Wire harness and protector

Abstract

To provide a wiring harness and a protector capable of improving assembly workability of a cover after connecting electric wiring members to each other.SOLUTION: A protector 40 includes a protector body 50 having a first arrangement portion 51 and a second arrangement portion 52, a first cover 60 covering the first arrangement portion 51, and a second cover 70 covering the second arrangement portion 52. A first wiring 22 is provided in the first arrangement portion 51. A connection portion C between a first terminal and a second terminal is provided in the second arrangement portion 52. The second cover 70 is separate from each of the protector body 50 and the first cover 60. The first cover 60 has a first engagement portion 65. The second cover 70 has a second engagement portion 74 engaged with the first engagement portion 65. Then, the second cover 70 is configured to be rotatable from an open position to a closed position covering the second arrangement portion 52 about the contact portion between the first engagement portion 65 and the second engagement portion 74 as a rotation axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wire harness and a protector.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a wire harness including a plurality of wire members electrically connected to each other and a protector that houses these wire members. In this wire harness, the protector includes a protector body and a cover assembled to the protector body. In this wire harness, the terminals of the wire members are connected inside the protector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the wire harness as described above, for example, as an assembly mode to a vehicle or the like, there is a case where the protector is fixed to the vehicle, the wire members are connected to each other inside the protector body, and then the cover is assembled to the protector body. In the protector of Patent Document 1 above, when assembling the cover to the protector body, it is necessary to lock the locking portions on the cover side to the plurality of locking portions provided on the side wall of the protector body, respectively. For this reason, it is difficult to assemble the cover with one hand, and particularly, it becomes a difficult operation when the cover assembly work is at a high position or the like.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a wire harness and a protector that enable improvement in the workability of assembling a cover after connecting wire members to each other.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The wire harness of the present disclosure includes a first wire member having a first terminal and a first electric wire connected to the first terminal, and a protector that houses the first wire member. Inside the protector, the first terminal is connected to a second terminal of a second wire member. The protector includes a protector body having a first arrangement portion where the first electric wire is disposed and a second arrangement portion where a connection portion between the first terminal and the second terminal is disposed, a first cover that covers the first arrangement portion, and a second cover that is separate from each of the protector body and the first cover and covers the second arrangement portion. The first cover has a first locking portion, the second cover has a second locking portion that locks to the first locking portion, and the second cover is configured to be rotatable from an open position to a closed position covering the second arrangement portion with a contact portion between the first locking portion and the second locking portion as a rotation axis.

[0007] Further, the protector of the present disclosure houses a first wire member having a first terminal and a first electric wire connected to the first terminal, and inside, the first terminal is connected to a second terminal of a second wire member. The protector includes a protector body having a first arrangement portion where the first electric wire is disposed and a second arrangement portion where a connection portion between the first terminal and the second terminal is disposed, a first cover that covers the first arrangement portion, and a second cover that is separate from each of the protector body and the first cover and covers the second arrangement portion. The first cover has a first locking portion, the second cover has a second locking portion that locks to the first locking portion, and the second cover is configured to be rotatable from an open position to a closed position covering the second arrangement portion with a contact portion between the first locking portion and the second locking portion as a rotation axis.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the wire harness and the protector of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the workability of assembling the cover after connecting the wire members.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The wire harness of the present disclosure [1] A first wire member having a first terminal and a first electric wire connected to the first terminal, and a protector for housing the first wire member, wherein inside the protector, the first terminal is connected to a second terminal of a second wire member. A wire harness, wherein the protector has a protector body having a first arrangement portion where the first electric wire is arranged and a second arrangement portion where a connection portion between the first terminal and the second terminal is arranged, a first cover covering the first arrangement portion, and a second cover that is separate from each of the protector body and the first cover and covers the second arrangement portion. The first cover has a first locking portion, the second cover has a second locking portion that locks to the first locking portion, and the second cover is configured to be rotatable from an open position to a closed position covering the second arrangement portion with a contact portion between the first locking portion and the second locking portion as a rotation axis.

[0011] According to this configuration, first, with the first wire member disposed on the protector body, the first cover is assembled. Here, with the second cover removed, the first terminal is exposed from the protector. As a result, in a state where the first cover is assembled to the protector body, it is possible to connect the first terminal and the second terminal inside the protector body. Then, thereafter, the second cover is assembled to the protector body, and it is possible to cover the connection portion between the first terminal and the second terminal with the second cover. When assembling the second cover, the second locking portion is locked to the first locking portion, and the second cover is rotated to the closed position with their contact portion as a rotation axis. Therefore, it becomes possible to assemble the second cover with one hand, and it becomes possible to improve the workability of assembling the second cover.

[0012] [2] The first locking portion has a slit provided in the first cover, and the second locking portion is configured to be insertable into the slit. According to this configuration, after inserting the second locking portion into the slit, it becomes possible to rotate the second cover to the closed position with the contact portion between the slit and the second locking portion as a rotation axis.

[0013] [3] The contact surface between the first locking portion and the second locking portion in a state of intersecting with respect to the horizontal plane, the first locking portion can hold the second cover in the open position. According to this configuration, in a state where the second locking portion is inserted into the slit, it becomes possible to hold the second cover in the open position, so that it becomes possible to further improve the workability of assembling the second cover.

[0014] [4] The slit is formed between a first wall portion and a second wall portion facing each other, the second wall portion is provided between an end portion of the first cover facing the second cover and the first wall portion, a tip end portion of the first wall portion has an inclined portion inclined toward the second wall portion side, and the second locking portion contacts the inclined portion in a state where the second cover is in the closed position. According to this configuration, in a state where the second cover is in the closed position, it becomes possible to hold the second locking portion so as not to come out of the slit by the inclined portion.

