Protective tape member and wire harness

Abstract

To provide a protective tape member capable of easily forming an exterior member exhibiting the same thickness and strength as those of a corrugated tube.SOLUTION: A first tape member 31 is a protection tape member for protecting an electric wire 22 from foreign matter in contact with a wire harness 20 comprising at least the one electric wire 22. The first tape member 31 includes: a first base material 32 that is in a belt-like shape and that has a first surface 34 and a second surface 35 opposite to the first surface 34; and a first adhesive layer 33 laminated on the second surface 35. A longitudinal direction Ld of the first base material 32 is a direction orthogonal to a width direction Wd of the first base material 32. The first base material 32 comprises, on the first surface 34, a plurality of protrusions 36 extending continuously along the width direction Wd. The plurality of protrusions 36 are arranged in the longitudinal direction Ld of the first base material 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a protective tape member and a wire harness.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, some wire harnesses mounted on vehicles are provided with corrugated tubes as exterior members. In addition, in the wire harness described in Patent Document 1, instead of a corrugated tube, a wear-resistant tape made of a fiber-reinforced resin is half-wrapped around the outer periphery of an electric wire and used as an exterior member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When using a corrugated tube, a step of fixing the corrugated tube to the electric wire is performed, such as fixing the corrugated tube to the electric wire with a tape member. On the other hand, in the wire harness described in Patent Document 1, when making the exterior member by the tape member have the same strength as the corrugated tube, it is necessary to make the thickness of the exterior member the same as that of the corrugated tube. Therefore, the tape member is overlapped and wound around the outer periphery of the electric wire a plurality of times, or the thickness of the base material of the tape member is increased.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a protective tape member capable of easily forming an exterior member having the same thickness and strength as a corrugated tube, and a wire harness including the exterior member formed by the protective tape. Component

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The protective tape member of the present disclosure is a protective tape member that protects at least one electric wire from foreign matter that comes into contact with a wire harness including the at least one electric wire. The protective tape member has a base material that is strip-shaped and has a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and an adhesive layer laminated on the second surface. The length direction of the base material is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the base material. The base material has a plurality of convex portions that continuously extend along the width direction of the base material on the first surface. The plurality of convex portions are protective tape members arranged in the length direction of the base material.

[0007] The protective tape member of the present disclosure is a protective tape member that protects at least one electric wire from foreign matter that comes into contact with a wire harness including the at least one electric wire. The protective tape member has a base material that is strip-shaped and has a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and an adhesive layer laminated on the second surface. The length direction of the base material is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the base material. The base material has a plurality of convex portions that continuously extend along the length direction of the base material on the first surface. The plurality of convex portions are protective tape members arranged in the width direction of the base material.

[0008] The protective tape member of the present disclosure is a protective tape member that protects at least one electric wire from foreign matter that comes into contact with a wire harness including the at least one electric wire. The protective tape member has a base material that is strip-shaped and has a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and an adhesive layer laminated on the second surface. The length direction of the base material is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the base material. The base material has a plurality of convex portions that continuously extend along a reference direction that intersects the width direction of the base material and intersects the length direction of the base material when viewed from the thickness direction of the base material on the first surface. The plurality of convex portions are protective tape members arranged in the length direction of the base material.

[0009] The wire harness of the present disclosure is a wire harness including a wire bundle having a plurality of electric wires, wherein the wire bundle has a flat portion in at least a part of the extending direction of the wire bundle where the plurality of electric wires are arranged flatly, and includes an exterior member for protecting the flat portion, the exterior member has a first tape member and a second tape member that sandwich the flat portion from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion, the first tape member is the above-described protective tape member adhered to the flat portion by the adhesive layer, and the second tape member is the above-described protective tape member adhered to the flat portion by the adhesive layer.

[0010] The wire harness of the present disclosure is a wire harness including a wire bundle having a plurality of electric wires, wherein the wire bundle has a flat portion in at least a part of the extending direction of the wire bundle where the plurality of electric wires are arranged flatly, and includes an exterior member for protecting the flat portion, the exterior member has a first tape member and a second tape member that sandwich the flat portion from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion, and each of the first tape member and the second tape member is the above-described protective tape member adhered to the flat portion by the adhesive layer.

[0011] The wire harness of the present disclosure is a wire harness including a wire bundle having a plurality of electric wires, wherein the wire bundle has a flat portion in at least a part of the extending direction of the wire bundle where the plurality of electric wires are arranged flatly, and includes an exterior member for protecting the flat portion, the exterior member has a first tape member and a second tape member that are laminated by sandwiching the flat portion from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion, the first tape member is the above-described protective tape member adhered to the flat portion by the adhesive layer, and when the base material of the first tape member is a first base material and the adhesive layer of the first tape member is a first adhesive layer, the second tape member has a second base material in a strip shape and thinner than the first base material, and a second adhesive layer laminated on one side of the second base material.

[0012] The wire harness of the present disclosure includes at least one electric wire and an exterior member formed by the above-described protective tape member, and the protective tape member is a wire harness wound around the outer circumference of the electric wire in a spiral manner such that a part in the width direction of the protective tape member overlaps.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the protective tape member and the wire harness of the present disclosure, an exterior member having the same thickness and strength as a corrugated tube can be easily obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The protective tape member of the present disclosure is [1] A protective tape member for protecting an electric wire from foreign matter contacting a wire harness including at least one electric wire, the protective tape member having a base material having a strip shape and having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and an adhesive layer laminated on the second surface, wherein a length direction of the base material is a direction orthogonal to a width direction of the base material, the base material has a plurality of convex portions continuously extending along the width direction of the base material on the first surface, and the plurality of convex portions are protective tape members arranged in the length direction of the base material.

[0016] According to this configuration, by adhering at least a part of the adhesive layer to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire, the protective tape member can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire. And by attaching the protective tape member to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire, an exterior member for protecting the electric wire can be formed by the protective tape member. Further, the plurality of convex portions can easily increase the maximum thickness of the protective tape member and can easily enhance the strength of the protective tape member. Therefore, by forming the exterior member with the protective tape member, an exterior member having a thickness and strength equivalent to those of a corrugated tube can be easily formed as compared with the case of forming the exterior member with a conventional tape member having no convex portion.

[0017] [2] It is preferable that both end regions in the length direction of the base material have an adhesive portion where both end regions of the base material in the length direction of the base material are adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire by the adhesive layer.

[0018] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the protective tape member from peeling off from the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire. The protective tape member of the present disclosure is [3] A protective tape member for protecting an electric wire from foreign matter contacting a wire harness including at least one electric wire, the protective tape member having a base material having a strip shape and having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an adhesive layer laminated on the second surface, wherein the length direction of the base material is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the base material, and the base material has a plurality of convex portions continuously extending along the length direction of the base material on the first surface, and the plurality of convex portions are protective tape members arranged in the width direction of the base material.

[0019] According to this configuration, the same operational effects as those of the above-described protective tape member can be achieved. [4] It is used for at least one of the two tape members that are bonded together in a state of sandwiching the wire from both sides in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the wire. The housing portion is recessed from the second surface toward the first surface and extends in the length direction of the base material, and a part of the length direction of the wire is disposed inside. It preferably has an end sticking portion located on both sides of the housing portion in the width direction of the base material and attached to the other tape member by the adhesive layer.

[0020] According to this configuration, since the other tape member can be attached to the end sticking portion of one tape member, it becomes easier to bond the two tape members constituting the exterior member. Further, the two tape members can easily surround at least a part of the wire in the length direction of the wire over the entire circumference.

[0021] The protective tape member of the present disclosure is [5] A protective tape member for protecting a wire from foreign matter contacting a wire harness including at least one wire, the protective tape member having a base material having a strip shape and a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an adhesive layer laminated on the second surface. The length direction of the base material is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the base material. The base material has a plurality of convex portions continuously extending along a reference direction that intersects the width direction of the base material and intersects the length direction of the base material when viewed from the thickness direction of the base material on the first surface. The plurality of convex portions are protective tape members arranged in the length direction of the base material.

