JP7768938B2 - Holding member and wire harness - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a retaining member and a wire harness.

Conventionally, there are configurations for holding the ends of exterior components for electric wires. Patent Document 1 discloses a sliding door harness that includes a wiring material that is routed between the sliding door and the vehicle body, and a vehicle body-side fixing part that is provided on the vehicle body and holds one end of the wiring material so that it can rotate as the sliding door slides. The vehicle body-side fixing part has a rotating holding part that rotatably holds one end of the exterior material.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-19386

When the holding member that holds the end of the exterior member is made up of multiple members, it is desirable to be able to prevent the wires from getting pinched.

The object of the present invention is to provide a retaining member and a wire harness that can prevent electric wires from getting caught between members.

The retaining member of the present invention comprises a first member and a second member that retain the end portion of a cylindrical exterior member, the first member and the second member having an engagement structure that engages with each other along a first direction, and the engagement of the engagement structures forms a retaining structure that retains the end portion and an opening through which an electric wire inserted into the exterior member is drawn out to external space, the retaining structure having grooves provided in the first member and the second member, and the end portion is sandwiched and retained by the grooves of the first member and the second member, and the first member and the second member have grooves provided adjacent to the opening. The first member and the second member are positioned such that a restricting structure is provided to prevent an electric wire from being caught in the gap between them. The restricting structure has a protruding portion on one of the first member and the second member and an opposing wall on the other of the first member and the second member, the protruding portion and the opposing wall opposing each other in the extension direction of the groove, and the restricting structure is configured so that when the first member and the second member are at the furthest apart within the range allowed by the play of the engagement structure, the protruding portion and the opposing wall overlap when viewed from the extension direction.

The restricting structure of the retaining member according to the present invention is configured so that when the first and second members are separated from each other to the greatest extent permitted by the play of the engagement structure, the protruding portion and the opposing wall overlap when viewed from the extension direction. The retaining member according to the present invention has the effect of preventing electric wires from becoming pinched between the members.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wire harness according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the wire harness according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the wire harness according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the holding member and the exterior member according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view of the holding member according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the engaging member according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the engaging member according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a holding member according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a holding member according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an engaging member according to a first modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an engaging member according to a first modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a holding member according to a first modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an engaging member according to a second modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a holding member according to a second modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an engaging member according to a third modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a holding member according to a third modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an engaging member according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an engaging member according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a front view of an engaging member according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an engaging member according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 21 is a front view of a holding member according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a holding member according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 23 is a front view of a holding member according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment.

The following describes in detail a retaining member and a wire harness according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiments include those that would be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art or that are substantially identical.

[Embodiment]
An embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. The embodiment relates to a retaining member and a wire harness. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the wire harness according to the embodiment, Figure 2 is a plan view of the wire harness according to the embodiment, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the wire harness according to the embodiment, Figure 4 is a perspective view of the retaining member and the exterior member according to the embodiment, Figure 5 is a front view of the retaining member according to the embodiment, Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of the engaging member according to the embodiment, Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the retaining member according to the embodiment, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the retaining member according to the embodiment. Figure 8 shows a cross section taken along line VIII-VIII of Figure 5.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the wire harness WH of this embodiment has a retaining member 1, an exterior member 2, electric wires 3, and a protector 4. As shown in Figure 2, the protector 4 is fixed to the body 110 of the vehicle 100. The protector 4 has a door-side opening 40 and a body-side opening 41. The door-side opening 40 is an opening through which the exterior member 2 is pulled out toward the sliding door 120. As shown in Figure 2, the end of the exterior member 2 pulled out from the protector 4 is held by the door-side protector 130. The door-side protector 130 is a protector disposed on the sliding door 120 and moves together with the sliding door 120 in the fore-and-aft direction (FR) of the vehicle.

The door-side opening 40 is shaped so that its cross-sectional area increases from the inside of the protector 4 toward the exit, allowing the exterior member 2 to follow the movement of the sliding door 120. Multiple electric wires 3 are inserted into the exterior member 2. The electric wires 3 are connected to the device of the sliding door 120 via the door-side protector 130. The vehicle body-side opening 41 is an opening through which the electric wires 3 are pulled out. The electric wires 3 pulled out from the vehicle body-side opening 41 are connected to a control device and power source mounted on the vehicle body 110.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the protector 4 has a lower cover 5 and an upper cover 6. The lower cover 5 has a support portion 51 that supports the holding member 1. The support portion 51 rotatably supports the holding member 1 with a pair of arc-shaped ribs. The upper cover 6 has a support portion 61 that corresponds to the support portion 51. The support portion 61 rotatably supports the holding member 1 with a pair of arc-shaped ribs. The lower cover 5 and the upper cover 6 engage with each other to form a storage space that houses the holding member 1.

