Protector

Abstract

To provide a protector in which a region surrounding a fixation portion can be molded without a slide mold, and upsizing of the mold can be suppressed.SOLUTION: A protector main body 31 includes a fixation portion 45 that is inserted in a first direction D1 into a mounting target, and a first lock portion 61 that is located around the fixation portion 45. A lid body 32 has a first lock reception portion 91 that includes a first lock hole 92. The fixation portion 45 has a mounting column 51 extending in the first direction D1, and an engagement claw 52. A third direction D3 is opposite to the first direction D1 when viewed from a direction that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The first lock portion 61 has a first insertion portion 62 that is inserted into the first lock hole 92, and a first lock projection portion 63 that is projected from the first insertion portion 62 in a fourth direction D4 that intersects with the third direction D3. The fixation portion 45 and the first lock portion 61 are formed in such a way that the second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 is an open / close direction of molds for molding the fixation portion and the first lock portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a protector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, some wire harnesses mounted on vehicles such as automobiles include an electric wire and a tubular protector for protecting the electric wire. Such a protector includes a protector body having a groove-shaped accommodation recess and a lid portion covering the opening of the accommodation recess. A part of the electric wire in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire is disposed in the accommodation recess. Further, either one of the protector body and the lid body may have a fixing portion for fixing the protector to an attachment target such as a vehicle body panel. The fixing portion, for example, has a barb shape. The barb-shaped fixing portion fixes the protector to the attachment target by being fitted into a fixing hole of the attachment target using the elasticity of the fixing portion.

[0003] When the protector is a resin molded product formed using a mold, if the protector has a barb-shaped fixing portion, the vicinity of the fixing portion in the protector may become an undercut. If the protector has a shape with an undercut, a slide mold, for example, is provided in the mold for forming the protector. Providing a slide mold in the mold takes more time and costs more for mold processing and adjustment than when no slide mold is provided in the mold.

[0004] For example, the protector described in Patent Document 1 has an extended portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the protector body and a rotating plate connected to the tip of the extended portion via a hinge. The fixed portion protrudes from the rotating plate. When the protector is molded, the rotating plate is set in a position relative to the protector body that does not require a sliding mold. That is, the rotating plate is formed in a position where its position relative to the protector body coincides with the opening and closing direction of the mold that molds the rotating plate and the fixed portion and the opening and closing direction of the mold that molds the protector body and the lid. For this reason, a protector having a protector body, a lid, and a fixed portion can be molded without providing a sliding mold in the mold. Then, when the rotating plate is rotated in the protector that has been removed from the mold, the fixed portion is positioned to attach the protector to the object to be attached. For example, when the rotating plate is rotated, one fixed portion is positioned opposite the lid and overlaps with the lid in the opening and closing direction of the mold. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-109281 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, as described in Patent Document 1, if a rotating plate with a fixed portion protruding from the protector is provided to avoid the use of a slide type, the mold becomes larger. This increase in mold size contributes to increased manufacturing costs.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a protector that can mold the area around the fixed part without using a slide mold, and that can suppress the enlargement of the mold. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The protector of this disclosure is a resin molded protector comprising: a protector body having a wire arrangement portion with groove-shaped receiving recesses; and a lid having a covering portion that covers the opening of the receiving recesses, wherein the protector body has a fixing portion that is inserted into the mounting object in a first direction for fixing the protector body to the mounting object, and a first locking portion for maintaining the lid in a state that covers the opening, the lid has a first locking receiving portion having a first locking hole, and the fixing portion has a mounting support column extending in the first direction, and at least one elastic engaging claw that extends in a direction approaching the base end of the mounting support column from the tip region of the mounting support column, and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is the opening of the mold that forms the fixing portion The first lock portion has a shape that is in the closing direction, and if the third direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and opposite to the first direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second direction, the first lock portion has a first insertion portion that is inserted into the first lock hole in the third direction, and a first lock projection that protrudes from the first insertion portion in a fourth direction that intersects the third direction when viewed from the second direction and catches on the first lock receiving portion when the first insertion portion is inserted into the first lock hole, and the second direction is the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first lock portion, and the protector is such that at least a part of the covering portion is maintained in a state that covers the opening by the first lock projection catching on the first lock receiving portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the protector of this disclosure, the area around the fixed part can be molded without using a sliding mold, and the size of the mold can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wire harness equipped with a protector in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the protector in its deployed state according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a perspective view of the protector in its deployed state according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of the protector in its deployed state according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of the protector body in the same embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of the protector body in the same embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partially enlarged view of the protector body in the same embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of the protector body and lid in the same embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a partially enlarged view of the lid in the same embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a partially enlarged view of the protector in the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described. The protectors of this disclosure are [1] A resin molded protector comprising a protector body having a wire arrangement portion with groove-shaped receiving recesses, and a lid having a covering portion that covers the opening of the receiving recesses, wherein the protector body has a fixing portion that is inserted into the mounting object in a first direction for fixing the protector body to the mounting object, and a first locking portion located near the fixing portion, the lid has a first locking receiving portion having a first locking hole, the fixing portion has a mounting support extending in the first direction, and at least one elastic engaging claw that extends in a direction approaching the base end of the mounting support from the tip region of the mounting support, and the fixing portion has a shape such that a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the fixing portion. Yes, if the third direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and opposite to the first direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second direction, the first locking portion has a first insertion portion that is inserted into the first locking hole in the third direction, and a first locking projection that protrudes from the first insertion portion in a fourth direction that intersects the third direction when viewed from the second direction and catches on the first locking receiving portion when the first insertion portion is inserted into the first locking hole, and the second direction is the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first locking portion, and the protector is such that at least a part of the covering portion is maintained to cover the opening by the first locking projection catching on the first locking receiving portion.

