Wire harness

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide technology with which it is possible to reduce the width dimension of a flat wire harness. This wire harness comprises: a flat wiring body layer containing a sheet material and a plurality of linear transmission members fixed on the sheet material; and a flexible printed circuit board layer containing a film and a plurality of conductive patterns provided to the film. Each of the plurality of linear transmission members has an individual coating layer provided as separate from the sheet material. The film forms an insulating coating that collectively insulates the plurality of conductive patterns. The flexible printed circuit board layer and the flat wiring body layer overlap one another.

Description

Wire harness

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wire harness including a first wiring group and a second wiring group that are each formed flat and stacked.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2023-111112

[0004] In a flattened wire harness, it is desired to also reduce the width dimension.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reducing the width dimension of a flattened wire harness.

[0006] The wire harness of the present disclosure includes a flat wiring body layer including a sheet material and a plurality of linear transmission members fixed on the sheet material, and a flexible printed circuit board layer including a film and a plurality of conductive patterns provided on the film, wherein each of the plurality of linear transmission members has an individual coating layer provided separately from the sheet material, the film forms an insulating coating that collectively insulates the plurality of conductive patterns, and the flexible printed circuit board layer and the flat wiring body layer overlap each other.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in a flattened wire harness, the width dimension can also be reduced.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a state where the wire harness according to the first embodiment is arranged in a vehicle. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the wire harness according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded plan view showing the wire harness according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a region R1 in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the region R1 in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of an interlayer fixing portion. Fig. 8 is a front view showing a first modified example of a combined connector. Fig. 9 is a front view showing a second modified example of the combined connector.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described.

[0010] The wire harness of this disclosure is as follows:

[0011] (1) A wire harness comprising a sheet material, a flat wiring layer including a plurality of linear transmission members fixed on the sheet material, and a flexible printed circuit board layer including a film and a plurality of conductive patterns provided on the film, wherein each of the plurality of linear transmission members has an individual covering layer provided separately from the sheet material, the film provides an insulating covering that insulates the plurality of conductive patterns together, and the flexible printed circuit board layer and the flat wiring layer overlap.

[0012] According to the wire harness of (1), by including a flexible printed circuit board layer, the dimensions along the parallel direction of the circuits can be reduced compared to when all circuits are linear transmission members. By including a flat wiring layer, the sheet material of the flat wiring layer can be used as a protective material for the flexible printed circuit board layer. Furthermore, by including a flat wiring layer, it becomes easier to accommodate changes in the number of circuits, the type of circuits, or the wiring path of the circuits.

[0013] (2) In the wire harness of (1), the flat wiring layer may include a first flat wiring layer that overlaps the flexible printed circuit board layer on one side along the stacking direction, and a second flat wiring layer that overlaps the flexible printed circuit board layer on the other side along the stacking direction. This allows both sides of the flexible printed circuit board layer to be protected by the sheet material of the flat wiring layer.

[0014] (3) In the wire harness of (2), the sheet material of the first flat wiring layer and the sheet material of the second flat wiring layer may be fixed together. This makes it easier to keep the flexible printed circuit board layer sandwiched between the first flat wiring layer and the second flat wiring layer.

[0015] (4) A wire harness in any one of (1) to (3) wherein the plurality of linear transmission members have power lines through which a current greater than the maximum allowable current value in the plurality of conductive patterns flows. This makes it possible to make the circuits in the flexible printed circuit board layer circuits through which small currents flow, and to reduce the spacing between circuits in the flexible printed circuit board layer.

[0016] (5) In any one of the wire harnesses described in (1) to (4), the sheet material of the flat wiring layer and the film of the flexible printed circuit board layer may be fixed together. This makes it easier to maintain the laminated state of the flat wiring layer and the flexible printed circuit board layer.

[0017] (6) In any one of the wire harnesses of (1) to (5), the plurality of linear transmission members may have a first linear transmission member whose one end is connected to a first connection destination, and the plurality of conductive patterns may have a first conductive pattern whose one end is connected to the first connection destination. This makes it possible to use the linear transmission members of the flat wiring layer and the conductive patterns of the flexible printed circuit board layer as circuits connected to the same first connection destination.

[0018] (7) In the wire harness of (6), the flat wiring layer has a first split connector to which one end of the first linear transmission member is connected, and the flexible printed circuit board layer has a second split connector to which one end of the first conductive pattern is connected, and the first split connector and the second split connector may be combined to form a combined connector. In this way, the flat wiring layer and the flexible printed circuit board layer can be connected together to the first connection destination by connecting the combined connector to the mating connector of the first connection destination.

[0019] [Details of Embodiments of the Disclosure] Specific examples of the wire harnesses 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.

[0020] 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, in this specification, "parallel" and "orthogonal" do not only refer to strictly parallel or orthogonal connections, but also to connections that are approximately parallel or orthogonal within the range that achieves the function and effect of this embodiment.

[0021] [Embodiment 1] The wire harness according to Embodiment 1 will be described below. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the wire harness 30 according to Embodiment 1 arranged on a vehicle 10. The front-rear direction (FRONT, REAR), left-right direction (LEFT, RIGHT), and up-down direction (UP, LOW) shown in Figure 1 correspond to the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction in the vehicle 10. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the wire harness 30 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is an exploded plan view showing the wire harness 30 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a perspective view of region R1 in Figure 2. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of region R1 in Figure 2.

