WO2023195399A1

WO2023195399A1 - Protector and wire harness

Info

Publication number: WO2023195399A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/012910
Authority: WO
Inventors: 剛誠小林
Original assignee: 住友電装株式会社
Priority date: 2022-04-06
Filing date: 2023-03-29
Publication date: 2023-10-12
Also published as: JP2023154175A

Abstract

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a protector and a wire harness with which it is possible to extend the range of motion of a wire member. A protector (30) that surrounds the outer periphery of a wire member (20) according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a cylindrical movable member (31) that holds the wire member; and a cylindrical case (32) that rotatably holds the movable member. The movable member includes a cylindrical and spherical part (40) including an accommodation part (41) through which the wire member passes. The case includes: a spherical accommodation space (63) in which the spherical part is rotatably accommodated; and extended spaces (80, 81) that extend the range of motion of the wire member. The extended spaces (80, 81) are in communication with the accommodation space and formed such that the wire member can be inserted therein.

Description

Protector and wire harness

The present disclosure relates to a protector and a wire harness.

Conventionally, some wire harnesses include a wire member having an electric wire and an exterior member surrounding the electric wire, and a protector surrounding the electric wire member (for example, see Patent Document 1). This type of protector has a case formed of a two-part structure including a receiving part and a lid part, and a spherical movable member rotatably disposed between the receiving part and the lid part. By holding the electric wire member in this movable member, the electric wire member is held movably with respect to the protector.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-341446

By the way, in the above wire harness, it is desired to expand the movable range (movable range) of the electric wire member. This point also applies to the case where the electric wire member is composed only of electric wires.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a protector and a wire harness that can expand the range of motion of an electric wire member.

The protector of the present disclosure is a protector that surrounds the outer periphery of an electric wire member, and includes a cylindrical movable member that holds the electric wire member, and a cylindrical case that rotatably holds the movable member. The movable member has a cylindrical spherical part having a accommodating part through which the electric wire member passes, and the case has a spherical accommodating space that rotatably accommodates the spherical part and expands the range of motion of the electric wire member. The expansion space communicates with the accommodation space and is formed into which the electric wire member can be inserted.

A wire harness of the present disclosure includes an electric wire member and a protector surrounding the outer periphery of the electric wire member, the protector including a cylindrical movable member that holds the electric wire member, and the movable member. a cylindrical case rotatably holding the movable member, the movable member having a cylindrical spherical part having a housing part through which the electric wire member passes, and the case being able to rotate the spherical part. The electric wire member has a spherical accommodation space that accommodates the electric wire member, and an expansion space that expands the range of motion of the electric wire member, and the expansion space communicates with the accommodation space and is formed into which the electric wire member can be inserted.

According to the protector and wire harness of the present disclosure, it is possible to expand the range of motion of the electric wire member.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a wire harness according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the wire harness of one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the wire harness of one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the wire harness of one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a wire harness of one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a wire harness of one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a wire harness of one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of the wire harness. FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a modified example of the wire harness.

[Description of embodiments of the present disclosure]
First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.
[1] The protector of the present disclosure is a protector that surrounds the outer periphery of an electric wire member, and includes a cylindrical movable member that holds the electric wire member, and a cylindrical case that rotatably holds the movable member. The movable member has a cylindrical spherical part having a accommodating part through which the electric wire member passes, and the case has a spherical accommodating space that rotatably accommodates the spherical part, and a movable part of the electric wire member. The electric wire member has an enlarged space that enlarges the area, and the enlarged space communicates with the accommodation space and is formed so that the electric wire member can be inserted therein.

According to this configuration, the case is provided with a spherical accommodation space that rotatably accommodates the spherical part, and an enlarged space that communicates with the accommodation space and into which the electric wire member can be inserted. By providing this expanded space, when the electric wire member moves in conjunction with the rotation of the spherical portion, the electric wire member can be moved so as to be inserted into the expanded space. Therefore, the movable range of the electric wire member in the direction in which the expanded space is provided can be expanded by the amount that the electric wire member is inserted into the expanded space.

Here, "spherical" in this specification is not limited to a true sphere, but also includes a slightly deformed spherical shape such as an elliptical sphere, and a spherical shape with some irregularities on the surface. In this specification, the term "cylindrical" includes not only one in which the circumferential wall is formed continuously over the entire circumferential direction, but also one in which a plurality of parts are combined to form a cylindrical shape. In this specification, "cylindrical" includes those with a spherical outer edge shape, circular outer edge shape, and polygonal outer edge shape, and is composed of any closed shape whose outer edge shape is connected by a straight line or a curved line. say something

[2] The wire harness of the present disclosure includes an electric wire member and a protector surrounding the outer periphery of the electric wire member, the protector including a cylindrical movable member that holds the electric wire member, a cylindrical case rotatably holding the movable member; the movable member has a cylindrical spherical portion having a housing portion through which the electric wire member passes; a spherical accommodation space that rotatably accommodates the electric wire member, and an expansion space that expands the range of motion of the electric wire member, and the expansion space communicates with the accommodation space and is formed such that the electric wire member can be inserted therein. ing.

According to this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned protector can be achieved.
[3] Preferably, the enlarged space is a notch provided at an axial end of the case.

According to this configuration, the enlarged space is formed by cutting out the axial end of the case. Therefore, it is possible to suitably prevent the movement of the electric wire member from being restricted by the axial end portion of the case. Thereby, the range of motion of the electric wire member can be suitably expanded.

[4] The case has an outlet provided at an end in the axial direction of the case and communicates with the accommodation space, and the electric wire member is led out of the case from the outlet. , the enlarged space is formed to extend in the axial direction of the case from the open end of the outlet to the accommodation space, and the enlarged space opens in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the case, and , preferably communicates with the outlet.

According to this configuration, an enlarged space is formed extending from the open end of the outlet provided at the axial end of the case to the accommodation space. This enlarged space opens in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the case and is formed to communicate with the outlet of the case. Therefore, the enlarged space can be formed to widen the opening width of the outlet. Thereby, the range of motion of the electric wire member drawn out from the outlet can be suitably expanded.

[5] The expanded space has a length direction extending along the axial direction of the case, a width direction perpendicular to the length direction, and a penetration direction perpendicular to both the length direction and the width direction. It is preferable that the maximum dimension of the enlarged space along the width direction is larger than the maximum dimension of the electric wire member along the width direction, and smaller than the diameter of the spherical part. .

According to this configuration, since the maximum dimension along the width direction of the expanded space is formed larger than the maximum dimension along the width direction of the electric wire member, the electric wire member can be suitably inserted into the expanded space. Thereby, the movable range of the electric wire member can be suitably expanded by the amount that the electric wire member is inserted into the enlarged space. Moreover, since the maximum dimension along the width direction of the enlarged space is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the spherical part, it is possible to suitably suppress the spherical part from slipping out of the case through the enlarged space.

[6] The planar shape of the enlarged space viewed from the penetrating direction is square, and the planar shape of the enlarged space seen from the penetrating direction is equal to the lengthwise end of the enlarged space. It is preferable that the corners of the quadrangle at the first end on the side of the accommodation space are rounded.

According to this configuration, the corners of the quadrilateral at the first end of the enlarged space are rounded. Here, even if the electric wire member is inserted up to the first end of the expanded space, the electric wire member is unlikely to come into contact with the square corner at the first end. Therefore, even if the dimension in the width direction at the first end is reduced by forming the corner in a rounded manner, the movement of the electric wire member can be prevented from being restricted by the corner. Further, since the widthwise dimension at the first end is reduced, the opening width of the enlarged space can be reduced, and therefore it is possible to suitably prevent the spherical part from slipping out of the case through the enlarged space.

[7] The case has a receiving part and a lid part formed to be able to be combined with the receiving part, the receiving part has a hemispherical first accommodation recess, and the lid part has a hemispherical shape. The accommodating space is configured by overlapping the first accommodating recess and the second accommodating recess, and the spherical part is formed by the receiving part and the lid part. Preferably, it is accommodated in the accommodation space in a sandwiched state, and the expansion space is provided in at least one of the receiving part and the lid part.

According to this configuration, the case is formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the electric wire member and the movable member by the receiving portion having the first accommodating recess and the lid portion having the second accommodating recess. As a result, even though the case has a cylindrical shape, the case is divided into a receiving part and a lid part, so that the case can be attached to the electric wire member later. In other words, since the case is divided into a receiving part and a lid part, it is possible to attach the case to the electric wire member after performing terminal processing such as attaching a connector to the longitudinal end of the electric wire member. is possible. As a result, the workability of assembling the wire harness can be improved.

