Protector and harness with protector

Abstract

The objective is to provide a protector and a harness with a protector that have the desired ease of attachment and detachment during the manufacturing process, and that can securely fasten the base and cover together. [Solution] The protector 20 protecting the harness 10 has a base 30 having a bottom surface 31 on which the harness 10 is placed, and a pair of side wall portions 32 that are erected from the bottom surface 31 and face each other, and a cover 40 that is assembled to the base 30 and closes the opening of the base 30, and the protector 20 is provided with a locking fixing portion 21 that locks and fixes the base 30 and the cover 40. The locking fixing portion 21 is formed on the side wall portion 32 and consists of a locking piece 33 of a predetermined length along the side wall portion 32, and a protrusion 44 provided on the cover 40 that locks with the locking piece 33, and the locking piece 33 is deformed by bending in the width direction W and has a locking projection 333 that protrudes in the width direction W at its tip, and the protrusion 44 is locked and fixed to the locking piece 33 by locking with the locking projection 333.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a protector for protecting a wire harness inserted therein, and a harness with a protector.

Background Art

[0002] A wire harness that electrically connects electrical components to each other may be partially housed in a protector for the purpose of regulating the wiring path and preventing interference with surrounding members disposed outside. As the protector, there is a protector in which a cover for closing the opening is assembled to a base having a concave cross-section and an opening into which the wire harness can be inserted.

[0003] For example, in the protector disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pair of side wall portions constituting a base are provided with a locked fixing portion that is substantially gate-shaped in plan view, and includes a rod-shaped locking frame arranged in parallel with the side wall portions at a predetermined interval, and connecting portions that connect both ends of the locking frame and the side wall portions. Then, by inserting a hook-shaped locking piece protruding from the cover between the locking frame and the side wall portion, the locking piece is inserted between the locking frame and the side wall portion while the locking frame deforms so as to separate from the side wall portion. Thereby, the locking piece inserted between the locking frame and the side wall portion is locked with the locked fixing portion, and the base and the cover can be locked and fixed.

[0004] When locking or unlocking the locking piece and the locked fixing portion as described above, the resistance when inserting the locking piece into the insertion hole or pulling out the locking piece from the locked fixing portion increases, so that the operator requires labor for attaching and detaching the base and the cover. If the insertability of the locking piece is to be improved to reduce the labor of the operator, it is necessary to improve the deformability of the locking frame by reducing the rigidity of the locking frame or increasing the length of the locking frame. However, in such a case, since the locking frame is easily deformed, there is a concern that the locking stability between the locking piece and the locked fixing portion may be lowered.

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-085704 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, this invention aims to provide a protector and a harness with a protector that have the desired ease of attachment and detachment and that can securely lock the base and cover together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This invention relates to a protector for protecting a wire harness inserted inside, comprising: a base having a bottom surface on which the wire harness is placed; a pair of side walls rising from the bottom surface and facing each other; and a cover assembled to the base and closing the opening of the base facing the bottom surface, wherein the base and the cover are provided with a locking and fixing portion for locking and fixing the base and the cover, the locking and fixing portion being formed on the side wall and having a predetermined length along the side wall, and a locking and fixing portion provided on the cover that locks with the locking portion, the locking portion being flexible and deformable in the thickness direction of the side wall and having a locking projection at its tip that protrudes in the thickness direction, and the locking and fixing portion being locked and fixed to the locking portion by locking with the locking projection. Furthermore, this invention is characterized by being a harness with a protector, comprising the protector described above and a wire harness inserted through the protector.

[0008] The locking portion includes cases where it extends from the end of the side wall portion on the side of the opening, or where it is formed by cutting out a part of the side wall portion so that a part of the side wall portion can bend and deform in the thickness direction of the plate.

[0009] This invention provides the desired ease of attachment and detachment, while also allowing the base and cover to be securely locked together. More specifically, the side wall portion, which, along with the bottom portion, forms an insertion space through which the wire harness is inserted, has sufficient length in the assembly direction for assembling the base and the cover. In other words, the side wall portion on which the locking portion is formed has sufficient adjustment range to adjust the length of the locking portion in the assembly direction. Therefore, it is possible to form a locking portion that has been adjusted to a length that provides the desired deformability. In short, since the length of the locking portion formed on such a side wall portion can be adjusted in the assembly direction, the flexibility of the locking portion can be easily adjusted.

[0010] For example, if you want to easily attach and detach the base and cover, you can improve the flexibility of the locking portion by making it longer. This makes it easier to lock the locking portion and the locked-on part together when assembling the base and cover. Conversely, when disassembling the base and cover, the locking portion can be easily flexed and deformed, making it easy to release the lock between the locked-on part and the locking portion.

