protector

Abstract

To provide a protector which has high fluid discharging performance while at the same time allowing improvement in assembling workability.SOLUTION: A protector 4 comprises a housing 5 which houses a connector part 3 connected to a tip end of a wire. On a first outer surface 26a among its plurality of outer surfaces 26, the housing 5 is provided with a fixing member 28 for fixing the protector 4 to an engaged part 29 of a fitting object 27. On a second outer surface 26b located opposite to the first outer surface 26a, there is provided a recessed part 34 for discharging a fluid attracted onto the second outer surface 26b. The recessed part 34 is a groove intersecting part 36 at which a plurality of grooves 35 intersect one another. A base point P at which the grooves 35 intersect is used as a marker for indicating the position of the fixing member 28.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a protector for protecting stored components. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique for attaching a wire harness to a protector and then attaching the wire harness to the body of an automobile via a fixing member provided on the protector is well known (see Patent Document 1). The protector disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a fixing member provided on the back surface of the protector body. The protector is assembled to the body by aligning the fixing member with a hole in the body and pushing the protector from above to insert the fixing member into the hole in the body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-80036 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when assembling the protector to the vehicle body, the worker looks at the protector from above, so the fixing member is hidden by the protector body. Therefore, it is difficult to know where the fixing member is located, which makes it difficult to assemble the protector to the vehicle body. In addition, the protector is sometimes installed in an area that is exposed to water, so high waterproofing is also required.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a protector that can achieve both improved assembly workability and high fluid discharge performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A protector that solves the above problem includes a housing having a fixing member that is fixed to an object to be attached. The housing has a plurality of outer surfaces, and a second outer surface, which is located opposite to a first outer surface on which the fixing member is provided, is provided with a recess that drains fluid that has adhered to the second outer surface, and a part of the recess serves as a marker that indicates the position of the fixing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, both improved assembly workability and high fluid discharge performance can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outline of the connection of the connector portion. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the eaves portion of the protector, where (a) is a view when the locking mechanism is locked, and (b) is a view when the locking mechanism is unlocked. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the protector as seen from above. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the protector as seen from below. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an outline of how the protector is attached to the attachment object. [Figure 7] 7(a) and 7(b) are explanatory views showing the process in which the fluid adhering to the protector is discharged. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the groove shape of the recessed portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the groove shape of the recessed portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the protector of the second embodiment as seen from above. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the protector as seen from below. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the vicinity of the eaves portion of the protector. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the eaves portion of the protector. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the process in which the fluid adhering to the eaves portion is discharged. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing the process in which the fluid adhering to the upper surface of the protector is discharged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. [1] The protector disclosed herein includes a housing having a fixing member that is fixed to an object to be attached. The housing has a plurality of outer surfaces, and a recess for discharging fluid adhering to the second outer surface is provided on a second outer surface located opposite a first outer surface on which the fixing member is provided. A part of the recess serves as a marker indicating the position of the fixing member.

[0010] According to this configuration, a recess is provided on the second outer surface of the housing opposite the first outer surface, which has a marker function that indicates the position of the fixing member present on the first outer surface. Therefore, when assembling the protector to an attachment object, it is possible to grasp the position of the fixing member, thereby improving the workability of assembling the protector. Furthermore, since this recess also has a fluid discharge function, even if fluid adheres to the second outer surface, the fluid can be discharged through the recess. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both improved workability of assembly and high fluid discharge performance.

[0011] [2] The recess has a groove intersection where multiple grooves intersect, and the base point where the multiple grooves intersect serves as a marker for the fixing member. This configuration allows the operator to easily identify the position of the fixing member through the easy-to-understand design of the intersecting grooves. Furthermore, the drainage structure that runs along the grooves allows fluid adhering to the second outer surface to be drained.

[0012] [3] At the groove intersection, the plurality of grooves are arranged radially from the base point. With this configuration, when fluid adheres to the groove intersection, the fluid can be discharged to both sides from the base point. This further contributes to improving the discharge performance of the adhered fluid.

[0013] [4] At the groove intersection, the plurality of grooves are arranged in a cross shape. With this configuration, the cross shape can be used as a mark with a good design. [5] At the groove intersection, the plurality of grooves are arranged at equal angular intervals around a base point. This configuration allows for a balanced arrangement of the grooves, further contributing to improved discharge performance of adhering fluid.

