JP7479125B2 - Composite cable, wiring harness arrangement structure, and manufacturing method of composite cable - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a composite cable, a wiring harness arrangement structure, and a manufacturing method for a composite cable, for example, a composite cable for use in a vehicle, a wiring harness arrangement structure, and a manufacturing method for a composite cable.

2. Description of the Related Art Wiring systems for automobiles and the like use wire harnesses in which communication cables and power cables that are manufactured independently are bundled together, as necessary, with tape or the like.
In recent years, the number of on-board wire harnesses using composite cables capable of transmitting both electrical and optical signals has been increasing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an on-board composite cable in which a group of tensile strength fibers having a conductive material layer formed on the surface by plating or the like is filled between the optical fiber and its coating. Patent Document 2 discloses a composite cable having a structure in which the optical fiber and the metal wire are separated by a separation plate and bundled together by a pressure winding tape.

Japanese Patent No. 5920283 JP 2012-43557 A

However, it is difficult to say that conventional composite cables have sufficient performance for use in automotive wire harnesses.

For example, the conductive tensile fibers constituting the composite cable disclosed in Patent Document 1 are formed by plating the surface of tensile fibers such as aramid with a conductive metal such as copper. Therefore, in order to ensure sufficient conductive performance (electrical resistance) required for an in-vehicle wire harness, a conductor cross-sectional area equivalent to that of a conventional insulated wire is required, and the bending performance is also thought to be equivalent to that of a conventional insulated wire. In other words, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, in order to satisfy the conductive performance required for an in-vehicle wire harness, the diameter of the composite cable is larger than when a conventional insulated wire is used. As a result, the bending performance of the composite cable is reduced and the weight of the composite cable may increase.

In addition, when the composite cable disclosed in Patent Document 2 is bent due to an unintentional force being applied, the radius of curvature of the optical fiber serving as the signal line cannot be controlled as intended, and there is a risk of large transmission loss. In addition, because the composite cable only has a pressure winding tape as its outer sheath, there is a risk of the optical fiber bending or breaking when subjected to an external force, and it is difficult to say that the bending performance is high.

Furthermore, because a large current flows through the power lines in an in-vehicle wire harness, heat generation from the power lines cannot be ignored. However, it is difficult to say that the composite cables disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have been designed with sufficient consideration given to heat dissipation.

As such, it is difficult to say that conventional composite cables have sufficient performance as wire harnesses.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a composite cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness.

A composite cable according to a representative embodiment of the present invention has a tubular body, a conductive strip extending along the axial direction of the tubular body, and an outer sheath made of an insulating material covering the tubular body and the strip, the cross section of the strip being flat when cut perpendicular to the axial direction, the tubular body and the strip being arranged side by side in the minor axis direction of the cross section of the strip, and the strip being arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the cross section of the strip when cut perpendicular to the axial direction is aligned with the major axis direction of the cross section of the jacket.

The composite cable of the present invention makes it possible to provide a composite cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber core as a signal line. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to a second embodiment. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a signal line 3B of a composite cable according to a second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a composite cable according to a fourth embodiment. A cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to embodiment 5. A cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to a sixth embodiment. A cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to embodiment 7. A cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to embodiment 8. A cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to embodiment 9. A cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to embodiment 10. A cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to embodiment 11. A cross-sectional view of a composite cable relating to embodiment 12. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration in which an external terminal is connected to an end of a composite cable according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a flow chart showing a flow of a method for manufacturing a composite cable according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a plan view of a wiring harness arrangement structure using a composite cable according to an embodiment; FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a main part illustrating the wiring structure of the wire harness shown in FIG. 17 . FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an envelope according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an envelope according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an envelope according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an envelope according to another embodiment of the present invention.

1. Overview of the embodiment First, an overview of a representative embodiment of the invention disclosed in this application will be described. Note that in the following description, as an example, reference numerals in the drawings corresponding to components of the invention are given in parentheses.

[1] A composite cable (1A to 1M) according to a representative embodiment of the present invention has a cylindrical body (2A, 2B, 2C), a conductive strip (5A, 5A_1, 5A_2) extending along the axial direction (Y direction) of the cylindrical body, and an outer jacket (4A) made of an insulating material that covers the cylindrical body and the strip, the cross section of the outer jacket being flat when cut perpendicular to the axial direction, the cylindrical body and the strip being arranged side by side in the minor axis direction (X direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket, and the strip being arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the cross section of the strip when cut perpendicular to the axial direction is aligned with the major axis direction (Z direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket.

[2] In the composite cable (1G) of [1] above, the belt-shaped bodies (5A_1, 5A_2) may be multiple, and the multiple belt-shaped bodies may be spaced apart from each other and arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the cross section of the jacket.

[3] In the composite cable (1H, 1J, 1K, 1L) of [1] above, the belt-shaped body (5A_1, 5A_2) may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of belt-shaped bodies may be spaced apart from each other and arranged side by side in the minor axis direction (Z direction) of the cross section of the jacket.

[4] In the composite cable (1L) of [3] above, the tubular body may be disposed between the band-shaped bodies in the minor axis direction of the cross section of the jacket.

[5] In any of the composite cables (1A-1C, 1F-1M) described above in [1] to [4], the band may be made of a flat metal material, a flat stranded conductor, or a flat braided conductor.

[6] In any of the composite cables (1D, 1E) described above in [1] to [4], the band may include a plurality of metal wires (51D, 51E) extending in the axial direction, and the plurality of metal wires may be arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the cross section of the jacket.

[7] In any of the composite cables (1B, 1K) described above in [1] to [6], the outer surface of the belt may be covered with an insulating material (6B, 6K).

[8] In any of the composite cables [1] to [7] above, the cross section of the tubular body may be circular when cut perpendicular to the axial direction (Y direction).

[9] In any of the composite cables (1C) described above in [1] to [7], the cross section of the tubular body may be rectangular when cut perpendicular to the axial direction (Y direction).

[10] In any of the composite cables [1] to [9] above, a first external terminal may be further provided connected to an end of the belt-shaped body in the extending direction.

[11] In any of the composite cables [1] to [10] above, the cylindrical body may be made of a conductive material.

[12] In any of the composite cables (1B) described above in [1] to [10], the cylindrical body may be made of an insulating material.

[13] The composite cable (1A-1Q) of any one of [1] to [12] above may further include at least one linear body (3A, 3B) housed in an unconstrained state inside the cylindrical body.

[14] In the composite cable of [13] above, a space (30A) may be formed between the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body and at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the linear body.

[15] In the composite cable described in [13] above, the inside of the tubular body may be filled with a plurality of strips of insulating material.

[16] In any of the composite cables [13] to [15] above, a third external terminal may be further provided that is connected to one end of the linear body in the extension direction.