[0012] In this configuration, a first locking portion having a first locking projection is arranged near the fixing portion of the protector body. Furthermore, a first locking receiving portion having a first locking hole is arranged on the lid.

[0013] Here, consider the case where a first lock receiving portion is arranged in the protector body near the fixing portion, having a first lock hole that penetrates in a third direction. In this case, the first lock portion, which is inserted into the first lock hole along a direction parallel to the third direction, is arranged in the lid. In this case, if a slide mold is not used, the mold for forming the first lock receiving portion will have an opening and closing direction along the third direction. The fixing portion has an arrowhead shape with a mounting support extending in the first direction and an engaging claw extending from the mounting support. Therefore, it is difficult to make the opening and closing direction of the mold for forming the fixing portion along the third direction. Consequently, it is difficult to unify the opening and closing directions of the mold for forming the fixing portion and the mold for forming the first lock receiving portion located near the fixing portion. Consequently, it is difficult to form the fixing portion and the first lock receiving portion located near the fixing portion with a single set of molds that do not have a slide mold.

[0014] In contrast, according to the above configuration, the first lock portion located near the fixed portion has a shape having a first lock projection that protrudes from the first insertion portion. That is, the first lock portion does not have a first lock hole. Furthermore, when viewed from the second direction, the first lock projection protrudes from the first insertion portion in a fourth direction that intersects with the third direction, which is the insertion direction of the first insertion portion into the first lock hole. For this reason, the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first lock projection can be set to the second direction. That is, the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first lock portion can be unified to the same second direction as the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the fixed portion. Consequently, the fixed portion and the first lock portion located near the fixed portion can be formed with the same mold without using a slide mold. Moreover, in order to unify the opening and closing directions of the mold that forms the fixed portion and the mold that forms the first lock portion, it is not necessary to provide a rotating plate and a hinge portion in the protector. These factors allow for molding of the area around the fixed part without using a sliding mold, while also suppressing the need to increase the size of the mold.

[0015] [2] The fourth direction is perpendicular to the third direction. The first locking protrusion has an engaging surface that is planar and perpendicular to the third direction. It is preferable that the engaging surface abuts against the first locking receiving portion from the direction opposite to the third direction and gets caught by the first locking receiving portion.

[0016] According to this configuration, when the engaging surface abuts against the first locking receiving portion, at least a part of the covering portion can be easily maintained in a state of covering the opening of the accommodating recess. Further, since the engaging surface is planar and perpendicular to the third direction, it is planar and parallel to the second direction. Therefore, the first locking protrusion having the engaging surface can be easily formed by a mold that opens and closes in the second direction.

[0017] [3] The first locking receiving portion has a pair of support portions that protrude in the fourth direction from the outer surface of the covering portion, and an engaging portion that connects the pair of support portions. The pair of support portions are separated from each other in the second direction. The first locking hole is a space inside the pair of support portions and the engaging portion that penetrates the first locking receiving portion in the third direction. It is preferable that the first locking protrusion gets caught by the engaging portion from the direction opposite to the third direction.

[0018] According to this configuration, when the first locking protrusion gets caught by the engaging portion from the direction opposite to the third direction, the first locking portion can be easily caught by the first locking receiving portion. Therefore, at least a part of the covering portion can be easily maintained in a state of covering the opening of the accommodating recess.

[0019] [4] The protector body has a fixing base portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the wire arranging portion. It is preferable that the fixing portion and the first locking portion protrude from the fixing base portion. According to this configuration, it becomes easy to arrange the first locking portion in the vicinity of the fixing portion.

