Wiring member

A wiring member comprises a first module having a first communication unit, second modules having respective second communication units, a cable module having cables which connect the first communication unit to the second communication units, and a branching module which is disposed at a prescribed position in the cable module. The branching module has a first cable insertion portion in which the cables are inserted in bundled form and a second cable insertion portion in which the cables are inserted separately, and the branching module is fixed to at least one of the cables in a first state and is made movable relative to the cables in a second state. One end portions of the cables are connected to the first module in bundled form and the other end portions of the cables are connected to the respective second modules separately.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-122574, filed on Jun. 18, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a wiring member.

Related Art

In recent years, with the increase of communication capabilities, the number of cables that connect boards in data centers in which computers such as servers and communication apparatus are installed has been increasing rapidly. Breakout cables as cables for connecting boards are disclosed in, for example, US 2014/0369347 A and US 2014/0363171 A.

US 2014/0369347 A discloses a breakout cable in which a QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable) module for 40-Gbps transmission branches into four SFP (small form-factor pluggable) modules each for 10-Gbps transmission via metal cables.

US 2014/0363171 A discloses a breakout cable in which a QSFP terminal for 40-Gbps transmission branches into four RJ (registered jack)-45 terminals each for 10-Gbps transmission via optical cables or metal cables.

However, in the breakout cables disclosed in US 2014/0369347 A and US 2014/0363171 A, a branching position of a cable module consisting of plural cables is set in advance and cannot be changed. As a result, the length of separated cables cannot be adjusted according to a positional relationship between boards.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a wiring member in which the branching position of a cable module is adjustable.

One aspect of the invention provides a wiring member comprising:a first module having a first communication unit which is electrically connected to a first host apparatus;plural second modules having respective second communication units which are electrically connected to a second host apparatus;a cable module having plural cables which connect the first communication unit to the second communication units; anda branching module which is disposed at a prescribed position in the cable module, which has a first cable insertion portion in which the plurality of cables are inserted in bundled form and a second cable insertion portion in which the plurality of cables are inserted separately, and which is fixed to at least one of the plurality of cables in a first state and is made movable relative to the plurality of cables in a second state, wherein:one end portions of the plurality of cables are connected to the first module in bundled form and the other end portions of the plurality of cables are connected to the respective second modules separately.

In this wiring member, the position of the branching module can be changed according to a positional relationship between the first host apparatus and the second host apparatus. Thus, a wiring member can be provided in which the branching position of a cable module is adjustable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Outline of Embodiment of the Invention

An embodiment of the present invention will be outlined below:

(1) A wiring member comprising:a first module having a first communication unit which is electrically connected to a first host apparatus;plural second modules having respective second communication units which are electrically connected to a second host apparatus;a cable module having plural cables which connect the first communication unit to the second communication units; anda branching module which is disposed at a prescribed position in the cable module, which has a first cable insertion portion in which the plurality of cables are inserted in bundled form and a second cable insertion portion in which the plurality of cables are inserted separately, and which is fixed to at least one of the plurality of cables in a first state and is made movable relative to the plurality of cables in a second state, wherein:one end portions of the plurality of cables are connected to the first module in bundled form and the other end portions of the plurality of cables are connected to the respective second modules separately.

With this configuration, the position of the branching module can be changed according to a positional relationship between the first host apparatus and the second host apparatus. Thus, a wiring member can be provided in which the branching position of a cable module is adjustable.

(2) The wiring member according to item (1), wherein the branching module further comprises an elastic member, and the branching module is fixed to at least one of the plurality of cables by elastic force of the elastic member.

With this configuration, the branching module can be rendered in the first state by the elastic force of the elastic member.

(3) The wiring member according to item (2), wherein:the branching module further comprises:a fixed cover;a movable cover; anda rotation point which is disposed between the first cable insertion portion and the second cable insertion portion and connect the movable cover to the fixed cover rotatably;the elastic member is disposed between the movable cover and the fixed cover; andthe movable cover is fixed to the at least one of the plurality of cables by elastic force of the elastic member.

With this configuration, the branching module can be rendered in the first state when the movable cover is fixed to the at least one of the plurality of cables by the elastic force of the elastic member.

(4) The wiring member according to item (3), wherein:the elastic member is disposed between the rotation point and the second cable insertion portion; andthe movable cover is fixed to the at least one of the plurality of cables when the elastic member expands, and is made movable relative to the plurality of cables when the elastic member is contracted.