[0022] The wire harness 30 is, for example, installed in a vehicle 10. The wire harness 30 includes connector sections 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E, and a wiring section 36. The connector sections 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E are connected to the other wire harness 20 or electrical equipment 22. The wiring section 36 connects the connector sections 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E to each other. The wiring section 36 and the connector sections 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E include transmission lines for transmitting electricity. The wiring section 36 and the connector sections 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E may also include transmission lines for transmitting light.

[0023] Here, the wire harness 30 is interposed between the other wire harness 20 and the electrical equipment 22, connecting the other wire harness 20 and the electrical equipment 22. Here, the wire harness 30 is interposed between multiple types of other wire harnesses 20 and electrical equipment 22, connecting each of the multiple types of other wire harnesses 20 to the electrical equipment 22. The multiple types of other wire harnesses 20 are arranged in different areas of the vehicle 10. The wire harness 30 also connects the multiple types of other wire harnesses 20 to each other. The wiring section 36 includes equipment wiring that connects the other wire harness 20 and the electrical equipment 22, and through-circuit wiring that connects the other wire harnesses 20 to each other. The wire harness 30 may not be connected to the electrical equipment 22, but only to the multiple types of other wire harnesses 20. The wire harness 30 may not be connected to the other wire harnesses 20, but only to the multiple types of electrical equipment 22.

[0024] The placement area of ​​the wire harness 30 in the vehicle 10 is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate. Considering that the wire harness 30 is interposed between multiple types of mating wire harnesses 20, it is preferable that the placement area of ​​the wire harness 30 be an area close to the boundary of multiple areas where the multiple types of mating wire harnesses 20 are each placed. Here, the placement area of ​​the wire harness 30 is described as the area where the dash panel 11 and the cowl side panel 15 intersect.

[0025] The dash panel 11 separates the engine compartment from the passenger compartment in the vehicle 10. The area in front of the dash panel 11 is the engine compartment, and the area behind the dash panel 11 is the passenger compartment. Typically, the instrument panel is located behind the dash panel 11, and the instrument panel is exposed to the passenger compartment. The dash panel 11 includes a main body portion 12 and an overhang portion 13. The main surface of the main body portion 12 of the dash panel 11 extends in the left-right and up-down directions in the vehicle 10. The overhang portion 13 is located below the left-right ends of the main body portion 12. The overhang portion 13 is the part that extends from the main body portion 12 towards the passenger compartment. The overhang portion 13 is the part that provides the wheel wells in the vehicle 10.

[0026] The cowl side panel 15 is connected to the dash panel 11 on both the left and right sides. The main surface of the cowl side panel 15 extends in the front-rear and up-down directions on the vehicle 10. Figure 2 shows the area where the cowl side panel 15, located on the left side of the dash panel 11, intersects with the dash panel 11. The lower front edge of the cowl side panel 15 is curved in accordance with the protruding portion 13.

[0027] The end of the instrument panel reinforcement 17 is fixed to the cowl side panel 15. The instrument panel reinforcement 17 is installed between the dash panel 11 and the instrument panel. The instrument panel reinforcement 17 is a rod-shaped member that is elongated in the left-right direction.

[0028] A floor panel 18 is provided below the area where the dash panel 11 and the cowl side panel 15 intersect. The main surface of the floor panel 18 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions within the vehicle 10.

[0029] If the area where the wire harness 30 is located is the area where the dash panel 11 and the cowl side panel 15 intersect, the mating wire harness 20 could be an engine room harness 20A, an instrument panel harness 20B, a door harness 20C, or a floor harness 20D. The engine room harness 20A is located in the engine room. The instrument panel harness 20B is located so as to extend along the instrument panel reinforcement 17. The door harness 20C is located in the door. The floor harness 20D is located on the floor. The mating wire harness 20 could also be a roof harness. The roof harness is located in the roof.

[0030] In this disclosure, the term "engine room" is a convenient designation for the front compartment located in front of the passenger compartment, and it is not necessarily required that an engine be located in the engine room. Similarly, in this disclosure, the term "engine room harness 20A" is a convenient designation for the mating wire harness 20 located in the front compartment located in front of the passenger compartment.

[0031] The area where the wire harness 30 is located and the area where the engine room harness 20A is located are separated by the dash panel 11. A through-hole 14 is formed in the dash panel 11. The wire harness 30 and the engine room harness 20A are connected through this through-hole 14. Similarly, the area where the wire harness 30 is located and the area where the door harness 20C is located are separated by the cowl side panel 15. A through-hole 16 is formed in the cowl side panel 15. The wire harness 30 and the door harness 20C are connected through this through-hole 16. On the side edge of the floor panel 18 in the vehicle 10, for example, there is a rocker section 18a. The end of the floor harness 20D that is connected to the wire harness 30 extends along the rocker section 18a in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. The roof is located above the area where the dash panel 11 and the cowl side panel 15 intersect. For example, the end of the roof harness that connects to the wire harness 30 may extend along the A-pillar 19 from the roof to the area where the dash panel 11 and the cowl side panel 15 intersect, or to the vicinity thereof.