[0015] [5] A bolt is fixed to the protector body. The first terminal has a through-hole into which the bolt is inserted. The first terminal and the second terminal are connected by the bolt and a nut screwed onto the bolt.

[0016] According to this configuration, since the first terminal has a through-hole into which the bolt is inserted, the movement of the first terminal is restricted even in a state before simply tightening the nut after inserting the bolt into the through-hole. Therefore, in a state before tightening the nut onto the bolt, the first wire member can be more reliably held with respect to the protector body. As a result, the transportation and distribution of the wire harness in a state where the first wire member is attached to the protector body and before connecting the second wire member to the first wire member become easy.

[0017] [6] The second arrangement portion has a rotation restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the second terminal around the bolt. The rotation restricting portion is located inside the protector rather than at an end portion of the protector from which the second wire member is led out. According to this configuration, when tightening or loosening the nut, the rotation restricting portion can suppress the second terminal from being rotated along.

[0018] [7] The first arrangement portion and the first cover sandwich the first wire member. According to this configuration, the first wire member can be more reliably held by the protector. As a result, the transportation and distribution of the wire harness in a state where the first wire member is attached to the protector body and before connecting the second wire member to the first wire member become easy.

[0019] [8] The first arrangement portion has a movement restricting portion that restricts the movement of the first wire member in the length direction. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to more reliably hold the first wire member by the movement restricting portion. As a result, the transportation and distribution of the wire harness in a state where the first wire member is attached to the protector main body and before connecting the second wire member to the first wire member are facilitated.

[0020] [9] The first arrangement portion has a first bottom wall and two first side walls that protrude from both side edges of the first bottom wall and face each other. The second arrangement portion has a second bottom wall and two second side walls that protrude from both side edges of the second bottom wall and face each other. The movement restricting portion is provided on at least the first side wall of the first arrangement portion, and the height of the first side wall is set higher than the height of the second side wall.

[0021] According to this configuration, it is easy to secure the length of the movement restricting portion provided on the first side wall. As a result, the movement restriction of the first wire member by the movement restricting portion can be more suitably realized. Also, by making the second side wall lower, it is possible to suppress the second side wall from getting in the way when connecting the first terminal and the second terminal. As a result, it can contribute to the improvement of workability when connecting the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0022]

[10] The first wire member has a corrugated tube that covers the outer periphery of the first wire. The corrugated tube has a bellows structure in which an annular convex portion and an annular concave portion having an outer diameter smaller than that of the convex portion are alternately provided in the length direction. The movement restricting portion is an engaging convex portion that engages with the concave portion.

[0023] According to this configuration, by engaging the engaging convex portion as the movement restricting portion with the concave portion of the corrugated tube, it becomes possible to restrict the movement of the first wire member including the corrugated tube in the length direction.

[0024]

[11] The protector has a lead-out port for leading out the first wire member to the outside of the protector, and the insulating coating of the first wire is located inside the lead-out port. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to dispose the exposed portion of the core wire in the first electric wire inside the protector.

[0025]

[12] The second cover has a first end portion having the second locking portion, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and an engaging portion. The second arrangement portion has a locking portion that engages with the engaging portion in a state where the second cover is in the closed position. The locking portion is located on the second end side rather than the connecting portion.

[0026] According to this configuration, one end portion of the second cover can be held by the locking between the second locking portion and the first locking portion, and the other end portion of the second cover can be held by the engagement between the engaging portion and the locking portion. Thereby, both end portions of the second cover can be held, and as a result, the assembled state of the second cover can be stabilized.

[0027]

[13] The first cover is connected to the first arrangement portion via a hinge portion, and the first cover is configured to be rotatable between an open position and a closed position covering the first arrangement portion about the hinge portion.

[0028] According to this configuration, it becomes possible to integrally form the first cover that can be opened and closed with respect to the first arrangement portion with the first arrangement portion.

[14] Further, the protector of the present disclosure accommodates a first terminal and a first electric wire member having a first electric wire connected to the first terminal. Inside, the first terminal is connected to a second terminal included in a second electric wire member. The protector includes: a protector body having a first arrangement portion where the first electric wire is disposed and a second arrangement portion where a connecting portion between the first terminal and the second terminal is disposed; a first cover covering the first arrangement portion; and a second cover separate from each of the protector body and the first cover and covering the second arrangement portion. The first cover has a first locking portion, and the second cover has a second locking portion that locks to the first locking portion. The second cover is configured to be rotatable from an open position to a closed position covering the second arrangement portion about a contact portion between the first locking portion and the second locking portion as a rotation axis.

[0029] According to this configuration, first, with the first wire member disposed on the protector body, the first cover is assembled. Here, with the second cover removed, the first terminal is exposed from the protector. Thereby, in a state where the first cover is assembled to the protector body, it is possible to connect the first terminal and the second terminal inside the protector body. Then, thereafter, the second cover can be assembled to the protector body to cover the connection portion between the first terminal and the second terminal with the second cover. When assembling the second cover, the second locking portion is locked to the first locking portion, and the second cover is rotated to the closed position using their contact portion as a rotation axis. Therefore, it is possible to assemble the second cover with one hand, and it is possible to improve the assemblability of the second cover.

[0030] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] Specific examples of the wire harness and protector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified. Also, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ in each drawing. Also, in this specification, "parallel" and "orthogonal" include not only cases of strict parallelism and orthogonality, but also cases that are generally parallel and orthogonal within the scope where the actions and effects in the present embodiment are exhibited.

