Exterior end portion cap and wire harness

An exterior end portion cap is configured to be attached to an electrically conductive path and an exterior member. The exterior end portion cap includes an external exposure portion having a first blocking portion, an internal insertion portion having a second block portion, and an electrically conductive path housing recess portion formed to extend across the external exposure portion and the internal insertion portion. The first blocking portion has a planar portion configured to abut against the exterior member. The second blocking portion has holding piece portions that are deformable to wind around the electrically conductive path circumferentially. The electrically conductive path housing recess portion is formed into a concave portion that is so deep that a part of an outer surface of the electrically conductive path is pressed against an inner surface of the exterior member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application (No. 2016-236460) filed on Dec. 6, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an exterior end portion cap which is attached to an end portion of an exterior member. The invention also relates to a wire harness which is configured to include the exterior end portion cap.

2. Description of the Related Art

A wire harness is used for electrically connecting devices mounted in a car to each other. The wire harness is configured to include an exterior member shaped like a tubular body, and one electrically conductive path or a plurality of electrically conductive paths housed in the exterior member. For example, a wire harness disclosed in JP-A-2011-254614 is routed to pass through a vehicle underfloor of a car. Of the wire harness, a portion corresponding to the vehicle underfloor is routed straightly. Such a wire harness is formed to have a long length. Incidentally, the following thing particularly about the straightly routed portion is disclosed in JP-A-2011-254614. That is, it is known that there is a possibility that an electrically conductive path or electrically conductive paths inside an exterior member may shake due to vibration during running etc.

The above related art has the following problem. That is, when the electrically conductive path or each of the electrically conductive paths inside the exterior member shakes largely due to the vibration during running, a coating (a braid or metal foil in an outer side of the electrically conductive path when the electrically conductive path has a shield function) of the electrically conductive path may strike against a tubular inner surface (inner circumferential surface) of the exterior member. On that occasion, sand etc. may intrude into the exterior member. In this case, there is a problem that the coating, the braid, etc. may be damaged easily.

As a solution to this problem, the following structure is generally used. That is, taping is applied to an end portion of the exterior member to prevent sand etc. from intruding between the end portion and the electrically conductive path or paths. However, the structure has the following problem. That is, when, for example, the taping is not applied sufficiently, sand may intrude through a gap between adjacent ones of windings of the taping or a gap between adjacent ones of the electrically conductive paths. As a result, there is a problem that the intrusion of the sand may lead to the aforementioned damage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention has been accomplished in consideration of the above circumstances. An object of the invention is to provide an exterior end portion cap which can prevent damage on an electrically conductive path inside an exterior member, and a wire harness which is configured to include the exterior end portion cap.

According to a first configuration of the invention which has been accomplished in order to attain the object, there is provided an exterior end portion cap to be attached to an electrically conductive path and an exterior member having a tubular shape, and the electrically conductive path being led out from the exterior member, the exterior end portion cap including:

an external exposure portion having a first blocking portion and configured to be exposed to an outer side of the exterior member;

an internal insertion portion having a second block portion and being continuous to the external exposure portion; and

an electrically conductive path housing recess portion formed to extend across the external exposure portion and the internal insertion portion, wherein:

the first blocking portion is disposed on a side to which the internal insertion portion is continuous, and has a planar portion configured to abut against an end portion of the exterior member;

the second blocking portion has holding piece portions that are disposed at both sides of the electrically conductive path housing recess portion so as to be opposed to each other, and that are deformable to wind around an outer surface of the electrically conductive path circumferentially; and

the electrically conductive path housing recess portion is formed into a concave portion that is so deep that a part of an outer surface of the electrically conductive path is pressed against an inner surface of the exterior member near the end portion in order to make the part of the outer surface of the electrically conductive path as a third blocking portion.

In addition, in order to attain the object, there is provided a wire harness including:

an exterior member having a tubular shape;

an electrically conductive path that is protected by the exterior member; and

the exterior end portion cap that is attached to the electrically conductive path and an end portion of the exterior member.