Figures 4 and 5 show a holding member 1 that holds an outer casing member 2. The electric wires 3 are, for example, inserted into the outer casing member 2 held by the holding member 1. Note that the holding member 1 may be attached to the outer casing member 2 after the electric wires 3 have been inserted into the outer casing member 2.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the retaining member 1 is substantially spherical in shape. As shown in Figure 4, the retaining member 1 retains the distal end 2a of the outer casing member 2. The retaining member 1 has a first member 10A and a second member 10B. In this embodiment, the first member 10A and the second member 10B are engaging members 10 of the same shape. In other words, the retaining member 1 of this embodiment is formed by combining two engaging members 10 of the same shape. The first member 10A and the second member 10B have engaging structures 30 that engage with each other along the first direction X. The illustrated first member 10A and second member 10B are engaged by two sets of engaging structures 30.

The holding member 1 has an opening 1a through which the electric wire 3 is pulled out. The illustrated opening 1a has a circular shape. The opening 1a is formed by semicircular recesses provided at the ends of the first member 10A and the second member 10B.

The exterior member 2 is a flexible, cylindrical member. In this embodiment, the exterior member 2 is a bellows-shaped member known as a corrugated tube. The exterior member 2 has annular protrusions and annular grooves arranged alternately along the axial direction of the exterior member 2. The exterior member 2 is molded from insulating synthetic resin.

As shown in FIG. 6, the engaging member 10 has a groove 11 that extends linearly. In this specification, the direction in which the groove 11 extends is referred to as the extension direction Y. The extension direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X. The direction perpendicular to both the first direction X and the extension direction Y is referred to as the width direction W.

The groove 11 extends from one end to the other end of the engaging member 10 along the extension direction Y. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 11 in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction Y is semicircular. The central axis of the groove 11 coincides with the central axis of the holding member 1. The groove 11 is provided with multiple protrusions 11a that engage the exterior member 2. The protrusions 11a fit into annular grooves in the exterior member 2 to engage the exterior member 2. The groove 11 has an outlet 11b from which the exterior member 2 is pulled out. The outlet 11b is the end of the groove 11 opposite the opening 1a.

The engaging member 10 has an engaging piece 12 and a locking portion 13. The engaging piece 12 and the locking portion 13 form an engaging structure 30 that engages along the first direction X. The engaging piece 12 is located on one side of the groove 11 in the width direction W, and the locking portion 13 is located on the other side of the groove 11 in the width direction W. That is, the engaging piece 12 and the locking portion 13 face each other in the width direction W with the groove 11 between them. The engaging piece 12 is formed in a flat plate shape and protrudes in the first direction X. As shown in Figure 7, the engaging piece 12 has a claw portion 12a. The claw portion 12a is located at the tip of the engaging piece 12 and protrudes toward the width direction W. The claw portion 12a has an abutment surface 12b that is engaged by the locking portion 13.

The locking portion 13 protrudes in the width direction W and has a frame shape into which the locking piece 12 is inserted. The locking piece 12 is inserted into the locking portion 13 along the first direction X. The locking portion 13 has a locking surface 13a that locks the claw portion 12a.

The engaging member 10 has a protrusion 14 and an opposing wall 15. The protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 form a restricting structure that restricts the pinching of the electric wire 3. The protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 are located at the end on the opening 1a side in the extension direction Y. The protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 are located adjacent to the opening 1a. More specifically, the protrusion 14 is located on one side of the opening 1a in the width direction W, and the opposing wall 15 is located on the other side of the opening 1a in the width direction W. The positions of the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 are the positions of the mating surfaces when two engaging members 10 are combined. The protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 face each other in the width direction W, with the central axis of the opening 1a between them.

The engaging member 10 has an arc-shaped end face 10c that surrounds the opening 1a. The arc-shaped wall having the end face 10c is a partition wall that separates the groove 11 from the external space. This wall faces the end face of the exterior member 2 in the extension direction Y. The protrusion 14 is provided at one end of the end face 10c, and the opposing wall 15 is provided at the other end of the end face 10c.

The protrusion 14 protrudes toward one side X1 in the first direction X. When viewed from the extension direction Y, the shape of the protrusion 14 is rectangular. The protrusion 14 has a tapered shape in which the width in the extension direction Y narrows toward the one side X1 in the first direction X. The protrusion 14 has an opposing surface 14a. The opposing surface 14a faces the side opposite the groove portion 11. In other words, the opposing surface 14a faces the side of the protrusion 14 that faces the external space. The opposing surface 14a is an inclined surface inclined with respect to the first direction X. More specifically, the opposing surface 14a is inclined with respect to the first direction X so that it approaches the groove portion 11 as it approaches the tip of the protrusion 14.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the opposing wall 15 is an end portion of a wall portion having an end surface 10c. The opposing wall 15 has a tapered shape in which the width in the extension direction Y narrows toward one side X1 in the first direction X. The opposing wall 15 has an opposing surface 15a. The opposing surface 15a is a surface facing the groove portion 11. In other words, the opposing surface 15a is a surface of the opposing wall 15 facing the internal space. The opposing surface 15a is an inclined surface inclined with respect to the first direction X. More specifically, the opposing surface 15a is inclined with respect to the first direction X so as to move away from the groove portion 11 toward one side X1 in the first direction X. The inclination angle of the opposing surface 15a with respect to the first direction X is equal to the inclination angle of the opposing surface 14a with respect to the first direction X.