With this configuration, the movable cover is fixed to the at least one of the plurality of cables when the elastic member expands, and is made movable relative to the plurality of cables when the elastic member is contracted. Thus, the movable module can be switched from the first state to the second state by a simple manipulation of pushing a portion, located on the side of the second cable insertion portion, of the movable cover toward the fixed cover.

(5) The wiring member according to any one of item (4), wherein:the first cable insertion portion has a first cable organizer having plural first insertion passages in which the respective cables are inserted; andthe second cable insertion portion has a second cable organizer having plural second insertion passages in which the respective cables are inserted.

With this configuration, the first and second cable organizers can determine the intervals between the adjoining ones of the separated cables and fix the routes of the respective cables in the branching module. As a result, the plurality of cables are not entangled with each other even when the branching module is moved relative to the plurality of cables.

(6) The wiring member according to any one of item (5), wherein:the plurality of cables are inserted in the first cable insertion portion in such a manner as to be bundled together in two stages.

(7) The wiring member according to item (6), wherein:the first cable organizer has a step portion that is continuous with at least one of the plurality of first insertion passages; andthe at least one of the plurality of cables is fixed to the movable cover so as to be sandwiched between the movable cover and the step portion.

With this configuration, since the at least one of the plurality of cables is fixed to the movable cover so as to be sandwiched between the movable cover and the step portion, the branching module can be fixed to the cables securely.

(8) The wiring member according to any one of item (6), wherein:the plural first insertion passages are arranged in two stages;the plural second insertion passages are arranged in one stage;the plurality of second insertion passages are in contact with the fixed cover; andthe elastic member is disposed between the movable cover and the second cable organizer.

With this configuration, the first insertion passages of the first cable organizer are arranged in two stages and the second insertion passages of the second cable organizer are arranged in one stage. As a result, the second cable organizer can be made thinner than the first cable organizer. Furthermore, since the elastic member is disposed between the movable cover and the second cable organizer, the branching module can be miniaturized as a whole.

(9) The wiring member according to item (6), wherein:the first cable organizer has a step portion that is continuous with at least one of the plurality of first insertion passages;the at least one of the plurality of cables is fixed to the movable cover so as to be sandwiched between the movable cover and the step portion;the plural first insertion passages are arranged in two stages;the plural second insertion passages are arranged in one stage;the plurality of second insertion passages are in contact with the fixed cover; andthe elastic member is disposed between the movable cover and the second cable organizer.

(10) The wiring member according to item (1), wherein:the branching module further has:a fixed cover;a movable cover, andan elastic member disposed between the movable cover and the fixed cover, andthe movable cover is fixed to the at least one of the plurality of cables by elastic force of the elastic member in a state that the plurality of cables are inserted in the respective first insertion passages.

With this configuration, the movable cover is fixed to the at least one of the plurality of cables securely by the elastic force of the elastic member in a state that the plurality of cables are inserted in the respective first insertion passages. As a result, the branching module can be rendered in the first state easily.

(11) The wiring member according to claim10, wherein:the first cable insertion portion has a first cable organizer having plural first insertion passages in which the plurality of respective cables are inserted; andthe second cable insertion portion has a second cable organizer having plural second insertion passages in which the plurality of respective cables are inserted.

Details of Embodiment of the Invention

The embodiment of the invention will be hereinafter described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, descriptions of members that are given the same reference symbols as members that have already been described will be omitted for convenience of description. And the dimensions of each member shown in a drawing may be different from those of an actual member.

In the embodiment, to facilitate its understanding, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction will be used when necessary, which are relative directions that are set for a wiring member1shown inFIG. 1A. Therefore, attention should be paid to the fact that when the wiring member1is rotated about a prescribed direction, at least one of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction varies accordingly.

The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction mean the +Z direction, the +Y direction, and the +Z direction, respectively, and the opposite directions, that is, the −Z direction, −Y direction, and the −Z direction, will also be used when necessary.

FIG. 1Ais a schematic view of the wiring member1according to the embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 1A, the wiring member1is equipped with a first module4, plural second modules5a-5d(may be referred to generically as “second modules5”), a cable module3, and a branching module2.

The first module4has a first housing41and a first communication unit42(seeFIG. 4) which is housed in the first housing41. The first communication unit42is electrically connected to a first host apparatus (not shown). The first communication unit42may be configured so as to communicate with the first host apparatus at 40 Gbits/s, for example. In this case, as prescribed in an MSA (multi-source agreement), it is preferable that the first module4be a QSFP module. The details of the first communication unit42will be described later in detail.

