Method for manufacturing a branch protection element and method for manufacturing a cable harness

Abstract

Method for manufacturing a branch protection element (1A, 1H), comprising: a component placement step for holding a main component in a floating state from a tool base (50) on a tool pin (51) rising on the tool base (50), and an assembly step for mounting a wire branching part (WD) of a wire (W) to the main component, wherein the main component is a flexible protective layer (2A, 2B), In the component placement step, the protective layer (2A, 2B) is held in an unrolled state by the tool pin (51), and In the assembly step, the wire branching part (WD) is placed on the protective layer (2A, 2B), the protective layer (2A, 2B) is wrapped around an outer circumference of the wire branching part (WD), and a retaining band (T) is gathered around a band winding projection part (6) of the protective layer (2A, 2B), from which a trunk line (W1) of the wire branching part (WD) is pulled out, and the trunk line (W1) is wound.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a branch protection element that protects a wire branching part, and a method for manufacturing a cable harness.

[0002] A branch protection element is known from Japanese patent number JP 5217873 B2. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, this branching protection element 200 comprises a branching protection element main body 201 with a wire receiving chamber 201a and a cover 210 attached to the branching protection element main body 201.

[0003] The wire receiving chamber 201a is enclosed by a bottom wall 202 and a pair of side walls 203, the upper surface of the wire receiving chamber 201a being open. Two wire withdrawal openings 204 are provided at the two ends of the pair of side walls 203. A tape winding tongue section 206 is provided such that it extends at both ends of the pair of side walls 203. A wire withdrawal opening 205 is provided at a central position on one of the side walls 203 (at a position between the two ends of the side wall 203). A branch line fixing plate 207 is provided such that it extends at a position where the wire withdrawal opening 205 of one of the side walls 203 is provided.

[0004] A wire branch section (not shown) of a wire W is received in the wire receiving chamber 201a. A branch line W2 extends from a main line W1 at the wire branch section. As a result, the two main lines W1 and the single branch line W2 extend in different directions from the wire branch section. The two main lines W1 are each pulled outwards through the wire extraction openings 204 at both ends. The single branch line W2 is pulled outwards through the wire extraction opening 205 at the central position.

[0005] The cover 210 closes the upper surface of the wire receiving chamber 201a when it is mounted on the branching protection element main body 201. Furthermore, the wire branching part is received in the wire receiving chamber 201a, which is covered by the branching protection element main body 201 and the cover 210, thus protecting the wire branching part.

[0006] The branch protection element 200 from the prior art is manufactured in a state in which the branch protection element main body 201 is placed on a tool base. Specifically, the branch protection element main body 201 is positioned on the tool base. Then, the wire branch section is received in the wire receiving chamber 201a. The upper surface of the wire receiving chamber 201a is then closed by the cover 210. A strip T is then wound around the strip winding tongue section 206 and the main conductor W1. Furthermore, the branch conductor W2 is fixed to the branch conductor fixing plate 207 by a fastening strip 208. The manufacturing process is completed with this step.

[0007] The branching protection element is described in the Japanese patent with publication number JP 5217873 B2.

[0008] From DE 11 2011 102 677 T5, a method for manufacturing a branch protection element is known, comprising a component placement step for holding a main component from a tool base, and an assembly step for mounting a wire branching part of a wire to the main component. In particular, there is a protective section made of thermoplastic material that covers the wire branching part, and by heating the protective section, it can be permanently fixed to the wire branching part.

[0009] Further state of the art is known from documents US 5 338 014 A, DE 11 2016 003 415 T5, US 2012 / 0261184 A1, US 2016 / 0156165 A1 and JP 2013-225981 A. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In a prior art method for manufacturing the branch protection element 200, the branch protection element main body 201 must be lifted over the tool base while the band T is wound. Furthermore, part of the branch protection element main body 201 must be lifted over the tool base while the fastening band 208 is being applied. Therefore, the assembly efficiency of the branch protection element 200 is poor.

[0011] The invention addresses the problems described above, and the object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a branch protection element and a method for manufacturing a cable harness in which an advantageous assembly efficiency can be achieved.

[0012] The problem of the invention is solved by the independent patent claims.

[0013] According to the invention, the main component of the branching protection element is held in the suspended state on the tool base, and a lower space of the main component of the branching protection element can also be used as an assembly workspace, thus increasing assembly efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a branch protection element from the prior art. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an assembled state of the branch protection element from the prior art. Fig. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective element layer in an unrolled state. Fig. Figure 4 shows the first embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a rear surface of the protective layer in the unrolled state. Fig. Figure 5 shows the first embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view in which a wire branching part is placed on the protective element layer. Fig. Figure 6A is a perspective view of a state in which the protective layer is wound around the wire branching part in the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 6B is a front view of the state in which the protective layer is wound around the wire branching part in the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 7A is a perspective view of a state in which a retaining band is wrapped around the protective layer and a main conductor and around the protective layer and a branch conductor, in the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 7B is a front view of the state in which the retaining tape is wrapped around the protective layer and the main line and around the protective layer and the branch line, in the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective element layer in an unrolled state. Fig. Figure 9 shows the second embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective layer in a wound state. Fig. Figure 10 shows a third embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective layer in an unrolled state. Fig. Figure 11 shows the third embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective layer in a wound state. Fig. Figure 12 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective layer in an unrolled state. Fig. Figure 13 shows the fourth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective element layer in a wound state. Fig. Figure 14 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective layer in an unrolled state. Fig. Figure 15 shows the fifth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective element layer in a wound state. Fig. Figure 16 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective element layer in an unrolled state. Fig. Figure 17 shows the sixth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective element layer in a wound state. Fig. Figure 18 shows a seventh embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective element layer in an unrolled state. Fig. Figure 19 shows the seventh embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a front surface of a protective element layer in a wound state. Fig. Figure 20 shows an eighth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a protective layer and a reinforcing protective layer in a rolled-out state. Fig. Figure 21 is a perspective view of a state in which the protective layer is wound around a wire branching part, in the eighth embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 21B is a front view of the state in which the protective layer is wrapped around the wire branching part, in the eighth embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 22A is a perspective view of a state in which the reinforcing protective layer is wrapped around the protective layer, in the eighth embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 22B is a front view of the state in which the reinforcing protective layer is wound over the protective layer, in the eighth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 23A is a perspective view of a state in which a retaining band is wound around the protective layer, the reinforcing protective layer and a trunk line and around the protective layer, the reinforcing protective layer and a branch line, in the eighth embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 23B is a front view of the state in which a retaining band is wound around the protective layer, the reinforcing protective layer and the main line and around the protective layer, the reinforcing protective layer and the branch line, in the eighth embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 24 shows a ninth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a protective layer and a reinforcing protective layer, each in a rolled-out state. Fig. Figure 25 shows the ninth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of the protective layer in a wound state and the reinforcing protective layer. Fig. Figure 26 shows the ninth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a state in which the reinforcing protective layer is wound over the protective layer in the wound state. Fig. Figure 27 shows a tenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a protective element layer in a rolled-out state and a reinforcing protective element plate. Fig. Figure 28 shows the tenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a state in which the reinforcing protective element plate is placed on the protective element layer in the unrolled state. Fig. Figure 29 shows the tenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a state in which the protective layer is wound over the reinforcing protective plate. Fig. Figure 30 shows an eleventh embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a protective element layer in a rolled-out state and a reinforcing protective element plate. Fig. Figure 31 shows the eleventh embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a state in which the reinforcing protective element plate is placed on the protective element layer in the unrolled state. Fig. Figure 32 shows the eleventh embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a state in which the protective layer is wound over the reinforcing protective plate. Fig. Figure 33 shows a twelfth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a protective element plate and a reinforcing protective element layer in a rolled-out state. Fig. Figure 34 shows the twelfth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of a state in which the reinforcing protective layer is wound over the protective plate. Fig. Figure 35 shows a thirteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective exploded view of a branching protection element. Fig. Figure 36 shows the thirteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is arranged within a branching protection element main body. Fig. Figure 37 shows the thirteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view of the state in which the cover is arranged in the branching protection element main body, as seen from a lower surface. Fig. Figure 38 shows the thirteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view in which a branching part of a wire is included in the branching protection element main body. Fig. Figure 39 shows the thirteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover has fallen onto the branching part of the wire received in the branching protection element main body. Fig. Figure 40 shows the thirteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view showing a state in which a tape is wound around a main line and a branch line that are pulled out from the branch protection element. Fig. Figure 41 shows the thirteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view showing the fact that it can be visually verified that the cover is correctly fitted. Fig. Figure 42 shows the thirteenth embodiment of the invention and is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the branching protection element. Fig. Figure 43 shows a fourteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective exploded view of a branching protection element. Fig. Figure 44 shows the fourteenth embodiment of the invention and is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the branching protection element. Fig. Figure 45 shows a fifteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective exploded view of a branching protection element. Fig. Figure 46 shows the fifteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is arranged in a branching protection member main body. Fig. Figure 47 shows the fifteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view showing a state of use for a branching part in which wires extend in three directions. Fig. Figure 48 shows a sixteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective exploded view of a branching protection element. Fig. Figure 49 shows the sixteenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is arranged in a branching protection member main body. Fig. Figure 50 shows a seventeenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective exploded view of a branching protection element. Fig. Figure 51 shows the seventeenth embodiment of the invention and is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is arranged in a branching protection member main body. Fig. 52A is a perspective view of a tool base and tool pin. Fig. Figure 52B is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 53 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 54 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 55 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 56 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the eighth embodiment. Fig. Figure 57 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the eighth embodiment. Fig. Figure 58 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the eighth embodiment. Fig. Figure 59 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the tenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 60 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the tenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 61 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the tenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 62 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the tenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 63 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using the tool pin in relation to the branching protection member of the ninth embodiment. Fig. Figure 64 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the ninth embodiment. Fig. Figure 65 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the ninth embodiment. Fig. Figure 66 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the ninth embodiment. Fig. Figure 67 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the ninth embodiment. Fig. Figure 68 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the ninth embodiment. Fig. Figure 69 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the ninth embodiment. Fig. Figure 70 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the eleventh embodiment. Fig. Figure 71 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the eleventh embodiment. Fig. Figure 72 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the eleventh embodiment. Fig. Figure 73 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the eleventh embodiment. Fig. Figure 74 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the twelfth embodiment. Fig. Figure 75 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the twelfth embodiment. Fig. Figure 76 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the twelfth embodiment. Fig. Figure 77 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the twelfth embodiment. Fig. Figure 78 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the twelfth embodiment. Fig. Figure 79 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the thirteenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 80 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the thirteenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 81 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the thirteenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 82 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the thirteenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 83 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the sixteenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 84 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the seventeenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 85 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the seventeenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 86 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly using tool pins of the branching protection member of the seventeenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 87 is a rolled-out view of a first modification of a protective layer 2B. Fig. Figure 88 is a rolled-out view of the first modification of the protective layer 2B. Fig. Figure 89 is a rolled-out view of a first modification of a protective layer 2C. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0014] The following describes embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment)

