approach portion 17. In other words, the aforementioned vicinity range can be said to be when the connecting structure 40 and the first bracket portion 23 are provided in the same approach portion (first approach portion 17).

[0043] Herein, we define the directions in this disclosure. As described above, in a predetermined location 29 that is included in the first approach portion 17 and where the second protector 16 is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7, the direction in which the first protector 14 and the second protector 16 are aligned is defined as the "left-right direction". In addition, the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first wire 13 or the second wire 15 at the predetermined location 29 is defined as the "front-rear direction". The direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and the front-rear direction is defined as the "up-down direction". In this embodiment, the wire harness system 10 is installed on the vehicle body panel 7. In the first wire harness 11, the first case portion 21 is at the bottom and the first cover 22 is at the top, and in the second wire harness 12, the second case portion 26 is at the top and the second cover 27 is at the bottom, but these case portions and covers may be reversed vertically.

[0044] [Specific configuration of the connecting structure 40] As described above, the first protector 14 has a first main body portion 31 that accommodates the first electric wire 13. The first protector 14 further has a first base portion 33 that protrudes from the first main body portion 31 toward the second protector 16. The first connecting portion 25 is provided on the second protector 16 side of the first base portion 33. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the first base portion 33, the first connecting portion 25, and a part of the first protector 14 showing their surroundings. Figure 2 is a perspective view from above, and Figure 3 is a perspective view from below.

[0045] The first base portion 33 has a first opposing wall portion 36 that faces the outer wall 35 of the first main body portion 31, and a pair of first side walls 37, 37 that connect the outer wall 35 and the first opposing wall portion 36. The first base portion 33 further has an upper wall 38 that closes the space enclosed by the outer wall 35, the first opposing wall portion 36 and the pair of side walls 37, 37. The first base portion 33 has a hollow structure that opens downwards. The upper wall 38 may be omitted, and the first base portion 33 has a hollow structure that opens in at least one direction vertically. A first connecting portion 25 is provided on the first opposing wall portion 36. The first base portion 33 further has a reinforcing portion 39 that connects the outer wall 35 and the first opposing wall portion 36 and is provided between the pair of side walls 37, 37 (see Figure 3).

[0046] In Figure 1, the second protector 16 has a second main body portion 32 that accommodates the second electric wire 15, as described above. The second protector 16 further has a second base portion 34 that protrudes from the second main body portion 32 toward the first protector 14. The second connecting portion 30 is provided on the second base portion 34 toward the first protector 14. Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views showing the second base portion 34 and the second connecting portion 30, as well as a part of the second protector 16 showing their surroundings. Figure 4 is a perspective view from above, and Figure 5 is a perspective view from below.

[0047] The second base portion 34 has a second opposing wall portion 46 that faces the outer wall 45 of the second main body portion 32, and a pair of second side walls 47, 47 that connect the outer wall 45 and the second opposing wall portion 46. The second base portion 34 further has a lower wall 48 (see Figure 5) that closes the space enclosed by the outer wall 45, the second opposing wall portion 46 and the pair of second side walls 47, 47. The second base portion 34 has a hollow structure that opens upward. The lower wall 48 may be omitted, and the second base portion 34 has a hollow structure that opens on at least one side in the vertical direction. A second connecting portion 30 is provided on the second opposing wall portion 46.

[0048] Figure 6 is a top-down cross-sectional view of the connecting structure 40 and its surroundings. As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 6, the first connecting portion 25 has a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 provided at a distance in the front-rear direction on the first opposing wall portion 36. The first engaging claw 41 has a first column portion 51 and a first claw portion 52. The first column portion 51 is provided projecting from the first opposing wall portion 36 to one side in the left-right direction and is long in the vertical direction. The first claw portion 52 is provided projecting from the first column portion 51 in the front-rear direction and is long in the vertical direction. The first connecting portion 25 has a guide groove 53 between the first claw portion 52 and the first opposing wall portion 36, with the vertical direction being the longitudinal direction of the groove. In the first opposing wall portion 36, a raised portion 54 is provided between the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 (see Figure 3). The raised portion 54 has a contact surface 54b facing downwards towards the vehicle body panel 7. The structure and function of the raised portion 54 will be described later.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the second connecting portion 30 has a pair of second engaging claws 42, 42 that engage with the first engaging claws 41, 41. The pair of second engaging claws 42, 42 are provided separated in the front-rear direction on the second opposing wall portion 46. The second engaging claw 42 has a second column portion 56 and a second claw portion 57. The second column portion 56 is provided projecting from the second opposing wall portion 46 to the other in the left-right direction and is long in the vertical direction. The second claw portion 57 is provided projecting from the second column portion 56 in the front-rear direction and is long in the vertical direction. The second connecting portion 30 has a guided groove 58 between the second claw portion 57 and the second opposing wall portion 46, with the vertical direction being the longitudinal direction of the groove. In the second opposing wall portion 46, a locking portion 59 is provided between the pair of second engaging claws 42, 42 (see Figure 3). The configuration and function of the locking portion 59 will be described later.