Figure 8 shows a cross section of the holding member 1. The end portion 2a of the exterior member 2 is held by being sandwiched between the groove portion 11 of the first member 10A and the groove portion 11 of the second member 10B. The end face of the exterior member 2 is located near the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15. The electric wire 3 inserted into the exterior member 2 is pulled out from the opening 1a of the holding member 1. The pulled out electric wire 3 is routed toward the vehicle body side opening 41 of the protector 4.

As described below, the retaining member 1 of this embodiment has a restricting structure that prevents the wire 3 from being caught in the gap between the first member 10A and the second member 10B. The restricting structure of this embodiment is composed of a protrusion 14 and an opposing wall 15. Figure 8 shows the first member 10A and the second member 10B engaged with each other to hold the exterior member 2. The protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 face each other in the extension direction Y of the groove portion 11. That is, the engaging member 10 is formed so that the engaging piece 12 and the locking portion 13 engage with each other, causing the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 to face each other in the extension direction Y. Therefore, when viewed from the extension direction Y, the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 overlap. This configuration prevents the wire 3 from being caught in the gap between the first member 10A and the second member 10B.

As a comparative example, we will consider a retaining member that does not have a protrusion 14 or opposing wall 15, and in which the mating surface between the first and second members is parallel to the extension direction Y. In the retaining member of the comparative example, the mating surface is parallel to the extension direction of the electric wire 3, so the electric wire 3 easily enters the gap between the first and second members. In contrast, in the retaining member 1 of this embodiment, the protrusion 14 and opposing wall 15 oppose each other in the extension direction Y. Therefore, the protrusion 14 and opposing wall 15 can prevent the electric wire 3 from entering the gap.

Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15. The protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 face each other in the extension direction Y and form a restriction structure 70. In the restriction structure 70 shown in Figure 9, the opposing surface 15a of the opposing wall 15 faces one side X1 of the first direction X, and the opposing surface 14a of the protrusion 14 faces the other side X2 of the first direction X.

Figure 9 shows the overlap width L between the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15. The overlap width L is the distance in the first direction X from the tip of the opposing wall 15 to the tip of the protrusion 14. In other words, the overlap width L is the length in the first direction X of the portion where the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 overlap when viewed from the extension direction Y. The overlap width L varies depending on the relative positions of the first member 10A and the second member 10B. The engagement structure 30, which is composed of the engagement piece 12 and the locking portion 13, has play. This play allows the first member 10A and the second member 10B to move relative to each other in the first direction X.

Figure 9 shows the state in which the first member 10A and the second member 10B are furthest apart in the first direction X. In this case, a small gap is created between the two opposing surfaces 14a, 15a. The retaining member 1 of this embodiment is configured so that, when the first member 10A and the second member 10B are furthest apart, the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 overlap when viewed from the extension direction Y. In other words, the retaining member 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the value of the overlap width L is greater than 0 when the first member 10A and the second member 10B are furthest apart. Specific examples of this configuration are as follows, for example:

The value of the overlap width L when the first member 10A and the second member 10B are closest to each other is defined as a maximum value Lmax. The maximum value Lmax is determined so that the following formula (1) holds. In formula (1), the play dimension Xt is the magnitude of the play in the first direction X in the engagement structure 30 composed of the engagement piece 12 and the locking portion 13. As a result, the overlap width L is a positive value even when the first member 10A and the second member 10B are furthest apart. Therefore, the restriction structure 70 of this embodiment can restrict the wire 3 from being caught.
Lmax>Xt (1)

The minimum value Lmin, which is the value of the overlap width L when the first member 10A and the second member 10B are furthest apart, may be determined according to the outer diameter of the electric wire 3. For example, the minimum value Lmin may be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the electric wire 3. When multiple electric wires 3 of different diameters are inserted into the exterior member 2, the minimum value Lmin may be determined according to the smallest diameter of the electric wires 3.

The restricting structure 70 of this embodiment can primarily restrict the wire 3 from getting caught in the following two situations:

As a first example, we will describe a situation in which the electric wire 3 is inserted through the outer member 2 and the holding member 1 while the holding member 1 is holding the outer member 2. In this case, even if the electric wire 3 attempts to enter the gap between the first member 10A and the second member 10B at the opening 1a, the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 block the entry of the electric wire 3. In other words, the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 form a guard wall for the electric wire 3, preventing the electric wire 3 from extending radially outward from the opening 1a. In the holding member 1 of this embodiment, the distance between the two opposing surfaces 14a, 15a is set so that the electric wire 3 cannot easily enter between the opposing surfaces 14a, 15a. For example, the maximum distance between the two opposing surfaces 14a, 15a is smaller than the outer diameter of the electric wire 3.

As a second scenario, we will explain the case where the holding member 1 is attached to the exterior member 2 after the electric wire 3 has been inserted into the exterior member 2. When an operator attempts to engage the first member 10A and the second member 10B while the electric wire 3 is still pinched between the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15, the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 attempt to bend the electric wire 3. In this case, a reaction force due to the rigidity of the electric wire 3 acts on the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15. Requiring a greater engagement force than usual makes it easier for the operator to notice that the electric wire 3 has become caught.