[0015] Fig. Figures 3 to 7B show a first embodiment of the invention. A cable harness contains a wire (wire bundle) W, which is guided along a predetermined path and has a wire branching part WD and a branching protection element 1A protecting the wire branching part WD. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a branch line W2 diverges from a main line W1 at the wire branching section WD. This means that the wire branching section WD has three branches, with the two main lines W1 and the single branch line W2 extending in different directions. The branch protection element 1a, which protects the triple-branching wire branching section WD, is described below.

[0016] The branch protection element 1A (in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B) comprises a protective layer 2A mounted on the outer circumference of the wire branching part WD and a retaining band T wrapped around the protective layer 2A, the main conductor W1 and the branching conductor W2.

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the protective layer 2A is a flexible layer that has a flat shape before being mounted on the wire branching part WD.

[0018] The protective layer 2A comprises a pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5, which are arranged with a distance by a recess part 4, a band winding projection part 6 for the two trunk lines W1 and a band winding projection part 7 for a branch line.

[0019] The protective layer 2A has a component placement part 2a that extends along a trunk line guidance direction M. The component placement part 2a has a flat shape. The protective layer 2A, apart from the component placement part 2a, has a bellows-like shape in all other parts, with a recess and a projection alternating in a direction N (towards the direction of the far winding end) orthogonal to the trunk line guidance direction M.

[0020] The protective layer 2A is wound around the outer circumference of the wire branch section WD, except for the section where the branch conductor W2 is drawn out. The pair of strip-shaped layer sections 5 are wound around portions of the main conductors W1 on both outer sides of the section where the branch conductor W2 is drawn out. The far winding ends of the corresponding strip-shaped layer sections 5 are wound on the outer side of the protective layer 2A such that they overlap. Main conductor withdrawal openings 8 are formed at both ends of the protective layer 2A in the main conductor guidance direction M, corresponding to the winding shape of the protective layer 2A. The main conductors W1 of the wire branch section WD are drawn out through the corresponding main conductor withdrawal openings 8.

[0021] A branch line pullout opening 9 is formed by the recess part 4 in the protective layer 2A. The branch line W2 of the wire branching part WD is pulled out of the branch line pullout opening 9.

[0022] A clip mounting part 2b is provided on a rear surface of the component placement part 2a of the protective layer 2A. A clip 10, which is a fixing part for a vehicle body, is attached to the clip mounting part 2b.

[0023] The corresponding tape winding projections 6 for the main conductor W1 are designed such that they extend from both ends of the protective layer 2A in the main conductor guidance direction M. The corresponding tape winding projections 6 for the main conductor W1 each project in the guidance directions of the main conductors W1 pulled out from the main conductor withdrawal openings 8 when the branch protective element 1A is installed.

[0024] The tape winding projection 7 for the branch line W2 is designed such that it extends from a lateral end of the component placement part 2a of the protective layer 2A in the direction N orthogonal to the main line guidance direction M. The tape winding projection 7 for the branch line W2 is positioned on one side opposite the recess part 4. The tape winding projection 7 for the branch line W2 projects in one guidance direction from the branch line W2 pulled out of the branch line withdrawal opening 9 when the branch protective element 1A is installed.

[0025] Each of the tape winding projections 6 and 7 has a layered shape that adjoins the protective element layer 2A. Each of the tape winding projections 6 and 7 is bellows-shaped, with a recess and a projection repeating alternately along the projection direction.

[0026] The following describes the assembly work of the branch protection element 1A. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the protective element layer 2A is positioned in an unrolled state at an assembly work position (for example, at a position held by a tool pin rising from a tool base). Then the wire branching part WD is attached to the protective element 2A as shown in Figure 3. Fig. 5 shown placed.

[0027] In particular, the main lines W1 of the wire branching part WD are placed on the component placement part 2a and the two tape winding projection parts 6 for the main lines W1 and the branch line W2 of the wire branching part WD are placed on the tape winding projection part 7 for the branch line W2.

[0028] Then the protective layer 2A is placed around the outer circumference of the wire branching part WD without a gap as in Fig. 6 shown. The distant winding ends of the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5 of the protective layer 2A are wound on the outside of the protective layer 2A such that they overlap each other.

[0029] Then the retaining strap T is placed around the protective layer 2A and the corresponding main lines W1 and around the protective layer 2A and the branch line W2 without a gap as in Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B shown wrapped.

[0030] With regard to the main conductors W1 in particular, the retaining band T is wound around the outer circumference of the protective layer 2A (each part of the strip-shaped layer parts 5) in an area where the band winding projections 6 are not present, wound collectively around the outer circumferences of the band winding projection 6 and the main conductor W1 in an area where the band winding projection 6 is present, and wound around the outer circumference of the main conductor W1 without a gap on a part on one side closer to the far end than the band winding projection 6, with the two end positions of the recess part 4 of the protective layer 2A being used as winding start parts. As a result, the corresponding main conductor pull-out openings 8 are completely shielded by the retaining band T.

[0031] Regarding the branch line W2, the retaining strap T is wound around the outer circumferences of the tape winding projection 7 and the branch line W2 in the area where the tape winding projection 7 is located, and around the outer circumference of the branch line W2 without a gap at a point before a far end of the tape winding projection 7, using a root position of the tape winding projection 7 as a winding start point. In this way, the assembly of the branch protection element 1A is completed.

[0032] The cable harness is assembled when components other than the branch protection element 1A are mounted on the main line W1 and the branch line W2 before, after or during the assembly work for the branch protection element 1A.

[0033] As described above, the branching protective element 1A has the recessed part 4, from which the branching line W2 of the wire branching part WD is drawn out, and further comprises the flexible protective element layer 2A, which is wound around the trunk line W1 of the wire branching part WD and from which the trunk lines W1 of the wire branching part WD are drawn out, and the tape winding projection parts 6, which are provided such that they extend from the two ends of the protective element layer 2A and project in the guidance directions of the drawn-out trunk lines W1.

[0034] Therefore, the wire branch section WD can be protected regardless of its size, because the protective layer 2A is wrapped around it. Furthermore, no wasted space is created within the protective layer 2A, as it covers an outer surface of the wire branch section WD. As described above, the wire branch section WD can be protected regardless of its size, allowing for a compact design.

[0035] Furthermore, the protective layer 2A has the tape winding projection 6 at the point where the main conductor W1 is pulled out. Therefore, the main conductor W1 and the branch protective conductor 1A can be securely fixed by wrapping the retaining strap T around both the main conductor W1 and the tape winding projection 6. This reliably prevents the branch protective conductor 1A from being detached from the main conductor W1 by a tensile force acting on it, or from experiencing a relative positional deviation if the branch protective conductor 1A is not detached.

[0036] The branch protection element 1A comprises the two main line withdrawal openings 8, which are formed by the winding shapes of the two ends of the protection element layer 2A and from which the main lines W1 are withdrawn, and the branch line withdrawal opening 9, which is formed by the recess part 4 of the protection element layer 2A and from which the branch line W2 is withdrawn.

[0037] Therefore, it is not necessary to form a unique shape, such as a recess for forming the two trunk line pull-out openings 8 on the protective layer 2A, so that the branch protective layer 1A can be obtained with a simple layer shape.

[0038] The protective layer 2A has the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5 with the recess part 4 in between and is wrapped around the entire circumference of the trunk lines W1 on both outer sides of the branch line W2 of the wire branch part WD.

[0039] In this way, the entire wire branching section WD can be protected by the protective layer 2A, with the exception of the part where the branching line W2 is pulled out.

[0040] The far winding ends of the corresponding strip-shaped layer sections 5 are wound around the protective layer 2A so that they overlap. In this way, the entire circumference of the main conductor W1 can be protected simply by wrapping the protective layer 2A around the outer circumference of the main conductor W1. The overlapping winding increases the strength of the branch protective layer 1A and improves its protective function.

[0041] The protective layer 2A has the tape winding projection 7, which protrudes in the guide direction of the pulled-out branch line W2. Therefore, the branch line W2 and the branch protective element 1A can be securely fixed by wrapping the retaining strap T around the branch line W2 and the tape winding projection 7. This reliably prevents the branch protective element 1A from being detached from the branch line W2 by a tensile force acting on it, or from causing a relative positional deviation if the branch protective element 1A does not detach.

[0042] The protective layer 2A is bellows-shaped, with the exception of the component placement part 2a. This design offers advantages in terms of winding capability, as the protective layer 2A can be easily wound around the main conductor W1.

[0043] The tape winding projections 6 and 7 for the main line W1 and the branch line W2 are designed as bellows-shaped layers. Therefore, the main line W1 and the branch line W2, which extend from the branch protection element 1A, can be easily bent and deformed in an up-down direction UD in the guiding directions of the main line W1 and the branch line W2, thus providing advantageous guidance. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in the guiding direction is also large.