[0050] Figure 6 shows the state in which the first engaging claws 41,41 and the second engaging claws 42,42 are engaged. In this engaged state, the first claw portion 52 of the first engaging claw 41 fits into the guided groove 58 of the second connecting portion 30, and the second claw portion 57 of the second engaging claw 42 fits into the guide groove 53 of the first connecting portion 25. When the first engaging claws 41,41 and the second engaging claws 42,42 are engaged, the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30 become inseparable in the left-right and right-angle directions.

[0051] Thus, the first connecting portion 25 has a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 that are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The second connecting portion 30 has a pair of second engaging claws 42, 42 that, when engaged with the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41, become inseparable in the left-right and front-rear directions. In this embodiment, the case in which the second engaging claws 42, 42 are provided between the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 has been described, but these arrangements may be reversed. That is, the second connecting portion 30 may have a pair of first engaging claws that are spaced apart in the front-rear direction, and the first connecting portion 25 may have second engaging claws that, when engaged with this pair of first engaging claws, become inseparable in the left-right and front-rear directions.

[0052] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the state before the first connecting part 25 and the second connecting part 30 are connected. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the state after the connection between the first connecting part 25 and the second connecting part 30 is completed. As shown in Figure 7, the second protector 16 is moved vertically (downward) to approach the first protector 14. Then, the first engaging claws 41, 41 fit into the guide grooves 58, 58 of the second engaging claws 42, 42. By further moving the second protector 16 downward, the state in which the first engaging claws 41, 41 are fitted into the guide grooves 58, 58 is maintained, and the second engaging claws 42, 42 come into contact with the lower wall 55 (see Figure 3) of the first engaging claws 41, 41, making further movement impossible. This state is the completed state of connection between the first connecting part 25 and the second connecting part 30 (see Figure 8).

[0053] Thus, the second connecting portion 30 has guided grooves 58, 58. The guided grooves 58, 58 are guided by a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 to connect the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30, thereby allowing the second connecting portion 30 to move along the vertical direction.

[0054] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the state immediately before the connection between the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30 is completed, and is a view from the front and rear directions. As described above, a locking portion 59 is provided on the second opposing wall portion 46. The locking portion 59 is composed of a base portion 59a extending from the second opposing wall portion 46 in the left and right directions, and an elastic piece portion 59b extending from the base portion 59a in the up and down directions. The elastic piece portion 59b has a stopper surface 59c on its tip side. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the completed connection state. In the completed connection state, the stopper surface 59c contacts the contact surface 54b of the raised portion 54.

[0055] The raised portion 54 has an inclined surface 54a that becomes higher as it goes downwards. The elastic piece portion 59b has an inclined surface 59d that approaches the second opposing wall portion 46 as it goes downwards. When the second protector 16 is moved vertically (downward) and brought closer to the first protector 14 (see Figure 9), the inclined surface 59d of the elastic piece 59b eventually comes into contact with the inclined surface 54a of the raised portion 54, and the elastic piece 59b undergoes elastic deformation. When it is moved further and almost the entire elastic piece 59b passes the raised portion 54, the elastic piece 59b is displaced toward the first protector 14 by the elastic restoring force. This state is the completed connection state (see Figure 10).