[0014] [6] At least one of the plurality of grooves extends to the edge of the second outer surface. With this configuration, fluid adhering to the second outer surface can be dropped downward from the edge of the groove, which has a drainage function. Therefore, even if fluid adheres to the second outer surface, it does not remain on the second outer surface.

[0015] [7] The base point is located directly above the fixing member in the height direction of the housing. This configuration makes it possible to accurately determine the position of the fixing member when viewing the housing from above. This further contributes to improving the workability of assembling the protector.

[0016] [8] The base points are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the fixing members. This configuration makes it easier to recognize the pairing relationship between the fixing members and the base points of the recesses that serve as their markers. [9] The housing is formed in a shape that allows multiple connector portions to be arranged side by side in a planar direction. According to this configuration, when the housing is box-shaped and has multiple connector portions inside, the size of the housing becomes relatively large, making it difficult to see the fixing member on the first outer surface of the housing from above when fixing the protector to the attachment object. Therefore, a recess serving as a marker for the position of the fixing member is provided on the second outer surface of the housing. This makes it easier to align the fixing member of the housing with the attachment object even if the housing size is large. This further contributes to improving the workability of assembling the protector.

[0017] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the protector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note 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 each drawing, for the convenience of explanation, some components may be exaggerated or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions of each part may differ from the actual ones.

[0018] (First embodiment) [Outline of Wire Harness 1] As shown in FIG. 1, a wire harness 1 is arranged inside a vehicle (not shown) to electrically connect electrical components inside the vehicle. The wire harness 1 includes electric wires 2 and a protector 4 that protects a connector portion 3 at the end of the electric wire 2. The electric wires 2 may be, for example, one or more, and in this example, two are shown. One of the electric wires 2 is referred to as a first electric wire 2a, and the other is referred to as a second electric wire 2b. Each of the first electric wire 2a and the second electric wire 2b may be, for example, one or more electrical wirings. The connector portion 3 corresponds to a storage component.

[0019] The protector 4 is disposed in a location in the vehicle where there is a possibility of water damage. Specifically, the protector 4 is disposed, for example, below a seat provided in the vehicle. The protector 4 includes a housing 5 that houses the connector portion 3. The housing 5 is formed in a shape that allows multiple (two in this example) connector portions 3 to be arranged side by side in a plane direction (the XY plane direction in FIG. 1).

[0020] One connector portion 3 is a first connector portion 3a that connects to the first electric wire 2a, and the other connector portion 3 is a second connector portion 3b that connects to the second electric wire 2b. In this example, the connector portion 3 may be either a waterproof connector that has a waterproof structure or a non-waterproof connector that does not have a waterproof structure. A non-waterproof connector, for example, has a structure in which a sealant (not shown) is not provided on the terminal of the connector portion 3. The first electric wire 2a is electrically connected to a connection destination via the first connector portion 3a of the protector 4. In this case, the connection destination may be another electric wiring or may be a second connector portion 3b within the protector 4. The same applies to the second electric wire 2b.

[0021] [Outline of connector section 3] As shown in Figure 2, the connector section 3 includes a receiving connector 8 attached inside the housing 5, and a mating connector 9 connected to the receiving connector 8. The receiving connector 8 is fixed to the housing 5 via an engaging protrusion 10 provided on the housing 5. The receiving connector 8 is formed with a hole 11 into which the mating connector 9 is inserted. Note that any structure may be used for fixing the receiving connector 8 using the engaging protrusion 10, as long as it can fix the receiving connector 8 to the housing 5.

[0022] The mating connector 9 has a connector body 12 that is inserted into a hole 11 of the receiving connector 8. The connector body 12 of the mating connector 9 is formed with a hole 13 into which a terminal of the electric wire 2 is inserted. The mating connector 9 is fitted into the receiving connector 8. The mating connector 9 is configured to be detachable from the receiving connector 8.

[0023] 3(a) and 3(b), a locking mechanism 16 is provided to lock the mating connector 9 connected to the waiting connector 8 to the waiting connector 8. The locking mechanism 16 in this example includes a movable lever portion 17 provided on the upper wall of the connector body 12 of the mating connector 9, a protrusion 18 provided on the upper surface of the lever portion 17, and a recessed portion 19 formed on the inner surface of the hole 11 of the waiting connector 8.