[0044] The protective layer 2A is equipped with clip 10. Therefore, the branching protective layer 1A can be easily fixed to the vehicle body using the clip. (Second embodiment)

[0045] Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows a second embodiment of the invention. Compared to the first embodiment, the position of the recess part 4 of a protective element layer 2B and the positions of the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5 in a branching protective element of the second embodiment differ from those of the first embodiment. The recess part 4 is formed on one side opposite that of the first embodiment in the component placement part 2a, and the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5 is provided on one side opposite that of the first embodiment. As a result, the tape winding projection part 7 for a branch line is provided such that it extends from the component placement part 2a in the same direction as the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5 and is arranged using the recess part 4.The tape winding projection part 7 for the branch line is therefore positioned between the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5.

[0046] Because the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0047] In the second embodiment, a wire branching part can also be protected regardless of the size of the wire branching part (not shown) and can still be provided in a size similar to the first embodiment, as compact as possible.

[0048] Furthermore, the tape winding projection part 6 is provided at a point where a trunk line (not shown) is pulled out to the protective layer 2B, so that the trunk line and the branch protective layer can be firmly fixed by wrapping the retaining tape T around the trunk line and the tape winding projection part 6.

[0049] The tape winding projection part 7 for the branch line is designed such that it extends from the component placement part 2a in the same direction as the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5 and is arranged using the recess part 4. Therefore, the size in the orthogonal direction N (lateral direction) to the main line guidance direction M of the protective layer 2B is shortened in an unrolled state compared to the first embodiment. (Third embodiment)

[0050] Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of the invention. Compared to the second embodiment, a branch protection element of the third embodiment has a different configuration of the tape winding projection 6 for a trunk line (not shown) of a protection element layer 2C. The tape winding projection 6 for the trunk line comprises a linear projection 6a extending along the guide direction of the pulled-out trunk line and a pair of winding projections 6b extending in an orthogonal direction from a far end of the linear projection 6a. The linear projection 6a is designed as a flat portion adjoining the component placement portion 2a. The pair of winding projections 6b is bellows-shaped, with a recess and a projection repeating alternately along the direction N (the direction of the far winding end) orthogonal to the trunk line guide direction M.

[0051] Because the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0052] In the third embodiment, a wire branching part can also be protected regardless of the size of the wire branching part (not shown), whereby the size can still be provided as compactly as possible, similar to the first embodiment.

[0053] Furthermore, the tape winding projection part 6 is provided at a point where the main conductor is pulled out to the protective layer 2C, so that the main conductor and the branch protective layer can be firmly fixed by wrapping a retaining strap (not shown) around the main conductor and the tape winding projection part 6.

[0054] In particular, the tape winding projection section 6 for the main conductor comprises the linear projection 6a, which abuts a portion of the outer circumference of the main conductor, and the pair of winding projections 6b, which are wound around the outer circumference of the main conductor. This further reinforces the fixation of the main conductor and the branch protection element, which is achieved by wrapping the retaining tape around the main conductor and the tape winding projection section 6. (Fourth embodiment)

[0055] Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 13 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention. A branch protection element of the fourth embodiment protects a four-way branched wire branching section. Thus, a wire branching section is protected in which four branch lines branch off from a main line in directions offset by 180 degrees.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the branching protection element before assembly on the wire branching part is a simple flexible layer comprising a protection element layer 2D and four tape winding projections 6 and 7 extending from the protection element layer 2D.

[0057] The protective layer 2D comprises the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5, which are divided in two by the recess part 4. The protective layer 2D includes the component placement part 2a, which is a flat part. The tape winding projection parts 6 for a main line (not shown) are arranged such that they each extend from both ends of the component placement part 2a of the protective layer 2D in the main line guidance direction M. The tape winding projection parts 7 for a branch line (not shown) are arranged such that they extend from both lateral ends of the component placement part 2a in the direction N orthogonal to the main line guidance direction M of the component placement part.

[0058] The configurations of the corresponding tape winding projection parts 6 and 7 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0059] In the fourth embodiment, a wire branching part can also be protected regardless of the size of the wire branching part (not shown), whereby the size can still be provided as compactly as possible, similar to the first embodiment.

[0060] Furthermore, the tape winding projection part 6 is provided at a point where the main conductor to the protective layer 2D is pulled out, so that the main conductor and the branch protective layer can be firmly fixed by wrapping a retaining strap (not shown) around the main conductor and the tape winding projection part 6. (Fifth embodiment)

[0061] Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 15 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention. Compared to the first embodiment, a branching protection element of the fifth embodiment has a different configuration of the tape winding projection 7 for a branch line of a protection element layer 2E. The tape winding projection 7 for the branch line is a flexible rod 7a. Spherical projections 7b are provided such that they project from the flexible rod 7a at intervals.

[0062] Because the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0063] In the fifth embodiment, a wire branching part can also be protected regardless of the size of the wire branching part (not shown) and can still be provided in a size similar to the first embodiment, as compact as possible.

[0064] Furthermore, the protective layer 2E with the tape winding projection part 6 is provided at a point where a trunk line (not shown) is pulled out, so that the trunk line and the branch protective layer can be firmly fixed by wrapping a retaining strap (not shown) around the trunk line and the tape winding projection part 6.

[0065] The tape winding projection 7 for the branch line is the flexible rod 7a, allowing it to be easily bent and deformed not only in the up-down direction UD but also in the left-right direction LR. The guiding direction of the branch line pulled out from the branch line extraction opening 9 can therefore be changed three-dimensionally. Furthermore, assembly is easier and the degree of freedom for guiding is greater than in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0066] The tape winding projection section 7 for the branch line has the spherical projections 7b spaced apart. The retaining tape (not shown) is wound in such a way that it engages in the spherical projection 7b, thereby securely fixing the branch line and the branch protection element. (Sixth embodiment)

[0067] Fig. 16 and Fig. Figure 17 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention. Compared to the second embodiment, a branching protection element of the sixth embodiment has a different configuration of the tape winding projection 7 for a branch line (not shown) of a protection element layer 2F. The tape winding projection 7 for the branch line is a flexible rod 7a similar to that in the fifth embodiment. Spherical projections 7b extend from the flexible rod 7a at intervals.

[0068] Because the other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0069] The same effects as in the fifth embodiment can be achieved in the sixth embodiment as well. (Seventh embodiment)

[0070] Fig. 18 and Fig. Figure 19 shows a seventh embodiment of the invention. A branch protection element of the seventh embodiment protects a four-way branched wire branch section similarly to the fourth embodiment. Compared to the fourth embodiment, the branch protection element has a different configuration of the tape winding projection 7 for a branch line (not shown) of a protective element layer 2G. The tape winding projection 7 for the branch line is a flexible rod 7a similar to that in the fifth embodiment. Spherical projections 7b extend from the flexible rod 7a at intervals.

[0071] Because the other configurations are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0072] The same effects as in the fifth embodiment can be achieved in the seventh embodiment as well. (Version with two branch protection elements)

[0073] The eighth to twelfth embodiments of the invention are described below. In contrast to the first to seventh embodiments, a branching protection element in the eighth to twelfth embodiments has two branching protection elements. At least one of the two branching protection elements is a flexible protection element layer. The individual embodiments are described below. (Eighth embodiment)

[0074] Fig. Figures 20 to 23B show an eighth embodiment of the invention. A branching protection element 1H of the eighth embodiment has two branching protection elements, namely the protection element layer 2A and a reinforcing protection element layer 21.

[0075] The branching protective element 1H comprises the protective element layer 2A, the reinforcing protective element layer 21 and the retaining band T, which is wound around the protective element layer 2A, the reinforcing protective element layer 21 and the main line W1 and around the protective element layer 2A, the reinforcing protective element layer 21 and the branch line W2.

[0076] Because the protective layer 2a has the same configuration as in the first embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0077] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 20, the reinforcing protective layer 21 is a flexible layer with a flat shape before it is mounted on the wire branching part WD.

[0078] The reinforcing protective layer 21 comprises a pair of strip-shaped layer parts 25, which are arranged at intervals by a recess part 24, and two band-winding projection parts 26 for a trunk line.

[0079] The reinforcing protective layer 21 is provided with a rigid layer section 21A, which extends along the main conductor guidance direction M. The rigid layer section 21A has a flat shape. Another part of the reinforcing protective layer 21, other than the rigid layer section 21A and the tape winding projection sections 26, is bellows-shaped, with a recess and a projection repeating alternately in the direction N (direction of the far winding end) orthogonal to the main conductor guidance direction M.

[0080] The reinforcing protective layer 21 is wound from another side of the protective layer 2A around an outer circumference on the side of an upper surface of the wire branching part WD, except for a part where the branching line W2 is pulled out.

[0081] The corresponding tape winding projections 26 for the main conductor W1 are designed such that they extend from both ends of the reinforcing protective layer 21 in the main conductor guidance direction M. The corresponding tape winding projections 26 for the main conductor W1 project in the guidance directions of the main conductors W1 pulled out from the main conductor withdrawal openings 8 when the branch protective element 1H is installed.

[0082] Each of the tape winding projections 26 for the main conductor W1 has a layer shape similar to that of the reinforcing protective layer 21. Each of the tape winding projections 26 is bellows-shaped, with a recess and a projection repeating alternately along a projection direction.

[0083] The following describes the assembly work of the branch protection element 1H. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 20, the protective layer 2A is positioned in an unrolled state at an assembly work position (for example, on the tool pin rising from the tool base). Then, the main conductors W1 of the wire branching part WD are placed on the component placement part 2a of the protective layer 2A and the two tape winding projections 6 for the main conductors W1, and the branch conductor W2 of the wire branching part WD is placed on the tape winding projection 7 for the branch conductor W2 as shown in Figure 20. Fig. 21A and Fig. 21B shown placed.

[0084] Then the protective layer 2A is placed around the outer circumference of the wire branching part WD without a gap as in Fig. 21A and Fig. 21B shown wound. The far winding ends of the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5 of the protective layer 2A are wound on the outside of the protective layer 2A such that they overlap each other.

[0085] Then the reinforcing protective layer 21 is wound onto the side of the upper surface of the wire branching part WD to protect the protective layer 2A from above as shown in Fig. 22A and Fig. 22B shown to overlap.