According to the above configuration of the invention, the end portion of the exterior member can be blocked by the first blocking portion of the exterior end portion cap. In addition, the inner surface of the exterior member can be also blocked circumferentially by the second blocking portion of the exterior end portion cap and the electrically conductive path (the function of the third blocking portion) housed in the electrically conductive path housing recess portion of the exterior end portion cap. By the first to third blocking portions, for example, sand etc. can be prevented from intruding into the exterior member from the outside even if the sand etc. tries to intrude. Accordingly, when the exterior end portion cap according to the invention is used, an effect that the sand etc. can be prevented from easily intruding into the exterior member is obtained in comparison with a case where, for example, only taping is applied to the end portion of the exterior member. According to the invention as understood from the above description, the sand etc. is absent from the exterior member even when the electrically conductive path shakes, for example, due to vibration during running. Accordingly, an effect that the electrically conductive path can be prevented from being damaged easily is obtained.

According to the above configuration of the invention, there is provided the wire harness configured to include the exterior end portion cap. Accordingly, for example, sand etc. can be prevented from intruding into the exterior member from the outside even if the sand etc. tries to intrude. As a result, an effect that damage on the electrically conductive path inside the exterior member can be prevented is obtained.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A wire harness is configured to include an exterior member shaped like a tubular body, an electrically conductive path protected by the exterior member, and exterior end portion caps. The exterior end portion caps are attached to end portions of the exterior member out of which the electrically conductive path is led. An external exposure portion having a first blocking portion, an internal insertion portion having second blocking portions, and an electrically conductive path housing recess portion by which one portion of an outer surface of the electrically conductive path can be made to function as a third blocking portion are formed in each of such exterior end portion caps. The first blocking portion is formed into a planar shape portion which abuts against the end portion of the exterior member. The second blocking portions are formed into thin piece portions which are deformable to wind around the outer surface of the electrically conductive path circumferentially. The electrically conductive path housing recess portion is formed into a concave portion which is so deep that the one portion of the electrically conductive path can be pressed against an inner surface of the exterior member near the end portion.

Example

Example will be described below with reference to the drawings.FIGS. 1A and 1Bare views showing wire harnesses according to the invention.FIG. 1Ais a schematic view showing a state in which high-voltage wire harnesses are routed.FIG. 1Bis a schematic view showing a state in which a low-voltage wire harness different from those inFIG. 1Ais routed.FIG. 2is a view showing a state in which a path of one of the wire harnesses inFIG. 1Ais routed, and the configuration of the wire harness inFIG. 1A.FIG. 3is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of an exterior end portion cap according to the invention in a harness terminal inFIG. 2.

FIG. 4is a view showing a state immediately before the exterior end portion cap is attached to an end portion of an exterior member.FIG. 5is a sectional view taken along a line A-A ofFIG. 4.FIG. 6is a view showing a state immediately before an electrically conductive path housing recess portion is put onto an electrically conductive path.FIG. 7is a view showing a state in which the exterior end portion cap has been attached to the end portion of the exterior member.FIG. 8is a sectional view taken along a line B-B ofFIG. 7.

In the Example, the invention is used for a wire harness which is routed in a hybrid car (which may be alternatively an electric car, a general car running using an engine, etc.).

<About Configuration of Hybrid Car1>

InFIG. 1A, the reference sign1designates a hybrid car. The hybrid car1is a vehicle which is driven by a mixture of two motive powers of an engine2and a motor unit3. Electric power from a battery5(battery pack) is supplied to the motor unit3through an inverter unit4. The engine2, the motor unit3and the inverter unit4are mounted in an engine room6where front wheels etc. are located in the Example. In addition, the battery5is mounted in a car rear portion7where rear wheels etc. are located (the battery5may be alternatively mounted in a car cabin present at the rear of the engine room6).

The motor unit3and the inverter unit4are connected to each other through a high-voltage wire harness8(high-voltage motor cable). In addition, the battery5and the inverter unit4are also connected to each other through a high-voltage wire harness9. Of the wire harness9, an intermediate portion10is routed on a vehicle underfloor11in the vehicle (vehicle body). In addition, the intermediate portion10is routed substantially in parallel with the vehicle underfloor11. The vehicle underfloor11is a known body (vehicle body) and a so-called panel member. Through holes are formed at predetermined positions of the vehicle underfloor11. The wire harness9is inserted through the through holes airtightly.