[0031] Note that in this specification, "opposite" means that surfaces or members are in a position facing each other, and includes not only cases where they are completely in a facing position, but also cases where they are partially in a facing position. Also, in this specification, "opposite" includes both cases where a member different from the two parts is interposed between the two parts and cases where nothing is interposed between the two parts.

[0032] [Configuration of Wire Harness 10] The wire harness 10 is used to electrically connect electrical devices mounted on a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, for example.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wire harness 10 includes a first wire member 20, a second wire member 30, and a protector 40 that houses the first wire member 20 and the second wire member 30. The first wire member 20 and the second wire member 30 are electrically connected inside the protector 40. The first wire member 20 and the second wire member 30 are drawn out in opposite directions from the protector 40 in the length direction X of the first wire member 20, for example.

[0034] Hereinafter, the length direction X of the first wire member 20 will simply be referred to as the "length direction X". (Configuration of the first wire member 20) As shown in FIG. 2, the first wire member 20 has a first terminal 21, a first wire 22 connected to the first terminal 21, and a corrugated tube 25 that covers the outer periphery of the first wire 22. The corrugated tube 25 is drawn out from the protector 40.

[0035] (Configuration of the first terminal 21) The first terminal 21 has a circular through-hole 21a. As the material of the first terminal 21, for example, a metal material such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel can be used.

[0036] (Configuration of the first wire 22) The first wire 22 has a core wire 23 made of a conductor and an insulating coating 24 that covers the outer periphery of the core wire 23. As the material of the core wire 23, for example, a metal material such as copper-based or aluminum-based can be used. As the material of the insulating coating 24, for example, a synthetic resin mainly composed of a polyolefin-based resin such as cross-linked polyethylene or cross-linked polypropylene can be used.

[0037] The core wire 23 is exposed from the insulating coating 24 at the end of the first wire 22. The core wire 23 exposed from the insulating coating 24 is electrically connected to the first terminal 21. (Configuration of the corrugated tube 25) The corrugated tube 25 has a bellows structure in which annular convex portions 26 and annular concave portions 27 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the convex portions 26 are alternately provided in the longitudinal direction X. The corrugated tube 25 has flexibility.

[0038] As the material of the corrugated tube 25, for example, a resin material having conductivity or a resin material not having conductivity can be used. As the resin material, for example, synthetic resins such as polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, and ABS resin can be used.

[0039] The end of the corrugated tube 25 drawn out from the protector 40 and the first electric wire 22 are fixed by a fixing member 28 such as a tape, for example. The fixing member 28 is wound around the end of the corrugated tube 25 and the first electric wire 22 over the entire circumference. Thereby, the relative movement between the corrugated tube 25 and the first electric wire 22 is restricted.

[0040] (Configuration of the second electric wire member 30) The second electric wire member 30 has a second terminal 31 and a second electric wire 32 connected to the second terminal 31.

[0041] The second terminal 31 and the second electric wire 32 have the same configuration as the first terminal 21 and the first electric wire 22, respectively. Therefore, regarding the configuration of the second electric wire member 30, the description is omitted by adding "10" to the reference numeral "2*" indicating the configuration of the first electric wire member 20 to obtain a reference numeral "3*".

[0042] (Configuration of the protector 40) As shown in FIG. 1, the protector 40 includes a protector main body 50, a first cover 60, a second cover 70, and a bolt 80 provided on the protector main body 50.

[0043] Each of the protector body 50, the first cover 60, and the second cover 70 is made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene or polyamide. When the protector 40 is exposed to a high-temperature environment due to circumstances such as being disposed near a heat source, it is preferable to use polyamide, which has better heat resistance than polypropylene, as the constituent material of each of the protector body 50, the first cover 60, and the second cover 70.

[0044] (Configuration of Protector Body 50) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the protector body 50 has a first placement portion 51 and a second placement portion 52. The first electric wire 22 is disposed in the first placement portion 51. A connection portion C between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31 is disposed in the second placement portion 52. The first cover 60 is a cover that covers the first placement portion 51. The second cover 70 is a cover that covers the second placement portion 52.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first placement portion 51 has a first bottom wall 51a extending in the length direction X, and two first 1 side walls 51b that protrude from both side edges of the first bottom wall 51a and face each other, and a first opening 51c facing the first bottom wall 51a. The first opening 51c is formed by the two first side walls 5'1b.

[0046] The second placement portion 52 has, for example, a second bottom wall 52a extending in the length direction X, two second side walls 52b that protrude from both side edges of the second bottom wall 52a and face each other, and a second opening 52c facing the second bottom wall 52a. The second bottom wall 52a is continuous with the first bottom wall 51a. The second side walls 52b extend in the length direction X from the first side walls 51b. The second opening 52c is formed by the two second side walls 52b.

[0047] The protector body 50 has a first end portion 50A located on one side in the length direction X and a second end portion 50B located on the other side in the length direction X. The first wire member 20 is drawn out from the first end portion 50A. The second wire member 30 is drawn out from the second end portion 50B. The first arrangement portion 51 is provided on the first end portion 50A side of the protector body 50 in the length direction X. The second arrangement portion 52 is provided on the second end portion 50B side of the protector body 50 in the length direction X.

[0048] The protector 40 has a lead-out port 41 for leading the first wire member 20 to the outside of the protector 40 at the end portion on the first end portion 50A side. Inside the lead-out port 41, the corrugated tube 25 and the insulation coating 24 of the first wire 22 are located. That is, the exposed portion of the core wire 23 at the tip of the first wire 22 is arranged inside the protector 40.