[0022] According to this configuration, the same operational effects as those of the above protective tape member can be achieved. The wire harness of the present disclosure is A wire harness comprising a wire bundle having a plurality of electric wires, wherein the wire bundle has a flat portion in at least a part of the extending direction of the wire bundle where the plurality of electric wires are arranged flat, and includes an exterior member for protecting the flat portion, the exterior member having a first tape member and a second tape member that sandwich the flat portion from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion, the first tape member being the above-described protective tape member adhered to the flat portion by an adhesive layer, and the second tape member being the above-described protective tape member adhered to the flat portion by an adhesive layer.

[0023] According to this configuration, the same operational effects as those of the above-described protective tape member can be achieved. In particular, since each of the first tape member and the second tape member can be adhered to the flat portion by an adhesive layer, each of the first tape member and the second tape member can be easily arranged with respect to the flat portion. That is, the exterior member can be easily attached to the electric wires.

[0024] The wire harness of the present disclosure is [7] A wire harness comprising a wire bundle having a plurality of electric wires, wherein the wire bundle has a flat portion in at least a part of the extending direction of the wire bundle where the plurality of electric wires are arranged flat, and includes an exterior member for protecting the flat portion, the exterior member having a first tape member and a second tape member that sandwich the flat portion from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion, the first tape member being the above-described protective tape member adhered to the flat portion by an adhesive layer, and the second tape member being the above-described protective tape member adhered to the flat portion by an adhesive layer.

[0025] According to this configuration, the same operational effects as those of the above-described wire harness can be achieved. The wire harness of the present disclosure is [8]A wire harness including a wire bundle having a plurality of electric wires, wherein the wire bundle has a flat portion where the plurality of electric wires are arranged flat at at least a part in the extending direction of the wire bundle, and includes an exterior member for protecting the flat portion, the exterior member having a first tape member and a second tape member that sandwich the flat portion from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion, and each of the first tape member and the second tape member is the above-described protective tape member that is adhered to the flat portion by an adhesive layer.

[0026] According to this configuration, the same operational effects as those of the above-described wire harness can be achieved. The wire harness of the present disclosure [9]A wire harness including a wire bundle having a plurality of electric wires, wherein the wire bundle has a flat portion where the plurality of electric wires are arranged flat at at least a part in the extending direction of the wire bundle, and includes an exterior member for protecting the flat portion, the exterior member having a first tape member and a second tape member that are laminated with each other while sandwiching the flat portion from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion, the first tape member being the above-described protective tape member that is adhered to the flat portion by an adhesive layer. When the base material of the first tape member is a first base material and the adhesive layer of the first tape member is a first adhesive layer, the second tape member has a second base material having a strip shape and being thinner than the first base material, and a second adhesive layer laminated on one side of the second base material.

[0027] According to this configuration, while using the protective tape member (first tape member) and the second tape member in combination, by arranging the first tape member on the side where foreign matter may come into contact among both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion, the flat portion can be protected by the first tape member.

[0028] The wire harness of the present disclosure

[10] It includes at least one electric wire and an outer member formed by the above-described protective tape member, and the protective tape member is a wire harness wound spirally around the outer circumference of the electric wire such that a part in the width direction of the protective tape member overlaps.

[0029] According to this configuration, a part in the width direction of the previously wound protective tape member and a part in the width direction of the subsequently wound protective tape member are adhered by the adhesive layer of the subsequently wound protective tape member. Therefore, a cylindrical body surrounding the outer circumference of the electric wire is formed by the spirally wound protective tape member. And the electric wire can be protected from foreign matters contacting the wire harness by the cylindrical body formed by the protective tape member. In this way, by spirally winding the protective tape member around the outer circumference of the electric wire, an outer member having the same thickness and strength as a corrugated tube can be easily formed.

[0030] Also, since the protective tape member can be adhered to the outer circumferential surface of the electric wire by the adhesive layer, a step of fixing the outer member formed by the protective tape member to the electric wire by a separate fixing tape member or the like does not need to be performed. Therefore, steps such as fixing the corrugated tube to the electric wire by a tape member and winding a tape member around the outer circumference of the corrugated tube, which are performed when using a corrugated tube for the outer member, do not need to be performed. That is, the number of working steps can be reduced compared to the case of using a corrugated tube for the outer member. Therefore, the outer member can be easily attached to the electric wire.

[0031]

[11] It is preferable that the outer member is formed by the above-described protective tape member, and each of the plurality of convex portions extends along the length direction of the electric wire on the outer circumference of the electric wire.

[0032] According to this configuration, in a portion where it is desired to maintain the electric wire in a straight line, while giving rigidity by the outer member, it becomes easier to maintain the shape of the electric wire in a straight line. Therefore, in a portion where it is desired to maintain the wire harness in a straight line, it is possible to suppress the wire harness from bending.

[0033] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the protective tape member and the wire harness of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In addition, the accompanying drawings may show the components enlarged for ease of understanding. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensional ratios of the components may be different from the actual ones or those in another drawing.

[0034] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the protective tape member and the wire harness will be described. The wire harness 20 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, for example. The wire harness 20 includes, for example, a wire bundle 21. The wire bundle 21 has a plurality of wires 22. For example, the wire bundle 21 has four wires 22. The four wires 22 are, for example, of the same type and have the same diameter. The wire bundle 21 is formed by bundling a plurality of wires 22.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each wire 22 has a conductive core wire 23 and an insulating coating 24 that surrounds the outer periphery of the core wire 23 and has insulating properties. Note that FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

[0036] As the core wire 23, for example, a stranded wire formed by twisting a plurality of metal strands, a columnar conductor composed of a single metal rod having a solid structure inside, a tubular conductor having a hollow structure inside, or the like can be used. Further, as the core wire 23, for example, a combination of at least two of a stranded wire, a columnar conductor, and a tubular conductor may be used. As the material of the core wire 23, for example, a metal material such as a copper-based or aluminum-based material can be used.

[0037] The insulating coating 24 covers, for example, the outer periphery of the core wire 23 over the entire circumferential direction around the center line L1 of the electric wire 22. The insulating coating 24 is composed of, for example, a resin material having insulating properties. Note that the center line L1 is illustrated by a dashed-dotted line only in FIG. 2. The center line L1 is a line passing through the center in the cross-section of the electric wire 22. The length direction of the electric wire 22 is the direction along the center line L1.

[0038] At the end of each electric wire 22, a connector (not shown) is provided. The connector has a connector housing and a connection terminal held inside the connector housing. The plurality of electric wires 22 are electrically connected to different connection terminals respectively.

[0039] The wire bundle 21 has a flat portion 25 in which a plurality of electric wires 22 are arranged flat in at least a part in the extending direction of the wire bundle 21. For example, the wire bundle 21 has the flat portion 25 in a part of the wire bundle 21.

[0040] For example, in the flat portion 25, four electric wires 22 are arranged in a row along one direction intersecting perpendicularly to the extending direction of the wire bundle 21. Note that the extending direction of the wire bundle 21 is hereinafter described as the extending direction X. The extending direction X is the length direction of the wire bundle 21 and is the direction along the center line L1 of the plurality of bundled electric wires 22. That is, the extending direction X is the direction along the length direction of each electric wire 22. In the figure, the extending direction X is indicated by a double arrow.

[0041] In the flat portion 25, a plurality of electric wires 22 are arranged along a first direction Y that intersects perpendicularly to the extending direction X. A direction that intersects perpendicularly to the extending direction X and also intersects perpendicularly to the first direction Y is defined as a second direction Z. The first direction Y corresponds to the width direction of the flat portion 25. The second direction Z corresponds to the thickness direction of the flat portion 25. The cross-sectional shape of the flat portion 25 is a flat shape that is long in the first direction Y and thin in the second direction Z. Note that the "cross-section" is a section cut by a plane perpendicular to the extending direction X. Also, the width of the flat portion 25 in the first direction Y is wider than the width of the flat portion 25 in the second direction Z. In the flat portion 25, the four electric wires 22 extend, for example, parallel to each other. Also, in the flat portion 25, the electric wires 22 adjacent to each other in the first direction Y are, for example, in contact with each other.