The wire harness9and the battery5are connected to each other through a junction block12provided in the battery5. An external connection piece such as a shield connector14provided and disposed on a rear end-side harness terminal13of the wire harness9is electrically connected to the junction block12. In addition, the wire harness9and the inverter unit4are electrically connected to each other through an external connection piece such as a shield connector14provided and disposed on a front end-side harness terminal13of the wire harness9.

The monitor unit3is configured to include a motor and a generator. In addition, the inverter unit4is configured to include an inverter and a converter. The motor unit3is formed as a motor assembly including a shielding case. In addition, the inverter unit4is also formed as an inverter assembly including a shielding case. The battery5is of an Ni-MH type or an Li-ion type which is formed to be modularized. Incidentally, an electric storage device such as a capacitor may be used. It is a matter of course that any device may be used as the battery5without any particular limitation as long as the device can be used in the hybrid car1or an electric car.

InFIG. 1B, the reference sign15designates a wire harness. The wire harness15is a low-voltage wire harness (for low voltage use) which is provided for electrically connecting a low-voltage battery16of the car rear portion7in the hybrid car1to an accessory18(device) mounted in a car front portion17. The wire harness15is routed to pass through the vehicle underfloor11in the same manner as the wire harness9inFIG. 1A(This is merely an example. The wire harness15may be routed to pass through the cabin side). The reference sign19in the wire harness15designates a harness body. In addition, the reference sign20designates a connector.

As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the high-voltage wire harnesses8and9and the low-voltage wire harness15are routed in the hybrid car1. The invention can be applied to any of these wire harnesses. However, the high-voltage wire harness9will be taken as a representative example and described below. The configuration and the structure of the wire harness9will be described first.

<About Configuration of Wire Harness9>

InFIG. 1AandFIG. 2, the long wire harness9routed to pass through the vehicle underfloor11is configured to include a harness body21and the shield connectors14(external connection pieces) which are provided and disposed on the opposite terminals (harness terminals13) of the harness body21respectively. In addition, the wire harness9is configured to include clamps C for routing the wire harness9to predetermined positions, and not-shown water sealing members (e.g. grommets etc.).

<About Configuration of Harness Body21>

InFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the harness body21is configured to include a long electrically conductive path22, an exterior member23which houses and protects the electrically conductive path22, and exterior end portion caps25according to the invention which are attached to end portions24of the exterior member23out of which the electrically conductive path22is led.

InFIG. 3andFIG. 6, the electrically conductive path22is configured to include an electrically conductive conductor26, an insulating insulator27with which the conductor is coated, a braid28(shield member) which is provided for fulfilling a shield function. That is, an electrically conductive path from which a sheath is absent (this is merely an example) is used as the electrically conductive path22. Due to absence of the sheath from the electrically conductive path22, it is a matter of course that the electrically conductive path22is light in weight accordingly (Since the electrically conductive path22is long, it is a matter of course that the weight of the electrically conductive path22can be reduced much more greatly than a background-art example).

InFIG. 3andFIG. 6, the conductor26is made of copper, a copper alloy, aluminum or an aluminum alloy and formed into a circular shape in section. The conductor26may be either a conductor having a conductor structure of twisted strands or a conductor having a sectionally circular (round) rod-like conductor structure (e.g. a conductor structure which serves as a round single core. In this case, the electrically conductive path itself is also shaped like a rod). The insulator27made of an insulating resin material is formed on an outer surface of the conductor26by extrusion molding.

InFIG. 3andFIG. 6, the insulator27is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the conductor26by extrusion molding out of a thermoplastic resin material. The insulator27is formed as a coating shaped like a circle in section. The insulator27is formed to have a predetermined thickness. Various known kinds of resins can be used as the aforementioned thermoplastic resin. For example, the thermoplastic resin may be selected suitably from high polymer materials such as a polyvinylchloride resin, a polyethylene resin and a polypropylene resin.

InFIG. 3andFIG. 6, the braid28is provided as an outermost layer of the electrically conductive path22. Such a braid28is formed by braiding electrically conductive ultrafine strands into a cylinder. In addition, the braid28is formed into such a shape and such a size that an outer circumferential surface of the insulator27extending from one end to the other end thereof is covered with the braid28. Incidentally, the invention is not limited to the braid28. For example, metal foil etc. may be used as a shield member.

