Wire cover and method of operation thereof

Abstract

A wire cover and its operating method are disclosed. The wire cover includes a mounting portion configured to be coupled to a connector connected to an electrical component, and a guide portion surrounding a wire connected to the electrical component via the connector. The guide portion extends from the mounting portion in a longitudinal direction. The mounting portion / guide portion is integrally formed or formed of the same material. The guide portion is configured with a smaller thickness than the mounting portion, so that it can be deformed and maintain its shape according to a wiring guide path avoiding contact with surrounding components. This structure facilitates flexible wiring and stable support of the wire in various installation environments. The operating method includes receiving the wire and the connector, closing the cover, and deforming the guide portion along a desired path, which improves installation efficiency and reliability in embodiments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a wire cover and a method of operating the same, and more specifically, to a wire cover and method of operating that can stably support and connect wires along a wiring path, regardless of the shape or size of the installation space. Background Technology

[0002] Various types of electronic components are installed and used in vehicles and other devices, and these electronic components are electrically connected via wires. Typically, connectors for electrical connection to power supply or control devices such as vehicle batteries are located at one end of the wire, and electronic components that transmit power or electrical signals are connected to the other end via connectors or directly electrically connected to the wire.

[0003] Today, many electronic components that perform various functions are used in vehicles. Therefore, the wiring work for power supply and electrical communication of electronic components has become a very important manufacturing process in determining the performance and reliability of vehicles.

[0004] Furthermore, with the application of numerous electronic components in vehicles, the number of installed wires and the installation space are also increasing. In this situation, if the wiring comes into contact with or interferes with surrounding components or structures, it may not only adversely affect the wiring itself, but also the performance, stability, and durability of the surrounding components or structures.

[0005] Therefore, in related technologies, after pre-estimating the wiring path that can avoid surrounding components or structures, various types of wire support devices are individually designed and manufactured according to the angle or curvature of the wiring path and used for wiring work. As a result, not only does the labor and working time required for wire wiring work increase rapidly, but various forms of cover components must also be designed and manufactured individually, leading to problems such as material waste and increased costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure addresses the need for a solution that can stably support and connect multiple conductors within an installation space or along a wiring path while avoiding interference with surrounding components. Furthermore, the disclosed method improves the efficiency of wiring operations and reduces manufacturing and labor costs.

[0007] To this end, this disclosure describes a conductor cover comprising a mounting member (also referred to as a "mounting portion") and a guide member (also referred to as a "guide portion"), both formed of the same material, such as polyamide, but with different thicknesses to provide different structural characteristics suitable for their respective functions. The mounting portion is configured to have a greater thickness to provide rigidity and ensure engagement with the connector, while the guide portion has a reduced thickness that allows it to deform and maintain its shape to accommodate various conductor routing paths. The guide portion also includes a corrugated structure capable of directional bending while maintaining protection of the conductor. This arrangement allows a single component to adapt to a range of mounting geometries without requiring custom design.

[0008] A two-part construction is described, comprising a first body and a second body that are rotatably connected or separable along the direction of the conductor. This configuration allows for lateral insertion of the conductor and connector, simplifying the installation process in confined environments. The two bodies are engaged using a fastening mechanism that includes protrusions and tabs, as well as additional features such as tapered portions and support portions with protruding elements designed to reduce interference with nearby components and maintain the configured conductor path.

[0009] One method of use includes the following steps: opening the cover, inserting wires and connectors, securing the two bodies together, and manually shaping the guide to follow a desired wiring path that avoids contact with surrounding components. This method allows for flexible adaptation during installation while maintaining structural integrity and protective functionality. Among various implementations, the described features reduce manufacturing complexity, increase ease of assembly, and improve the space efficiency and reliability of wiring in vehicle and equipment applications.

[0010] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a wire cover and its operating method, which can stably support and connect wires while avoiding surrounding components or structures in the installation space.

[0011] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a wire cover and a method of operation thereof, which enables easy and rapid wiring of wires, regardless of the various angles and shapes of the wiring path.

[0012] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a wire cover and its operation method, which has a simple structure, can be smoothly applied, and is compatible with various angles and shapes of wiring paths.