[0056] In the connected state, the stopper surface 59c of the elastic piece 59b can contact the contact surface 54b of the raised portion 54, and furthermore, the lower end 42a of the second engaging claw 42 can contact the lower wall 55 of the first engaging claw 41. In other words, the lower parts of the locking portion 59 and the second engaging claw 42 are sandwiched vertically between the raised portion 54 and the lower wall 55 of the first engaging claw 41. Therefore, in the connected state, the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30 cannot be separated vertically. The arrangement of the locking portion 59 and the raised portion 54 may be reversed, and the first connecting portion 25 may have a locking portion, while the second connecting portion 30 may have a raised portion that engages with the locking portion.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1, the second protector 16 has a base 60 that can contact the vehicle body panel 7 at a predetermined location 29. In this embodiment, the second lid portion 27, which is attached to the second case portion 26 having a U-shaped cross-section, is located on the vehicle body panel 7 side. Therefore, the base 60 is provided as part of the second lid portion 27. As shown in Figure 5, the base 60 is provided so as to protrude downward (towards the vehicle body panel 7) from the flat surface 27a which is the lower surface of the second lid portion 27. When the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30 are connected, the lower seating surface 60a of the base 60 can contact the vehicle body panel 7.

[0058] [Regarding the wire harness system 10 of this embodiment] As described above, the wire harness system 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, comprises a first wire harness 11 and a second wire harness 12 provided along the vehicle body panel 7, at least in part, parallel to the first wire harness 11. The first wire harness 11 has a first protector 14 that houses the first electric wire 13 and is fixed to the vehicle body panel 7. The second wire harness 12 has a second protector 16 that houses the second electric wire 15 and is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at a predetermined location 29 in the longitudinal direction along the second electric wire 15. The first protector 14 has a first bracket portion 23 as an attachment portion for fixing the first protector 14 to the vehicle body panel 7, and a first connecting portion 25 for connecting to a predetermined location 29 of the second protector 16. The second protector 16 has a second connecting portion 30 at a predetermined location 29 that is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 but is connected to the first connecting portion 25.

[0059] According to the wire harness system 10 of this embodiment, the second protector 16 of the second wire harness 12 is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at a predetermined location 29, but is connected to the first protector 14 which is fixed to the vehicle body panel 7. Moreover, the second connecting portion 30 of the second protector 16 is connected to the first connecting portion 25 of the first protector 14 in a way that prevents displacement. Therefore, even though the second protector 16 is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at a predetermined location 29, it is indirectly supported by the vehicle body panel 7 through the first protector 14.

[0060] If holes are made in the vehicle body panel 7, these holes can cause water and sound to enter the vehicle. In this embodiment, since the second protector 16 is not directly fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at a predetermined location 29, the number of holes for mounting the second protector 16 in the vehicle body panel 7 can be reduced, and a decrease in waterproof performance and soundproofing performance is suppressed.

[0061] Focusing on the second wire harness 12, the second wire harness 12 is provided along the vehicle body panel 7, at least in part, parallel to a mating wire harness that houses a mating wire and has a mating protector fixed to the vehicle body panel 7. For the second wire harness 12, the first wire harness 11 becomes the mating wire harness, the first wire 13 becomes the mating wire, and the first protector 14 becomes the mating protector. The second wire harness 12 has a second protector 16 that houses a second wire 15 and is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at a predetermined location 29. The second protector 16 has a second connecting portion 30 that is not fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at the predetermined location 29 and is connected to the mating connecting portion of the mating protector in a manner that prevents displacement. For the second connecting portion 30, the first connecting portion 25 becomes the mating connecting portion.

[0062] In this embodiment, the connecting structure 40, formed by the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30, is provided at the first approaching portion 17, which gradually approaches the first protector 14 and the second protector 16 from the first separating portion 18 where they are separated. This makes it possible to make the connecting structure 40 smaller. By making the connecting structure 40 shorter in the left-right direction, the support rigidity of the second protector 16 by the first protector 14 is increased. The load acting on the second protector 16 is transmitted to the first protector 14 through the connecting structure 40, and further transmitted to the vehicle body panel 7 through the first bracket portion 23 of the first protector 14. Therefore, the connecting structure 40 is provided near the first bracket portion 23. With this configuration, the first protector 14 bears and supports the load acting on the second protector 16, but it is possible to reduce the burden on the first protector 14.

[0063] The first protector 14 has a first base portion 33 that protrudes from the first main body portion 31, which houses the first electric wire 13, toward the second protector 16. The first connecting portion 25 is provided on the second protector 16 side of the first base portion 33. This configuration makes it possible to create a certain distance between the first electric wire 13 and the second electric wire 15 using the first base portion 33. The second protector 16 has a second base portion 34 that protrudes from the second main body portion 32, which houses the second electric wire 15, toward the first protector 14. This configuration makes it possible to create a certain distance between the first electric wire 13 and the second electric wire 15 using the first base portion 33. Therefore, it is possible to suppress noise that may be generated in the first electric wire 13 by the second electric wire 15, which is for high voltage.