[0049] On the inner surface of the first arrangement portion 51, an engaging convex portion 53 that fits into the concave portion 27 of the corrugated tube 25 is provided. A plurality of engaging convex portions 53 are provided at intervals from each other in the length direction X, for example. Each engaging convex portion 53 has an arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the concave portion 27, for example. Also, each engaging convex portion 53 is provided near the first end portion 50A of the protector body 50, for example. Further, the engaging convex portion 53 is continuously provided from the first bottom wall 51a to each 1 side wall 51b continuously provided.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, on the inner side surface of the first side wall 51b, a retaining projection 54 for preventing the corrugated tube 25 from coming off from the first opening 51c is provided. When the corrugated tube 25 arranged in the first arrangement portion 51 comes into contact with the retaining projection 54, the corrugated tube 25 is prevented from coming off from the first opening 51c.

[0051] (Configuration of the first cover 60) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first cover 60 covers the first opening 51c. Therefore, the first cover 60 covers the first wire 22 arranged in the first arrangement portion 51.

[0052] The first cover 60 is integrally formed with the protector body 50, for example. Specifically, the first cover 60 is connected to one first side wall 51b via a hinge portion 62. Further, the first cover 60 has a first engaging portion 63 that engages with a first locking portion 55 provided on the other first side wall 51b. By rotating the first cover 60 about the hinge portion 62 as a fulcrum, the first opening 51c is opened and closed. Further, by engaging the first engaging portion 63 with the first locking portion 55, the first cover 60 is held in a closed state covering the first opening 51c.

[0053] The first cover 60 has a first end portion 60a located on one side in the length direction X and a second end portion 60b located on the other side in the length direction X. The first end portion 60a of the first cover 60 is, for example, at the same position as the first end portion 50A of the protector body 50 in the length direction X. The second end portion 60b of the first cover 60 faces the second arrangement portion 52.

[0054] On the inner surface of the first cover 60 facing the first arrangement portion 51, engaging convex portions 64 that are fitted into the concave portions 27 of the corrugated tube 25 are provided. For example, a plurality of engaging convex portions 64 are provided at intervals from each other in the length direction X. Each engaging convex portion 64 has, for example, an arc shape along the outer peripheral surface of the concave portion 27. Each engaging convex portion 64 is provided, for example, near the first end portion 60a of the first cover 60. For example, the engaging convex portion 64 of the first cover 60 is at the same position as the engaging convex portion 53 of the first arrangement portion 51 in the length direction X. Thereby, the engaging convex portion 53 and the engaging convex portion 64 sandwich the corrugated tube 25 from both sides in the radial direction. By fitting the engaging convex portion 53 and the engaging convex portion 64 into the concave portion 27 of the corrugated tube 25, the movement of the corrugated tube 25 in the length direction X is restricted.

[0055] (Configuration of the first locking portion 65) The first cover 60 has a first locking portion 65 at the second end portion 60b. As shown in FIG. 4, the first locking portion 65 has a slit 66. The slit 66 is formed, for example, along the width direction Y of the protector 40 orthogonal to the length direction X. Note that the length direction X, the width direction Y, and the height direction Z are directions orthogonal to each other. The slit 66 penetrates the first cover 60 along the height direction Z of the protector 40, for example.

[0056] Further, the first locking portion 65 has, for example, a first wall portion 67 and a second wall portion 68 that constitute the slit 66. Each of the first wall portion 67 and the second wall portion 68 protrudes from the outer surface of the first cover 60. Also, each of the first wall portion 67 and the second wall portion 68 extends linearly along the width direction Y. That is, the first wall portion 67 and the second wall portion 68 face each other in the length direction X, and the slit 66 is formed between the first wall portion 67 and the second wall portion 68.

[0057] The second wall portion 68 is provided between the second end portion 60b of the first cover 60 and the first wall portion 67. That is, in the first wall portion 67 and the second wall portion 68, the second wall portion 68 is provided at a position closer to the second end portion 60b.

[0058] The first wall portion 67 has a base portion 67a extending along the height direction Z, and an inclined portion 67b extending while being inclined with respect to the height direction Z from the tip portion of the base portion 67a. The base portion 67a faces the second wall portion 68 in the length direction X. The inclined portion 67b is inclined so as to approach the second wall portion 68 side and the second arrangement portion 52 side toward the tip side.

[0059] (Configuration of the second arrangement portion 52) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second arrangement portion 52 has bolts 80 on the second bottom wall 52a. The bolt 80 has a head 81 fixed to the second bottom wall 52a and a male threaded portion 82 protruding from the head 81 toward the second opening 52c. The protruding direction of the male threaded portion 82 is a direction along the height direction Z of the protector 40 orthogonal to the length direction X. In the height direction Z, the height of the male threaded portion 82 is set higher than that of each second side wall 52b. Thereby, the male threaded portion 82 is exposed from the protector main body 50.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the protector 40 has a fixing portion 42 for fixing the head 81 of the bolt 80 to the second bottom wall 52a. The fixing portion 42 covers the head 81 so that the head 81 is not exposed to the outside on the lower surface side of the protector main body 50. Note that the fixing portion 42 may be integrally formed with the protector main body 50 or may be configured separately from the protector main body 50. Further, when the fixing portion 42 is integrally formed with the protector main body 50, the fixing portion 42 may be connected to the protector main body 50 by a hinge portion, and the fixing portion 42 may be configured to be openable and closable about the hinge portion.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the male threaded portion 82 is inserted into the through hole 21a of the first terminal 21 and the through hole 31a of the second terminal 31. Then, by screwing the nut 83 onto the male threaded portion 82, the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31 are fastened. In the present embodiment, the fastening portion by the bolt 80 and the nut 83 is used as the connecting portion C between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31. The first terminal 21, the second terminal 31, and the connecting portion C are arranged in the second arrangement portion 52.