[0011] As described above, the protector having the above configuration can be formed by adjusting the length of the locking portion formed on the side wall to a length corresponding to the desired degree of deformation, thereby allowing the locking and fixing portion to be adjusted to have the desired ease of attachment and detachment. Furthermore, since the locking portion returns to its original state after being deformed and locks with the part to be locked and fixed, it can be stably locked with the part to be locked and fixed. As a result, the worker can assemble the cover onto the base with the locking portion adjusted to the desired length according to the surrounding environment of the wire harness to be protected. Therefore, the workability of assembling the protector onto the wire harness is improved, and the base and cover can be stably locked and fixed, thus reducing the burden on the worker when attaching and detaching the base and cover.

[0012] In an embodiment of this invention, a pair of slits are formed in the side wall portion, cut out from the end on the side of the opening toward the bottom portion, and the locking portion may be formed between the pair of slits. This invention allows for easy adjustment of the locking portion's length within the length range of the side wall simply by adjusting the length of the slit formed in the side wall. Therefore, the flexibility of the locking portion can be more easily adjusted during manufacturing.

[0013] Furthermore, since the locking portion does not protrude beyond the pair of side walls towards the cover, the assembly can be made more compact, and the opening can be closed with the cover. Therefore, the external space in the assembly direction can be effectively utilized, and the wire harness inserted inside can be protected.

[0014] In another aspect of this invention, the locking projection may protrude toward the opposite side of the insertion space through which the wire harness is inserted. This invention allows the locking portion to bend and deform inward in the thickness direction, where the pair of side walls face each other, thereby releasing the lock between the locking projection and the locked-fixed portion. In other words, it is easier to release the lock between the locking portion and the locked-fixed portion than by applying an external force to the locking portion outward in the thickness direction. Therefore, the workability of assembling and disassembling the cover and base can be improved.

[0015] Furthermore, by deforming the locking portion inward in the thickness direction, the locking projection is deformed to a state where it is not locked to the locked and fixed portion. As a result, the locking between the locking portion and the locked and fixed portion can be released without damaging the locking portion or the locked and fixed portion. Therefore, the cover and base can be reused.

[0016] In another aspect of this invention, the locking portion may be provided with a pressing portion that protrudes toward the opposite side, and the pressing portion may be positioned on the side of the bottom surface of the locked and fixed portion. This invention allows the pressing portion to be easily pushed inward in the thickness direction of the plate, thereby easily moving the locking portion to a position where the locking between the locking portion and the locked and fixed portion is released. Furthermore, in the locked state, the pressing portion is positioned on the bottom side of the locked and fixed portion. That is, the pressing portion is positioned spaced apart from the base end of the locking portion. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the pressing portion, the locking portion can be more easily bent and deformed.

[0017] In another aspect of this invention, a rib may be provided along the edge of the slit that is spaced apart from the other slits, and the tip of the pressing portion and the tip of the rib may be flush with each other. This invention prevents the pressing portion, which is flush with the tip of the rib, from being unintentionally pressed, thereby suppressing unintended bending deformation of the locking portion and preventing the locking state between the locking portion and the locked and fixed portion from being released.

[0018] In another aspect of this invention, the locking portion may be provided with a deformation maintenance portion that maintains the locking portion, which has been deformed by bending from the locking position, in an unlocked state in which the locking portion is released from the locking position, with the locking portion being locked at the position where it is locked to the fixed portion. The deformation maintenance portion may be provided on at least one of the cover and the base.

[0019] This invention allows the deformation-maintaining part to maintain the locking part in an unlocked state when the locking and fixing part are released, thus making it easy to detach the cover from the base. Therefore, the work efficiency of detaching the cover from the base can be improved.

[0020] In another aspect of this invention, the deformation maintenance portion may be provided on the cover. This invention allows the locking mechanism to be maintained in an unlocked state even when the cover and base are assembled, making it easy to detach the cover and base.

[0021] Further, as an aspect of the present invention, the deformation maintaining portions are provided in pairs in a direction intersecting the assembly direction for assembling the base and the cover and the plate thickness direction, and the locking portion may intrude between the paired deformation maintaining portions to maintain the unlocked state.

[0022] According to the present invention, the locking portion can be maintained in the unlocked state with a simple configuration that only requires pushing the locking portion inward in the plate thickness direction. Therefore, the assembly of the cover and the base can be easily released with a simple configuration.

[0023] Further, as an aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the locking and fixing portions may be provided on the pair of side wall portions. According to the present invention, the base and the cover can be reliably locked and fixed. In addition, since the deformation maintaining portions can maintain each locking portion in the unlocked state, the assembly of the base and the cover can be released after the locking of all the locking and fixing portions is released. Therefore, the work burden on the operator when releasing the assembly of the base and the cover can be reduced.