Each of the second modules5a-5dhas a second housing51and a second communication unit52(seeFIG. 5) which is housed in the first housing51. The second communication unit52is electrically connected to a second host apparatus (not shown). The second communication unit52is configured so as to communicate with the second host apparatus at 10 Gbits/s, for example. In this case, as prescribed in the MSA, it is preferable that each of the second modules5a-5dbe an SFP module. The details of the second communication unit52will be described later in detail.

The cable module3has plural cables30a-30d, boots31and32, and a heat-shrinkable tube33. The cables30a-30dconnect the first communication unit42of the first module4to the second communication units52of the second modules5a-5delectrically or optically.

More specifically, the cable30aconnects the first communication unit42to the second communication unit52of the second module5a. The cable30bconnects the first communication unit42to the second communication unit52of the second module5b. The cable30cconnects the first communication unit42to the second communication unit52of the second module5c. The cable30dconnects the first communication unit42to the second communication unit52of the second module5d.

One end portions of the cables30a-30dare bundled together and connected to the first module4, and the other end portions of the cables30a-30dare connected to the respective second modules5a-5dseparately.

The boot31is disposed close to the end of the first module4and is configured so as to bundle the cables30a-30d. As shown inFIG. 1B, the cables30a-30dare bundled by the boot31in two stages and two rows. The boots32are disposed close to the ends of the second modules5a-5d, respectively. The heat-shrinkable tube33is formed so as to fix the cables30a-30din bundled form. For example, the bundled cables30a-30dmay be fixed by the heat-shrinkable tube33after the branching module2has been set at a prescribed position.

The branching module2is disposed at a prescribed position in the cable module3and is equipped with a first cable insertion portion21and a second cable insertion portion22. The cables30a-30dare and inserted in the first cable insertion portion21in bundled form, and are inserted in the second cable insertion portion22separately.

That is, the cables30a-30dare arranged in such a manner that the interval between the cables30aand30dlocated at the ends in the X-axis direction increases as the position goes from the first cable insertion portion21to the second cable insertion portion22. Whereas the cables30a-30dare arranged in two stages and two rows in the first cable insertion portion21, they are arranged in one stage in the second cable insertion portion22. Among portions, leading out of the second cable insertion portion22, of the cables30a-30d, the portions of the cables30aand30dextend obliquely with respect to the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the cables30a-30dextend in the Z-axis direction in such a manner that the interval between the cables30aand30dlocated at the ends in the X-axis direction increases as the position goes from the second cable insertion portion22toward the second modules5.

The branching module2is configured so as to be switchable between two states, that is, a first state and a second state. Whereas in the first state the branching module2is fixed to at least one of the cables30a-30d, in the second state the branching module2is movable relative to the cables30a-30d. Thus, in the wiring member1, the position of the branching module2can be changed, that is, the branching position of the cable module3can be adjusted, according to a positional relationship between the first host apparatus and the second host apparatus.

The term “bundled cables30a-30d” does not necessarily mean that the cables30a-30dare bundled together by the heat-shrinkable tube33, the boot31, etc. For example, this term can be construed so as to include a state that the interval between the cables located at the ends in the X-axis direction is smaller than in a branched state.

Next, the details of each of the cables30a-30d(may be referred to generically as “cables30”) will be described with reference toFIGS. 2A and 2B.FIG. 2Ais a sectional view, taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, of a cable30that is a micro coaxial cable.FIG. 2Bis a perspective view of one of signal cables330(a generic term of signal cables330a-330d) provided in each cable30.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the cable30which is a micro coaxial cable has the plurality of signal cables330a-330d, a protective layer340which covers the signal cables330a-330dtogether, an electromagnetic shield layer320which covers the signal cables330a-330dand the protective layer340, and an outer sheath310which covers the shield layer320. The signal cables330a-330dare micro coaxial cables. The signal cables330a-330dare configured in such a manner that each pair of signal cables transmit a positive-phase signal and a negative-phase signal that constitute a differential signal. Since the cable30has the four signal cables330a-330d, two channels each for transmission of a differential signal is formed in the cable30. One of the two channels is a sending channel and the other is a reception channel.