Furthermore, in the retaining member 1 of this embodiment, if the electric wire 3 enters the gap between the first member 10A and the second member 10B, the engaging piece 12 and the locking portion 13 cannot engage with each other. As a means for disabling the engaging structure 30, for example, the distance between the two opposing surfaces 14a, 15a is set. In this case, the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 are configured so that the engaging piece 12 cannot be inserted into the locking portion 13 to the engagement position if the electric wire 3 remains sandwiched between the two opposing surfaces 14a, 15a.

In this way, the retaining member 1 of this embodiment can prevent the electric wire 3 from entering the gap between the first member 10A and the second member 10B when the electric wire 3 is inserted through the exterior member 2 and the opening 1a of the retaining member 1. Furthermore, when the electric wire 3 has already been inserted through the exterior member 2, the retaining member 1 prevents the first member 10A and the second member 10B from engaging with each other while the electric wire 3 is still sandwiched between them. Therefore, the retaining member 1 of this embodiment can prevent the electric wire 3 from entering the gap between the first member 10A and the second member 10B in either of the two assembly processes.

Furthermore, in the holding member 1 of this embodiment, the two opposing surfaces 14a, 15a face each other in the extension direction Y. The two opposing surfaces 14a, 15a are inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to both the first direction X and the extension direction Y. Because the opposing surfaces 14a, 15a are inclined with respect to the first direction X, a large gap is unlikely to form between the opposing surfaces 14a, 15a even when the first member 10A and the second member 10B move relative to each other in the first direction X. Therefore, the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 can appropriately prevent the electric wire 3 from entering the gap between the first member 10A and the second member 10B.

As described above, the holding member 1 of this embodiment has a first member 10A and a second member 10B that hold the end portion 2a of the cylindrical exterior member 2. The first member 10A and the second member 10B have an engagement structure 30 that engages with each other along the first direction X, and the engagement of the engagement structure 30 forms the holding structure and the opening 1a. The holding structure is a structure that holds the end portion 2a of the exterior member 2. The opening 1a is the portion through which the electric wire 3 inserted into the exterior member 2 is pulled out from the holding member 1 to the external space.

The holding structure has grooves 11 provided in the first member 10A and the second member 10B, and holds the end portion 2a by sandwiching it between the grooves 11 of the first member 10A and the grooves 11 of the second member 10B. The first member 10A and the second member 10B are provided with restricting structures 70 positioned adjacent to the openings 1a. The restricting structures 70 prevent the electric wire 3 from being sandwiched in the gap between the first member 10A and the second member 10B.

The restricting structure 70 has a protrusion 14 on one of the first member 10A and the second member 10B, and an opposing wall 15 on the other of the first member 10A and the second member 10B. The protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 face each other in the extension direction Y of the groove portion 11. The restricting structure 70 is configured so that the protrusion 14 and the opposing wall 15 overlap when viewed from the extension direction Y when the first member 10A and the second member 10B are separated from each other to the greatest extent allowed by the play of the engagement structure 30. Therefore, the retaining member 1 of this embodiment can prevent the wire 3 from getting caught between the first member 10A and the second member 10B.

The wire harness WH of this embodiment includes a cylindrical exterior member 2, electric wires 3 inserted into the exterior member 2, the holding member 1, and a protector 4 that rotatably supports the holding member 1. The wire harness WH of this embodiment can prevent problems caused by the electric wires 3 being pinched in the holding member 1. For example, the restriction structure 70 can prevent the electric wires 3 from being pinched when the holding member 1 rotates.

[First Modification of the Embodiment]
A first modified example of the embodiment will be described. Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of an engaging member according to the first modified example of the embodiment, and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a holding member according to the first modified example of the embodiment. The holding member 1 according to the first modified example of the embodiment differs from the holding member 1 of the above embodiment in, for example, the shapes of the protrusions and the opposing walls.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the engaging member 10 according to the first modified embodiment has the same groove 11, engaging piece 12, and locking portion 13 as the engaging member 10 according to the above embodiment. The engaging member 10 according to the first modified embodiment has a protrusion 16 and an opposing wall 17. The protrusion 16 is provided in the same position as the protrusion 14 according to the above embodiment, and the opposing wall 17 is provided in the same position as the opposing wall 15 according to the above embodiment. Therefore, the protrusion 16 and the opposing wall 17 are disposed adjacent to the opening 1a and face each other across the central axis of the opening 1a.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the protrusion 16 protrudes toward one side X1 in the first direction X. When viewed from the extension direction Y, the shape of the protrusion 16 is rectangular. The shape of the protrusion 16 is generally flat. The opposing wall 17 is formed by providing a recess corresponding to the protrusion 16 in a wall portion having the end surface 10c. The opposing wall 17 has an opposing surface 17a. The opposing surface 17a faces the side opposite the groove portion 11. The opposing surface 17a is parallel to the first direction X and perpendicular to the extension direction Y.