[0020] [5] The end faces of the mounting support in a fifth direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction are planar in shape perpendicular to the fifth direction, and the fixing portion has two engaging claws extending from each end face of the mounting support, and each engaging claw moves away from the mounting support from the base end toward the tip of the engaging claw and preferably extends linearly along the fifth direction when viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0021] With this configuration, the arrowhead-shaped fixing part can be easily formed by a mold that opens and closes in a second direction. [6] The wire arrangement section and the covering section constitute a tubular wire housing section that houses a portion of the wire in the longitudinal direction, and it is preferable that the wire housing section has a first housing section that extends linearly along the second direction, a second housing section that extends linearly along a direction intersecting the second direction, and a third housing section that connects the first housing section and the second housing section.

[0022] This configuration allows for the molding of the area around the fixed part of a protector with a curved shape without using a sliding mold, while also suppressing the need to enlarge the mold. [7] Preferably, the fixing portion, the first locking portion and the first lock receiving portion are located in the first housing portion.

[0023] This configuration makes it easy to form the fixed portion and the first locking portion into shapes that can be molded by a mold that opens and closes in a second direction. [8] The protector body has at least one second lock receiving portion having a second lock hole, and the cover has the same number of second lock portions as the second lock receiving portions, each of the second lock portions has a second insertion portion that is inserted into the second lock hole and a second lock projection that protrudes from the second insertion portion and catches on the second lock receiving portion when the second insertion portion is inserted into the second lock hole, and it is preferable that the covering portion is maintained in a state that covers the opening by the first lock projection catching on the first lock receiving portion and the second lock projection catching on the second lock receiving portion.

[0024] With this configuration, the covering portion can be easily maintained in a state that covers the opening of the receiving recess. [9] Preferably, at least one set of the second locking portion and the second locking receiving portion is provided in each of the first housing portion, the second housing portion and the third housing portion.

[0025] With this configuration, in any of the first, second, and third housing sections, the covering portion can be maintained in a state where it covers the opening of the housing recess by the second locking portion and the second locking receiving portion.

[0026]

[10] The fixing portion is a first fixing portion, and the protector body has a second fixing portion which protrudes outward from the wire arrangement portion and has a through hole into which a bolt for fixing the protector body to the mounting object is inserted, and it is preferable that the second fixing portion is located in the second housing portion.

[0027] With this configuration, the protector body is fixed to the mounting object using the first fixing part located in the first housing and the second fixing part located in the second housing, which makes it easier to stabilize the posture of the protector attached to the mounting object.

[0028] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the protectors of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, some parts of the configuration may be exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes. Also, in each drawing, the dimensional ratios of each part may differ from those of the actual parts or those of other drawings. In this specification, “vertical” includes not only strictly vertical but also approximately vertical within the range that provides the effect of this embodiment. Also, the term “tubular” as used herein includes not only those in which a circumferential wall is formed continuously around the entire circumference, but also those formed by combining multiple parts to form a cylinder, or those with a gap in part of the circumferential direction, such as a C-shape. Also, the outer edge shape of “tubular” includes, but is not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygons with pointed or rounded corners. The present invention is not limited to these examples and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims, as indicated by the claims.

[0029] The following describes one embodiment of the protector. The protector 30 shown in Figure 1 is provided in a wire harness 20 mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. The wire harness 20 comprises at least one electric wire 21 and a protector 30 that protects the electric wire 21. The wire harness 20 comprises, for example, two electric wires 21. The wire harness 20 may also comprise one or three or more electric wires 21. The wire harness 20 electrically connects two or more in-vehicle devices. In Figure 1, the center line L of the electric wire 21 is shown as a dashed line. The center line L is a line that passes through the center of the cross-section of the electric wire 21. The longitudinal direction X1 of the electric wire 21 is the direction in which the electric wire 21 extends, and is along the center line L.

[0030] (Overall configuration of Protector 30) The protector 30 protects the electric wire 21 located inside the protector 30 by housing a portion of the electric wire 21 in the longitudinal direction X1. The protector 30 comprises a protector body 31 and a cover 32. The protector 30 is a molded resin product.

[0031] (Configuration of the protector unit 31) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the protector body 31 has a wire arrangement section 42 which includes a receiving recess 41. The receiving recess 41 is groove-shaped through which the electric wire 21 passes. A portion of the electric wire 21 in the longitudinal direction X1 is arranged inside the receiving recess 41. The receiving recess 41 has an opening 41a which is covered by the lid 32.