[0062] Each second side wall 52b of the second arrangement portion 52 is set to have a low height in the height direction Z. Specifically, the height of each second side wall 52b is set so that the nut 83 does not overlap with each second side wall 52b when viewed from the width direction Y. This is to secure a hand space when an operator attaches the nut 83 to the male threaded portion 82.

[0063] The second arrangement portion 52 has a rotation restricting portion 56 that restricts the rotation of the second terminal 31 in the circumferential direction centered on the bolt 80. The rotation restricting portion 56 is provided, for example, on both sides of the second terminal 31 in the width direction Y. The rotation restricting portion 56 extends, for example, from the inner surface of the second side wall 52b to the inside of the second arrangement portion 52. The rotation restricting portion 56 is configured to be able to contact the second terminal 31 in the circumferential direction centered on the bolt 80. That is, when tightening the nut 83, the second terminal 31 can contact one rotation restricting portion 56, and when removing the nut 83, the second terminal 31 can contact the other rotation restricting portion 56.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, in the height direction Z, the height H1 of each rotation restricting portion 56 with respect to the second bottom wall 52a is set higher than the height H2 of each second side wall 52b with respect to the second bottom wall 52a. Thereby, while securing a hand space by reducing the height H2 of the second side wall 52b, it becomes possible to bring the second terminal 31 into contact with the rotation restricting portion 56. Also, the height H3 of the first side wall 51b is set higher than the height H2 of the second side wall 52b.

[0065] (Configuration of the second cover 70) The second cover 70 covers the second opening 52c of the second arrangement portion 52. Therefore, the second cover 70 covers the first terminal 21, the second terminal 31, and the connecting portion C arranged in the second arrangement portion 52.

[0066] The second cover 70 is separate from each of the protector body 50 and the first cover 60. The second cover 70 has a first end portion 70a located on one side in the length direction X and a second end portion 70b located on the other side in the length direction X. The second end portion 70b of the second cover 70 is, for example, at the same position as the second end portion 50B of the protector body 50 in the length direction X. Also, the first end portion 70a of the second cover 70 faces the first cover 60 side in the length direction X.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the second cover 70 has, for example, a top wall 71 extending in the longitudinal direction X and facing the second bottom wall 52a, and two side walls 72 protruding from both side edges of the top wall 71 and facing each other.

[0068] Each side wall 72 of the second cover 70 has a second engaging portion 73 that engages with a second locking portion 57 provided on each second side wall 52b of the second arrangement portion 52. The second locking portion 57 of each second side wall 52b is located closer to the second end portion 50B side than the male screw portion 82 of the bolt 80 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0069] (Configuration of the second locking portion 74) The second cover 70 has a second locking portion 74 that locks to the first locking portion 65 of the first cover 60. The second locking portion 74 has a flat shape that can be inserted into the slit 66 in the first locking portion 65. The second locking portion 74 extends along the width direction Y. The second cover 70 is configured to be rotatable from the open position shown in FIG. 7 to the closed position covering the second arrangement portion 52 with the contact portion between the first locking portion 65 and the second locking portion 74 as a fulcrum.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 4, the second locking portion 74 is inclined toward the inner side of the protector 40 as it goes toward the tip side in the longitudinal direction X. FIG. 4 shows the engagement state between the first locking portion 65 and the second locking portion 74 when the second cover 70 is in the closed position. When the second cover 70 is in the closed position, the second locking portion 74 contacts the inclined portion 67b of the first locking portion 65 in a substantially parallel state. That is, the second locking portion 74 is in surface contact with the inclined portion 67b.

[0071] When assembling the second cover 70, first, the second locking portion 74 is inserted into the slit 66 in the first cover 60 in the closed state. At this time, the second locking portion 74 is inserted between the tip of the inclined portion 67b and the tip of the second wall portion 68.

[0072] FIG. 5 shows an example of the engagement state between the first locking portion 65 and the second locking portion 74 when the second cover 70 is in the open position. When the second cover 70 is in the open position, the second locking portion 74 is located between the first wall portion 67 and the second wall portion 68. Thereby, the second cover 70 is held in the open position. And the second cover 70 is rotatable from the open position to the closed position with the contact portion between the second locking portion 74 and the tip of the second wall portion 68 as the rotation axis L. The rotation axis L is, for example, along the width direction Y.

[0073] FIG 6 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the first cover 60, protrusions 69 protruding from the upper surface of the first cover 60 are provided on both sides in the width direction Y of the first locking portion 65. On the other hand, in the second cover 70, positioning portions 75 facing the second locking portion 74 with a space therebetween are formed on both sides in the width direction Y of the second locking portion 74. The protrusion 69 of the first cover 60 is inserted between the second locking portion 74 and the positioning portion 75. Thereby, the positioning in the width direction Y of the second cover 70 with respect to the first cover 60 is achieved.

[0074] (Assembly mode of wire harness 10) When assembling the wire harness 10, first, the first cover 60 is opened and the second cover 70 is removed from the protector main body 50. In this state, the corrugated tube 25 of the first wire member 20 is accommodated in the first arrangement portion 51 through the first opening 51c. Also, at this time, the first terminal 21 is arranged in the second arrangement portion 52 so that the male screw portion 82 of the bolt 80 is inserted into the through hole 21a of the first terminal 21.

