U.S. patent application number 16/061485 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-27 for holding structure for cable.
The applicant listed for this patent is AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.. Invention is credited to Hideki HATTORI, Hirokazu KOMORI, Yoshinori SADAHIRO.
Application Number | 20200269778 16/061485 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004840832 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200269778 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOMORI; Hirokazu ; et
al. |
August 27, 2020 |
HOLDING STRUCTURE FOR CABLE
Abstract
A holding structure for a cable includes a cable in which
electrical wires extend out from an end portion of a sheath, a
first holder provided with a first clamping portion, a second
holder provided with a second clamping portion configured to clamp
the cable between the first clamping portion and the second
clamping portion, a rubber plug that has a plurality of
through-holes through which the electrical wires respectively are
passed, and that is held by the first holder and the second holder,
in a state in which the rubber plug is fitted around the end
portion of the sheath, and a binding member that is wrapped around
the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion.
Inventors: |
KOMORI; Hirokazu;
(Yokkaichi-shi, Mie, JP) ; SADAHIRO; Yoshinori;
(Yokkaichi-shi, Mie, JP) ; HATTORI; Hideki;
(Yokkaichi-shi, Mie, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD. |
Yokkaichi-shi, Mie
Yokkaichi-shi, Mie
Osaka-shi, Osaka |
|
JP
JP
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004840832 |
Appl. No.: |
16/061485 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
December 2, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2016/085884 |
371 Date: |
June 12, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 15/013 20130101;
B60R 16/0215 20130101; H01R 2201/26 20130101; H01B 7/0045 20130101;
H02G 3/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 16/02 20060101
B60R016/02; H02G 3/32 20060101 H02G003/32; H01B 7/00 20060101
H01B007/00; H02G 15/013 20060101 H02G015/013 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 22, 2015 |
JP |
2015-249633 |
Claims
1. A holding structure for a cable, comprising: a cable in which a
plurality of electrical wires are enveloped by a sheath, the
plurality of electrical wires extending out from an end portion of
the sheath; a first holder provided with a first clamping portion
configured to clamp the cable between the first clamping portion
and a second clamping portion; a second holder provided with the
second clamping portion configured to clamp the cable between the
first clamping portion and the second clamping portion in a state
in which the second holder is attached to the first holder; a
rubber plug that has a plurality of through-holes through which the
plurality of electrical wires respectively are passed, and that is
held by the first holder and the second holder, in a state in which
the rubber plug is fitted around the end portion of the sheath; and
a binding member that is wrapped around the first clamping portion
and the second clamping portion in a state in which the cable is
clamped between the first clamping portion and the second clamping
portion.
2. The holding structure for a cable according to claim 1, wherein
one of the first holder and the second holder is provided with a
locking portion, the other of the first holder and the second
holder is provided with a locking reception portion configured to
elastically engage with the locking portion, the first holder has a
first linking portion configured to link the first clamping portion
and one of the locking portion and the locking reception portion,
and the second holder has a second linking portion configured to
link the second clamping portion and the other of the locking
portion and the locking reception portion.
3. The holding structure for a cable according to claim 2, wherein
the first clamping portion extends in a cantilever shape from an
end portion of the first linking portion along the cable, and the
second clamping portion extends in a cantilever shape from an end
portion of the second linking portion along the cable.
4. The holding structure for a cable according to claim 1,
comprising: a cap configured to press the rubber plug inward in a
state in which the cap is fitted around the rubber plug, wherein
the cap is provided with an engagement reception portion configured
to engage with an engagement portion that is formed in both or one
of the first holder and the second holder in a state in which the
cable is clamped between the first clamping portion and the second
clamping portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of Japanese patent
application JP2015-249633 filed on Dec. 22, 2015, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a holding structure for a
cable.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Conventionally, a waterproof structure as disclosed in JP
2003-17476A (Patent Document 1) is known as a structure for
waterproofing terminal portions of a multicore cable. In this
structure, a tubular member is fitted around a front end of a
sheath of the multicore cable from which a plurality of electrical
wires are drawn out, and this tubular member is filled with a
sealing material such as a silicone-based adhesive.
[0004] In the above-described multicore cable, first, the front end
of a nozzle is inserted into a gap between the sheath and the
tubular member, and a sealing material is injected from the front
end of the nozzle, the front end of the nozzle is then inserted
between a plurality of electrical wires, and the sealing material
is injected from the front end of this nozzle between the plurality
of electrical wires. Accordingly, the electrical wires and the
sheath are sealed, and the electrical wires are sealed.
SUMMARY
[0005] However, the above-described configuration was problematic
in that it took time for performing the process of filling the
tubular member with the sealing material.
[0006] In view of this, a structure in which a rubber plug provided
with insertion holes for passage of a plurality of electrical wires
is fitted around an end portion of a sheath of a multicore cable
was thought as a hypothetical technique.
[0007] However, according to the above-described configuration, in
order to keep the waterproofness of the electrical wires using the
rubber plug that is fitted around the end portion of the sheath, it
is necessary to suppress shifting of positions of the sheath and
the plurality of electrical wires. This is because if the sheath
and the plurality of electrical wires are positionally shifted,
there is a concern that the relative positions of the insertion
holes formed through the rubber plug and the plurality of
electrical wires will shift.
[0008] The technology disclosed in the present specification was
achieved in light of the above-described situation, and an object
thereof is to hold electrical wires and a sheath in a state in
which shifting of the positions of the electrical wires and the
sheath is suppressed.