[17] In any of the composite cables [13] to [16] above, the linear body may include a conductor that transmits an electrical signal.

[18] In any of the composite cables [13] to [17] above, the linear body may include an optical fiber.

[19] In any of the composite cables [13] to [17] above, the linear body may include a thread member that does not function as a transmission path.

[20] The wiring harness arrangement structure (500) according to a representative embodiment of the present invention has a trunk line (12a-12d, 22a-22c) including a power line and a communication line, and branch lines (13, 15) branching off from the trunk line, and is characterized in that at least a portion of the trunk line is any of the composite cables (1A-1Q) described above in [1] to [19].

[21] The wiring harness arrangement structure (500) according to a representative embodiment of the present invention has a trunk line (12a-12d, 22a-22c) including a power line and a communication line, and branch lines (13, 15) branching off from the trunk line, and at least a portion of the branch lines is any one of the composite cables (1A-1Q) described above in [1] to [19].

[22] The wiring harness arrangement structure of [20] or [21] above may further include an earth wire.

[23] A method for manufacturing a composite cable according to a representative embodiment of the present invention includes a first step (S101) of forming a tubular body (2A, 2C), a second step (S102) of forming a conductive strip (5A, 5A_1, 5A_2), and a third step (S103) of forming, by extrusion molding, an outer jacket (4A) made of an insulating material that covers the outer surface of the tubular body formed in the first step and the outer surface of the strip formed in the second step.

[24] The manufacturing method for the composite cable of [23] above may include a fourth step (S104) of inserting linear bodies (3A, 3B) into the tubular body on which the outer sheath has been formed in the third step.

[25] The manufacturing method for the composite cable of [24] above may include a fifth step (S105) of connecting a first external terminal to the end of the belt-shaped body in the extension direction.

[26] The manufacturing method for the composite cable of [25] above may include a sixth step (S106) of connecting a second external terminal to the end of the linear body in the extension direction.

2. Specific examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components common to each embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationship of each element, the ratio of each element, etc. may differ from reality. There may also be parts in which the dimensional relationship and ratio differ between the drawings.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to a first embodiment.
A composite cable 1A shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, a cable capable of transmitting power and an electrical signal or an optical signal.

As shown in FIG. 1, the composite cable 1A has a cylindrical body 2A, a signal line 3A, a ribbon body 5A, and an outer sheath 4A.

The cylindrical body 2A is made of an insulating material. Specifically, the cylindrical body 2A is a hollow tube made of an insulating material. For example, the cross section of the cylindrical body 2A when cut perpendicular to the axial direction is circular. The cylindrical body 2A may be made of any insulating material, such as polyethylene, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), nylon, silicone, or other flexible insulating materials. The cylindrical body 2A is formed, for example, by extrusion molding.

The signal line 3A is a linear body. The signal line 3A is, for example, an optical fiber core. When the composite cable 1A is used as a main line or a branch line of a wire harness, the signal line 3A can function, for example, as a signal line for signal transmission.

Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which two optical fiber cores are housed inside the cylindrical body 2A as the signal lines 3A, the number of signal lines 3A housed inside the cylindrical body 2A is not particularly limited. That is, the signal lines 3A housed inside the cylindrical body 2A may be one, or three or more. If the signal line is a metal wire, it functions as a signal line for transmitting an electrical signal. In this case, there may be one or more metal wires, and as a specific example, the metal wire may be a twisted pair wire, a coaxial cable, or the like. The signal line may also be a mixture of optical fiber cores and metal wires.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an optical fiber core serving as the signal line 3A.
As shown in FIG. 2, the optical fiber core wire as the signal line 3A has a core 101, a clad 102, a fiber bare wire coating 103, a buffer material 104, and an outer jacket 105. The core 101 and the clad 102 are made of, for example, quartz glass or resin. The outer diameter of the clad 102 can be equal to or smaller than 125 micrometers that is normally used for communication applications, and can be, for example, 80 micrometers (including an error of ±5%). By reducing the outer diameter of the clad 102, the bending strain of the optical fiber core wire can be reduced, and the breakage probability can be reduced. However, if the outer diameter of the clad 102 is made too small, it becomes necessary to reduce the core size, and the connection loss tends to increase.

The fiber core coating 103 is made of ultraviolet-curable resin, thermosetting resin, or the like. For example, in the case of in-vehicle applications, it is made of silicone acrylate or the like, taking heat resistance into consideration.

The buffer material 104 is a member arranged around the fiber core coating 103 to increase the strength against the tensile force applied in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber core. The buffer material 104 is, for example, made of a plurality of fibers and arranged around the entire circumference of the fiber core coating 103. Examples of the above-mentioned fibers include aramid fibers. The outer jacket 105 is preferably made of, for example, nylon or fluororesin (for example, ETFE). The outer diameter of the outer jacket 105 is preferably 1 millimeter or less, for example, 800 to 900 micrometers, and is configured to an appropriate desired value. By reducing the outer diameter of the outer jacket 105, the optical fiber core becomes easier to bend, leading to improved routing. However, if the outer diameter of the outer jacket 105 is made too small, protection from external forces becomes insufficient and transmission loss tends to increase.

The signal lines 3A are housed in an unconstrained state inside the cylindrical body 2A. Specifically, a space 30A is formed between the inner circumferential surface 28A of the cylindrical body 2A and at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the signal lines 3A. For example, the space 30A is filled with air, and each signal line 3A is arranged in a movable state within the space 30A of the cylindrical body 2A.

The outer jacket 4A is made of an insulating material that covers the band-shaped body 5A and the cylindrical body 2A. Examples of insulating materials include polyethylene, PVC, nylon, and silicone. For example, the outer jacket 4A is formed by extrusion molding.

The outer jacket 4A has a shape that can cover, for example, the entire outer peripheral surface 59A of the band-shaped body 5A and the outer peripheral surface 29A of the cylindrical body 2A. Specifically, the cross section of the outer jacket 4A when cut perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 2A is flat. In other words, the cross section of the outer jacket 4A when cut perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 2A has a shape in which the ratio of the length in the major axis direction to the length in the minor axis direction (aspect ratio) is 1 or more. For example, the cross section of the outer jacket 4A may be rectangular as shown in FIG. 1, or may be elliptical or oval.

Figure 1 shows an example of a composite cable 1A arranged in three-dimensional space such that the axis of the tubular body 2A is parallel to the Y axis, the long axis direction of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A is parallel to the X axis, and the short axis direction of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A is parallel to the X axis.

In this specification, when the cross section of the outer jacket 4A is rectangular as shown in FIG. 1, the "long axis direction" refers to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the cross section of the rectangular outer jacket 4A, and the "short axis direction" refers to the transverse direction (Z direction) of the cross section of the rectangular outer jacket 4A.