[0075] Next, the first cover 60 is rotated to a closed position covering the first opening 51c about the hinge portion 62, and the first engaging portion 63 is engaged with the first locking portion 55. Thereby, the first cover 60 is held in the closed position. In a state where the first cover 60 is in the closed position, the corrugated tube 25 is sandwiched in the height direction Z by the first cover 60 and the first bottom wall 51a. Thereby, the first wire member 20 is held by the protector main body 50. Further, at this time, the first terminal 21 is in a state of being externally inserted into the male screw portion 82 of the bolt 80. For this reason, the movement of the first terminal 21 in the length direction X and the width direction Y is restricted by the male screw portion 82 of the bolt 80. Therefore, in a state before tightening the nut 83 to the bolt 80, the first wire member 20 can be more reliably held with respect to the protector main body 50. As a result, the transportation and distribution of the wire harness 10 in a state where the first wire member 20 is attached to the protector main body 50 and before connecting the second wire member 30 to the first wire member 20 become easy.

[0076] Next, the first wire member 20 and the protector 40 assembled to the first wire member 20 are attached to an attachment location on the vehicle. Here, the second wire member 30 is not yet connected to the first wire member 20, and the second cover 70 is not attached to the protector main body 50 either. Therefore, the male screw portion 82 of the bolt 80 and the first terminal 21 are in a state of being exposed from the protector main body 50.

[0077] Next, the second terminal 31 in the second wire member 30 separately arranged in the vehicle is externally inserted into the male screw portion 82 and overlapped with the first terminal 21. Then, the nut 83 is attached to the male screw portion 82. Thereby, the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31 are fastened. When tightening the nut 83, it is preferable to press the second terminal 31 against one of the rotation restricting portions 56. Further, since the bolt 80 is not covered by the first cover 60, the attachment work of the nut 83 can be easily performed.

[0078] [[ID=]] Next, attach the second cover 70 to the second arrangement portion 52 in a state where the first terminal 21, the second terminal 31, and the connection portion C are arranged. Here, first, insert the second locking portion 74 of the second cover 70 into the slit 66 of the first cover 60. Then, using the contact portion between the second wall portion 68 constituting the slit 66 and the second locking portion 74 as the rotation axis L, rotate the second cover 70 to the closed position and engage the second engaging portion 73 with the second locking portion 57. As a result, the second cover 70 is held in the closed position covering the second arrangement portion 52. At this time, the second end portion 70b side of the second cover 70 is fixed by the engagement between the second engaging portion 73 and the second locking portion 57, while on the first end portion 70a side of the second cover 70, the second locking portion 74 is less likely to disengage from the slit 66 due to contact with the inclined portion 67b.

[0079] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The protector 40 includes a protector main body 50 having a first arrangement portion 51 and a second arrangement portion 52, a first cover 60 covering the first arrangement portion 51, and a second cover 70 covering the second arrangement portion 52. The first electric wire 22 is arranged in the first arrangement portion 51. The connection portion C between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31 is arranged in the second arrangement portion 52. The second cover 70 is separate from each of the protector main body 50 and the first cover 60. The first cover 60 has a first locking portion 65. The second cover 70 has a second locking portion 74 that locks to the first locking portion 65. And the second cover 70 is configured to be rotatable from the open position to the closed position covering the second arrangement portion 52 with the contact portion between the first locking portion 65 and the second locking portion 74 as the rotation axis L.

[0080] According to this configuration, first, with the first wire member 20 disposed on the protector body 50, the first cover 60 is assembled. Here, with the second cover 70 removed, the first terminal 21 is exposed from the protector 40. Thereby, in a state where the first cover 60 is assembled to the protector body 50, it is possible to connect the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31 inside the protector body 50. Then, thereafter, the second cover 70 is assembled to the protector body 50, and it is possible to cover the connection portion C between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31 with the second cover 70. When assembling the second cover 70, the second locking portion 74 is locked to the first locking portion 65, and with their contact portion as the rotation axis L, the second cover 70 is rotated to the closed position. Therefore, it is possible to assemble the second cover 70 with one hand, and it is possible to improve the workability of assembling the second cover 70.

[0081] Further, the second cover 70 is separate from each of the protector body 50 and the first cover 60. Here, when the second cover 70 is integrally formed with the protector body 50 via a hinge or the like, for example, the hinge is also made of a synthetic resin such as polyamide. Polyamide has excellent heat resistance while being vulnerable to drying. For this reason, when the wire harness 10 is assembled to the vehicle, that is, when the connection between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31 and the assembly of the second cover 70 are performed in a dry environment such as a cold region, when the second cover 70 is rotated via the hinge, the hinge may be damaged. In that regard, in the configuration where the second cover 70 is separate from each of the protector body 50 and the first cover 60 as in the present embodiment, there is no concern about damage to the hinge.

[0082] (2) The first locking portion 65 has a slit 66 provided in the first cover 60. And the second locking portion 74 is configured to be insertable into the slit 66. According to this configuration, after the second locking portion 74 is inserted into the slit 66, it is possible to rotate the second cover 70 to the closed position with the contact portion between the slit 66 and the second locking portion 74 as the rotation axis.

[0083] (3) With the rotating shaft L intersecting the horizontal plane, the first locking portion 65 can hold the second cover 70 in the open position. According to this configuration, with the second locking portion 74 inserted into the slit 66, it is possible to hold the second cover 70 in the open position, so that the workability of assembling the second cover 70 can be further improved.

[0084] (4) The slit 66 is formed between a first wall portion 67 and a second wall portion 68 facing each other. The second wall portion 68 is provided between a second end portion 60b of the first cover 60 facing the second cover 70 and the first wall portion 67. The tip of the first wall portion 67 has an inclined portion 67b that inclines toward the second wall portion 68 side. And the second locking portion 74 contacts the inclined portion 67b in a state where the second cover 70 is in the closed position. According to this configuration, in a state where the second cover 70 is in the closed position, it is possible to hold the second locking portion 74 so as not to come off from the slit 66 by the inclined portion 67b.