[8] The expanded space includes a first expanded space provided in the lid and a second expanded space provided in the receiving portion, and the second expanded space is located between the center of the spherical portion and the second expanded space provided in the receiving portion. It is preferable that the spherical portion be provided at a position opposite to the first enlarged space, with the center of the spherical portion in between, on a straight line passing through the first enlarged space.

According to this configuration, the first enlarged space and the second enlarged space are provided so as to sandwich the center of the spherical portion. Therefore, when the electric wire member pulled out from one end of the accommodating part of the spherical part is moved so as to be inserted into the first enlarged space, the electric wire member pulled out from the other end of the accommodating part is inserted into the second expanded space. I can do it. Thereby, when the electric wire member pulled out from one end of the accommodating part moves so as to be inserted into the first enlarged space, it is possible to suppress the electric wire member pulled out from the other end of the accommodating part from coming into contact with the case. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the movement of the electric wire member from being restricted due to contact between the electric wire member pulled out from the other end of the accommodating part and the case, and it is possible to suitably expand the range of movement of the electric wire member.

[9] The movable member has a first divided body and a second divided body formed so as to be able to be combined with the first divided body, and the first divided body has a first hemisphere having a first groove. The second divided body has a second hemispherical portion having a second groove, and the spherical portion is formed by combining the first hemispherical portion and the second hemispherical portion. It is preferable that the accommodating portion is configured such that the first groove portion and the second groove portion are overlapped.

According to this configuration, the movable member is formed into a cylindrical shape surrounding the electric wire member by the first divided body having the first hemispherical portion and the second divided body having the second hemispherical portion. Thereby, even though the movable member has a cylindrical shape, the movable member is divided into the first divided body and the second divided body, so that the movable member can be retrofitted to the electric wire member. As a result, the workability of assembling the wire harness can be improved.

[10] The movable member further includes a fixing member that fixes the electric wire member to the protector, and the movable member has a fixing piece that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the spherical part and to which the electric wire member is fixed, and the movable member It is preferable that the member fixes the electric wire member pulled out from the accommodating portion to the fixing piece, and the expanded space is formed such that the fixing piece and the fixing member can be inserted thereinto.

According to this configuration, the movable member is provided with a fixing piece to which the electric wire member is fixed by the fixing member. By fixing the wire member to this fixed piece, the wire member can be fixed to the movable member. Thereby, relative movement of the electric wire member with respect to the movable member can be restricted. Therefore, the positional shift of the electric wire member with respect to the movable member can be suitably suppressed. Further, the fixing piece is provided on the outside of the spherical part through which the electric wire member passes. Therefore, the electric wire member can be fixed on the outside of the spherical portion. As a result, even if a large gap occurs between the inner peripheral surface of the accommodating part of the spherical part and the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire member, the electric wire member can be suitably fixed to the fixing piece provided on the outside of the spherical part. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to attach the movable member to electric wire members of various sizes as long as the electric wire members are large enough to pass through the housing portion. Therefore, it is possible to easily accommodate changes in the size of the wire member.

Furthermore, the expansion space is formed so that the fixing piece and the fixing member can be inserted therein. Therefore, even if the provision of the fixing piece and the fixing member increases the external size, the wire member in the portion where the fixing piece and the fixing member are provided can be suitably inserted into the enlarged space. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the movement of the electric wire member from being restricted due to the provision of the fixed piece and the fixed member, and it is possible to suitably expand the range of movement of the electric wire member.

[Details of embodiments of the present disclosure]
Specific examples of the protector and wire harness of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, a part of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for convenience of explanation. Further, the dimensional ratio of each part may differ in each drawing. In this specification, "parallel", "orthogonal", and "full length" are not limited to strictly parallel, orthogonal, and full length, but also include approximately parallel, perpendicular, and full length within the range that produces the effects of this embodiment. included. In this specification, "opposing" refers to surfaces or members that are in front of each other, and not only when they are completely in front of each other but also partially in front of each other. including cases. In addition, "opposed" in this specification refers to both a case where a member different from the two parts is interposed between the two parts, and a case where nothing is interposed between the two parts. including. Additionally, the expression "at least one" as used herein means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the expression "at least one" as used herein means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if there are two options. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

(Configuration of vehicle V)
As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle V includes a plurality of electrical components M1 and M2 and a wire harness 10 that electrically connects the plurality of electrical components M1 and M2. Examples of the electrical components M1 and M2 include a battery, a motor generator, an air conditioner, a slide door actuator, a back door actuator, a seat heater, and a control device that controls these.

(Configuration of wire harness 10)
The wire harness 10 is formed so as to span between the electrical component M1 and the electrical component M2. The wire harness 10 is formed to span, for example, between the body of the vehicle V and the movable body B1. Examples of the movable body B1 include a seat and a sliding door of the vehicle V. The electrical component M1 is, for example, an electrical component attached to the body of the vehicle V. The electrical component M2 is, for example, an electrical component attached to the movable body B1. For example, when the movable body B1 moves (see the dashed line in the figure), the electrical component M2 moves together with the movable body B1. The wire harness 10 is configured to be able to change the path of the wire harness 10 according to the movement of the movable body B1, for example, without interfering with the body of the vehicle V or the movable body B1. For example, the wire harness 10 is configured such that the path of the wire harness 10 can be curved and deformed without interfering with the body of the vehicle V or the sliding door according to the opening/closing operation of the sliding door.

The wire harness 10 includes an electric wire member 20 and a protector 30 surrounding the outer periphery of the electric wire member 20. The wire harness 10 has connectors C1 and C2 attached to both ends of the wire member 20. One lengthwise end of the wire member 20 is connected to the electrical component M1 via the connector C1, and the other lengthwise end of the wire member 20 is connected to the electrical component M2 via the connector C2. .

(Configuration of electric wire member 20)
As shown in FIG. 2, the electric wire member 20 includes, for example, one or more electric wires 21 and an exterior member 22 that surrounds the outer periphery of the electric wire 21. The electric wire member 20 of this embodiment includes a plurality of electric wires 21 and an exterior member 22 that collectively surrounds the plurality of electric wires 21.

Each electric wire 21 is, for example, a coated electric wire having a conductive core wire and an insulating coating that surrounds the outer periphery of the core wire and has electrical insulation properties. Each electric wire 21 is a low-voltage electric wire that can handle a low voltage of about 12V, for example. For example, each electric wire 21 may be a shielded electric wire that has an electromagnetic shielding structure, or may be a non-shielded electric wire that does not have an electromagnetic shielding structure. Each electric wire 21 in this embodiment is a non-shielded electric wire.

For example, the exterior member 22 is formed to enclose the outer periphery of the plurality of electric wires 21 all at once. The exterior member 22 is, for example, formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the plurality of electric wires 21 over the entire circumferential direction. The exterior member 22 of this embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape. The exterior member 22 has a function of protecting the electric wire 21 from flying objects and water droplets, for example.

For example, the exterior member 22 has flexibility and can be easily bent. Examples of the flexible exterior member 22 include a corrugated tube made of resin, a waterproof cover made of rubber, and a twisted tube. The exterior member 22 of this embodiment is a corrugated resin tube having a bellows-like shape whose diameter repeats large and small in the length direction of the exterior member 22 . That is, the exterior member 22 of the present embodiment has a bellows structure in which peaks 23 and valleys 24 having a smaller diameter than the peaks 23 are alternately arranged along the length of the exterior member 22. ing. Each of the peak portions 23 and the valley portions 24 has a cylindrical shape that goes around once along the circumferential direction of the exterior member 22, for example. As the material for the exterior member 22, for example, synthetic resins such as polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, and ABS resin can be used.

(Configuration of protector 30)
The protector 30 is provided, for example, so as to surround the outer periphery of the exterior member 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the protector 30 is provided, for example, in a portion of the electric wire member 20 in the length direction. The protector 30 is provided, for example, at an intermediate portion of the electric wire member 20 in the length direction. The protector 30 is fixed to, for example, a body panel of the vehicle V.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the protector 30 includes a cylindrical movable member 31 that holds the electric wire member 20, and a cylindrical case 32 that rotatably holds the movable member 31. The movable member 31 and the case 32 are formed separately. That is, the movable member 31 and the case 32 are separate parts. The movable member 31 and the case 32 are made of metal or resin, for example. The movable member 31 and case 32 of this embodiment are made of resin. As materials for the movable member 31 and the case 32, for example, synthetic resins such as polypropylene, polyamide, and polyacetal can be used. The material of the movable member 31 and the material of the case 32 may be different materials or may be the same kind of material. The movable member 31 and the case 32 can be manufactured by a well-known manufacturing method such as injection molding.