[0024] When the mating connector 9 is inserted into the hole 11 of the standby connector 8, the lever portion 17 falls downward and the protrusion 18 slides on the inner surface of the hole 11 of the standby connector 8, thereby allowing the mating connector 9 to be inserted. When the mating connector 9 is inserted all the way into the hole 11 of the standby connector 8, the protrusion 18 of the mating connector 9 gets caught in the recessed portion 19 of the standby connector 8, thereby locking the mating connector 9 to the standby connector 8.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3(b), when removing the mating connector 9 from the standby connector 8, the tip of the lever portion 17 is pushed downward with a finger or the like. At this time, the lever portion 17 bends from its base, causing the protrusion 18 of the mating connector 9 to come out of the recessed portion 19 of the standby connector 8. In this state, the mating connector 9 can be removed from the standby connector 8 by pulling the mating connector 9 toward you.

[0026] [Overall structure of Protector 4] 4 and 5, the housing 5 includes a housing main body 22 and a lid portion 23 that closes the opening of the housing main body 22. The housing main body 22 and the lid portion 23 are assembled and fixed via a plurality of snap-fit portions 24. The connector portions 3 are arranged side by side inside the housing 5 along a planar direction (the XY plane direction in FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, a first outer surface 26a of the multiple outer surfaces 26 of the housing 5 (housing main body 22) is provided with a fixing member 28 that is fixed to an attachment target 27 (shown in FIG. 6) of the protector 4. The fixing member 28 is, for example, a clamp. The first outer surface 26a is, for example, the back surface of the housing 5. The attachment target 27 is, for example, the floor surface of the vehicle body. The outer surface 26 of the housing 5 includes, for example, the top surface, back surface, and side surfaces of the housing 5.

[0028] In this example, the fixing member 28 is disposed below the first connector portion 3a on the rear surface of the housing 5. The protector 4 is fixed to the attachment object 27 by engaging the fixing member 28 with an engaged portion 29 provided on the attachment object 27 of the protector 4. In this example, the engaged portion 29 is a hole 29a provided in the attachment object 27.

[0029] 4 and 5, the protector 4 has openings 31 at the side portions 30 of the housing 5, where the connector portions 3 are exposed to the outside. In this example, a plurality of openings 31 (two in this example) are provided to match the number of connector portions 3. In this example, the openings 31 include a first opening 31a provided in a first side portion 30a of the four side portions 30 of the housing 5, and a second opening 31b provided in a second side portion 30b opposite the first side portion 30a.

[0030] [Protector 4's marker function and fluid discharge function] 4, a recess 34 for discharging fluid adhering to the second outer surface 26b is provided on the second outer surface 26b located on the opposite side of the housing 5 from the first outer surface 26a, and the position of this recess 34 serves as a marker for indicating the position of the fixing member 28. The second outer surface 26b is, for example, the top surface of the housing 5 (lid portion 23). In this example, the recess 34 has two functions: a marker function for letting the operator know the position of the fixing member 28, and a fluid discharge function for discharging fluid adhering to the housing 5 so that it does not reach the connector portion 3.

[0031] The recess 34 is a groove intersection 36 where multiple grooves 35 are arranged to intersect, and the base point P, which is the point where the grooves 35 intersect, serves as a marker for the fixing member 28. At the groove intersection 36, the grooves 35 are arranged radially from the base point P as a center, and in this example, the grooves 35 are arranged in a cross shape. Furthermore, at the groove intersection 36, the grooves 35 are arranged at equal angular intervals around the base point P. At least one of the multiple grooves 35 (in this example, all of them) extends to the edge of the second outer surface 26b. The base point P is preferably located directly above the fixing member 28 in the thickness direction of the housing 5 (the Z-axis direction in FIG. 4). The base points P are preferably provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the fixing members 28.

[0032] In this example, the grooves 35 include a first groove 35a extending from the base point P toward the first side portion 30a of the housing 5, a second groove 35b extending from the base point P toward the second side portion 30b of the housing 5, a third groove 35c extending from the base point P toward the third side portion 30c of the housing 5, and a fourth groove 35d extending from the base point P toward the fourth side portion 30d of the housing 5. The first grooves 35a to the fourth grooves 35d extend radially (in a cross shape) with the base point P as the center.