[0032] Here, in the protector 30, the direction in which the housing recess 41 extends is defined as the extension direction X. The extension direction X is the same direction in which the electric wire 21 passes through the protector 30. Also, in the protector 30, the extension direction X is the same direction in which the electric wire 21 extends. That is, the extension direction X is the direction along the center line L. Furthermore, the arrow Y shown in the figure represents the width direction of the housing recess 41. Hereafter, the width direction of the housing recess 41 will be simply referred to as "width direction Y". The width direction Y is the direction that intersects perpendicularly with the extension direction X. Furthermore, the arrow Z shown in the figure represents the depth direction of the housing recess 41. Hereafter, the depth direction of the housing recess 41 will be simply referred to as "depth direction Z". The depth direction Z is the direction that intersects perpendicularly with the extension direction X and perpendicularly with the width direction Y. The depth direction Z generally coincides with the direction in which the lid 32 moves relative to the protector body 31 when the lid 32 is positioned relative to the protector body 31 so as to cover the opening 41a of the receiving recess 41. Unless otherwise specified, the directions used in the following description refer to the state in which the protector body 31 and the lid 32 are assembled together as the protector 30, that is, the state in which the lid 32 covers the opening 41a. Note that in the figures 2 to 4, which illustrate the state in which the lid 32 does not cover the opening 41a, that is, the state in which the protector body 31 and the lid 32 are unfolded, the extension direction X, the width direction Y, and the depth direction Z represent the directions relative to the protector body 31.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the wire arrangement section 42 is trough-shaped due to having a receiving recess 41. Both ends of the receiving recess 41 in the extending direction X are open. One opening of the receiving recess 41 in the extending direction X is designated as the first passage opening 41b, and the other opening as the second passage opening 41c. The extending direction X is, for example, the direction from the first passage opening 41b to the second passage opening 41c. The inner surface of the receiving recess 41 has a bottom surface 41d and inner surfaces 41e and 41f, respectively, extending along the extending direction X. The bottom surface 41d is, for example, a long strip in the extending direction X. The inner surfaces 41e and 41f are located on both sides of the bottom surface 41d in the width direction Y. The inner surfaces 41e and 41f face each other. The inner surfaces 41e and 41f are, for example, parallel. Incidentally, the width direction Y is the direction from one inner surface 41e to the other inner surface 41f.

[0034] The opening 41a is located in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction X. More specifically, the opening 41a is located in the direction opposite to the depth direction Z. Furthermore, in the wire arrangement section 42, the opening 41a is provided along the extending direction X from the first passage opening 41b to the second passage opening 41c. Incidentally, the depth direction Z is the direction from the opening 41a toward the bottom surface 41d.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the protector body 31 has a first fixing portion 45 for fixing the protector body 31 to the mounting object. The protector body 31 may also have a second fixing portion 46 for fixing the protector body 31 to the mounting object. The mounting object is, for example, a vehicle body.

[0036] (Configuration of the second fixing part 46) The second fixing portion 46 protrudes outward from the wire arrangement portion 42. For example, the second fixing portion 46 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the wire arrangement portion 42 near the second passage opening 41c. The second fixing portion 46 has a through hole 46a. When fixing the protector body 31 to the mounting object, a bolt for fixing the protector body 31 to the mounting object is inserted into the through hole 46a. The second fixing portion 46 is fixed to the vehicle body by the bolt and nut inserted into the through hole 46a.

[0037] (Configuration of the first fixing part 45) As shown in Figure 5, the vehicle body has, for example, a vehicle body panel 201. The vehicle body panel 201 has a fixing hole 202 for attaching the first fixing part 45. The first fixing part 45 is inserted into the mounting object in a first direction D1 in order to fix the protector body 31 to the mounting object. For example, the protector 30 is fixed to the vehicle body panel 201 by inserting the first fixing part 45 into the fixing hole 202 in the first direction D1. When the protector 30 is attached to the vehicle body panel 201, the first direction D1 is parallel to the direction in which the fixing hole 202 penetrates the vehicle body panel 201.

[0038] The protector body 31 has, for example, a fixed base 47 that protrudes from the outer surface of the wire arrangement section 42. The fixed base 47 protrudes from, for example, the outer surface of the end region of the wire arrangement section 42 where the first passage opening 41b is located. The fixed base 47 has, for example, a first surface 47a on its outer surface that is planar in shape perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first surface 47a is parallel to a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1. In the figure, the second direction D2 is shown with a double arrow. The second direction D2 can be any direction that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and can be set arbitrarily.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the outer shape of the fixed base 47 is smaller than, for example, the outer shape of the second fixed part 46 when viewed from the second direction D2. Also, when viewed from the second direction D2, the width of the fixed base 47 in the width direction Y is smaller than, for example, the width of the receiving recess 41 in the width direction Y. For example, the width of the fixed base 47 in the width direction Y is about half the width of the receiving recess 41 in the width direction Y.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the first fixing portion 45 protrudes from, for example, the fixing base portion 47. For example, the first fixing portion 45 protrudes from the first surface 47a. Figure 5 is a view of the protector body 31 from the second direction D2. The first fixing portion 45 has a mounting support 51 extending in the first direction D1 and at least one engaging claw 52 extending from the tip region of the mounting support 51. That is, the first fixing portion 45 has an arrowhead shape with the mounting support 51 and the engaging claw 52. The first fixing portion 45 has, for example, two engaging claws 52.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the mounting post 51 extends from the first surface 47a in the first direction D1. Figure 6 is a view of the protector body 31 in the opposite direction to the first direction D1, that is, the direction from the tip to the base of the mounting post 51. In the protector 30, the first direction D1 is the direction from the base to the tip of the mounting post 51. Here, the direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is defined as the fifth direction D5. In the figures, the fifth direction D5 is shown with a double-headed arrow. In the fifth direction D5, both end surfaces 51a and 51b of the mounting post 51 are planar in shape perpendicular to the fifth direction D5. That is, both end surfaces 51a and 51b are planar in shape parallel to the second direction D2. The mounting support column 51, when viewed in the direction opposite to the first direction D1, has, for example, a rectangular shape.

