Electric device and wire harness with lid

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of improving the waterproofness of an electric device. This electric device comprises: an electronic component; a housing having the electronic component housed therein; a wire harness having one end part connected to the electronic component inside the housing, a middle part penetrating through the housing, and the other end part extending out of the housing; and a waterproof member provided to a portion of the housing through which the middle part of the wire harness penetrates. The wire harness includes a plurality of wiring members. The waterproof member includes a plurality of insertion parts through which the plurality of wiring members individually pass. Each of the plurality of insertion parts is formed of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of a corresponding one of the wiring members passing therethrough.

Description

Electrical device and wire harness with cover

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical device and a wire harness with a cover.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wire harness waterproof sheet that improves the waterproof performance of a wire harness. The wire harness waterproof sheet described in Patent Document 1 is for simply waterproofing a wire harness that is attached to a location where it is not easily exposed to water.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-81860

[0004] It is desired to be able to improve the waterproof performance of electrical devices.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology capable of improving the waterproof performance of an electrical device.

[0006] The electrical device of the present disclosure comprises: an electronic component; a housing that accommodates the electronic component; a wire harness having one end connected to the electronic component inside the housing, an intermediate portion penetrating the housing, and the other end extending to the outside of the housing; and a waterproof member provided in a portion of the housing through which the intermediate portion of the wire harness penetrates, wherein the wire harness includes a plurality of wiring members, the waterproof member includes a plurality of insertion portions through which the plurality of wiring members individually pass, and each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed of an elastic material and is in contact with an outer periphery of the wiring member passed therethrough.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the waterproof performance of an electrical device can be improved.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the electrical device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the electrical device. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of region R1 in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded plan view showing the electrical device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of manufacturing the wire harness with a cover. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a waterproof member according to a first modified example. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a waterproof member according to a second modified example. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 9.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Disclosure] First, embodiments of the Disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The electrical equipment disclosed herein is as follows:

[0011] (1) An electrical device comprising an electronic component, a housing in which the electronic component is housed, a wire harness having one end connected to the electronic component inside the housing, an intermediate portion penetrating the housing, and the other end extending to the outside of the housing, and a waterproof member provided in the portion of the housing through which the intermediate portion of the wire harness penetrates, wherein the wire harness includes a plurality of wiring members, and the waterproof member includes a plurality of insertion portions through which the plurality of wiring members pass individually, and each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member through which it passes.

[0012] In the electrical equipment described in (1), each of the multiple insertion points is made of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member through which it is passed, thereby preventing water from entering the housing through the wiring member. This improves the waterproofness of the electrical equipment.

[0013] (2) In the electrical equipment of (1), the housing includes a housing body having an opening and housing the electronic components, and a lid that closes the opening of the housing body, and the waterproof member may be provided on the lid. This allows the lid, the waterproof member and the wire harness to be integrated.

[0014] (3) In the electrical equipment of (1) or (2), the waterproof member has a base portion that supports the plurality of insertion portions, and the base portion may be detachably attached to the housing. This makes it easy to accommodate design changes or multiple specifications by attaching waterproof members corresponding to the plurality of wiring members to the housing.

[0015] (4) In any one of the electrical devices described in (1) to (3), each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, and at least some of the plurality of insertion portions are first insertion portions having a first inner diameter portion and a second inner diameter portion, the first inner diameter portion being the portion of the first insertion portion located on the housing side and having a first inner diameter, and the second inner diameter portion being the portion of the first insertion portion located closer to the tip than the first inner diameter portion and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter, the second inner diameter portion may be in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member passing through the first insertion portion. This makes it possible to suppress water from entering the wiring member through the first insertion portion. If it becomes necessary to pass a wiring member with a larger diameter than the first insertion portion, the tip of the first insertion portion can be cut to accommodate the larger diameter wiring member.

[0016] (5) In the electrical equipment of (4), at least some of the plurality of insertion portions are second insertion portions that are shorter than the first insertion portion, the second insertion portion has an inner diameter portion having the same inner diameter as the first inner diameter portion, the outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the second insertion portion is larger than the outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the first insertion portion, and the inner diameter portion may be in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member passing through the second insertion portion. This makes it possible to suppress water ingress through small diameter wiring members in the first insertion portion and to suppress water ingress through large diameter wiring members in the second insertion portion.

[0017] (6) In any one of the electrical devices described in (1) to (5), each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, and the waterproof member may include a closed pipe portion made of an elastic material with one end closed. This allows for the creation of a new insertion portion by opening both ends of the closed pipe portion, such as by cutting off one end of the closed pipe portion.