[0042] Note that in this specification, "a plurality of electric wires are arranged flat" means that a plurality of electric wires are arranged such that the cross-sectional shape of the wire bundle becomes a flat shape. That is, it means that the electric wires are arranged such that the cross-sectional shape of the wire bundle is long in a first direction that intersects perpendicularly to the direction in which the wire bundle extends and thin in a second direction that intersects perpendicularly to the first direction. And the width of the flat portion in the first direction corresponds to the width of the widest portion in the cross-section of the flat portion. Further, the width of the flat portion in the first direction and the width of the flat portion in the second direction are different values, and the width of the flat portion in the first direction is wider than the width of the flat portion in the second direction. Also, in this specification, "flat shape" means a state in which a plurality of electric wires are arranged flat.

[0043] The wire harness 20 includes an exterior member 26 that protects the flat portion 25. The exterior member 26 has a first tape member 31 and a second tape member 41 that sandwich the flat portion 25 from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25. The electric wires 22 in the flat portion 25 are integrally held, for example, by the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41. Note that the electric wires 22 in the flat portion 25 may be bundled together by a tape member different from the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41.

[0044] The first tape member 31 is a protective tape member that protects the electric wire 22 from foreign matter that comes into contact with the wire harness 20. The first tape member 31 has a first base material 32 and a first adhesive layer 33 laminated on one side of the first base material 32.

[0045] The first base material 32 is in a strip shape. The length direction Ld of the first base material 32 is a direction orthogonal to the width direction Wd of the first base material 32. The first base material 32 has a constant width, for example, along the length direction Ld. The first base material 32 has a first surface 34 and a second surface 35 on the opposite side of the first surface 34. The first surface 34 is one of the two surfaces of the first base material 32 in the thickness direction Td of the first base material 32. The second surface 35 is the other of the two surfaces of the first base material 32 in the thickness direction Td.

[0046] The first base material 32 has a plurality of convex portions 36 that continuously extend along the width direction Wd on the first surface 34. Each convex portion 36 protrudes in a direction opposite to the second surface 35. Each convex portion 36 has, for example, a shape that is folded in a mountain fold so that the first base material 32 bulges toward the first surface 34 side. The plurality of convex portions 36 are arranged in the length direction Ld. For example, the plurality of convex portions 36 are arranged at regular intervals in the length direction Ld.

[0047] As the material of the first base material 32, for example, resin materials such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) can be used. The first adhesive layer 33 is laminated on the second surface 35. The first adhesive layer 33 is laminated, for example, over the entire second surface 35 in the width direction Wd. Also, the first adhesive layer 33 is laminated, for example, at least over the entire planar portion of the second surface 35 that is perpendicular to the protruding direction of the convex portion 36.

[0048] The first tape member 31 is adhered to the flat portion 25 by the first adhesive layer 33. The first tape member 31 is disposed on one side in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25 with respect to the flat portion 25. Further, the first tape member 31 is disposed such that, for example, the length direction Ld of the first base material 32 is along the extending direction X, that is, the length direction of the electric wire 22. For this reason, each convex portion 36 extends along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the electric wire 22 as viewed from the thickness direction Td of the first base material 32. And the first tape member 31 adheres to at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of at least one electric wire 22 among the electric wires 22 located between the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41. For example, the first tape member 31 adheres to a part of each electric wire 22 in the flat portion 25.

[0049] The first tape member 31 may have first adhesive portions 37 at both end regions in the length direction Ld, where both end regions of the first base material 32 in the length direction Ld are adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22 by the first adhesive layer 33. By having the first adhesive portions 37, both ends of the first tape member 31 in the length direction Ld are adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22.

[0050] The second tape member 41 is, for example, a protective tape member that protects the electric wire 22 from foreign matter contacting the wire harness 20, similar to the first tape member 31. The second tape member 41 has a second base material 42 having a strip shape and having a first surface 44 and a second surface 45 on the opposite side of the first surface 44, and a second adhesive layer 43 laminated on the second surface 45. The second base material 42 has a plurality of convex portions 46 that continuously extend along the width direction of the second base material 42 on the first surface 44.

[0051] The second tape member 41 is, for example, of the same type as the first tape member 31. In the present embodiment, since the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 are of the same type, the second base material 42 and the second adhesive layer 43 have the same configuration as the first base material 32 and the first adhesive layer 33. Further, the convex portions 46 have the same configuration as the convex portions 36. For this reason, a detailed description of the second tape member 41 is omitted.

[0052] The second tape member 41 is adhered to the flat portion 25 by the second adhesive layer 43. The second tape member 41 is disposed on the other side in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25 with respect to the flat portion 25. Further, the second tape member 41 is disposed such that, for example, the length direction of the second base material 42 is along the extending direction X, that is, the length direction of the electric wire 22. For this reason, each convex portion 46 extends along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the electric wire 22 when viewed from the thickness direction of the second base material 42. And the second tape member 41 adheres to at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of at least one electric wire 22 among the electric wires 22 located between the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41. For example, the second tape member 41 adheres to a part of each electric wire 22 in the flat portion 25.

[0053] The second tape member 41 may have second adhesion portions 47 at both end regions in the length direction of the second base material 42, where both end regions of the second base material 42 in the same length direction are adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22 by the second adhesive layer 43. By having the second adhesion portions 47, both ends of the second tape member 41 in the length direction of the second base material 42 are adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22.

[0054] With reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, an example of a manufacturing method of the protective tape member 51 used as the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, a long strip-shaped tape material 52 having a strip shape is prepared. FIG. 3 is a side view of the tape material 52 viewed from the width direction of the tape material 52. The tape material 52 is to become the first base material 32 or the second base material 42. For example, the tape material 52 has the same width as the first base material 32.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, a first forming step of forming the tape material 52 with a mold is performed. The tape material 52 is formed with a mold so as to have a wave shape when viewed from the width direction of the tape material 52, for example. FIG. 4 is a side view of the tape material 52 after the first forming step is completed, viewed from the width direction of the tape material 52.

[0056] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, a second forming step is performed in which the strip 52 formed in a wave shape in the first forming step is compressed in the longitudinal direction to form a plurality of convex portions 56. In the second forming step, for example, a plurality of convex portions 56 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the strip 52 are formed on the strip 52 using a mold. Further, in the strip 52, the second surface 55 on the side opposite to the first surface 54 where the convex portion 56 protrudes is formed in a flat shape.

[0057] Next, a laminating step of laminating the adhesive layer 53 on the second surface 55 is performed. When the laminating step is completed, the protective tape member 51 is completed. FIG. 5 is a side view of the protective tape member 51 as viewed from the width direction of the strip 52.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, the protective tape member 51 can be transported, for example, in a state of being wound around the outer periphery of the paper tube 58 in a spiral shape. By cutting the protective tape member 51 wound around the paper tube 58 to a desired length, the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 can be formed.

[0059] Note that, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the thickness T1 of the strip 52 prepared to form the protective tape member 51, the maximum thickness T2 of the strip 52 in the protective tape member 51, etc. may be set to desired values according to the wear strength, rigidity, etc. required for the exterior member 26. Incidentally, the maximum thickness T2 of the strip 52 in the protective tape member 51, that is, the maximum thickness of the base material of the protective tape member 51 is the same as each of the maximum thickness T3 of the first base material 32 in the first tape member 31 and the maximum thickness T4 of the second base material 42 in the second tape member 41.