[0086] Then the retaining strap T is placed around the protective layer 2A, the reinforcing protective layer 21 and the corresponding trunk lines W1 and around the protective layer 2A, the reinforcing protective layer 21 and the branch line W2 without a gap as in Fig. 23A and Fig. 23B shown wound.

[0087] Specifically, with regard to each of the trunk lines W1, the retaining band T is wound around the outer circumference of the protective layer 2A in an area where the band winding projections 6 and 26 are not present, wound collectively around the band winding projections 6 and 26 and the trunk line W1 in an area where the band winding projections 6 and 26 are present, and wound around an outer circumference of the trunk line W1 without a gap at a point on a side closer to the far end than the band winding projections 6 and 26, with both end positions of the recess parts 4 and 24 of the protective layer 2A and the reinforcing protective layer 21 being used as winding start points. As a result, the corresponding trunk line pullout openings 8 are completely shielded by the retaining band T.

[0088] Regarding the branch line W2, the retaining strap T is wound around the outer circumferences of the tape winding projection 7 and the branch line W2 in the area where the tape winding projection 7 is located, and around the outer circumference of the branch line W2 without a gap on one side closer to a far end of the tape winding projection 7, using a root position of the tape winding projection 7 as a winding starting point. The assembly of the branch protection element 1H is thus completed.

[0089] A cable harness is assembled by mounting components other than the branch protection element 1H to the main line W1 and the branch line W2.

[0090] As described above, the branching protective element 1H comprises the recess part 4, from which the branch line of the wire branching part WD is drawn out, and furthermore the flexible protective element layer 2A, which is wound around the trunk line W1 of the wire branching part WD and from which the trunk lines W1 of the wire branching part WD are drawn out, and the tape winding projection parts 6, which are provided such that they extend from the two ends of the protective element layer 2A and project in the guidance directions of the drawn-out trunk lines W1.

[0091] Therefore, the wire branch section WD can be protected regardless of its size, because the protective layer 2A is wrapped around it. Furthermore, no wasted space is created within the protective layer 2A, as it covers an outer surface of the wire branch section WD. As described above, the wire branch section WD can be protected regardless of its size, and its size can still be kept as compact as possible.

[0092] Furthermore, the protective layer 2A has the tape winding projection 6 at the point where the main conductor W1 is extended. Therefore, the main conductor W1 and the branch protective layer 1H can be securely fixed by wrapping the retaining strap T around the main conductor W1 and the tape winding projection 6. This reliably prevents the branch protective layer 1H from being detached from the main conductor W1 by a tensile force acting on it, or from experiencing a relative positional deviation if the branch protective layer 1H is not detached. In particular, because the reinforcing protective layer 21 also has the tape winding projection 26 of the main conductor W1, the main conductor W1 and the branch protective layer 1H can be fixed more securely than in the first to seventh embodiments.

[0093] The branch protection element 1H comprises the two main line withdrawal openings 8, which are formed by the winding shapes of the two ends of the protection element layer 2A and from which the main lines W1 are withdrawn, and the branch line withdrawal opening 9, which is formed by the recess part 4 of the protection element layer 2A and from which the branch line W2 is withdrawn.

[0094] Therefore, it is not necessary to form a unique shape, such as a recess for creating the two trunk line pullout openings 8 and 9 on the protective layer 2A, and a simple layer shape is formed. Furthermore, the reinforcing protective layer 21 also has the same configuration. As described above, the branch protective layer 1H can be obtained with the two simple layer shapes.

[0095] The protective layer 2A comprises the pair of strip-shaped layer sections 5 with the recessed section 4 between them, and the protective layer 2A is wrapped around the entire circumference of the main conductors W1 on both outer sides of the branch conductor of the wire branch section WD. In this way, the entire wire branch section WD can be protected by the protective layer 2A, except for the part where the branch conductor W2 is drawn out. Furthermore, the reinforcing protective layer 21 is also wrapped around the wire branch section WD from above the protective layer 2A. Thus, because the branching protective layer 1H protects the wire branch section WD with the two layers of the protective layer 2A and the reinforcing protective layer 21, the wire branch section WD is well protected.

[0096] The far winding ends of the corresponding strip-shaped layer sections 5 are wound around the protective layer 2A to overlap each other. In this way, the entire circumference of the main line W1 can be protected simply by wrapping the protective layer 2A around the outer circumference of the main line W1. The overlapping winding increases the strength of the branch protective layer 1H and improves its protective function.

[0097] The protective layer 2A comprises the tape winding projection 7, which protrudes in the guide direction of the pulled-out branch line W2. Therefore, the branch line W2 and the branch protective element 1H can be securely fixed by wrapping the retaining strap T around the branch line W2 and the tape winding projection 7. This reliably prevents the branch protective element 1H from being detached from the branch line W2 by a tensile force acting on it, or from causing a relative positional deviation if the branch protective element 1H is not detached.

[0098] The protective layer 2A, with the exception of the component placement section 2a, is bellows-shaped. This design offers advantages in terms of winding capability, as the protective layer 2a can be easily wound around the main conductor W1. The reinforcing protective layer 21 is also bellows-shaped, with the exception of the rigid section. This design also offers advantages in terms of winding capability, as the reinforcing protective layer 21 can be easily wound around the main conductor W1.

[0099] The tape-winding projections 6 and 7 of the main line W1 and the branch line W2 are layered and bellows-shaped, with a recess and a projection repeating alternately along a projection direction. Therefore, the main line W1 and the branch line W2, which are pulled out from the branch protection element 1H, can be easily bent and deformed in an up-down direction UD in the guidance directions of the main line W1 and the branch line W2, thus providing advantageous guidance. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in the guidance direction is also large.

[0100] The protective layer 2A is equipped with clip 10. Therefore, the branching protective layer 1H can be easily fixed to the vehicle body using clip 10. (Ninth embodiment)

[0101] Fig. 24, Fig. 25 to Fig. Figure 26 shows a ninth embodiment of the invention. A branching protection element of the ninth embodiment comprises two branching protection elements, namely a protection element layer 2B and the reinforcing protection element layer 21, similar to the eighth embodiment.

[0102] The branching protective element therefore comprises the protective element layer 2B, the reinforcing protective element layer 21 and a retaining band (not shown) that is wrapped around the protective element layer 2B, the reinforcing protective element layer 21 and a trunk line (not shown) and around the protective element layer 2B, the reinforcing protective element layer 21 and a branch line (not shown).

[0103] Because the protective layer 2B has the same configuration as in the second embodiment, identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0104] Because the reinforcing protective layer 21 has the same configuration as in the eighth embodiment, identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0105] Because the assembly of the branch protection device is identical to that in the eighth embodiment, a repeated description of the same is omitted here. A cable harness is assembled by mounting components other than the branch protection device on the main line and the branch line in addition to the branch protection device.

[0106] In the ninth embodiment, the wire branching part WD can also be protected regardless of the size of the wire branching part WD and, similar to the eighth embodiment, the size can also be provided as compactly as possible.

[0107] And because the wire branching part WD is protected by the two layers of the protective element layer 2B and the reinforcing protective element layer 21, the wire branching part WD can be well protected, similar to the eighth embodiment.

[0108] In addition to the effects mentioned above, the branching protection element of the ninth embodiment exhibits the same effects as in the eighth embodiment. (Tenth embodiment)

[0109] Fig. 27, Fig. 28 to Fig. Figure 29 shows a tenth embodiment of the invention. A branching protection element of the tenth embodiment comprises two branching protection elements, namely the protection element layer 2A and a reinforcing protection element plate 22, which distinguishes this embodiment from the eighth and ninth embodiments.

[0110] The branching protective element thus comprises the protective element layer 2A, the reinforcing protective element plate 22 and a retaining strap (not shown) that is wound around the protective element layer 2A, the reinforcing protective element plate 22 and a trunk line (not shown) and around the protective element layer 2A, the reinforcing protective element plate 22 and a branch line (not shown).

[0111] Because the protective layer 2A has the same configuration as in the first embodiment, identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0112] The reinforcing protective element plate 22 is arc-shaped and has a stiffness to maintain the arc shape. The reinforcing protective element plate 22 comprises a pair of strip-shaped plate parts 28, which are arranged at intervals by a recess part 27, and two band-winding projection parts 26 for the trunk line.

[0113] Each of the tape winding projection sections 26 is bellows-shaped, with a recess and a projection repeating alternately along a projection direction. Therefore, only the corresponding tape winding projection sections 26 are simply bent and deformed. Because the tape winding projection sections 26 can be easily bent and deformed in the top-bottom direction UD with respect to the guiding direction of the main conductor, the guiding capability is advantageous. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in the guiding direction is also large.

[0114] The following describes the assembly process for the branch protection element. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 27, the protective layer 2A is positioned in an unrolled state at an assembly work position. Then, the trunk lines (not shown) of a wire branch section (not shown) are placed on the component placement part 2a of the protective layer 2A and the tape winding projections 6 for the trunk lines, and the branch line (not shown) of the wire branch section is placed on the tape winding projection 7 for the branch line.

[0115] Then the reinforcing protective element plate 22 is placed to support the wire reinforcement part as shown in Fig. 28 shown to cover.

[0116] Then the protective layer 2A is surrounded by the wire branching part from above the reinforcing protective layer plate 22 as shown in Fig. 29 shown wound. The distant winding ends of the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5 of the protective layer 2A are wound on the outside of the protective layer 2A in such a way that they overlap each other.

[0117] Then the retaining strap is wrapped around the protective layer 2A, the reinforcing protective layer plate 22 and the corresponding trunk lines and around the protective layer 2A, the reinforcing protective layer plate 22 and the branch line without a gap, similar to the eighth embodiment, and the assembly work is thereby completed.

[0118] A cable harness is assembled by mounting components other than the branch protection element on the trunk line and the branch line.

[0119] In the tenth embodiment, the wire branching part can also be protected regardless of the size of the wire branching part and, similar to the eighth embodiment, the size can still be provided as compactly as possible.