[0018] (7) In the electrical equipment of (6), the closed pipe portion has a first inner diameter portion and a second inner diameter portion, the first inner diameter portion is the portion of the closed pipe portion located on the housing side and having a first inner diameter, and the second inner diameter portion is the portion of the closed pipe portion located closer to the tip than the first inner diameter portion and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter, and the end closer to the tip than the second inner diameter portion may be closed. This makes it possible to accommodate differences in the diameter of the wiring member to be passed through the closed pipe portion by changing the portion to be cut when the closed pipe portion is used as an insertion portion.

[0019] (8) The wire harness with a cover of the present disclosure further comprises a cover that closes an opening in a housing body that houses an electronic component, a wire harness having one end that penetrates the cover and is connected to an electronic component, and the other end that is opposite to the one end that extends out of the cover, and a waterproof member provided in the part of the cover through which the intermediate part of the wire harness penetrates, wherein the wire harness includes a plurality of wiring members, and the waterproof member includes a plurality of insertion parts through which the plurality of wiring members pass individually, and each of the plurality of insertion parts is formed of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member through which it passes.

[0020] In the wire harness with cover of (8), each of the multiple insertion points is made of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member through which it is passed, thereby preventing water from entering through the wire harness insertion point in the cover. This improves the waterproofness of the electrical equipment to which the cover is attached.

[0021] [Details of Embodiments of the Disclosure] Specific examples of the electrical equipment of the Disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. However, the Disclosure 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.

[0022] 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. Furthermore, the terms "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification include not only cases where they are strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also cases where they are approximately parallel or orthogonal within the range that achieves the function and effect of this embodiment.

[0023] In this disclosure, the three mutually orthogonal directions are defined as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. One side of the X direction is designated as the X1 direction, and the other side as the X2 direction. One side of the Y direction is designated as the Y1 direction, and the other side as the Y2 direction. One side of the Z direction is designated as the Z1 direction, and the other side as the Z2 direction. In each drawing, the X1 direction, X2 direction, Y1 direction, Y2 direction, Z1 direction, and Z2 direction are shown.

[0024] [Embodiment 1] The electrical equipment according to Embodiment 1 will be described below. Figure 1 is a plan view showing the electrical equipment 10 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a front view showing the electrical equipment 10. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of region R1 in Figure 3. Figure 5 is an exploded plan view showing the electrical equipment 10.

[0025] The electrical device 10 comprises electronic components 20, a housing 30, a wire harness 40, and a waterproof member 50.

[0026] The electronic component 20 may include a circuit board 21 and a connector 22. The connector 22 is, for example, a board connector connected to the circuit board 21. The electronic component 20 may also be, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0027] The electronic components 20 are housed in the housing 30. The housing 30 includes a housing body 31 and a lid 34. The electronic components 20 are housed in the housing body 31. The housing body 31 has a housing section 32 and an opening 33. The housing section 32 is a hollow portion inside the housing body 31. The housing section 32 may be sized to accommodate the circuit board 21 in a plan view. The opening 33 connects the housing section 32 to the outside of the housing 30. As shown by arrow A1 in Figure 5, for example, the opening 33 may be an opening for inserting and removing the circuit board 21 from the housing body 31. For example, almost the entire surface of one side of the housing body 31 may be the opening 33. The opening 33 may be an opening other than for the circuit board 21.

[0028] The lid 34 closes the opening 33 of the housing body 31. The lid 34 has a closing portion 35 and a mounting portion 38. The closing portion 35 is the part that closes the opening 33. The mounting portion 38 is the part that is attached to the housing body 31. The configuration of the mounting portion 38 is not particularly limited, and known mounting structures for the housing body 31 and the lid 34 can be applied.

[0029] One end of the wire harness 40 is connected to the electronic component 20 inside the housing 30. The middle section of the wire harness 40 passes through the housing 30. The other end of the wire harness 40 extends outside the housing 30.

[0030] The wire harness 40 includes a plurality of wiring members 41. Each wiring member 41 is an electric wire or an optical fiber, etc. Here, each wiring member 41 is an insulated electric wire. An insulated electric wire has a core wire 42 and an insulating coating 43 that covers the core wire 42. Here, an example is described in which all of the plurality of wiring members 41 are the same thickness. The plurality of wiring members 41 may consist of multiple types of wiring members 41 with different thicknesses. An example in which the plurality of wiring members 41 consist of multiple types of wiring members 41 with different thicknesses will be described in the modified examples below.

[0031] A connector 44 is provided at one end of the wiring member 41. The connector 44 is connected to the connector 22 inside the housing 30. The connector 44 is a non-waterproof type connector. For example, the connector 44 includes a plurality of connector terminals and a connector housing. The connector terminals are connected to the end of the wiring member by crimping or the like. The connector housing is formed in a box shape. A plurality of cavities are formed in the connector housing. Connector terminals are housed in each cavity. The cavities penetrate two faces of the connector housing that are opposite each other. For example, in a non-waterproof type connector, while the structure is simple, water can flow from one end opening of the cavity through the other end opening. As shown by arrow A2 in Figure 5, the connector 44 may be connected to the connector 22 located inside the housing 30 when the lid 34 is attached to the housing body 31.