(Configuration of movable member 31)
The movable member 31 has a cylindrical spherical portion 40 having a housing portion 41 through which the wire member 20 passes. The spherical portion 40 is formed into a spherical shape as a whole. The outer circumferential surface of the spherical portion 40 is, for example, formed in a spherical shape. The spherical portion 40 is, for example, formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the entire outer periphery of the electric wire member 20 in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the movable member 31 includes, for example, a first divided body 31A and a second divided body 31B formed to be able to be combined with the first divided body 31A. The first divided body 31A and the second divided body 31B are, for example, separate parts. The first divided body 31A and the second divided body 31B are formed to be detachable from each other. The movable member 31 is configured, for example, by combining a first divided body 31A and a second divided body 31B. As shown in FIG. 5, the movable member 31 is formed into a cylindrical shape surrounding the outer periphery of the electric wire member 20 by combining the first divided body 31A and the second divided body 31B. That is, the movable member 31 is composed of a plurality of divided bodies, a first divided body 31A and a second divided body 31B, and is formed into a cylindrical body having a housing portion 41 by combining these divided bodies. . Here, the movable member 31 has a length direction extending along the length direction of the electric wire member 20, a width direction perpendicular to the length direction, and a height direction perpendicular to both the length direction and the width direction. It has For example, the height direction of the movable member 31 corresponds to the direction in which the first divided body 31A and the second divided body 31B are combined. Note that in FIG. 4, illustration of the case 32 is omitted.

The first divided body 31A has a first hemispherical portion 40A having a first groove portion 41A. The second divided body 31B has a second hemispherical portion 40B having a second groove portion 41B. In this embodiment, the first divided body 31A has only the first hemispherical portion 40A, and the second divided body 31B has only the second hemispherical portion 40B. The second hemispherical portion 40B is, for example, formed to be removably attached to the first hemispherical portion 40A. For example, the first divided body 31A and the second divided body 31B have the same structure. That is, the first hemispherical portion 40A and the second hemispherical portion 40B have the same structure. Therefore, in the following explanation, the structure of the first divided body 31A will be explained in detail, and the explanation of the structure of the second divided body 31B will be omitted. Specifically, regarding the structure of the second divided body 31B, redundant explanation will be omitted by assigning the reference numeral with the suffix "A" of the corresponding structure of the first divided body 31A changed to "B". do.

(Configuration of first divided body 31A)
As shown in FIG. 4, the first hemispherical portion 40A is, for example, formed into a hemispherical shape as a whole. The outer peripheral surface of the first hemispherical portion 40A is, for example, formed in a hemispherical shape. The first hemispherical portion 40A is, for example, formed into a half-cylindrical shape as a whole. The first groove portion 41A is formed, for example, on an end surface facing the second hemispherical portion 40B. The first groove portion 41A is formed, for example, from the end surface of the first hemispherical portion 40A facing the second hemispherical portion 40B so as to be recessed in a direction away from the second hemispherical portion 40B. The first groove portion 41A extends, for example, along the length direction of the electric wire member 20. The first groove portion 41A extends, for example, along the length direction of the first divided body 31A over the entire length of the first divided body 31A. The first groove portion 41A is, for example, opened in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the first divided body 31A, and is formed to open at both ends of the first hemispherical portion 40A in the length direction.

The first hemispherical portion 40A has, for example, a bottom wall 43A and two

side walls

44A and 45A that protrude from both side edges of the bottom wall 43A toward the second divided body 31B and are opposed to each other. The bottom wall 43A is formed, for example, at the bottom of the first groove portion 41A. The inner surface of the bottom wall 43A constitutes, for example, the bottom surface of the first groove portion 41A. The inner surface of each

side wall

44A, 45A constitutes, for example, the inner surface of the first groove portion 41A. Each of the

side walls

44A, 45A protrudes toward the second divided body 31B, for example, from each of both ends of the bottom wall 43A in the width direction. The two

side walls

44A, 45A are opposed to each other in the width direction of the first divided body 31A, for example. Each

side wall

44A, 45A is continuously formed integrally with the bottom wall 43A. The inner surface of the bottom wall 43A and the inner surfaces of the

side walls

44A and 45A, that is, the inner surface 41C of the first groove portion 41A, are formed into, for example, an arcuate curved surface. The inner surface of the bottom wall 43A and the inner surfaces of the

side walls

44A and 45A are formed into curved surfaces corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire member 20, for example. The inner surface of the side wall 44A, the inner surface of the bottom wall 43A, and the inner surface of the side wall 45A are, for example, formed to be continuously curved with the same curvature.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first hemispherical portion 40A has, for example, one or more protrusions 46A protruding from the inner surface 41C of the first groove portion 41A. The first hemispherical portion 40A of this embodiment has six protrusions 46A. Each protrusion 46A protrudes from the inner surface 41C of the first groove portion 41A toward the radially inner side of the accommodating portion 41. The plurality of projections 46A are provided at intervals in the length direction of the movable member 31. Each protrusion 46A is formed to fit into the trough 24 of the exterior member 22. The plurality of protrusions 46A are formed, for example, so as to fit into different valleys 24, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5, each protrusion 46A extends along the circumferential direction of the accommodating portion 41, for example. Each projection 46A extends, for example, along the circumferential direction of the accommodating portion 41 over the entire circumference of the first groove portion 41A. Each protrusion 46A is formed, for example, in an arc shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the valley portion 24.

The first hemispherical portion 40A has, for example, one or more recesses 47A. The first hemispherical portion 40A of this embodiment has a plurality of recesses 47A. Each recessed portion 47A is formed to be recessed toward the radially outer side of the accommodating portion 41 from the inner surface 41C of the first groove portion 41A. Each recess 47A is formed, for example, so as not to penetrate the first hemispherical portion 40A. The plurality of recesses 47A are provided, for example, at intervals in the circumferential direction of the accommodating portion 41. As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of recesses 47A are provided at intervals in the length direction of the first divided body 31A, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first hemispherical portion 40A includes, for example, a first engaging portion 48A and a second engaging portion 49A. The first engaging portion 48A is provided, for example, on the side wall 44A. The first engaging portion 48A is provided so as to be able to engage with a second engaging portion 49B provided on the second hemispherical portion 40B, for example. The first engaging portion 48A is formed, for example, to protrude toward the second hemispherical portion 40B from the end surface in the circumferential direction of the side wall 44A, that is, the end surface facing the second hemispherical portion 40B. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, an engagement convex portion 48C that projects toward the outside in the radial direction of the accommodating portion 41 is formed at the distal end portion of the first engagement portion 48A. The first engaging portion 48A is formed in a cantilever shape, for example, with a fixed end at a base end connected to the circumferential end surface of the side wall 44A and a free end at a distal end opposite to the base end. ing. The first engaging portion 48A is configured to be able to bend in the width direction of the first divided body 31A by elastic deformation, for example.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second engaging portion 49A is provided, for example, on the side wall 45A. The second engaging portion 49A is provided, for example, on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall 45A. The second engaging portion 49A is, for example, an engaging frame portion with which the first engaging portion 48B provided on the second hemispherical portion 40B is engaged. The second engaging portion 49A is formed, for example, into a U-shaped frame, and has an engaging hole 49C in the center of the frame, into which the first engaging portion 48B can engage. The first

engaging portions

48A, 48B and the second

engaging portions

49B, 49A are engaged with each other by, for example, a snap fit method.

(Configuration of second divided body 31B)
The second hemispherical portion 40B is, for example, formed into a hemispherical shape as a whole. The second hemispherical portion 40B is, for example, formed into a half-cylindrical shape as a whole. The second groove portion 41B is formed, for example, on an end surface of the second hemispherical portion 40B that faces the first hemispherical portion 40A. The second groove portion 41B is formed, for example, to face the first groove portion 41A. The second hemispherical portion 40B includes, for example, a bottom wall 43B and two

side walls

44B and 45B that protrude from both side edges of the bottom wall 43B toward the first divided body 31A and are opposed to each other. The second hemispherical portion 40B includes, for example, one or more protrusions 46B and one or more recesses 47B. The second hemispherical portion 40B of this embodiment has a plurality of protrusions 46B and a plurality of recesses 47B. For example, each protrusion 46B is formed to face each protrusion 46A. The second hemispherical portion 40B includes, for example, a first engagement portion 48B and a second engagement portion 49B.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first divided body 31A and the second divided body 31B are combined so that the first hemispherical portion 40A and the second hemispherical portion 40B are overlapped. The first hemispherical portion 40A and the second hemispherical portion 40B are combined so that the first groove portion 41A and the second groove portion 41B are overlapped. That is, the first hemispherical portion 40A and the second hemispherical portion 40B are combined so that the first groove portion 41A and the second groove portion 41B communicate with each other. The first hemispherical portion 40A and the second hemispherical portion 40B are arranged such that the first engagement portion 48A and the second engagement portion 49B are engaged with each other, and the second hemispherical portion 49A and the second engagement portion 49B are engaged with each other. 1 engaging portion 48B are combined so as to be engaged with each other. Due to the engagement between the first

engaging parts

48A, 48B and the second

engaging parts

49B, 49A, the first hemispherical part 40A and the second hemispherical part 40B are combined, that is, the first hemispherical part 40A. The state in which a cylindrical body is formed by the second hemispherical portion 40B is maintained. In the movable member 31 in which the first divided body 31A and the second divided body 31B are combined in this way, the spherical part 40 is constituted by the first hemispherical part 40A and the second hemispherical part 40B, and the first groove part 41A The accommodating portion 41 is constituted by the second groove portion 41B and the second groove portion 41B. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the first hemispherical part 40A and the second hemispherical part 40B protrude into the valley part 24 of the exterior member 22 with the electric wire member 20 passing through the inside of the housing part 41. 46A and protrusion 46B are inserted into each other and combined with each other. By entering the

protrusions

46A and 46B into the trough 24, relative movement of the exterior member 22 with respect to the movable member 31 in the length direction of the exterior member 22 can be suppressed. Thereby, it is possible to hold the electric wire member 20 on the movable member 31, and it is also possible to suppress the displacement of the electric wire member 20 with respect to the movable member 31.

