Wire harness

Abstract

To provide a wiring harness that can absorb variations in the length of a ground wire.SOLUTION: A wiring harness 10 includes an electric wire, a cylindrical braided member 22 surrounding the outer periphery of the electric wire, a ground terminal 50, and an end of the braided member 22 has a ground wire 30 that extends away from the wire without surrounding the outer periphery of the electric wire. The ground terminal 50 is attached to a tip of the ground wire 30. The ground terminal 50 includes a metal base member 60 having a pillar part 61 around which the ground wire 30 is wound, and a flange portion 62 formed integrally with the pillar portion 61, and a metal cover member 70 having an insertion hole 70X into which the pillar portion 61 is inserted, and the cover member 70 is fixed to the base member 60 with the ground wire 30 wound around the pillar portion 61 sandwiched between it and the flange portion 62.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, as a wire harness routed inside a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, one including a shielded electric wire is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A shielded electric wire includes a braided member that surrounds the outer circumference of a covered electric wire, and a sheath that surrounds the outer circumference of the braided member. The braided member has an electromagnetic shielding function that suppresses radiation of electromagnetic waves (electromagnetic noise) from the covered electric wire to the outside of the shielded electric wire.

[0003] In this type of wire harness, the end of the sheath is removed at the end portion in the length direction of the shielded electric wire to expose the braided member, and the exposed braided member is separated from the covered electric wire. A ground wire is formed by the braided member separated from the covered electric wire in this manner. The tip of this ground wire is crimp-connected to a metal ground terminal. Then, when the ground terminal is ground-connected to a ground portion provided on a housing of a peripheral device, a vehicle body panel, or the like, a stable electromagnetic shielding function is exerted by the shielded electric wire. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-156299 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] By the way, in the wire harness provided with the above-described ground structure, variations in the length of the ground wire may occur during manufacturing or the like. For this reason, development of a wire harness that can absorb variations in the length of the ground wire is desired.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a wire harness that can absorb variations in the length of ground wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The wire harness of this disclosure comprises an electric wire, a cylindrical braided member surrounding the outer circumference of the electric wire, and an earth terminal, wherein the end of the braided member has an earth wire extending away from the electric wire without enclosing the outer circumference of the electric wire, the earth terminal is attached to the end of the earth wire, the earth terminal comprises a metal base member having a column portion around which the earth wire is wound and a flange portion formed integrally with the column portion, and a metal cover member having an insertion hole into which the column portion is inserted, the cover member is fixed to the base member with the earth wire wound around the column portion sandwiched between the flange portion and the cover member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The wire harness described herein has the effect of absorbing variations in the length of the ground wire. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a braided member of one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a wire harness of one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing a wire harness according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view showing a modified wire harness. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified wire harness. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified wire harness. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The wire harness of the present disclosure comprises an electric wire, a cylindrical braided member surrounding the outer circumference of the electric wire, and an earth terminal, wherein the end of the braided member has an earth wire extending away from the electric wire without enclosing the outer circumference of the electric wire, the earth terminal is attached to the end of the earth wire, the earth terminal comprises a metal base member having a column portion around which the earth wire is wound and a flange portion formed integrally with the column portion, and a metal cover member having an insertion hole into which the column portion is inserted, the cover member is fixed to the base member with the earth wire wound around the column portion sandwiched between the flange portion and the cover member.

[0011] In this configuration, the ground wire is wrapped around the column portion of the base member, and the wrapped ground wire is sandwiched between the metal cover member and the metal flange portion. This allows the ground wire wrapped around the column portion and the ground terminal to be electrically connected to each other. However, during the manufacturing of wire harnesses, variations in the length of the ground wire may occur. For example, there may be variations in the excess length of the ground wire compared to the standard dimension. Even in such cases, the excess length of the ground wire can be easily absorbed by changing the length of the ground wire wrapped around the column portion. As a result, even if there are variations in the length of the ground wire, these variations can be easily absorbed, and variations in the length from the base end of the ground wire to the ground terminal can be effectively suppressed. In other words, the length from the base end of the ground wire to the ground terminal can be easily set to the standard dimension.

[0012] [2] In the above [1], the ground wire is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column over a period longer than one full turn, and the ground wire may have an overlapping portion where the first and second portions wrapped around the outer circumference of the column overlap.

[0013] In this configuration, the ground wire is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column such that the first and second wraps of the wire overlap in an overlapping section. In the overlapping section, the first and second wraps of the ground wire overlap, causing the ground wires, and thus the braided members, to come into contact with each other at multiple points. Friction occurs at these numerous contact points, making it difficult for the ground wire to unravel from its wrapped state around the column. This allows the ground wire to be effectively maintained wrapped around the column and to be effectively secured between the base member and the cover member. As a result, the fixing force of the ground terminal to the ground wire can be improved. Therefore, the state in which the ground wire and the ground terminal are electrically connected to each other can be effectively maintained, improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the ground wire and the ground terminal.