[0032] <Regarding electrical equipment> The electrical equipment 22 is located in the same area as the wire harness 30. In the example shown in Figure 2, the electrical equipment 22 is fixed to the cowl side panel 15. The electrical equipment 22 may also be fixed to the dash panel 11, instrument panel reinforcement 17, or floor panel 18, etc.

[0033] The electrical device 22 is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). In the vehicle 10, one central ECU and multiple zone ECUs may be provided. Zone ECUs are provided for each of the multiple zones that are divided into in the vehicle 10. Zone ECUs mainly control the equipment located within their respective zones. The central ECU coordinates the multiple zone ECUs to achieve coordinated control for the entire vehicle 10. The electrical device 22 may be, for example, a zone ECU. In this case, the electrical device 22 as a zone ECU controls multiple devices to which the engine room harness 20A, instrument panel harness 20B, door harness 20C, and floor harness 20D are connected.

[0034] However, the electrical device 22, which is an ECU, may be a general-purpose ECU other than a zone ECU. Also, the electrical device 22 does not have to be an ECU; for example, it may be a junction block (also called an electrical connection box, etc.).

[0035] The electrical equipment 22 in this embodiment distributes power supplied from the power source of the vehicle 10. For example, the engine room harness 20A is connected to a power source such as the vehicle 10's battery. The electrical equipment 22 is connected to a power source such as the vehicle 10's battery via the wire harness 30 and the engine room harness 20A, and receives power from the battery. The electrical equipment 22 then supplies power to loads (e.g., gauges, switches, etc.) connected to the instrument panel harness 20B via the wire harness 30 and the instrument panel harness 20B. Similarly, the electrical equipment 22 supplies power to loads connected to the door harness 20C and loads connected to the floor harness 20D.

[0036] The electrical equipment 22 includes a power distribution circuit for distributing power supplied from the power source of the vehicle 10. The power distribution circuit includes conductive parts such as wires or patterns on a circuit board. The power distribution circuit may also include circuit components connected to the conductive parts. The circuit components may be, for example, electromagnetic relays, semiconductor switches, fuses, ICs (Integrated Circuits), etc. The electrical equipment 22 may also include a case that houses the power distribution circuit. Connectors may be provided on the case. The power distribution circuit inside the case and the wire harness 30 may be connected via connectors provided on the case.

[0037] The wire harness 30 comprises a flat wiring layer 40 and a flexible printed circuit board layer 50 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the FPC layer 50). The flat wiring layer 40 and the FPC layer 50 overlap to form a wiring section 36. The flat wiring layer 40 may be one layer or multiple layers. The FPC layer 50 may be one layer or multiple layers. Here, an example is described in which the flat wiring layer 40 consists of two layers and the FPC layer 50 consists of one layer. The flat wiring layer 40 includes a first flat wiring layer 40X and a second flat wiring layer 40Y. The first flat wiring layer 40X overlaps the FPC layer 50 on one side along the stacking direction. The second flat wiring layer 40Y overlaps the FPC layer 50 on the other side along the stacking direction. The FPC layer 50 is located between the first flat wiring layer 40X and the second flat wiring layer 40Y. The wire harness 30 has a generally flattened shape. Because the wire harness 30 has a flattened shape, it is easy to arrange the wire harness 30 along one main surface of the panel.

[0038] The flattened wiring layer 40 includes a sheet material 41 and a plurality of linear transmission members 44 fixed on the sheet material 41. Each of the plurality of linear transmission members 44 has an individual covering layer 46 provided separately from the sheet material 41.

[0039] The sheet material 41 is a member that maintains the multiple linear transmission members 44 in a flattened shape. The sheet material 41 may also be a member that protects the multiple linear transmission members 44. The sheet material 41 may be formed in a shape that branches or bends according to the connection position between the wire harness 30 and the electrical equipment 22, the connection position between the wire harness 30 and the other wire harness 20, and the path of the wiring section 36 between these connection positions.

[0040] The sheet material 41 has flexibility that allows it to bend easily in the thickness direction. For example, the sheet material 41 has enough flexibility to bend under its own weight. The sheet material 41 may have a single layer structure or a multilayer structure of two or more layers. The sheet material 41 has a fixed layer having a main surface to which the linear transmission member 44 is fixed. If the sheet material 41 has a multilayer structure, in addition to the fixed layer, the sheet material 41 has an additional layer laminated on the fixed layer. The additional layer may be made of a different material or have a different structure than the fixed layer. The additional layer enhances the function of the fixed layer or adds a function to the sheet material 41 that is not present in the fixed layer.

[0041] The fixed layer is preferably formed from a material containing a thermoplastic resin such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PE (polyethylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PP (polypropylene). The material constituting the additional layer may be a metal or an inorganic substance, in addition to the materials described for the fixed layer.

[0042] Each layer of the sheet material 41 may be, for example, a sheet having a uniformly solid cross-section (also called a non-foamed sheet or solid sheet). Alternatively, each layer may be a foamed sheet or the like. Alternatively, each layer may be a fibrous material sheet such as a knitted fabric, woven fabric, or nonwoven fabric. Alternatively, each layer may have a mesh structure or the like. For example, the fixed layer may be a solid sheet and the additional layer may be a fibrous material sheet.