The belt-shaped body 5A is made of a conductive material. The belt-shaped body 5A extends along the axial direction (Y direction) of the cylindrical body 2A. When the composite cable 1A is used as a main line or a branch line of a wire harness, the belt-shaped body 5A can function, for example, as a power line for power transmission.

Specifically, the strip 5A is a solid plate (metal plate) made of a metal material. For example, the strip 5A is made of a flat metal material such as a bus bar. The strip 5A may be made of any metal material that is conductive, and examples of such metal materials include aluminum, copper, copper alloy, tin-plated wire, iron, and nickel. The strip may be either a flat stranded conductor or a flat braided conductor.

The cross section of the band 5A when cut perpendicularly to the axial direction (Y direction) is rectangular (rectangular). The width w of the band 5A is, for example, 10 mm or more and 60 mm or less, and the thickness t of the band 5A is, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 4.0 mm or less. The cross-sectional area of the band 5A is, for example, ³ mm2 or more (preferably ¹⁰ mm2 or more) and 240 ^mm2 or less, and the ratio (w/t) of the width w to the thickness t of the band 5A is, for example, 2.5 or more (preferably 5 or more) and 200 or less.

The band 5A is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the cross section of the band 5A when cut perpendicularly to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 2A is aligned with the long axis direction (X direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the cross section of the outer jacket 4A is rectangular, the band 5A is arranged so that one of the two long sides 41A, 42A, long side 42A, is parallel to the long side of the cross section of the band 5A.

The cylindrical body 2A and the band-shaped body 5A are arranged side by side in the short axis direction (Z direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A. For example, the cylindrical body 2A is arranged on the long side 41A side of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A, and the band-shaped body 5A is arranged on the long side 42A side of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A.

Here, the distance d between the band 5A and the long side 42A (surface) of the band 4A within the band 4A is preferably set to a value between 0.5 and 2.0 times the thickness t of the band 5A, for example, taking into consideration the heat dissipation properties of the band 5A and the ability to prevent damage to the band 5A due to external impact.

The composite cable 1A having the above-mentioned configuration has a conductive cylindrical body 2A, at least one signal line 3A housed inside the cylindrical body 2A, and a conductive strip 5A, so that a single cable can transmit optical signals via the optical fiber serving as the signal line 3A and transmit electrical signals (e.g., power) via the strip 5A.

In addition, because the signal line 3A is housed inside the cylindrical body 2A, even if an external force is applied to the outer sheath 4A of the composite cable 1A, the external force is unlikely to act directly on the signal line 3A. This makes it possible to suppress adverse effects on signal transmission through the signal line 3A caused by the application of an external force to the signal line 3A.

In particular, the signal line 3A is accommodated in an unconstrained state inside the cylindrical body 2A, that is, the signal line 3A is arranged in a movable state in the space 30A between the inner circumferential surface 28A of the cylindrical body 2A and the signal line 3A. This allows the signal line 3A to move inside the cylindrical body 2A, and prevents the external force from being applied to the signal line 3A, even if the cylindrical body 2A is deformed by an external force.

In addition, according to the composite cable 1A, the tubular body 2A is made of a flexible insulating material, so that when the composite cable 1A is bent, the tubular body 2A can undergo plastic deformation, which makes it possible to improve the bending performance of the composite cable 1A. In addition, since the metal tube is not a tensile fiber that has been given electrical conductivity as in Patent Document 1, it is possible to suppress the rate of increase in volume and cross-sectional area relative to electrical conductivity, and it is possible to suppress the increase in the cross-sectional area of the composite cable.

In addition, with the composite cable 1A, the cross-sectional shape of the outer sheath 4A is flat, so the flexibility in the short axis direction (Z direction) is improved compared to a circular cable made of the same material and having an equivalent cross-sectional area. As a result, when the composite cable 1A is used as a wire harness for a vehicle, the ease of routing within the vehicle is improved.

In addition, for example, when the strip 5A is used as a power line, it becomes possible to effectively dissipate heat generated in the strip 5A when a large current flows through the strip 5A (power line). In other words, since the strip 5A has a larger surface area than a typical twisted wire or solid wire, it becomes possible to achieve higher heat dissipation when used as a power line.

For example, when the composite cable 1A is routed in a vehicle, the surface (long side 42A) of the outer sheath 4A that is closer to the band 5A can be brought into contact with the vehicle body (metal) to dissipate heat generated in the band 5A, which serves as a power line, to the vehicle body (metal). This makes it possible to realize a wire harness with high heat dissipation performance.

Here, by setting the distance d between the band 5A and the long side 42A (surface) of the band 4A within the band 4A to a value between 0.5 and 2.0 times the thickness t of the band 5A, for example, it is possible to improve not only the heat dissipation properties of the band 5A but also the resistance to damage to the band 5A due to external impact.

Furthermore, by making the band 5A a single wire made of a plastically deformable metal material, when the composite cable 1A is locked with a locking part, springback does not occur in the composite cable 1A, and the locking part is less likely to be subjected to force due to the springiness of the composite cable 1A. This makes it possible to improve the holding performance of the composite cable 1A by the locking part.

In addition, by using optical fiber as the signal line 3A, signal transmission in the signal line 3A is less susceptible to adverse effects from electromagnetic waves generated by the cylindrical body 2A as the power line or externally.

Furthermore, because the band-shaped body 5A is made of an uncoated flat metal material, the outer sheath 4A and the band-shaped body 5A have good adhesion. Therefore, the band-shaped body 5A is less likely to shift within the composite cable 1A.

As described above, the composite cable 1A according to the first embodiment makes it possible to provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to the second embodiment.

Composite cable 1B according to embodiment 2 differs from composite cable 1A according to embodiment 1 in that the configuration of tubular body 2B and the type of signal line 3B are different, and that band body 5A is covered with an insulating material, but is otherwise similar to composite cable 1A according to embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tubular body 2B in the composite cable 1B is made of a material having the same conductivity (non-insulating properties) as the band-shaped body 5A in the composite cable 1A according to the first embodiment, i.e., a metal material, formed into a tubular shape. The tubular body 2B is formed, for example, by extrusion molding or by forming a plate-shaped material into a tubular shape.

The outer surface 59A of the band 5A in the composite cable 1B is covered with a coating 6B. The coating 6B is made of, for example, the same insulating material as the outer jacket 4A. The coating 6B is formed, for example, by extrusion molding. Note that the coating 6B is not necessarily required.

The outer sheath 4A entirely covers the outer peripheral surface 69B of the coating 6B and the outer peripheral surface 29B of the cylindrical body 2B.