The braid28according to the Example is the outermost layer of the electrically conductive path22. Accordingly, one portion of the electrically conductive path22functions as a “third blocking portion” described in Claims (its details and reference sign will be described later).

InFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the exterior member23is formed into a straight tubular body shape (which is straight prior to use) by molding out of an insulating resin. In addition, the exterior member23is formed into an unslitted shape (in other words, formed into a shape having no slit (or formed into a shape which is not a split tube shape)). Further, the exterior member23is formed into a sectionally circular shape suited to shape of the electrically conductive path22.

Such an exterior member23has flexible tubular portions29having flexibility, and straight tubular portions30serving as portions where the electrically conductive path22is routed straightly (This configuration is merely an example. For example, the entire exterior member23may be a flexible tubular portion29). The flexible tubular portions29and the straight tubular portions30are formed in a tubular axial direction. In addition, the flexible tubular portions29and the straight tubular portions30are formed and disposed alternately.

InFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the flexible tubular portions29are disposed in accordance with a vehicle attachment shape (a shape of a destination to which the wire harness is routed, or a shape of an attachment subject44which will be described later). In addition, the flexible tubular portions29are formed to also have lengths suited to the vehicle attachment shape. The lengths of the flexible tubular portions29are not fixed but may be formed as required lengths suited to the vehicle attachment shape respectively. Such flexible tubular portions29are formed to be able to be flexed at desired angles respectively in a packed state and during transportation of the wire harness9, and further during routing of a path of the wire harness9in the vehicle. That is, the flexible tubular portions29are formed to be able to be flexed into bent shapes, and, of course, to be able to be returned to their original straight states (the states when the resin is molded). Each of the flexible tubular portions29according to the Example is formed into a corrugated tubular shape having bellows recesses and bellows protrusions (this is merely an example).

InFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the straight tubular portions30are formed as portions which do not have flexibility like the flexible tubular portions29. In addition, the straight tubular portions30are formed also as portions which do not bend in the packed state, during the transportation, and further during the routing of the path (the non-bending portions mean portions which do not have flexibility aggressively). The straight tubular portions30are formed into long straight tubular shapes. Each of outer circumferential surfaces of such straight tubular portions30is formed into a smooth shape (this is merely an example).

The straight tubular portions30are formed into rigid portions in comparison with the flexible tubular portions29. Each of such straight tubular portions30is formed at a position with a length in accordance with the vehicle attachment shape. Incidentally, of the straight tubular portions30, a longest one30is formed as a portion disposed on the vehicle underfloor11in the Example.

InFIGS. 2 to 8, the exterior end portion cap25is a resin molded item which is, for example, made of a resin material having weather resistance, heat resistance, etc. The exterior end portion cap25is not only attached to one electrically conductive path22but also attached to the exterior member23out of which the electrically conductive path22is led. The exterior end portion cap25is provided, for example, for preventing sand etc. from intruding into (an internal portion of) the exterior member23from the outside even if the sand etc. tries to intrude. In addition, the exterior end portion cap25is provided also for preventing damage on the electrically conductive path22inside the exterior member23. An external exposure portion31, an internal insertion portion32which is continuous to the external exposure portion31, and an electrically conductive path housing recess33which extends across the external exposure portion31and the internal insertion portion32are formed in such an exterior end portion cap25.

InFIGS. 3 to 8, the external exposure portion31is formed as a portion exposed to an outer side of the exterior member23. The external exposure portion31is formed to be larger in size than the end portion24of the exterior member23. In addition, the external exposure portion31is also formed into a size large enough so that a worker can hold the external exposure portion31in his/her hand so as to perform insertion work of the exterior end portion cap25into the exterior member23. Such an external exposure portion31is formed substantially into a U-shape in section due to the presence of the electrically conductive path housing recess33. A first blocking portion34is formed in the external exposure portion31. The first blocking portion34is formed as one of characteristic portions of the invention.