[0120] In addition to the effects described above, the branching protection element of the tenth embodiment exhibits the same effects as in the eighth embodiment.

[0121] In particular, the wire branching part can be better protected because the reinforcing protective element plate 22 with greater strength than the reinforcing protective element layer 21 of the eighth embodiment is used in the tenth embodiment.

[0122] Furthermore, in the tenth embodiment, it is sufficient to place the reinforcing protective element plate 22 on the wire branching part, whereas in the eighth embodiment, the reinforcing protective element layer 21 must be wrapped around the wire branching part. The assembly efficiency is therefore improved compared to the eighth embodiment. (Eleventh embodiment)

[0123] Fig. 30, Fig. 31 to Fig. Figure 32 shows an eleventh embodiment of the invention. A branching protection element of the eleventh embodiment comprises two branching protection elements, namely the protection element layer 2B and the reinforcing protection element plate 22, similar to the tenth embodiment.

[0124] Because the protective layer 2B has the same configuration as in the second embodiment, identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0125] Because the reinforcing protective element plate 22 has the same configuration as in the tenth embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals and a repeated description of them is omitted here.

[0126] Because the assembly work for the branch protection device is identical to that of the tenth embodiment, a repeated description of the same is omitted here. A cable harness is assembled by mounting components other than the branch protection device on the main line and the branch line in addition to the branch protection device.

[0127] In the eleventh embodiment, the wire branching part can also be protected regardless of the size of the wire branching part, and the size can still be provided as compactly as possible, similar to the tenth embodiment.

[0128] In addition to the effects described above, the branching protection element of the eleventh embodiment exhibits the same effects as in the tenth embodiment. (Twelfth embodiment)

[0129] Fig. 33 and Fig. Figure 34 shows a twelfth embodiment of the invention. A branching protection element of the twelfth embodiment comprises two branching protection elements, namely a protection element plate 29 and the reinforcing protection element layer 21.

[0130] The branching protective element thus comprises the protective element plate 29, the reinforcing protective element layer 21 and a retaining band (not shown) which is wrapped around the protective element plate 29, the reinforcing protective element layer 21 and a trunk line (not shown) and around the protective element plate 29, the reinforcing protective element layer 21 and a branch line (not shown).

[0131] The guard plate 29 has a degree of stiffness sufficient to maintain its shape even when an external force is applied. The guard plate 29 is essentially arc-shaped and has essentially the same configuration as the guard plates of the tenth and eleventh embodiments. The guard plate 29 thus comprises the pair of strip-shaped plate parts 28, which are spaced apart by the recess part 27, and the two tape-winding projection parts 26 for the trunk line. A clip mounting part 29a is provided on a rear surface of the guard plate 29. The clip 10, which is a fixing part for a vehicle body, is attached to the clip mounting part 29a.

[0132] Because the reinforcing protective layer 21 has the same configuration as in the eighth embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0133] The following describes the assembly work for the branch protection element. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 33, the protective element plate 29 is positioned in an assembly working position. Then the trunk lines (not shown) of a wire branch section (not shown) are placed on a base surface of the protective element plate 29 and the two tape-winding projections 6 of the trunk lines, and the branch line (not shown) of the wire branch section (not shown) is positioned such that it extends through the recess section 27 of the protective element plate 29.

[0134] Then, as in Fig. Figure 34 shows the reinforcing protective layer 21 wrapped directly around the wire branching part exposed by an upper opening of the protective plate 29, and around a part where the wire branching part (not shown) is covered by the protective plate 29, without a gap from the outside of the protective plate 29.

[0135] Then the retaining strap (not shown) is wrapped around the protective element plate 29, the reinforcing protective element layer 21 and the corresponding trunk lines (not shown) without any gap, thus completing the assembly work.

[0136] A cable harness is assembled by mounting components other than the branch protection element on the trunk line and the branch line.

[0137] In the twelfth embodiment, the wire branching part can also be protected regardless of the size of the wire branching part, and the size can still be provided as compactly as possible, similar to the tenth and eleventh embodiments.

[0138] In addition to the effects described above, the branching protection element of the twelfth embodiment exhibits the same effects as in the tenth and eleventh embodiments.

[0139] In the twelfth embodiment, no tape winding projections for the branch line (not shown) are provided on the protective element plate 29 and on the reinforcing protective element layer 21, although they may also be provided on the protective element plate 29 and / or the reinforcing protective element layer. (Thirteenth embodiment)

[0140] Fig. 35, Fig. 36, Fig. 37, Fig. 38, Fig. 39, Fig. 40, Fig. 41 to Fig. Figure 42 shows a thirteenth embodiment of the invention.

[0141] As in Fig. 35, Fig. 36 to Fig. Figure 37 shows that a branch protection device 100A protects a triple branching wire branch section WD. The branch protection device 100A comprises a branch protection device main body 102 as a main component and a cover 110.

[0142] The branching guard main body 102 comprises a bottom wall 103 and a pair of side walls 104 and 105 extending from both lateral ends of the bottom wall 103. A wire receiving chamber 106, enclosed by the bottom wall 103 and the pair of side walls 104 and 105 and having an open upper surface, is formed in the branching guard main body 102. Wire withdrawal openings 107 are formed at both ends of the pair of side walls 104 and 105. One side wall 104 comprises a pair of side wall projections 104a at a central portion (at a position between the two ends of the side wall 104), and a wire withdrawal opening 108 is formed at the far ends of the pair of side wall projections 104a. In the thirteenth embodiment, the three wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 are formed in the side walls 104 and 105 of the branching protection element main body 102.

[0143] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the wire branching section WD of the wire (wire bundle) W is received in the wire receiving chamber 106. Both ends of the main conductor W1 are pulled outwards from the two wire withdrawal openings 107 at the two ends of the pair of side walls 104 and 105. The single branching conductor W2 is pulled outwards from the wire withdrawal opening 108 in the middle part of one side wall 104.

[0144] The base wall 103 is provided with wire fixing projections 109, each of which projects from the wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 in the guide directions of the main lines W1 and the branch line W2. Each of the wire fixing projections 109 is bellows-shaped, with a recess and a projection repeating alternately along one projection direction.

[0145] A clip mounting part 103a is provided on an outer surface of the floor wall 103. A clip 120, which is a fixing part for a vehicle body, is attached to the clip mounting part 103a.

[0146] The cover 110 is inserted into the wire receiving chamber 106 through the opening on the upper surface of the wire receiving chamber 106. The cover 110 is positioned on the upper surface of the wire branching part WD, which is received in the wire receiving chamber 106.

[0147] The cover 110 comprises a flat main cover body and a retaining wall 112, which is provided on a circumferential edge of the main cover body 111. The main cover body 111 is formed with substantially the same shape as the opening shape on the upper surface, including the wire receiving chamber 106 and the three wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108, which connect to the wire receiving chamber 106.

[0148] The retaining wall 112 extends vertically downwards from the main cover body 111. The retaining wall 112 is located in a position where it contacts or is adjacent to the inner surfaces of the wire receiving chamber 106 and the side walls 104 and 105 of the corresponding wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 when it is in the wire receiving chamber 106 (at the position of Fig. 36 and Fig. 39) is positioned.

[0149] The main cover body 111 is provided with wire fixing projections 113, each of which projects from the wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 in the guide directions of the main lines W1 and the branch line W2. Each of the wire fixing projections 113 is bellows-shaped, with a recess and a projection repeating alternately along one projection direction.

[0150] The following describes the installation process for the 100A branch protection device. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 38, the wire branching section WD is received in the wire receiving chamber 106 of the branching protection element main body 102 from the opening on the upper surface. The branching leads W1 of the wire W are each pulled out from the wire withdrawal openings 107 at both ends of the pair of side walls 104 and 105. The branching lead W2 of the wire W is pulled out from the wire withdrawal opening 108 on the middle part of one side wall 104.

[0151] Then, as in Fig. Figure 39 shows the cover 110 positioned over the wire receiving chamber 106 and dropped into place to be inserted into the wire receiving chamber 106. If the cover 110 does not fall into the wire receiving chamber 106 due to a dimensional error or similar reason, a pushing force is applied from above to insert the cover 110.

[0152] The cover 110 is received in the wire receiving chamber 106 in a state placed on the wire branching part WD. The wire fixing projections 109 of the branching protective element main body 102 are arranged on a lower side of the main lines W1 and the branching line W2, which are pulled out from the corresponding wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108, and the corresponding wire fixing projections 113 of the cover 110 are arranged on an upper side.

[0153] Then the retaining band T is wrapped around parts of the corresponding wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 of the branch protection element 100A and the main lines W1 and the branch line W2, which have been pulled out from the corresponding wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108, as shown in Fig. 40 shown wrapped.

[0154] In particular, the retaining band T is wound collectively around parts of the branching main body 102 and the cover 110 at root parts of the pair of upper and lower wire fixing projection parts 109 and 113, collectively around the pair of upper and lower wire fixing projection parts 109 and 113 and the main lines W1, and around the pair of upper and lower wire fixing projection parts 109 and 113 and the branch line W2 in an area where the pair of upper and lower wire fixing projection parts 109 and 113 are located, and around the outer circumferences of the main lines W1 and the branch line W2 without a gap at parts where the main lines W1 and the branch line W2 are extended further from the far ends of the pair of wire fixing projection parts 109 and 113. The assembly work of the branch protection element 100A is completed by winding the retaining strap T.

[0155] As described above, the branching protection element 100A includes the branching protection element main body 102, the upper surface of which is open and which has the wire receiving chamber 106 for receiving the wire branching part WD and at least the three wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108, from which the corresponding wires W are withdrawn from the wire receiving chamber 106, and the cover 110, which is placed on the wire branching part WD received in the wire receiving chamber 106 from the opening on the upper surface of the wire receiving chamber 106 and closes the upper surface of the wire receiving chamber 106.