[0013] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a wire cover and a method of operating the same, which can improve the efficiency of wiring operations and reduce manufacturing and operating costs.

[0014] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a wire cover and a method of operation thereof, which can enhance the performance and durability of wires, electronic components and surrounding components.

[0015] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a wire cover and its operation method, which can improve the space utilization of a vehicle body or panel.

[0016] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a wire cover is provided, the wire cover comprising: a mounting portion configured to be coupled to a connector connected to an electronic component; and a guide portion configured to surround a wire electrically connected to the electronic component via the connector and extending from the mounting portion along the longitudinal direction of the wire, wherein the mounting portion and the guide portion are integrally formed or formed of the same material, and wherein the guide portion is deformable and retainable in accordance with a wiring guide path of the wire, and the thickness of the guide portion is relatively smaller than the thickness of the mounting portion.

[0017] The guide section may have a hollow shape and may include a bellows with multiple corrugations formed along the longitudinal direction.

[0018] The guide portion can be formed of polyamide material, and the thickness of the guide portion or the thickness of the bellows can be in the range of about 0.6T to 0.9T.

[0019] It may also include a support portion located at the outer end of the guide portion.

[0020] The thickness of the support part can be greater than the thickness of the guide part.

[0021] The support may include a support protrusion configured to support the guide on an adjacent component or a separately adjacent wire cover.

[0022] The mounting section and the guide section can be separated and joined in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conductor.

[0023] At least one of the guide portion on the first body and the guide portion on the second body may include a wire receiving space on the inner side and an entrance formed on one side to allow the wire to enter the wire receiving space, and the first body and the second body may be connected to close the wire receiving space and the entrance.

[0024] It may also include a locking protrusion disposed on one of the first body and the second body, and a locking tab disposed on the other of the first body and the second body and configured to engage with the locking protrusion.

[0025] The second body can be rotatably set relative to the first body via a hinge axis.

[0026] The hinge axis can be arranged in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conductor.

[0027] The mounting section, guiding section, and support section can be integrated into one unit.

[0028] At least one of the mounting portion on the first body and the mounting portion on the second body may further include a connector receiving space configured to receive at least a portion of the connector, and the first body and the second body may be coupled to close the connector receiving space and the inlet.

[0029] It may also include at least one locking rib, which is disposed on the inner surface of the mounting portion and configured to engage with the connector, and multiple locking ribs may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the wire.

[0030] The method of operating the wire cover according to this disclosure may include the following steps: separating or spacing the second body from the first body in a wire cover comprising a first body and a second body to open an inlet formed in the first body; receiving a wire in a wire receiving space of the first body through the inlet; connecting the second body to the first body to close the wire and close the inlet; and deforming a guide portion corresponding to the wiring guide path of the wire to space the wire from a target to be avoided, the guide portion being formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the wire and having a relatively smaller thickness than other parts of the wire cover so as to be deformable.

[0031] The locking protrusion may be provided on one of the first body and the second body, and the locking tab configured to engage with the locking protrusion may be provided on the other of the first body and the second body, so that the entrance can be opened or closed by connecting or separating the locking protrusion and the locking tab.

[0032] The second body can be rotatably positioned relative to the first body via a hinge axis, and the second body can rotate in one direction or the other to open or close the entrance.

[0033] The guide may include a bellows, in which multiple corrugations are formed along the longitudinal direction, and the step of deforming the guide may include bending or deforming the bellows in accordance with the wiring guide path.

[0034] The method may further include the following steps: providing a support at the outer end of the guide and connecting the support to an adjacent component or a separate wire cover to support the guide.

[0035] The first body may also include a connector receiving space configured to receive at least a portion of the connector, and the step of receiving the wire may include receiving the connector connected to the wire in the connector receiving space.

[0036] The wire cover and its operation method according to this embodiment can stably support and connect wires while avoiding surrounding components or structures within the installation space.

[0037] The wire cover and its operation method according to this embodiment allow for easy and rapid wiring, even along wiring paths with various angles and shapes.

[0038] The wire cover and its operation method according to this embodiment have a simple structure, which makes it easy to apply and compatible with wiring paths of various angles and shapes.

[0039] The wire cover and its operation method according to this embodiment can improve the efficiency of wiring operations and reduce manufacturing and labor costs.