In the composite cable 1C, the signal line 3B is, for example, a metal wire. In this case, there may be one or more metal wires, and as a specific example, the metal wire may be a twisted pair wire. In this way, since the cylindrical body is conductive, a shielding effect is achieved and communication performance is improved. In addition, by using the aforementioned optical fiber core wire as the signal line, optical signal transmission becomes possible. In addition, the signal line may be a mixture of optical fiber core wire and metal wire.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of the signal line 3B.
4, the signal wire 3B includes, for example, a twisted wire 301 and a jacket 302 that covers the outer circumference of the twisted wire 301. The twisted wire 301 is formed by twisting together a plurality of covered electric wires 311. While Fig. 4 illustrates, as an example, a twisted wire in which two covered electric wires 311 are twisted together, the number of covered electric wires 311 is not particularly limited.

Each coated electric wire 311 includes a conductor 3110 made of, for example, a metal, and an insulating layer 3111 made of an insulating material that coats the outer periphery of the conductor 3110. The conductor 3110 can be made of, for example, the same metal material as the strip 5A, etc. The insulating layer 3111 and the jacket 302 can be made of, for example, the same insulating material as the outer sheath 4A.
The conductor 3110 may be a solid wire or a twisted wire, and the structure of the conductor 3110 is not particularly limited.

It is preferable that each communication line 3B is movably arranged in the space 30A defined by the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 2B.

As described above, the composite cable 1B according to the second embodiment can provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness, similar to the composite cable 1A according to the first embodiment.

In particular, in the composite cable 1B according to the second embodiment, the tubular body 2B is formed from a non-insulating material (metal material). This allows the tubular body 2B to function as a shield to prevent electromagnetic waves generated by the band body 5A or external devices from interfering with the signal line 3B. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of signal interference.

Third Embodiment
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to the third embodiment.
The composite cable 1C according to the third embodiment differs from the composite cable 1A according to the first embodiment in that the shape of the tubular body 2C is different, but in other respects, it is similar to the composite cable 1A according to the first embodiment. The tubular body 2C may be an insulating or non-insulating material. In addition, the communication line may be an optical fiber core or a metal wire.

The cylindrical body 2C is made of an insulating material. The cylindrical body 2C is formed in a rectangular tube shape. That is, the cross section of the cylindrical body 2C when cut perpendicularly to the axis of the cylindrical body 2C is rectangular (e.g., square). The cylindrical bodies 2C are arranged in a line in the short axis direction (Z direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A, similar to the composite cable 1A according to the first embodiment.

As described above, the composite cable 1C according to the third embodiment can provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness, similar to the composite cable 1A according to the first embodiment.

In particular, in the composite cable 1C according to embodiment 3, not only the band 5A but also the tubular body 2C have a rectangular cross section, so that, for example, when covering the band 5A and the tubular body 2C together with the jacket 4A, it is easy to align the band 5A and the tubular body 2C. This makes it easier to manufacture the composite cable 1C, and is expected to reduce manufacturing costs.

Fourth Embodiment
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to the fourth embodiment.
The composite cable 1D of the fourth embodiment differs from the composite cable 1A of the first embodiment in that the configuration of the band 5D is different, but in other respects is similar to the composite cable 1A of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the composite cable 1D, the band 5D is a collection of solid single wires made of a metal material, so-called bare single wires. The bare single wire metal wires 51D are formed of the same metal material as the band 5A in embodiment 1. When the metal wire 51D is cut in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (Y direction) of the tubular body 2A, the cross section of the metal wire 51D is, for example, circular. The metal wire 51D may be a solid wire or a twisted wire, and the cross section may be polygonal.

Specifically, the band-shaped body 5D includes multiple metal wires (bare single wires) 51D that extend in the axial direction (Y direction) of the cylindrical body 2A. The multiple metal wires 51D are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A. In other words, the multiple metal wires 51D each extending in the Y direction are arranged in a row in the X direction, so that the multiple metal wires 51D as a whole form a band shape.

Here, adjacent metal wires (bare single wires) 51D are arranged in contact with each other.

As described above, the composite cable 1D according to the fourth embodiment can provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness, similar to the composite cable 1A according to the first embodiment.

In particular, in the composite cable 1D according to embodiment 4, the band 5D is composed of multiple metal wires (bare single wires) 51D extending in the axial direction (Y direction) of the tubular body 2A, so that the cross-sectional area of the band 5D can be made larger. For example, the surface area of the band 5D is larger than that of a single metal wire (bare single wire) having a cross-sectional area equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the metal wires 51D.

Therefore, the composite cable 1D according to embodiment 4 can improve heat dissipation compared to the case where a single metal wire (bare single wire) having a cross-sectional area equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of each metal wire 51D is used as the power line.

In addition, according to the composite cable 1D of embodiment 4, for example, by using a bare single wire as the metal wire 51D, it is possible to increase the adhesion between the outer sheath 4A and the metal wire 51D (belt 5D), making it difficult for each metal wire 51D to shift within the composite cable 1D.

Fifth Embodiment
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable 1E according to the fifth embodiment.
The composite cable 1E of the fifth embodiment differs from the composite cable 1D of the fourth embodiment in that the configuration of the band 5E is different, but in other respects is similar to the composite cable 1D of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the ribbon 5E in the composite cable 1E is a collection of coated electric wires. Specifically, it includes a plurality of electric wires 51E extending in the axial direction (Y direction) of the cylindrical body 2A. Each electric wire 51E is a coated electric wire including, for example, a twisted wire 511 formed by twisting together a plurality of (e.g., seven) metal wires, and a coating 512 made of an insulating material and covering the outer surface of the twisted wire 511.

Each metal wire constituting the twisted wire 511 is made of, for example, the same metal material as the strip 5A according to the first embodiment. The coating 512 is made of, for example, the same insulating material as the outer jacket 4A. The coating 512 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding. When the electric wire 51E is cut in a direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the axial direction (Y direction) of the cylindrical body 2A, the cross section of the electric wire 51E is, for example, circular.

The multiple electric wires (coated electric wires) 51E are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the cross section of the jacket 4A. In other words, the multiple electric wires 51E each extending in the Y direction are arranged in a row in the X direction, so that the multiple electric wires 51E as a whole form a band shape.

Here, adjacent electric wires 51E may be arranged in contact with each other, or may be arranged at a predetermined interval.

As described above, the composite cable 1E according to the fifth embodiment can provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness, similar to the composite cable 1D according to the fourth embodiment.

In particular, in the composite cable 1E according to embodiment 5, the electric wire 51E has a coating 512, so that it is possible to remove the outer coating 4A without disintegrating the metal wire 511 when the cable is terminated, which facilitates the work involved in manufacturing the composite cable 1E.

Furthermore, according to the composite cable 1E of embodiment 5, since the electric wires 51E are provided with multiple coated electric wires, it is possible to wire multiple power supply systems.