[0085] (5) A bolt 80 is fixed to the protector body 50. The first terminal 21 has a through hole 21a into which the bolt 80 is inserted. And the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31 are connected by the bolt 80 and a nut 83 screwed onto the bolt 80. According to this configuration, since the first terminal 21 has the through hole 21a into which the bolt 80 is inserted, the movement of the first terminal 21 is restricted even in a state before tightening the nut 83 just by inserting the bolt 80 into the through hole 21a. Therefore, in a state before tightening the nut 83 to the bolt 80, it is possible to more reliably hold the first wire member 20 with respect to the protector body 50. As a result, the transportation and distribution of the wire harness 10 in a state where the first wire member 20 is attached to the protector body 50 and before connecting the second wire member 30 to the first wire member 20 become easy.

[0086] (6) The second arrangement part 52 has a rotation restricting part 56 that restricts the rotation of the second terminal 31 around the bolt 80. The rotation restricting part 56 is located inside the protector 40 rather than at the second end part 50B where the second wire member 30 is led out in the protector 40. According to this configuration, when tightening or removing the nut 83, the rotation restricting part 56 can suppress the second terminal 31 from rotating along.

[0087] (7) The first arrangement part 51 and the first cover 60 sandwich the first wire member 20. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to more reliably hold the first wire member 20 in the protector 40. As a result, the transportation and distribution of the wire harness 10 in a state where the first wire member 20 is attached to the protector main body 50 and before connecting the second wire member 30 to the first wire member 20 become easy.

[0088] (8) The first arrangement part 51 has an engaging convex part 53 as a movement restricting part that restricts the movement of the first wire member 20 in the length direction X. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to more reliably hold the first wire member 20 in the protector 40 by the engaging convex part 53. As a result, the transportation and distribution of the wire harness 10 in a state where the first wire member 20 is attached to the protector main body 50 and before connecting the second wire member 30 to the first wire member 20 become easy.

[0089] (9) The first arrangement part 51 has a first bottom wall 51a and two first side walls 51b that protrude from both side edges of the first bottom wall 51a and face each other. The second arrangement part 52 has a second bottom wall 52a and two second side walls 52b that protrude from both side edges of the second bottom wall 52a and face each other. The engaging convex part 53 is provided on at least the first side wall 51b of the first arrangement part 51. And the height H3 of the first side wall 51b is set higher than the height H2 of the second side wall 52b. According to this configuration, it is easy to ensure the length of the engaging convex part 53 provided on the first side wall 51b. As a result, the movement restriction of the first electric wire member 20 by the engaging convex part 53 can be realized more preferably. Also, by making the second side wall 52b lower, it is possible to prevent the second side wall 52b from getting in the way when connecting the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31. As a result, it can contribute to the improvement of workability when connecting the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31.

[0090] (10) The first electric wire member 20 has a corrugated tube 25 that covers the outer circumference of the first electric wire 22. The corrugated tube 25 has a bellows structure in which an annular convex part 26 and an annular concave part 27 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the convex part 26 are alternately provided in the length direction X. And the engaging convex part 53 as a movement restricting part engages with the concave part 27 of the corrugated tube 25. According to this configuration, by engaging the engaging convex part 53 with the concave part 27 of the corrugated tube 25, it is possible to restrict the movement of the first electric wire member 20 including the corrugated tube 25 in the length direction X.

[0091] (11) The protector 40 has a lead-out port 41 for leading the first electric wire member 20 to the outside of the protector 40. Inside the lead-out port 41, the insulating coating 24 of the first electric wire 22 is located. According to this configuration, it is possible to arrange the exposed part of the core wire 23 in the first electric wire 22 inside the protector 40.

[0092] (12) The second cover 70 has a first end portion 70a having a second locking portion 74, a second end portion 70b opposite to the first end portion 70a, and a second engaging portion 73. The second arrangement portion 52 has a second locking portion 57 that engages with the second engaging portion 73 in a state where the second cover 70 is in the closed position. The second locking portion 57 is located on the second end portion 70b side of the connecting portion C in the length direction X. According to this configuration, the first end portion 70a of the second cover 70 is held by the engagement of the second locking portion 74 and the first locking portion 65, and the second end portion 70b of the second cover 70 is held by the engagement of the second engaging portion 73 and the second locking portion 57. As a result, both end portions of the second cover 70 can be held, and the assembled state of the second cover 70 can be stabilized.

[0093] (13) The first cover 60 is connected to the first arrangement portion 51 via a hinge portion 62. The first cover 60 is configured to be rotatable between an open position and a closed position covering the first arrangement portion 51 about the hinge portion 62. According to this configuration, it is possible to integrally form the first cover 60 that can be opened and closed with respect to the first arrangement portion 51 on the first arrangement portion 51.

[0094] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range. · The second wire member 30 can be omitted from the wire harness 10.

[0095] · The corrugated tube 25 can be omitted from the first wire member 20. In this case, the first arrangement portion 51 and the first cover 60 may be configured to be in direct contact with the first wire 22. · The first cover 60 may be configured as a separate body from the protector main body 50.

[0096] · The bolt 80 may protrude inclined with respect to the second bottom wall 52a. · The bolt 80 may be insert - molded with respect to the protector main body 50. ·The connection structure between the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 31 is not limited to fastening with a bolt 80 and a nut 83, and can be changed to other connection structures. That is, the bolt 80 can be omitted from the protector main body 50.

[0097] ·The height H3 of the first side wall 51b may be equal to the height H2 of the second side wall 52b or smaller than the height H2. ·The position of the second locking portion 57 in the length direction X may be changed to the same position as the bolt 80 or a position closer to the first arrangement portion 51 than the bolt 80.