As shown inFIG. 2B, each signal cable330has a center conductor334for transmitting a signal, an internal insulating layer333which covers the center conductor334, a shield layer332which covers the internal insulating layer333, and an outer sheath331which covers the shield layer332. The center conductor334is formed by twisting seven metal wires together. Having the above structure, the cable30ofFIGS. 2A and 2Bis more flexible than a twinax cable (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B).

Next, the details of a twinax cable will be described with reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B.FIG. 3Ais a sectional view, taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction, of each of the cables (twinax cables)30a-30dshown inFIG. 3B. For convenience of description, the cables30a-30dwill be referred to as cables30′.FIG. 3Bis a perspective view of one of signal cables330′ (a generic term of signal cables330a′-330d′) provided in each cable30′.

As shown inFIG. 3A, the cable30′ has the plurality of signal cables330a′-330d′, a protective layer340′ which covers the signal cables330a′-330d′ together, an electromagnetic shield layer320′ which covers the signal cables330a′-330d′ and the protective layer340′, and an outer sheath310′ which covers the shield layer320′. The signal cables330a′-330d′ are twinax cables. As shown inFIG. 3B, each signal cable330′ is configured in such a manner that a pair of center conductors334′ transmit a positive-phase signal and a negative-phase signal that constitute a differential signal. The cable30′ can transmit two channels of differential signals because the cable30has the four signal cables330a′-330d′. One channel of the channels is a sending channel and the other is a reception channel.

As shown inFIG. 3B, each signal cable330′ has a pair of center conductors334′ for transmitting signals, internal insulating layers333′ which cover the respective center conductors334′, a protective layer335′ which covers the internal insulating layers333′, a shield layer332′ which covers the protective layer335′, and an outer sheath331′ which covers the shield layer332′.

Next, the first communication unit42of the first module4will be described with reference toFIG. 4.FIG. 4is a top view of the first communication unit42. As shown inFIG. 4, the first communication unit42is equipped with a circuit board (PCB)43which is electrically connected to plural signal cables330a-330d(hereinafter may be referred to simply as “signal cables330”). The circuit board43has a connection portion430, plural signal pads431, and a common ground432. At least part of the connection portion430is exposed to the outside from the first housing41and is electrically connected to a connector (not shown) of the first host apparatus. The connection portion430has plural signal pads433for transmission of signals, plural ground pads434to be connected to the ground, and plural power lines435for supply of power.

The plurality of signal pads431are electrically connected to the center conductors334of the plurality of signal cables330, respectively. The common ground432is electrically connected to the shield layers332of the plurality of signal cables330. The plurality of signal pads431are electrically connected to the respective signal pads433via interconnections (not shown) formed on the circuit board43. Likewise, the common ground432is connected to the ground pads434via interconnections (not shown). The power lines435are electrically connected, via interconnections (not shown), to electronic devices (not shown) mounted on the circuit board43. Waveform shaping circuits may be formed additionally on the circuit board43so as to be connected to part of the above interconnections.

As shown inFIG. 4, eight signal cables330are disposed on the top surface of the circuit board43. The bottom surface of the circuit board43has the same structure as its top surface shown inFIG. 4. Therefore, the eight signal cables330are disposed on each of the top surface and the bottom surface of the circuit board43and hence a total of 16 signal cables330are disposed on the circuit board43. Since as mentioned above one channel for transmitting a differential signal is formed by a pair of signal cables330, eight channels each for transmitting a differential signal are formed by the 16 signal cables330. Among the eight channels, four channels are sending channels and the remaining four channels are receiving channels.

The first communication unit42may be equipped with E/O converters, each of which is composed of, for example, a light-emitting element and a driver IC. Electrical signals transmitted from the first host apparatus are converted by the E/O converters into optical signals, which are input to part of the signal cables330. In this case, each signal cable330is an optical cable including an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal and is optically connected to the circuit board43.

Next, the second communication unit52of each second module5will be described with reference toFIG. 5.FIG. 5is a top view of the second communication unit52. As shown inFIG. 5, the second communication unit52is equipped with a circuit board (PCB)53which is electrically connected to plural signal lines330a-330d(hereinafter may be referred to simply as “signal cables330”). The circuit board53has a connection portion530, plural signal pads531, and a common ground532. At least part of the connection portion530is exposed to the outside from the second housing51and is electrically connected to a connector (not shown) of the second host apparatus. The connection portion530has plural signal pads533for transmission of signals, plural ground pads534to be connected to the ground, and plural power lines535for supply of power.