Sixth Embodiment
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to the sixth embodiment.
The composite cable 1F of embodiment 6 differs from the composite cable 1A of embodiment 1 in that it has a plurality of linear body-containing tubular bodies 7F, each of which consists of a tubular body 2A and a signal line (linear body) 3A, but is similar to the composite cable 1A of embodiment 1 in other respects.

8, the composite cable 1F has a plurality of linear-member-containing tubular bodies 7F, each of which is a set of a tubular body 2A and at least one signal line 3A housed in a space 30A inside the tubular body 2A. The jacket 4A collectively covers the band-shaped body 5A and the plurality of linear-member-containing tubular bodies 7F.
FIG. 8 shows an example in which the composite cable 1F has three linear-member-containing cylindrical bodies 7F, but the number of linear-member-containing cylindrical bodies 7F is not particularly limited.

The multiple linear body-containing cylindrical bodies 7F are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, adjacent linear body-containing cylindrical bodies 7F may be arranged apart from each other (at a predetermined interval in the X direction) or in contact with each other.

As described above, the composite cable 1F according to the sixth embodiment can provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness, similar to the composite cable 1A according to the first embodiment.

In particular, the composite cable 1F according to embodiment 6 has multiple linear body-containing cylindrical bodies 7F, and each cylindrical body 2A houses a signal line 3A, making it possible to route multiple signal systems using a single cable.

Seventh embodiment
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to the seventh embodiment.
The composite cable 1G of embodiment 7 differs from the composite cable 1A of embodiment 1 in that it has a plurality of band-shaped bodies 5, but is similar to the composite cable 1A of embodiment 1 in other respects.

As shown in FIG. 9, the composite cable 1G has multiple bands 5A. Although FIG. 9 shows an example in which the composite cable 1G has two bands 5A_1 and 5A_2, the number of bands 5 is not particularly limited.

The multiple bands 5A are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, two bands 5A are arranged side by side in the X direction with a predetermined gap between them.

As described above, the composite cable 1F according to the seventh embodiment can provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness, similar to the composite cable 1A according to the first embodiment.

In particular, in the composite cable 1G according to embodiment 7, the multiple bands 5A are spaced apart from one another and arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the cross section of the jacket 4A, making it possible to route multiple power supply systems using a single composite cable.

In addition, by using multiple strips 5A as a common power line, the overall surface area can be increased compared to when a single strip 5A is used, further improving heat dissipation.

In addition, with the composite cable 1G, the multiple bands 5A are not coated, so there is good adhesion between the outer sheath 4A and the bands 5A, and misalignment is unlikely to occur.

Eighth embodiment
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to an eighth embodiment.
The composite cable 1H of embodiment 8 differs from the composite cable 1A of embodiment 1 in that it has multiple band-shaped bodies 5A and a signal line 3B made of a metal wire is arranged inside the tubular body 2A, but in other respects it is similar to the composite cable 1A of embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 10, the composite cable 1H has multiple bands 5A. Although FIG. 10 shows an example in which the composite cable 1G has two bands 5A_1 and 5A_2, the number of bands 5A is not particularly limited.

The multiple strips 5A_1 and 5A_2 are arranged side by side in the short axis direction (Y direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, two strips 5A are arranged side by side in the Y direction with a predetermined gap between them.

For example, of the two strips 5A_1 and 5A_2, it is preferable to connect the strip 5A_1 on the cylindrical body 2A side (the side closer to the signal line 3B) to the ground potential as a shield electrode, and to use the strip 5A_2 on the long side 42A side of the outer casing 4A as a power line.

As described above, the composite cable 1H according to embodiment 8 can provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness, similar to the composite cable 1A according to embodiment 1.

In particular, according to the composite cable 1H of embodiment 8, the multiple bands 5A_1, 5A_2 are spaced apart from each other and arranged side by side in the short axis direction (X direction) of the cross section of the jacket 4A, making it possible to route multiple power supply systems using a single composite cable.

In the composite cable 1H, of the two bands 5A_1, 5A_2, the band 5A_1 closer to the signal line 3B made of metal wire is used as a shield electrode, and the band 5A_2 on the long side 42A side of the jacket 4 is used as a power line. This makes it possible to reduce the influence on the signal line 3B of electromagnetic waves generated when current flows through the band 5A_2 acting as a power line, and electromagnetic waves generated by external devices, by the band 5A_1 acting as a shield electrode, thereby suppressing the occurrence of signal interference.

Ninth Embodiment
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to a ninth embodiment.
The composite cable 1J of embodiment 9 differs from the composite cable 1H of embodiment 8 in that it has a plurality of linear body-containing tubular bodies 7J, each of which has a tubular body 2A and a signal line 3B as a set, but in other respects is similar to the composite cable 1H of embodiment 8.

As shown in FIG. 11, the composite cable 1J has multiple linear body-containing tubular bodies 7J, each of which is a set of a tubular body 2A and at least one signal line 3B housed in the space 30A inside the tubular body 2A. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the composite cable 1J has three linear body-containing tubular bodies 7J, but the number of linear body-containing tubular bodies 7J is not particularly limited.

The multiple linear body-containing cylindrical bodies 7J are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A. Here, as shown in FIG. 11, adjacent linear body-containing cylindrical bodies 7J may be arranged apart from each other (at a predetermined interval in the X direction) or in contact with each other.

The outer jacket 4A collectively covers the multiple strips 5A_1 and 5A_2 and the multiple linear body-containing cylindrical body 7F.

As described above, the composite cable 1J according to the ninth embodiment can provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness, similar to the composite cable 1H according to the eighth embodiment.

In particular, the composite cable 1H according to embodiment 9 has multiple linear body-containing cylindrical bodies 7F, and each cylindrical body 2A houses a signal line 3B, making it possible to route multiple signal systems using a single cable.

Tenth embodiment
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to a tenth embodiment.
The composite cable 1K of embodiment 10 differs from the composite cable 1H of embodiment 8 in that the outer surface of the band 5A is covered with an insulating material, but in other respects is similar to the composite cable 1H of embodiment 8.

As shown in FIG. 12, the outer surface 59A_1 of the band 5A_1 in the composite cable 1K is covered with a coating 6K. The coating 6K is made of, for example, the same insulating material as the outer jacket 4A. The coating 6K is formed, for example, by extrusion molding.

The outer sheath 4A entirely covers the outer surface 69K of the coating 6K, the strips 5A_1 and 5A_2, and the outer surface 29A of the cylindrical body 2A.

As described above, the composite cable 1K according to the tenth embodiment can provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness, similar to the composite cable 1H according to the eighth embodiment.