[0040] The wire cover and its operation method according to this embodiment can enhance the performance and durability of wires, electronic components and surrounding components.

[0041] The wire cover and its operation method according to this embodiment can improve the space utilization of the vehicle body or panel. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the state of the wire cover installed according to this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the wire cover according to this embodiment.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the wire cover according to this embodiment.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the wire cover according to this embodiment, wherein the second body is rotated and spaced apart from the first body.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a modified embodiment of the wire cover according to the present disclosure, wherein the second body is separated from and spaced apart from the first body.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the wires and connectors according to this embodiment enter the receiving space of the wire cover.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the wires and connectors according to this embodiment are contained and positioned by the wire cover.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the guide portion is bent or deformed according to this embodiment, causing the wire and wire cover to be routed while bypassing an object. Detailed Implementation

[0051] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are provided to fully convey the spirit of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art to which it pertains. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein and may be implemented in other forms.

[0052] The shapes, sizes, dimensions (e.g., length, width, height, thickness, radius, diameter, area, etc.), ratios, angles, number of elements, etc. shown in the accompanying drawings for describing embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0053] For ease of description, dimensions (including size and thickness) of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are shown, and this disclosure is not limited to the size and thickness of the components shown, but it should be noted that the relative dimensions of the relative size, position and thickness of the components shown in the various drawings submitted herein are part of this disclosure.

[0054] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity, parts that are not relevant to the interpretation of this disclosure may be omitted.

[0055] As used herein, the term "connection" is intended to have the broadest possible meaning. Specifically, the phrase "A connected to B" covers both direct connections (where no intermediate parts or elements exist) and indirect connections (where one or more intermediate parts or elements exist between A and B). In other words, "A connected to B" includes both direct physical or electrical connections and indirect connections via one or more intermediate parts. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, these terms do not require direct physical or electrical contact. The terms "connection" and "contact" should be interpreted in the same manner.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the wire cover 100 according to this embodiment is installed, and more specifically, showing the state in which the connector 10 and the wire 20 are closed and supported by the wire cover 100.

[0057] refer to Figure 1Connector 10 typically serves as an intermediary for electrically connecting an electronic component (not shown) and wire 20 by connecting one end to an electronic component and the other end to a wire 20. The electronic component can transmit power from a battery or transmit electrical signals to a control device or separate electronic component via connector 10 and wire 20. To achieve this, connector 10 may include terminals 15 configured to contact connection terminals disposed on the electronic component. One end of terminal 15 may be exposed outside the connector housing, while the other end may be connected to wire 20. To ensure a secure connection with the electronic component and to protect terminal 15, a terminal recess 11 may be formed at one end of the connector housing, and terminal 15 may be positioned inside the terminal recess 11. Furthermore, a protrusion or groove 12 may be formed on the outer surface of the connector housing to engage with locking ribs 115 of wire cover 100, which will be described in detail below.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the wire cover 100 according to this embodiment, and Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the wire cover 100 according to this embodiment.

[0059] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to this embodiment, the wire cover 100 is configured to surround and protect the wire 20, and may include the wire cover 100, which guides the wire 20 for installation and wiring along a wiring guide path. One end of the wire 20, which is enclosed by the wire cover 100 and guided in the wiring direction, is connected to the connector 10, and the other end is connected to a battery or another electronic device (not shown).

[0060] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the wire cover 100 according to this embodiment, wherein the second body 100b is shown in a state where it is rotated from and spaced apart from the first body 100a. (Refer to...) Figures 2 to 4 The wire cover 100 may include a mounting portion 110 configured to be mounted to the connector 10, a guide portion 120 extending from the mounting portion 110 along the longitudinal direction of the wire 20, and a support portion 130 disposed at the end of the guide portion 120. The wire cover 100 may be formed with a hollow interior so that the connector 10 and the wire 20 can be received and passed through the interior. The mounting portion 110, the guide portion 120, and the support portion 130 may each have an internal receiving space to allow smooth insertion of the connector 10 and the wire 20 and to close and retain them. These components may consist of a first body 100a and a second body 100b, which are separable and engageable along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wire 20.