[0014] [3] In the above-mentioned [1], the ground wire is wound around the outer circumference of the pillar portion within a range of less than one turn, and the ground wire may be wound in a U-shape around the outer circumference of the pillar portion.

[0015] According to this configuration, the ground wire is wound in a U-shape around the outer circumference of the pillar portion. The braided member and the ground terminal can be electrically connected to each other through the ground wire wound in this U-shape.

[0016] [4] In any one of the above [1] to [3], the braided member has a structure formed by braiding a plurality of metal element wires, each of the plurality of metal element wires includes an element wire main body and a plating film covering an outer circumferential surface of the element wire main body, and a surface roughness of an outer circumferential surface of the plating film may be larger than a surface roughness of an outer circumferential surface of the element wire main body.

[0017] According to this configuration, a plating film is formed on a surface of each metal element wire constituting the braided member, so that the outer circumferential surface of each metal element wire has a large surface roughness. This makes it possible to increase the friction coefficient of the outer circumferential surface of each metal element wire. Therefore, the frictional force between the metal element wires and the frictional force between the metal element wires and the ground terminal (for example, the pillar portion) can be increased. As a result, the ground wire is less likely to unwind from the state of being wound around the pillar portion. Accordingly, the state where the ground wire is wound around the pillar portion can be suitably maintained, and the state where the ground wire is sandwiched and fixed between the base member and the cover member can be suitably maintained. As a result, the fixing force of the ground terminal to the ground wire can be improved. Therefore, the state where the ground wire and the ground terminal are electrically connected to each other can be suitably maintained, and the reliability of the electrical connection between the ground wire and the ground terminal can be improved.

[0018] [5] In any one of the above [1] to [4], the connector may further include a fixing member that fixes the cover member onto the base member. With this configuration, the cover member can be suitably fixed onto the base member by the fixing member. This allows the ground wire to be suitably sandwiched between the base member and the cover member, and the state in which the ground wire and the ground terminal are electrically connected to each other can be suitably maintained.

[0019] [6] In the above [5], the column portion is a cylindrical portion having a through hole that penetrates the column portion in the axial direction, and the fixing member may be a bolt that is inserted into the through hole and also fixes the earth terminal to the grounding location.

[0020] In this configuration, the bolts that secure the cover member to the base member also function as securing members that secure the ground terminal to the grounding point. In other words, the bolts have both the function of securing the cover member to the base member and the function of securing the ground terminal to the grounding point. Therefore, the number of parts in the wire harness can be reduced compared to a case where the securing member that secures the cover member to the base member and the securing member that secures the ground terminal to the grounding point are made up of separate parts.

[0021] [7] In any of the above [1] to [4], the cover member may be integrated with the base member. In this configuration, the cover member is integrated with the base member with the ground wire, which is wrapped around the column, sandwiched between the cover member and the flange. This prevents the cover member from unintentionally detaching from the base member. As a result, the state in which the ground wire is sandwiched between the base member and the cover member can be suitably maintained, and the state in which the ground wire and the ground terminal are electrically connected to each other can be suitably maintained.

[0022] [8] In any of the above [1] to [7], the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion may have a notch for positioning the ground terminal with respect to the object to which it is to be mounted. In this configuration, a notch is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion. Therefore, by positioning the ground terminal on the mounting target such that the projection provided on the mounting target side of the ground terminal engages with the notch, the positioning of the ground terminal relative to the mounting target can be easily performed. This improves the workability when fixing the ground terminal to the mounting target.

[0023] [9] In any of the above [1] to [8], the electric wire is one of a plurality of electric wires, the braided member surrounds the outer circumference of the plurality of electric wires collectively, and the ground wire does not surround the outer circumference of the plurality of electric wires but extends away from the plurality of electric wires.

[0024] In this configuration, the outer circumference of multiple electric wires is collectively surrounded by a braided member. By electrically connecting the ground wire of such a braided member to a ground terminal, the braided member can function as an electromagnetic shielding member for multiple electric wires.

[0025] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the wire harnesses of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for ease of explanation. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. In this specification, "parallel" and "orthogonal" include not only strictly parallel or orthogonal cases, but also cases that are approximately parallel or orthogonal to the extent that the effects of this embodiment are achieved. The present invention is not limited to these examples, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims, as indicated by the claims.