[0064] As shown in Figure 3, the first base portion 33 has a hollow structure and further has a reinforcing portion 39 that connects the outer wall 35 of the first main body portion 31 and the first opposing wall portion 36, and is provided between the pair of first side walls 37, 37. Because the first base portion 33 has a hollow structure, it is possible to suppress the weight increase of the first protector 14. The rigidity of the hollow structure of the first base portion 33 is ensured by the reinforcing portion 39, and the support rigidity of the second protector 16 by the first protector 14 is increased. Furthermore, a reinforcing portion 39 is connected to the portion of the first opposing wall portion 36 between the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 that constitute the first connecting portion 25. This increases the rigidity of the connecting structure portion 40.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, the second protector 16 has a base 60 at a predetermined location 29 on the vehicle body panel 7 side that can contact the vehicle body panel 7. The base 60 stabilizes the second protector 16, which is supported by the first protector 14. In particular, when an external force acts at the predetermined location 29 and the second protector 16 attempts to be displaced toward the vehicle body panel 7, the base 60 contacts the vehicle body panel 7 and supports the second protector 16. As a result, the load acting on the connecting structure 40 by the external force is reduced, and damage to the connecting structure 40 is prevented.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 25 has a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 provided in the front-rear direction. The second connecting portion 30 is provided between the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41. It has second engaging claws 42, 42. When the second engaging claws 42, 42 engage with the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41, they become inseparable from each other in the left-right and front-back directions. With this configuration, the first protector 14 and the second protector 16 are connected in a way that makes them inseparable in the left-right and front-back directions.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, the second connecting portion 30 has guided grooves 58, 58. The guided grooves 58, 58 allow the second connecting portion 30 to move vertically by being guided by a pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 for connecting the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second connecting portion 30 has a locking portion 59 having an elastic piece 59b. The locking portion 59 prevents the movement of the second connecting portion 30 by the guided grooves 58, 58 when the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 and the second engaging claws 42, 42 are engaged. In this configuration, the second protector 16 is moved vertically (downward in this embodiment) relative to the first protector 14 to connect the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 30, causing the pair of first engaging claws 41, 41 and the second engaging claws 42, 42 to engage. The locking portion 59 then maintains this engaged state. As a result, the first protector 14 and the second protector 16 are connected in a way that makes them inseparable not only in the left-right and front-back directions but also in the vertical direction.

[0068] [Regarding other matters] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the second protector 16 is directly fixed to the vehicle body panel 7 at one point by a third bracket portion 28, and is supported by the first protector 14 at another point by a connecting structure portion 40. Although not shown, the second protector 16 may be supported by the first protector 14 at multiple points (two points) by the connecting structure portion 40. Furthermore, the portion where the second protector 16 is supported by the first protector 14 (connecting structure portion 40) may be even more, for example, three or more points.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the case in which the first protector 14 has a first base portion 33 and the second protector 16 has a second base portion 34 was described, but one or both of the first base portion 33 and the second base portion 34 may be omitted.

[0070] The description above describes the case in which the second protector 16 is moved vertically relative to the first protector 14 to connect them. However, the second protector 16 may also be configured to be moved with a component in the front-to-back direction to connect them. In this case, the guide groove 53 and the guided groove 58 may have a longitudinal groove direction that includes a front-to-back component, rather than being vertical. The first engaging claw 41 and the second engaging claw 42 may have configurations different from those shown in the illustration.

[0071] The embodiments described above are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the embodiments, and includes all modifications within the scope equivalent to the configurations described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 7. Body panels (fixing components) 7a digit 9 Corrugated tubing 10 Wire Harness Systems 11. First Wire Harness 12. Second wire harness 13 Daiichi Electric Cable 14 First Protector 15 Second electric wire 16. Second Protector 17 First approach part 18 First Defection Section 19 Second approach section 20 Second Defection Section 21. First Case Section 22 First lid part 23 First bracket section 24 Second bracket section 25 First connection part 26. Second Case Section 27 Second lid part 27a plane 28 Third bracket section 29 Designated location 30 Second connection part 31 First main body 32 Second body part 33 First base section 34 Second base section 35 Exterior Wall 36 First opposing wall section 37 First side wall 38 Upper wall 39 Reinforcement section 40 Connection structure section 41 First engaging claw 42 Second engaging claw 42a bottom end 45 Exterior Wall 46 Second opposing wall section 47 Second side wall 48 Lower wall 51 First pillar part 52 First claw part 53 Guide groove 54 Ridge 54b Contact surface 54a Slope 55 Lower wall 56 Second pillar section 57 Second claw part 58 Guide grooves 59 Lock section 59a base 59b Elastic piece 59c Stopper surface 59d Slope 60 base 60a Seat 65 Partial wall 66 Partial wall