[0024] Further, as an aspect of the present invention, a rib may be provided along an edge portion of the slit on the side separated from the other slit, among the edge portions of the slit. According to the present invention, the rib provided on the edge portion on the side separated from the other slit, among the edge portions of the pair of slits with the locking portion interposed therebetween, can improve the rigidity of the side wall portion. For this reason, the rigidity of the side wall portion, which has been reduced in rigidity due to the slits provided to improve the ease of attachment and detachment between the base and the cover, can be improved. Therefore, while having desired ease of attachment and detachment, the base and the cover can be stably locked, and furthermore, damage to the side wall portion due to unintended interference with other members can be suppressed. Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a protector and a harness with a protector that have desired ease of attachment and detachment and can stably lock the base and the cover. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of a harness with a protector. [Figure 2] A schematic exploded perspective view of the protector. [Figure 3] A diagram explaining the base. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the cover. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the cover. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating how to assemble the base and cover. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating how to detach the base from the cover. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating how to detach the base from the cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] One embodiment of this invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the protector harness 1, and Figure 2 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the protector 20. Figure 3 shows an explanatory diagram of the base 30, and Figures 4 and 5 show explanatory diagrams of the cover 40. Figure 6 shows an explanatory diagram of the assembly method for attaching the cover 40 to the base 30, and Figures 7 and 8 show explanatory diagrams of the method for disassembling the base 30 and the cover 40.

[0028] Figures 3 to 8 will be described in detail. Figure 3(a) shows a schematic plan view of the base 30, Figure 3(b) shows a schematic side view of the base 30 viewed from the left side WL, and Figure 3(c) shows a cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in Figure 3(a). Figure 4(a) shows a schematic side view of the cover 40, Figure 4(b) shows a schematic bottom view of the cover 40, and Figure 4(c) shows a schematic enlarged bottom view of the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 4(b). Figure 5(a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along arrow BB in Figure 4(b), and Figure 5(b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along arrow CC in Figure 4(b).

[0029] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly process of attaching the cover 40 to the base 30. Figure 6(a) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the cover 40 in the process of being attached to the base 30, and Figure 6(b) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the protector 20 (protector-equipped harness 1) with the cover 40 attached to the base 30.

[0030] Figures 7 and 8 show schematic cross-sectional views of the process of separating the assembled cover 40 from the base 30. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show schematic cross-sectional views of the state in which the locking piece 33 and projection 44 of the left WL are released. Figure 8(a) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the state in which the locking piece 33 and projection 44 of the right WR are released in the state in which the locking piece 33 and projection 44 of the left WL are released, and Figure 8(b) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the state in which the cover 40 is separated from the base 30.

[0031] Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 7(a) show schematic cross-sectional views corresponding to the section viewed along arrow BB in Figure 4(b), while Figures 7(b), 8(a), and 8(b) show cross-sectional views corresponding to the section viewed along arrow CC in Figure 4(b).

[0032] Here, in Figure 1, the vertical direction is defined as the height direction H, and the direction perpendicular to the height direction H and in which the harness 10 extends is defined as the longitudinal direction L. The direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H is defined as the width direction W. In Figure 1, the lower part along the height direction H is defined as the lower HD, the upper part as the upper HU, the left side along the width direction W is defined as the left WL, and the right side along the width direction W is defined as the right WR. The above directions correspond to the directions in Figures 2 to 8.

[0033] The harness with protector 1 consists of a harness 10 routed through the vehicle and a protector 20 that houses a portion of the harness 10 inside. The harness 10 is a so-called wire harness, composed of bundles of multiple insulated wires, each with a conductor surrounded by an insulating coating, and is electrically connected to the electrical equipment mounted on the vehicle. In this embodiment, the harness 10 is composed of bundles of multiple insulated wires, but it may also be composed of a single insulated wire. Furthermore, the harness 10 may be composed of bundles of one or more communication cables, or it may be composed of bundles of communication cables together with the insulated wires.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the protector 20 is a hollow cylindrical body having an insertion space S through which the harness 10 is inserted. It restricts the routing path of the harness 10 and prevents interference between the harness 10 and surrounding members located on the outside.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, such a protector 20 consists of a base 30 with a concave cross-section having an opening on the upper side HU, and a cover 40 that closes the opening of the base 30, and is provided with a locking and fixing part 21 that locks and fixes the base 30 and the cover 40.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c), the base 30 is a box-shaped body with a concave cross-section extending along the longitudinal direction L, and has an opening on the upper side HU for inserting the harness 10, and the harness 10 can be inserted from both ends in the longitudinal direction L. As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the base 30 configured in this way has a bottom surface 31 on which the harness 10 is placed, and a pair of side wall sections 32 that are erected upward HU from both ends in the width direction W of the bottom surface 31.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3(b), two locking pieces 33 are formed at both ends of the pair of side wall portions 32 in the longitudinal direction L to lock and fix the base 30 and the cover 40. In other words, four locking pieces 33 are formed on the base 30. More specifically, at both ends of the side wall portion 32 in the longitudinal direction L, slits 34 are formed by cutting out a predetermined length in the height direction H from the upper side HU, and these slits are formed in pairs at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction L. A locking piece 33 is formed between the pair of slits 34, and is continuous with the side wall portion 32 and extends along the height direction H.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3(b) and 3(c), the locking piece 33 sandwiched between the pair of slits 34 comprises a locking base 331 continuous with the side wall 32, a tip 332 provided at the tip of the locking base 331, and a locking projection 333 protruding in the width direction W from the tip 332.