[0043] Both the fixing layer and the additional layer may be resin layers. Alternatively, for example, one of the fixing layer and the additional layer may be a resin layer, and the other may be a metal layer. The fixing mode between the fixing layer and the additional layer is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the two are fixed by fusion bonding or adhesion. For example, when at least one of the fixing layer and the additional layer is a sheet having voids on the surface, such as a fiber material sheet or a foamed sheet, a resin material or an adhesive can enter the voids to achieve fixing. This exerts a so-called anchor effect, whereby the fixing layer and the additional layer are firmly fixed.

[0044] Each of the plurality of linear transmission members 44 comprises a transmission line main body 45 and a covering layer 46. The transmission line main body 45 transmits electricity or light. The covering layer 46 covers the transmission line main body 45. The linear transmission member 44 is a covered electric wire or an optical fiber. In the case of a covered electric wire, the core wire corresponds to the transmission line main body 45, and the insulating coating corresponds to the covering layer 46. In the case of an optical fiber, the core and the cladding correspond to the transmission line main body 45, and the coating covering the core and the cladding corresponds to the covering layer 46.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the linear transmission member 44 is fixed to the sheet material 41 by contact portion fixing. Here, the contact portion fixing means that the contact portions between the linear transmission member 44 and the sheet material 41 are bonded and fixed to each other.

[0046] It should be noted that a fixing mode that is not contact portion fixing is non-contact portion fixing. For non-contact portion fixing, for example, a fixing member such as a sewing thread or an adhesive tape presses the linear transmission member 44 against the sheet and maintains the pressed state. Contact portion fixing is a fixing mode excluding these non-contact portion fixing methods.

[0047] As an aspect of such contact site fixation, indirect contact site fixation may be used, or direct contact site fixation may be used, or both may be used in combination in different regions. Here, indirect contact site fixation refers to that the linear transmission member 44 and the sheet are indirectly bonded and fixed via an indirect fixing portion such as an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or a double-sided adhesive tape provided therebetween. In addition, direct contact site fixation refers to that the linear transmission member 44 and the sheet material 41 are directly bonded and fixed without an adhesive or the like separately provided therebetween. In direct contact site fixation, for example, it is conceivable that the resin contained in at least one of the linear transmission member 44 and the sheet material 41 is melted to bond and fix them. Direct contact site fixation includes a fixing mode called fusion bonding such as ultrasonic fusion bonding. In the case where the contact site fixation is fusion bonding, and the resin of the fixing layer of the sheet material 41 is melted and bonded to the covering layer 46, the fixing layer of the sheet material 41 can be regarded as a fusion bonding layer. Here, the fixing layer of the sheet material 41 and the covering layer 46 of the linear transmission member 44 are formed of the same type of material (for example, PVC), and are melted and bonded together.

[0048] The FPC layer 50 includes a film 52 and a plurality of conductive patterns 54 provided on the film 52. The film 52 forms an insulating coating that collectively insulates the plurality of conductive patterns 54. Each conductive pattern 54 is, for example, a conductor foil. The FPC layer 50 includes one or more flexible printed circuit boards (hereinafter referred to as FPC). Here, the FPC layer 50 includes one FPC.

[0049] The thickness of a single FPC may be a few millimeters or less. The thickness of each conductive pattern 54 may be a few micrometers to a few hundred micrometers or less. The thickness of each conductive pattern 54 may be less than the thickness (diameter) of the transmission line body 45. The allowable current value can be increased by increasing the width of the conductive pattern 54. The conductive pattern 54 may have multiple conductive patterns 54 with the same thickness but different widths. The multiple conductive patterns 54 may have thin conductive patterns and thick conductive patterns. The thin conductive pattern may have a first thickness and a first width, and the thick conductive pattern may have a first thickness and a second width. The second width is greater than the first width.

[0050] The film 52 has a base layer. The base layer may be made of a resin such as polyimide. Multiple conductive patterns 54 are arranged on the base layer.

[0051] The FPC layer 50 has a cover layer 55. The cover layer 55 covers the conductive pattern 54 from the side opposite to the base layer. The cover layer 55 may be, for example, solder resist. The cover layer 55 may be made of film, like the base layer. If the cover layer 55 is made of film, the film 52 has the base layer and the cover layer 55. Such a cover layer 55 is also called a coverlay. Both a coverlay and solder resist may be used as the cover layer 55.

[0052] The thickness of the base layer and the cover layer 55 may be several micrometers to several hundred micrometers or less. The thickness of the base layer and the cover layer 55 may each be less than the thickness of the sheet material 41. The sum of the thickness of the base layer and the thickness of the cover layer 55 may be less than the thickness of the sheet material 41.

[0053] The FPC layer 50 may contain an adhesive 56. The adhesive 56 may be interposed between the base layer and the coverlay to bond the base layer and the coverlay. The adhesive 56 may also be interposed between the base layer and the conductive foil to bond the base layer and the conductive foil.