[0026] The wire harness 10 shown in Figure 1 is installed in a vehicle V such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The wire harness 10 electrically connects two or more on-board devices. On-board devices are electrical devices installed in the vehicle V. For example, the wire harness 10 electrically connects a high-voltage battery M1 installed at the rear of the vehicle V to an inverter M2 installed in front of the high-voltage battery M1. The high-voltage battery M1 is, for example, a battery capable of supplying a voltage of several hundred volts. The inverter M2 is connected to a motor (not shown) for wheel drive, which is the power source for the vehicle's movement. The inverter M2 generates AC power from the DC power of the high-voltage battery M1 and supplies that AC power to the motor. The wire harness 10 is formed in a long shape so as to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle V.

[0027] The wire harness 10 includes, for example, a wire member 20, connectors C1 and C2 attached to both ends of the wire member 20, and an outer covering member 40 surrounding the outer circumference of the wire member 20. The first end of the wire member 20 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the high-voltage battery M1 via connector C1, and the second end of the wire member 20 in the longitudinal direction is connected to the inverter M2 via connector C2.

[0028] The exterior member 40 is shaped like a long cylinder overall. The exterior member 40 houses, for example, the middle portion of the electric wire member 20 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the electric wire member 20 passes through the interior of the exterior member 40. The exterior member 40 has the function of protecting the electric wire member 20 housed inside from flying objects and water droplets. The exterior member 40 can be, for example, a metal or resin pipe, a resin protector, a flexible corrugated tube made of resin or the like, a rubber waterproof cover, or a combination of these.

[0029] (Configuration of the wire component 20) As shown in Figure 2, the wire member 20 has one or more wires 21 and a braided member 22 that surrounds the outer circumference of the wires 21. The wire member 20 of this embodiment has two wires 21 and a braided member 22 that surrounds the two wires 21 together. Here, in this specification, "to surround member A and member B together" means, for example, that member A and member B are surrounded together by a single cylindrical member without a wall being provided between member A and member B.

[0030] Each wire 21 is, for example, a coated wire having a conductive core wire and an insulating coating that surrounds the outer circumference of the core wire and has electrical insulating properties. Each wire 21 is, for example, a high-voltage wire capable of handling high voltage and high current. Each wire 21 may be, for example, a shielded wire having an electromagnetic shielding structure of its own, or a non-shielded wire not having an electromagnetic shielding structure of its own. Each wire 21 in this embodiment is a non-shielded wire.

[0031] The longitudinal ends of each wire 21 are exposed, for example, from the outer sheathing member 40. The longitudinal ends of each wire 21 are exposed, for example, from the braiding member 22. A connector C1 is attached, for example, to the longitudinal end of each wire 21.

[0032] The braided member 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer circumference of multiple electric wires 21 over the entire circumference. The braided member 22 is, for example, flexible. As the braided member 22, for example, a braided wire made of multiple metal strands or a braided wire made by combining metal strands and resin strands can be used. In this embodiment, the braided member 22 is a braided wire made of multiple metal strands.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the braided member 22 has, for example, a plurality of wire bundles 23. The braided member 22 is formed, for example, by braiding the plurality of wire bundles 23 into a tubular shape. The braided member 22 is formed, for example, by braiding the plurality of wire bundles 23 in a plain weave, that is, by crossing the warp and weft threads and making them alternately rise and fall. The mesh of the braided member 22 is formed by two wire bundles 23 that become the warp threads and two wire bundles 23 that become the weft threads. The braiding method of the wire bundles 23 is not particularly limited, and for example, they may be braided in a satin weave or twill weave.

[0034] Each strand bundle 23 has multiple (four in Figure 3) metal strands 24. In other words, in the braided member 22, multiple metal strands 24 are grouped together as one set (pick), that is, one strand bundle 23.

[0035] Each metal wire 24 has, for example, a wire body 25 and a plating film 26 that covers the outer surface of the wire body 25. For the wire body 25, for example, a copper-based or aluminum-based metal material can be used. For the plating film 26, for example, a tin-based metal material can be used. The cross-sectional shape obtained by cutting the metal wire 24 with a plane perpendicular to the length direction of each metal wire 24, that is, the cross-sectional shape of each metal wire 24, can be any shape. The cross-sectional shape of each metal wire 24 can be formed, for example, circular, semi-circular, polygonal, square, or flattened. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of each metal wire 24 is formed to be circular.