(Configuration of case 32)
As shown in FIG. 2, the case 32 includes a receiving part 61 and a lid part 62 that is formed so as to be able to be combined with the receiving part 61. The receiving portion 61 and the lid portion 62 are, for example, separate parts. The receiving portion 61 and the lid portion 62 are, for example, formed so that they can be attached to and removed from each other. The case 32 is formed into a cylindrical body that surrounds the outer periphery of the electric wire member 20 by combining the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62. That is, the case 32 is composed of a plurality of divided bodies including the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62, and is formed into a cylindrical body by combining these divided bodies. The cylindrical body (that is, the case 32) formed by combining the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62 has a spherical accommodation space 63 that rotatably accommodates the spherical part 40 of the movable member 31. The housing space 63 is, for example, formed in a size that can accommodate the spherical portion 40 in a freely rotatable state with respect to the housing space 63 . The accommodation space 63 is set, for example, to a size such that the spherical part 40 does not come out of the accommodation space 63 when the spherical part 40 rotates with respect to the accommodation space 63 . The accommodation space 63 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer shape of the spherical portion 40, for example. The inner diameter of the accommodation space 63 is, for example, slightly larger than the outer diameter of the spherical portion 40 . Here, the case 32 has an axial direction (length direction) extending along the length direction of the electric wire member 20, a width direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and a height perpendicular to both the axial direction and the width direction. It has a direction. For example, the height direction of the case 32 corresponds to the direction in which the receiving portion 61 and the lid portion 62 are combined.

(Configuration of receiving part 61)
As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving portion 61 is, for example, formed into a half-cylindrical shape as a whole. The receiving portion 61 has, for example, a bottom wall 71A that faces the lid portion 62, and two side walls 72A that protrude toward the lid portion 62 from both side edges of the bottom wall 71A and that oppose each other. The bottom wall 71A extends, for example, along the length direction of the electric wire member 20. Each side wall 72A is continuous and integrally formed with the bottom wall 71A. Each side wall 72A protrudes toward the lid portion 62 from, for example, both ends of the bottom wall 71A in the width direction. Each side wall 72A extends, for example, along the height direction of the receiving portion 61. The two side walls 72A are opposed to each other in the width direction of the receiving portion 61, for example.

The receiving part 61 has an outlet 73A provided at one end of the receiving part 61 in the longitudinal direction, and an outlet 74A provided at the other end of the receiving part 61 in the longitudinal direction. In the receiving portion 61, the electric wire member 20 is pulled out of the case 32 through the outlet 73A, and the electric wire member 20 is pulled out of the case 32 through the outlet 73B. In other words, the electric wire member 20 passes through the inside of the receiving part 61.

As shown in FIG. 5, the receiving portion 61 has a hemispherical first accommodation recess 63A. The first accommodation recess 63A constitutes a spherical accommodation space 63 in a state where the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62 are combined. As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving part 61 has, for example, an accommodation recess 75A provided between the first accommodation recess 63A and the outlet 74A in the longitudinal direction of the receiving part 61. The first accommodation recess 63A is in direct communication with the outlet 73A. In other words, the first accommodation recess 63A is provided, for example, at the end of the receiving portion 61 in the length direction. The first accommodation recess 63A communicates with, for example, the accommodation recess 75A. The first accommodation recess 63A communicates with the outlet 74A via, for example, an accommodation recess 75A.

The first housing recess 63A is formed in a hemispherical shape. The inner surface of the first accommodation recess 63A is formed into a hemispherical shape. The bottom wall 71A of the first accommodation recess 63A is curved so that the bottom becomes deeper toward the center in the length direction of the bottom wall 71A of the first accommodation recess 63A. As shown in FIG. 5, the bottom wall 71A of the first accommodation recess 63A is curved so that the bottom becomes deeper toward the widthwise center of the bottom wall 71A. Each side wall 72A in the first accommodation recess 63A is curved so as to be recessed radially outward as it approaches the lid 62 in the height direction of the side wall 72A. As shown in FIG. 3, each side wall 72A in the first accommodation recess 63A is curved so as to be recessed radially outward toward the center in the length direction of the side wall 72A in the first accommodation recess 63A. The first accommodating recess 63A is formed such that the opening width of the first accommodating recess 63A becomes narrower as the distance from the center in the length direction of the first accommodating recess 63A increases. That is, the first accommodating recess 63A is formed such that the opening width at the end connected to the outlet 73A and the end connected to the accommodating recess 75A is the narrowest in the longitudinal direction of the receiving part 61. There is. The opening width at each end in the length direction of the first accommodation recess 63A is, for example, smaller than the diameter of the spherical part 40.

As shown in FIG. 6, the outlet 73A is formed, for example, to communicate the first accommodation recess 63A with the outside of the protector 30. The outlet port 73A is formed, for example, in the length direction of the receiving portion 61 so that the opening width increases as the distance from the first accommodation recess 63A increases. The inner surface of the outlet port 73A is formed to be inclined in the longitudinal direction of the receiving portion 61 so as to widen radially outward as it moves away from the first accommodation recess 63A. The opening end of the outlet 73A is formed into an arcuate curved surface in a cross section taken along a plane parallel to the central axis of the case 32, for example. The open end of the outlet port 73A is formed, for example, in a shape where the corner between the inner surface of the outlet port 73A and the longitudinal end surface of the receiving portion 61 is rounded or C-chamfered. The open end of the outlet 73A of this embodiment is formed in a shape in which the corner between the inner surface of the outlet 73A and the longitudinal end face of the receiving part 61 is rounded.

As shown in FIG. 3, the accommodation recess 75A is formed, for example, to communicate the first accommodation recess 63A and the outlet port 74A. The accommodation recess 75A is formed, for example, to surround the outer periphery of the electric wire member 20 pulled out from the accommodation part 41 of the movable member 31. The accommodation recess 75A is formed to have a wider opening width than the first accommodation recess 63A, for example.

The outlet port 74A is formed, for example, to communicate the accommodation recess 75A with the outside of the protector 30. The outlet 74A is formed, for example, to surround the outer periphery of the electric wire member 20 pulled out from the movable member 31. The outlet 74A is, for example, formed in a continuous shape with the accommodation recess 75A. That is, the outlet port 74A is formed, for example, in the same shape as the accommodation recess 75A.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the receiving portion 61 has one or more engaging portions 77. The receiving part 61 of this embodiment has two engaging parts 77. Each engaging portion 77 is provided, for example, on the outer surface of each side wall 72A. Each engaging portion 77 is formed, for example, to protrude outward from the outer surface of each side wall 72A. Each engagement portion 77 is, for example, an engagement frame portion with which an engagement portion 79 provided on the lid portion 62 is engaged. Each engaging portion 77 is formed, for example, in a U-shaped frame, and has an engaging hole 77C in the center of the frame, into which the engaging portion 79 can engage.

(Configuration of lid portion 62)
As shown in FIG. 3, the lid portion 62 is, for example, formed into a half-cylindrical shape as a whole. The lid portion 62 has a structure similar to that of the receiving portion 61, for example. For this reason, parts of the lid part 62 that have the same structure as the receiving part 61 are given the same reference numerals by changing the suffix "A" to "B" of the corresponding structure of the receiving part 61. Detailed explanation will be omitted.

The lid portion 62 has, for example, a bottom wall 71B facing the receiving portion 61, and two side walls 72B protruding from both side edges of the bottom wall 71B toward the receiving portion 61 and facing each other. The lid 62 has an outlet 73B provided at one end in the length direction of the lid 62 and an outlet 74B provided at the other end in the length direction of the lid 62.