[0042] The first fixing portion 45 may have reinforcing portions 53a and 53b that reinforce the mounting column 51. Each of the reinforcing portions 53a and 53b protrudes from the first surface 47a in a first direction D1. Furthermore, the reinforcing portion 53a protrudes from the end surface 51a in a fifth direction D5. The reinforcing portion 53b protrudes from the end surface 51b in a fifth direction D5. The reinforcing portions 53a and 53b are provided integrally with the mounting column 51 and the fixing base portion 47. The reinforcing portions 53a and 53b suppress the tilting of the mounting column 51.

[0043] Each engaging claw 52 extends from the tip region of the mounting column 51 toward the base end of the mounting column 51. Two engaging claws 52 are located on either side of the mounting column 51 in the fifth direction D5. That is, the mounting column 51 is located between two engaging claws 52 aligned in the fifth direction D5. The base end of each engaging claw 52 is located, for example, in the central part of the mounting column 51 in the second direction D2.

[0044] One of the two engaging claws 52, the engaging claw 52a, extends from the end face 51a. The other of the two engaging claws 52, the engaging claw 52b, extends from the end face 51b. The engaging claw 52a moves away from the mounting post 51 as it moves from its base to its tip. That is, the distance between the engaging claw 52a and the end face 51a in the fifth direction D5 increases as it moves from its base to its tip. Similarly, the engaging claw 52b moves away from the mounting post 51 as it moves from its base to its tip. That is, the distance between the engaging claw 52b and the end face 51b in the fifth direction D5 increases as it moves from its base to its tip. In addition, each of the engaging claws 52a and 52b extends linearly along the fifth direction D5 when viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction D1, for example. For example, when viewed from the direction opposite to the first direction D1, the engaging claws 52a and 52b are located on a straight line along the fifth direction D5.

[0045] As shown in Figure 7, each engaging claw 52 extends parallel to the first direction D1 when viewed from the fifth direction D5, for example. Figure 7 is a view of the protector body 31 from the fifth direction D5. Each engaging claw 52 has a shape that, when viewed from the fifth direction D5, is a strip extending parallel to the first direction D1. Also, each engaging claw 52 has a shape that, when viewed from the fifth direction D5, is a rectangle with both ends in the second direction D2 parallel to the first direction D1.

[0046] Each engaging claw 52 is elastic. Each engaging claw 52 is elastically deformable so that its tip approaches the mounting support 51. The first fixing portion 45 may have a positioning projection 54 at the tip of each engaging claw 52. The positioning projection 54 protrudes from the end region of the tip surface of the engaging claw 52 that is close to the mounting support 51.

[0047] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the first fixed part 45 has a shape such that the second direction D2, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1, is the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first fixed part 45. That is, the first fixed part 45 has a shape that has only a molded surface onto which the transfer surface of a set of fixed molds and movable molds that form the first fixed part 45 has been transferred. The opening and closing direction of the mold is the direction in which the fixed mold and movable mold separate when the molded product is removed from the mold. Note that the mold that forms the first fixed part 45 is a mold without a sliding mold. For this reason, the surface of the first fixed part 45 consists only of a first molded surface that intersects with the opening and closing direction of the mold, and a second molded surface that is parallel to the same opening and closing direction. That is, the surface of the first fixed part 45 consists only of a first molded surface that intersects with the second direction D2, and a second molded surface that is parallel to the second direction D2. In other words, the first fixing portion 45 is shaped such that its entire surface can be seen from both sides in the second direction D2.