[0033] [Effect] Next, the operation of the protector 4 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6 , when attaching the protector 4 to the attachment object 27, the fixing member 28 of the protector 4 is aligned with the engaged portion 29 of the attachment object 27 using the recess 34 (base point P of the groove intersection 36) provided on the second outer surface 26b of the protector 4 as a guide. In this example, the recess 34 has a shape (a cross shape) where the grooves 35 intersect. Therefore, the base point P, which is the point where the grooves 35 intersect, is aligned with the engaged portion 29 of the attachment object 27. After alignment, the protector 4 is pushed inward to engage the fixing member 28 with the engaged portion 29, thereby attaching and fixing the protector 4 to the attachment object 27.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), assume that a fluid (e.g., water droplets) is splashed onto the second outer surface 26b of the housing 5. The fluid adhering to the second outer surface 26b of the housing 5 flows along the groove 35 of the recess 34 (groove intersection 36) and falls from the edge of the second outer surface 26b downwards from the housing 5. In this way, the groove structure allows the fluid on the second outer surface 26b of the housing 5 to fall downwards from the housing 5, rather than remaining on the second outer surface 26b. This contributes to improving the fluid discharge performance of the connector portion 3.

[0035] 8 shows an example of the groove shape of the groove intersection 36 (recess 34). In the example shown in the figure, the groove 35 is formed to have a square cross section. In this case, the shape of the groove 35 is simple, and therefore the groove 35 is easy to manufacture.

[0036] 9 shows another example of the groove shape of the groove intersection 36 (recess 34). In the example shown in the figure, the groove 35 is formed to have a trapezoidal cross section. With this shape, it is possible to increase the volume of the groove 35, and therefore it is possible to discharge a large amount of fluid.

[0037] According to the protector 4 of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1-1) The protector 4 includes a housing 5 having a fixing member 28 fixed to an attachment object 27. The housing 5 has a recess 34 for discharging fluid adhering to the second outer surface 26b, which is one of the multiple outer surfaces 26 and is located on the opposite side to the first outer surface 26a on which the fixing member 28 is provided. A part of the recess 34 serves as a mark indicating the position of the fixing member 28.

[0038] According to this configuration, the second outer surface 26b of the housing 5, opposite the first outer surface 26a, is provided with a recess 34 that functions as a marker to indicate the position of the fixing member 28 present on the first outer surface 26a. Therefore, when assembling the protector 4 to the attachment object 27, it becomes possible to grasp the position of the fixing member 28, thereby improving the workability of assembling the protector 4. Furthermore, since the recess 34 also has a fluid discharge function, even if fluid adheres to the second outer surface 26b, the fluid can be discharged by the recess 34. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both improved workability of assembly and high fluid discharge performance.

[0039] (1-2) The recess 34 is a groove intersection 36 where multiple grooves 35 intersect, and the base point P where the grooves 35 intersect serves as a marker for the fixing member 28. With this configuration, the easy-to-understand design of the grooves 35 intersecting allows the operator to recognize the position of the fixing member 28. In addition, the drainage structure that runs along the grooves 35 allows fluid adhering to the second outer surface 26b to be drained.

[0040] (1-3) In the groove intersection 36, a plurality of grooves 35 are arranged radially from the base point P. With this configuration, when fluid adheres to the groove intersection 36, the fluid can be discharged to both sides from the base point P. This further contributes to improving the discharge performance of the adhered fluid.

[0041] (1-4) The groove intersection 36 has a plurality of grooves 35 arranged in a cross shape. This configuration allows the cross shape to serve as a marker with a good design. (1-5) At the groove intersection 36, multiple grooves 35 are arranged at equal angular intervals around the base point P. This configuration allows the grooves 35 to be arranged in a balanced manner, which further contributes to improving the performance of discharging adhered fluid.

[0042] (1-6) At least one of the plurality of grooves 35 extends to the edge of the second outer surface 26b. With this configuration, the fluid adhering to the second outer surface 26b can be dropped from the end of the groove 35, which has a fluid discharge function, to below the housing 5. Therefore, even if the fluid adheres to the second outer surface 26b, it does not remain on the second outer surface 26b.

[0043] (1-7) The base point P is located directly above the fixing member 28 in the height direction of the housing 5. This configuration makes it possible to accurately determine the position of the fixing member 28 when viewing the housing 5 from above. This further contributes to improving the workability of assembling the protector 4.

[0044] (1-8) The base points P are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the fixing members 28. This configuration makes it easy to recognize the pairing relationship between the fixing members 28 and the base points P of the recesses 34 that serve as their markers. (1-9) The housing 5 is formed in a shape that allows multiple connector portions 3 to be arranged side by side in a planar direction. According to this configuration, when the housing 5 has multiple connector portions 3 inside, the size of the housing 5 becomes relatively large, and therefore, when the protector 4 is fixed to the attachment object 27, the fixing member 28 present on the first outer surface 26a of the housing 5 becomes difficult to see from above. Therefore, a recess 34 that serves as a marker for the position of the fixing member 28 is provided on the second outer surface 26b of the housing. Therefore, even if the size of the housing 5 becomes relatively large, it becomes easy to align the fixing member 28 of the housing 5 with the attachment object. Therefore, this is also a great advantage.