[0032] A connector 45 may be provided at the other end of the wiring member 41. The connector 45 may be connected to a connector of another device or another wire harness. Multiple wiring members 41 may be bundled together between the waterproof member 50 and the connector 45 by a bundling member 46. The bundling member 46 may be a bundling member such as tape or cable ties, or an exterior member (protective member) such as a sheet or protector. Of the multiple wiring members 41, the bundled wiring between the waterproof member 50 and the connector 44 does not have to be bundled together by a bundling member 46.

[0033] The waterproof member 50 is provided in the housing 30 at the portion through which the intermediate part of the wire harness 40 passes. In this case, the waterproof member 50 is provided on the lid 34. The waterproof member 50 includes a plurality of insertion portions 52. In this case, the waterproof member 50 includes a closed pipe portion 56 and a base portion 60.

[0034] Each of the multiple insertion sections 52 is formed in a tubular shape. Both ends of each insertion section 52 are open. The insertion sections 52 are configured so that multiple wiring members 41 can pass through them individually. Each of the multiple insertion sections 52 is made of an elastic material. The elastic material is rubber or elastomer, for example. The elastic material may be EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber), for example. Each insertion section 52 is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41 through which it is passed. This prevents water from entering between the insertion section 52 and the wiring member 41.

[0035] The closed section 56 is formed of an elastic material. The closed section 56 is formed in a tubular shape. One end of the closed section 56 is closed. In this case, the other end of the closed section 56 is open.

[0036] The base portion 60 supports a plurality of insertion portions 52. The base portion 60 is detachably attached to the housing 30. For example, the portion of the base portion 60 that is on the outer edge side of the portion that supports the insertion portions 52 may be attached to the lid 34 by fastening members 62. In the lid 34, an inner flange portion 37 may protrude from the inner surface of the through hole 36 toward the inner circumference, and fastening members 62 may be fastened to the inner flange portion 37. Fastening members 62 may also be fastened to the outer surface of the lid 34 that faces away from the housing body 31.

[0037] The base portion 60 may be separate from the insertion portion 52. In this case, a plurality of through holes may be formed in the base portion 60, and the base end portion 53 of the insertion portion 52 may be fitted into each of the plurality of through holes. This allows the base portion 60 to support the insertion portion 52. Furthermore, in the fitted portion, the insertion portion 52 and the inner surface or inner peripheral edge of the through hole 36 are in contact around the entire circumference, which can prevent water from entering between the base portion 60 and the insertion portion 52.

[0038] The base portion 60 may be made of, for example, a hard resin. In this case, the space between the base portion 60 and the lid 34 may be sealed by an annular water-sealing member 61 such as an O-ring. For example, the annular water-sealing member 61 may be located between the insertion portion 52 and the fastening member 62. For example, the annular water-sealing member 61 may be in contact with the inner flange portion 37. The annular water-sealing member 61 may be provided on the lid 34 or on the waterproof member 50.

[0039] The base portion 60 may be made of an elastic material. In this case, the base portion 60 may be separate from the multiple insertion portions 52, or it may be integrated with them. If the base portion 60 is integrated with the multiple insertion portions 52, the part where the materials are connected becomes the part that supports the base portion 60 and the insertion portions 52, and the support structure between the base portion 60 and the insertion portions 52 can be simplified. Also, if the base portion 60 is made of an elastic material, water can be stopped between the periphery of the through hole 36 of the lid 34 and the base portion 60 by fitting the base portion 60 into the through hole 36 of the lid 34, without the need for an annular water-stopping member 61 or the like.

[0040] However, the base portion 60 may be omitted. In this case, instead of the through hole 36, multiple through holes of the base portion 60 may be formed in the lid 34, and each insertion portion 52 may be individually attached to the lid 34.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the wire harness 40, the cover 34, and the waterproof member 50 can be considered as a wire harness with a cover 100, which are all integrated together.

[0042] A covered wire harness 100 includes a cover 34, a wire harness 40, and a waterproof member 50. The cover 34 closes an opening 33 of a housing body 31 that accommodates an electronic component 20. An intermediate portion of the wire harness 40 penetrates the cover 34. One end and the other end of the wire harness 40 extend from the cover 34 to opposite sides from each other. One end is connected to the electronic component 20. The other end is connected to another device or a connector of another wire harness 40 or the like. The waterproof member 50 is provided in a portion of the cover 34 through which the intermediate portion of the wire harness 40 penetrates. The wire harness 40 includes a plurality of wiring members 41. The waterproof member 50 includes a plurality of insertion portions 52 through which the plurality of wiring members 41 individually pass. Each of the plurality of insertion portions 52 is formed of an elastic material. Each insertion portion 52 is in contact with an outer circumference of the wiring member 41 passed therethrough.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating how the covered wire harness 100 is manufactured.