[0061] The lead wire cover 100 can be formed of a material that exhibits rigidity and flexibility depending on its thickness. For example, the lead wire cover 100 may comprise a polyamide material that provides metal-like strength above a certain thickness while allowing deformation and holding the deformed state below that thickness. When the lead wire cover 100 is made of polyamide, as described above, it not only allows for adjustment of rigidity and flexibility based on thickness but also improves resistance to abrasion and contamination from oil and other foreign matter in contact with surrounding components. The mounting portion 110, guide portion 120, and support portion 130 of the lead wire cover 100 can be provided with different thicknesses to achieve appropriate rigidity or flexibility, which will be referred to below. Figure 3 To describe in more detail.

[0062] The first body 100a and the second body 100b of the wire cover 100 can each be formed as an integral structure. Specifically, the mounting portion 110a, the guide portion 120a, and the support portion 130a of the first body 100a can be integrally injection molded using the same material such as polyamide, and similarly, the mounting portion 110b, the guide portion 120b, and the support portion 130b of the second body 100b can also be integrally injection molded using the same material as the first body 100a. This allows for a reduction in the manufacturing time and cost of the wire cover 100.

[0063] Mounting portion 110 is disposed on one side of wire cover 100. Mounting portion 110 can be integrally injection molded using the same material as guide portion 120 and support portion 130, which will be described later. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are connected, mounting portion 110 can be formed with a hollow interior including connector receiving space 111, in which at least a portion of connector 10 is received and disposed. Connector receiving space 111 can be formed in at least one of mounting portion 110a of the first body 100a and mounting portion 110b of the second body 100b. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are separated or spaced apart from each other, the entrance to connector receiving space 111 can be opened radially relative to connector 10. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are connected, connector receiving space 111 and entrance can be spaced apart from or closed from the outside in the radial direction of connector 10.

[0064] refer to Figure 3 The mounting portion 110 is formed with a certain thickness to provide a level of rigidity sufficient for a stable and secure engagement with the connector 10. For this purpose, the thickness d1 of the mounting portion 110 can be set to reliably engage with the connector 10 and can be relatively larger than the thickness d2 of the guide portion 120, as will be described later. For example, when the wire cover 100 is made of polyamide material, the thickness d1 of the mounting portion 110 can be in the range of about 1.5 T to 2.0 T.

[0065] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the diagram, the opposing or separating surfaces of the first body 100a and the second body 100b of the wire cover 100 are shown formed near the center in the height direction, such that the heights of the first body 100a and the second body 100b are approximately the same, and the connector receiving space 111 of the first body 100a and the second body 100b is formed to have approximately the same volume by corresponding division. However, this is merely an example provided to aid in understanding the present disclosure and is not a limitation. For example, the height of the first body 100a of the wire cover 100 may be relatively greater than the height of the second body 100b, such that the connector receiving space 111 is only provided in the mounting portion 110a of the first body 100a, while the second body 100b is configured to isolate or close the connector receiving space 111 and the inlet from the outside. Conversely, the height of the second body 100b can be relatively greater than the height of the first body 100a, so that the connector receiving space 111 is only provided in the mounting portion 110b of the second body 100b, and the first body 100a is configured to isolate or close the connector receiving space 111 and the inlet from the outside.

[0066] The inner surface of the mounting portion 110 can be formed to correspond to the shape of the outer surface of the connector 10. A locking rib 115 can be provided on the inner surface of the mounting portion 110, protruding or recessed inwards to ensure a secure engagement and connection with the connector 10. For example, when the groove 12 is formed as a locking structure on the outer surface of the connector 10, the locking rib 115 can protrude from the inner surface of the mounting portion 110 and insert into the groove, thereby connecting the connector 10 and the mounting portion 110. Conversely, if a protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the connector 10 as a locking structure, the locking rib 115 can be recessed on the inner surface of the mounting portion 110, allowing the protrusion to insert into the locking rib 115, thereby allowing the connector 10 and the mounting portion 110 to engage together. The locking rib 115 of the mounting portion 110 and the locking structure of the connector 10 can be provided at multiple locations to ensure stable support and engagement between the connector 10 and the wire cover 100. If necessary, at least one of the locking ribs 115 of the mounting portion 110 and the locking structure of the connector 10 can be arranged in multiple ways along the longitudinal direction of the wire cover 100 to adjust the contact area between the connector 10 and the wire cover 100.