[0045] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an example in which another waterproof function is added to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted, and only the different parts will be described in detail.

[0046] [Protector 4 waterproof structure] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the protector 4 has a visor portion 44 formed on the upper edge of the opening 31 so as to cover the connector portion 3 protruding outward from the opening 31 (in the +X-axis direction in Figure 10, etc.). The visor portion 44 is formed on the edge of the lid portion 23. A visor portion 44 is provided for each connector portion 3 (first connector portion 3a, second connector portion 3b). The visor portion 44 includes a first visor portion 44a provided on the first opening 31a and a second visor portion 44b provided on the second opening 31b. The visor portion 44 protrudes outward from the upper edge of the opening 31 (in the +X-axis direction in Figure 10, etc.).

[0047] The eaves portion 44 has an extension portion 46 that protrudes outward from an end surface 45 (shown in FIG. 12) of the housing 5 that has the opening 31. The extension portion 46 has a first extension portion 46a that covers the connector portion 3 from above, and a second extension portion 46b that covers the connector portion 3 from the side. The pair of the opening 31 and the eaves portion 44 is located near the end of the side portion 30 of the housing 5 in the width direction (the Y-axis direction in FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 12, the connector portion 3 is attached so as to protrude a predetermined amount from the opening 31. The protruding length H1 of the eaves portion 44 outward (in the +X-axis direction in FIG. 12) is set to be equal to or greater than the protruding length H2 of the connector portion 3 (H1≧H2). The upper surface 47 of the eaves portion 44 is formed in an inclined shape such that the outward protruding tip is positioned vertically higher than the base end. In this case, the inclination angle θ1 is preferably set to a value that ensures that the upper surface 47 of the eaves portion 44 is inclined regardless of whether the vehicle body is tilted forward, backward, left, or right. The height position of the protruding tip of the eaves portion 44 coincides with the height of the upper surface (second outer surface 26b) of the housing 5.

[0049] The protector 4 is provided with a drain groove 49 that drains fluid adhering to the eaves portion 44. In this example, the drain groove 49 is provided at the base end of the eaves portion 44, and drains the fluid in the width direction of the housing 5 (the Y-axis direction in FIG. 12). The drain groove 49 is provided around the base of the eaves portion 44.

[0050] 10, a portion of the groove 35 in the recess 34 (groove intersection 36) is connected to a discharge groove 49 at the base of the overhanging portion 44. In this example, the edge of the first groove 35a is connected to the discharge groove 49 of the first overhanging portion 44a. As a result, the fluid flowing down the first groove 35a passes through the discharge groove 49 of the first overhanging portion 44a and drops below the housing 5.

[0051] 13, the inner surface 50 of the visor portion 44 is formed in an inclined shape such that the distance from the connector portion 3 in the vertical direction increases from the base end to the tip end. In this case, the angle of inclination θ2 is preferably the same as the angle θ1, for example. This ensures a large working space when removing the mating connector 9 from the standby connector 8.

[0052] [Effect] Next, the operation of the protector 4 of this embodiment will be described. 14, it is assumed that a fluid (for example, water droplets) is splashed onto the housing 5. In this example, even if the fluid falls from above the housing 5, the eaves portion 44 can receive the fluid and prevent it from reaching the connector portion 3. Therefore, the eaves portion 44 can protect the connector portion 3 from being wet.

[0053] Fluid adhering to the eaves portion 44 travels down the slope of the eaves portion 44 to the base of the eaves portion 44, and then flows sideways along the drain groove 49 at the base of the eaves portion 44, dropping below the housing 5. In this way, rather than leaving the fluid on top of the eaves portion 44, the sloped and grooved structures allow the fluid to drop below the housing 5. This further contributes to improving the waterproofness of the connector portion 3.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 15, assume that a fluid (e.g., water droplets) is splashed onto the second outer surface 26b of the housing 5. The fluid adhering to the second outer surface 26b of the housing 5 flows down the first groove 35a of the recess 34 (groove intersection 36) to the discharge groove 49 of the first overhanging portion 44a, and is then dropped below the housing 5 via this discharge groove 49. In this way, the groove structure allows the fluid on the second outer surface 26b of the housing 5 to drop below the housing 5. This further contributes to improving the waterproofness of the connector portion 3.