[0060] (Operation and Effect of the First Embodiment) The operation and effect of this embodiment will be described. (1-1) The first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 are protective tape members that protect the electric wire 22 from foreign matter that contacts the wire harness 20 including at least one electric wire 22. The first tape member 31 has a first base material 32 that is strip-shaped and has a first surface 34 and a second surface 35 on the opposite side of the first surface 34, and a first adhesive layer 33 laminated on the second surface 35. The length direction Ld of the first base material 32 is a direction orthogonal to the width direction Wd of the first base material 32. The first base material 32 has a plurality of convex portions 36 that continuously extend along the width direction Wd on the first surface 34. The plurality of convex portions 36 are arranged in the length direction Ld of the first base material 32. The second tape member 41 has a second base material 42 that is strip-shaped and has a first surface 44 and a second surface 45 on the opposite side of the first surface 44, and a second adhesive layer 43 laminated on the second surface 45. The length direction of the second base material 42 is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the second base material 42. The second base material 42 has a plurality of convex portions 46 that continuously extend along the width direction of the second base material 42 on the first surface 44. The plurality of convex portions 46 are arranged in the length direction of the second base material 42.

[0061] According to this configuration, by bringing at least a part of the first adhesive layer 33 into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22, the first tape member 31 can be adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22. By bringing at least a part of the second adhesive layer 43 into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22, the second tape member 41 can be adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22. Then, by adhering the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22, an exterior member 26 that protects the electric wire 22 can be formed by the first and second tape members 31 and 41. Further, the plurality of convex portions 36 can easily increase the maximum thickness of the first tape member 31 and can easily increase the strength of the first tape member 31. Similarly, the plurality of convex portions 46 can easily increase the maximum thickness of the second tape member 41 and can easily increase the strength of the second tape member 41. Therefore, by forming the exterior member 26 with the first and second tape members 31 and 41, an exterior member 26 having a thickness and strength equivalent to those of a corrugated tube can be easily formed as compared with the case of forming an exterior member with a conventional tape member having no convex portions.

[0062] (1-2) The first tape member 31 has first adhesion portions 37 at both end regions in the length direction Ld, where both end regions of the first base material 32 in the length direction Ld are adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22 by the first adhesive layer 33. The second tape member 41 has second adhesion portions 47 at both end regions in the length direction of the second base material 42, where both end regions of the second base material 42 in the same length direction are adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22 by the second adhesive layer 43.

[0063] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 from peeling off from the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22. (1-3) The wire harness 20 includes a wire bundle 21 having a plurality of electric wires 22. The wire bundle 21 has a flat portion 25 in which a plurality of electric wires 22 are arranged flat at at least a part in the extending direction of the wire bundle 21. The wire harness 20 includes an exterior member 26 that protects the flat portion 25. The exterior member 26 has a first tape member 31 and a second tape member 41 that sandwich the flat portion 25 from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25. The first tape member 31 is a protective tape member adhered to the flat portion 25 by the first adhesive layer 33. The second tape member 41 is a protective tape member adhered to the flat portion 25 by the second adhesive layer 43.

[0064] According to this configuration, the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 can be adhered to the flat portion 25 by the first adhesive layer 33 and the second adhesive layer 43, respectively. Therefore, each of the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 can be easily arranged with respect to the flat portion 25. That is, the exterior member 26 can be easily attached to the electric wire 22.

[0065] Consider a case where a conventional tape member having a constant thickness and no convex portion is used to form an exterior member having the same strength as the exterior member 26. In this case, in order to ensure the strength of the exterior member, for example, the conventional tape member is wound around the outer periphery of the electric wire so that the thickness of the exterior member formed by the conventional tape member becomes equal to the maximum thickness of the first tape member 31 or the second tape member 41. However, if this is done, the exterior member formed by the conventional tape member will have a larger mass than the exterior member 26 formed by the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41. That is, the exterior member 26 formed by the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 can have the same strength with a smaller mass than the exterior member formed by the conventional tape member. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the exterior member 26 can be reduced compared to the case where the exterior member is formed by the conventional tape member.

[0066] Also, consider a case where a conventional tape member having a constant thickness and no convex portion is arranged in the same manner as the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 with respect to the electric wire to form an exterior member. In this case, the thickness of the exterior member is thinner than that of the exterior member 26. That is, the exterior member 26 formed by the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 is thicker than the exterior member formed by arranging the conventional tape member in the same manner as the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41. Therefore, the wear resistance of the exterior member 26 can be improved compared to the exterior member.

[0067] (1-5) In this embodiment, the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 are protective tape members having the same configuration. Therefore, if one type of protective tape member 51 is prepared, both the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 can be prepared. Accordingly, compared with the case where the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 are protective tape members having different configurations, it is easier to prepare the protective tape members constituting the exterior member 26. Also, since only one type of protective tape member needs to be manufactured, the manufacturing cost for the exterior member 26 can be reduced compared with the case where two types of protective tape members for the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 are manufactured.

[0068] (1-6) In the wire harness 20, each convex portion 36 of the first tape member 31 and each convex portion 46 of the second tape member 41 extend along a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the electric wire 22 when viewed from the thickness direction Td. For this reason, it is easy to bend the electric wire 22 at the portion where the exterior member 26 is mounted in the thickness direction Td.

[0069] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the exterior member and the wire harness will be described. In this second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and part or all of the description of the components is omitted.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the wire harness 20A of this second embodiment has a configuration including an exterior member 26A that protects the flat portion 25 instead of the exterior member 26 in the wire harness 20 of the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

[0071] The exterior member 26A has a first tape member 31A and a second tape member 41A that sandwich the flat portion 25 from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25. The electric wire 22 in the flat portion 25 is integrally held by, for example, the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A.

[0072] The first tape member 31A is a protective tape member that protects the electric wire 22 from foreign matter that contacts the wire harness 20A. The first tape member 31A has a first base material 32A and a first adhesive layer 33 laminated on one side of the first base material 32A.

[0073] The first base material 32A is in a strip shape. The length direction LdA of the first base material 32A is a direction orthogonal to the width direction WdA of the first base material 32A. The first base material 32A has, for example, a constant width along the length direction LdA. The first base material 32A has a first surface 34A and a second surface 35A on the opposite side of the first surface 34A. Of both surfaces of the first base material 32A in the thickness direction TdA of the first base material 32A, one surface is the first surface 34A and the other surface is the second surface 35A.

[0074] The first base material 32A has a plurality of convex portions 36A that continuously extend along the length direction LdA on the first surface 34A. The first base material 32A has, for example, three convex portions 36A. Each convex portion 36A protrudes in a direction opposite to the second surface 35A. Each convex portion 36A has, for example, a shape that is folded in a mountain fold so that the first base material 32A bulges toward the first surface 34A side. The plurality of convex portions 36A are arranged in the width direction WdA. For example, the plurality of convex portions 36A are arranged at regular intervals in the width direction WdA. As the material of the first base material 32A, the same resin material as the first base material 32 of the first embodiment can be used.

[0075] The first adhesive layer 33 is laminated on the second surface 35A. The first adhesive layer 33 is laminated, for example, over the entire second surface 35A in the width direction WdA. Further, the first adhesive layer 33 is laminated, for example, at least over the entire planar portion of the second surface 35A that is perpendicular to the protruding direction of the convex portion 36A.

[0076] The first tape member 31A is adhered to the flat portion 25 by the first adhesive layer 33. The first tape member 31A is disposed on one side in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25 with respect to the flat portion 25. Further, the first tape member 31A is disposed such that, for example, the length direction LdA of the first base material 32A is along the extending direction X, that is, the length direction of the electric wire 22. For this reason, each convex portion 36A extends along the length direction of the electric wire 22 when viewed from the thickness direction TdA. And the first tape member 31A adheres to at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of at least one electric wire 22 among the electric wires 22 positioned between the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A. For example, the first tape member 31A adheres to a part of each electric wire 22 in the flat portion 25.

[0077] The second tape member 41A is, for example, a protective tape member that protects the electric wire 22 from foreign matter that contacts the wire harness 20A, similar to the first tape member 31A. The second tape member 41A has a second base material 42A having a strip shape and having a first surface 44A and a second surface 45A on the opposite side of the first surface 44A, and a second adhesive layer 43 laminated on the second surface 45A. The second base material 42A has a plurality of convex portions 46A that continuously extend along the length direction of the second base material 42A on the first surface 44A.