[0036] The wire body 25 is located at the center of the metal wire 24. The plating film 26 covers the outer surface of the wire body 25 around its entire circumference. The surface roughness of the outer surface of the plating film 26 is greater than, for example, the surface roughness of the outer surface of the wire body 25.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the first axial end of the braided member 22 is exposed from the exterior member 40. The first axial end of the braided member 22 has a ground wire 30 that extends away from the electric wire 21 without surrounding the outer circumference of the electric wire 21. The ground wire 30 is part of the braided member 22. The ground wire 30 extends, for example, in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 21 (downward in the figure). The tip of the ground wire 30 is electrically connected to a metal ground terminal 50. The ground terminal 50 is electrically connected, for example, to a grounding point G1 provided on the vehicle body panel 100 (see Figure 4). The tip of the ground wire 30 is grounded to the grounding point G1 through the ground terminal 50. Here, the length from the base end of the ground wire 30 to the ground terminal 50 is set to length L1. Length L1 also corresponds to the length from the base end of the ground wire 30 to the grounding point G1. The tip of the ground wire 30 is the end of the ground wire 30 that is furthest from the electric wire 21 in the axial direction. The base end of the ground wire 30 is the end of the ground wire 30 that is furthest from the ground terminal 50 in the axial direction.

[0038] Although not shown in the diagram, the second end of the braided member 22, located on the opposite side of the first end in the axial direction, is grounded to a grounding point provided on the vehicle body panel, for example, via connector C2 (see Figure 1). The second end of the braided member 22 may also be grounded to a grounding point via ground wire 30 and ground terminal 50, similar to the first end of the braided member 22.

[0039] (Configuration of ground terminal 50) As shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7, the ground terminal 50 has a metal base member 60 and a metal cover member 70. The base member 60 is, for example, a separate part from the cover member 70. As materials for the base member 60 and the cover member 70, metal materials such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel can be used. The materials for the base member 60 and the cover member 70 may be the same type of metal material or may be different metal materials.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the ground terminal 50 is fixed to, for example, the vehicle body panel 100. Here, the vehicle body panel 100 is provided with a fixing hole 101 for fixing the ground terminal 50 to the vehicle body panel 100 by, for example, a bolt B1. The fixing hole 101 functions as a grounding point G1. The vehicle body panel 100 is made of metal. As the material of the vehicle body panel 100, for example, metal materials such as copper-based, aluminum-based, or iron-based materials can be used.

[0041] (Configuration of base member 60) The base member 60 has a column portion 61 around which the ground wire 30 of the braided member 22 is wound, and a flange portion 62. As shown in Figure 6, the base member 60 is a single component in which the column portion 61 and the flange portion 62 are formed continuously and integrally.

[0042] The column portion 61 is formed to protrude, for example, from one surface (here, the top surface) of the flange portion 62 in a first direction D1 (here, upward). The column portion 61 is, for example, a cylindrical portion having a hollow structure. That is, the column portion 61 is a cylindrical portion having a through hole 61X that penetrates the column portion 61 in the axial direction (here, the first direction D1). The through hole 61X is formed so that, for example, a bolt B1 can pass through it. The through hole 61X is provided so that, for example, in a plan view from the first direction D1, it overlaps with the fixing hole 101 of the vehicle body panel 100. Here, the first direction D1 is the direction extending parallel to the axial direction (height direction) of the column portion 61.

[0043] The cross-sectional shape along the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 61 can be any shape. The cross-sectional shape along the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 61X can be any shape. As shown in Figure 5, the cross-sectional shape along the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 61 in this embodiment is formed in a circular shape. The cross-sectional shape along the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 61X in this embodiment is formed in a circular shape. In other words, the planar shape of the column portion 61 is formed in a circular shape, and the planar shape of the through hole 61X is formed in a circular shape. That is, the column portion 61 in this embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape. Here, in this specification, "planar view" means viewing the object from a first direction D1, and "planar shape" means the shape of the object as viewed from the first direction D1.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the flange portion 62 is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 61, for example. The flange portion 62 is provided, for example, at the axial end of the column portion 61. As shown in Figure 5, the flange portion 62 is formed continuously over the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 61, for example. The planar shape of the flange portion 62 is formed to be larger than the planar shape of the column portion 61. The planar shape of the flange portion 62 can be any shape. The planar shape of the flange portion 62 may be the same as the planar shape of the column portion 61, or it may be a different shape from the planar shape of the column portion 61. In this embodiment, the planar shape of the flange portion 62 is formed to be circular, the same as the planar shape of the column portion 61. In this embodiment, the flange portion 62 is formed to be disc-shaped overall. Here, in this specification, "disc-shaped" refers to a shape whose planar shape is circular and has a predetermined thickness. In the case of "disc-shaped," the size of the thickness relative to the diameter is not considered. Furthermore, objects with partially concave or convex sections are also included in the definition of "disc-shaped."