The plurality of signal pads531are electrically connected to the center conductors334of the plurality of signal cables330, respectively. The common ground532is electrically connected to the shield layers332of the plurality of signal cables330. The plurality of signal pads531are electrically connected to the respective signal pads533via interconnections (not shown) formed on the circuit board53. Likewise, the common ground532is connected to the ground pads534via interconnections (not shown). The power lines535are electrically connected, via interconnections (not shown), to electronic devices (not shown) mounted on the circuit board53. Waveform shaping circuits may be formed additionally on the circuit board53so as to be connected to part of the above interconnections.

As shown inFIG. 5, four signal cables330are disposed only on the top surface of the circuit board53. Therefore, two channels each for transmitting a differential signal are formed by the four signal cables330. Among the two channels, one channel is a sending channel and the other channel is a receiving channel.

The second communication unit52may be equipped with O/E converters, each of which is composed of, for example, a light-receiving element and a transimpedance amplifier. In this case, each signal cable330is an optical cable including an optical fiber and is optically connected to the circuit board53. Electrical signals transmitted by part of the signal cables330are converted by the O/E converters into electrical signals, which are input to the second host apparatus via the connection portion530.

Next, the details of the branching module2will be described with reference toFIGS. 6-8.FIGS. 6 and 7are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the branching module2, respectively.FIG. 8is a perspective view of the branching module2in which the plurality of cables30a-30dare inserted.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the branching module2is equipped with a first cable insertion portion21, a second cable insertion portion22, a movable cover23, a fixed cover24, a rotation point25, two springs26(elastic members), and a spacer27.

As shown inFIG. 7, the first cable insertion portion21has a first cable organizer210, which has plural first insertion passages212, step portions213, and latches214. The first insertion passages212, which are through-holes, are arranged in two stages in the Y-axis direction and in two rows in the X-axis direction. The outer diameter of the first insertion passages212is larger than that of the cables30. The plurality of cables30a-30dare inserted in the respective first insertion passages212(seeFIG. 8). The step portions213are formed so as to be continuous with the two respective upper-stage first insertion passages212. The first cable organizer210is fixed to the fixed cover24when the latches214are engaged with respective lock portions244of the fixed cover24.

The second cable insertion portion22has a second cable organizer220, which has plural second insertion passages222and latches223. The second insertion passages222, which are through-holes having open bottoms, are arranged in one stage in the Y-axis direction and in four rows in the X-axis direction. The plurality of cables30a-30dare inserted in the respective second insertion passages222(seeFIG. 8). The second cable organizer220is fixed to the fixed cover24when the latches223are engaged with respective lock portions243of the fixed cover24.

In a state that the second cable organizer220is fixed to the fixed cover24, the plurality of second insertion passages222are in contact with the fixed cover24. Thus, the respective open bottoms of the plurality of second insertion passages222are closed by the fixed cover24. Although in the embodiment the first cable organizer210and the second cable organizer220are separate members, they may be implemented as a unitized member.

The rotation point25is disposed between the first cable insertion portion21and the second cable insertion portion22in the Z-axis direction, and connects the movable cover23to the fixed cover24rotatably.

The springs26are disposed between the movable cover23and the fixed cover24in the Y-axis direction. In the Z-axis direction, the springs26are disposed so as to be distant from the rotation point25and adjacent to the second cable insertion portion22. In particular, the springs26are disposed between the movable cover23and the second cable organizer220in the Y-axis direction. The spacer27is disposed between the springs26in the X-axis direction, and between the movable cover23and the second cable organizer220in the Y-axis direction.

As shown inFIG. 8, the cables30a-30dare arranged in such a manner that the interval between the cables30aand30dlocated at the ends in the X-axis direction increases as the position goes from the first cable insertion portion21to the second cable insertion portion22. The cables30a-30dare inserted in the first cable insertion portion21in bundled form in two stages, and lead out of the second cable insertion portion22so as to be arranged in one stage.

As such, the branching module2is configured so as to convert the arrangement of the cables30a-30dfrom two stages to one stage.

The first cable organizer210and the second cable organizer220can determine the intervals between the adjoining ones of the separated cables30and fix the routes of the respective cables30in the branching module2. As a result, the cables30are not entangled with each other even when the branching module2is moved relative to the plurality of cables30.

The first insertion passages212of the first cable organizer210are arranged in two stages and the second insertion passages222of the second cable organizer220are arranged in one stage. As a result, the second cable organizer220can be made thinner in the Y-axis direction than the first cable organizer210. Furthermore, since the springs26and the spacer27are disposed between the movable cover23and the second cable organizer220, the branching module2can be miniaturized as a whole.