Claims

1. A first wire harness having a first electric wire and a first protector that houses the first electric wire and is fixed to a fixing member, A second wire harness has a second wire, and a second protector that houses the second wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined location in the longitudinal direction along the second wire, and is provided so as to be aligned with the first wire harness along the fixing member, Equipped with, The first protector has an attachment portion for fixing the first protector to the fixing member, and a first connecting portion for connecting to the predetermined location of the second protector. The second protector has a second connecting portion at a predetermined location that is not fixed to the fixing member but is connected to the first connecting portion in a manner that prevents displacement, and has a base at the predetermined location on the fixing member side that can contact the fixing member. Wire harness system.

2. The wire harness system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting structure formed by the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is provided in an approaching portion that gradually approaches the first protector and the second protector from a separated portion.

3. The wire harness system according to claim 2, wherein the connecting structure is provided near the mounting portion.

4. The wire harness system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second wire is a wire intended for higher voltage than the first wire.

5. The first protector has a first main body portion provided along the first electric wire and housing the first electric wire, and a first base portion provided protruding from the first main body portion toward the second protector. The wire harness system according to claim 4, wherein the first connecting portion is provided on the second protector side of the first base portion.

6. The first base portion has an opposing wall portion that faces the outer wall of the first main body portion and is provided with the first connecting portion, and a pair of side walls that connect the outer wall and the opposing wall portion, and has a hollow structure that opens to at least one side. The wire harness system according to claim 5, wherein the first base portion further has a reinforcing portion that connects the outer wall and the opposing wall portion and is provided between the pair of side walls.

7. When the direction in which the first protector and the second protector are aligned at the predetermined location is defined as the left-right direction, One of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has a pair of first engaging claws provided in the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction, The wire harness system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the other of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has a second engaging claw that, when engaged with the pair of first engaging claws, becomes inseparable in the left-right direction and the orthogonal direction.

8. When the orthogonal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first or second electric wire at the predetermined location is defined as the front-to-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction and the front-to-back direction is defined as the up-and-down direction, The second connecting portion has a guided groove that is guided by the pair of first engaging claws, allowing it to move along the vertical direction for connection with the first connecting portion. The wire harness system according to claim 7, wherein the first connecting portion or the second connecting portion further has a locking portion for preventing the movement of the second connecting portion by the guided groove when the pair of first engaging claws and the second engaging claws are engaged.

9. A mating wire harness having a mating protector that houses the mating wire and is fixed to a fixing member, and a wire harness provided along the fixing member in a state that is aligned in at least a part of it, Power lines and, The system includes a protector that houses the electric wire and is not fixed to the fixing member at a predetermined location along the longitudinal direction of the electric wire, The protector has a connecting portion at a predetermined location that is not fixed to the fixing member but is connected to the mating connecting portion of the mating protector in a manner that prevents displacement, and at the predetermined location on the fixing member side, it has a base that can come into contact with the fixing member. Wire harness.

10. The wire harness according to claim 9, wherein the protector has a main body portion provided along the electric wire and housing the electric wire, and a base portion provided protruding from the main body portion toward the mating protector.

11. When defining the direction in which the opposing protector and the protector are aligned at the predetermined location as the left-right direction, The wire harness according to any one of claims 9 to 10, further comprising a second engaging claw that can engage with a pair of first engaging claws provided on the mating connecting portion in a direction perpendicular to the left-right direction, and which, when engaged with the pair of first engaging claws, becomes inseparable in the left-right direction and the direction perpendicular to the mating portion.

12. When the orthogonal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the opposing wire or the wire at the predetermined location is defined as the front-to-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction and the front-to-back direction is defined as the up-and-down direction, The connecting portion has a guided groove that is guided by the pair of first engaging claws so that it can move along the vertical direction for connection with the mating connecting portion, The wire harness according to claim 11, wherein the connecting portion further has a locking portion for preventing the movement of the connecting portion by the guided groove when the pair of first engaging claws and the second engaging claws are engaged.

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