In particular, the composite cable 1K according to embodiment 10 can accommodate cases where the band-shaped body 5A_1 and the band-shaped body 5A_2 have different functions because the outer surface 59A_1 of the band-shaped body 5A_1 is covered with the coating 6K. For example, if the band-shaped body 5A_1 is a high-voltage electric conductor (voltage: over 60V), this can be accommodated by making only the coating 6K out of a high-voltage compatible material, and there is no need to make the entire outer sheath 4A out of a high-voltage compatible material.

Eleventh Embodiment
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to an eleventh embodiment.
The composite cable 1L of embodiment 11 differs from the composite cable 1A of embodiment 1 in that two band-shaped bodies 5A_1, 5A_2 are arranged to sandwich the tubular body 2A, but in other respects is similar to the composite cable 1A of embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 13, the cylindrical body 2A is disposed between the bands 5A_1 and 5A_2 in the short axis direction (Y direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A. In other words, the bands 5A_1 and 5A_2 are disposed facing each other with the cylindrical body 2A in between in the short axis direction (Y direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A.

Specifically, strip 5A_1 is disposed between tubular body 2A and long side 41A of outer jacket 4A, and strip 5A_2 is disposed between tubular body 2A and long side 42A of outer jacket 4A. Strip 5A_1 and strip 5A_2 are disposed, for example, parallel to each other (parallel to the X-Y plane).

Here, both strip 5A_1 and strip 5A_2 may be used as power lines, or one of strip 5A_1 and strip 5A_2 may be used as a power line and the other as a shield line (ground).

As described above, the composite cable 1L according to embodiment 11 can provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness, similar to the composite cable 1A according to embodiment 1.

In particular, in the composite cable 1L according to embodiment 11, the two band-shaped bodies 5A_1, 5A_2 are arranged to sandwich the tubular body 2A, so that when the composite cable 1A is routed in a vehicle, for example, heat dissipation can be improved regardless of which of the long sides 41A, 42A of the outer sheath 4A is brought into contact with the vehicle body (metal).

<<Twelfth embodiment>>
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a composite cable according to a twelfth embodiment.
The composite cable 1M of embodiment 12 differs from the composite cable 1L of embodiment 11 in that it has a plurality of linear body-containing tubular bodies 7F, each of which has a tubular body 2A and a signal line 3A as a set, but in other respects is similar to the composite cable 1L of embodiment 11.

As shown in FIG. 14, in a composite cable 1M, a plurality of linear-member-containing tubular bodies 7F are disposed between two band-shaped bodies 5A_1 and 5A_2.
FIG. 14 shows an example in which the composite cable 1M has three linear-member-containing tubular bodies 7F, but the number of linear-member-containing tubular bodies 7F is not particularly limited.

The multiple linear body-containing cylindrical bodies 7F are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the cross section of the outer jacket 4A. Here, as shown in FIG. 14, adjacent linear body-containing cylindrical bodies 7F may be arranged apart from each other (at a predetermined interval in the X direction) or in contact with each other.

The outer jacket 4A collectively covers the multiple strips 5A_1 and 5A_2 and the multiple linear body-containing cylindrical body 7F.

As described above, the composite cable 1M according to the 12th embodiment can provide a cable that has sufficient performance as a wire harness, similar to the composite cable 1L according to the 11th embodiment.

In particular, the composite cable 1M according to embodiment 12 has multiple linear body-containing cylindrical bodies 7F, and each cylindrical body 2A houses a signal line 3A, making it possible to route multiple signal systems using a single cable.

<<Thirteenth embodiment>>
Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration in which external terminals are connected to the end of a composite cable according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 shows, as an example, a case in which external terminals 8 and 9 are connected to a composite cable 1A according to embodiment 1.

The external terminal 8 (first external terminal) is a simple connection member for facilitating the connection of the belt-shaped body 5A in the composite cable 1A with an external device or other wiring. Hereinafter, the external terminal 8 is also referred to as the simple connection member 8.

The simple connection member 8 may be a crimp terminal or the like. The simple connection member 8 is connected to the end of the band-shaped body 5A in the extending direction. The simple connection member 8 has an end 81 in which a hole 80 is formed. The end 81 is formed so as not to interfere with the signal line 3A. For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, the end 81 is formed to protrude in a direction (X direction) perpendicular to the extending direction (Y direction) of the band-shaped body 5A. Note that the end 81 of the simple connection member 8 does not need to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the band-shaped body 5A as long as it does not interfere with the signal line 3A. For example, the end 81 may be provided in the extending direction of the band-shaped body 5A, and the signal line 8A may be wired so as to avoid the hole 80 of the simple connection member 8.

The external terminal 9 (second external terminal) is a simple connection member for facilitating the connection of the signal line 3A in the composite cable 1A with an external device or other wiring. Hereinafter, the external terminal 9 is also referred to as a simple connection member 9.

For example, if the signal line 3A is an optical fiber, the simple connection member 9 can be an optical connector such as FC or SC. The simple connection member 9 is connected to each end of the signal line 3A in the extension direction.

In this embodiment, the case where separate external terminals 8, 9 are connected to the band 5A and the signal line 3A of the composite cable 1A is illustrated, but this is not limited to the above. For example, a single connector-like simple connection member in which the external terminals 8, 9 are integrally formed may be connected to the end of the composite cable 1A.

In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the simple connection members 8 and 9 are connected to the composite cable 1A according to embodiment 1 is illustrated, but the simple connection members 8 and 9 can also be connected to each of the composite cables 1B to 1M according to embodiments 2 to 12 in a similar manner.

In addition, in FIG. 15, the simple connection member 8 is connected to the band-shaped body 5A of the composite cable 1A by crimping the crimp piece 82 of the crimp terminal as the simple connection member 8, but the structure of the connection between the simple connection member 8 and the band-shaped body 5A is not limited to this, and various structures can be adopted. For example, a part of the crimp terminal and the band-shaped body 5A may be connected by welding or soldering. Alternatively, a hole corresponding to the outer shape of the band-shaped body 5A may be formed in the crimp terminal, and one end of the band-shaped body 5A may be inserted into the hole to connect the crimp terminal to the band-shaped body 5A. In this case, by forming a plurality of comb teeth on the inner wall of the hole, when one end of the band-shaped body 5A is inserted into the hole of the crimp terminal, the comb teeth can bite into the band-shaped body 5A, connecting the band-shaped body 5A to the crimp terminal and preventing the band-shaped body 5A from slipping out of the hole.

<<Embodiment 14>>
Next, a method for manufacturing the above-mentioned composite cables 1A to 1M will be described.
16 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a method for manufacturing a composite cable according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the flow of a method for manufacturing a composite cable 1A according to embodiment 1 will be representatively described, but composite cables according to other embodiments can also be manufactured according to approximately the same flow.