As shown in FIG. 11, the protrusion 16 has an opposing surface 16a. The opposing surface 16a faces the groove portion 11. The opposing surface 16a is parallel to the first direction X and perpendicular to the extension direction Y.

Figure 12 shows a cross section of a retaining member 1 according to a first modified example. The exterior member 2 is not shown. In the retaining member 1 shown in Figure 12, the first member 10A and the second member 10B are spaced farthest apart within the range allowed by the play of the engagement structure 30. The protrusion 16 and the opposing wall 17 face each other in the extension direction Y. More specifically, the opposing surface 16a of the protrusion 16 faces the opposing surface 17a of the opposing wall 17. The distance between the two opposing surfaces 16a, 17a is determined so as to prevent the wire 3 from entering.

In the retaining member 1 of the first modified example, the two opposing surfaces 16a, 17a are surfaces parallel to the first direction X. In this case, even if the first member 10A and the second member 10B move relative to each other in the first direction X, the distance between the two opposing surfaces 16a, 17a does not increase. Therefore, the protrusion 16 and opposing wall 17 of the first modified example can appropriately prevent the wire 3 from entering the gap between the first member 10A and the second member 10B.

[Second Modification of the Embodiment]
A second modified example of the embodiment will now be described. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an engaging member according to the second modified example of the embodiment, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a holding member according to the second modified example of the embodiment. The holding member 1 according to the second modified example of the embodiment differs from the holding member 1 of the above embodiment in, for example, the shapes of the protrusion and the opposing wall.

As shown in FIG. 13, the engaging member 10 according to the second modified embodiment has the same groove portion 11, engaging piece 12, and locking portion 13 as the engaging member 10 according to the above embodiment. The engaging member 10 according to the second modified embodiment has a protrusion 18 and an opposing wall 19. The protrusion 18 is provided in the same position as the protrusion 14 according to the above embodiment, and the opposing wall 19 is provided in the same position as the opposing wall 15 according to the above embodiment. In other words, the protrusion 18 and the opposing wall 19 are disposed adjacent to the opening 1a and face each other across the central axis of the opening 1a.

As shown in FIG. 13, the protrusion 18 protrudes toward one side X1 in the first direction X. When viewed from the extension direction Y, the shape of the protrusion 18 is rectangular. The protrusion 18 protrudes in the extension direction Y relative to the end face 10c. In other words, the protrusion 18 is shifted toward the side opposite the groove portion 11 relative to the end face 10c. The protrusion 18 has an opposing surface 18a. The opposing surface 18a faces the groove portion 11. The opposing surface 18a is parallel to the first direction X and perpendicular to the extension direction Y.

The opposing wall 19 of the second modified example is part of an arc-shaped partition wall having an end face 10c. In other words, the opposing surface 19a of the opposing wall 19 is part of the end face 10c. The opposing surface 19a faces away from the groove portion 11.

Figure 14 shows a cross section of a retaining member 1 according to a second modified example. The exterior member 2 is not shown. In the retaining member 1 shown in Figure 14, the first member 10A and the second member 10B are spaced farthest apart within the range allowed by the play of the engagement structure 30. The protrusion 18 and the opposing wall 19 face each other in the extension direction Y. More specifically, the opposing surface 18a of the protrusion 18 faces the opposing surface 19a of the opposing wall 19. The distance between the two opposing surfaces 18a, 19a is determined so as to prevent the wire 3 from entering.

In the retaining member 1 of the second modified example, the two opposing surfaces 18a, 19a are parallel to the first direction X. Therefore, the protrusion 18 and opposing wall 19 of the second modified example can appropriately prevent the wire 3 from entering the gap between the first member 10A and the second member 10B.

[Third Modification of the Embodiment]
A third modified example of the embodiment will now be described. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an engaging member according to the third modified example of the embodiment, and Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a holding member according to the third modified example of the embodiment. The holding member 1 according to the third modified example of the embodiment differs from the holding member 1 of the above embodiment in, for example, the shapes of the protrusion and the opposing wall.

As shown in FIG. 15, the engaging member 10 according to the third modified embodiment has the same groove portion 11, engaging piece 12, and locking portion 13 as the engaging member 10 according to the above embodiment. The engaging member 10 according to the third modified embodiment has a protrusion 20 and an opposing wall 21. The protrusion 20 is provided in the same position as the opposing wall 15 according to the above embodiment, and the opposing wall 21 is provided in the same position as the protrusion 14 according to the above embodiment. In other words, the protrusion 20 and the opposing wall 21 are disposed adjacent to the opening 1a and face each other across the central axis of the opening 1a.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the protrusion 20 protrudes toward one side X1 in the first direction X. When viewed from the extension direction Y, the shape of the protrusion 20 is rectangular or trapezoidal. The protrusion 20 has a tapered shape in which the width in the extension direction Y narrows toward the one side X1 in the first direction X. The protrusion 20 has two opposing surfaces 20a, 20b. The first opposing surface 20a faces away from the groove portion 11, and the second opposing surface 20b faces the groove portion 11. The first opposing surface 20a is inclined with respect to the first direction X so as to approach the groove portion 11 toward the one side X1 in the first direction X. The second opposing surface 20b is inclined with respect to the first direction X so as to move away from the groove portion 11 toward the one side X1 in the first direction X.