[0055] In this example, a portion of the housing 5 is extended to provide the eaves portion 44. This ensures visibility of the connector portion 3 and a working space, maintaining ease of attachment and detachment of the mating connector 9 to the standby connector 8. This makes it possible to achieve both waterproofing of the connector portion 3 and ease of attachment and detachment of the connector portion 3. Furthermore, even if the eaves portion 44 is inclined, the height of the eaves portion 44 is set so that the tip of the eaves portion 44 does not protrude from the top surface of the housing 5, allowing the size of the housing 5 to remain small.

[0056] According to the protector 4 of the above embodiment, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (2-1) The protector 4 includes a housing 5 that houses a connector portion 3 to which an electric wire 2 is connected. The housing 5 has an opening 31 at a side portion 30 of the housing 5 where the connector portion 3 is exposed to the outside, and a visor portion 44 formed on the upper edge of the opening 31 so as to cover the connector portion 3 from above. According to this configuration, in the protector 4 in which the connector portion 3 is exposed from the opening 31 of the housing 5, the connector portion 3 is waterproofed simply by providing the visor portion 44 on the upper edge of the opening 31 of the protector 4. Therefore, the connector portion 3 can be waterproofed with a simple structure.

[0057] (2-2) The connector portion 3 protrudes outward from the opening 31. The eaves portion 44 protrudes outward from the upper edge of the opening 31. The outward protruding length H1 of the eaves portion 44 is equal to or greater than the protruding length H2 of the connector portion 3. With this configuration, the connector portion 3 is not buried inside the opening 31, improving the workability of connecting and removing the connector portion 3. Furthermore, even if the connector portion 3 protrudes a predetermined amount from the opening 31 of the housing 5, the eaves portion 44 can also waterproof this protruding portion. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both improved workability in connecting and removing the connector and improved waterproofing of the connector portion 3.

[0058] (2-3) The upper surface 47 of the eaves portion 44 is formed in an inclined shape with the outward protruding tip positioned vertically higher than the base end. This configuration allows fluid on the eaves portion 44 to flow downward along the inclination, thereby improving the fluid discharge performance. This contributes to improving waterproofing.

[0059] (2-4) The height position of the protruding tip of the overhanging portion 44 coincides with the height of the upper surface (second outer surface 26b) of the housing 5. With this configuration, even if the overhanging portion 44 is provided on the protector 4, the upper surface of the protector 4 can be made flush. Therefore, the upper surface of the protector 4 does not have to have a shape that protrudes partially, which prevents the protector 4 from becoming larger and reduces the likelihood of restrictions on the installation location.

[0060] (2-5) The drain groove 49 of the protector 4 is provided at the base end of the eaves portion 44 and drains fluid in the width direction of the housing 5. With this configuration, if fluid adheres to the eaves portion 44, the drain groove 49 can drain the fluid from the eaves portion 44. This makes it less likely for fluid to accumulate in the eaves portion 44, further contributing to improved waterproofing.

[0061] (2-6) The eaves portion 44 has an extension portion 46 that protrudes outward from the end surface 45 of the housing 5, which has the opening 31. According to this configuration, the extension portion 46 can waterproof the connector portion 3 that is arranged on the end surface 45 of the housing 5.

[0062] (2-7) The extension 46 has a first extension 46a that covers the connector 3 from above and a pair of second extensions 46b that cover the connector 3 from the sides. With this configuration, both ends of the first extension 46a can be supported by the pair of second extensions 46b, thereby reinforcing the first extension 46a. In addition, the first extension 46a and the second extension 46b can widely cover the opening 31 of the housing 5.

[0063] (2-8) The inner surface 50 of the visor portion 44 is formed in an inclined shape such that the vertical distance from the connector portion 3 increases from the base end to the tip end. This configuration allows for a larger working space for removing the connector portion 3, thereby improving the workability of attaching and detaching the connector.

[0064] (2-9) The housing 5 is formed in a shape that allows multiple connector portions 3 to be arranged side by side in a planar direction. A visor portion 44 is provided for each connector portion 3. With this configuration, it is anticipated that an increase in the size of the housing 5 will increase the area of the top surface of the housing 5, and that fluid will be more likely to land on the top surface of the housing 5. Even in such cases, since a visor portion 44 is provided for each connector portion 3, it is possible to prevent fluid from reaching the connector portion 3.