[0067] The guide portion 120 extends from one side of the mounting portion 110 along the longitudinal direction of the wire 20. The guide portion 120 can be integrally injection molded using the same material as the mounting portion 110 and the support portion 130, as will be described later. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are connected, the guide portion 120 can have a hollow interior and can include a wire receiving space 121 in which at least one wire 20 is received and placed. The wire receiving space 121 can be formed in at least one of the guide portion 120a on the first body 100a and the guide portion 120b on the second body 100b. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are separated or spaced apart, the entrance to the wire receiving space 121 can be opened radially relative to the wire 20, thereby allowing the wire 20 to enter or exit. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are connected, the wire receiving space 121 and the entrance can be spaced apart from or closed from the outside in the radial direction of the wire 20.

[0068] The guide portion 120 is configured to surround and protect the conductor 20, and can also deform and hold according to the wiring guide path of the conductor 20. In this embodiment, the term "wiring guide path" for the conductor 20 refers to a path designed to space the conductor 20 away from and wire around the target A, such as surrounding components or structures positioned along the wiring path. The guide portion 120 can be bent, deformed, and held along the wiring guide path of the conductor 20 to prevent the conductor 20 from contacting or interfering with the target A. By being bendable or deformable in various directions, the guide portion 120 enables stable wiring of the conductor 20 regardless of the installation location or shape of the wiring path.

[0069] The guide portion 120 has a shape capable of smoothly bending or deforming along the wiring guide path. Specifically, it may include a bellows 125 in which multiple corrugations are continuously formed along the longitudinal direction. The bellows 125 may be provided in both the guide portion 120a of the first body 100a and the guide portion 120b of the second body 100b. The bellows 125 may be formed as a waveform with a cross-sectional diameter that repeatedly expands and contracts, or as a threaded shape that extends continuously in the longitudinal direction. With this structure, when the guide portion 120 bends to one side according to the wiring guide path, the bellows 125 deforms, causing the spacing between the corrugations to decrease on one side and increase on the opposite side, thereby maintaining the deformed shape.

[0070] Additionally, the guide portion 120 may be formed with a thickness d2, which allows the guide portion 120 to deform smoothly and remain in place along the wiring guide path. (Reference) Figure 3The thickness d2 of the guide portion 120 or the bellows 125 can be configured to provide flexibility sufficient to allow bending and deformation under external forces (such as worker manipulation) while still maintaining the deformed state. The thickness d2 can be formed to be relatively smaller than the thickness d1 of the mounting portion 110 and the thickness d3 of the support portion 130, as will be described later. For example, when the wire cover 100 is made of polyamide material, the thickness d2 of the guide portion 120 or the bellows 125 can be in the range of approximately 0.6 T to 0.9 T.

[0071] Similar to the previously described mounting section 110, the guide section 120 is in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows opposing or separate surfaces of a first body 100a and a second body 100b formed near their centers in the height direction. Therefore, the heights of the first body 100a and the second body 100b are configured to be similar, and the wire receiving space 121 of the first body 100a and the second body 100b is divided into sections with approximately the same volume. However, this is merely an example provided for the purpose of understanding the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. For example, the height of the first body 100a of the wire cover 100 may be relatively greater than the height of the second body 100b, such that the wire receiving space 121 is formed only in the guide portion 120a of the first body 100a, while the second body 100b is configured to isolate or close the wire receiving space 121 and the inlet from the outside. Conversely, the height of the second body 100b may be relatively greater than the height of the first body 100a, such that the wire receiving space 121 is formed only in the guide portion 120b of the second body 100b, while the first body 100a is configured to isolate or close the wire receiving space 121 and the inlet from the outside.