[0054] The FPC in the FPC layer 50 may be a single-sided FPC, a double-sided FPC, or a multilayer FPC. A single-sided FPC is an FPC in which the conductive pattern 54 is provided only on one side of the base layer. A double-sided FPC is an FPC in which the conductive pattern 54 is provided on both sides of the base layer. A multilayer FPC is an FPC in which the conductive pattern 54 is provided on both sides and inside the base layer. In the case of a double-sided FPC or a multilayer FPC, the FPC may be considered to have a layer corresponding to the first FPC layer and a layer corresponding to the second FPC layer of the FPC layer 50.

[0055] Here, the wire harness 30 has five connection points. There may be two connection points, or three or more. There may also be four or more connection points. If there are four or more connection points, the wiring section 36 may have two or more types of wiring that connect non-adjacent connection points. The wiring section 36 of the wire harness 30 may be provided with intersections of these two or more types of wiring. For example, if the first to fourth connection points are arranged in this order, the first wiring connecting the first connection point and the third connection point, and the second wiring connecting the second connection point and the fourth connection point are wiring that connect non-adjacent connection points. Specifically, for example, the wiring connecting connector sections 32B and 32D is an example of the first wiring, and the wiring connecting connector sections 32C and 32E is an example of the second wiring. Inside the wire harness 30, intersections of the first wiring and the second wiring may be provided.

[0056] It is preferable that each layer is configured so that there are no intersections between the first wiring and the second wiring. It is preferable that the intersections between the first wiring and the second wiring are provided as intersections between the wiring of the first layer and the wiring of the second layer. It is preferable that two wirings having intersecting paths be provided in separate layers. It is preferable that the first wiring having a first path is provided in the first layer, and the second wiring having a second path that intersects with the first path is provided in the second layer. For example, the first wiring may be provided in the flat wiring layer 40 and the second wiring may be provided in the FPC layer 50. Alternatively, for example, the first wiring may be provided in the first flat wiring layer 40X and the second wiring may be provided in the second flat wiring layer 40Y. Alternatively, for example, the first wiring may be provided in the first FPC layer and the second wiring may be provided in the second FPC layer.

[0057] Multiple linear transmission members 44 have power lines 44Y1 through which a current greater than the maximum allowable current value in the multiple conductive patterns 54 flows. Multiple conductive patterns 54 have signal circuits 54S. Multiple linear transmission members 44 have power lines 44Y1 through which a current greater than the signal circuits 54S flows.

[0058] 90% or more or 100% of the conductive patterns 54 of the FPC layer 50 may be signal circuits 54S with the same conductor cross-sectional area. More than half of the circuits in the wire harness 30 may be signal circuits. The remaining circuits in the wire harness 30 may be power circuits and ground circuits. All power circuits and ground circuits that require a larger conductor cross-sectional area than the signal circuits may be provided on the linear transmission member 44 as power lines 44Y1 and ground lines 44Y2 and aggregated in the flat wiring layer 40. Signal circuits not included in the FPC layer 50 may be provided on the flat wiring layer 40 as signal lines 44Y3. The allowable current values ​​of the signal lines 44Y3 and the signal circuits 54S may be similar.

[0059] The circuit carrying the largest current in the flattened wiring layer 40 is defined as the maximum current circuit. The FPC layer 50 may consist only of circuits carrying a current smaller than that of the maximum current circuit. The flattened wiring layer 40 may have conductive paths with a conductor cross-sectional area of ​​1 sq or more. The conductive pattern 54 of the FPC layer 50 may consist only of conductive paths with a conductor cross-sectional area of ​​less than 1 sq.

[0060] The sheet material 41X of the first flattened wiring layer 40X is located outside the linear transmission member 44X of the first flattened wiring layer 40X on one side along the lamination direction. The sheet material 41Y of the second flattened wiring layer 40Y is located outside the linear transmission member 44Y of the second flattened wiring layer 40Y on the other side along the lamination direction. The linear transmission members 44X, 44Y and the FPC layer 50 are arranged between the pair of sheet materials 41X, 41Y. As a result, the pair of sheet materials 41X, 41Y can protect the linear transmission members 44X, 44Y and the FPC layer 50.

[0061] In the wire harness 30, multiple layers are maintained in a stacked state by an interlayer fixing portion 60F. Here, the sheet material 41X of the first flat wiring layer 40X and the sheet material 41X of the second flat wiring layer 40Y are fixed together to form the interlayer fixing portion 60F. Here, the sheet material 41 has a wire arrangement portion 42 on which the linear transmission members 44 are arranged, and side ends 43 that protrude on both sides of the wire arrangement portion 42. Here, the width of the sheet materials 41X and 41Y is greater than the width of the film 52. The wire arrangement portion 42 overlaps the film 52. The side ends 43 of the sheet material 41 protrude outward from the ends of the film 52 along the width direction. The side ends 43X of the sheet material 41X and the side ends 43Y of the sheet material 41Y overlap without the film 52 in between. The side ends 43X of the sheet material 41X and the side ends 43Y of the sheet material 41Y are fixed together.