First, the cylindrical body 2A is formed (step S101). For example, as described above, the cylindrical body 2A is formed by extruding a flexible insulating material such as polyethylene, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), nylon, or silicone.

Next, a conductive strip 5A is formed (step S102). For example, as described above, the strip 5A is formed by extruding any one of metal materials such as aluminum, copper, copper alloy, tin-plated wire, iron, and nickel.

Next, an outer cover 4A is formed to cover the outer surface 29A of the cylindrical body 2A formed in step S101 and the outer surface 59A of the band-shaped body 5A formed in step S102 (step S103). For example, the cylindrical body 2A and the band-shaped body 5A are arranged side by side with a space between them in a mold, and any one of materials such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, and silicone is extruded (e.g., bulk extrusion) into the mold to form the outer cover 4A.

Next, the linear body 3A serving as the signal line is inserted into the cylindrical body 2A on which the outer jacket 4A was formed in step S103 (step S104). For example, the subassembly in which the outer jacket 4A is formed on the cylindrical body 2A and the strip-shaped body 5A is cut to a predetermined length, and an optical fiber core is inserted as the signal line 3A from the end of the cut subassembly (the end of the cylindrical body 2A).

Next, if necessary, a simple connection member 8 as a first external terminal is connected to the end in the extension direction of the band-shaped body 5A on which the outer sheath 4A was formed in step S103 (step S104, see Figure 15).

Next, if necessary, a simple connection member 9 is connected as a second external terminal to the end in the extension direction of the linear body 3A inserted inside the cylindrical body 2A in step S104 (step S106). Note that the connection of the simple connection members 8 and 9 in steps S105 and S106 can be realized by using a known method for connecting conventional crimp terminals, etc.

This makes it possible to manufacture the composite cable 1A according to embodiment 1.

In step S104, a case where a signal line (optical fiber core) is inserted as the linear body 3A inside the cylindrical body 2A on which the outer jacket 4A is formed in step S103 is exemplified, but instead of the optical fiber core, a thread member (e.g., a drawstring, etc.) that does not function as a transmission line may be inserted.

Specifically, in step S104, the pull string as the linear body 3A is inserted into the inside of the tubular body 2A in a movable state. Then, the tubular body 2A on which the outer sheath 4A is formed and the pull string is inserted therein may be shipped as a composite cable.

In this case, at the site where the composite cable is to be installed, a signal line such as a metal wire or optical fiber core is tied to the pull string, and the pull string is pulled to introduce the signal line into the inside of the cylindrical body 2A. This allows any signal line such as a metal wire or optical fiber core to be introduced into the composite cable at the site where the composite cable is to be installed.

<<Fifteenth embodiment>>
17 and 18 are diagrams showing an example of wiring when the composite cable according to the embodiment of the present invention is used as an on-vehicle wire harness.
FIG. 17 shows a plan view of a wiring harness arrangement structure using any of the composite cables 1A to 1J according to the above embodiments, and FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a main portion of the wiring harness arrangement structure.

The wiring harness arrangement structure 500 shown in Figures 17 and 18 is mounted on a vehicle 600. Examples of the vehicle 600 include automobiles, including hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles.

As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the wiring structure 500 of the wire harness has, as a power supply system, a first power supply trunk 12a connected to a power source 10 mounted on a vehicle 600, a first power supply distributor 11a connected to the first power supply trunk 12a, a second power supply trunk 12b connected to the first power supply distributor 11a and arranged in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, a second power supply distributor 11b connected to the second power supply trunk 12b, a third power supply trunk 12c connected to the second power supply distributor 11b and arranged in the vehicle width direction, a third power supply distributor 11c connected to the third power supply trunk 12c, a fourth power supply trunk 12d connected to the third power supply distributor 11c and arranged in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and a fourth power supply distributor 11d connected to the fourth power supply trunk 12d. In addition, the wire harness routing structure 500 has, as communication infrastructure, a first communication control unit 21a, a first communication trunk 22a connected to the first communication control unit 21a and routed in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, a second communication control unit 21b connected to the first communication trunk 22a, a second communication trunk 22b connected to the second communication control unit 21b and routed in the vehicle width direction, a third communication control unit 21c connected to the second communication trunk 22b, a third communication trunk 22c connected to the third communication control unit 21c and routed in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and a fourth communication control unit 21d connected to the third communication trunk 22c. The power supply control unit 11 also has a branch line (communication branch line and power supply branch line) 13 connected to each of the first to fourth power supply distributors 11a to 11d, a first auxiliary 14 connected to each of the branch lines 13, a branch line (communication branch line and power supply branch line) 15 connected to each of the communication control units 21a to 21d, and a second auxiliary 16 connected to each of the branch lines 15. The first power supply distributor 11a and the first communication control unit 21a are housed in a first housing 31 and integrated. Similarly, the second power supply distributor 11b and the first communication control unit 21b are housed in a second housing 32, the third power supply distributor 11c and the third communication control unit 21c are housed in a third housing 33, and the fourth power supply distributor 11d and the fourth communication control unit 21d are housed in a fourth housing 34 and integrated.

In the wiring harness arrangement structure 500, the composite cables 1A to 1J according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 10 can be used for at least a portion of the trunk lines including the power lines and the communication lines, i.e., the power supply trunk lines 12a to 12d and the communication trunk lines 22a to 22c. Similarly, in the wiring harness arrangement structure 500, the composite cables 1A to 1M according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 12 can be used for at least a portion of the branch lines (power supply branch lines and communication branch lines) 13, 15 branching off from the trunk line.

In this way, by adopting the composite cables 1A-1M according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments 1-12 in the wiring harness routing structure 500 for a vehicle, it is possible to route the power supply line and the communication line using a single cable, thereby further improving the ease of routing the wiring harness inside the vehicle.

In addition, in the wiring harness arrangement structure 500, the power supply trunk lines 12a to 12d and the branch lines 13, 15 (power supply branch lines) may include a signal line supplied with a power supply voltage and a signal line (earth line) supplied with a ground voltage, or the power supply trunk lines 12a to 12d and the branch lines 13, 15 (power supply branch lines) may be signal lines supplied with a power supply voltage, and an earth line supplied with a ground voltage may be provided separately from these power supply lines.

<<Extension of the embodiment>>
The invention made by the present inventors has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, but it goes without saying that the invention is not limited thereto and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the linear bodies 3A and 3B are communication lines such as optical fiber cores or metal wires, but as described above, the linear bodies 3A and 3B may be thread members (such as pull strings) that do not function as transmission lines.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the inside of the cylindrical body 2A is filled with air, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the inside of the cylindrical body 2A may be filled with a plurality of small pieces so that the signal lines 3A and 3B can move inside the cylindrical body 2A. The small pieces are made of an insulating material such as resin or fibrous material.
According to this, just as in the case where the inside of the cylindrical body 2A is filled with air, even if lateral pressure is applied to the composite cable 1A, etc., the signal wires 3A, 3B can move inside the cylindrical body 2A, so signal interference due to deformation of the signal wires 3A, 3B is less likely to occur.