[0065] (2-10) The opening 31 includes a first opening 31a that exposes the first connector portion 3a of the connector portion 3 from a first side portion 30a of the multiple side portions 30 of the housing 5, and a second opening 31b that exposes the second connector portion 3b of the connector portion 3 from a second side portion 30b opposite the first side portion 30a. The eaves portion 44 includes a first eaves portion 44a formed on the upper edge of the first opening 31a and a second eaves portion 44b formed on the upper edge of the second opening 31b. This configuration ensures that the first connector portion 3a and the second connector portion 3b are located in clearly different positions. This reduces the likelihood of incorrect connection when connecting the mating connector 9 to the standby connector 8 pre-attached to the housing 5 in each of the first connector portion 3a and the second connector portion 3b.

[0066] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility. In each embodiment, the groove 35 is not limited to a shape in which both ends reach the edge of the housing 5 . For example, the groove 35 may have a shape in which only one end reaches the edge of the housing 5 .

[0067] In each embodiment, the groove 35 is not limited to a straight path, but may be, for example, a curved path. In each embodiment, the discharge performance may be improved by providing an inclination to the groove 35. That is, the groove 35 itself may be inclined to improve the discharge performance of the fluid.

[0068] In each embodiment, the multiple grooves 35 may have a combination of different cross-sectional shapes. In this way, by arranging multiple grooves 35 with different cross-sectional shapes in the right locations, it is possible to improve fluid discharge performance. For example, it is possible to combine the cross-sectional shapes of some of the multiple grooves 35 as a square to reduce fluid discharge performance but suppress water ingress, and the cross-sectional shapes of other grooves 35 as a trapezoid to improve fluid discharge performance.

[0069] In each embodiment, the number of fixing members 28 is not limited to one, but may be multiple. In this case, it is preferable that the base point P (the mark of the fixing members 28) is provided on each of the fixing members 28.

[0070] In each embodiment, for example, when there are multiple marks (fixing members 28), one groove 35 may be an element of multiple marks. In each embodiment, the recess 34 may be configured, for example, by a large hole that serves as a marker for the fixing member 28 and a groove-like path (discharge path) extending from this hole.

[0071] In each embodiment, the recess 34 is not limited to the groove 35, and may have any shape that has a function of discharging fluid. In the second embodiment, the upper surface 47 of the eave portion 44 is not limited to being inclined. For example, the upper surface 47 of the eave portion 44 may be flat, or may be substantially triangular with its apex at the center.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the inner surface 50 of the eave portion 44 is not limited to being inclined, and may be, for example, flat. In the second embodiment, the first overhanging portion 44a and the second overhanging portion 44b are not limited to having the same shape, and may have different shapes.

[0073] In the second embodiment, the eaves portion 44 is not limited to being provided on the lid portion 23 , but may be provided on the housing main body 22 . In the second embodiment, the tip of the eave portion 44 may protrude above the upper surface of the housing 5 (lid portion 23).

[0074] In the second embodiment, the overhanging portion 44 is not limited to being provided on a part of the edge of the housing 5, but may be provided over the entire edge of the housing 5, for example. In the second embodiment, the eaves portion 44 is not limited to being provided on the end surface 45 of the housing 5. For example, if the opening 31 is provided at a location other than the end surface 45 of the housing 5, the eaves portion 44 may be provided at a location other than the end surface 45 depending on the position of the opening 31.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the second extension portion 46b of the extension portion 46 may be omitted. In the second embodiment, the number of the discharge grooves 49 provided in the eave portion 44 is not limited to one, but may be multiple.

[0076] In the second embodiment, the cross-sectional groove shape of the discharge groove 49 can be various shapes such as a square, a triangular, or a trapezoidal shape. In the second embodiment, the discharge groove 49 may be formed in a slanted shape to improve discharge performance.

[0077] In each embodiment, the connector portion 3 is not limited to a structure in which it protrudes a predetermined amount from the side portion 30 (end surface 45) of the housing 5, but may be a structure in which it is recessed into the housing 5, for example.

[0078] In each embodiment, the housing 5 may have a shape in which a plurality of openings 31 are arranged on the same side portion 30 . In each embodiment, the protector 4 may have a housing 5 that is elongated along the direction in which the connector portions 3 are arranged. The housing 5 may also have an approximate U shape.