InFIGS. 3 to 8, the first blocking portion34is formed and disposed on a side opposed to the end portion24of the exterior member23. The first blocking portion34is formed into a plane which can abut against the end portion24to block the end portion24at the abutment portion (The first blocking portion34is formed into a planar shape. In addition thereto, the first blocking portion34may alternatively have a groove shape or a step shape into which the end portion24can be inserted).

Incidentally, in the Example, a bellows recess portion of the exterior member23is formed as the end portion24. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, a bellows protrusion portion of the exterior member23may serve as the end portion24. The first blocking portion34is formed as a portion which abuts against such an end portion24to prevent, for example, sand etc. from intruding into (the internal portion of) the exterior member23from the outside even if the sand etc. tries to intrude.

InFIGS. 3 to 8, the internal insertion portion32is continuous to the external exposure portion31and formed substantially into a U-shape in section smaller than the external exposure portion31. The internal insertion portion32is formed as a portion inserted into the exterior member23. A pair of second blocking portions35and a detachment preventing portion36are formed in such an internal insertion portion32. In addition, a side-view tapered portion38is also formed in the internal insertion portion32to be tapered in a range of from an insertion front end portion37inserted into the exterior member23to the pair of second blocking portions35.

<About One Pair of Second Blocking Portions35>

InFIGS. 3 to 8, the pair of second blocking portions35serving as one of the characteristic portions of the invention are formed and disposed in positions holding the electrically conductive path housing recess33therebetween. In addition, the pair of second blocking portions35are formed and disposed to be opposed to each other. The pair of second blocking portions35are formed into thin piece portions which are deformable and protrude upward from opposite side portions of an internal insertion portion body39. Incidentally, the expression “deformable” means that the pair of the second blocking portions35can be deformed to circumferentially wind around an outer surface (the braid28which is the outermost layer) of the electrically conductive path22. In order to make the pair of the second blocking portions35deformable, slits40are formed between the pair of the second blocking portions35and the external exposure portion31respectively in the Example.

The pair of second blocking portions35are formed and disposed in the vicinity of the first blocking portion34in the external exposure portion31. In addition, the pair of second blocking portions35are formed as portions which prevent, for example, sand etc. from intruding into (the internal portion of) the exterior member23from the outside, in the same manner as the first blocking portion34even if the sand etc. tries to intrude. Each of the pair of second blocking portions35is formed into a shape which is thinner as goes toward a protrusion front end position of the second blocking portion35.

InFIGS. 3 to 7, the detachment preventing portion36serves as a small convex portion hooked on an inner surface43of the exterior member23. In the Example, the detachment preventing portion36is formed into a portion which is shaped like a right-angled triangle in side view and which has a tapered surface and a lock surface (As long as the detachment preventing portion36can be hooked, the shape of the detachment preventing portion36is not limited particularly. In addition, the number of such detachment preventing portions36is not limited). The detachment preventing portion36is formed and disposed on a side near the external exposure portion31.

InFIGS. 3 and 4, the side-view tapered portion38serves as a portion guided by the end portion24of the exterior member23. The side-view tapered portion38is formed in order to contribute to reduction of an insertion load. The side-view tapered portion38is formed with a predetermined inclination angle from the insertion front end portion37of the internal insertion portion32to the protrusion front end positions of the pair of second blocking portions35. Incidentally, the inclination angle is not limited particularly as long as the pair of second blocking portions35can wind around the outer surface of the electrically conductive path22smoothly in a process of being guided by the end portion24of the exterior member23.

InFIGS. 3 to 8, the electrically conductive path housing recess33serves as a portion attached to the electrically conductive path22. The electrically conductive path housing recess33is formed to extend across the external exposure portion31and the internal insertion portion32, as described above. In addition, the electrically conductive path housing recess33is formed into an illustrated substantially U-shaped concave portion (groove portion) which has a semicircular arc-shaped bottom wall portion (the internal insertion portion body39) suited to the diameter of the electrically conductive path22, and side wall portions rising upward from opposite sides of the bottom wall portion. Further, the electrically conductive path housing recess33is formed to be so deep that one portion41(one portion of the braid28which is the outermost layer) of the electrically conductive path22can be pressed against the inner surface43of the exterior member23near the end portion24in order to make the one portion41function as a third blocking portion42. In the internal insertion portion32, the pair of second blocking portions35correspond to the side wall portions.