[0098] ·For example, when the second wire member 30 has a corrugated tube similar to the first wire member 20, the rotation restricting portion 56 can be omitted from the second arrangement portion 52. ·The configuration such as the shapes of the first locking portion 65 and the second locking portion 74 is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the protector 40.

[0099] ·In the above embodiment, the first wire member 20 and the second wire member 30 have their length directions along the same direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the length direction of the first wire member 20 and the length direction of the second wire member 30 may intersect.

[0100] ·The embodiments and modification examples disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited to these examples. That is, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0101] 10 Wire harness 20 First wire member 21 First terminal 21a Through hole 22 First wire 23 Core wire 24 Insulation coating 25 Corrugated tube 26 Convex part 27 Concave part 28 Fixing member 30 Second wire member 31 Second terminal 31a Through hole 32 Second wire 40 Protector 41 Outlet 42 Fixing part 50 Protector body 50A First end 50B Second end 51 First arrangement part 51a First bottom wall 51b First side wall 51c First opening 52 Second arrangement part 52a Second bottom wall 52b Second side wall 52c Second opening 53 Engaging convex part (movement restricting part) 54 Retaining projection 55 First locking part 56 Rotation restricting part 57 Second locking part (locking part) 60 First cover 60a First end 60b Second end 62 Hinge part 63 First engaging part 64 Engaging convex part 65 First locking part 66 Slit 67 First wall part 67a Base part 67b Inclined part 68 Second wall part 69 Protruding part 70 Second cover 70a First end 70b Second end 71 Top wall 72 Side wall 73 Second engaging part (engaging part) 74 Second locking part 75 Positioning part 80 Bolt 81 Head 82 Male Screw Part 83 Nut C Connecting Part H1 Height H2 Height H3 Height L Rotation Axis X Length Direction Y Width Direction Z Height Direction

Claims

1. a first wire member having a first terminal and a first wire connected to the first terminal; a protector that houses the first electric wire member; Equipped with A wire harness in which the first terminal is connected to a second terminal of a second electric wire member inside the protector, The protector comprises: a protector body having a first arrangement portion in which the first electric wire is arranged and a second arrangement portion in which a connecting portion between the first terminal and the second terminal is arranged; a first cover that covers the first arrangement portion; a second cover that is separate from the protector main body and the first cover and covers the second arrangement portion, the first cover has a first locking portion, the second cover has a second locking portion that locks onto the first locking portion, the second cover is configured to be rotatable about a contact portion between the first locking portion and the second locking portion as a rotation axis from an open position to a closed position covering the second arrangement portion. Wire harness.

2. the first locking portion has a slit provided in the first cover, The second locking portion is configured to be insertable into the slit. The wire harness according to claim 1 .

3. When the contact surface between the first locking portion and the second locking portion intersects with a horizontal plane, the first locking portion can hold the second cover in the open position. The wire harness according to claim 2 .

4. The slit is formed between a first wall portion and a second wall portion facing each other, the second wall portion is provided between the first wall portion and an end portion of the first cover facing the second cover, a tip end of the first wall portion has an inclined portion inclined toward the second wall portion, the second engaging portion contacts the inclined portion when the second cover is in the closed position; The wire harness according to claim 2 or 3.

5. A bolt is fixed to the protector body, the first terminal has a through hole into which the bolt is inserted, The first terminal and the second terminal are connected by the bolt and a nut screwed onto the bolt. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the second arrangement portion has a rotation restricting portion that restricts rotation of the second terminal around the bolt, The rotation restricting portion is located more inward of the protector than an end portion of the protector from which the second electric wire member is led out. The wire harness according to claim 5 .

7. The first arrangement part and the first cover sandwich the first wire member. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first arrangement part has a movement restricting part that restricts movement of the first wire member in the longitudinal direction. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first arrangement part has a first bottom wall and two first side walls that project from both side edges of the first bottom wall and face each other. The second arrangement part has a second bottom wall and two second side walls that project from both side edges of the second bottom wall and face each other. The movement restricting part is provided on at least the first side wall of the first arrangement part. The height of the first side wall is set higher than the height of the second side wall. The wire harness according to claim 8.

10. The first wire member has a corrugated tube that covers the outer periphery of the first wire. The corrugated tube has a bellows structure in which annular convex parts and annular concave parts having an outer diameter smaller than that of the convex parts are alternately provided in the longitudinal direction. The movement restricting part is an engaging convex part that engages with the concave part. The wire harness according to claim 8 or claim 9.

11. The protector has a lead-out port for leading the first wire member to the outside of the protector. Inside the lead-out port, the insulating coating of the first wire is located. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The second cover has a first end portion having the second locking portion, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and an engaging portion. The second arrangement part has a locking part that engages with the engaging part in a state where the second cover is in the closed position. The locking part is located on the second end portion side with respect to the connecting part. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The first cover is connected to the first arrangement part via a hinge part. The first cover is configured to be rotatable between an open position and a closed position covering the first arrangement part about the hinge part. The wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A protector that houses a first terminal and a first wire member having a first wire connected to the first terminal, and inside which the first terminal is connected to a second terminal of a second wire member. A protector body having a first arrangement portion where the first electric wire is arranged and a second arrangement portion where a connection portion between the first terminal and the second terminal is arranged; A first cover that covers the first arrangement portion; A second cover that is separate from each of the protector body and the first cover and covers the second arrangement portion; The first cover has a first locking portion; The second cover has a second locking portion that locks to the first locking portion; The second cover is configured to be rotatable from an open position to a closed position covering the second arrangement portion with a contact portion between the first locking portion and the second locking portion as a rotation axis; Protector.

Images