[0048] Any part of the surface of the first fixing part 45 can be seen from either the direction indicated by one arrow D2a or the direction indicated by the other arrow D2b of the second direction D2, which is indicated by the double arrow. Of the surface of the first fixing part 45, the second molded surface parallel to the second direction D2 appears as a line when viewed from the second direction D2. The second molded surface is, for example, the end faces 51a and 51b of the mounting support column 51. The end faces 51a and 51b appear as straight lines parallel to the first direction D1 when viewed from the second direction D2. Also, the surface of the first fixing part 45 that is shown in Figure 5 is the first molded surface.

[0049] Furthermore, the fixed base portion 47 is shaped such that the second direction D2 is the opening and closing direction of the mold used to form the fixed base portion 47. The fixed base portion 47 is formed using the same mold that forms the first fixed portion 45. That is, the mold has a cavity for forming the first fixed portion 45 and a cavity for forming the fixed base portion 47.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the protector body 31 may have support protrusions 55 projecting from the first surface 47a in a first direction D1. The protector body 31 may have, for example, two support protrusions 55. The two support protrusions 55 are located on both sides of the first fixing portion 45 in a fifth direction D5. Each support protrusion 55 extends linearly along a second direction D2. The two support protrusions 55 are molded in the same mold used to mold the first fixing portion 45.

[0051] (Securing the first fixing part 45 to the vehicle body panel 201) As shown in Figure 5, the first fixing part 45 fixes the protector body 31 to the vehicle body panel 201 by being pushed into the fixing hole 202. When fixing the protector body 31 to the vehicle body, the first fixing part 45 is inserted into the fixing hole 202 in the first direction D1. At this time, the two engaging claws 52 are pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the fixing hole 202, causing their tips to elastically deform so that they approach the mounting support column 51. The two engaging claws 52 return to their original shape after passing through the fixing hole 202. The tip surfaces of each engaged claw 52 that have returned to their original shape face the outer circumferential portion of the fixing hole 202 in the vehicle body panel 201 in the first direction D1. Then, in the first direction D1, the outer circumferential portion of the fixing hole 202 in the vehicle body panel 201 is sandwiched between the tip surface of each engaging claw 52 and the two support protrusions 55. As a result, the first fixing part 45 fixes the protector body 31 to the vehicle body. Each engaging claw 52 then engages with the vehicle body. Each positioning projection 54 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the fixing hole 202, thereby suppressing relative movement between the first fixing part 45 and the vehicle body panel 201 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0052] When the first fixing part 45 is fixed to the vehicle body, if the first fixing part 45 attempts to move relative to the vehicle body panel 201 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1, each engaging claw 52 will come into contact with the outer circumference of the fixing hole 202 in the vehicle body panel 201. Therefore, the engaging claws 52 prevent the first fixing part 45 from coming off the vehicle body panel 201.

[0053] (Configuration of the first locking section 61) As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the protector body 31 has a first locking portion 61 located near the first fixing portion 45. Incidentally, "nearby" means that the position of the first locking portion 61 is so close to the first fixing portion 45 that it would be difficult to use separate molds for molding the first fixing portion 45 and the first locking portion 61, which have different opening and closing directions. In other words, "nearby" means that the position of the first locking portion 61 is so close to the first fixing portion 45 that it would be difficult to mold the first locking portion 61 unless the mold for molding the first locking portion 61 was the same as the mold for molding the first fixing portion 45. For example, if the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first fixing portion 45 is the second direction D2, and the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first locking portion 61 is perpendicular to the second direction D2, then the position of the first locking portion 61 is so close to the first fixing portion 45 that these two molds interfere with each other.

[0054] Here, the third direction D3 is defined as the direction opposite to the first direction D1 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Incidentally, Figure 7 is a view of the protector body 31 from a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the third direction D3 is parallel to the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 5, when the protector body 31 is viewed from the second direction D2, the third direction D3 is, for example, the direction that intersects the first direction D1. Note that when the protector body 31 is viewed from the second direction D2, the third direction D3 may be a direction parallel to the first direction D1, for example, the direction opposite to the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is, for example, parallel to the depth direction Z and opposite to the depth direction Z near the first fixed part 45.

[0055] Furthermore, the direction that intersects the third direction D3 when viewed from the second direction D2 is defined as the fourth direction D4. The fourth direction D4 is a direction that intersects the third direction D3 and is also a direction that is toward the outside of the wire arrangement section 42. The fourth direction D4 is, for example, perpendicular to the third direction D3. However, the fourth direction D4 does not have to be perpendicular to the third direction D3 as long as it intersects it. Figure 8 is a view of the protector body 31 and cover 32 from a direction perpendicular to both the third direction D3 and the second direction D2. That is, Figure 8 is a view of the protector body 31 and cover 32 from the opposite direction to the fourth direction D4.

[0056] The first locking portion 61 is for maintaining the lid 32 in a state that covers the opening 41a. The first locking portion 61 protrudes, for example, from the fixing base 47. The fixing base 47 has, for example, a second surface 47b located on the back side of the first surface 47a. The second surface 47b is planar and parallel to the second direction D2. The first locking portion 61 has a first insertion portion 62 and a first locking projection 63 protruding from the first insertion portion 62.