[0039] The locking base 331 is a flat plate with a roughly rectangular shape in side view, with the end of the lower HD continuous with the side wall 32, and a tip portion 332 extending upward HU is provided continuous with the tip (see Figure 3(b)). More specifically, the locking base 331 and the tip portion 332 are sandwiched between a pair of slits 34 formed by cutting out a predetermined length in the height direction H from the side wall 32. The locking base 331 has a roughly rectangular shape in side view, with the end of the lower HD continuous with the side wall 32 and extending in the height direction H. At the tip of the locking base 331 configured in this way, the tip portion 332 extends upward HU from the central part in the longitudinal direction L.

[0040] The tip portion 332 is approximately half the width (length L in the longitudinal direction) of the locking base portion 331 and has a roughly square shape in side view, with a locking projection 333 at its tip that protrudes outward in the width direction W. The tip of the tip portion 332 is flush with the upper end face HU of the side wall portion 32.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3(c), the locking projection 333 has a roughly right-angled triangular cross-section with a tapered tip, and a surface on its lower side HD parallel to the base surface 31. More specifically, the locking projection 333 has a roughly right-angled triangular cross-section that slopes outward in the width direction W as it moves from the tip to the base. The bottom surface portion that forms the end of the lower side HD of the locking projection 333 protrudes from the side wall 32 in the width direction W by a length equal to the thickness of the side wall 32.

[0042] The width of the locking projection 333, configured in this way, is slightly shorter than the width of the tip portion 332. Furthermore, the locking projection 333 protrudes outward in the width direction W from the center in the longitudinal direction L of the tip portion 332. For this reason, there is a step between the locking projection 333 and the tip portion 332 at both ends in the longitudinal direction L.

[0043] At both ends of the locking base 331 in the longitudinal direction L, a pair of convex portions 334 are provided, projecting outward in the width direction W. The convex portions 334 are roughly rectangular in side view and protrude in the longitudinal direction L by a length equal to the plate thickness of the side wall portion 32 (see Figure 3(c)). As shown in Figure 3(b), the convex portions 334 configured in this way are provided at both ends of the locking base 331 in the longitudinal direction L, slightly above the central portion in the height direction H of the locking base 331. More specifically, the convex portions 334 are provided in pairs, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L by a distance equal to the width of the tip portion 332 (length of the longitudinal direction L).

[0044] Since the locking piece 33 is sandwiched in the slit 34, it is configured to bend and deform in the thickness direction (width direction W) with respect to the lower end of the locking base 331, i.e., the connection point with the side wall 32.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3(b), an outer wall rib 35 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall portion 32 in which the locking piece 33 and slit 34 are formed. The outer wall rib 35 is a rib that protrudes outward in the width direction W for the same length as the plate thickness of the side wall portion 32, and is integrally composed of a vertical rib 351 along the outer edge of the slit 34 and a horizontal rib 352 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3(b), the vertical rib 351 is provided along the height direction H, extending from the lower HD end of the side wall portion 32 to a position corresponding to the bottom surface portion of the locking projection 333. A transverse rib 352 extending along the longitudinal direction L is connected to the upper HU end of the vertical rib 351.

[0047] When assembled with the base 30, the cover 40 comprises, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, an upper surface 41 facing the bottom surface 31, an outer wall 42 rising from the outer edge of the upper surface 41, and an inner wall 43 provided on the inside of the outer wall 42 in the width direction W.