[0062] The manner in which the sheet materials 41X and 41Y are fixed to each other in the interlayer fixing portion 60F may, for example, be by fixing at the contact points. The manner in which the sheet materials 41X and 41Y are fixed to each other may, for example, be by indirect fixing at the contact points. The manner in which the sheet materials 41X and 41Y are fixed to each other may, for example, be by direct fixing at the contact points. The manner in which the sheet materials 41X and 41Y are fixed to each other may be the same as the manner in which the sheet material 41 is fixed to the linear transmission member 44. The manner in which the sheet materials 41X and 41Y are fixed to each other may be different from the manner in which the sheet material 41 is fixed to the linear transmission member 44.

[0063] Here, the film 52 is not fixed to the sheet materials 41X and 41Y. The FPC layer 50 is located between the first flat wiring layer 40X and the second flat wiring layer 40Y, and the side edges 43X and 43Y of the sheet materials 41X and 41Y are fixed to each other, thereby maintaining the laminated state of the FPC layer 50 in the wire harness 30.

[0064] The interlayer fixing portions 60F are provided at multiple locations spaced apart along the extending direction of the sheet material 41. The interlayer fixing portions 60F may also be provided continuously along the extending direction of the sheet material 41.

[0065] The sheet material 41 has multiple ends along the direction of extension. The ends of the sheet material 41 along the direction of extension correspond to the connector portions 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E. As shown in Figure 2, the interlayer fixing portion 60F may have end fixing portions 60F1 provided at the ends of the sheet material 41 along the direction of extension.

[0066] The sheet material 41 may have a path bending section where the path along the extending direction curves. For example, the interlayer fixing section 60F may have a curved section fixing section 60F2 provided at the path bending section of the sheet material 41. The curved section fixing section 60F2 may be provided at two locations, front and rear, for one path bending section at one side end 43 of the sheet material 41. The curved section fixing section 60F2 may be provided at only one location for one path bending section at one side end 43 of the sheet material 41.

[0067] The sheet material 41 may have a straight path section in which the path along the extending direction is straight. The straight path section may have a first straight path section and a second straight path section that is longer than the first straight path section. For example, the interlayer fixing section 60F may have an intermediate fixing section 60F3 provided in the middle of the second straight path section of the sheet material 41 along the extending direction.

[0068] The sheet material 41 may have branched path sections in which paths branch along the extending direction. In this case, the sheet material 41 has a first path section and a second path section extending from an intermediate section along the extending direction of the first path section in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the first path section. For example, the interlayer fixing section 60F may have branched path fixing sections 60F4 provided in the branched path sections of the sheet material 41. The branched path fixing sections 60F4 may be provided at two locations on one side end 43 of the sheet material 41, in the first path section and the second path section. The branched path fixing sections 60F4 may be provided at only one location on one side end 43 of the sheet material 41, in either the first path section or the second path section.

[0069] The flattened wiring layer 40 may have a sheet branching section where one sheet material 41 branches off from the other sheet material 41. Here, the portion of the wire harness 30 that extends toward the engine room harness 20A is provided on the sheet material 41X but not on the sheet material 41Y. The portion of the sheet material 41X that extends toward the engine room harness 20A branches off from the sheet material 41Y. For example, the interlayer fixing section 60F may have a branch fixing section 60F5 provided at the sheet branching section.

[0070] The first flattened wiring layer 40X includes the connector of the connector section 32A and a plurality of first split connectors 48XB, 48XC, 48XD, and 48XE. The second flattened wiring layer 40Y includes a plurality of first split connectors 48YB, 48YC, 48YD, and 48YE. The FPC layer 50 includes a plurality of second split connectors 58B, 58C, 58D, and 58E. The first split connectors 48XB, 48YB and the second split connector 58B form the connector section 32B. The first split connectors 48XC, 48YC, and the second split connector 58C form the connector section 32C. The first split connectors 48XD, 48YD, and the second split connector 58D form the connector section 32D. The first split connectors 48XE, 48YE, and the second split connector 58E form the connector section 32E. In this configuration, the second flattened wiring layer 40Y and the FPC layer 50 do not have the connector of the connector section 32A. The connector section 32A is composed solely of the connector of the first flattened wiring layer 40X. The second flattened wiring layer 40Y or the FPC layer 50 may have the connector of the connector section 32A.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5, the plurality of linear transmission members 44 have first linear transmission members 44XD, 44YD, one end of which is connected to a first connection destination (for example, a floor harness 20D). The flat wiring layers 40X, 40Y have first split connectors 48XD, 48YD to which one end of the first linear transmission members 44XD, 44YD is connected. The plurality of conductive patterns 54 have first conductive patterns 54D, one end of which is connected to a first connection destination (for example, a floor harness 20D). The FPC layer 50 has a second split connector 58D to which one end of the first conductive pattern 54D is connected. The first split connectors 48XD, 48YD and the second split connector 58D are combined to form a combined connector 32D. The method of combination may be by combining the housings of the first split connectors 48XD, 48YD and the second split connector 58D.