[0078] The second tape member 41A is, for example, of the same type as the first tape member 31A. In the present embodiment, since the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A are of the same type, the second base material 42A and the second adhesive layer 43 have the same configuration as the first base material 32A and the first adhesive layer 33. Further, the convex portion 46A has the same configuration as the convex portion 36A.

[0079] The second tape member 41A is adhered to the flat portion 25 by the second adhesive layer 43. The second tape member 41A is disposed on the other side in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25 with respect to the flat portion 25. Further, the second tape member 41A is disposed such that, for example, the length direction of the second base material 42A is along the extending direction X, that is, the length direction of the electric wire 22. For this reason, each convex portion 46A extends along the length direction of the electric wire 22 when viewed from the thickness direction of the second base material 42A. And the second tape member 41A adheres to at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of at least one electric wire 22 among the electric wires 22 located between the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A. For example, the second tape member 41A adheres to a part of each electric wire 22 in the flat portion 25.

[0080] (Operation and effect of the second embodiment) According to the present embodiment, in addition to the same operation and effect as (1-4) and (1-5) of the first embodiment, the following operation and effect are exhibited.

[0081] (2-1) The first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A are protective tape members that protect the electric wire 22 from foreign matters that come into contact with the wire harness 20A including at least one electric wire 22. The first tape member 31A has a first base material 32A having a strip shape and having a first surface 34A and a second surface 35A on the side opposite to the first surface 34A, and a first adhesive layer 33 laminated on the second surface 35A. The length direction LdA of the first base material 32A is a direction orthogonal to the width direction WdA of the first base material 32A. The first base material 32A has a plurality of convex portions 36A continuously extending along the length direction LdA on the first surface 34A. The plurality of convex portions 36A are arranged in the width direction WdA of the first base material 32A. The second tape member 41A has a second base material 42A having a strip shape and having a first surface 44A and a second surface 45A on the side opposite to the first surface 44A, and a second adhesive layer 43 laminated on the second surface 45A. The length direction of the second base material 42A is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the second base material 42A. The second base material 42A has a plurality of convex portions 46A continuously extending along the length direction of the second base material 42A on the first surface 44A. The plurality of convex portions 46A are arranged in the width direction of the second base material 42A.

[0082] According to this configuration, by bringing at least a part of the first adhesive layer 33 into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22, the first tape member 31A can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22. By bringing at least a part of the second adhesive layer 43 into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22, the second tape member 41A can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22. Then, by attaching the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22, an exterior member 26A for protecting the electric wire 22 can be formed by the first and second tape members 31A and 41A. Further, with the plurality of convex portions 36A, the maximum thickness of the first tape member 31A can be easily increased, and the strength of the first tape member 31A can be easily enhanced. Similarly, with the plurality of convex portions 46A, the maximum thickness of the second tape member 41A can be easily increased, and the strength of the second tape member 41A can be easily enhanced. Therefore, by forming the exterior member 26A with the first and second tape members 31A and 41A, an exterior member 26A having a thickness and strength equivalent to those of a corrugated tube can be easily formed as compared with the case of forming an exterior member with a conventional tape member having no convex portion.

[0083] (2-2) The wire harness 20A includes a wire bundle 21 having a plurality of electric wires 22. The wire bundle 21 has a flat portion 25 in which a plurality of electric wires 22 are arranged flat at least in a part in the extending direction of the wire bundle 21. The wire harness 20A includes an exterior member 26A for protecting the flat portion 25. The exterior member 26A has a first tape member 31A and a second tape member 41A that sandwich the flat portion 25 from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25. The first tape member 31A is a protective tape member attached to the flat portion 25 by a first adhesive layer 33. The second tape member 41A is a protective tape member attached to the flat portion 25 by a second adhesive layer 43.

[0084] According to this configuration, each of the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A is a protective tape member whose maximum thickness is increased by a plurality of convex portions 36A or a plurality of convex portions 46A and whose strength is enhanced. Therefore, the exterior member 26A formed by the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A can easily have a thickness and strength equivalent to those of a corrugated tube, as compared with an exterior member formed by a conventional tape member without convex portions. Further, the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A can be attached to the flat portion 25 by the first adhesive layer 33 and the second adhesive layer 43, respectively. Therefore, each of the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A can be easily arranged with respect to the flat portion 25. That is, the exterior member 26A can be easily attached to the electric wire 22.

[0085] (2-3) In the wire harness 20A, each convex portion 36A of the first tape member 31A and each convex portion 46A of the second tape member 41A extend along the length direction of the electric wire 22. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the bending of the electric wire 22 at the portion where the exterior member 26A is attached.

[0086] <Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the exterior member and the wire harness will be described. In the present third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and part or all of the description of the components is omitted.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the wire harness 20B of the present third embodiment is configured to include an exterior member 26B that protects the flat portion 25 in the wire harness 20 of the first embodiment instead of the exterior member 26. Note that FIG. 10 is a plan view of the wire harness 20B viewed from the thickness direction of the flat portion 25.

[0088] The exterior member 26B has a first tape member 31B and a second tape member 41B that sandwich the flat portion 25 from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25. The electric wire 22 in the flat portion 25 is integrally held by, for example, the first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41B.

[0089] The first tape member 31B is a protective tape member that protects the electric wire 22 from foreign matter that comes into contact with the wire harness 20B. The first tape member 31B has a first base material 32B and a first adhesive layer 33 laminated on one side of the first base material 32B.

[0090] The first base material 32B has a strip shape. The length direction LdB of the first base material 32B is a direction orthogonal to the width direction WdB of the first base material 32A. The first base material 32B has a constant width, for example, along the length direction LdB. The first base material 32B has a first surface 34B and a second surface 35B on the opposite side of the first surface 34B. Of the two surfaces of the first base material 32B in the thickness direction TdB of the first base material 32A, one surface is the first surface 34B and the other surface is the second surface 35B.

[0091] The first base material 32B has a plurality of convex portions 36B that continuously extend along a reference direction S1 that intersects the width direction WdB and intersects the length direction LdB as viewed from the thickness direction TdB on the first surface 34B. Each convex portion 36B protrudes in a direction opposite to the second surface 35B. Each convex portion 36B has, for example, a shape that is folded in a mountain fold so that the first base material 32B bulges toward the first surface 34B side. The plurality of convex portions 36B are arranged in the length direction LdB. For example, the plurality of convex portions 36B are arranged at regular intervals in the length direction LdB. As the material of the first base material 32B, the same resin material as the first base material 32 of the first embodiment can be used.

[0092] The first adhesive layer 33 is laminated on the second surface 35B. The first adhesive layer 33 is laminated, for example, over the entire second surface 35B in the width direction WdB. Also, the first adhesive layer 33 is laminated, for example, at least over the entire planar portion of the second surface 35B that is perpendicular to the protruding direction of the convex portion 36B.

[0093] The first tape member 31B is adhered to the flat portion 25 by the first adhesive layer 33. The first tape member 31B is disposed on one side in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25 with respect to the flat portion 25. Further, the first tape member 31B is arranged such that, for example, the length direction LdB of the first base material 32B is along the extending direction X, that is, the length direction of the electric wire 22. For this reason, each convex portion 36B extends along a direction intersecting the length direction of the electric wire 22 when viewed from the thickness direction TdB. And the first tape member 31B adheres to at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of at least one electric wire 22 among the electric wires 22 positioned between the first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41B. For example, the first tape member 31B adheres to a part of each electric wire 22 in the flat portion 25.

[0094] The second tape member 41B is, for example, a protective tape member that protects the electric wire 22 from foreign matters that come into contact with the wire harness 20B, similarly to the first tape member 31B. The second tape member 41B has a second base material 42B having a strip shape and having a first surface 44B and a second surface 45B on the side opposite to the first surface 44B, and a second adhesive layer 43 laminated on the second surface 45B. The second base material 42B has a plurality of convex portions 46B that continuously extend along a reference direction S2 that intersects the width direction of the second base material 42B and intersects the length direction of the second base material 42B when viewed from the thickness direction of the second base material 42B on the first surface 44B.