[0048] The top surface 41 is a rectangular flat plate in plan view, having approximately the same shape as the bottom surface 31, with an outer wall 42 erected from its outer end in the width direction W. The outer wall 42 is erected downward HD from the outer edge of the top surface 41, curving outward in the width direction W for a length equal to the thickness of the side wall 32. The height H of the outer wall 42 is approximately the same as the distance between the upper end of the side wall 32 and the transverse rib 352.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 5(a), the outer wall 42, which rises from the upper surface 41, is provided with a projection 44 that protrudes downward toward the HD at a location corresponding to the locking piece 33 when the base 30 and cover 40 are assembled.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 5(a), the protruding portion 44 has a width approximately the same as the distance between the pair of slits 34. Furthermore, the amount of protrusion of the protruding portion 44 that extends downward from the outer wall 42 toward the HD is configured to be shorter than the distance between the bottom surface portion of the locking projection 333 and the convex portion 334.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4(b), 5(a), and 5(b), the inner wall 43 is a wall that extends downward from the upper surface 41 toward the lower HD, and is positioned inward by the thickness of the outer wall 42 and the side wall 32. In other words, when the base 30 and the cover 40 are assembled, the outer wall 42 and the inner wall 43 are configured to clamp the tip portion of the side wall 32.

[0052] In the cover 40 configured in this way, when the base 30 and the cover 40 are assembled, a through hole 45 is provided that penetrates the portion corresponding to the locking piece 33. More specifically, as shown in Figures 4(b) and 4(c), the through-hole 45 penetrates the upper surface portion 41 and the inner wall 43 in the height direction H, from the base end portion of the inner wall 43 to the outer edge of the upper surface portion 41, and also penetrates the upper side HU of the protruding portion 44 in the outer wall 42 in the width direction W. Thus, the through-hole 45 that penetrates the cover 40 has the same length in the longitudinal direction L as the width of the tip portion 332.

[0053] The inner wall 43, which is divided in the height direction H by the through hole 45, is provided with locking ribs 46 that protrude slightly inward in the width direction W from the end, as shown in Figures 4(b), 4(c), 5(a), and 5(b).

[0054] As shown in Figures 4(c), 5(a), and 5(b), the locking rib 46 protrudes inward in the width direction W from the end of the inner wall 43 formed by the through hole 45, and protrudes by a length approximately equal to the length in the longitudinal direction L of the step portion between the tip portion 332 and the locking projection 333. That is, the distance between locking ribs 46 protruding from opposing inner walls 43 is slightly shorter than the width of the locking projection 333. The tip portion of the locking rib 46 is rounded.

[0055] Next, the assembly method for joining the base 30 and the cover 40, and the disassembly method for releasing them, will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Note that in Figures 6 to 8, the harness 10 is omitted in order to clearly show the inside of the protector 20.

[0056] First, with the harness 10 placed on the bottom surface 31, the worker positions the cover 40 on the upper side HU of the opening of the base 30. Then, as the worker moves the cover 40 downward HD, each protrusion 44 comes into contact with the inclined surface of the corresponding locking projection 333. With the protrusions 44 in contact with the inclined surface of the locking projection 333 in this state, the worker moves the cover 40 further downward HD, causing the protrusions 44 to press against the locking projection 333. As an external force acts on the locking piece 33 inward in the longitudinal direction L, the locking piece 33 bends and deforms inward in the longitudinal direction L (see Figure 7(a)).

[0057] Then, when the protrusion 44 passes the tip of the locking projection 333, the external force acting on the locking projection 333 is removed, and the locking piece 33 returns to its original shape (see Figure 7(b)). As a result, the tip 332 and the locking projection 333 are positioned in the through hole 45, and the bottom surface of the locking projection 333 is locked to the protrusion 44. In other words, the locking piece 33 and the protrusion 44 constitute the locking fixing part 21 that locks and fixes the base 30 and the cover 40. In this way, the worker can assemble the base 30 and the cover 40 by moving the cover 40 relative to the base 30 and locking and fixing the base 30 and the cover 40 at the locking fixing part 21.

[0058] On the other hand, when disassembling the assembled base 30 and cover 40, the worker presses the convex portion 334, which is provided on the upper HU of the tip portion 332 at a predetermined distance from the base end, inward in the width direction W. This causes the tip portion 332 to bend and deform inward in the width direction W, releasing the locking projection 333 and the protruding portion 44.

[0059] Furthermore, the locking rib 46 protrudes slightly inward from the end of the inner wall 43 in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. That is, the locking rib 46 is positioned inward in the width direction W from the inner wall 43, and when the locking projection 333 and the projection 44 are released, the locking piece 33 does not come into contact with the inner wall 43. Therefore, when the locking projection 333 and the projection 44 are released, the worker can further press the projection 334 inward in the longitudinal direction L, causing the tip portion of the tip 332 to be pushed inward so as to wedge between the locking ribs 46. By positioning the pushed tip portion of the tip 332 beyond the locking rib 46 and further inward in the longitudinal direction L from the locking rib 46, both ends of the tip 332 in the longitudinal direction L can be locked to the locking rib 46 (see Figures 7(a) and 7(b)).

[0060] In this way, by locking the tip portion 332 to the locking rib 46, the locking piece 33 and the protruding portion 44 can be kept unlocked even when the worker stops pressing the convex portion 334. In other words, the locking piece 33 can be temporarily fixed in a state where the locking piece 33 and the protruding portion 44 are unlocked.