[0057] As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the first insertion portion 62 extends, for example, from the second surface 47b in the third direction D3. The first insertion portion 62 is, for example, a flat plate parallel to the third direction D3. The tip region of the first insertion portion 62 is, for example, narrower in width in the second direction D2 as it approaches the tip of the first insertion portion 62 along the third direction D3.

[0058] The first locking projection 63 protrudes from the first insertion portion 62 in a fourth direction D4. The first locking projection 63 extends linearly, for example, along a second direction D2. The first locking projection 63 may have an engaging surface 63a that is planar and perpendicular to a third direction D3. The first locking projection 63 has an engaging surface 63a at the rear end of the first locking projection 63 in the third direction D3, for example. The engaging surface 63a extends, for example, from one end to the other of the first locking projection 63 in the second direction D2.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the amount of projection of the first locking projection 63 toward the fourth direction D4 gradually increases from the front end of the first locking projection 63 toward the rear end of the first locking projection 63 toward the third direction D3. For this reason, the first locking projection 63 has a guide surface 63b at its tip toward the fourth direction D4, which is inclined with respect to the third direction D3 and the fourth direction D4 when viewed from the second direction D2. The shape of the first locking projection 63 when viewed from the second direction D2 is, for example, triangular. The shape of the cross section of the first locking projection 63 perpendicular to the second direction D2 is, for example, a constant shape along the second direction D2.

[0060] As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the first locking portion 61 has a shape such that the direction perpendicular to the third direction D3 and perpendicular to the fourth direction D4 is the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first locking portion 61. That is, the first locking portion 61 has a shape such that the second direction D2 is the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first locking portion 61. In other words, the first locking portion 61 has a shape that has only a molded surface onto which the transfer surfaces of a set of fixed and movable molds that form the first locking portion 61 have been transferred. Note that the mold that forms the first locking portion 61 is a mold without a slide mold. For this reason, the surface of the first locking portion 61 consists only of a first molded surface that intersects with the opening and closing direction of the mold, and a second molded surface that is parallel to the same opening and closing direction. That is, the surface of the first locking portion 61 consists only of a first molded surface that intersects with the second direction D2, and a second molded surface that is parallel to the second direction D2. In other words, the first locking portion 61 is shaped such that its entire surface can be seen from both sides in the second direction D2.

[0061] Any part of the surface of the first locking portion 61 can be visually observed from either the direction indicated by one arrow D2a or the direction indicated by the other arrow D2b of the second direction D2 indicated by the double arrow. The second molding surface of the first locking portion 61, which is parallel to the second direction D2, appears linear when viewed from the second direction D2. The second molding surface is, for example, the engaged surface 63a and the guide surface 63b. Each of the engaged surface 63a and the guide surface 63b appears linear when viewed from the second direction D2. Furthermore, the surface of the first locking portion 61 shown in Figure 5 is the first molding surface.

[0062] Since the first locking portion 61 has a shape in which the second direction D2 is the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first locking portion 61, it can be formed using the same mold that forms the first fixing portion 45. Therefore, the mold has a cavity for forming the first locking portion 61 in addition to the cavity for forming the first fixing portion 45.

[0063] Furthermore, the first locking portion 61 can also be molded with an opening and closing direction parallel to the third direction D3. (Configuration of the second lock receiving part 71) As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the protector body 31 may have a plurality of second locking receivers 71 for maintaining the cover 32 in a state that covers the opening 41a. The protector body 31 may have, for example, four second locking receivers 71. Each second locking receiver 71 is located on the outer surface of the wire arrangement section 42. Each second locking receiver 71 is located in the vicinity of the opening 41a.

[0064] Each second lock receiving portion 71 is provided with a second lock hole 72. Each of the second lock receiving portions 71 has, for example, a pair of support portions 73 that protrude from the outer surface of the wire arrangement portion 42 and an engaging portion 74 that connects the pair of support portions 73 to each other. The engaging portion 74 is elastically deformable to change the distance between it and the outer surface of the wire arrangement portion 42. In each second lock receiving portion 71, the second lock hole 72 is the space inside the pair of support portions 73 and the engaging portion 74 that passes through each second lock receiving portion 71.

[0065] Of the four second lock receiving portions 71, in one second lock receiving portion 71a located in the width direction Y, sandwiching the wire arrangement portion 42 between it and the first locking portion 61, the pair of support portions 73 are separated in the second direction D2. Also, the second lock hole 72 provided in the second lock receiving portion 71a penetrates the second lock receiving portion 71a in the third direction D3. In each of the remaining three second lock receiving portions 71b to 71d, the pair of support portions 73 are separated in the third direction D3. Also, the second lock hole 72 provided in each of the second lock receiving portions 71b to 71d penetrates the second lock receiving portions 71b to 71d in the second direction D2.