The lid portion 62 has a hemispherical second accommodation recess 63B and an accommodation recess 75B provided between the second accommodation recess 63B and the outlet 74B. The second accommodation recess 63B is formed in a hemispherical shape. The inner surface of the second accommodation recess 63B is formed into a hemispherical shape. As shown in FIG. 5, the second accommodation recess 63B forms a spherical accommodation space 63 in a state where the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62 are combined. That is, when the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62 are combined, the first accommodating recess 63A of the receiving part 61 and the second accommodating recess 63B of the lid part 62 are overlapped to form a spherical accommodating space 63. .

As shown in FIG. 3, the lid portion 62 includes, for example, one or more protruding walls 78 and one or more engaging portions 79. The lid part 62 of this embodiment has two protruding walls 78 and two engaging parts 79. Each protruding wall 78 is formed, for example, to protrude toward the receiving portion 61 from the end surface in the height direction of each side wall 72B. Each protruding wall 78 is formed, for example, to extend along the entire length of the lid 62 along the length of the lid 62 . For example, the two protruding walls 78 face each other in the width direction of the lid portion 62. As shown in FIG. 2, each protruding wall 78 is formed to cover a part of the outer surface of the side wall 72A of the receiving part 61 in a state where the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62 are combined.

As shown in FIG. 3, the two engaging portions 79 are provided opposite to the two engaging portions 77 provided on the receiving portion 61, respectively. Each engaging portion 79 is provided on each protruding wall 78, for example. Each engaging portion 79 is formed, for example, to protrude toward the receiving portion 61 from the protruding end surface of each protruding wall 78 . For example, an engagement convex portion 79C that projects toward the outside in the radial direction of the lid portion 62 is formed at the tip of each engagement portion 79. Each engaging portion 79 is formed, for example, in a cantilever shape, with the base end connected to the protruding distal end surface of the protruding wall 78 serving as a fixed end, and the distal end on the opposite side of the proximal end serving as a free end. There is. Each engaging portion 79 is configured to be able to bend in the width direction of the lid portion 62 by elastic deformation, for example. Each engaging portion 79 is engaged with each engaging portion 77, for example. Each engaging portion 77 and each engaging portion 79 are engaged with each other, for example, by a snap fit method.

The case 32 has

expansion spaces

80 and 81 that expand the range of motion of the wire member 20. Each

enlarged space

80, 81 communicates with the accommodation space 63. Each of the

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 is formed into which the electric wire member 20 can be inserted. Each of the

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 is formed, for example, by cutting out a part of the accommodation space 63. Each of the

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 opens, for example, in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the case 32. Each of the

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 is formed, for example, so that the accommodation space 63 and the outside of the protector 30 communicate with each other. The size of the accommodation space 63 cut out by the

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 is set to such a size that the spherical portion 40 does not come out of the accommodation space 63. In other words, the sizes of the

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 are set so that the size of the accommodation space 63 is maintained at a size that prevents the spherical portion 40 from coming off from the accommodation space 63.

The expansion space 80 is provided in the lid part 62, for example. The expansion space 80 is, for example, a notch provided at the end of the lid portion 62 in the length direction. The enlarged space 80 is formed, for example, by cutting out a portion of the accommodation space 63 in the axial direction from the end surface of the lid portion 62 in the longitudinal direction. The expansion space 80 is formed, for example, by cutting out the bottom wall 71B of the lid portion 62. The expansion space 80 is formed, for example, to penetrate the bottom wall 71B in the height direction. The expansion space 80 extends, for example, along the axial direction of the case 32. The enlarged space 80 is formed to extend from the open end of the outlet 73B to the accommodation space 63, for example, in the axial direction of the case 32. The enlarged space 80 extends, for example, from the open end of the outlet 73B to a position about half of the accommodation space 63 in the axial direction. The expansion space 80 opens in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the case 32. The enlarged space 80 of this embodiment opens in the height direction of the case 32, that is, in the direction in which the receiving portion 61 and the lid portion 62 are combined. The enlarged space 80 is formed to communicate with the outlet 73B. The expansion space 80 opens in the height direction of the case 32 and in the axial direction of the case 32, for example. Here, the expansion space 80 has a length direction extending along the length direction of the electric wire member 20, a width direction perpendicular to the length direction, and a penetration direction perpendicular to both the length direction and the width direction. have. For example, the width direction and the penetration direction of the enlarged space 80 correspond to the width direction and the height direction of the case 32, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 7, the planar shape of the enlarged space 80 viewed from the penetrating direction (hereinafter also simply referred to as "the planar shape of the enlarged space 80") is formed into a quadrilateral. The planar shape of the expansion space 80 is, for example, such that, among the longitudinal ends of the expansion space 80, the square corners 83 of the first end 82 on the accommodation space 63 side (left side in the figure) are rounded. . The corner portion 83 is, for example, formed into a rounded chamfered shape. The corner portion 83 of this embodiment is formed into a curved surface (R surface) having a relatively large radius of curvature. Regarding the planar shape of the enlarged space 80, for example, the corners of the quadrangle at the end opposite to the first end 82 in the length direction of the enlarged space 80 are not rounded.

The maximum dimension of the expanded space 80 along the width direction (vertical direction in the drawing) is, for example, larger than the maximum dimension along the width direction (vertical direction in the drawing) of the electric wire member 20. For example, the maximum dimension of the enlarged space 80 along the width direction is larger than the maximum dimension of the peak portion 23 of the exterior member 22 along the width direction. The maximum dimension of the enlarged space 80 along the width direction is, for example, smaller than the diameter of the spherical portion 40. Note that the dimension of the first end portion 82 along the width direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the enlarged space 80 along the width direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the opening ends on both sides of the enlarged space 80 in the penetrating direction (vertical direction in the figure) have, for example, an arcuate curved surface in a cross section taken along a plane parallel to the central axis of the case 32. It is formed. The opening end of the expansion space 80 on the housing space 63 side (lower side in the figure) in the penetrating direction is formed, for example, in a shape where the corner of the inner surface of the housing space 63 and the inner surface of the expansion space 80 is rounded. The open end of the case 32 on the outside (upper side in the figure) in the penetrating direction of the enlarged space 80 is formed, for example, in a shape where the corner between the upper surface of the lid part 62 and the inner surface of the enlarged space 80 is rounded.

The expansion space 81 is provided in the receiving portion 61, for example. The expansion space 81 is provided, for example, on the opposite side of the expansion space 80 with the center 40C of the spherical part 40 in between, on a straight line passing through the center 40C of the spherical part 40 and the expansion space 80. As shown in FIG. 3, the enlarged space 81 is, for example, a notch provided at the end of the receiving portion 61 in the length direction. The enlarged space 81 is formed, for example, by cutting out a portion of the accommodation space 63 in the axial direction from the end surface of the receiving portion 61 in the longitudinal direction. The enlarged space 81 is formed, for example, by cutting out the bottom wall 71A of the receiving portion 61. The expansion space 81 is formed, for example, so as to penetrate the bottom wall 71A in the height direction. The expansion space 81 extends, for example, along the axial direction of the case 32. The enlarged space 81 is formed to extend from the open end of the outlet 74A to the accommodation space 63, for example, in the axial direction of the case 32. The enlarged space 81 extends, for example, from the open end of the outlet 74A to a position about half of the accommodation space 63 in the axial direction. The enlarged space 81 opens in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the case 32. The enlarged space 81 of this embodiment opens in the height direction of the case 32, that is, in the direction in which the receiving portion 61 and the lid portion 62 are combined. The enlarged space 81 is formed to communicate with the outlet 74A and to communicate with the accommodation recess 75A. The enlarged space 81 opens, for example, in the height direction of the case 32 and in the axial direction of the case 32. Note that the specific structure of the enlarged space 81 is similar to that of the enlarged space 80, so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