[0061] Next, the worker similarly presses the convex portion 334 on other locking pieces 33 that are different from the temporarily fixed locking piece 33, releasing the locking between the locking piece 33 and the protruding portion 44, and temporarily fixing the locking piece 33 to the locking rib 46 (see Figure 8(a)). With all locking pieces 33 and protruding portions 44 released, the worker can release the assembly state of the base 30 and the cover 40 by moving the cover 40 to the upper HU of the base 30.

[0062] In this way, the protector 20 can be temporarily fixed to the locking rib 46 by the locking piece 33, allowing the worker to easily separate the base 30 and the cover 40. Therefore, the protector 20 improves the worker's work efficiency and allows the base 30 and cover 40 to be reused.

[0063] Here, the length of the pair of slits 34 provided in the side wall portion 32 can be adjusted within the range of the height H of the side wall portion 32. That is, by changing the length of the slits 34, the height H of the locking base portion 331 can be adjusted, and the flexibility of the locking piece 33 in the width W can be adjusted. This makes it possible to easily manufacture a protector 20 that is adjusted to the ease of attachment and detachment of the base 30 and cover 40 required by the environment.

[0064] Thus, the protector 20, which protects the harness 10 inserted inside, has a base 30 having a bottom surface 31 on which the harness 10 is placed, and a pair of side wall sections 32 that are erected from the bottom surface 31 and face each other, and a cover 40 that is assembled to the base 30 and closes the opening of the base 30 that faces the bottom surface 31. The protector 20 is also provided with a locking and fixing part 21 that locks and fixes the base 30 and the cover 40. The locking and fixing part 21 is formed on the side wall section 32 and consists of a locking piece 33 of a predetermined length that runs along the side wall section 32, and a protrusion 44 provided on the cover 40 that locks with the locking piece 33. The locking piece 33 is deformed by bending in the width direction W, which is the opposing direction of the side wall portion 32, and is provided with a locking projection 333 at its tip that protrudes in the width direction W, and the projection 44 is locked and fixed to the locking piece 33 by locking with the locking projection 333. Furthermore, the protector-equipped harness 1 consists of a protector 20 and a harness 10 inserted through the protector 20.

[0065] The protector 20 configured in this way has the desired ease of attachment and detachment, and can securely lock the base 30 and the cover 40 together. More specifically, the side wall portion 32, which together with the bottom portion 31 forms an insertion space S through which the harness 10 is inserted, has sufficient length in the height direction H for assembling the base 30 and the cover 40. In other words, the side wall portion 32 on which the locking piece 33 is formed has sufficient adjustment range for adjusting the length of the locking piece 33 in the height direction H. Therefore, it is possible to form a locking piece 33 that has been adjusted to a length that provides the desired deformability. In other words, since the length of the locking piece 33 formed on such a side wall portion 32 can be adjusted in the height direction H, the bending deformability of the locking piece 33 can be easily adjusted.

[0066] For example, if it is desirable to easily attach and detach the base 30 and the cover 40, the length of the locking piece 33 can be increased to improve its flexibility and deformability. This allows the locking piece 33 and the protrusion 44 to be easily locked and secured during the assembly of the base 30 and the cover 40. Conversely, during the disassembly of the base 30 and the cover 40, the locking piece 33 can be easily deformed and bent, thus easily releasing the locking between the protrusion 44 and the locking piece 33.

[0067] Thus, the protector 20 can be formed by adjusting the length of the locking piece 33 formed on the side wall portion 32 to a length corresponding to the desired degree of bending deformation, and the locking fixing portion 21 can be adjusted to have the desired ease of attachment and detachment. In addition, since the locking piece 33 returns to its original state after bending deformation and locks with the protruding portion 44, it can be stably locked with the protruding portion 44.

[0068] This allows the worker to assemble the cover 40 onto the base 30, adjusting the length of the locking piece 33 according to the surrounding environment of the harness 10 to be protected. Therefore, the workability of assembling the protector 20 onto the harness 10 is improved, and the base 30 and cover 40 can be stably locked and secured, thereby reducing the burden on the worker when attaching and detaching the base 30 and cover 40.

[0069] Furthermore, a pair of slits 34 are formed in the side wall portion 32, cut out from the end on the opening side toward the bottom surface portion 31, and a locking piece 33 is formed between the pair of slits 34. This allows the length of the locking piece 33 to be easily adjusted within the length range of the side wall portion 32 simply by adjusting the length of the slits 34 formed in the side wall portion 32. Therefore, the flexibility of the locking piece 33 can be adjusted more easily.