[0009] The technology disclosed in the present specification is a
holding structure for a cable, the structure including a cable in
which a plurality of electrical wires are enveloped by a sheath,
the plurality of electrical wires extending out from an end portion
of the sheath; a first holder provided with a first clamping
portion configured to clamp the cable between the first clamping
portion and a second clamping portion; a second holder provided
with the second clamping portion configured to clamp the cable
between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion
in a state in which the second holder is attached to the first
holder; a rubber plug that has a plurality of through-holes through
which the plurality of electrical wires respectively are passed,
and that is held by the first holder and the second holder, in a
state in which the rubber plug is fitted around the end portion of
the sheath; and a binding member that is wrapped around the first
clamping portion and the second clamping portion in a state in
which the cable is clamped between the first clamping portion and
the second clamping portion.
[0010] According to the above-described configuration, when the
cable is clamped between the first clamping portion and the second
clamping portion, a force is applied from the first clamping
portion and the second clamping portion to the cable in a direction
in which the sheath is clamped. Accordingly, an inner
circumferential surface of the sheath and outer surfaces of the
electrical wires come into intimate contact with each other, and
thus shifting of the positions of the sheath and the electrical
wires can be suppressed.
[0011] Next, the first clamping portion and the second clamping
portion receive a force in a radial direction from the binding
member that is wrapped around the first clamping portion and the
second clamping portion in a state in which the cable is clamped
between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion.
Accordingly, a force is applied to the sheath in a direction in
which the diameter of the sheath is reduced inward in the radial
direction of the sheath. As a result, the inner circumferential
surface of the sheath and the outer surfaces of the electrical
wires are intimate contact with each other, and thus the sheath and
the electrical wires are reliably fixed.
[0012] As a result of the above, shifting of the positions of the
sheath and the plurality of electrical wires is suppressed, and
thus shifting of the positions of the plurality of through-holes
formed through the rubber plug and the plurality of electrical
wires is also suppressed. On the other hand, shifting of the
positions of the rubber plug and the sheath is suppressed due to
the rubber plug being fitted around the end portion of the sheath.
As a result of the above, shifting of the relative positions of the
rubber plug, the sheath, and the plurality of electrical wires is
suppressed, and thus the plurality of electrical wires can be
reliably sealed by the rubber plug.
[0013] The following aspects are preferable as embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0014] One of the first holder and the second holder may be
provided with a locking portion, the other of the first holder and
the second holder may be provided with a locking reception portion
configured to elastically engage with the locking portion, the
first holder may have a first linking portion configured to link
the first clamping portion and one of the locking portion and the
locking reception portion, and the second holder has a second
linking portion configured to link the second clamping portion and
the other of the locking portion and the locking reception
portion.
[0015] According to the above-described configuration, when the
locking portion and the locking reception portion elastically
engage with each other, a force is applied thereto in a direction
in which the locking portion and the locking reception portion
approach each other. This force is transmitted from one of the
locking portion and the locking reception portion to the first
clamping portion via the first linking portion, and is transmitted
from the other of the locking portion and the locking reception
portion to the second clamping portion via the second linking
portion. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably clamp the cable
that is clamped between the first clamping portion and the second
clamping portion, and to reliably suppress shifting of the
positions of the sheath and the electrical wires.
[0016] The technology disclosed in the present specification can be
suitably applied to a configuration in which the first clamping
portion extends in a cantilever shape from an end portion of the
first linking portion along the cable, and the second clamping
portion extends in a cantilever shape from an end portion of the
second linking portion along the cable.
[0017] According to the above-described configuration, when the
sheath is clamped between the first clamping portion and the second
clamping portion, a free end of the first clamping portion and a
free end of the second clamping portion tend to rise outward in the
radial direction of the cable due to a repulsive force applied from
the sheath. The diameters of the free end of the first clamping
portion and the free end of the second clamping portion can be
reliably reduced inward in the radial direction of the sheath by
fastening, with the binding member, portions that have risen from
the sheath in this state. At this time, the first clamping portion
is capable of further strongly supporting and holding the sheath
due to the lever principle with the borderline portion to the first
linking portion serving as a pivot. Similarly, the second clamping
portion is capable of further strongly supporting and holding the
sheath due to the lever principle with the borderline portion to
the second linking portion serving as a pivot.
[0018] It is preferable that the holding structure for a cable
includes a cap configured to press the rubber plug inward in a
state in which the cap is fitted around the rubber plug, in which
the cap is provided with an engagement reception portion configured
to engage with an engagement portion that is formed in both or one
of the first holder and the second holder in a state in which the
cable is clamped between the first clamping portion and the second
clamping portion.
[0019] According to the above-described configuration, the sheath
is held by the first clamping portion and the second clamping
portion, and the cap is held by an engagement groove and an
engagement protrusion. Accordingly, the relative positions of the
sheath and the cap can be reliably held. Accordingly, the rubber
plug is reliably pressed against the sheath and the electrical
wires by the cap. As a result, it is possible to reliably seal
portions at which the electrical wires branch in the cable.