[0079] In each embodiment, the protector 4 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be changed to, for example, a cylindrical shape. In each embodiment, the protector 4 is not limited to having a plurality of connector portions 3, and may have a structure having only one connector portion 3.

[0080] In each embodiment, the first electric wire 2 a and the second electric wire 2 b are not limited to being independent wires. For example, the first electric wire 2 a and the second electric wire 2 b may be configured to be electrically connected when attached to the protector 4.

[0081] In each embodiment, the protector 4 is not limited to being used in a vehicle, but may also be used in other systems or devices. In each embodiment, the present disclosure has been described with reference to an example, but it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the example or structure. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0082] Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. [A] The protector of the present disclosure includes a housing that houses a connector portion to which an electric wire is connected. The housing has an opening at the side of the housing where the connector portion is exposed to the outside, and a canopy portion formed on the upper edge of the opening so as to cover the connector portion from above.

[0083] [b] The connector portion protrudes outward from the opening, the eave portion protrudes outward from the upper edge of the opening, and the outward protruding length of the eave portion is equal to or greater than the protruding length of the connector portion.

[0084] [C] The upper surface of the eave portion is formed in an inclined shape such that the outwardly protruding tip is positioned vertically above the base end. [D] The height position of the protruding tip of the eave portion coincides with the height of the upper surface of the housing.

[0085] [E] The protector has a discharge groove provided at the base end of the eaves portion, which discharges fluid in the width direction of the housing. [F] The eaves portion has an extension portion that protrudes outward beyond the end surface of the housing having the opening.

[0086] [G] The extension portion has a first extension portion that covers the connector portion from above, and a pair of second extension portions that cover the connector portion from the sides. [H] The inner surface of the eaves portion is formed in an inclined shape such that the distance from the connector portion in the vertical direction increases from the base end to the tip end.

[0087] [i] The housing is formed in a shape that allows a plurality of connector portions to be arranged side by side in a planar direction. The eave portion is provided for each of the connector portions. [J] The opening includes a first opening that exposes a first connector portion serving as the connector portion to the outside from a first side portion of the housing's multiple side portions, and a second opening that exposes a second connector portion serving as the connector portion to the outside from a second side portion opposite the first side portion. The eaves portion includes a first eaves portion formed on an upper edge of the first opening, and a second eaves portion formed on an upper edge of the second opening. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 Wire harness 2 electric wire 2a 1st wire 2b 2nd wire 3 Connector part (storage part) 3a First connector part 3b Second connector part 4 Protector 5. Housing 8 Receiving connector 9 Mating connector 10 Engagement protrusion 11 holes 12 Connector body 13 holes 16 Locking mechanism 17 Lever section 18 protrusions 19 Concave part 22 Housing body 23 Lid 24 Snap fit part 26 Exterior 26a 1st outer surface 26b 2nd outer surface 27 Mounting target 28 Fixing member 29 Engaged part 29a hole 30 Side 30a First side portion 30b second side portion 30c 3rd side 30d 4th side 31 Opening 31a 1st opening 31b 2nd opening 34 Recess 35 Groove 35a 1st groove 35b 2nd groove 35c 3rd groove 35d 4th groove 36 Groove intersection 44 Eaves 44a 1st eaves 44b Second eave section 45 End face 46 Extension 46a 1st extension 46b 2nd extension 47 Top 49 Discharge groove 50 Inner P base point θ1 angle θ2 angle H1 length H2 protrusion length

Claims

1. A protector that protects a connector portion inside a housing by using a housing having a fixing member that is fixed to an attachment object, The housing has a plurality of outer surfaces, and a second outer surface located opposite the first outer surface on which the fixing member is provided has a recess for draining fluid adhering to the second outer surface, and a part of the recess serves as a marker indicating the position of the fixing member.

2. 2. The protector according to claim 1, wherein the recess has a groove intersection where a plurality of grooves intersect, and a base point where the plurality of grooves intersect serves as a mark for the fixing member.

3. The groove intersection portion has the plurality of grooves radially arranged around the base point. The protector according to claim 2 .

4. The groove intersection is formed by arranging the plurality of grooves in a cross shape. The protector according to claim 3 .

5. The groove intersection is formed by the plurality of grooves being arranged at equal angular intervals around the base point. The protector according to claim 3 or 4.

6. At least one of the plurality of grooves extends to an edge of the second outer surface. The protector according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The protector according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the base point is disposed directly above the fixing member in the height direction of the housing.

8. The base points are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the fixing members. The protector according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

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