[0070] Furthermore, since the locking pieces 33 do not protrude beyond the pair of side wall portions 32 towards the cover 40, the height H can be made more compact, and the cover 40 can close the opening of the base 30. Therefore, the external space in the height H can be effectively utilized, and the harness 10 inserted inside can be protected.

[0071] Furthermore, the locking projection 333 protrudes toward the opposite side of the insertion space S through which the harness 10 is inserted. This allows the locking piece 33 to bend and deform toward the inside in the width direction W by applying an external force toward the inside in the width direction W, thereby releasing the lock between the locking projection 333 and the projection 44. In other words, it is easier to release the lock between the locking piece 33 and the projection 44 than by applying an external force toward the outside in the width direction W to the locking piece 33. Therefore, the workability of assembling the cover 40 and the base 30, and assembling and disassembling the cover 40 and the base 30, can be improved.

[0072] Furthermore, by bending the locking piece 33 inward in the width direction W, the locking projection 333 is deformed to a state where it is not locked to the protruding portion 44. As a result, the locking between the locking piece 33 and the protruding portion 44 can be released without damaging the locking piece 33 or the locking fixing portion 21. Therefore, the cover 40 and the base 30 can be reused.

[0073] Furthermore, the locking piece 33 is provided with a convex portion 334 that protrudes toward the opposite side, and the convex portion 334 is positioned on the side (downward HD) of the bottom surface portion 31 of the protruding portion 44. This allows the convex portion 334 to be easily pushed inward in the width direction W, so that the locking piece 33 can be easily moved to a position where the locking between the locking piece 33 and the protruding portion 44 is released.

[0074] Furthermore, the convex portion 334 is positioned on the bottom side of the protruding portion 44 when locked. That is, the convex portion 334 is positioned spaced apart from the base end of the locking piece 33. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the convex portion 334, the locking piece 33 can be more easily bent and deformed.

[0075] Furthermore, a vertical rib 351 is provided along the edge of the slit 34 that is spaced apart from other slits 34, and the tip of the convex portion 334 and the tip of the vertical rib 351 are flush, thereby preventing the convex portion 334 that is flush with the tip of the vertical rib 351 from being unintentionally pressed. As a result, unintended bending deformation of the locking piece 33 can be suppressed, and the locking state between the locking piece 33 and the protrusion 44 can be prevented from being released.

[0076] Furthermore, a locking rib 46 is provided that maintains the locking piece 33 in an unlocked state, where it is released from the locking position, after it has been deformed by bending from the locking position, with the locking piece 33 being locked in the position where it is locked in the projection 44.

[0077] As a result, the locking rib 46 can maintain the locking piece 33 in an unlocked state where it is released from locking with the protrusion 44, making it easy to detach the cover 40 from the base 30. Therefore, the workability of detaching the cover 40 from the base 30 can be improved.

[0078] Furthermore, because the locking rib 46 is provided on the cover 40, the locking piece 33 can be maintained in an unlocked state when the cover 40 and the base 30 are assembled. Therefore, the assembly of the cover 40 and the base 30 can be easily detached.

[0079] Furthermore, the locking ribs 46 are provided in pairs in the longitudinal direction L, which intersects the width direction W and the height direction H, and the locking piece 33 is inserted between the pair of locking ribs 46 to maintain an unlocked state.

[0080] This allows the locking piece 33 to be kept in an unlocked state with a simple configuration that only requires pushing the locking piece 33 inward in the width direction W. Therefore, the assembly of the cover 40 and the base 30 can be easily released with a simple configuration.

[0081] Furthermore, since multiple locking and fixing parts 21 are provided on the pair of side wall parts 32, the base 30 and the cover 40 can be securely locked and fixed together. In addition, since the locking ribs 46 can maintain each locking piece 33 in an unlocked state, the base 30 and the cover 40 can be disassembled after releasing the locking of all the locking and fixing parts 21. Therefore, the workload on the worker when disassembling the base 30 and the cover 40 can be reduced.

[0082] Furthermore, a longitudinal rib 351 is provided along the edge of the slit 34 that is spaced apart from the other slit 34. This allows the longitudinal rib 351 provided on the edge of the pair of slits 34 that are spaced apart from the other slit 34, with the locking piece 33 in between, to improve the rigidity of the side wall portion 32. As a result, the rigidity of the side wall portion 32, which has been reduced by the slit 34 provided to improve the ease of attachment and detachment between the base 30 and the cover 40, can be improved. Consequently, during the manufacturing process, the desired ease of attachment and detachment can be achieved, the base 30 and the cover 40 can be stably locked, the ease of attachment and detachment between the base 30 and the cover 40 can be easily adjusted, and damage to the side wall portion 32 due to unintended interference with other members can be suppressed.