[0072] A tapered portion 140 (also referred to as a tapered member 140') can be inserted between the mounting portion 110 and the guide portion 120. Typically, because the width of the connector 10 and the outer diameter of the wire 20 are different, a difference may occur between the outer width of the mounting portion 110 receiving the connector 10 and the outer width of the guide portion 120 receiving the wire 20. If a step is formed between the outer surfaces of the mounting portion 110 and the guide portion 120, the wire cover 100 may frequently get stuck on surrounding structures during installation, or may interfere with or collide with adjacent components. To solve this problem, a tapered portion 140 can be provided between the mounting portion 110 and the guide portion 120, the cross-sectional width of which gradually decreases from the mounting portion 110 toward the guide portion 120. Due to the inclined outer surface of the tapered portion 140, even when the outer widths of the mounting portion 110 and the guide portion 120 are different, the formation of a stepped structure on the outer surface of the wire cover can be suppressed. As a result, the wire cover 100 can be smoothly installed in complex-shaped installation spaces, such as vehicle bodies or panels, while minimizing impact or wear between components.

[0073] A support portion 130 is disposed at the outer end of the guide portion 120. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are connected, the support portion 130 has a hollow interior, thereby allowing the wire 20 received and placed in the guide portion 120 to pass through the support portion 130. The support portion 130 can be integrally injection molded using the same material as the mounting portion 110 and the guide portion 120. It can be formed as a ring structure, such that the wire 20, enclosed by the wire cover 100, passes axially through a through hole 131 formed on the inner side of the ring and points towards the intended wiring path.

[0074] The support portion 130 can support the guide portion 120 on a support target, such as a component connected to the wire 20, an adjacent component, or a separately adjacent wire cover 100. This allows the wire 20 and the guide portion 120 to be stably supported along the wiring guide path and helps maintain the deformable state of the guide portion 120. For this purpose, the support protrusion 135 can be formed to protrude from the support portion 130 so as to be at least partially inserted into or held by the support target. By connecting and supporting the support protrusion 135 of the support portion 130 to the support target, the outer end of the guide portion 120 can be stably held and supported according to the wiring guide path. As a result, contact or interference between the wire 20 and the avoidance target A can be prevented, and the wire 20 can be reliably wired.

[0075] The support portion 130 may be formed with a predetermined thickness d3 to have a rigidity sufficient to stably connect to and support the outer end of the guide portion 120. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The support portion 130 may be formed with a thickness d3, which can stably protect the wire 20 by maintaining the inner diameter of the guide portion 120 or the support portion 130, even when in contact with adjacent components. Alternatively, the support portion 130 may have a thickness d3 that allows the support portion 130 to be securely connected and supported by a support target (such as a component to be connected, an adjacent component, or an adjacent separate wire cover 100). The thickness d3 of the support portion 130 may be formed to be relatively larger than the thickness d2 of the guide portion 120 and may be approximately the thickness d1 of the mounting portion 110. The support portion 130 is configured to have a certain level of rigidity. For example, when the wire cover 100 is made of polyamide material, the thickness d3 of the support portion 130 may be in the range of about 1.5 T to 2 T.

[0076] Similar to the mounting portion 110 and the guide portion 120, the support portion 130 can also be divided into a support portion 130a on the first body 100a and a support portion 130b on the second body 100b. The mounting portion 110a, guide portion 120a, and support portion 130a of the first body 100a can be integrally formed into a single unit, and the mounting portion 110b, guide portion 120b, and support portion 130b of the second body 100b can also be integrally formed into a single unit. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are separated from or spaced apart from each other, the connector receiving space 111, the wire receiving space 121, and the through hole 131 can be opened in the radial direction. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are connected to each other, the connector receiving space 111, the wire receiving space 121, and the through hole 131 can be radially separated from or closed to the outside.

[0077] As described above, the wire cover 100 according to this embodiment includes a first body 100a and a second body 100b, which have surfaces that face or mate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wire 20. A mounting portion 110, a guide portion 120, and a support portion 130 are respectively provided on the first body 100a and the second body 100b. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are separated and spaced apart, the connector receiving space 111, the wire receiving space 121, and the through hole 131 are opened, allowing the connector 10 and the wire 20 to smoothly enter and be accommodated therein. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are connected to each other, they can internally support and cover the connector 10 and the wire 20. In this case, the first body 100a and the second body 100b can be hingedly connected to each other for easy separation and connection.

[0078] refer to Figure 4 The second body 100b can be rotatably mounted on the first body 100a via a hinge axis S. Specifically, the hinge axis S can be located between the end with the largest outer width of the mounting portion 110a of the first body 100a and one end of the mounting portion 110b of the second body 100b. The arrangement direction of the hinge axis S can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wire 20. As the first body 100a and the second body 100b rotate relative to each other about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wire 20, the connector 10 and the wire 20 can enter and be accommodated within the wire cover 100.