[0044] A method for manufacturing the covered wire harness 100 includes a first insertion step, a connector attaching step, a second insertion step, and a waterproof member attaching step. Unless otherwise specified, the order of these steps is not fixed.

[0045] The first insertion step is a step of passing the wiring member 41 through the insertion portion 52. For example, the insertion portion 52 may originally be a closed tube portion 56. In the closed tube portion 56 through which the wiring member 41 is scheduled to be passed, as indicated by arrow A3 in FIG. 6, a closed end 57 is cut by a cutting tool C. A portion remaining after the closed end 57 is cut away from the closed tube portion 56 serves as the insertion portion 52. As indicated by arrow A4 in FIG. 6, the wiring member 41 is passed through the insertion portion 52. The first insertion step is preferably performed before the connector attaching step.

[0046] The connector attaching step is a step of attaching a connector 44 to one end of the wiring member 41. For example, the connector is attached by attaching a connector terminal to one end of each wiring member 41 and inserting each connector terminal into a cavity of a connector housing.

[0047] The second inserting step is a step of passing the wiring member 41 through the through hole 36 of the cover 34. The second inserting step is preferably performed after the first inserting step. When the through hole 36 of the cover 34 has a size that allows the connector 44 to pass therethrough, the second inserting step may be performed after the connector attaching step. When the through hole 36 of the cover 34 does not have a size that allows the connector 44 to pass therethrough, the second inserting step is preferably performed before the connector attaching step.

[0048] The waterproof member attaching step is a step of attaching the waterproof member 50 to the cover 34. The waterproof member 50 can be attached to the cover 34 by fastening the waterproof member 50 to the cover 34 with a fastening member 62.

[0049] By performing the first inserting step and the connector attaching step, a wire harness with a waterproof member is obtained. By performing the second inserting step and the waterproof member attaching step on the wire harness with a waterproof member, a covered wire harness 100 is obtained. Note that the covered wire harness 100 may be obtained without going through the wire harness with a waterproof member. For example, the first inserting step, the second inserting step, and the connector attaching step may be performed after the waterproof member attaching step.

[0050] A method for manufacturing an electrical device 10 includes an accommodating step, a connecting step, and a cover attaching step, in addition to the above steps of the method for manufacturing the covered wire harness 100. The accommodating step is a step of accommodating the electronic component 20 in the housing body 31. The connecting step is a step of connecting the connectors 22 and 44 to each other. The cover attaching step is a step of attaching the cover 34 to the housing body 31. The cover attaching step is performed after the accommodating step and the connecting step. The accommodating step and the connecting step can be performed in any order.

[0051] The electrical device 10 may be manufactured without going through the covered wire harness 100. For example, the waterproof member attaching step may be performed at the end of the above steps.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a front view showing a waterproof member 150 according to a first modification. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7. In the following description, elements described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, a waterproof member 150 may be attached to the lid 34 instead of the waterproof member 50. A waterproof member 50 may be attached to the through hole 36 of the lid 34 as shown by arrow A5. A waterproof member 150 may be attached to the through hole 36 of the lid 34 as shown by arrow A6. The waterproof member 150 has multiple types (in this case, three types) of insertion portions 152A, 152B, and 152C with different inner diameters. The inner diameter of insertion portion 152A is larger than the inner diameter of insertion portion 152B, and the inner diameter of insertion portion 152B is larger than the inner diameter of insertion portion 152C.

[0054] Wiring members 41A, 41B, and 41C of corresponding thicknesses pass through insertion sections 152A, 152B, and 152C. Wiring member 41A passes through insertion section 52A, wiring member 41B passes through insertion section 52B, and wiring member 41C passes through insertion section 52C. The outer diameter of wiring member 41A is larger than the outer diameter of wiring member 41B, and the outer diameter of wiring member 41B is larger than the outer diameter of wiring member 41C. The outer diameter of wiring member 41A is the outer diameter of the insulating coating 43A of wiring member 41A. The outer diameter of wiring member 41B is the outer diameter of the insulating coating 43B of wiring member 41B. The outer diameter of wiring member 41C is the outer diameter of the insulating coating 43C of wiring member 41C. The conductor size of the core wire 42A of wiring member 41A is larger than the conductor size of the core wire 42B of wiring member 41B, and the conductor size of the core wire 42B of wiring member 41B is larger than the conductor size of the core wire 42C of wiring member 41C.