[0020] According to the technology disclosed in the present
specification, it is possible to hold electrical wires and a sheath
in a state in which shifting of the positions of the electrical
wires and the sheath is suppressed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a holding structure for
a cable according to Embodiment 1.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the holding structure for a
cable.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the holding structure for a
cable.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in
FIG. 3.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in
FIG. 3.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a first holder.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which a cable to
which a cap was attached is placed on the first holder.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the
cable to which the cap was attached is placed on the first
holder.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a binding member.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a second
holder is attached to the first holder after the cable to which the
cap was attached is placed on the first holder.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in
FIG. 10.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Embodiment 1
[0032] Embodiment 1 to which the technology disclosed in this
specification is applied to a holding structure 12 for a cable 11
will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. The present
embodiment can be applied to a wire harness for an electrical
parking brake that is installed in a vehicle (not shown), for
example. As shown in FIG. 1, the holding structure 12 includes the
cable 11 and a holder 52 configured to hold the cable 11. In the
following description, "top" refers to the upper side in FIG. 2,
and "bottom" refers to the lower side in FIG. 2. Note that the
above-described directions are used for convenience of the
description, and the holding structure 12 can be disposed in any
orientation with respect to the vehicle.
[0033] The rubber plug 15 is fitted around an end portion 14A of
the sheath 14 of the cable 11. The cap 17 is fitted around this
rubber plug 15. The cable 11 and the cap 17 are held by the holder
52.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the cable 11 according to the present
embodiment has a configuration in which a plurality (four in the
present embodiment) of electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are
enveloped by a sheath 14 that is made of an insulating synthetic
resin. The electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D have a
configuration in which the outer circumferential surface of a metal
core wire (not shown) is covered by a synthetic resin insulating
covering (not shown). The cable 11 has a circular
cross-section.
[0035] The four electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D include two
types of electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D that have
different outer diameters. In the present embodiment, the first
electrical wire 13A and the second electrical wire 13B are for
connection to an electrical parking brake motor, and the third
electrical wire 13C and the fourth electrical wire 13D are for a
sensor. The first electrical wire 13A, the second electrical wire
13B, the third electrical wire 13C, and the fourth electrical wire
13D have circular cross-sections.
[0036] The outer diameters of the first electrical wire 13A and the
second electrical wire 13B are set to be larger than the outer
diameters of the third electrical wire 13C and the fourth
electrical wire 13D. The outer diameter of the first electrical
wire 13A is set to be the same as the outer diameter of the second
electrical wire 13B. Also, the outer diameter of the third
electrical wire 13C is set to be the same as the outer diameter of
the fourth electrical wire 13D. The first electrical wire 13A, the
second electrical wire 13B, the third electrical wire 13C, and the
fourth electrical wire 13D extend and branch out from the end
portion 14A of the sheath 14 of the cable 11.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the seal member 10 is attached to the
end portion 14A of the sheath 14 of the cable 11, specifically to
the region in which the first electrical wire 13A, the second
electrical wire 13B, the third electrical wire 13C, and the fourth
electrical wire 13D are branched. The intrusion of a liquid such as
water or oil through the end portion 14A of the sheath 14 into the
sheath 14 is suppressed by the seal member 10. The seal member 10
includes the rubber plug 15 that is fitted around the end portion
14A of the sheath 14, and the cap 17 that is fitted around the
rubber plug 15.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the rubber plug 15 is fitted around the
end portion 14A of the sheath 14. The rubber plug 15 has a sheath
fitting portion 18 that is fitted around the end portion 14A of the
sheath 14. The sheath fitting portion 18 is shaped as a hood that
extends toward the side opposite to the end portion 14A of the
sheath 14 (right side in FIG. 5) and is open in a direction
opposite to the end portion 14A of the sheath 14 (rightward in FIG.
5). A flange portion 19 that protrudes outward in the radial
direction of the sheath fitting portion 18 is formed at an end edge
portion of the sheath fitting portion 18. The sheath fitting
portion 18 is shaped as a substantially circular tube in its
natural state.
[0039] In the state where the sheath fitting portion 18 is fitted
around the end portion 14A of the sheath 14, the inner
circumferential surface of the sheath fitting portion 18 is in
intimate contact with the outer circumferential surface of the
sheath 14. This seals the rubber plug 15 and the sheath 14.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, an electrical wire through-hole portion
21 is provided at an end portion that is opposite to the sheath
fitting portion 18 of the rubber plug 15, and the electrical wire
through-hole portion 21 has a plurality (four in the present
embodiment) of through-holes 22 for passage of the first electrical
wire 13A, the second electrical wire 13B, the third electrical wire
13C, and the fourth electrical wire 13D respectively.
[0041] When the inner surfaces of the through-holes 22 are in
intimate contact with the outer circumferential surfaces of the
first to fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D, the rubber
plug 15 and the first to fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and
13D are sealed.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the cap 17 made of a synthetic resin is
fitted around the rubber plug 15. The cap 17 is fitted around the
rubber plug 15 from the side (left side in FIG. 5) on which the
first electrical wire 13A, the second electrical wire 13B, the
third electrical wire 13C, and the fourth electrical wire 13D
extend out from the end portion 14A of the sheath 14. The cap 17 is
open toward the sheath 14 (rightward in FIG. 5) from the side from
which the first electrical wire 13A, the second electrical wire
13B, the third electrical wire 13C, and the fourth electrical wire
13D extend out. The open end edge of the cap 17 is in contact with
the flange portion 19 of the rubber plug 15.
[0043] The cap 17 is provided with a wide portion 30 that is fitted
around the sheath fitting portion 18 of the rubber plug 15 at a
position on the open end edge side (right side in FIG. 5) of the
cap 17. The cross-sectional shape of the wide portion 30 is
approximately circular and conforms to the outer shape of the
sheath fitting portion 18. The inner circumferential surface of the
wide portion 30 comes into intimate contact with the outer
circumferential surface of the sheath fitting portion 18.