In the above embodiment, the cross section of the outer cover 4A when cut perpendicularly to the axial direction of the cylindrical body 2A is rectangular, but this is not limited thereto and various shapes can be adopted. An example is shown below.

19A-19D are cross-sectional views showing alternative envelope shapes.
19A, the cross section of the jacket 4N when the composite cable 1N is cut perpendicularly to the axial direction of the tubular body 2A may be trapezoidal. In this case, the band-shaped body 5A is disposed on the lower base 42N side of the jacket 4N.

Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 19B, when the composite cable 1O is cut perpendicularly to the axial direction of the tubular body 2A, the cross section of the jacket 4O may be triangular. In this case, the band 5A is arranged along one of the three sides 42O of the jacket 4O.

Also, for example, as shown in Figures 19C and 19D, the cross section of the jacket 4P, 4Q when the composite cable 1P, 1Q is cut perpendicular to the axial direction of the tubular body 2A may be convex. For example, as shown in Figure 19C for the composite cable 1P, the jacket 4P may have a cross section in which two corners of a rectangle are chamfered in an arc shape, and as shown in Figure 19D for the composite cable 1Q, the jacket 4Q may have a polygonal cross section formed by joining two types of rectangles with different areas.

1A-1Q... Composite cable, 2A-2C... Cylindrical body, 3A... Linear body (signal line), 3B... Linear body (communication line), 4A, 4N, 4O, 4P, 4Q... Outer sheath, 5A, 5A_1, 5A_2, 5D, 5E... Ribbon body, 6B, 6K... Coating, 7F, 7J... Cylindrical body containing linear body, 8, 9... Simple connection member (external terminal), 12a-12d... Main line (power supply main line), 13... Branch line (power supply branch line and communication branch line), 15... Branch line (power supply branch line and communication branch line), 22a-22c... Main line (communication main line) 30A... Space, 51D... Metal wire (bare solid wire), 51E... Metal wire (coated electric wire).

Claims (20)

A cylindrical body made of a conductive material;
A strip-shaped body having electrical conductivity and extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical body;
an outer cover made of an insulating material covering the cylindrical body and the band-shaped body;
At least one linear body accommodated in an unconstrained state inside the cylindrical body;
having
The jacket has a flat cross section when cut perpendicular to the axial direction,
The cylindrical body and the band-shaped body are arranged side by side in a minor axis direction of a cross section of the jacket,
the band-shaped body is arranged such that a longitudinal direction of a cross section of the band-shaped body when cut perpendicularly to the axial direction is aligned with a long axis direction of a cross section of the jacket,
The band-shaped body and the cylindrical body are disposed apart from each other with the outer cover therebetween,
a space is formed between an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body and at least a part of an outer circumferential surface of the linear body ;
The band-shaped body is disposed only on the surface side on the major axis side of the cross section of the jacket.
Composite cable. 2. The composite cable according to claim 1,
The distance between the surface closest to the strip and the strip, among the two surfaces on the major axis side of the cross section of the jacket, is 0.5 to 2.0 times the thickness of the strip.
A composite cable characterized by: 3. The composite cable according to claim 1,
The band-shaped body is provided in a plurality of pieces.
The composite cable is characterized in that the multiple bands are spaced apart from each other and arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction of a cross section of the jacket. 3. The composite cable according to claim 1,
The strip-shaped body includes two strips .
The two bands are spaced apart from each other and arranged side by side in the minor axis direction of the cross section of the jacket,
The composite cable according to claim 1, wherein the tubular body is disposed between the two band-shaped bodies in a minor axis direction of a cross section of the jacket. The composite cable according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A composite cable, wherein the ribbon is made of a flat metal material, a flat stranded conductor, or a flat braided conductor. The composite cable according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The band includes a plurality of metal wires extending in the axial direction,
The composite cable, wherein the plurality of metal wires are arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction of a cross section of the sheath. The composite cable according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A composite cable, characterized in that an outer peripheral surface of the belt-shaped body is covered with an insulating material. The composite cable according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A composite cable, characterized in that a cross section of the tubular body when cut perpendicularly to the axial direction is circular. The composite cable according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A composite cable, characterized in that a cross section of the tubular body when cut perpendicularly to the axial direction is rectangular. The composite cable according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A composite cable further comprising a first external terminal connected to an end of the band in an extending direction. 2. The composite cable according to claim 1,
A composite cable further comprising a second external terminal connected to one end of the linear body in an extending direction. The composite cable according to claim 1 or 11,
The composite cable, wherein the linear body includes a conductor that transmits an electrical signal. The composite cable according to any one of claims 1, 11 and 12,
The composite cable, wherein the linear body includes an optical fiber. The composite cable according to any one of claims 1, 11 and 12,
A composite cable, wherein the linear body includes a thread member that does not function as a transmission path. A main line including a power supply line and a communication line, and a branch line branching off from the main line,
A wiring harness arrangement structure, characterized in that at least a part of the trunk line is the composite cable according to any one of claims 1 to 14. A main line including a power supply line and a communication line, and a branch line branching off from the main line,
A wiring harness arrangement structure, characterized in that at least a part of the branch wires is the composite cable according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The wiring harness arrangement structure according to claim 15 or 16,
The wiring harness arrangement structure further comprises a ground wire. A first step of forming a tubular body made of a conductive material;
A second step of forming conductive strips;
a third step of forming, by extrusion molding, an outer cover made of an insulating material that covers an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body formed in the first step and an outer peripheral surface of the band-shaped body formed in the second step;
a fourth step of inserting a linear body into the cylindrical body on which the outer covering is formed in the third step,
The band-shaped body extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical body,
The outer jacket has a flat cross section when cut perpendicular to the axial direction,
The cylindrical body and the band-shaped body are arranged side by side in a minor axis direction of a cross section of the jacket,
the band-shaped body is arranged such that a longitudinal direction of a cross section of the band-shaped body when cut perpendicularly to the axial direction is aligned with a long axis direction of a cross section of the jacket,
The band-shaped body and the cylindrical body are disposed apart from each other with the outer cover therebetween,
the linear object is accommodated in an unconstrained state inside the cylindrical body,
a space is formed between an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body and at least a part of an outer peripheral surface of the linear body. 19. The method for producing a composite cable according to claim 18,
a fifth step of connecting a first external terminal to an end of the band in an extending direction thereof. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:
a sixth step of connecting a second external terminal to an end of the linear body in an extension direction.

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