[0095] The second tape member 41B is, for example, of the same type as the first tape member 31B. In the present embodiment, since the first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41B are of the same type, the second base material 42B and the second adhesive layer 43 have the same configuration as the first base material 32B and the first adhesive layer 33. Further, the convex portion 46B has the same configuration as the convex portion 36B.

[0096] The second tape member 41B is adhered to the flat portion 25 by the second adhesive layer 43. The second tape member 41B is disposed on the other side in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25 with respect to the flat portion 25. Further, the second tape member 41B is disposed such that, for example, the length direction of the second base material 42A is along the extending direction X, that is, the length direction of the electric wire 22. Furthermore, the second tape member 41B may be disposed such that, when the wire harness 20B is viewed from the thickness direction TdB, the direction in which the convex portion 36B extends (i.e., the reference direction S1) and the direction in which the convex portion 46B extends (i.e., the reference direction S2) intersect. For this reason, each convex portion 46B extends along a direction intersecting the length direction of the electric wire 22 when viewed from the thickness direction TdB and intersects the convex portion 36B. Then, the second tape member 41B adheres to at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of at least one electric wire 22 among the electric wires 22 positioned between the first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41B. For example, the second tape member 41B adheres to a part of each electric wire 22 in the flat portion 25.

[0097] (Operation and Effect of the Third Embodiment) According to the present embodiment, in addition to the same operation and effect as (1-4) and (1-5) of the first embodiment, the following operation and effect are achieved.

[0098] (3-1) The first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41B are protective tape members that protect the electric wire 22 from foreign matter that contacts the wire harness 20B including at least one electric wire 22. The first tape member 31B has a first base material 32B having a strip shape and having a first surface 34B and a second surface 35B on the side opposite to the first surface 34B, and a first adhesive layer 33 laminated on the second surface 35B. The length direction LdB of the first base material 32B is a direction orthogonal to the width direction WdB of the first base material 32B. The first base material 32B has a plurality of convex portions 36B continuously extending along a reference direction S1 that intersects the width direction WdB and intersects the length direction LdB as viewed from the thickness direction TdB on the first surface 34B. The plurality of convex portions 36B are arranged in the length direction LdB. The second tape member 41B has a second base material 42B having a strip shape and having a first surface 44B and a second surface 45B on the side opposite to the first surface 44B, and a second adhesive layer 43 laminated on the second surface 45B. The length direction of the second base material 42B is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the second base material 42B. The second base material 42B has a plurality of convex portions 46B continuously extending along a reference direction S2 that intersects the width direction of the second base material 42 as viewed from the thickness direction of the second base material 42 and intersects the length direction of the second base material 42. The plurality of convex portions 46B are arranged in the length direction of the second base material 42B.

[0099] According to this configuration, by adhering at least a part of the first adhesive layer 33 to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22, the first tape member 31B can be adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22. By adhering at least a part of the second adhesive layer 43 to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22, the second tape member 41B can be adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22. Then, by adhering the first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41B to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22, the exterior member 26B for protecting the electric wire 22 can be formed by the first and second tape members 31B and 41B. Further, by the plurality of convex portions 36B, the maximum thickness of the first tape member 31B can be easily increased, and the strength of the first tape member 31B can be easily enhanced. Similarly, by the plurality of convex portions 46B, the maximum thickness of the second tape member 41B can be easily increased, and the strength of the second tape member 41B can be easily enhanced. Therefore, by forming the exterior member 26B by the first and second tape members 31B and 41B, an exterior member 26B having a thickness and strength equivalent to those of a corrugated tube can be easily formed as compared with the case of forming an exterior member by a conventional tape member having no convex portion.

[0100] (3-2) The wire harness 20B includes a wire bundle 21 having a plurality of electric wires 22. The wire bundle 21 has a flat portion 25 in which a plurality of electric wires 22 are arranged flat at least in a part in the extending direction of the wire bundle 21. The wire harness 20B includes an exterior member 26B for protecting the flat portion 25. The exterior member 26B has a first tape member 31B and a second tape member 41B that sandwich the flat portion 25 from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25. The first tape member 31B is a protective tape member adhered to the flat portion 25 by the first adhesive layer 33. The second tape member 41B is a protective tape member adhered to the flat portion 25 by the second adhesive layer 43.

[0101] According to this configuration, each of the first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41B is a protective tape member whose maximum thickness is increased and strength is enhanced by a plurality of convex portions 36B or a plurality of convex portions 46B. Therefore, the exterior member 26B formed by the first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41B can easily have a thickness and strength equivalent to those of a corrugated tube, as compared with an exterior member formed by a conventional tape member without convex portions. Further, the first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41B can be attached to the flat portion 25 by the first adhesive layer 33 and the second adhesive layer 43, respectively. Therefore, each of the first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41B can be easily arranged with respect to the flat portion 25. That is, the exterior member 26B can be easily attached to the electric wire 22.

[0102] (3-3) In the second tape member 41B, when viewed from the thickness direction TdB, the plurality of convex portions 46B are arranged so as to intersect the plurality of convex portions 36B. For this reason, as compared with the case where the second tape member 41B is arranged such that the extending direction of each convex portion 46B follows the extending direction of each convex portion 36B when viewed from the thickness direction TdB, bending of the electric wire 22 at the portion where the exterior member 26B is attached can be suppressed.

[0103] Each embodiment can be implemented by making the following modifications. Each embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range. In the modification examples described below, the same components or corresponding components as those in the above - described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and part or all of the description of the components is omitted.

[0104] ·In the above - described first embodiment, the first tape member 31 may not have the first adhesion portion 37. Similarly, the second tape member 41 may not have the second adhesion portion 47. ·In the above-described third embodiment, the second tape member 41B is arranged such that, when viewed in the thickness direction TdB, the plurality of convex portions 46B intersect the plurality of convex portions 36B. However, the second tape member 41B may be arranged such that, when viewed in the thickness direction TdB, the extending direction of each convex portion 46B is along the extending direction of each convex portion 36B. That is, the second tape member 41 may be arranged such that the reference direction S2 and the reference direction S1 are parallel.

[0105] ·The wire harness 20C illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 includes at least one electric wire 22 and an exterior member 26C formed by the protective tape member 51 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 12, the exterior member 26C is shown as being cut along the length direction of the electric wire 22. Cross-sectional view The wire harness 20C includes, for example, a plurality of electric wires 22. The protective tape member 51 is wound around the outer periphery of the electric wire 22 in a spiral manner such that a part in the width direction of the protective tape member 51 overlaps. The protective tape member 51 may have an adhesive portion 37C similar to the first adhesive portion 37 of the first embodiment in an end region in the length direction of the protective tape member 51 itself.

[0106] In this way, a part in the width direction of the previously wound protective tape member 51 and a part in the width direction of the subsequently wound protective tape member 51 are adhered by the adhesive layer 53 of the subsequently wound protective tape member 51. Therefore, a cylindrical body surrounding the outer periphery of the electric wire 22 is formed by the protective tape member 51 wound in a spiral manner. And the electric wire 22 can be protected from foreign matter coming into contact with the wire harness 20C by the cylindrical body formed by the protective tape member 51. In this way, by winding the protective tape member 51 around the outer periphery of the electric wire 22 in a spiral manner, an exterior member 26C having a thickness and strength equivalent to those of a corrugated tube can be easily formed.

[0107] In addition, since the protective tape member 51 can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire 22 by the adhesive layer 53, the step of fixing the exterior member 26C formed by the protective tape member 51 to the electric wire 22 with a separate fixing tape member or the like is not necessary. Therefore, steps such as fixing the corrugated tube to the electric wire with a tape member or winding a tape member around the outer periphery of the corrugated tube, which are performed when using a corrugated tube for the exterior member, do not have to be performed. That is, the number of working steps can be reduced compared to the case of using a corrugated tube for the exterior member. Therefore, the exterior member 26C can be easily attached to the electric wire 22.