[0156] Because the cover 110 is placed on the wire branching part WD received in the wire receiving chamber 106, the wire branching part WD can be received regardless of its size, and no unused space is created in the wire receiving chamber 106. As described above, the wire branching part WD can be received regardless of its size, and its size can still be kept as compact as possible. In other words, because the wire receiving chamber 106 has a receiving capacity corresponding to the size of the wire branching part WD, the branching protection element 100A can be designed to be compact and corresponding to the size of the wire branching part WD.

[0157] For example, if the size of the wire branching part WD (which varies depending on the wire diameter and the number of wires) is smaller than the maximum current-carrying capacity of the branching protection device 100A, an external space S is provided on the cover 110 mounted on the branching protection device main body 102, as shown in Fig. Figure 42 shows the following. The 100A branch protection device can be compactly sized to correspond to the external RAM S. The external space S on the cover 110 can be used as an installation space for another component or similar.

[0158] Furthermore, in a conventional example, there is a risk that a wire branching part (not shown) moves (vibrates) within a branching protection element 100, causing damage to the wire branching part (not shown) if extra space is created in a wire receiving chamber 101a when the wire branching part (not shown) is smaller than the receiving capacity of the wire receiving chamber 101a. However, in this embodiment, the wire branching part WD does not move (does not vibrate) within the branching protection element 100A, so the wire branching part WD is not damaged.

[0159] When the cover 110 is dropped (inserted) between the pair of side walls 104 and 105 of the branching protection element main body 102, the cover 110 is positioned at a predetermined fastening position of the branching protection element main body 102. Therefore, it can be visually checked whether the cover 110 is correctly positioned between the pair of side walls 104 and 105 as shown in the figure. Fig. 41 shown fits after the cover 110 was dropped, which can improve the quality.

[0160] If, on the other hand, the outer circumference of the wire branching section WD is protected only by the tape winding, there is a risk that dimensional accuracy with respect to the wire length relative to the adjacent wire branching section (not shown) will not be achieved when the wire W is tightened by the tape winding. In the thirteenth embodiment, the wire branching section WD is protected by being enclosed in the branching protection element 1A, so that the wire branching section WD can be protected with dimensional accuracy with respect to the wire length relative to the adjacent wire branching section (not shown).

[0161] The branch protection element main body 102 and the cover 110 are provided with wire fixing projections 109 and 113, which extend from the wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 in the guide directions of the wire W. Therefore, the branch protection element 100A and the wire W (the main line W1 and the branch line W2) can be securely fixed by wrapping the retaining strap T around the wire fixing projections 109 and 113 together with the wire W (the main line W1 and the branch line W2).

[0162] The wire fixing projections 109 and 113 of the branch protection element main body 102 and the cover 110 are bellows-shaped. Therefore, the wire W (the main line W1 and the branch line W2), which is pulled out of the branch protection element 100A, can be easily bent and deformed in the up-down direction in the guidance directions of the wire W (the main line W1 and the branch line W2), so that the degree of freedom in the guidance direction is large and the guidance capability is advantageous.

[0163] The cover 110 is provided with the retaining wall 112, which has essentially the same shape as the opening on the upper surface of the wire receiving chamber 106 and is adjacent to the inner surfaces of the side walls 104 and 105 of the wire receiving chamber 106. Accordingly, the retaining wall 112 holds the cover 110 in a drop position when the cover 110 is dropped (inserted) into the wire receiving chamber 106 through the opening on the upper surface of the wire receiving chamber 106, so that the cover 110 falls onto the wire branching section WD of the wire receiving chamber 106 without any inclination and is placed on the wire branching section WD.

[0164] The retaining wall 112 extends vertically downwards from the main cover body 111. Because the retaining wall 112 does not project upwards from the main cover body 111, tilting of the cover 110 during the fall can be prevented, and the external space S that can be formed at the cover 110 attached to the branching protection element main body 102 can be ensured.

[0165] The branch protection element main body 102 is equipped with the clip 120. Therefore, the branch protection element 100A can be easily fixed to the vehicle body using the clip 120.

[0166] Because, as in Fig. Figure 42 shows that a load is transferred from the cover 110 to the clip 120 via the wire branching part WD, so that the fixing work on the vehicle body can be carried out easily. (Fourteenth embodiment)

[0167] Fig. 43 and Fig. Figure 44 shows a fourteenth embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the thirteenth embodiment, a branching guard 100B of the fourteenth embodiment is provided with a projection 121 that protrudes from the bottom wall 103 in the wire receiving chamber 106. The projection 121 is positioned directly above the clip 120. The projection 121 is positioned such that it has essentially the same height as an assumed height of the wire branching part WD. That is, the projection 121 has dimensions sufficient to abut a lower surface of the cover 110 mounted on the branching guard main body 102 or to extend close to the lower surface of the cover 110. The projection 121 has a cylindrical shape.

[0168] The projection part 121 is arranged in a position piercing the wire branching part WD when the wire branching part WD is received in the wire receiving chamber 106.

[0169] Because the other configurations are the same as those of the thirteenth embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0170] In the fourteenth embodiment, the cover 110 is also placed on the wire branching part WD received in the wire receiving chamber 106, so that the wire branching part WD can be received regardless of its size and, similar to the thirteenth embodiment, no unused space is created in the wire receiving chamber 106. As described above, the wire branching part WD can be received regardless of its size and can still be designed to be as compact as possible.

[0171] The branching guard main body 102 is provided with the projection 121, which extends from the bottom wall 103 into the wire receiving chamber 106. Therefore, a load is transferred more easily from the cover 110 to the clip 120 via the projection 121 than in the thirteenth embodiment, thus simplifying the fastening operation on a vehicle body. Because the projection 121 is positioned directly above the clip 120, the load is transferred more easily from the cover 110 to the clip 120 via the projection 121, further simplifying the fastening operation on the vehicle body. If the size of the wire branching part WD is smaller than a specified size, the projection 121 is cut short to avoid obstructing the cover 110.

[0172] The projection part 121 is arranged in a position that engages the wire branching part WD. Therefore, the projection part 121 also functions as a fixing element between the wire branching part WD and the branching protection element main body 102 and furthermore also functions as a part for positioning the wire branching part WD in the wire receiving chamber 106.

[0173] The projecting part 121 has a cylindrical shape. And because the cylindrical shape has no edges, the wire W is not damaged by an edge. (Fifteenth embodiment)

[0174] Fig. 45, Fig. 46 to Fig. Figure 47 shows a fifteenth embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the thirteenth embodiment, a branching protection element 100C of the fifteenth embodiment has four wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108. Thus, a pair of side wall projections 105a is provided on the other side wall 105, and the wire withdrawal opening 108 is provided at a far end of the pair of side wall projections 105a.

[0175] The branch protection element 100C can protect a wire branch section (not shown) from which four wires (in this embodiment two trunk lines and two branch lines) extend in different directions.

[0176] Because the other configurations are the same as those of the thirteenth embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0177] In the fifteenth embodiment, the cover 110 is also placed on the wire branch section (not shown) received in the wire receiving chamber 106. Therefore, the wire branch section (not shown) can be received regardless of its size, and, similar to the thirteenth embodiment, no unused space is created in the wire receiving chamber 106. As described above, the wire branch section (not shown) can be received regardless of its size, and its size can be kept as compact as possible.

[0178] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 47, the branch guard 100C of the fifteenth embodiment can also be used to protect a wire branch section (not shown) from which three wires (two trunk lines W1 and one branch line W2) extend in different directions. Because in this case the one wire withdrawal opening 108 is not used, this unused wire withdrawal opening 108 is closed by the wire fixing projections 109 and 113. For example, the wire fixing projection 109 is cut at the branch guard main body 102, the wire fixing projection 113 is bent at the cover 110 to close the wire withdrawal opening 108, and the bent and deformed wire fixing projection 113 is fixed to the branch guard main body 102 by the retaining band T. (Sixteenth embodiment)

[0179] Fig. 48 and Fig. Figure 49 shows a sixteenth embodiment of the invention. A branch protection element 100D of the sixteenth embodiment differs from that of the thirteenth embodiment in the following respect: The cover 110 is provided with the wire fixing projection 113, which projects from each of the wire withdrawal openings 107 in a guiding direction of a main line (not shown), similar to the thirteenth embodiment. However, the cover 110 is not provided with a wire fixing projection that projects from the wire withdrawal opening 108 in a guiding direction of a branch line (not shown).

[0180] Because the other configurations are the same as those of the thirteenth embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0181] A band is wound around the branch line (not shown) that is pulled out from the branch protection element 100D, gathered with the wire fixing projection part 109 on the branch protection element main body 102.

[0182] In the sixteenth embodiment, the cover 110 is also placed on the wire branch section (not shown) received in the wire receiving chamber 106, so that the wire branch section (not shown) can be received regardless of its size and, similar to the thirteenth embodiment, no unused space is created in the wire receiving chamber 106. As described above, the wire branch section (not shown) can be received regardless of its size and can be designed to be as compact as possible.

[0183] Because the wire fixing projection part 109 for the branch line is only provided on the branch protection element main body 102, the tape can be easily wound if the overall diameter of the branch line W2 is extremely smaller than the overall diameter of the main line W1. (Seventeenth embodiment)

[0184] Fig. 50 and Fig. Figure 51 shows a seventeenth embodiment of the invention. A branch protection element 100E of the seventeenth embodiment differs from the thirteenth embodiment in the following respect. The wire fixing projection 113, which is in the guiding direction of the main line W1 (see Figure 51), is shown in the illustration of a seventeenth embodiment. Fig. 85) protruding from each of the wire withdrawal openings 107 on the cover 110 is provided similarly to the thirteenth embodiment. However, similar to the sixteenth embodiment, it is not a wire fixing projection part that extends in a guide direction of the branch line W2 (see Fig. 85) protrudes from the wire extraction opening, provided on the cover 110.

[0185] Furthermore, the wire fixing projection part 109, which is in a guide direction of the branch line W2 (see Fig. 85) protrudes from the wire withdrawal opening 108, the branching protection element main body 102 does not have a bellows form, but is a flexible rod 109a. Spherical projections 109b are provided such that they protrude from the flexible rod 109a at intervals.