The receiving part 61 and the lid part 62 are configured so that, for example, the

outlet ports

73A and 73B are overlapped with each other, the first accommodating recess 63A and the second accommodating recess 63B are overlapped, the

accommodating recesses

75A and 75B are overlapped with each other, and the

outlet ports

74A and 74B are overlapped with each other. are combined. The receiving portion 61 and the lid portion 62 are combined with the electric wire member 20 and the movable member 31 fixed to a portion of the electric wire member 20 in the length direction sandwiched therebetween. As shown in FIG. 5, the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62 are combined so that the engaging part 77 and the engaging part 79 are engaged with each other. The engagement between the engaging

portions

77 and 79 maintains the state in which the receiving portion 61 and the lid portion 62 are combined, that is, the state in which the receiving portion 61 and the lid portion 62 form a cylindrical body. . As shown in FIG. 6, when the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62 are combined, the spherical part 40 of the movable member 31 is placed in the spherical accommodation space 63 formed by the first accommodation recess 63A and the second accommodation recess 63B. be accommodated. At this time, the movable member 31 is held in the case 32 while holding the electric wire member 20 by engagement between the

protrusions

46A, 46B and the troughs 24. Moreover, the spherical part 40 accommodated in the accommodation space 63 is provided between the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62, and is sandwiched between the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62. Further, the spherical portion 40 is held within the housing space 63 so as to be freely rotatable relative to the spherical housing space 63. For example, the spherical portion 40 is rotatably held in the housing space 63 in the circumferential direction of the electric wire member 20 . For example, the spherical portion 40 is held in the housing space 63 so as to be slidable in each direction in the cross section of the wire member 20. That is, the spherical portion 40 is held in the case 32 so as to be movable up, down, left, right, and diagonally in the cross section of the wire member 20. Since the electric wire member 20 is held by the movable member 31 having such a spherical portion 40, the electric wire member 20 is held by the protector 30 (the case 32 and the movable member 31) so as to be movable with respect to the case 32. For example, the wire member 20 is held by the protector 30 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction of the wire member 20 with respect to the case 32 . For example, the electric wire member 20 is held by the protector 30 so as to be movable up, down, left, right, and diagonally in a cross section of the electric wire member 20 with respect to the case 32 . Thereby, the direction in which the wire member 20 is pulled out from the

outlet ports

73A, 73B of the case 32 can be easily changed. In other words, even if the route of the wire harness 10 is changed due to the movement of the movable body B1 (see FIG. 1), for example, the drawing direction of the electric wire member 20 can be easily changed to correspond to the route change. can be done. At this time, since the

protrusions

46A, 46B and the trough 24 are engaged with each other, relative movement of the wire member 20 with respect to the movable member 31 is restricted. Therefore, when the direction in which the wire member 20 is pulled out is varied, it is possible to suitably suppress the positional shift of the wire member 20 with respect to the movable member 31.

Here, the range of motion of the wire member 20 pulled out from the housing portion 41 is restricted by, for example, the contact between the case 32 and the wire member 20. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the case 32 of this embodiment is provided with an enlarged space 80 that cuts out a part of the

outlet ports

73A and 73B, specifically, a part of the outlet port 73B. That is, the enlarged space 80 is formed so as to widen the opening width of the outlet port 73B. This expanded space 80 is formed in a size that allows the electric wire member 20 to be inserted therein. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the electric wire member 20 moves together with the rotation of the spherical portion 40, the electric wire member 20 can be moved so as to be inserted into the enlarged space 80. Therefore, the movable range of the electric wire member 20 in the direction in which the expanded space 80 is provided (upward in the figure) can be increased by the amount that the electric wire member 20 is inserted into the expanded space 80. The electric wire member 20 in this case is also inserted into the enlarged space 81. Note that the range of motion of the electric wire member 20 inserted into the expanded space 80 is restricted, for example, by contact between the open end of the expanded space 80 and the electric wire member 20. At this time, the open end of the enlarged space 80 that may come into contact with the electric wire member 20 is formed into an arcuate curved surface. Therefore, even if the wire member 20 comes into contact with the open end of the expanded space 80, damage to the wire member 20 can be suitably suppressed.

Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained.
(1) The protector 30 includes a cylindrical movable member 31 that holds the electric wire member 20 and a case 32 that rotatably holds the movable member 31. The movable member 31 has a cylindrical spherical portion 40 having a housing portion 41 through which the wire member 20 passes. The case 32 has a spherical accommodation space 63 that rotatably accommodates the spherical portion 40 and

expansion spaces

80 and 81 that expand the range of motion of the wire member 20. The

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 communicate with the accommodation space 63 and are formed into which the electric wire member 20 can be inserted. According to this configuration, by providing the

expansion spaces

80 and 81, when the electric wire member 20 moves in conjunction with the rotation of the spherical part 40, the electric wire member 20 is inserted into the

expansion spaces

80 and 81. Can be moved. Therefore, the range of motion of the electric wire member 20 in the direction in which the expanded

spaces

80, 81 are provided can be expanded by the amount that the electric wire member 20 is inserted into the expanded

spaces

80, 81. Thereby, the range of motion of the electric wire member 20 can be expanded compared to the case where the

expansion spaces

80 and 81 are not provided.

(2) The

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 are formed by cutting out the ends of the case 32 in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to suitably prevent the movement of the electric wire member 20 from being restricted by the axial end portion of the case 32. Thereby, the range of motion of the electric wire member 20 can be suitably expanded.

(3) The enlarged space 80 is formed to extend in the axial direction of the case 32 from the open ends of the

outlet ports

73A and 73B provided at the axial ends of the case 32 to the accommodation space 63. This enlarged space 80 opens in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the case 32 and is formed to communicate with the

outlet ports

73A and 73B of the case 32. Therefore, the enlarged space 80 can be formed to widen the opening widths of the

outlet ports

73A and 73B. Thereby, the range of motion of the electric wire member 20 drawn out from the

outlet ports

73A, 73B can be suitably expanded.

(4) Since the maximum dimension along the width direction of the expanded space 80 is formed larger than the maximum dimension along the width direction of the electric wire member 20, the electric wire member 20 can be suitably inserted into the expanded space 80. Thereby, the movable range of the electric wire member 20 can be suitably expanded by the amount that the electric wire member 20 is inserted into the expanded space 80.

(5) Since the maximum dimension along the width direction of the enlarged space 80 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the spherical part 40, it is possible to suitably suppress the spherical part 40 from slipping out of the case 32 through the enlarged space 80.

(6) The planar shape of the enlarged space 80 when viewed from the penetrating direction is square. In the planar shape of the enlarged space 80 when viewed from the penetrating direction, the square corner 83 at the first end 82 on the accommodation space 63 side among the lengthwise ends of the enlarged space 80 is rounded. Here, even if the electric wire member 20 is inserted up to the first end 82 of the expanded space 80, the electric wire member 20 is unlikely to come into contact with the corner 83 at the first end 82. Therefore, even if the widthwise dimension of the first end 82 is reduced by forming the corner 83 round, the movement of the electric wire member 20 can be prevented from being restricted by the corner 83. Furthermore, since the widthwise dimension of the first end 82 is reduced, the opening width of the enlarged space 80 at the first end 82 can be made smaller, so that the spherical portion 40 can escape to the outside of the case 32 through the enlarged space 80. can be suitably suppressed.

(7) The case 32 is formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the electric wire member 20 and the movable member 31 by the receiving portion 61 having the first housing recess 63A and the lid portion 62 having the second housing recess 63B. As a result, even though the case 32 has a cylindrical shape, the case 32 is divided into the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62, so that the case 32 can be retrofitted to the electric wire member 20. That is, since the case 32 is divided into the receiving part 61 and the lid part 62, after performing terminal processing such as attaching the connectors C1 and C2 to the longitudinal ends of the electric wire member 20, the electric wire member It is possible to attach a case 32 to 20. As a result, the ease of assembly of the wire harness 10 can be improved.

(8) The expansion space 81 is provided at a position opposite to the expansion space 80 with the center 40C of the spherical portion 40 in between, on a straight line passing through the center 40C of the spherical portion 40 and the expansion space 80. According to this configuration, the enlarged space 80 and the enlarged space 81 are provided so as to sandwich the center 40C of the spherical portion 40. Therefore, when the electric wire member 20 pulled out from one end of the accommodating part 41 of the spherical part 40 is moved so as to be inserted into the expanded space 80, the electric wire member 20 pulled out from the other end of the accommodating part 41 is moved into the expanded space 81. can be inserted. This prevents the wire member 20 pulled out from the other end of the housing portion 41 from coming into contact with the case 32 when the wire member 20 pulled out from one end of the housing portion 41 is moved to be inserted into the expanded space 80. can. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the movement of the electric wire member 20 from being restricted due to the contact between the electric wire member 20 pulled out from the other end of the housing part 41 and the case 32, and to suitably expand the range of movement of the electric wire member 20. I can do it.

(9) The movable member 31 is formed into a cylindrical shape surrounding the electric wire member 20 by a first divided body 31A having a first hemispherical portion 40A and a second divided body 31B having a second hemispherical portion 40B. . As a result, even though the movable member 31 has a cylindrical shape, the movable member 31 is divided into the first divided body 31A and the second divided body 31B, so that the movable member 31 can be retrofitted to the electric wire member 20. . As a result, the ease of assembly of the wire harness 10 can be improved.

(Other embodiments)
The above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The above embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

- In the above embodiment, the case 32 is provided with two

enlarged spaces

80 and 81, but the number of

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 is not particularly limited. For example, the case 32 may be provided with only one enlarged space 80, or the case 32 may be provided with three or more enlarged spaces.