The opposing wall 21 has a first opposing wall 21a and a second opposing wall 21b. The first opposing wall 21a faces the first opposing surface 20a. The second opposing wall 21b faces the second opposing surface 20b. The two opposing walls 21a, 21b are arranged side by side in the extension direction Y. The first opposing wall 21a and the second opposing wall 21b form a recess corresponding to the protrusion 20.

Figure 16 shows a cross section of a retaining member 1 according to a third modified example. The exterior member 2 is not shown. In the retaining member 1 of Figure 16, the first member 10A and the second member 10B are spaced farthest apart within the range allowed by the play of the engagement structure 30. The protrusion 20 and the opposing wall 21 face each other in the extension direction Y. More specifically, the first opposing surface 20a of the protrusion 20 faces the opposing surface of the first opposing wall 21a. The distance between the first opposing surface 20a and the first opposing wall 21a is determined so as to prevent the wire 3 from entering. The second opposing surface 20b of the protrusion 20 faces the opposing surface of the second opposing wall 21b. The distance between the second opposing surface 20b and the second opposing wall 21b is determined so as to prevent the wire 3 from entering.

In the retaining member 1 of the third modified example, the restricting structure 70, which is composed of the protrusion 20 and the opposing wall 21, has two opposing walls 21a, 21b that are aligned in the extension direction Y with the protrusion 20 between them. In other words, the electric wire 3 cannot easily enter between the protrusion 20 and the opposing wall 21 from either side in the extension direction Y. Therefore, the protrusion 20 and opposing wall 21 of the third modified example can appropriately prevent the electric wire 3 from entering the gap between the first member 10A and the second member 10B.

[Fourth Modification of the Embodiment]
A fourth modified embodiment will be described. Figures 17 and 18 are perspective views of an engaging member according to the fourth modified embodiment, Figure 19 is a front view of the engaging member according to the fourth modified embodiment, Figure 20 is a perspective view of the engaging member according to the fourth modified embodiment, Figure 21 is a front view of a holding member according to the fourth modified embodiment, Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the holding member according to the fourth modified embodiment, and Figure 23 is a front view of the holding member according to the fourth modified embodiment. The holding member 1 according to the fourth modified embodiment differs from the holding member 1 of the above embodiment in that, for example, the protrusion 22 is accommodated in the wall portion 10d so as not to protrude.

As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the engaging member 10 according to the fourth modified embodiment has the same groove portion 11, engaging piece 12, and locking portion 13 as the engaging member 10 according to the above embodiment. The engaging member 10 according to the fourth modified embodiment has a protrusion 22 and an opposing wall 23. Like the engaging member 10 according to the above embodiment, the engaging member 10 has an arc-shaped wall portion 10d. The wall portion 10d is located at the end on the opening 1a side in the extension direction Y. The wall portion 10d has an arc-shaped end surface 10c that surrounds the opening 1a.

The protrusion 22 protrudes in the first direction X from a first circumferential end 10e of the wall 10d. The first end 10e is one end of the wall 10d. The opposing wall 23 is a second circumferential end 10f of the wall 10d. The second end 10f is the other end of the wall 10d. As shown in FIG. 19 , the protrusion 22 and the opposing wall 23 are disposed adjacent to the opening 1a and face each other across the central axis 1x of the opening 1a.

The protrusion 22 protrudes from the first end 10e toward one side X1 in the first direction X. The protrusion 22 is formed in a plate shape. When viewed from the extension direction Y, the shape of the protrusion 22 is approximately trapezoidal. The protrusion 22 has a tapered shape in which the length in the width direction W narrows toward the one side X1 in the first direction X. The thickness of the protrusion 22 is smaller than the thickness of the wall portion 10d. In other words, the protrusion 22 is a thinner piece compared to the wall portion 10d. The position of the protrusion 22 in the extension direction Y is a position on the end face 10c side of the wall portion 10d. In other words, the protrusion 22 protrudes from a position on the wall portion 10d facing the external space.

The opposing wall 23 is disposed at the second end 10f of the wall portion 10d. The illustrated opposing wall 23 is formed by recessing the second end 10f. As shown in FIG. 17, the second end 10f has a recess 230 recessed in the extension direction Y. The recess 230 is formed to accommodate the protrusion 22. The opposing wall 23 is the bottom wall of the recess 230. In other words, the wall portion 10d is recessed at the portion of the opposing wall 23 toward the groove portion 11 relative to the end face 10c. The thickness of the opposing wall 23 is smaller than the thickness of the rest of the wall portion 10d. In other words, the opposing wall 23 is a thinner portion than the portion of the wall portion 10d adjacent to the opposing wall 23.

The opposing wall 23 has an opposing surface 23a. The opposing surface 23a is the bottom surface of the recess 230. The opposing surface 23a faces away from the groove portion 11. The opposing surface 23a is parallel to the first direction X and perpendicular to the extension direction Y.