[0055] Since the waterproof members 50 and 150 are separate parts from the lid 34, the number of parts can be reduced when the type (size) of the housing and the type of waterproof member differ by replacing them with the lid 34 according to the number and diameter of the wiring members 41. Specifically, if there are three types of housings and three types of waterproof members, then 3 x 3 = 9 types of parts are required to accommodate the differences in housing types and waterproof member types. In contrast, as in this disclosure, when the lid 34 and the waterproof members 50 and 150 are separate parts, the 3 types of lids and the 3 types of waterproof members, a total of 6 types of parts, can accommodate the above 9 types of parts.

[0056] Figure 9 is a front view showing a waterproof member 250 according to a second modified example. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X in Figure 9.

[0057] The waterproof member 250 includes three types of insertion portions 252A, 252B, and 252C. Wiring members 41A, 41B, and 41C of corresponding thicknesses are passed through the insertion portions 252A, 252B, and 252C. Wiring member 41A is passed through insertion portion 252A, wiring member 41B is passed through insertion portion 252B, and wiring member 41C is passed through insertion portion 252C. Insertion portion 252A is shorter than insertion portion 252B, and insertion portion 252B is shorter than insertion portion 252C. The positions of the base ends 53 of insertion portions 252A, 252B, and 252C are the same. The positions of the tip ends 54 of insertion portions 252A, 252B, and 252C are different. The amount of protrusion of the insertion portion 252C from the base portion 60 is greater than the amount of protrusion of the insertion portion 252B, and the amount of protrusion of the insertion portion 252B from the base portion 60 is greater than the amount of protrusion of the insertion portion 252A.

[0058] The insertion portion 252A has one inner diameter portion 255A. The inner diameter portion 255A is a portion having an inner diameter D1. The inner diameter portion 255A is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41A that passes through the insertion portion 52A.

[0059] The insertion portion 252B has an inner diameter portion 255B in addition to the inner diameter portion 255A. The insertion portion 52B has two inner diameter portions 255A and 255B. The inner diameter portion 255B is located on the tip side of the insertion portion 252B than the inner diameter portion 255A. The inner diameter portion 255B is a portion having an inner diameter D2 that is smaller than the inner diameter D1. The inner diameter portion 255B is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41B that passes through the insertion portion 252B. The inner diameter portions 255A and 255B are connected in a stepped manner. The inner diameter portions 255A and 255B may be connected in a uniform tapered manner.

[0060] The insertion portion 252C has an inner diameter portion 255C in addition to the inner diameter portions 255A and 255B. The insertion portion 252C has three inner diameter portions 255A, 255B, and 255C. The inner diameter portion 255C is located on the tip side of the insertion portion 252C, closer to the inner diameter portion 255B. The inner diameter portion 255C is a portion having an inner diameter D3 that is smaller than the inner diameter D2. The inner diameter portion 255C is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41C that passes through the insertion portion 252C. The inner diameter portions 255B and 255C are connected in a stepped manner. The inner diameter portions 255B and 255C may be connected in a uniform tapered manner.

[0061] The waterproof member 250 includes a closed pipe section 256. The closed pipe section 256 is closed at one end, similar to the closed pipe section 56. The closed pipe section 256 has inner diameter sections 259A, 259B, and 259C, similar to the insertion section 252C. The inner diameter sections 259A, 259B, and 259C of the closed pipe section 256 have the same configuration as the inner diameter sections 255A, 255B, and 255C of the insertion sections 252A, 252B, and 252C. In the closed pipe section 256, the end closer to the tip than the inner diameter section 255C is a closed end 57.

[0062] The closed section 256, like the closed section 56 described above, remains as a closed section 56 when there is no wiring member 41 to pass through, and the tip portion including the closed end 57 is cut off when there is a wiring member 41 to pass through. In this case, depending on the cutting position of the closed section 256, it becomes one of the insertion sections 252A, 252B, or 252C. Specifically, if the closed section 256 is cut at the tip of the inner diameter section 259A as shown by arrow A7, it becomes the insertion section 252A. If the closed section 256 is cut at the tip of the inner diameter section 259B as shown by arrow A8, it becomes the insertion section 252B. If the closed section 256 is cut at the tip of the inner diameter section 259C as shown by arrow A9, it becomes the insertion section 252C.

[0063] In the waterproof member 250, the outer diameters of the inner diameter portions 259A, 259B, and 259C may be the same. This makes it easier to manufacture the waterproof member 250.

[0064] If the outer diameters of the inner diameter portions 259A, 259B, and 259C are the same, it may be difficult to determine the exact cutting position when cutting the closed pipe portion 256 to create through portions 252A, 252B, and 252C. In this case, annular recesses S1, S2, and S3 may be provided on the outer surface of the closed pipe portion 256. Each of the annular recesses S1, S2, and S3 may be provided, for example, so as to be continuous over the entire circumference of the outer surface of the closed pipe portion 256, or it may be provided only in a part of the circumference.