Accordingly, the wide portion 30 of the cap 17 and the sheath
fitting portion 18 of the rubber plug 15 are sealed.
[0044] In the state where the wide portion 30 of the cap 17 is
fitted around the sheath fitting portion 18 of the rubber plug 15,
the wide portion 30 presses the sheath fitting portion 18 inward in
the radial direction of the sheath fitting portion 18. Accordingly,
the sheath fitting portion 18 is pressed against the outer
circumferential surface of the sheath 14 from the outside.
Accordingly, the inner circumferential surface of the sheath
fitting portion 18 reliably comes into intimate contact with the
outer circumferential surface of the sheath 14.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, a narrow portion 34 that is fitted
around the electrical wire through-hole portion 21 of the rubber
plug 15 is provided at a position in the cap 17 that is opposite
(left side in FIG. 5) to the direction in which the cap 17 is open
relative to the wide portion 30. The outer diameter of the narrow
portion 34 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the wide
portion 30.
[0046] The inner circumferential surface of the narrow portion 34
is in intimate contact with the outer circumferential surface of
the electrical wire through-hole portion 21. Accordingly, the
narrow portion 34 of the cap 17 and the electrical wire
through-hole portion 21 of the rubber plug 15 are sealed.
[0047] In the state where the narrow portion 34 of the cap 17 is
fitted around the electrical wire through-hole portion 21 of the
rubber plug 15, the narrow portion 34 presses the electrical wire
through-hole portion 21 inward in the radial direction of the
electrical wire through-hole portion 21. Accordingly, the
electrical wire through-hole portion 21 is compressed from the
outside. Accordingly, the inner circumferential surfaces of the
through-holes 22 are reliably brought into intimate contact with
the outer circumferential surfaces of the first to fourth
electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D respectively.
[0048] The cap 17 is provided with a bottom wall 36 at a position
(left side in FIG. 5) that is opposite to the direction in which
the cap 17 is open. As shown in FIG. 5, lead-out holes 37 are
formed in the bottom wall 36, passing through the bottom wall 36
such that the first electrical wire 13A, the second electrical wire
13B, the third electrical wire 13C, and the fourth electrical wire
13D respectively extend out from the cap 17.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, the cap 17 is provided with two
engagement protrusions 50 (engagement reception portions) that
protrude outward from the outer surface of the narrow portion 34 in
the radial direction of the narrow portion 34. The two engagement
protrusions 50 protrude in opposite directions. The two engagement
protrusions 50 have a plate shape, and have an approximately
rectangular shape as a whole (see FIG. 8).
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cap 17 is provided with an
anti-rotation protrusion 51 that protrudes upward, on the outer
circumferential surface of the wide portion 30. The anti-rotation
protrusion 51 has a rib-shape extending in the direction in which
the wide portion 30 is open (in the horizontal direction in FIG.
7).
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the holder 52 includes a first
holder 52A and a second holder 52B that is attached to this first
holder 52A.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, the first holder 52A includes a bottom
wall and side walls that extend upward from side edges of the
bottom wall. The side wall is provided with a lead-out opening 55
that is recessed semicircularly and is open, the first to fourth
electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D extending out from the
lead-out opening 55.
[0053] A first extension portion 59A that protrudes outward is
formed on a side wall of the first holder 52A other than the side
wall provided with the lead-out opening 55. A first clamping
portion 60 configured to hold the sheath 14 of the cable 11 is
formed at a position near a front end of the first extension
portion 59A.
[0054] A surface of the first clamping portion 60 on which the
sheath 14 is placed has an approximately semicircular shape. When a
force is applied to the first clamping portion 60 from the outside
in the radial direction of the first clamping portion 60, the first
clamping portion 60 deforms inward in the radial direction such
that the diameter of the first clamping portion 60 is reduced.
[0055] The first clamping portion 60 is provided with first holding
ribs 61 that protrude inward and extend in the circumferential
direction of the first clamping portion 60. A plurality (three in
the present embodiment) of the first holding ribs 61 are formed
spaced apart from each other in the direction in which the first
extension portion 59A extends. The first holding ribs 61 are in
contact with the outer circumferential surface of the sheath 14
from the bottom, and thus the first holding ribs 61 hold the sheath
14. This suppresses shifting of the relative positions of the cable
11 and the holder 52 (see FIG. 5).
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a cap holding portion 62
configured to hold the cap 17 extends from a position near the side
wall of the first extension portion 59A to a position of the first
holder 52A that is located slightly inward of the first extension
portion 59A. A partition 63 that protrudes upward from the bottom
wall is formed at a position of the cap holding portion 62 that is
located closer to the first holder 52A than the side wall. The
narrow portion 34 of the cap 17 is accommodated in a region
surrounded by the partition 63. The partition 63 is provided with
engagement grooves 64 (engagement portions) into which the
engagement protrusions 50 are inserted, the engagement grooves 64
extending downward from the upper end edge of the partition 63, at
positions corresponding with the engagement protrusions 50 of the
cap 17, in a state in which the cap 17 is accommodated in the
partition 63.
[0057] The engagement protrusions 50 are inserted into the
engagement grooves 64 in the state in which the cap 17 is
accommodated in the partition 63. Accordingly, when the engagement
protrusions 50 come into contact with the inner surfaces of the
engagement grooves 64 in the thickness direction of the engagement
protrusions 50, shifting of the relative positions of the cap 17
and the holder 52 is suppressed.
[0058] The engagement grooves 64 are formed at positions of the
partition 63 that are located slightly inward of the side walls of
the first holder 52A. Accordingly, a force that is applied to the
cap 17 is received by the side walls of the first holder 52A.