As shown in FIG. 18, the protrusion 22 has an opposing surface 22a. The opposing surface 22a faces the groove portion 11. The opposing surface 22a is parallel to the first direction X and perpendicular to the extension direction Y.

As shown in Figure 19, the opposing wall 23 has an arc-shaped edge 23b that forms the opening 1a. The edge 23b is one side of the opposing wall 23 and faces the central axis 1x of the opening 1a. The shape of the edge 23b is an arc centered on the central axis 1x.

The protrusion 22 has an edge 22b facing the central axis 1x. The edge 22b extends in the first direction X. The illustrated edge 22b is linear and extends along a tangent to the opening 1a. In other words, the edge 22b extends in a tangent direction to the inner circumference of the wall 10d. The edge 22b is located radially outward from the opening 1a.

As shown in FIG. 20 , the protrusion 22 has a main body 220 and a raised portion 221. The main body 220 is a portion that is continuous with the wall portion 10d and has an end face 220a. The end face 220a is a surface that is perpendicular to the extension direction Y and faces the external space of the engaging member 10. In other words, the end face 220a faces the side opposite the groove portion 11. The end face 220a is a surface that is continuous with the end face 10c of the wall portion 10d. The end face 220a is connected to the edge portion 22b. In other words, the end face 220a is a portion that is adjacent to the opening 1a. In this way, the protrusion 22 of this modified example is formed so that the portion that is adjacent to the opening 1a does not protrude in the extension direction Y relative to the end face 10c.

The raised portion 221 protrudes from the main body 220 in the extension direction Y. The raised portion 221 protrudes from the end face 220a toward the external space of the engaging member 10. The raised portion 221 is located radially outward from the end face 220a.

Figure 21 shows a front view of the engaged first member 10A and second member 10B. Figure 22 shows a cross section taken along line XXII-XXII of Figure 21. In the retaining member 1 of Figure 22, the first member 10A and second member 10B are spaced farthest apart within the range allowed by the play of the engagement structure 30. The protrusion 22 and the opposing wall 23 face each other in the extension direction Y. More specifically, the protrusion 22 is located on the external space 1b side of the opposing wall 23. The opposing surface 22a of the protrusion 22 faces the opposing surface 23a of the opposing wall 23. The distance between the two opposing surfaces 22a, 23a is determined so as to prevent the wire 3 from entering.

As shown in FIG. 22 , the protrusion 22 of the second member 10B is accommodated in the recess 230 of the first member 10A. The recess 230 has a depth that allows the protrusion 22 to be accommodated. By accommodating the protrusion 22 in the recess 230, the protrusion 22 is less likely to protrude from the end face 10c. In other words, a step is less likely to occur between the end face 10c of the first member 10A and the protrusion 22 of the second member 10B, and even if a step does occur, it is a small step. Therefore, the holding member 1 of the fourth modified example can prevent the wire 3 from entering the gap Gp between the protrusion 22 and the opposing wall 23.

If a pulling force is applied to the wires 3 after the wire harness WH is fixed, and there is a large step between the protrusion 22 and the end face 10c, the wires 3 may get caught on the protrusion 22 and enter the gap Gp. In the retaining member 1 of the fourth modified example, the protrusion 22 is housed in the recess 230, preventing the wires 3 from entering the gap Gp.

The protrusion 22 of the first member 10A and the recess 230 of the second member 10B are configured in the same manner. That is, the protrusion 22 of the first member 10A is accommodated in the recess 230 of the second member 10B. This prevents the wire 3 from entering the gap Gp between the protrusion 22 of the first member 10A and the recess 230 of the second member 10B.

In the illustrated retaining member 1, when the first member 10A and the second member 10B are engaged, the end face 10c of the first member 10A and the end face 220a of the second member 10B are located on the same plane. This more reliably prevents the wire 3 from entering the gap Gp between the protrusion 22 and the opposing wall 23. The same applies to the relationship between the end face 10c of the second member 10B and the end face 220a of the first member 10A. That is, the end face 10c of the second member 10B and the end face 220a of the first member 10A are located on the same plane.

As shown in Figure 23, the protrusion 22 is located radially outward of the edge 23b of the opposing wall 23 in the opening 1a. More specifically, the edge 22b of the protrusion 22 is located radially outward of the edge 23b of the opposing wall 23. Therefore, the electric wire 3 is less likely to get caught on the corner 22c of the protrusion 22. This prevents the electric wire 3 from entering the gap Gp between the protrusion 22 and the opposing wall 23.

As described above, the first member 10A and the second member 10B of this modified example have an arc-shaped wall portion 10d that surrounds the opening 1a. The protrusion 22 is located on the external space 1b side of the opposing wall 23 in the extension direction Y. The protrusion 22 protrudes in the first direction X from the first circumferential end portion 10e of the wall portion 10d. The opposing wall 23 is the second circumferential end portion 10f of the wall portion 10d. The second end portion 10f of the wall portion 10d has a recess 230 that is recessed in the extension direction Y, and the protrusion 22 is accommodated in the recess 230. This configuration makes it less likely that the protrusion 22 will protrude from the wall portion 10d. Therefore, the retaining member 1 of this modified example can prevent the electric wire 3 from entering the gap Gp between the protrusion 22 and the opposing wall 23.