Incidentally, the function as the third blocking portion42is a function for preventing, for example, sand etc. from intruding into (the internal portion of) the exterior member23from the outside even if the sand etc. tries to intrude. That is, the third blocking portion42has the same function as the first blocking portion34and the pair of second blocking portions35. The third blocking portion42corresponds to a range which cannot be blocked by the first blocking portion34and the pair of second blocking portions35when the outer surface (the braid28which is the outermost layer) of the electrically conductive path22is viewed circumferentially.

<About Attachment of Exterior End Portion Cap25>

InFIG. 6, first, the exterior end portion cap25is attached to the electrically conductive path22. The attachment is performed in a state in which the exterior end portion cap25is disposed under the electrically conductive path22so that the electrically conductive path housing recess33of the exterior end portion cap25is put onto the electrically conductive path22(in other words, the attachment is performed in a state in which the electrically conductive path22is inserted into the electrically conductive path housing recess33). When the attachment of the exterior end portion cap25to the electrically conductive path22is completed, the exterior end portion cap25and the electrically conductive path22are in a state shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.

Next, the exterior end portion cap25is attached to the end portion24of the exterior member23. The attachment is performed in a state in which the insertion front end portion37of the internal insertion portion32in the exterior end portion cap25is inserted into the end portion24of the exterior member23. During the attachment of the exterior end portion cap25, the side-view tapered portion38in the internal insertion portion32is guided by the end portion24of the exterior member23. On this occasion, the pair of second blocking portions35come into a state where they wind around the outer surface of the electrically conductive path22. In addition, while slightly pushing and expanding the end portion24of the exterior member23, the detachment preventing portion36of the internal insertion portion32passes through the end portion24of the exterior member23to be fitted into a recess of the inner surface43in the exterior member23. When the detachment preventing portion36is hooked on the recess of the inner surface43to be prevented from being detached, the first blocking portion34of the external exposure portion31abuts against (makes surface contact with) the end portion24of the exterior member23simultaneously. Thus, the end portion24of the exterior member23is blocked by the first blocking portion34of the external exposure portion31, as shown inFIG. 3,FIG. 7andFIG. 8. In addition, the end portion24of the exterior member23is also blocked by the pair of second blocking portions35and the third blocking portion42. Incidentally, when the end portion24of the exterior member23is blocked in this state, the electrically conductive path22is retained without looseness in the position of the end portion24of the exterior member23.

<About Manufacturing to Path Routing of Wire Harness9>

In the configuration and structure, a wire harness9is manufactured in the following manner (e.g. seeFIG. 2,FIG. 3andFIG. 7). That is, the wire harness9is manufactured by inserting two electrically conductive paths22from an opening at one end of an exterior member23toward an opening at the other end of the exterior member23. The exterior member23is molded substantially linearly as a whole out of a resin. In addition, the wire harness9is manufactured by blocking end portions24of the exterior member23with exterior end portion caps25(with first blocking portions34to third blocking portions42). Further, the wire harness9is manufactured by attaching clamps C, grommets, boots, etc. to predetermined positions of an outer surface of the exterior member23. Further, the wire harness9is manufactured by providing shield connectors14on terminal portions of the electrically conductive paths22.

After the wire harness9is manufactured in the manner, predetermined flexible tubular portions29are bent to be folded. Thus, packing of the wire harness9is completed. The wire harness9in the packed state is compact so that the wire harness9can be transported in such a compact state to a vehicle assembling site.

In the vehicle assembling site, the wire harness9is attached to an attachment subject44(structure body) of a vehicle, starting at a long portion corresponding to a vehicle underfloor11. A longest straight tubular portion30of the exterior member23in the wire harness9is disposed on the long portion corresponding to the vehicle underfloor11. Accordingly, the wire harness9is attached in a state in which flexure of the wire harness9is suppressed. On this occasion, the wire harness9is attached with excellent workability. After the long portion corresponding to the vehicle underfloor11is fixed by the clamps C etc., the remaining portion of the exterior member23is attached while the flexible tubular portions29are flexed (bent). When a series of works relevant to the attachment are completed, the wire harness9is routed in a desired path.