[0083] In the correspondence between the structure of this invention and the embodiments described above, The wire harness of this invention corresponds to the harness 10 of the embodiment, and similarly, The protector is compatible with protector 20. The bottom portion corresponds to the bottom portion 31. The side wall portion corresponds to the side wall portion 32, The base is compatible with base 30. The cover is compatible with cover 40. The locking and fixing part corresponds to the locking and fixing part 21, The locking part corresponds to the locking piece 33, The locking and fixing portion corresponds to the protruding portion 44, The thickness direction corresponds to the width direction W. The locking projection corresponds to the locking protrusion 333. The slit corresponds to slit 34, The insertion space corresponds to the insertion space S, The deformation maintenance part corresponds to the locking rib 46, The ribs correspond to the longitudinal rib 351. The pressing portion corresponds to the convex portion 334, The assembly direction corresponds to the height direction H. The harness with protector is compatible with the harness with protector 1, This invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and many other embodiments can be obtained.

[0084] For example, in this embodiment, the locking piece 33 is formed between slits 34 that are cut out of a portion of the side wall portion 32 so that a portion of the side wall portion 32 can bend and deform in the width direction W, but it is not limited to this. For example, without providing slits 34, the upper side HU of the locking base portion 331 may be cut out in the thickness direction, and a tip portion 332 may be provided so as to extend from the cut-out upper end surface to the upper side HU.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking rib 46 is provided at the end of the inner wall 43 formed by the through hole 45, but it is not necessarily required to provide it on the inner wall 43. For example, the base 30 may be provided with a configuration that maintains the unlocked state of the locking piece 33.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking and fixing portion 21 is provided in pairs in the width direction W at both ends in the longitudinal direction L, but is not limited to this. For example, the locking and fixing portion 21 may be provided on the right side WR, and a hinge structure may be provided on the left side WL between the base 30 and the cover 40. This makes it possible to manufacture a protector 20 that can be opened and closed and connected to the base 30 and the cover 40, and whose detachability can be easily adjusted.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the convex portion 334 and the vertical rib 351 protrude from the locking base portion 331 and the side wall portion 32 such that their tip portions are flush with the surface, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the convex portion 334 may be positioned inward in the width direction W from the tip of the vertical rib 351. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1…Harness with protector 10…Harness 20… Protector 21...Latching fixing part 30...bass 31…Bottom part 32... Side wall section 33… Locking piece 34... Slit 40...cover 44...Protruding part 46… Locking rib 333... Locking protrusion 334...Convex part 351...Vertical ribs H...height direction S... Insertion space W...Width direction

Claims

1. A protector that protects the wire harness inserted inside, A base having a bottom surface on which the wire harness is placed, and a pair of side walls that are erected from the bottom surface and face each other, It has a cover that is assembled to the base and closes the opening of the base facing the bottom surface, A locking and fixing part is provided for locking and fixing the base and the cover, The aforementioned locking and fixing portion is A locking portion formed on the side wall and having a predetermined length along the side wall, The cover is provided with the locking portion and the locking fixed portion that engages with it, The locking portion is flexible and deformable in the thickness direction of the side wall portion, and is provided with a locking projection at its tip that protrudes in the thickness direction. The locking and fixing portion is locked and fixed to the locking portion by locking with the locking projection. Protector.

2. The side wall portion has a pair of slits cut out from the end on the side of the opening toward the bottom portion. The locking portion is formed between the pair of slits. The protector according to claim 1.

3. The locking projection protrudes toward the opposite side of the insertion space through which the wire harness is inserted. The protector according to claim 2.

4. The locking portion is provided with a pressing portion that protrudes toward the opposite side, The pressing portion is positioned on the side of the bottom surface portion of the locked and fixed portion. The protector according to claim 3.

5. A rib is provided along the edge of the slit that is spaced apart from the other slits. The tip of the pressing portion and the tip of the rib are flush with each other. The protector according to claim 4.

6. The locking position is defined as the position in which the locking portion is locked to the locked and fixed portion. A deformation maintenance unit is provided to maintain the locking portion, which has been deformed by bending from the aforementioned locking position, in an unlocked state in which the locking with the locked and fixed portion is released. The protector according to claim 3.

7. The deformation maintenance part is provided on the cover The protector according to claim 6.

8. The deformation maintenance portion is provided in pairs in a direction intersecting the assembly direction for assembling the base and the cover and the plate thickness direction, The locking portion is inserted between the pair of deformation-maintaining portions, thereby maintaining the unlocked state. The protector according to claim 6 or claim 7.

9. Multiple locking and fixing portions are provided on a pair of side walls. The protector according to claim 6.

10. A rib is provided along the edge of the slit that is spaced apart from the other slits. The protector according to claim 2.

11. The protector according to claim 1, It consists of a wire harness inserted through the protector. Harness with protector.

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