- The planar shape of the

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate. For example, the corner portion 83 of the enlarged space 80 may be formed into a pin angle. For example, the enlarged space 80 may be formed to have a shorter longitudinal dimension. Similarly, the planar shape of the enlarged space 81 can also be changed.

- In the above embodiment, the expansion space 80 is provided in the bottom wall 71B of the lid part 62, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the enlarged space 80 may be provided on the side wall 72B of the lid portion 62.

- In the above embodiment, the expansion space 81 is provided in the bottom wall 71A of the receiving part 61, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the enlarged space 81 may be provided on the side wall 72A of the receiving portion 61.

- In the above embodiment, the

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 are formed as cutouts, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the expanded space 80 may be a space surrounded by the peripheral wall of the lid portion 62 as long as it communicates with the accommodation space 63 and is formed so that the electric wire member 20 can be inserted therein. Even in this case, the enlarged space 80 is formed so as to widen the opening width of the

outlet ports

73A and 73B.

- The recessed portion 47A in the first hemispherical portion 40A of the above embodiment may be omitted.
- You may omit the recessed part 47B in the 2nd hemispherical part 40B of the said embodiment.
- In the movable member 31 of the above embodiment, the first hemispherical portion 40A and the second hemispherical portion 40B are formed to have the same structure, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first hemispherical portion 40A and the second hemispherical portion 40B may have different structures. For example, the first hemispherical portion 40A may have two first engaging portions 48A, and the second hemispherical portion 40B may have two second engaging portions 49B. In this case, the two first engaging parts 48A of the first hemispherical part 40A are respectively engaged with the two second engaging parts 49B of the second hemispherical part 40B, so that the first The combined state of the divided body 31A and the second divided body 31B is maintained.

- In the above embodiment, the exterior member 22 is embodied as a corrugated tube, but it is not limited to this. For example, as the exterior member 22, a metal or resin pipe, a rubber waterproof cover, a resin sheet, or a combination thereof can be used.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the exterior member 22 may be constructed of a resin sheet 25. The exterior member 22 of this modification is formed, for example, by wrapping a resin sheet 25 around a plurality of electric wires 21. The resin sheet 25 has an end portion 26 in the width direction of the resin sheet 25 (that is, a direction intersecting the length direction of the electric wire 21), and an end portion provided on the opposite side to the end portion 26 in the width direction of the resin sheet 25. 27. The exterior member 22 of this modification example is formed into a cylindrical shape by, for example, overlapping an end portion 26 and an end portion 27 in the radial direction of the electric wire 21. The exterior member 22 of this modification maintains its cylindrical shape by, for example, bonding the ends 26 and 27 together with an adhesive layer (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the end 27. Note that the method for maintaining the cylindrical state of the exterior member 22 is not particularly limited. For example, the cylindrical shape of the exterior member 22 may be maintained by wrapping an adhesive tape around the outer periphery of the exterior member 22.

- In the above embodiment, the electric wire member 20 is held on the movable member 31 by the engagement between the

projections

46A, 46B of the spherical portion 40 and the valley portion 24 of the exterior member 22, but the method for holding the electric wire member 20 is It is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the movable member 31 may be provided with a fixing piece 42 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the spherical portion 40. Further, a fixing member 90 for fixing the electric wire member 20 to the fixing piece 42 may be provided. The fixing piece 42 is, for example, formed integrally with the second hemispherical portion 40B. The fixed piece 42 is formed, for example, to extend along the length direction of the movable member 31 from the outer peripheral surface of the second hemispherical portion 40B. The fixing piece 42 protrudes in the direction away from the second hemispherical portion 40B. The fixed piece 42 is formed to extend linearly along the length direction of the movable member 31, for example. The fixing piece 42 is formed, for example, only in a portion of the housing portion 41 in the circumferential direction. The fixing piece 42 is, for example, formed into a plate shape.

The fixing member 90 fixes, for example, the electric wire member 20 pulled out from the accommodating portion 41 of the movable member 31 to the fixing piece 42. The fixing member 90 is, for example, a tape member 91 that is wrapped around the electric wire member 20 and the fixing piece 42 to fix the electric wire member 20 to the fixing piece 42 . The tape member 91 has, for example, an adhesive layer on one surface. The tape member 91 is wound around the electric wire member 20 and the fixing piece 42, for example, with the adhesive layer facing the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire member 20. For example, the tape member 91 is wound around the electric wire member 20 and the fixing piece 42 multiple times. The tape member 91 is formed, for example, to tighten the electric wire member 20 and the fixing piece 42. When the electric wire member 20 is fixed to the fixed piece 42 by the tape member 91, relative movement of the movable member 31 with respect to the electric wire member 20 in the length direction of the electric wire member 20 is restricted. Thereby, positional shift of the electric wire member 20 with respect to the movable member 31 can be suppressed.

According to this configuration, the fixing piece 42 is provided on the outside of the spherical part 40 through which the electric wire member 20 passes. Therefore, the electric wire member 20 can be fixed on the outside of the spherical portion 40. As a result, even if a large gap occurs between the inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion 41 of the spherical portion 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the electric wire member 20, the electric wire member 20 can be suitably fixed. Therefore, the movable member 31 can be attached to the electric wire members 20 of various sizes as long as the electric wire members 20 are large enough to penetrate the housing portion 41. Therefore, it is possible to easily accommodate changes in the size of the wire member 20.

- In the modified example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the enlarged space 80 is formed to a size that allows the fixing piece 42 to be inserted, for example. The enlarged space 80 is formed in a size that allows insertion of a fixing member 90 that fixes the fixing piece 42 and the electric wire member 20, for example.

According to this configuration, even if the outer shape becomes larger due to the provision of the fixing piece 42 and the fixing member 90, the portion of the electric wire member 20 where the fixing piece 42 and the fixing member 90 are provided can be suitably placed in the enlarged space 80. can be inserted. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the movement of the electric wire member 20 from being restricted due to the provision of the fixing piece 42 and the fixing member 90, and it is possible to suitably expand the range of movement of the electric wire member 20.

- In the modified example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fixing piece 42 may be provided at a position in the circumferential direction of the spherical portion 40 so that it can be inserted into the enlarged space 80. As shown in FIG. 8, the fixing piece 42 may be provided, for example, at a position closest to the enlarged space 80 in the circumferential direction of the spherical portion 40 (on the upper side in the figure).

Incidentally, the fixing piece 42 is formed to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the spherical part 40 and is provided on the outside of the electric wire member 20. Therefore, when the electric wire member 20 moves, the fixed piece 42 easily comes into contact with the case 32. When the fixed piece 42 contacts the case 32, the range of motion of the electric wire member 20 is restricted. In contrast, in the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the fixing piece 42 is provided at a position closest to the enlarged space 80 in the circumferential direction of the spherical portion 40. Therefore, when the electric wire member 20 moves, the fixed piece 42 can be suitably inserted into the enlarged space 80, and the fixed piece 42 can be prevented from contacting the case 32 at a portion other than the open end of the enlarged space 80. can be suitably suppressed.

- In the modified example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fixing piece 42 is formed in a linearly extending shape, but the fixing piece 42 is not limited to this. The fixing piece 42 can be formed into any shape, for example, depending on the path of the electric wire member 20 drawn out from the

outlet ports

73A and 73B. For example, the fixing piece 42 may be formed into a curved shape or a shape having a bent portion. For example, the fixing piece 42 may be formed into a T-shape or an L-shape.

- In the modified example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fixing member 90 is composed of the tape member 91, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the fixing member 90 is not particularly limited as long as it is a member that can fix the electric wire member 20 to the fixing piece 42. For example, a metal band or a resin binding band may be used as the fixing member 90. When the fixing member 90 is implemented as a metal band or a binding band, the fixing piece 42 may be provided with a structure such as a band passage.

- In the modified example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, one fixed piece 42 is provided on the movable member 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the movable member 31 may be provided with two or more fixed pieces 42.

- In the movable member 31 of the above embodiment, the first divided body 31A and the second divided body 31B are configured as separate parts, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first divided body 31A and the second divided body 31B may be integrally formed. For example, the first hemispherical portion 40A and the second hemispherical portion 40B may be integrally formed via a hinge or the like.

- The shapes of the

accommodation recesses

75A and 75B in the case 32 of the above embodiment are not particularly limited.
- The accommodation recesses 75A and 75B in the case 32 of the above embodiment may be omitted.

- In the case 32 of the above embodiment, the receiving portion 61 and the lid portion 62 are configured as separate parts, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the receiving portion 61 and the lid portion 62 may be formed integrally. For example, the receiving portion 61 and the lid portion 62 may be integrally formed via a hinge or the like.

- In the above embodiment, the electric wire member 20 is composed of the electric wire 21 and the exterior member 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electric wire member 20 may be made up of only the electric wire 21.