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, the earth wire 30 of the braided member 22 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column portion 61 of the base member 60. The earth wire 30 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column portion 61 along its outer circumference. The earth wire 30 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column portion 61 over a period longer than one full turn, for example. The earth wire 30 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column portion 61 in a spiral pattern, for example. The earth wire 30 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column portion 61 such that the second turn portion 32 overlaps the first turn portion 31. In other words, the earth wire 30 has an overlapping portion 33 where the first turn portion 31 and the second turn portion 32 wrapped around the outer circumference of the column portion 61 overlap. As shown in Figure 6, in the overlapping portion 33, the first turn portion 31 and the second turn portion 32 are superimposed in the first direction D1. Thus, in the overlapping section 33, the ground wire 30 is overlapped in two or more layers in the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 8, the overlapping section 33 is provided, for example, only on a part of the circumferential direction of the column section 61. The overlapping section 33 is formed to have a length that extends in the circumferential direction of the column section 61 that is less than half the circumference of the column section 61. The ground wire 30 wrapped around the outer circumference of the column section 61 is provided on the flange section 62. Note that in Figure 8, the cover member 70 is depicted in perspective.

[0046] (Configuration of cover member 70) As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cover member 70 has an insertion hole 70X into which the column portion 61 is inserted. The insertion hole 70X penetrates the cover member 70 in the thickness direction (here, the first direction D1). The insertion hole 70X is provided, for example, at the center of the plane of the cover member 70. The planar shape of the insertion hole 70X can be any shape as long as the column portion 61 can be inserted. The planar shape of the insertion hole 70X may be the same as the planar shape of the column portion 61, or it may be a different shape from the planar shape of the column portion 61. In this embodiment, the planar shape of the insertion hole 70X is formed to be circular, the same as the planar shape of the column portion 61. The planar shape of the insertion hole 70X is formed to be slightly larger than the planar shape of the column portion 61.

[0047] The planar shape of the cover member 70 is formed to be smaller than, for example, the planar shape of the flange portion 62. The planar shape of the cover member 70 can be any shape. The planar shape of the cover member 70 may be the same as the planar shape of the insertion hole 70X, or it may be a different shape from the planar shape of the insertion hole 70X. In this embodiment, the planar shape of the cover member 70 is formed to be the same circular shape as the planar shape of the insertion hole 70X. In this embodiment, the cover member 70 is formed to be a disc shape having an insertion hole 70X.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the cover member 70 is fixed to the base member 60 with the column portion 61 inserted into the insertion hole 70X. The cover member 70 is fixed to the base member 60 so as to cover the ground wire 30 wrapped around the column portion 61.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, the cover member 70 is fixed to the base member 60 with the ground wire 30 wrapped around the column portion 61 sandwiched between the cover member 70 and the flange portion 62. The cover member 70 is fixed to the base member 60 so as to press the ground wire 30 wrapped around the column portion 61 toward the flange portion 62. In this state, the ground wire 30 wrapped around the column portion 61 is compressed in a first direction D1 between the cover member 70 and the flange portion 62, for example. For example, the overlapping portion 33 is compressed in a first direction D1 between the flange portion 62 and the cover member 70 so that the second portion 32 of the ground wire 30 bites into the first portion 31 of the ground wire 30.

[0050] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cover member 70 is fixed to the base member 60 by, for example, a bolt B1 inserted through the through hole 61X of the column portion 61 and the fixing hole 101 of the vehicle body panel 100, which is then screwed into a nut (not shown). As a result, the cover member 70 is fixed to the fixing hole 101 of the vehicle body panel 100 by being pressed by the head of the bolt B1, and is fixed to the base member 60 in a state that presses the ground wire 30 toward the flange portion 62.

[0051] As described above, the ground terminal 50 is fixed to the fixing hole 101 of the vehicle body panel 100, for example, by a bolt B1 and a nut. In this state, the braided member 22 is electrically connected to the ground terminal 50 through the ground wire 30 wrapped around the column 61. Furthermore, the ground wire 30 of the braided member 22 is electrically connected to the grounding point G1 of the vehicle body panel 100 through the ground terminal 50 and the bolt B1.

[0052] Next, the effects and advantages of this embodiment will be explained. (1) The wire harness 10 comprises an electric wire 21, a cylindrical braided member 22 surrounding the outer circumference of the electric wire 21, and an earth terminal 50. The end of the braided member 22 has an earth wire 30 that extends away from the electric wire 21 without enclosing the outer circumference of the electric wire 21. The earth terminal 50 is attached to the end of the earth wire 30. The earth terminal 50 comprises a metal base member 60 having a column portion 61 around which the earth wire 30 is wound, and a flange portion 62 formed integrally with the column portion 61, and a metal cover member 70 having an insertion hole 70X into which the column portion 61 is inserted. The cover member 70 is fixed to the base member 60 with the earth wire 30 wound around the column portion 61 sandwiched between the flange portion 62.