[0065] The annular recess S1 serves as a guide for the cutting position when transitioning from the closed pipe section 256 to the insertion section 252A. For example, the annular recess S1 is provided at the end of the inner diameter section 259A on the inner diameter section 259B side. The annular recess S1 remains in the insertion sections 252B and 252C. The annular recess S1 may or may not remain in the insertion section 252A. For example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut on the closed end 57 side of the annular recess S1, the annular recess S1 remains in the insertion section 252A. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 56 is cut on the open end 58 side of the annular recess S1, the annular recess S1 does not remain in the insertion section 252A. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut at the bottom of the annular recess S1, the corner of the outer surface of the tip 54 of the insertion section 252A becomes tapered.

[0066] The annular recess S2 serves as a guide for the cutting position when transitioning from the closed pipe section 256 to the insertion section 252B. For example, the annular recess S2 is provided at the end of the inner diameter section 259B on the inner diameter section 259C side. The annular recess S2 remains in the insertion section 252C but not in the insertion section 252A. The annular recess S2 may or may not remain in the insertion section 252B. For example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut on the closed end 57 side of the annular recess S2, the annular recess S2 remains in the insertion section 252B. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut on the open end 58 side of the annular recess S2, the annular recess S2 does not remain in the insertion section 252B. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut at the bottom of the annular recess S2, the corner of the outer surface of the tip 54 of the insertion section 252B becomes tapered.

[0067] The annular recess S3 serves as a guide for the cutting position when transitioning from the closed pipe section 256 to the insertion section 252C. For example, the annular recess S3 is provided in the inner diameter section 259C at a position close to the closed end 57. The annular recess S3 does not remain in the insertion sections 252A and 252B. The annular recess S3 may or may not remain in the insertion section 252C. For example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut on the closed end 57 side of the annular recess S3, the annular recess S3 remains in the insertion section 252C. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut on the open end 58 side of the annular recess S3, the annular recess S3 does not remain in the insertion section 252C. Also, for example, if the closed pipe section 256 is cut at the bottom of the annular recess S3, the corner of the outer surface of the tip 54 of the insertion section 252C becomes tapered. In the closed pipe section 56 described above, an annular recess similar to the annular recess S3 may be formed as a guide for the cutting position of the closed end 57.

[0068] Of the multiple insertion portions 252A, 252B, and 252C in the waterproof member 250, at least some of the insertion portions are first insertion portions. The first insertion portion has a first inner diameter portion and a second inner diameter portion. The first inner diameter portion is located on the housing 30 side of the first insertion portion. The first inner diameter portion is the part having a first inner diameter. The second inner diameter portion is located on the tip side of the first insertion portion than the first inner diameter portion. The second inner diameter portion is the part having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter. The second inner diameter portion is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member passing through the first insertion portion.

[0069] Furthermore, at least some of the multiple insertion portions 252A, 252B, and 252C in the waterproof member 250 are second insertion portions. The second insertion portion is shorter than the first insertion portion. The second insertion portion has an inner diameter portion having the same inner diameter as the first inner diameter portion. The outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the second insertion portion is larger than the outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the first insertion portion. The inner diameter portion is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member passing through the second insertion portion.

[0070] Of the insertion parts 252A, 252B, and 252C described above, insertion parts 252B and 252C are examples of the first insertion part, and insertion parts 252A and 252B are examples of the second insertion part. For example, in the combination of insertion parts 252A and 252B, insertion part 252B becomes the first insertion part and insertion part 252A becomes the second insertion part. Also, for example, in the combination of insertion parts 252A and 252C, insertion part 252C becomes the first insertion part and insertion part 52A becomes the second insertion part. Also, for example, in the combination of insertion parts 252B and 252C, insertion part 252C becomes the first insertion part and insertion part 252B becomes the second insertion part.

[0071] Of the inner diameter portions 255A, 255B, and 255C described above, inner diameter portions 255A and 255B are examples of first inner diameter portions, and inner diameter portions 255B and 255C are examples of second inner diameter portions. For example, in the combination of inner diameter portions 255A and 255B, inner diameter portion 255A becomes the first inner diameter portion, and inner diameter portion 255B becomes the second inner diameter portion. Also, for example, in the combination of inner diameter portions 255A and 255C, inner diameter portion 255 becomes the first inner diameter portion, and inner diameter portion 255C becomes the second inner diameter portion. Also, for example, in the combination of inner diameter portions 255B and 255C, inner diameter portion 255B becomes the first inner diameter portion, and inner diameter portion 255C becomes the second inner diameter portion.