- In the above embodiment, the wire harness 10 is embodied as the wire harness 10 that is bridged between the electrical component M1 attached to the body of the vehicle V and the electrical component M2 attached to the movable body B1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be embodied in a wire harness 10 that is bridged between an electrical component M1 attached to an immovable object and an electrical component M2 attached to an immovable object.

- In the above embodiment, the protector 30 is provided at the intermediate portion in the length direction of the electric wire member 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protector 30 may be provided at the end of the electric wire member 20 in the length direction. In this case, the protector 30 will be provided near the connectors C1, C2, etc. At this time, since the direction in which the wire member 20 is pulled out from the protector 30 can be easily changed, the connectors C1 and C2 can be easily moved. Thereby, the workability of connecting the connectors C1, C2 and the electrical components M1, M2 can be improved.

- As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, the first enlarged space 80 and the second enlarged space 81 may be openings that penetrate the cylindrical peripheral wall of the case 32 in the circumferential direction in the thickness direction. The first enlarged space 80 may have an inwardly facing profile having an insertion opening for the electric wire member 20 on one side of the case 32 in the axial direction. The second enlarged space 81 may have a shape in which the outline of the inward facing surface has an insertion opening for the electric wire member 20 on the side opposite to the first enlarged space 80 in the axial direction of the case 32 . The first enlarged space 80 and the second enlarged space 81 may be located on opposite sides of the case 32 in the axial and radial directions.

- As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the

first outlet ports

73A and 73B are configured by combining the

outlet ports

73A and 73B, and the outline of the inward surface has a wire member on one side in the radial direction of the case 32. It may have a shape having 20 insertion ports. The

second outlet ports

74A, 74B, which are formed by combining the

outlet ports

74A, 74B, have an inward surface that has a contour that is located opposite to the

first outlet ports

73A, 73B in the radial direction of the case 32. It may have a shape having an insertion opening for the member 20. The

first outlet ports

73A, 73B and the

second outlet ports

74A, 74B may be located on opposite sides in the axial direction of the case 32.

- As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first enlarged space 80 may communicate with the

first outlet ports

73A, 73B, and the inward surface of the first enlarged space 80 and the inward direction of the

first outlet ports

73A, 73B The surface may define a non-planar annular opening that communicates the space outside the case 32 and the accommodation space 63. The second enlarged space 81 may communicate with the

second outlet ports

74A and 74B, and the inward surface of the second enlarged space 81 and the inward surface of the

second outlet ports

74A and 74B may be continuous with each other, A non-planar annular opening may be defined that communicates the space outside the case 32 and the accommodation space 63.

- In the movable member 31, the opening of the accommodating part 41 of the spherical part 40 from which the electric wire member 20 is pulled out may be referred to as the electric wire outlet of the movable member 31. As shown in FIG. 2, in order to expand the movable range of the electric wire member 20, each of the

enlarged spaces

80 and 81 of the case 32 accommodates a part of the opening area or the diameter of the electric wire outlet of the movable member 31. , for example, can have a shape and size that accommodates 1/2 or more of the opening area or diameter.

- The protector 30 of the illustrated embodiment may be referred to as a ball joint type protector. The movable member 31 of the illustrated embodiment may be referred to as an inner ball joint element having a radially outwardly facing surface, which may be spherical or convexly curved, and a radially inwardly facing surface defining a straight wire passageway. be. Reference is made to the case 32 of the illustrated embodiment as an outer ball joint element having a radially inward facing surface which may be a concave curved surface corresponding to or matching the spherical or convex curved surface forming the radially outward facing surface of the movable member 31 There is. The accommodating portion 41 of the illustrated embodiment may be referred to as a linear wire passageway. The fixed piece 42 in the illustrated embodiment may be referred to as a wire support tongue or an extension tongue that protrudes from the movable member 31 in parallel to the wire member 20. The inner surface in the thickness direction of the fixing piece 42 in the illustrated embodiment may be referred to as a wire support surface configured to come into frictional contact with the wire member 20. The outer surface in the thickness direction of the fixing piece 42 in the illustrated embodiment may be referred to as a tape support surface configured to come into frictional contact with the tape member 91.

-The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above-mentioned meaning, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all changes within the scope.

10 wire harness 20 electric wire member 21 electric wire 22 exterior member 23 peak 24 trough 25

resin sheet

26, 27 end 30 protector 31 movable member 31A first divided body 31B second divided body 32 case 40 spherical part 40A first hemispherical Part 40B Second hemispherical part 40C Center 41 Receiving part 41A First groove

41B Second groove

41C Inner surface 42

Fixing piece

43A,

43B Bottom wall

44A, 44B, 45A,

45B Side wall

46A,

46B Projection

47A,

47B Recess

48A, 48B 1 engaging part 48C engaging

convex part

49A, 49B 2nd engaging part 49C engaging hole 61 receiving part 62 lid part 63 accommodation space 63A 1st accommodation recess 63B

2nd accommodation recess

71A,

71B bottom wall

72A,

72B side wall

73A , 73B, 74A,

74B Outlet

75A,

75B Accommodating recess

77, 79 Engagement part 77C Engagement hole 78 Projecting wall 79C Engagement convex part 80 Expansion space (first expansion space)
81 Expanded space (second expanded space)
82 First end 83 Corner 90 Fixed member 91 Tape member B1 Movable body C1, C2 Connector M1, M2 Electrical component V Vehicle

Claims

A protector surrounding the outer periphery of an electric wire member,
a cylindrical movable member that holds the electric wire member;
a cylindrical case rotatably holding the movable member;
The movable member has a cylindrical spherical part having a housing part through which the electric wire member passes,
The case has a spherical accommodation space that rotatably accommodates the spherical part, and an expansion space that expands the range of motion of the electric wire member,
The expanded space communicates with the housing space, and the electric wire member is inserted into the protector.
electric wire members;
A wire harness comprising a protector surrounding the outer periphery of the electric wire member,
The protector is
a cylindrical movable member that holds the electric wire member;
a cylindrical case rotatably holding the movable member;
The movable member has a cylindrical spherical part having a housing part through which the electric wire member passes,
The case has a spherical accommodation space that rotatably accommodates the spherical part, and an expansion space that expands the range of motion of the electric wire member,
The enlarged space communicates with the accommodation space, and the wire harness is formed such that the electric wire member can be inserted therein.
The wire harness according to claim 2, wherein the enlarged space is a notch provided at an axial end of the case.
The case has an outlet that is provided at an end in the axial direction of the case and communicates with the accommodation space,
The electric wire member is drawn out of the case from the outlet,
The expanded space is formed to extend from the open end of the outlet to the accommodation space in the axial direction of the case,
The wire harness according to claim 3, wherein the enlarged space opens in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the case and communicates with the outlet.
The expansion space has a length direction extending along the axial direction of the case, a width direction perpendicular to the length direction, and a penetration direction perpendicular to both the length direction and the width direction,
The maximum dimension of the expanded space along the width direction is larger than the maximum dimension of the electric wire member along the width direction, and is smaller than the diameter of the spherical part. wire harness.
A planar shape of the enlarged space viewed from the penetrating direction is square,
The planar shape of the enlarged space viewed from the penetration direction is such that a corner of the rectangle at a first end on the accommodation space side among the lengthwise ends of the enlarged space is rounded. 5. The wire harness according to 5.
The case has a receiving part and a lid part formed to be able to be combined with the receiving part,
The receiving part has a hemispherical first accommodation recess,
The lid portion has a hemispherical second accommodation recess,
The accommodation space is configured by overlapping the first accommodation recess and the second accommodation recess,
The spherical part is housed in the housing space while being sandwiched between the receiving part and the lid part,
The wire harness according to claim 2, wherein the expansion space is provided in at least one of the receiving portion and the lid portion.
The expansion space has a first expansion space provided in the lid part and a second expansion space provided in the receiving part,
The second enlarged space is provided at a position opposite to the first enlarged space with the center of the spherical part in between, on a straight line passing through the center of the spherical part and the first enlarged space. The wire harness according to item 7.
The movable member has a first divided body and a second divided body formed so as to be able to be combined with the first divided body,
The first divided body has a first hemispherical part having a first groove part,
The second divided body has a second hemispherical part having a second groove part,
The spherical part is configured by combining the first hemispherical part and the second hemispherical part,
The wire harness according to claim 2, wherein the housing portion is configured by overlapping the first groove portion and the second groove portion.
further comprising a fixing member that fixes the electric wire member to the protector,
The movable member has a fixed piece that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the spherical part and to which the electric wire member is fixed,
The fixing member fixes the electric wire member pulled out from the housing part to the fixing piece,
The wire harness according to claim 2, wherein the expanded space is formed so that the fixing piece and the fixing member can be inserted therein.