[0053] In this configuration, the ground wire 30 of the braided member 22 is wrapped around the column portion 61 of the base member 60, and the wrapped ground wire 30 is sandwiched between the metal cover member 70 and the metal flange portion 62. This allows the ground wire 30 wrapped around the column portion 61 and the ground terminal 50 to be electrically connected to each other. However, during the manufacturing of the wire harness 10, variations in the length of the ground wire 30 may occur. For example, there may be variations in the excess length of the ground wire 30 relative to the standard dimension. Even in such cases, the excess length of the ground wire 30 can be easily absorbed by changing the length of the ground wire 30 wrapped around the column portion 61. As a result, even if there are variations in the length of the ground wire 30, these variations can be easily absorbed, and variations in the length L1 from the base end of the ground wire 30 to the ground terminal 50 can be effectively suppressed. In other words, the length L1 from the base end of the ground wire 30 to the ground terminal 50 can be easily set to the standard dimension. This effectively suppresses variations in the electromagnetic shielding performance of the braided member 22.

[0054] (2) However, in conventional wire harnesses, the braided component separated from the electric wire is crimped to the ground terminal. Therefore, if the size of the braided component is changed, the size of the barrel portion of the ground terminal also needs to be changed.

[0055] In contrast, in the wire harness 10 of this embodiment, the ground wire 30 of the braided member 22 is sandwiched between the flange portion 62 of the base member 60 and the cover member 70. Therefore, even if the size of the braided member 22 is changed, the ground wire 30 of the braided member 22 can be suitably sandwiched between the base member 60 and the cover member 70 without changing the sizes of the base member 60 and the cover member 70. As a result, a single ground terminal 50 can be shared for multiple sizes of braided member 22. Therefore, since there is no need to manufacture a new ground terminal 50 when the size of the braided member 22 is changed, the manufacturing cost of the wire harness 10 can be reduced.

[0056] (3) The ground wire 30 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column 61 such that it has an overlapping portion 33 where the first portion 31 and the second portion 32, which are wrapped around the outer circumference of the column 61, overlap. In the overlapping portion 33, the first portion of the ground wire 30 and the second portion of the ground wire 30 overlap, so that the ground wires 30, that is, the braided members 22, come into contact with each other at multiple points. Friction is generated at these numerous contact points, making it difficult for the ground wire 30 to unravel from its wrapped state around the column 61. As a result, the state in which the ground wire 30 is wrapped around the column 61 can be suitably maintained, and the state in which the ground wire 30 is sandwiched and fixed between the base member 60 and the cover member 70 can be suitably maintained. As a result, the fixing force of the ground terminal 50 to the ground wire 30 can be improved. Therefore, the state in which the ground wire 30 and the ground terminal 50 are electrically connected to each other can be suitably maintained, and the reliability of the electrical connection between the ground wire 30 and the ground terminal 50 can be improved.

[0057] (4) A plating film 26 is formed on the surface of each metal wire 24 constituting the braided member 22, and the surface roughness of the outer surface of each metal wire 24 is increased. This increases the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of each metal wire 24. As a result, the frictional force between the metal wires 24 and the frictional force between the metal wires 24 and the ground terminal 50 (column portion 61, flange portion 62 and cover member 70) can be increased. As a result, the ground wire 30 is less likely to unravel from the state in which it is wrapped around the column portion 61. As a result, the state in which the ground wire 30 is wrapped around the column portion 61 can be suitably maintained, and the state in which the ground wire 30 is sandwiched and fixed between the base member 60 and the cover member 70 can be suitably maintained. As a result, the fixing force of the ground terminal 50 to the ground wire 30 can be improved.

[0058] (5) The cover member 70 can be suitably fixed onto the base member 60 by the bolt B1, which is a fixing member. This allows the ground wire 30 to be suitably sandwiched between the base member 60 and the cover member 70, and allows the ground wire 30 and the ground terminal 50 to be suitably electrically connected to each other.

[0059] (6) Bolt B1 also functions as a fixing member that fixes the ground terminal 50 to the fixing hole 101, which is the grounding point G1. In other words, bolt B1 has both the function of fixing the cover member 70 onto the base member 60 and the function of fixing the ground terminal 50 to the grounding point G1. Therefore, the number of parts in the wire harness 10 can be reduced compared to the case where the fixing member that fixes the cover member 70 onto the base member 60 and the fixing member that fixes the ground terminal 50 to the grounding point G1 are made up of separate parts.