[0059] The width of the lock grooves 64 is set to be equal to, or
slightly larger than the thickness of the engagement protrusions
50A and 50B. Opening edges of the engagement grooves 64 are
provided with inclined surfaces for guiding the engagement
protrusions 50A and 50B, the length of the inclined surface
increasing upward.
[0060] The outer wall of the first extension portion 59A is
provided with locking portions 69A. The end portion of the first
extension portion 59A and the first clamping portion 60 are linked
by a first linking portion 80. The first linking portion 80 extends
inward from the end portion of the first extension portion 59A in
the radial direction of the cable 11. The first clamping portion 60
extends in a cantilever shape inward of the first holder 52A from
the inner end portion of the first linking portion 80 along the
direction in which the cable 11 extends. The inner end portion of
the first clamping portion 60 that is located inside the first
holder 52A serves as a free end.
[0061] A first insertion space 81 for passage of the binding member
90, which will be described later, is formed between the first
extension portion 59A, the first clamping portion 60, and the first
linking portion 80.
[0062] The side wall of the first holder 52A is provided with a
pair of protection ribs 53 extending in the vertical direction on
the left and right sides of the locking portion 69. The height of
the protection rib 53 protruding from the outer surface of the side
wall of the first holder 52A is set to be approximately equal to
the height of the locking portion 69 protruding from the outer
surface of the side wall of the first holder 52A (see FIG. 7).
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second holder 52B includes an
upper wall and side walls that extend downward from end edges of
the upper wall. The side walls of the second holder 52B are
provided with a plurality of locking reception portions 70 at
positions corresponding with the plurality of locking portions 69
formed on the side walls of the first holder 52A. When the locking
portions 69 and the locking reception portions 70 elastically
engage with each other, the first holder 52A and the second holder
52B are attached to each other.
[0064] The side wall of the second holder 52B is provided with a
second extension portion 59B at a position corresponding with the
first extension portion 59A in a state in which the first holder
52A and the second holder 52B are attached to each other.
[0065] The second extension portion 59B of the second holder 52B is
provided with an anti-rotation hole 71, passing through the second
extension portion 59B of the second holder 52B at a position
corresponding with the anti-rotation protrusion 51 of the cap 17 in
a state in which the cap 17 is accommodated in the cap holding
portion 62. As shown in FIG. 5, the anti-rotation protrusion 51 is
inserted into the anti-rotation hole 71 and the anti-rotation
protrusion 51 comes into contact with the inner circumferential
surface of the anti-rotation hole 71, and thereby, rotation of the
cap 17 in the cap holding portion 62 in the circumferential
direction of the wide portion 30 of the cap 17 is suppressed.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the second clamping portion 65 is formed
at a position located near the front end portion of the second
extension portion 59B, the second clamping portion 65 clamping the
sheath 14 of the cable 11 placed on the first clamping portion 60
between the first clamping portion 60 and the second clamping
portion 65.
[0067] A surface of the second clamping portion 65 that is in
contact with the sheath 14 has an approximately semicircular shape.
When a force is applied to the second clamping portion 65 from the
outside in the radial direction of the second clamping portion 65,
the second clamping portion 65 deforms inward in the radial
direction such that the diameter of the second clamping portion 65
is reduced.
[0068] The second clamping portion 65 is provided with second
holding ribs 66 that protrude inward and extend in the
circumferential direction of the second clamping portion 65. A
plurality (three in the present embodiment) of the second holding
ribs 66 are formed spaced apart from each other in the direction in
which the second extension portion 59B extends. The second holding
ribs 66 are in contact with the outer circumferential surface of
the sheath 14 from the top, and thus the second holding ribs 66
hold the sheath 14. This suppresses shifting of the relative
positions of the cable 11 and the holder 52 (see FIG. 5).
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer wall of the second
extension portion 59B is provided with a locking reception portion
70A. The end portion of the second extension portion 59B and the
second second clamping portion 65 are linked by a second linking
portion 82. The second linking portion 82 extends inward from the
end portion of the second extension portion 59B in the radial
direction of the cable 11. The second clamping portion 65 extends
in a cantilever shape inward of the second holder 52B from the
inner end portion of the second linking portion 82 along the
direction in which the cable 11 extends. The inner end portion of
the second clamping portion 65 that is located inside the second
holder 52B serves as a free end.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, a second insertion space 83 for passage
of a binding member 90, which will be described later, is formed
between the second extension portion 59B, the first clamping
portion 60, and the second linking portion 82.
[0071] In a state in which the locking portion 69 of the first
holder 52A and the locking reception portion 70 of the second
holder 52B are engaged with each other, the height of the
protection rib 53 protruding from the outer surface of the side
wall of the first holder 52A is set to be approximately equal to
the height of the locking reception portion 70 protruding from the
outer surface of the side wall of the first holder 52A.
[0072] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in a state in which the first
holder 52A and the second holder 52B are attached to each other,
the sheath 14 of the cable 11 placed on the first clamping portion
60 is clamped between the first clamping portion 60 and the second
clamping portion 65. The binding member 90 that has passed through
the first insertion space 81 and the second insertion space 83 is
wrapped around the first clamping portion 60 and the second
clamping portion 65. The first clamping portion 60 and the second
clamping portion 65 are pressed inward in the radial direction by
this binding member 90. Accordingly, the inner circumferential
surface of the sheath 14 and the outer surfaces of the first to
fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are in intimate
contact with each other. As a result, the sheath 14 and the first
to fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are
positioned.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, the binding member 90 includes a band
portion 91 having a belt shape, and a retaining portion 94 that is
attached to one end portion 92 of the band portion 92 and is
configured to retain the other end portion 93 of the band portion
91 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the band
portion 91 has passed through the retaining portion 94, in a state
in which the other end portion 93 of the band portion 91 passes
through the retaining portion 94. The binding member 90 may also be
made of a synthetic resin or metal, and any material can be
selected as appropriate as necessary. Also, a known structure can
be selected as the binding member 90 as appropriate.