[0108] Note that the protective tape member used as the first tape member 31B or the second tape member 41B in the third embodiment may be wound around the outer periphery of the electric wire 22 in a spiral shape as the exterior member 26C. Even in this case, the same effects as the example shown in FIG. 11 can be obtained.

[0109] For example, a wire harness 20D illustrated in FIG. 13 includes at least one electric wire 22 and an exterior member 26D formed by the first tape member 31B (protective tape member) of the third embodiment. The first tape member 31B is wound around the outer periphery of the electric wire 22 in a spiral shape so that a part in the width direction of the first tape member 31B overlaps. In the exterior member 26D, each of the plurality of convex portions 36B extends along the length direction of the electric wire 22 on the outer periphery of the electric wire 22, for example. That is, the inclination angle of each convex portion 36B with respect to the length direction LdB and the width direction WdB of the first base material 32B is set to an angle at which each convex portion 36B can extend along the length direction of the electric wire 22 when the first tape member 31B is wound around the outer periphery of the electric wire 22 in a spiral shape. In other words, the reference direction S1 is set to a direction along the length direction of the electric wire 22 when the first tape member 31B is wound around the outer periphery of the electric wire 22 in a spiral shape. By doing so, in a portion where it is desired to maintain the electric wire 22 in a straight shape, it becomes easier to maintain the shape of the electric wire 22 in a straight shape while imparting rigidity by the exterior member 26D. Therefore, in a portion where it is desired to maintain the wire harness 20D in a straight shape, it is possible to suppress the wire harness 20D from bending.

[0110] ·In the wire harness 20 of the first embodiment described above, either one of the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41 may be replaced with a general existing tape member used for bundling the electric wires 22. Similarly, the same may be changed in the second embodiment and the third embodiment described above.

[0111] For example, a wire harness 20E illustrated in FIG. 14 includes an exterior member 26E that protects the flat portion 25. The exterior member 26E has a first tape member 31 and a second tape member 41E that are bonded together with the flat portion 25 interposed therebetween from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25. The first tape member 31 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The second tape member 41E has a second base material 42E that is strip-shaped and thinner than the first base material 32, and a second adhesive layer 43E laminated on one side of the second base material 42E. The second tape member 41E is an existing tape member generally used for bundling the electric wires 22. As the second tape member 41E, for example, a commercially available PVC tape or the like can be used. The second base material 42E does not include a convex portion such as the convex portion 36. Further, the second base material 42E has, for example, a uniform thickness. The second tape member 41E is adhered to the flat portion 25 by the second adhesive layer 43E. The first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41E may be directly adhered to each other on both sides in the width direction of the flat portion 25, for example.

[0112] In this way, while using the first tape member 31 and the second tape member 41E, which are the protective tape members 51, in combination, by arranging the first tape member 31 on the side where foreign matter may come into contact among both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25, the flat portion 25 can be protected by the first tape member 31. In this case, by using a tape member that has conventionally been generally used for bundling the electric wires 22 for the second tape member 41E, the manufacturing cost of the exterior member 26E can be further reduced.

[0113] For example, the wire harness 20F illustrated in FIG. 15 includes an exterior member 26F that protects the flat portion 25. The exterior member 26F has a first tape member 31A and a second tape member 41E that are bonded together with the flat portion 25 interposed therebetween from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25. The first tape member 31A is the same as that of the second embodiment. The first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41E may be directly bonded to each other, for example, on both sides in the width direction of the flat portion 25. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the example shown in FIG. 14 can be achieved.

[0114] For example, the wire harness 20G illustrated in FIG. 16 includes an exterior member 26G that protects the flat portion 25. The exterior member 26F has a first tape member 31B and a second tape member 41E that are bonded together with the flat portion 25 interposed therebetween from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion 25. The first tape member 31B is the same as that of the third embodiment. The first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41E may be directly bonded to each other, for example, on both sides in the width direction of the flat portion 25. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the example shown in FIG. 14 can be achieved.

[0115] ·The end regions of the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A of the second embodiment may be directly bonded to each other in the width direction WdA. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the exterior member 26H may be formed by two tape members, that is, a first tape member 31A and a second tape member 41A, which are bonded together with the electric wire 22 interposed therebetween from both sides in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the electric wire 22.

[0116] The first tape member 31A has a housing portion 61 and an end attachment portion 62. The housing portion 61 is a portion that is recessed in the direction from the second surface 35A toward the first surface 34A in the first tape member 31A and extends in the longitudinal direction LdA. For example, the housing portion 61 is located at the center of the first tape member 31A in the width direction WdA. A part of the length direction of the electric wire 22 is disposed inside the housing portion 61. The end attachment portion 62 is located on both sides of the housing portion 61 in the width direction WdA in the first tape member 31A. The end attachment portion 62 is attached to the second tape member 41A on the other side by the first adhesive layer 33. The first tape member 31A has end attachment portions 62 at the end regions on both sides of the first tape member 31A in the width direction WdA, for example.

[0117] The second tape member 41A has, for example, the same shape as the first tape member 31A. That is, the second tape member 41 has a housing portion 63 having the same shape as the housing portion 61 and an end attachment portion 64 having the same shape as the end attachment portion 62. The end attachment portion 64 is located on both sides of the housing portion 63 in the width direction WdA and is attached to the first tape member 31A on the other side by the second adhesive layer 43.

[0118] The first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A are bonded to each other such that the electric wire 22 is accommodated inside the housing portions 61 and 63 of each other, and the end attachment portions 62 and 64 of each other are bonded together. When the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A are bonded together, a cylindrical body through which the electric wire 22 passes is formed by the housing portion 61 and the housing portion 63.

[0119] In this way, the second tape member 41A can be attached to the end attachment portion 62 of the first tape member 31A. Also, the first tape member 31A can be attached to the end attachment portion 64 of the second tape member 41A. Therefore, it becomes easier to bond the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A that constitute the exterior member 26H to each other. Further, at least a part of the electric wire 22 in the length direction of the electric wire 22 can be easily surrounded over the entire circumference by the first tape member 31A and the second tape member 41A.

[0120] Incidentally, in this example, by changing the depth of the accommodating portions 61 and 63, the exterior member 26H can also be attached to portions of the wire bundle 21 other than the flat portion 25, that is, portions where the wires 22 are not bundled flatly.

[0121] Further, in the exterior member 26H, the second tape member 41A may be changed to any one of the second tape member 41 of the first embodiment, the second tape member 41A of the second embodiment that does not include the accommodating portion 63 and the end attachment portion 64, and the second tape member 41B of the third embodiment. In this case, it is preferable to change the depth of the accommodating portion 63 to a depth capable of accommodating at least a part of the wire 22 in the length direction of the wire 22.

[0122] Also, for example, the first tape member 31 of the first embodiment may have the accommodating portion 61 and the end attachment portion 62. Similarly, the second tape member 41 of the first embodiment may have the accommodating portion 63 and the end attachment portion 64. The first tape member 31B and the second tape member 41B of the third embodiment may be similarly changed.

[0123] Incidentally, the wire harness 20F illustrated in FIG. 15 may include a first tape member 31A having the accommodating portion 61 and the end attachment portion 62 illustrated in FIG. 17 instead of the first tape member 31A.

[0124] ·In the first embodiment, the method of forming the convex portion 36 is not limited to the method of the above embodiment. For example, the protective tape member 71 shown in FIG. 18 has a base material 72. An adhesive layer 73 is laminated on the second surface 75 of the base material 72. The base material 72 has a plurality of convex portions 76 extending in the width direction of the base material 72 on the first surface 74. The base material 72 is formed by processing a strip material 52A having a uniform thickness and forming a strip shape. In FIG. 18, the outer shape of the strip material 52A is illustrated by a two-dot chain line. By partially cutting away the strip material 52A, the base material 72 having a plurality of convex portions 76 is formed. Note that the two-dot chain line shown in FIG. 18 represents the outer shape of the strip material 52A before being partially cut away. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the convex portion 76 has a rectangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the convex portion 76. However, the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 76 may be a polygon other than a rectangular shape, a semi-circular shape, or any other arbitrary shape. Note that when the corner portion at the tip of the convex portion 76 has a rounded shape, breakage of the convex portion 76 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the corner portion at the tip of the convex portion 76 is sharp. Further, when the base end of the convex portion 76 is connected to the portion between adjacent convex portions 76 in the base material 72 by an arcuate surface, the fracture resistance in the vicinity of the base end of the convex portion 76 can be improved.