[0072] In this connector section 32D, split connectors 48XD, 48YD, and 58D are provided on the first flat wiring layer 40X, the second flat wiring layer 40Y, and the FPC layer 50, respectively. The first flat wiring layer 40X has a split connector 48XD. The second flat wiring layer 40Y has a split connector 48YD. The FPC layer 50 has a split connector 58D. The split connectors 48XD, 48YD, and 58D are combined to form the connector section 32D. In the other connector sections 32B, 32C, and 32E, multiple split connectors may be combined to form the connector sections 32B, 32C, and 32E.

[0073] Here, the housings of split connector 48XD, split connector 48YD, and split connector 58D are joined together so that they overlap in the stacking direction. The method of joining the housings is not particularly limited, and known joining methods can be used. For example, adjacent housings may be joined by engaging the locking portion of one housing with the locking receiving portion of the other housing.

[0074] The other ends of the first linear transmission members 44XD and 44YD and the other end of the first conductive pattern 54D may both be connected to a common second connection destination (for example, equipment 22). The combination of linear transmission members 44 and conductive pattern 54 may include combinations in which the connection destinations at both ends are the same.

[0075] <Effects, etc.> With the wire harness 30 configured as described above, by including the FPC layer 50, the dimensions along the parallel direction of the circuits can be reduced compared to the case where all circuits are linear transmission members 44. By including the flat wiring layer 40, the sheet material 41 of the flat wiring layer 40 can serve as a protective material for the FPC layer 50. In addition, the provision of the flat wiring layer 40 makes it easy to accommodate changes in the number of circuits, the type of circuits, or the wiring route of the circuits.

[0076] Furthermore, the flat wiring layer 40 includes a first flat wiring layer 40X that overlaps the FPC layer 50 on one side along the lamination direction, and a second flat wiring layer 40Y that overlaps the FPC layer 50 on the other side along the lamination direction. This allows both sides of the FPC layer 50 to be protected by the sheet materials 41X and 41Y of the flat wiring layers 40X and 40Y.

[0077] Furthermore, the sheet material 41X of the first flat wiring layer 40X and the sheet material 41Y of the second flat wiring layer 40Y are fixed together. This makes it easier to maintain the FPC layer 50 sandwiched between the first flat wiring layer 40X and the second flat wiring layer 40Y.

[0078] Furthermore, each of the multiple linear transmission members 44 has a power line 44Y1 through which a current greater than the maximum allowable current value in each of the multiple conductive patterns 54 flows. This allows the circuits in the FPC layer 50 to be circuits through which small currents flow, and reduces the spacing between circuits in the FPC layer 50.

[0079] Furthermore, each of the multiple linear transmission members 44 has a first linear transmission member 44XD, 44YD whose one end is connected to a first connection destination (for example, a floor harness 20D), and each of the multiple conductive patterns 54 has a first conductive pattern 54D whose one end is connected to a first connection destination (for example, a floor harness 20D). This allows the linear transmission members 44XD, 44YD of the flat wiring layer 40 and the conductive pattern 54D of the FPC layer 50 to be used as a circuit connected to the same destination (for example, a floor harness 20D).

[0080] Furthermore, the first split connectors 48XD and 48YD of the flat wiring layer 40 and the second split connector 58D of the FPC layer 50 are combined to form a combined connector 32D. As a result, by connecting the combined connector 32D to the mating connector of the first connection destination (for example, the floor harness 20D), the flat wiring layer 40 and the FPC layer 50 can be connected together to the first connection destination (for example, the floor harness 20D).

[0081] [Note] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the interlayer fixing portion 60F.

[0082] The fixing method of the interlayer fixing portion 160F shown in Figure 7 differs from the fixing method of the interlayer fixing portion 60F. Here, the sheet material 141 of the flat wiring layer 140 and the film 152 of the FPC layer 150 are fixed together. This makes it easier to maintain the laminated state of the flat wiring layer 140 and the FPC layer 150.

[0083] Here, the interlayer fixing section 160F is fixed using a fixing member. The fixing member is a member other than an adhesive and is a member that performs mechanical fixing. For example, the fixing member is a tie band 162. The fixing member may be a member other than a tie band 162.

[0084] The tie band 162 has a band portion 163 and a band fixing portion 164. The band portion 163 protrudes from the band fixing portion 164. The base end of the band portion 163 is connected to the band fixing portion 164. The band fixing portion 164 fixes the tip of the band portion 163. For example, the band fixing portion 164 has an insertion portion through which the tip of the band portion 163 is inserted, and a projection that catches on the portion of the band portion 163 located in the insertion portion. Holes 143H are formed in the side edge 43 of the sheet material 141 of the flat wiring layer 140. The film 152 of the FPC layer 150 has a side edge 153 that overlaps with the side edge 43 of the sheet material 141. Holes 153H are formed in the side edge 153 at a position corresponding to the holes 143H. The band portion 163 is fixed to the band fixing portion 164 through the holes 143H, 153H.

[0085] Figure 8 is a front view showing a first modified example of the combined connector 32D.