[0060] (7) Furthermore, by fixing the bolt B1 to the fixing hole 101, the ground wire 30 can be clamped and fixed, that is, the cover member 70 can be fixed to the base member 60, and the electrical connection between the ground terminal 50 and the grounding point G1 can be made simultaneously. This reduces the number of work steps compared to when the work of fixing the cover member 70 to the base member 60 and the work of electrical connection between the ground terminal 50 and the grounding point G1 are performed separately.

[0061] (8) In contrast, conventional wire harnesses require specialized equipment, such as a crimping machine and molds, for crimping the braided member to the ground terminal. In contrast, in the wire harness 10 of this embodiment, the cover member 70 can be fixed to the base member 60 with the ground wire 30 sandwiched between the base member 60 and the cover member 70 by fixing the bolt B1 to the fixing hole 101. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare specialized equipment for connecting the ground terminal 50 to the ground wire 30. Consequently, the manufacturing cost of the wire harness 10 can be reduced.

[0062] (9) Furthermore, when using a crimping machine to crimp the braided member to the ground terminal, additional work space is required for the safety cover during crimping, resulting in a longer braided member after separation from the wire. In contrast, in the wire harness 10 of this embodiment, the ground terminal 50 can be connected to the ground wire 30 by bolt B1, eliminating the need to provide additional work space during the connection process. For this reason, the wire harness 10 makes it easy to reduce the length L1 from the base end of the ground wire 30 to the ground terminal 50.

[0063] (Other embodiments) The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the length of the grounding wire 30 wrapped around the outer circumference of the column portion 61 is not particularly limited. For example, the grounding wire 30 may be wrapped around the outer circumference of the column portion 61 over a range of two or more turns.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the ground wire 30 is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column portion 61 so as to have an overlapping portion 33, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the ground wire 30 may be wrapped around the outer circumference of the column 61 in a range of less than one full turn. For example, the ground wire 30 may be wrapped around the outer circumference of the column 61 in a U-shape.

[0066] The structure of the ground terminal 50 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the structure of the ground terminal 50 can be modified as appropriate as long as it has a structure that allows the cover member 70 to be fixed to the base member 60 with the ground wire 30 wrapped around the column 61 sandwiched between the base member 60 and the cover member 70.

[0067] For example, as shown in Figure 10, a notch 63 for positioning the ground terminal 50 relative to the mounting target may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 62. In this modified example, three notches 63 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 62. Each notch 63 is formed, for example, so as to be recessed from the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 62 toward the column portion 61. In this modified example, a projection 102 is provided on the vehicle body panel 100, which is the mounting target. When fixing the ground terminal 50 to the vehicle body panel 100, the positioning of the ground terminal 50 relative to the vehicle body panel 100 can be easily performed by positioning the ground terminal 50 on the vehicle body panel 100 so that the notches 63 and projections 102 engage with each other. This improves the workability when fixing the ground terminal 50 to the vehicle body panel 100.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the column portion 61 is formed as a hollow structure having a through hole 61X, but it is not limited to this. For example, the column portion 61 may be formed as a solid structure. In this case, the through hole 61X is omitted. In this case, the through hole into which the bolt B1 for fixing the earth terminal 50 to the fixing hole 101 is inserted is provided separately from the column portion 61.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional shape along the outer surface of the column portion 61 is formed to be circular, but it is not limited to this. For example, the cross-sectional shape along the outer surface of the column portion 61 may be formed to be polygonal. For example, the column portion 61 may be formed to be a rectangular prism or a rectangular tube. In this case, it is preferable that the outer surface of the column portion 61 is formed to have chamfered edges or rounded edges. In this modified example, since the outer surface of the column portion 61 is provided with edges, the ground wire 30 can easily get caught on these edges, making it difficult for the ground wire 30 to unravel from the state in which it is wrapped around the column portion 61. As a result, the state in which the ground wire 30 is wrapped around the column portion 61 can be suitably maintained, and the fixing force of the ground terminal 50 to the ground wire 30 can be improved.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the fixing member for securing the cover member 70 to the base member 60 is embodied in a bolt B1, but it is not limited to this. For example, the fixing member for securing the cover member 70 to the base member 60 may be embodied in a rivet.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the cover member 70 is fixed to the base member 60 using a bolt B1, which is a fixing member, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the cover member 70 may be integrated with the base member 60. For example, the cover member 70 and the base member 60 may be integrated using press working. For example, the cover member 70 can be placed on the base member 60 so as to cover the ground wire 30 wrapped around the outer circumference of the column portion 61, and the cover member 70 and the base member 60 can be integrated by applying press working to multiple locations on the upper surface of the cover member 70. In the areas where press working has been performed, recesses 71 are formed on the upper surface of the cover member 70, and protrusions 72 are formed that protrude below the lower surface of the cover member 70. The protrusions 72 then bite into the flange portion 62 of the base member 60, thereby integrating the cover member 70 and the base member 60.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the ground terminal 50 is attached to the ground wire 30 provided at the end of the braided member 22, which is a collective shielding member that encloses multiple electric wires 21 together. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the ground terminal 50 may be attached to the ground wire provided at the end of the braided member (i.e., each core shielding member) of the shielded electric wire. The shielded electric wire is composed of, for example, an electric wire 21, a braided member which is each core shielding member that surrounds the outer circumference of the electric wire 21, and a sheath that surrounds the outer circumference of the braided member.