[0186] Because the other configurations are the same as those of the thirteenth embodiment, identical components are indicated in the drawings by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description of the same is omitted here.

[0187] A band is around the branch line W2 (see Fig. 85), which is pulled out from the branching protection member 100E, collected with the wire fixing projection part 109 wound on the branching protection member main body 102.

[0188] In the seventeenth embodiment, the cover 110 is also placed on the wire branch section (not shown) received in the wire receiving chamber 106, so that the wire branch section (not shown) can be received regardless of its size and, similar to the thirteenth embodiment, no unused space is created in the wire receiving chamber 106. As described above, the wire branch section (not shown) can be received regardless of its size and can be designed to be as compact as possible.

[0189] Because the wire fixing projection part 109 for the branch line is only provided on the branch protection element main body 102, the tape can be easily wound if the overall diameter of the branch line W2 is extremely smaller than the overall diameter of the main line W1.

[0190] The wire fixing projection 109 for the branch line is the flexible rod 109a and can therefore be easily bent and deformed not only in the up-down direction UD, but also in the left-right direction LR. The guiding direction of the branch line W2, which is pulled out of the wire extraction opening 108, can thus be changed three-dimensionally, resulting in greater assembly efficiency and a greater degree of freedom in guiding compared to embodiments thirteen to sixteen.

[0191] The wire fixing projection 109 for the branch line has the spherical projections 109b spaced apart. Therefore, the retaining strap T (see Fig. 86) wound in such a way that it engages in the spherical projections 109b, so that the branching line W2 (see Fig. 85) and the branching protection element 100E can be firmly fixed. (Manufacturing process using the tool pin)

[0192] The following describes an assembly procedure (a manufacturing process) for the branching protection element 1A, etc., of each embodiment using tool pins 51.

[0193] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 52A, two tool pins 51 rise from a tool base 50 with a gap between them. Each of the tool pins 51 comprises a vertical part 52, the near end of which is held by the tool base 50, a horizontal retaining part 53 extending horizontally from a far end of the vertical part 52, and two vertical retaining parts 54 extending from the ends of the horizontal retaining part 53. The horizontal retaining parts 53 and the vertical retaining parts 54 of the two tool pins 51 are each oriented in the same directions. (Assembly of the first embodiment)

[0194] First, as in Fig. Figure 52B shows the protective layer 2A placed in the rolled-out state on the two tool pins 51, with the protective layer 2A being held in a floating state by the tool base 50 (component placement step).

[0195] Then the wire branching part WD is placed on the protective layer 2A as shown in Fig. 53 shown. Then the protective layer 2A is placed around the outer circumference of the wire branching part WD as shown. Fig. 54 shown wrapped. Then, as in Fig. Figure 55 shows the retaining strap T wound around the pull-out points of the main line W1 and the branch line W2, while the winding state of the protective layer 2A is maintained (assembly step). This completes the assembly of the branch protective layer 1A of the first embodiment.

[0196] Incidentally, if problems arise with a part of the tool pin 51 during assembly, the position of the protective layer 2A, etc., on the tool pin 51 will be shifted accordingly. This also applies to subsequent assembly operations. (Assembly of the eighth embodiment)

[0197] The assembly is carried out in the same manner as for the first embodiment up to the state of Fig. 56. Afterwards, the procedure is carried out as in Fig. Figure 56 shows the reinforcing protective layer 21 being placed to cover the protective layer 2A from above. Then, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 57, the reinforcing protective layer 21 is wrapped around the protective layer 2A so that they overlap. Then, as in Fig. Figure 58 shows the retaining band T wrapped around the pull-out points of the main line W1 and the branch line W2, while the winding states of the protective layer 2A and the reinforcing protective layer 21 are held. Accordingly, the assembly of the branch protective layer 1H of the eighth embodiment is completed. (Assembly of the tenth embodiment)

[0198] The assembly is carried out in the same manner as for the first embodiment up to the state of Fig. 53 is carried out. After that, it is done as in Fig. 59 and Fig. Figure 60 shows the reinforcing protective layer plate 22 positioned to cover the wire branching section WD from above. Then the protective layer layer 2A is wound over the reinforcing protective layer layer 22 so that they are connected as shown in Figure 60. Fig. 61 shown overlap. Then, as in Fig. Figure 62 shows the retaining band T wound around the pull-out points of the main line W1 and the branch line W2, while the winding state of the protective layer 2A is maintained. This completes the assembly of the branch protective element 1 of the tenth embodiment. (Assembly of the second embodiment)

[0199] First, as in Fig. Figure 63 shows the protective layer 2B placed in the rolled-out state on the two tool pins 51 and the protective layer 2B is held in a floating state by the tool base 50 (component placement step).

[0200] Then the wire branching part WD is placed on the protective layer 2B as shown in Fig. 64 shown. Then the protective layer 2B is placed around the outer circumference of the wire branching part WD as shown. Fig. 65 shown wrapped. Then, as in Fig. Figure 66 shows the retaining strap T wound around the pull-out points of the main line W1 and the branch line W2, while the winding state of the protective layer 2B is maintained (assembly step). This completes the assembly of the branch protective layer 1B of the second embodiment. (Assembly of the ninth embodiment)

[0201] The assembly is carried out in the same manner as in the second embodiment until the state of Fig. 65. After that, as in Fig. Figure 67 shows the reinforcing protective layer 21 placed on top of the protective layer 2B to cover the protective layer 2B. Then, as in Fig. Figure 68 shows the reinforcing protective layer 21 being wound from above the protective layer 2B so that they overlap. Then, as in Fig. Figure 69 shows the retaining band T wound around the pull-out points of the main line W1 and the branch line W2, while the winding states of the protective layer 2B and the reinforcing protective layer 21 are held. This completes the assembly of a branch protective layer 1I of the ninth embodiment. (Assembly of the eleventh embodiment)

[0202] The assembly is carried out in the same manner as in the second embodiment until the state of Fig. 64 is carried out. After that, as in Fig. 70 and Fig. Figure 71 shows the reinforcing protective element plate 22 being placed to cover the wire branching part WD from above. Then the protective element layer 2B is placed from above the reinforcing protective element plate 22 as shown in Fig. 72 shown wrapped. Then, as in Fig. Figure 73 shows the retaining band T wound around the pull-out points of the main line W1 and the branch line W2, while the winding state of the protective layer 2B is maintained. This completes the assembly of a branch protective element 1K of the eleventh embodiment. (Assembly of the twelfth embodiment)

[0203] First, as in Fig. Figure 74 shows the reinforcing protective element plate 29 placed on the two tool pins 51 and the reinforcing protective element plate 29 is held in the floating state by the tool base 50 (component placement step).

[0204] Then the wire branching part WD is placed on the reinforcing protective element plate 29 as shown in Fig. 75 is shown in place. Then the protective layer 21 is placed to protect the wire branching part WD from above as shown. Fig. 76 shown to cover. Then the protective layer 21 is covered from above the reinforcing protective layer plate 29 as shown in Fig. 77 shown wrapped. Then, as in Fig. Figure 78 shows the retaining band T wrapped around the pull-out points of the main line W1 and the branch line W2, while the winding state of the protective layer 21 is maintained (assembly step). This completes the assembly of a branch protective element 1L of the twelfth embodiment. (Assembly of the third to seventh embodiments: not shown)

[0205] As regards the branching protection elements of the third to seventh embodiments, assembly can be carried out in any assembly procedure of the branching protection elements 1A and 1B of the first and second embodiments using the protection element layers 2C to 2G. (Assembly of the thirteenth embodiment)

[0206] First, as in Fig. Figure 79 shows the branching protection element main body 102 placed on the two tool pins 51 and the branching protection element main body 102 is held in the floating state by the tool base 50 (component placement step).

[0207] Then, as in Fig. Figure 80 shows the wire branching section WD being received in the wire receiving chamber 106 of the branching protection element main body 102. The main conductors W1 of wire W are pulled out of the wire withdrawal openings 107 at the two ends of the pair of side walls 104 and 105. The branching conductor W2 of wire W is pulled out of the wire withdrawal opening 108 in the middle part of one side wall 104.

[0208] Then, as in Fig. Figure 81 shows the cover 110 positioned over the wire receiving chamber 106 and the cover 110 being dropped to be inserted into the wire receiving chamber 106.

[0209] Then, as in Fig. Figure 82 shows the retaining band T wrapped around the parts of the wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 of the branch protection element 100A and the main line W1 and the branch line W2, which have been pulled out from the corresponding wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 (assembly step). This completes the assembly of the branch protection element 100C of the thirteenth embodiment. (Assembly of the fourteenth and fifteenth embodiments: not shown)

[0210] As regards the branch protection members 100B and 100C of the fourteenth and fifteenth embodiments, the branch protection member main body 102 and the cover 110 of the branch protection members 100B and 100C can be used to carry out an assembly in accordance with the assembly procedure of the branch protection member 100A of the thirteenth embodiment. (Assembly of the sixteenth embodiment)

[0211] The branch protection element 100D of the sixteenth embodiment can be mounted according to the assembly procedure for the branch protection element 100A of the thirteenth embodiment.

[0212] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 83, the cover 110 is not provided with a wire fixing projection in a guide direction for a branch line (not shown) from the wire withdrawal opening 108. Therefore, a band is wrapped around the branch line (not shown) pulled out by the branch protection element 100D only with the wire fixing projection 109 of the branch protection element main body 102. This completes the assembly of the branch protection element 100D of the sixteenth embodiment. (Assembly of the seventeenth embodiment)

[0213] The branch protection element 100E of the seventeenth embodiment can be mounted according to the assembly procedure for the branch protection element 100A of the thirteenth embodiment.

[0214] In particular, the branching protection element main body 102 is placed on the two tool pins 51 and the branching protection element main body 102 is held in the floating state by the tool base 50 (component placement step).