When viewed from the extension direction Y, the shape of the opening 1a is circular. The opposing wall 23 has an arc-shaped edge 23b that forms the opening 1a. The protrusion 22 is located further outward than the edge 23b in the radial direction of the opening 1a. Therefore, the retaining member 1 of this modified example can prevent the electric wire 3 from entering the gap Gp between the protrusion 22 and the opposing wall 23.

The contents disclosed in the above embodiments and variations can be implemented in any suitable combination.

1: Retaining member, 1a: Opening, 1b: External space, 1x: Central axis 2: Exterior member, 2a: End portion, 3: Electric wire, 4: Protector 5: Lower cover, 6: Upper cover 10: Engaging member, 10A: First member, 10B: Second member 10c: End surface, 10d: Wall portion, 10e: First end portion, 10f: Second end portion 11: Groove portion, 11a: Protrusion, 11b: Outlet portion 12: Engaging piece, 12a: Claw portion, 12b: Contact surface 13: Locking portion, 13a: Locking surface 14: Protruding portion, 14a: Opposing surface 15: Opposing wall, 15a: Opposing surface 16: Protruding portion, 16a: Opposing surface 17: Opposing wall, 17a: Opposing surface 18: Protruding portion, 18a: opposing surface 19: opposing wall 19a: opposing surface 20: protrusion 20a, 20b: opposing surface 21: opposing wall 21a: first opposing wall 21b: second opposing wall 22: protrusion 22a: opposing surface 22b: edge 23: opposing wall 23a: opposing surface 23b: edge 30: engagement structure 40: door-side opening 41: vehicle-body-side opening 51, 61: support portion 70: restricting structure 100: vehicle 110: vehicle body 120: sliding door 130: door-side protector 230: recess WH: wire harness X: first direction Y: extension direction W: width direction

Claims (6)

a first member and a second member for holding an end portion of a cylindrical outer casing member;
the first member and the second member have engagement structures that engage with each other along a first direction, and the engagement structures form a holding structure that holds the end portion and an opening through which an electric wire inserted into the exterior member is drawn out to an external space,
The holding structure has grooves provided in the first member and the second member, and holds the distal end portion by sandwiching it between the grooves of the first member and the grooves of the second member;
the first member and the second member are provided with a restricting structure that is disposed adjacent to the opening and restricts an electric wire from being caught in a gap between the first member and the second member;
the restriction structure includes a protrusion provided on one of the first member and the second member and an opposing wall provided on the other of the first member and the second member,
the protrusion and the opposing wall face each other in an extending direction of the groove,
A retaining member characterized in that the regulating structure is configured so that when the first member and the second member are at the furthest distance from each other within the range allowed by the play of the engagement structure, the protrusion and the opposing wall overlap when viewed from the extension direction. The holding member according to claim 1 , wherein the restriction structure has two opposing walls that are aligned in the extension direction with the protrusion therebetween. the protrusion and the opposing wall each have opposing surfaces that are perpendicular to the extending direction,
The retaining member according to claim 1, wherein when the first member and the second member are farthest apart within a range allowed by the play of the engagement structure, the opposing surface of the protrusion and the opposing surface of the opposing wall face each other. the first member and the second member have arc-shaped walls surrounding the opening,
the protruding portion is located on the external space side of the opposing wall in the extension direction,
the protruding portion protrudes in the first direction from a first end portion of the wall portion in a circumferential direction,
the opposing wall is a second end portion of the wall portion in the circumferential direction,
The holding member according to claim 1 , wherein the second end of the wall portion has a recess recessed in the extending direction, and the protrusion is accommodated in the recess. The shape of the opening when viewed from the extension direction is circular,
the opposing wall has an arc-shaped edge portion that forms the opening,
The holding member according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is positioned outward from the edge in the radial direction of the opening. A cylindrical exterior member;
an electric wire inserted into the exterior member;
a holding member for holding an end portion of the exterior member;
a protector that rotatably supports the holding member;
Equipped with
the retaining member has a first member and a second member that retain the distal end;
the first member and the second member have engagement structures that engage with each other along a first direction, and the engagement structures form a holding structure that holds the end portion and an opening through which the electric wire is drawn out to an external space,
The holding structure has grooves provided in the first member and the second member, and holds the distal end portion by sandwiching it between the grooves of the first member and the grooves of the second member;
the first member and the second member are provided with a restricting structure that is disposed adjacent to the opening and restricts an electric wire from being caught in a gap between the first member and the second member;
the restriction structure includes a protrusion provided on one of the first member and the second member and an opposing wall provided on the other of the first member and the second member,
the protruding portion and the opposing wall are opposed to each other in an extending direction of the groove portion,
the regulating structure is configured such that when the first member and the second member are spaced farthest apart within a range allowed by play in the engaging structure, the protrusion and the opposing wall overlap when viewed from the extension direction.