[0074] Although not shown in detail, the retaining portion 94 has
an insertion hole for passage of the band portion 91. The inner
surface of the insertion hole is provided with an engagement
reception portion (not shown) configured to engage with an
engagement portion (not shown) formed in the band portion 91. When
the engagement portion of the band portion 91 engages with the
engagement reception portion of the retaining portion 94, the other
end portion 93 of the band portion 91 is retained in the direction
opposite to the direction in which the band portion 91 passes
through the retaining portion 94.
Effects of Embodiment
[0075] Next, one example of a manufacturing process in the present
embodiment will be described, and the effects of the present
embodiment will be described. Note that the manufacturing process
in the present embodiment is not limited to the following
description.
[0076] First, the sheath 14 of the cable 11 is stripped using a
known method. Accordingly, the first to fourth electrical wires
13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D extend out from the end portion 14A of the
sheath 14.
[0077] Next, the first to fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C,
and 13D are respectively inserted into the through-holes 22 of the
rubber plug 15. Thereafter, the rubber plug 15 is moved to the end
portion 14A of the sheath 14, and the sheath fitting portion 18 of
the rubber plug 15 is fitted around the end portion 14A of the
sheath 14.
[0078] Next, the first to fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C,
and 13D are respectively inserted into the lead-out holes 37 of the
cap 17. Thereafter, the cap 17 is moved to the position of the
rubber plug 15 that was fitted around the end portion 14A of the
sheath 14, and the cap 17 is fitted around the rubber plug 15. The
cap 17 is then pushed until the cap 17 comes into contact with the
flange portion 19 of the rubber plug 15.
[0079] Next, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the sheath 14 of the cable
11 is placed on the first clamping portion 60 of the first holder
52A, and the cap 17 is placed on the cap holding portion 62 such
that the anti-rotation protrusion 51 of the cap 17 is oriented
upward. At this time, the engagement protrusions 50 of the cap 17
are inserted into the engagement grooves 64 from the above.
[0080] Next, the second holder 52B is attached to the first holder
52A from the above. At this time, the locking portions 69 and the
locking reception portions 70 elastically engage with each other,
and thereby, the second holder 52B and the first holder 52A are
assembled integrally.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 11, when the locking portions 69A of the
first extension portion 59A and the locking reception portions 70A
of the second extension portion 59B engage with each other, the
first extension portion 59A and the second extension portion 59B
receive a force in a direction in which the first extension portion
59A and the second extension portion 59B approach each other. In
other words, the first extension portion 59A receives a force
upward in FIG. 11. On the other hand, the second extension portion
59B receives a force downward in FIG. 11.
[0082] The force applied to the first extension portion 59A is
transmitted to the first clamping portion 60 via the first linking
portion 80. Accordingly, the first clamping portion 60 receives a
force upward in FIG. 11. On the other hand, the force applied to
the second extension portion 59B is transmitted to the second
clamping portion 65 via the second linking portion 82. Accordingly,
the second clamping portion 65 receives a force downward in FIG.
11. Accordingly, a force by which the cable 11 is clamped in the
vertical direction in FIG. 11 is applied to the cable 11.
Accordingly, the inner circumferential surface of the sheath 14 and
the outer surfaces of the first to fourth electrical wires 13A,
13B, 13C, and 13D come into intimate contact with each other, and
thereby, movement of the sheath 14 and the first to fourth
electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D in the direction in which
the cable 11 extends (horizontal direction in FIG. 10) is
suppressed.
[0083] At this time, the first clamping portion 60 extends in a
cantilever shape from the first linking portion 80, and the second
clamping portion 65 extends in a cantilever shape from the second
linking portion 82. Thus, when the sheath 14 is clamped between the
first clamping portion 60 and the second clamping portion 65, the
free end of the first clamping portion 60 and the free end of the
second clamping portion 65 tend to rise outward in the radial
direction of the cable 11 due to a repulsive force applied from the
sheath 14.
[0084] Next, the other end portion 93 of the band portion 91 is
bent in a loop shape while the other end portion 93 is brought to
pass through the second insertion space 83 and the first insertion
space 81, and thereby, the band portion 91 is wrapped around the
first clamping portion 60 and the second clamping portion 65. After
the other end portion 93 of the band portion 91 has passed through
the retaining portion 94, the other end portion 93 of the band
portion 91 is pulled. Then, the band portion 91 having a loop shape
is squeezed and has a smaller diameter, and accordingly, a force
for reducing the diameter of the first clamping portion 60 is
applied thereto and a force for reducing the diameter of the second
clamping portion 65 is applied thereto. Moreover, a force for
reducing the diameter of the sheath 14 inward in the radial
direction of the sheath 14 is applied to the sheath 14 clamped
between the first clamping portion 60 and the second clamping
portion 65.