Next, the workings of the branching module2which can switch between a first state and a second state will be described with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10.FIGS. 9 and 10are sectional views taken perpendicularly to the X-axis direction and showing the branching module2being in the first state and the second state, respectively. As mentioned above, the first state is a state that the branching module2is fixed to at least one of the cables30a-30dand the second state is a state that the branching module2is movable relative to the cables30a-30d.

As shown inFIG. 9, when the branching module2is in the first state, the springs26are expanded in the +Y direction, whereby force acts in the +Y direction on a portion, located on the side of the second cable insertion portion22, of the movable cover23. And force acts in the −Y direction on a portion, located on the side of the first cable insertion portion21, of the movable cover23via the rotation point25(seeFIG. 7). As a result, a pressing portion232of the movable cover23exerts pressing forces on the cables30aand30din the upper stage (the cable30dis not shown inFIG. 9).

As a result, the movable cover23is fixed to the upper-stage cables30aand30dby the elastic forces of the springs26in the state that the cables30a-30dare inserted in the respective first insertion passages212. Since the cables30aand30dare fixed by the movable cover23in the state that they are sandwiched between movable cover23and the step portions213, the branching module2can be fixed to the cables30aand30dsecurely.

As described above, the branching module2can be rendered in the first state by the elastic forces of the springs26. In particular, the movable cover23is fixed to the cables30aand30dby the elastic forces of the springs26, whereby the branching module2can be rendered in the first state.

The pressing portion232may have projections232a, which makes it possible to concentrate the pressing forces of the pressing portion232on portions of the cables30aand30d.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 10, when a user pushes a portion, located on the side of the second cable insertion portion22, of the movable cover23, the springs26contract in the −Y direction. And force acts in the +Y direction on a portion, located on the side of the first cable insertion portion21, of the movable cover23via the rotation point25. As a result, the pressing portion232is separated from the cables30aand30dand the branching module2is rendered in the second state.

As described above, when the springs26is contracted by a user manipulation, the movable cover23is made movable relative to the cables30a-30d. The state of the branching module2can be changed from the first state to the second state by a simple manipulation of pushing a portion, located on the side of the second cable insertion portion22, of the movable cover23toward the fixed cover24.

Since the spacer27is disposed between the movable cover23and the second cable organizer220in the Y-axis direction, the movable cover23comes into contact with the spacer27when a portion, located on the side of the second cable insertion portion22, of the movable cover23is pushed. This prevents the bottom end of the movable cover23from touching portions, leading out of the second cable organizer220, of the cables30a-30d. The height of the spacer27is set properly taking this feature into consideration.

According to the embodiment, the branching module2can be moved along the cable module3while a portion, located on the side of the second cable insertion portion22, of the movable cover23is pushed in the −Y direction. On the other hand, the branching module2can be fixed to the cable module3while no force is exerted on the movable cover23.

Therefore, the position of the branching module2can be changed properly according to a positional relationship between the first host apparatus and the second host apparatus. Thus, the wiring member1can be provided in which the branching position of the cable module3can be adjusted.

Although the embodiment of the invention has been described above, it goes without saying that the description of the embodiment should not cause a restricted construction of the technical scope of the invention. The embodiment is just an example, and those skilled in the art would understand that the embodiment can be modified in various manners within the scope of the invention as described in the claims. As such, the technical scope of the invention should be defined on the basis of the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

An example modification will be described below. In the embodiment, the branching module2is equipped with the rotation point25which connect the movable cover23to the fixed cover24rotatably. The movable cover23is fixed to the cables30aand30bwhen the springs26expand, and is made movable relative to the cables30a-30dwhen the springs26are contracted. That is, the branching module2is rendered in the first state when the springs26expand, and is rendered in the second state when the springs26are contracted.

However, the technical scope of the invention is not restricted so as to include this structure. For example, a structure is possible in which the branching module2does not have the rotation point25. In this case, the movable cover23is fixed to the cables30aand30bwhen the springs26are contracted, and is made movable relative to the cables30a-30dwhen the springs26expand. That is, the branching module2is rendered in a first state when the springs26are contracted, and is rendered in a second state when the springs26expand. With this structure, the branching module2is switched from the first state to the second state when a user lifts up the movable cover23in the +Y direction.