[0073] The exterior member 40 in the above embodiment may be omitted. In the above embodiment, the wire member 20 is composed of two wires 21 and a braided member 22, but it is not limited to this. The number of wires 21 that make up the wire member 20 can be changed according to the specifications of the vehicle V. For example, the number of wires 21 that make up the wire member 20 may be one or three or more.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the grounding point G1 is embodied in the fixing hole 101 of the vehicle body panel 100, but it is not limited to this. For example, a stud bolt provided in the vehicle body panel 100 may be embodied in the grounding point G1. In this case, for example, the stud bolt is inserted into the through hole 61X of the grounding terminal 50. Alternatively, the stud bolt can function as a fixing member for fixing the cover member 70 onto the base member 60.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the multiple in-vehicle devices to which the wire harness 10 is electrically connected are embodied in the high-voltage battery M1 and the inverter M2, but are not limited to these. The multiple in-vehicle devices to which the wire harness 10 is electrically connected are not particularly limited as long as they are electrical devices mounted on the vehicle V.

[0076] The arrangement of the high-voltage battery M1 and inverter M2 in vehicle V is not limited to the above embodiment and may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of vehicle V. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and all modifications within the sense and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 10 Wire Harnesses 20 Wire components 21 Electric wire 22 Braided components 23 Wire bundle 24 Metal wires 25 strands of wire 26 Plating film 30 Ground wire 31. Part of the first lap 32. Part of the second lap 33 Overlapping section 40 Exterior components 50 Ground terminal 60 Base member 61 Column section 61X through hole 62 Flange section 63 Notch 70 Cover component 70X insertion hole 71 recess 72 Protrusion 100 Body Panels 101 Fixing hole 102 Protrusion B1 Bolt C1, C2 connectors D1 1st direction G1 Grounding part M1 High-Voltage Battery M2 Inverter V Vehicle

Claims

1. It comprises an electric wire, a cylindrical braided member surrounding the outer circumference of the electric wire, and an earth terminal. The end of the braided member has an earth wire that extends away from the electric wire without surrounding the outer circumference of the electric wire. The ground terminal is attached to the end of the ground wire. The aforementioned ground terminal is A metal base member having a column portion around which the grounding wire is wrapped, and a flange portion formed integrally with the column portion, The base member is a separate component from the aforementioned base member, and comprises a metal cover member having an insertion hole into which the column portion is inserted, The cover member is a wire harness, in which the ground wire wrapped around the column portion is sandwiched between the flange portion and the cover member, and is fixed to the base member.

2. The grounding wire is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column over a length longer than one full turn. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein the ground wire has an overlapping portion where the first and second portions wrapped around the outer circumference of the column overlap.

3. The grounding wire is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column in a range of less than one full turn. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein the ground wire is wrapped around the outer circumference of the column in a U-shape.

4. The braided member has a structure in which multiple metal strands are woven together. Each of the plurality of metal strands has a strand body and a plating film that covers the outer surface of the strand body. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein the surface roughness of the outer surface of the plating film is greater than the surface roughness of the outer surface of the wire body.

5. The wire harness according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing member for fixing the cover member on the base member.

6. The column portion is a cylindrical portion having a through hole that penetrates the column portion in the axial direction, The wire harness according to claim 5, wherein the fixing member is a bolt inserted into the through hole and used to fix the earth terminal to the grounding location.

7. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion has a notch for positioning the ground terminal relative to the mounting object.

8. The aforementioned electric wire is one of several electric wires, The braided member surrounds the outer circumference of the multiple electric wires in one place. The wire harness according to claim 1, wherein the ground wire extends away from the plurality of electric wires without surrounding the outer circumference of the plurality of electric wires.

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