[0085] Also, the diameters of the free end of the first clamping
portion 60 and the free end of the second clamping portion 65 that
have risen from the sheath 14 can be reliably reduced inward in the
radial direction of the sheath 14. At this time, the first clamping
portion 60 is capable of further strongly supporting and holding
the sheath 14 due to the lever principle with the borderline
portion to the first linking portion 80 serving as a pivot.
Similarly, the second clamping portion 65 is capable of further
strongly supporting and holding the sheath 14 due to the lever
principle with the borderline portion with the second linking
portion 82 serving as a pivot.
[0086] Accordingly, the inner circumferential surface of the sheath
14 and the outer surfaces of the first to fourth electrical wires
13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are in intimate contact with each other, and
thereby, movement of the sheath 14 and the first to fourth
electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D in the direction in which
the cable 11 extends (horizontal direction in FIG. 10) is
suppressed. When the band portion 91 is retained by the retaining
portion 94, the sheath 14 and the first to fourth electrical wires
13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are kept fixed. This completes a holding
structure for a cable 11 (see FIG. 1).
[0087] The holding structure 12 for the cable 11 according to the
present disclosure includes the cable 11 in which the first to
fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are enveloped by the
sheath 14, the first to fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and
13D extending out from an end portion of the sheath 14, the first
holder 52A provided with the first clamping portion 60 configured
to clamp the cable 11 between the first clamping portion 60 and a
second clamping portion 65, the second holder 52B provided with the
second clamping portion 65 configured to clamp the cable 11 between
the first clamping portion 60 and the second clamping portion 65 in
a state in which the second holder 52B is attached to the first
holder 52A, the rubber plug 15 held by the first holder 52A and the
second holder 52B, the rubber plug 15 having the plurality of
through-holes 22 through which the first to fourth electrical wires
13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D respectively are passed, in a state in which
the rubber plug 15 is fitted around the end portion of the sheath
14, and the binding member 90 wrapped around the first clamping
portion 60 and the second clamping portion 65 in the state in which
the cable 11 is clamped between the first clamping portion 60 and
the second clamping portion 65.
[0088] According to the above-described configuration, when the
cable 11 is clamped between the first clamping portion 60 and the
second clamping portion 65, a force is applied to the cable 11 in a
direction in which the sheath 14 is clamped, from the first
clamping portion 60 and the second clamping portion 65.
Accordingly, the inner circumferential surface of the sheath 14 and
the outer surfaces of the first to fourth electrical wires 13A,
13B, 13C, and 13D come into intimate contact with each other, and
thus shifting of the positions of the sheath 14 and the first to
fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D can be
suppressed.
[0089] Next, in the state in which the cable 11 is clamped between
the first clamping portion 60 and the second clamping portion 65,
the first clamping portion 60 and the second clamping portion 65
receive a force in a direction in which their diameters are
reduced, from the binding member 90 wrapped around the first
clamping portion 60 and the second clamping portion 65.
Accordingly, a force is applied to the sheath 14 in a direction in
which the diameter of the sheath 14 is reduced inward in the radial
direction of the sheath 14. As a result, the inner circumferential
surface of the sheath 14 and the outer surfaces of the first to
fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D come into intimate
contact with each other, and thus the sheath 14 and the first to
fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are reliably
fixed.
[0090] As a result of the above, shifting of the positions of the
sheath 14 and the first to fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C,
and 13D is suppressed, and thus shifting of the positions of the
plurality of through-holes 22 formed through the rubber plug 15 and
the first to fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D is also
suppressed. On the other hand, shifting of the positions of the
rubber plug 15 and the sheath 14 is suppressed due to the rubber
plug 15 being fitted around the end portion 14A of the sheath 14.
As a result of the above, because shifting of the relative
positions of the rubber plug 15, the sheath 14, and the first to
fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D is suppressed, it is
possible to reliably seal the first to fourth electrical wires 13A,
13B, 13C, and 13D.
[0091] Also, according to the present embodiment, the first holder
52A has the locking portions 69A and the first linking portion 80
that links the locking portions 69A and the first clamping portion
60. Also, the second holder 52B has the locking reception portions
70A that elastically engage with the locking portions 69A at
positions corresponding with the locking portions 69A, and the
second linking portion 82 that links the locking reception portions
70A and the second clamping portion 65.
[0092] According to the above-described configuration, when the
locking portions 69A and the locking reception portions 70A
elastically engage with each other, a force is applied thereto in a
direction in which the locking portions 69A and the locking
reception portions 70A approach each other. This force is
transmitted from the locking portions 69A to the first clamping
portion 60 via the first linking portion 80, and is transmitted
from the locking reception portions 70A to the second clamping
portion 65 via the second linking portion 82. Accordingly, it is
possible to reliably clamp the cable 11 clamped between the first
clamping portion 60 and the second clamping portion 65, and thus to
reliably suppress shifting of the positions of the sheath 14 and
the first to fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D.
[0093] Also, according to the present embodiment, the first
clamping portion 60 extends in a cantilever shape from the end
portion of the first linking portion 80 along the cable 11, and the
second clamping portion 65 extends in a cantilever shape from the
end portion of the second linking portion 82 along the cable
11.
[0094] According to the above-described configuration, when the
sheath 14 is clamped from the outside between the first clamping
portion 60 and the second clamping portion 65, the free end of the
first clamping portion 60 and the free end of the second clamping
portion 65 tend to rise outward in the radial direction of the
cable 11 due to a repulsive force applied from the sheath 14. The
diameters of the free end of the first clamping portion 60 and the
free end of the second clamping portion 65 can be reliably reduced
inward in the radial direction of the sheath 14 by fastening, with
the binding member 90, the portions that have risen from the sheath
14 in this state. At this time, the first clamping portion 60 is
capable of further strongly supporting and holding the sheath 14
due to the lever principle with the borderline portion to the first
linking portion 80 serving as a pivot. Similarly, the second
clamping portion 65 is capable of further strongly supporting and
holding the sheath 14 due to the lever principle with the
borderline portion with the second linking portion 82 serving as a
pivot.