[0079] Furthermore, the locking protrusion 151 may be formed to protrude from one of the opposite ends of the mounting portion 110a of the first body 100a and the mounting portion 110b of the second body 100b, and the locking tab 152 that engages with the locking protrusion 151 may be formed on the other of the opposite ends of the mounting portion 110a of the first body 100a and the mounting portion 110b of the second body 100b. With this configuration, when the first body 100a and the second body 100b are connected to each other, the locking protrusion 151 is fastened to the locking tab 152, thereby allowing the first body 100a and the second body 100b to engage together. At this time, in order to enhance the firm connection between the first body 100a and the second body 100b, the support portion 130 (also referred to as the support member 130') may be additionally provided with the locking protrusion 151 and the locking tab 152.

[0080] Alternatively, the first body 100a and the second body 100b can be completely separated from each other to facilitate the smooth installation of the wire cover 100 according to the shape of the mounting space of the vehicle body or panel. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a wire cover 100 according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure. (See reference) Figure 5 The first body 100a and the second body 100b can be separated from each other as independent components without any connecting parts. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are separated such that the opening surfaces are oriented in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wire 20, the connector 10 and the wire 20 can be radially introduced and accommodated within the wire cover 100. In this configuration, a locking protrusion 151 can protrude from one of the first body 100a and the second body 100b, and a locking tab 152 engaging with the locking protrusion 151 can be formed on the other. When the first body 100a and the second body 100b are connected to each other, the locking protrusion 151 is fastened to the locking tab 152, thereby engaging the first body 100a and the second body 100b together. Multiple locking protrusions 151 and locking tabs 152 can be provided at mounting portions 110 and support portions 130 with rigid thickness, thereby ensuring a secure connection between the first body 100a and the second body 100b.

[0081] The method of operating the wire cover 100 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0082] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the wire 20 and connector 10, according to this embodiment, enter the receiving space of the wire cover 100. (See reference) Figure 6When it is desired that the wiring conductor 20 be used for electrical connection to electronic components within the mounting space of the vehicle body or panel, the first body 100a and the second body 100b of the wire cover 100 separate. With the first body 100a and the second body 100b hinged, the second body 100b rotates relative to the first body 100a in one direction, thereby opening the connector inlet port and wire inlet port of the first body 100a, which serve as open surfaces or opposite surfaces in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wire 20. Simultaneously, the connector receiving space 111 of the mounting portion 110, the wire receiving space 121 of the guide portion 120, and the through hole 131 of the support portion 130 are opened. Then, the connector 10 is inserted and received in the connector receiving space 111 of the mounting portion 110, and the wire 20 connected to the connector 10 is inserted and received in the wire receiving space 121 of the guide portion 120. Additionally, the outwardly extending portion of the wire 20 passes through the through hole 131 of the support portion 130.

[0083] After the connector 10 and wire 20 are inserted and received inside the first body 100a, the receiving space and access port are isolated from or closed from the outside. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the wire 20 and connector 10, according to this embodiment, are received and placed by the wire cover 100. (See reference) Figure 7 The first body 100a and the second body 100b engage to receive and house the connector 10 within the wire cover 100 and enclose the wire 20. (As follows) Figure 4 As shown, when the first body 100a and the second body 100b are hinged, the second body 100b rotates in the opposite direction relative to the first body 100a, thereby closing the connector inlet port and wire inlet port of the first body 100a, and simultaneously closing the connector receiving space 111 of the mounting part 110, the wire receiving space 121 of the guide part 120, and the through hole 131 of the support part 130. Then, by connecting the locking protrusion 151 and the locking tab 152 provided on the first body 100a and the second body 100b, the connector 10 and the wire 20 can be received and placed inside the wire cover 100.