[0086] The way in which the multiple split connectors 148X, 148Y, and 158 are combined in the combined connector 132 shown in Figure 8 is different from the way in which the multiple split connectors 48XD, 48YD, and 58D are combined in the combined connector 32D. The multiple split connectors 148X, 148Y, and 158 in the combined connector 132 may be combined so that they are not aligned in the stacking direction. For example, as in the combined connector 132 shown in Figure 8, the split connectors 148X, 148Y, and 158 may be combined so that they are aligned in the parallel direction of the wiring in each layer. In the example shown in Figure 8, both combining in the stacking direction and combining in the parallel direction are used. The split connectors 148X and 148Y are combined so that they are aligned in the stacking direction. The split connector 158 is combined so that it is aligned in the parallel direction with respect to the stack of split connectors 148X and 148Y. The multiple split connectors 148X, 148Y, and 158 may be configured to be combined only in the parallel direction.

[0087] Figure 9 is a front view showing a second modified example of the combined connector 32D.

[0088] The way in which the multiple split connectors 248X, 248Y, and 258 are combined in the combined connector 232 shown in Figure 9 is different from the way in which the multiple split connectors 48XD, 48YD, and 58D are combined in the combined connector 32D. The combined connector 232 may be combined via a housing 234 separate from the housings of the split connectors 248X, 248Y, and 258. The housing 234 may be configured to fit the split connectors 248X, 248Y, and 258. The housing 234 may have multiple holes formed therein for fitting the split connectors 248X, 248Y, and 258. Another split connector may be fitted into the housing of any of the split connectors 248X, 248Y, and 258.

[0089] In addition, while Embodiment 1 described an example in which two flat wiring layers 40X and 40Y sandwich the FPC layer 50, this is not an essential configuration. There may be only one flat wiring layer 40. In this case, one side of the FPC layer 50 will not be covered by the flat wiring layer 40. In this case, it is preferable that the sheet material 41 of the flat wiring layer 40 and the film 52 of the FPC layer 50 are fixed together by an interlayer fixing part 160F or the like.

[0090] Furthermore, the configurations described in each of the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0091] 10 Vehicle 11 Dash panel 12 Main body 13 Protruding part 14, 16 Through hole 15 Cowl side panel 17 Instrument panel reinforcement 18 Floor panel 18a Rocker part 19 A-pillar 20A Engine room harness (mutual wire harness) 20B Instrument panel harness (mutual wire harness) 20C Door harness (mutual wire harness) 20D Floor harness (mutual wire harness) 22 Electrical equipment 30 Wire harness 32A Connector part 32B, 32C, 32D, 32E, 132, 232 Connector part (combined connector) 36 Wiring part 40, 140 Flat wiring layer 40X First flat wiring layer 40Y Second flat wiring layer 41, 41X, 41Y, 141 Sheet material 42X, 42Y Wire arrangement section 43X, 43Y Side end 44, 44X, 44Y Linear transmission member 44XD, 44YD First linear transmission member (linear transmission member) 44Y1 Power line 44Y2 Ground wire 44Y3 Signal line 45, 45X, 45Y Transmission line body 45Y1, 45Y2, 45Y3 Core wire 46 Covering layer 48XB, 48XC, 48XD, 48XE, 48YB, 48YC, 48YD, 48YE, 148X, 148Y, 248X, 248Y First split connector 50, 150 Flexible printed circuit board layer (FPC layer) 52 Base layer (film) 54 Conductive pattern 54D First conductive pattern (conductive pattern) 55 Cover layer 56 Adhesive 58B, 58C, 58D, 58E, 158, 258 Second split connector 60F, 160F Interlayer fixing part 60F1 End fixing part (interlayer fixing part) 60F2 Curved part fixing part (interlayer fixing part) 60F3 Intermediate fixing part (interlayer fixing part) 60F4 Branch route fixing part (interlayer fixing part) 60F5 Branch fixing part (interlayer fixing part) 143H, 151H Hole 162 Tie band 163 Band part 164 Band fixing part 234 Housing for joining

Claims

1. A wire harness comprising: a sheet material and a flat wiring layer including a plurality of linear transmission members fixed on the sheet material; a film and a flexible printed circuit board layer including a plurality of conductive patterns provided on the film, wherein each of the plurality of linear transmission members has an individual covering layer provided separately from the sheet material, the film provides an insulating covering that insulates the plurality of conductive patterns together, and the flexible printed circuit board layer and the flat wiring layer overlap.

2. A wire harness according to claim 1, wherein the flat wiring layer includes a first flat wiring layer that overlaps the flexible printed circuit board layer on one side along the stacking direction, and a second flat wiring layer that overlaps the flexible printed circuit board layer on the other side along the stacking direction.

3. A wire harness according to claim 2, wherein the sheet material of the first flat wiring layer and the sheet material of the second flat wiring layer are fixed together.

4. A wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of linear transmission members have power lines through which a current greater than the maximum allowable current value in the plurality of conductive patterns flows.

5. A wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sheet material of the flat wiring layer and the film of the flexible printed circuit board layer are fixed together.

6. A wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of linear transmission members each have a first linear transmission member whose one end is connected to a first connection destination, and the plurality of conductive patterns each have a first conductive pattern whose one end is connected to the first connection destination.

7. A wire harness according to claim 6, wherein the flat wiring layer has a first split connector to which one end of the first linear transmission member is connected, the flexible printed circuit board layer has a second split connector to which one end of the first conductive pattern is connected, and the first split connector and the second split connector are combined to form a combined connector.

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