[0215] Then, as in Fig. Figure 84 shows the wire branching section WD being received in the wire receiving chamber 106 of the branching protection element main body 102. The main conductors W1 of wire W are each pulled out of the wire withdrawal openings 107 at the two ends of the pair of side walls 104 and 105. The branching conductor W2 of wire W is pulled out from the wire withdrawal opening 108 on the middle part of one side wall 104.

[0216] Then, as in Fig. Figure 85 shows the cover 110 positioned over the wire receiving chamber 106 and the cover 110 being dropped to be inserted into the wire receiving chamber 106.

[0217] Then, as in Fig. Figure 86 shows the retaining band T wrapped around the parts of the wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 of the branch protection element 100E and the main line W1 and the branch line W2, which have been pulled out of the corresponding wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 (assembly step). The branch line W2, pulled out of the branch protection element 100E, is wound together around the flexible rod 109a, to which the spherical projection 109b is attached. This completes the assembly of the branch protection element 100E of the seventeenth embodiment.

[0218] The assembly procedure (manufacturing method) for the branch protection elements 1A, 1B, 1H to 1L and 100A to 100E of the corresponding embodiments using the tool pin 51 has been described above.

[0219] In this assembly procedure (manufacturing method), the protective element layers 2A and 2B, the reinforcing protective element plate 29, and the branching protective element main body 102, which are the main components of the branching protective elements 1A to 1L (there are missing numbers), are held in a suspended position by the tool pins 51 on the tool base 50. The space beneath the protective element layers 2A and 2B, the reinforcing protective element plate 29, and the branching protective element main body 102 can also be used as an assembly workspace. Therefore, winding the retaining band T can be carried out easily in the embodiments described above, and assembly efficiency is advantageous. Furthermore, the remaining assembly work, in addition to winding the retaining band T, can also be carried out easily. (Modification of the protective layer)

[0220] Fig. Figure 87 shows a first modification of the protective layer 2B. In the first modification of the protective layer 2B, a recess part 5a is formed in each of the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5. When positioning is carried out with the tool pin 51 on each of the recess parts 5a, the protective layer 2B can be reliably held in the floating state by the tool pins 51 from the tool base 50.

[0221] Fig. Figure 88 shows a second modification of the protective layer 2B. In the second modification of the protective layer 2B, a groove 5b is formed in each of the pair of strip-shaped layer parts 5. When positioning is carried out with the tool pin 51 at each of the grooves 5b, the protective layer 2B can be reliably held in the floating state by the tool pins 51 from the tool base 50.

[0222] Fig.Figure 85 shows a first modification of the protective layer 2C. In the first modification of the protective layer 2C, a groove 6d is formed in each of the pair of tape-winding projection parts 6, and the recess part 5a is formed in each wire-like, strip-shaped layer part 5. When positioning is carried out with the tool pin 51 on each of the recess parts 5a, the protective layer 2C can be reliably held in the floating state by the tool pins 51 from the tool base 50.

[0223] Incidentally, the number of tool pins 51 used in the manufacturing process of the embodiments is two, although only one or three or more tool pins can also be used. Furthermore, the shape of the tool pin 51 is forked into two prongs, although it can also be forked into three or more prongs. The shape of the tool pin 51 changes accordingly with the shape of the main component. (Modification of the first to twelfth embodiments)

[0224] In the first to twelfth embodiments, the retaining band T is wrapped directly around the outer circumference of the wire W, but the retaining band T can also be wrapped over a corrugated tube if a corrugated tube is attached to the wire W.

[0225] In the first to twelfth embodiments, the single main line (wire bundle) W1 and the single branch line (wire bundle) W2 are each pulled out from the main line extraction opening 8 and the branch line extraction opening 9, respectively. However, multiple main lines (wire bundles) W1 and multiple branch lines (wire bundles) W2 can also be pulled out from the same. Furthermore, the single main line (wire bundle) W1 and the single branch line (wire bundle) W2 are guided along the same guide path.

[0226] In the first to twelfth embodiments, the component placement parts 2a of the protective element layers 2A to 2E are designed as flat plate parts, but they can also be bellows-shaped.

[0227] In the first to twelfth embodiments, a single recess part 4 is provided, although a plurality of recesses 4 may also be provided. The branching line (wire bundle) W2 can be pulled out from any of the recess parts 4, 24 and 27.

[0228] In the first to fifth embodiments and the eighth to twelfth embodiments, the tape winding projection part 7 for the branching line in the flexible rod 7a can be designed with the spherical projections 7b with the distances between them similar to those in the fifth and sixth embodiments. (Modification of the thirteenth to seventeenth embodiments)

[0229] In the thirteenth to seventeenth embodiments, the retaining band T is wound directly around the outer circumference of the wire W, but the retaining band T can also be wound over a corrugated tube if the corrugated tube is attached to the wire W.

[0230] In the thirteenth to fifteenth embodiments, the branching guard main body 102 and the cover 110 are provided with wire fixing projections 109 and 113, which project from the wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 in the guiding direction of the wire W. The branching guard main body 102 and the cover 110 (the sixteenth to seventeenth embodiments correspond to specific examples of this modification) may be provided with wire fixing projections 109 and 113, which project from the wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 in the guiding direction of the wire W. In this case, a device for fixing between the branching guard main body 102 and the cover 110 may need to be provided.

[0231] In the thirteenth to sixteenth embodiments, the branch protection elements 100A to 100C and the wires W (the main line W1 and the branch line W2) are fixed by wrapping the retaining band T around the wire fixing projections 109 and 113 together with the wires W (the main line W1 and the branch line W2), but the branch protection elements 100A to 100C and the wires W (the main line W1 and the branch line W2) can also be fixed by tying the wire fixing projections 109 and 113 together with the wires W (the main line W1 and the branch line W2) using a binding band.

[0232] In the thirteenth to fifteenth embodiments, the wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108 are provided on the side walls 104 and 105 respectively, but they can also be provided on the bottom wall 103 or via the side walls 104 and 105 and the bottom wall 103.

[0233] In the thirteenth to fifteenth embodiments, a single wire (wire bundle) W is pulled out of the wire withdrawal openings 107 and 108, although a plurality of wires (wire bundles) may also be pulled out. For example, a single branch wire (wire bundle) W2 is pulled out of the wire withdrawal opening 108, although a plurality of branch wires (wire bundles) W2 may also be pulled out. Furthermore, the single wire (wire bundle) W is guided along the same guide path.

Claims

[1] Method for manufacturing a branch protection element (1A, 1H), comprising: a component placement step for holding a main component in a floating state from a tool base (50) on a tool pin (51) rising on the tool base (50), and an assembly step for mounting a wire branching part (WD) of a wire (W) to the main component, wherein the main component is a flexible protective layer (2A, 2B), In the component placement step, the protective layer (2A, 2B) is held in an unrolled state by the tool pin (51), and In the assembly step, the wire branching part (WD) is placed on the protective layer (2A, 2B), the protective layer (2A, 2B) is wrapped around an outer circumference of the wire branching part (WD), and a retaining band (T) is gathered around a band winding projection part (6) of the protective layer (2A, 2B), from which a trunk line (W1) of the wire branching part (WD) is pulled out, and the trunk line (W1) is wound. [2] Method for manufacturing a branching protective element (1A, 1H) according to claim 1, wherein: in the assembly step the wire branching part (WD) is placed on the protective element layer (2A, 2B), the protective element layer (2A, 2B) is wound around an outer circumference of the wire branching part (WD), a reinforcing protective element (21, 22) is arranged on the outer circumference of the wire branching part (WD), and a retaining band (T) is gathered around the band winding projection (6) of the protective element layer (2A, 2B) and a band winding projection (26) of the reinforcing protective element (21, 22) from which a trunk line (W1) of the wire branching part (WD) is pulled out, and the trunk line (W1) is wound. [3] Method for manufacturing a branch protection element (1A, 1H), comprising: a component placement step for holding a main component in a floating state from a tool base (50) on a tool pin (51) rising on the tool base (50), and an assembly step for mounting a wire branching part (WD) of a wire (W) to the main component, wherein the main component is a reinforcing protective element plate (29) with a stiffness sufficient to maintain a circular arc shape, in the component placement step the reinforcing protective element plate (29) is held by the tool pin (51), and In the assembly step, the wire branching part (WD) is placed on the reinforcing protective element plate (29), a protective element layer (21) is wound around an outer circumference of the wire branching part (WD), and a retaining band (T) is gathered around band winding projection parts (26) of the reinforcing protective element plate (29) and the protective element layer (21), from which a trunk line (W1) of the wire branching part (WD) is pulled out, and the trunk line (W1) is wound. [4] Method for manufacturing a branch protection element (1A, 1H) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: in the assembly step a retaining band (T) is gathered around a band winding projection part (7) of the protection element layer (2A, 2B) from which a branch line (W2) of the wire branching part (WD) is pulled out, and the branch line (W2) is wound. [5] Method for manufacturing a branch protection element (1A, 1H), comprising: a component placement step for holding a main component in a floating state from a tool base (50) on a tool pin (51) rising on the tool base (50), and an assembly step for mounting a wire branching part (WD) of a wire (W) to the main component, wherein the main component is a branch protection element main component (201) with a wire receiving chamber (201a) whose upper surface is open, in the component placement step the branch protection element main body (201) is held by the tool pin (51), and In the assembly step, the wire branching part (WD) is received in the wire receiving chamber (201a) of the wire protection element main body (201), a cover (110) is arranged on the wire receiving chamber (201a) from above the wire branching part (WD), and a retaining band (T) is gathered around a wire fixing projection part (109) of the branch protection element main body (201) and / or the cover (110), from which a trunk line (W1) of the wire branching part (WD) is pulled out, and the trunk line (W1) is wound. [6] Method for manufacturing a branch protection element (1A, 1H) according to claim 5, wherein: in the assembly step the retaining band (T) is wound around a wire fixing projection part (109) of the branch protection element main body (201) and / or the cover (110), from which a branch line (W2) of the wire branching part (WD) is pulled out, and the branch line (W2) is wound. [7] Cable harness (W) with a branch protection element (1A, 1H) produced by the method for producing a branch protection element (1A, 1H) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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