[0125] Further, for example, the base material 72 having the convex portion 76 may be formed by injection molding or the like. · In the exterior member 26 of the first embodiment, the second tape member 41 may be replaced with the second tape member 41A of the second embodiment or the second tape member 41B of the third embodiment. Similar changes may be made in the exterior member 26A of the second embodiment and the exterior member 26B of the third embodiment. That is, any of the first tape members among the first tape members 31, 31A, and 31B and any of the second tape members among the second tape members 41, 41A, and 41B may be combined to form an exterior member.

[0126] · The first tape member 31 of the first embodiment may further have a convex portion extending in the length direction Ld and a convex portion extending in a direction inclined with respect to both the width direction Wd and the length direction Ld in addition to the convex portion 36 extending in the width direction Wd. Similar changes may be made to the second tape member 41. Similar changes may also be made in the second embodiment and the third embodiment.

[0127] ·In the above-described first embodiment, if each of the convex portions 36 and 46 extends along the width direction Wd, it may be somewhat curved. In the above-described second embodiment, if each of the convex portions 36A and 46A extends along the length direction LdA, it may be somewhat curved. In the above-described third embodiment, if each of the convex portions 36B and 46B extends along the reference directions S1 and S2, it may be somewhat curved.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0128] 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, 20G wire harness 21 wire bundle 22 electric wire 23 core wire 24 insulating coating 25 flat portion 26, 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E, 26F, 26G, 26H exterior member 31, 31A, 31B first tape member (protective tape member) 32, 32A, 32B first base material (base material) 33 first adhesive layer (adhesive layer) 34, 34A, 34B first surface 35, 35A, 35B second surface 36, 36A, 36B convex portion 37 first bonding portion (bonding portion) 37C bonding portion 41, 41A, 41B second tape member (protective tape member) 41E second tape member 42, 42A, 42B second base material (base material) 42E second base material 43 second adhesive layer (adhesive layer) 43E second adhesive layer 44, 44A, 44B first surface 45, 45A, 45B second surface 46, 46A, 46B convex portion 47 second bonding portion (bonding portion) 51 Protective tape member 52, 52A Tape material 53 Adhesive layer 54 First surface 55 Second surface 56 Protrusion 58 Paper tube 61, 63 Accommodating part 62, 64 End sticking part 71 Protective tape member 72 Base material 73 Adhesive layer 74 First surface 75 Second surface 76 Protrusion T1 Thickness T2 Maximum thickness T3 Maximum thickness T4 Maximum thickness L1 Center line Ld, LdA, LdB Length direction Td, TdA, TdB Thickness direction Wd, WdA, WdB Width direction S1, S2 Reference direction X Extending direction Y First direction Z Second direction

Claims

1. A protective tape member for protecting an electric wire from foreign matter coming into contact with a wire harness including at least one electric wire, comprising a base material having a strip shape and having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and an adhesive layer laminated on the second surface, wherein the length direction of the base material is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the base material, the base material has a plurality of convex portions continuously extending along the width direction of the base material on the first surface, the plurality of convex portions are arranged along the length direction of the base material, and the plurality of convex portions form the protective tape member by surface contact of the second surfaces with each other.

2. The protective tape member according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive portion at both end regions in the length direction of the base material, wherein both end regions in the length direction of the base material are adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire by the adhesive layer.

3. A protective tape member for protecting an electric wire from foreign matter coming into contact with a wire harness including at least one electric wire, comprising a base material having a strip shape and having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and an adhesive layer laminated on the second surface, wherein the length direction of the base material is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the base material, the base material has a plurality of convex portions continuously extending along the length direction of the base material on the first surface, the plurality of convex portions are arranged along the width direction of the base material, and the plurality of convex portions form the protective tape member by surface contact of the second surfaces with each other.

4. Used for at least one of the two tape members in an exterior member formed by two tape members bonded together in a state of sandwiching the electric wire from both sides in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the electric wire, the protective tape member according to claim 3, further comprising a receiving portion that is recessed from the second surface toward the first surface and extends in the length direction of the base material, and a part of the electric wire in the length direction is disposed inside the receiving portion, and end adhering portions located on both sides of the receiving portion in the width direction of the base material and adhered to the other tape member by the adhesive layer.

5. A protective tape member for protecting an electric wire from foreign matter coming into contact with a wire harness including at least one electric wire, comprising a base material having a strip shape and having a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, and an adhesive layer laminated on the second surface, wherein the length direction of the base material is a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the base material, The base material has, on the first surface, a plurality of convex portions that continuously extend along a reference direction that intersects the width direction of the base material and intersects the length direction of the base material when viewed from the thickness direction of the base material. The plurality of convex portions are arranged side by side in the length direction of the base material. The plurality of convex portions are a protective tape member formed by surface contact between the second surfaces.

6. A wire harness including a wire bundle having a plurality of electric wires, wherein the wire bundle has a flat portion in at least a part of the direction in which the wire bundle extends, in which the plurality of electric wires are arranged flat. The wire harness includes an exterior member that protects the flat portion. The exterior member has a first tape member and a second tape member that sandwich the flat portion from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion. The first tape member is the protective tape member according to claim 1 or claim 2, which is adhered to the flat portion by the adhesive layer. The second tape member is the protective tape member according to claim 1 or claim 2, which is adhered to the flat portion by the adhesive layer, and the wire harness.

7. A wire harness including a wire bundle having a plurality of electric wires, wherein the wire bundle has a flat portion in at least a part of the direction in which the wire bundle extends, in which the plurality of electric wires are arranged flat. The wire harness includes an exterior member that protects the flat portion. The exterior member has a first tape member and a second tape member that sandwich the flat portion from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion. The first tape member is the protective tape member according to claim 3 or claim 4, which is adhered to the flat portion by the adhesive layer. The second tape member is the protective tape member according to claim 3 or claim 4, which is adhered to the flat portion by the adhesive layer, and the wire harness.

8. A wire harness including a wire bundle having a plurality of electric wires, wherein the wire bundle has a flat portion in at least a part of the direction in which the wire bundle extends, in which the plurality of electric wires are arranged flat. The wire harness includes an exterior member that protects the flat portion. The exterior member has a first tape member and a second tape member that sandwich the flat portion from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion. Each of the first tape member and the second tape member is the protective tape member according to claim 5, which is adhered to the flat portion by the adhesive layer, and the wire harness.

9. A wire harness including a wire bundle having a plurality of electric wires, The wire harness has a flat portion in at least a part in the extending direction of the wire harness, where the plurality of wires are arranged flat, and includes an exterior member that protects the flat portion, the exterior member having a first tape member and a second tape member that are bonded together with the flat portion sandwiched therebetween from both sides in the thickness direction of the flat portion, the first tape member being the protective tape member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is adhered to the flat portion by the adhesive layer, when the base material of the first tape member is taken as a first base material and the adhesive layer of the first tape member is taken as a first adhesive layer, the second tape member is a wire harness having a second base material that is strip-shaped and thinner than the first base material, and a second adhesive layer laminated on one side of the second base material.

10. at least one wire, and an exterior member formed by the protective tape member according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5, the protective tape member being wound around the outer periphery of the wire in a spiral shape such that a part in the width direction of the protective tape member overlaps.

11. the exterior member being formed by the protective tape member according to claim 5, each of the plurality of convex portions extending along the length direction of the wire on the outer periphery of the wire.

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