[0095] Also, according to the present embodiment, the holding
structure for the cable 11 includes the cap 17 configured to press
the rubber plug 15 inward in a state in which the cap 17 is fitted
around the rubber plug 15, in which the cap 17 is provided with the
engagement protrusions 50 configured to engage with the engagement
grooves 64 formed in the first holder 52A in a state in which the
cable 11 is clamped between the first clamping portion 60 and the
second clamping portion 65.
[0096] According to the present embodiment, the sheath 14 is held
by the first clamping portion 60 and the second clamping portion
65, and the cap 17 is held by the engagement grooves 64 and the
engagement protrusions 50. Accordingly, the relative positions of
the sheath 14 and the cap 17 can be reliably held. Accordingly, the
rubber plug 15 is reliably pressed against the sheath 14 and the
first to fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D by the cap
17. As a result, it is possible to reliably seal the portions at
which the first to fourth electrical wires 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D
branch in the cable 11.
Other Embodiments
[0097] The present invention is not merely limited to the
embodiments described above using the foregoing description and
drawings, and embodiments such as the following are also
encompassed in the technical scope of the present invention.
[0098] Although in the present embodiment, a configuration was
adopted in which the first holder 52A and the second holder 52B are
integrally assembled due to elastic engagement between the locking
portions 69 and the locking reception portions 70, the present
invention is not limited to this, and the first holder 52A and the
second holder 52B may also be fixed by bolts and nuts, the first
holder 52A and the second holder 52B may also be fixed using a
winding member such as a metal belt with which the first holder 52A
and the second holder 52B are wound, or the first holder 52A and
the second holder 52B may also be bonded together, and the first
holder 52A and the second holder 52B can be attached using any
method as necessary.
[0099] The number of electrical wires arranged in the cable 11 may
also be one, two, three, five or more.
[0100] Although the plurality of electrical wires are configured to
include two types of electrical wires having different outer
diameters, the present invention is not limited to this, and a
configuration is also possible in which the electrical wires
include three or more types of electrical wires having different
outer diameter.
[0101] The outer diameters of the plurality of electrical wires may
also be the same.
[0102] The electrical wires may also be shielded electrical wires.
Also, the electrical wires may also be stranded wires that include
a core wire obtained by twisting a plurality of metal strands, or
may be so-called single-core wires in which the core wire is a
metal rod member. In this way, any electrical wires can be
appropriately selected as necessary as the electrical wire.
[0103] The cable 11 may also be a multicore shielded wire in which
a plurality of electrical wires are enveloped by a shielding layer,
and any cable can be appropriately selected as necessary as the
cable 11.
[0104] Although the first holder 52A and the second holder 52B are
separate components in the present embodiment, the present
invention is not limited to this, and a configuration is also
possible in which the first holder 52A and the second holder 52B
are integrally formed via a hinge.
[0105] Although a configuration was adopted in which the first
holder 52A is provided with the protection ribs 53 in the present
embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and a
configuration is also possible in which the second holder 52B is
provided with the protection ribs 53.
[0106] A configuration is also possible in which the first holder
52A is provided with a locking reception portion, and the second
holder 52B is provided with a locking portion.
[0107] Although a configuration was adopted in which the engagement
grooves 64 are provided in the first holder 52A in the present
embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and an
engagement groove may also be provided in the second holder 52B, or
engagement grooves may also be provided in both the first holder
52A and the second holder 52B.
[0108] It is to be understood that the foregoing is a description
of one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention.
The invention is not limited to the particular embodiment(s)
disclosed herein, but rather is defined solely by the claims below.
Furthermore, the statements contained in the foregoing description
relate to particular embodiments and are not to be construed as
limitations on the scope of the invention or on the definition of
terms used in the claims, except where a term or phrase is
expressly defined above. Various other embodiments and various
changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiment(s) will
become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other
embodiments, changes, and modifications are intended to come within
the scope of the appended claims.
[0109] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "for
example," "e.g.," "for instance," "such as," and "like," and the
verbs "comprising," "having," "including," and their other verb
forms, when used in conjunction with a listing of one or more
components or other items, are each to be construed as open-ended,
meaning that the listing is not to be considered as excluding
other, additional components or items. Other terms are to be
construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are
used in a context that requires a different interpretation.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0110] 11 Cable
[0111] 12 Holding structure
[0112] 13A First electrical wire
[0113] 13B Second electrical wire
[0114] 13C Third electrical wire
[0115] 13D Fourth electrical wire
[0116] 14 Sheath
[0117] 14A End portion of sheath
[0118] 15 Rubber plug
[0119] 17 Cap
[0120] 22 Through-hole
[0121] 50A, 50B Engagement protrusion (engagement reception
portion)
[0122] 52A First holder
[0123] 52B Second holder
[0124] 60 First clamping portion
[0125] 64 Engagement groove (engagement portion)
[0126] 65 Second clamping portion
[0127] 69, 69A Locking portion
[0128] 70, 70A Locking reception portion
[0129] 80 First linking portion
[0130] 82 Second linking portion
[0131] 90 Binding member
* * * * *