[0084] After at least a portion of the connector 10 and the wire 20 are received by the wire cover 100 through the connection of the first body 100a and the second body 100b, the guide portion 120 deforms to correspond to the wiring guide path of the wire 20. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the guide portion 120 is bent or deformed according to this embodiment, causing the wire 20 and the wire cover 100 to be routed to avoid the obstacle A. (See reference) Figure 8The wiring path is configured such that the conductor 20 is spaced apart from and bypasses the obstacle A, such as surrounding components or structures along the wiring route of the conductor 20. The guide portion 120 or the corrugated tube 125 bends or deforms according to the wiring guide path, thereby preventing the conductor 20 from contacting or interfering with the obstacle A. At this time, the guide portion 120 or the corrugated tube 125 remains deformed, thus suppressing contact or interference between the conductor 20 and the obstacle A even during vehicle or equipment operation. Because the guide portion 120 or the corrugated tube 125 can bend or deform according to various wiring paths, smooth wiring operations can be performed regardless of the size, shape, or location of the installation space. Furthermore, by applying the conductor cap 100 with a single structure to various types of installation spaces, product compatibility can be increased, thereby reducing costs and material consumption.

[0085] Optionally, during or after bending or deformation of the guide portion 120 or the bellows 125, the support portion 130 can be connected or coupled to a surrounding support target to support the guide portion 120, thereby more effectively maintaining the deformed state of the guide portion 120 or the bellows 125. For a stable connection between the support portion 130 and the support target, a support protrusion 135 provided on the support portion 130 can be inserted into or fastened to the support target. Therefore, the support portion 130 can stably maintain the wire 20 and the guide portion 120 spaced apart from the obstacle A.

[0086] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Based on the detailed description above, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, the terminology used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be interpreted to include all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalents conferred by these claims. Therefore, the claims are not limited by this disclosure.

[0087] Cross-references to related applications

[0088] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0045955, filed on April 9, 2025, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A wire cover, the wire cover comprising: Mounting components, the mounting components being configured to connect to connectors that connect to electronic components; as well as A guide member configured to surround a wire connected to the electronic component via the connector and extend from the mounting member along the longitudinal direction of the wire. The mounting component and the guiding component are integrally formed or made of the same material. The guide member has a thickness smaller than that of the mounting member so that it can deform and maintain its deformable shape according to the wiring guide path of the wire.

2. The wire cover according to claim 1, wherein, The guiding member includes a bellows having a hollow shape and a plurality of corrugations formed along the longitudinal direction.

3. The wire cover according to claim 2, wherein, The mounting component and the guiding component each include a first body and a second body, which are capable of separating and engaging in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conductor.

4. The wire cover according to claim 3, wherein, At least one of the guide member on the first body and the guide member on the second body includes an inner wire receiving space and an entrance on one side that is open to allow the wire to enter the wire receiving space, and the first body and the second body are configured to engage to close the wire receiving space and the entrance.

5. The wire cover according to claim 4, wherein the wire cover further comprises a fastening protrusion disposed on one of the first body and the second body, and a fastening tab disposed on the other of the first body and the second body and connected to the fastening protrusion.

6. The wire cover according to claim 3, wherein, At least one of the mounting members on the first body and the mounting members on the second body further includes a connector receiving space, the connector receiving space being configured to receive at least a portion of the connector, and the first body and the second body being configured to engage to close the connector receiving space and the entrance to the connector receiving space.

7. A method for operating a wire cover, the wire cover comprising a first body and a second body, the method comprising the following steps: Separate or space the second body from the first body to open the entrance formed in the first body; The wire is received in the wire receiving space of the first body through the inlet; The second body is joined to the first body to cover the wire and close the inlet; as well as The guide member, which is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the conductor, is deformed such that the conductor is spaced apart from the target object to prevent contact with the target object. The guide member has a smaller thickness than other parts of the conductor cover to allow deformation, and the deformation is performed in accordance with the wiring guide path of the conductor.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The guide member includes a bellows having a plurality of corrugations formed along the longitudinal direction, and the step of deforming the guide member includes bending or deforming the bellows in accordance with the wiring guide path.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The wire cover also includes a support member disposed at the outer end of the guide member, and the method further includes the step of supporting the guide member by engaging the support member to an adjacent component or a separately adjacent wire cover.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The first body further includes a connector receiving space configured to receive at least a portion of the connector, and the step of receiving the wire includes receiving the connector coupled to the wire in the connector receiving space.

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