[0072] The closed pipe section 256 in the waterproof member 250 has a first inner diameter section and a second inner diameter section. The first inner diameter section is located on the housing 30 side of the closed pipe section 256. The first inner diameter section is the part having a first inner diameter. The second inner diameter section is located on the tip side of the closed pipe section 256, closer to the first inner diameter section. The second inner diameter section is the part having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter. In the closed pipe section 256, the end closer to the tip side of the second inner diameter section is closed.

[0073] Of the inner diameter portions 259A, 259B, and 259C described above, inner diameter portions 259A and 259B are examples of first inner diameter portions, and inner diameter portions 259B and 259C are examples of second inner diameter portions. For example, in the combination of inner diameter portions 259A and 259B, inner diameter portion 259A becomes the first inner diameter portion, and inner diameter portion 259B becomes the second inner diameter portion. Also, for example, in the combination of inner diameter portions 259A and 259C, inner diameter portion 259A becomes the first inner diameter portion, and inner diameter portion 259C becomes the second inner diameter portion. Also, for example, in the combination of inner diameter portions 259B and 259C, inner diameter portion 259B becomes the first inner diameter portion, and inner diameter portion 259C becomes the second inner diameter portion.

[0074] A single housing 30 and waterproof member 250 can be applied to multiple types of electronic components 20 and wire harnesses 40. In the case of the waterproof members 50 and 150, if there are no waterproof members 50 and 150 with a number or diameter of holes that correspond to the wiring components 41, 41A, 41B, and 41C used, it may be necessary to install new waterproof members 50 and 150. In this case, there is a risk that the number of component types for the waterproof members 50 and 150 will increase.

[0075] In the waterproof member 250, multiple thicknesses are provided in the hollow portion inside the closed pipe section 256. By changing the cut portion of the closed pipe section 256 according to the thickness of the wiring members 41A, 41B, and 41C used, it becomes either an insertion section 252A, an insertion section 252B, or an insertion section 252C. This allows for the absorption of variations in the thickness of the wiring members 41A, 41B, and 41C, and suppresses the increase in the number of component types of the waterproof member 250.

[0076] <Effects, etc.> With the electrical device 10 configured as described above, each of the multiple insertion parts 52 is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41 through which it is made of an elastic material, thereby preventing water from entering the housing 30 through the penetration part of the wiring member 41. This improves the waterproofness of the electrical device 10.

[0077] The electronic component 20 is, for example, a non-waterproof ECU. Non-waterproof ECUs are generally mounted in locations where they are not exposed to water. If a non-waterproof ECU is placed in a location where it may be exposed to water, it is necessary to prevent failure due to water exposure. As a countermeasure against water exposure, for example, it is conceivable to use a housing and connector with high waterproof performance. However, in this case, the mounting location may be limited, and the design for waterproofing may require additional time and effort, potentially increasing costs. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to provide simple waterproofing performance with as little additional cost as possible.

[0078] In this disclosure, a housing 30 sized to cover a non-waterproof ECU is created, and a configuration is provided within the housing 30 to prevent water from passing through the wire harness 40 penetration points, thereby achieving water ingress prevention easily and at low cost. Specifically, when a bundle of multiple wiring members 41 is passed through the housing 30, water may enter due to capillary action in the small gaps in the bundle, or due to pressure changes through the gaps. In response to this, in this disclosure, a passage 52 is provided in the housing 30 at the wire harness 40 penetration points, allowing each wiring member 41 of the wire harness 40 to pass through individually, thereby sealing each wiring member 41 individually. This suppresses water ingress due to capillary action in the small gaps in the bundle, or due to pressure changes through the gaps.

[0079] Furthermore, the waterproof member 50 is provided on the lid 34 of the housing 30. This allows the lid 34, the waterproof member 50, and the wire harness 40 to be integrated into one unit.

[0080] Furthermore, the waterproof member 50 has a base portion 60 that supports multiple insertion portions 52, and the base portion 60 is detachably attached to the housing 30. This makes it easy to accommodate design changes or multiple specifications by attaching waterproof members 50 corresponding to multiple wiring members 41 to the housing 30.

[0081] Furthermore, the waterproof member 50 includes a closed pipe section 56 formed of an elastic material with one end closed. This allows for the creation of a new insertion section 52 by opening both ends of the closed pipe section 56, such as by cutting off one end of the closed pipe section 56.

[0082] Furthermore, in the waterproof member 250, the second inner diameter portion 255B (255C) of the first insertion portion 252B (252C) is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41B (41C) that passes through the first insertion portion 252B (252C). This prevents water from entering the first insertion portion 252B (252C) via the wiring member 41B (41C). Also, if it becomes necessary to pass a wiring member 41A (41B) with a larger diameter than the first insertion portion 252B (252C), the tip of the first insertion portion 252B (252C) can be cut off to accommodate the larger diameter wiring member 41A (41B).