About Advantageous Effects of Invention

When each of the exterior end portion caps25is used as described above with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1BandFIGS. 2 to 8, sand etc. can be prevented from being easily intruding into the exterior member23in comparison with a case where, for example, only taping is applied to the end portion of the exterior member. Accordingly, according to the invention, the sand etc. is absent from the exterior member23even when the electrically conductive paths22shake, for example, due to vibration during running. As a result, an effect that damage on the electrically conductive path22inside the exterior member23can be prevented is obtained.

Here, the above embodiments are summarized as follows.

(1) There is provided an exterior end portion cap to be attached to an electrically conductive path and an exterior member having a tubular shape, and the electrically conductive path being led out from the exterior member, the exterior end portion cap including:

an external exposure portion having a first blocking portion and configured to be exposed to an outer side of the exterior member;

an internal insertion portion having a second block portion and being continuous to the external exposure portion; and

an electrically conductive path housing recess portion formed to extend across the external exposure portion and the internal insertion portion, wherein:

the first blocking portion is disposed on a side to which the internal insertion portion is continuous, and has a planar portion configured to abut against an end portion of the exterior member;

the second blocking portion has holding piece portions that are disposed at both sides of the electrically conductive path housing recess portion so as to be opposed to each other, and that are deformable to wind around an outer surface of the electrically conductive path circumferentially; and

the electrically conductive path housing recess portion is formed into a concave portion that is so deep that a part of an outer surface of the electrically conductive path is pressed against an inner surface of the exterior member near the end portion in order to make the part of the outer surface of the electrically conductive path as a third blocking portion.

(2) For example, a detachment preventing portion configured to be engaged with the inner surface of the exterior member is provided on an outer surface of the internal insertion portion.

(3) For example, a tapered portion is extended from an insertion front end portion of the internal insertion portion to the second blocking portion in an inclined direction being inclined with an insertion direction in which the insertion front end portion is inserted into the exterior member.
(4) In addition, there is provided a wire harness including:

an exterior member having a tubular shape;

an electrically conductive path that is protected by the exterior member; and

the exterior end portion cap according to any one of above first to third configuration that is attached to the electrically conductive path and an end portion of the exterior member.

According to the above item (1), the end portion of the exterior member can be blocked by the first blocking portion of the exterior end portion cap. In addition, the inner surface of the exterior member can be also blocked circumferentially by the second blocking portion of the exterior end portion cap and the electrically conductive path (the function of the third blocking portion) housed in the electrically conductive path housing recess portion of the exterior end portion cap. By the first to third blocking portions, for example, sand etc. can be prevented from intruding into the exterior member from the outside even if the sand etc. tries to intrude. Accordingly, when the exterior end portion cap according to the invention is used, an effect that the sand etc. can be prevented from easily intruding into the exterior member is obtained in comparison with a case where, for example, only taping is applied to the end portion of the exterior member. According to the invention as understood from the above description, the sand etc. is absent from the exterior member even when the electrically conductive path shakes, for example, due to vibration during running. Accordingly, an effect that the electrically conductive path can be prevented from being damaged easily is obtained.

According to the above item (2), the detachment preventing portion is provided on the outer surface of the internal insertion portion. Accordingly, an effect that the detachment preventing portion can be engaged with the inner surface of the exterior member is obtained when the exterior end portion cap is inserted into the exterior member. Accordingly, according to the invention, an effect that the exterior end portion cap can be prevented from being detached is obtained.

According to the above item (3), the tapered portion is extended from the insertion front end portion of the internal insertion portion to the second blocking portion in the inclined direction. Accordingly, the tapered portion contributes to reduction of an insertion load. As a result, an effect that workability can be improved is obtained.

According to the above item (4), there is provided the wire harness configured to include the exterior end portion cap. Accordingly, for example, sand etc. can be prevented from intruding into the exterior member from the outside even if the sand etc. tries to intrude. As a result, an effect that damage on the electrically conductive path inside the exterior member can be prevented is obtained.

It is a matter of course that the invention can be changed and carried out variously without departing from the gist of the invention.