[0083] Furthermore, in the waterproof member 250, the inner diameter portion 255A (255B) of the second insertion portion 252A (252B), which has the same inner diameter as the first inner diameter portion 255A (255B) of the first insertion portion 252B (252C), is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41A (41B) passing through the second insertion portion 252A (252B). This makes it possible to suppress water ingress through the small-diameter wiring member 41B (41C) in the first insertion portion 252B (252C), and to suppress water ingress through the large-diameter wiring member 41A (41B) in the second insertion portion 252A (252B).

[0084] Furthermore, in the waterproof member 250, the closed pipe section 256 has a first inner diameter section 259A (259B) and a second inner diameter section 259B (259C), and the end of the closed pipe section 256 closer to the tip than the second inner diameter section 259B (259C) is closed. This makes it possible to accommodate the differences in diameter of the wiring members 41A, 41B, and 41C that pass through the closed pipe section 256 by changing the portion that is cut off when the closed pipe section 256 is made into insertion sections 252A, 252B, and 252C.

[0085] Furthermore, with the wire harness 100 with a cover configured as described above, each of the multiple insertion portions 52 is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member 41 through which it is passed, which is made of an elastic material. This prevents water from entering through the wire harness 40 at the cover 34. As a result, the waterproofness of the electrical equipment 10 to which the cover 34 is attached can be improved.

[0086] [Note] The components described in each of the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0087] 10 Electrical equipment 20 Electronic components 21 Circuit board 22 Connector 30 Housing 31 Housing body 32 Housing section 33 Opening 34 Cover 35 Closure section 36 Through hole 37 Inner flange section 38 Mounting section 40 Wire harness 41, 41A, 41B, 41C Wiring member 42, 42A, 42B, 42C Core wire 43, 43A, 43B, 43C Insulation coating 44, 45 Connector 50, 150, 250 Waterproof member 52, 152A, 152B, 152C, 252A, 252B, 252C Insertion section 53 Base end 54 Tip 56, 256 Closed pipe section 57 Closed end 58 Open end 60 Base section 61 Annular water-stopping member 62 Fastening member 100 Wire harness with cover 255A, 255B, 255C, 259A, 259B, 259C Inner diameter portion S1, S2, S3 Annular recess

Claims

1. An electrical device comprising: an electronic component; a housing in which the electronic component is housed; a wire harness having one end connected to the electronic component inside the housing, an intermediate portion penetrating the housing, and the other end extending to the outside of the housing; and a waterproof member provided in the portion of the housing through which the intermediate portion of the wire harness penetrates, wherein the wire harness includes a plurality of wiring members, the waterproof member includes a plurality of insertion portions through which the plurality of wiring members pass individually, and each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member through which it passes.

2. An electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a housing body having an opening and housing the electronic components, and a lid that closes the opening of the housing body, and the waterproof member is provided on the lid.

3. An electrical device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the waterproof member has a base portion that supports the plurality of insertion portions, and the base portion is detachably attached to the housing.

4. An electrical device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, at least a portion of the plurality of insertion portions is a first insertion portion having a first inner diameter portion and a second inner diameter portion, the first inner diameter portion is a portion of the first insertion portion located on the housing side and having a first inner diameter, the second inner diameter portion is a portion of the first insertion portion located closer to the tip than the first inner diameter portion and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter, and the second inner diameter portion is in contact with the outer circumference of a wiring member passing through the first insertion portion.

5. An electrical device according to claim 4, wherein at least some of the plurality of insertion portions are second insertion portions that are shorter than the first insertion portion, the second insertion portion has an inner diameter portion having the same inner diameter as the first inner diameter portion, the outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the second insertion portion is larger than the outer diameter of the wiring member passing through the first insertion portion, and the inner diameter portion is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member passing through the second insertion portion.

6. An electrical device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of insertion portions is formed in a tubular shape with both ends open, and the waterproof member includes a closed pipe portion formed of an elastic material with one end closed.

7. An electrical device according to claim 6, wherein the closed tube portion has a first inner diameter portion and a second inner diameter portion, the first inner diameter portion is a portion of the closed tube portion located on the housing side and having a first inner diameter, the second inner diameter portion is a portion of the closed tube portion located closer to the tip than the first inner diameter portion and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter, and the end portion closer to the tip than the second inner diameter portion is closed.

8. A wire harness with a cover, comprising: a cover that closes an opening in the main body of a housing that houses electronic components; a wire harness having one end that penetrates the cover and is connected to the electronic components, and the other end that is opposite to the one end that extends from the cover; and a waterproof member provided in the portion of the cover through which the intermediate portion of the wire harness penetrates, wherein the wire harness includes a plurality of wiring members, and the waterproof member includes a plurality of insertion parts through which the plurality of wiring members pass individually, and each of the plurality of insertion parts is formed of an elastic material and is in contact with the outer circumference of the wiring member through which it passes.

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