[0066] (Composition of the lid 32) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lid 32 has a covering portion 81 that covers the opening 41a of the housing recess 41. The covering portion 81 is, for example, plate-shaped and extends along the extending direction X. The lid 32 is positioned relative to the protector body 31 so that the covering portion 81 covers the opening 41a of the housing recess 41. The covering portion 81 covers the opening 41a from the first passage opening 41b to the second passage opening 41c along the extending direction X. The lid 32 is connected to the protector body 31, for example, via a hinge 33. That is, the lid 32 and the protector body 31 may be integrally molded products. The lid 32 covers the opening 41a when the hinge 33 is bent. Note that the protector body 31 and the lid 32 may be separate parts.

[0067] (Configuration of the first lock receiving part 91) As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the lid 32 has a first locking receiving portion 91 with a first locking hole 92. Figure 9 is a view of the lid 32 from the direction opposite to the third direction D3. Figure 10 is a view of the protector 30 with the first locking portion 61 engaged with the first locking receiving portion 91, from the direction opposite to the fourth direction D4. The first locking receiving portion 91 is located in the lid 32, facing the first locking portion 61 in the depth direction Z when the covering portion 81 covers the opening 41a. Furthermore, the first locking receiving portion 91 is located in the third direction D3 when the covering portion 81 covers the opening 41a, so that the first locking portion 61 is inserted into the first locking hole 92. The first locking receiving portion 91 protrudes, for example, from the outer surface of the end region of the covering portion 81 facing the first passage opening 41b. The first locking receiving portion 91 is also located at one end of the covering portion 81 in the width direction Y.

[0068] The first locking receiver 91 has, for example, a pair of support parts 93 projecting in a fourth direction D4 from the outer surface of the covering part 81, and an engaging part 94 connecting the pair of support parts 93. The engaging part 94 extends, for example, along a second direction D2 from one support part 93 to the other support part 93. The engaging part 94 is elastically deformable to change the distance between it and the outer surface of the covering part 81. In the first locking receiver 91, the first locking hole 92 is, for example, the space inside the pair of support parts 93 and the engaging part 94 that penetrates the first locking receiver 91 in a third direction D3. The pair of support parts 93, i.e., the two paired support parts 93, are separated in the second direction D2. The first locking hole 92 also penetrates the first locking receiver 91 in a third direction D3.

[0069] Furthermore, the first lock receiving portion 91 has a shape such that the third direction D3, which is the direction in which the first lock hole 92 passes through, is the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first lock receiving portion 91. When the covering portion 81 covers the opening 41a, the first locking portion 61 engages with the first locking receiving portion 91. For example, the first locking portion 61 snap-fits into the first locking receiving portion 91. As shown in Figure 8, when engaging the first locking portion 61 with the first locking receiving portion 91, the first insertion portion 62 is inserted into the first locking hole 92 in the third direction D3 while the cover 32 is positioned opposite the protector body 31 so that the covering portion 81 covers the opening 41a. The direction in which the first insertion portion 62 is inserted into the first locking hole 92, i.e., the third direction D3, is generally parallel to the direction in which the cover 32 is moved relative to the protector body 31 in order to cover the opening 41a with the covering portion 81. At this time, the first locking portion 61 is easily inserted into the first locking hole 92 because the first locking projection 63 has a guide surface 63b. At this time, the engaging portion 94 is elastically deformed so as to be pushed up in the fourth direction D4 by the first locking projection 63.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, when the first locking projection 63 passes through the first locking hole 92 in the third direction D3, the engaging portion 94 returns to its original shape. Then, the engaged surface 63a of the first locking projection 63 and the engaging portion 94 face each other in the third direction D3. In this state, the first locking portion 61 engages with the first locking receiving portion 91. The first locking portion 61 catches on the first locking receiving portion 91 when the first insertion portion 62 is inserted into the first locking hole 92. That is, when the first insertion portion 62 is inserted into the first locking hole 92, if the first locking portion 61 attempts to move relative to the first locking receiving portion 91 in the direction opposite to the third direction D3, the first locking projection 63 catches on the first locking receiving portion 91. For example, the first locking projection 63 catches on the engaging portion 94 from the direction opposite to the third direction D3. The first locking projection 63 engages with the first locking receiving portion 91, for example, when the engaged surface 63a abuts against the first locking receiving portion 91 from a direction opposite to the third direction D3. As a result of the first locking projection 63 engaging with the first locking receiving portion 91, at least a portion of the covering portion 81 is maintained in a state that covers the opening 41a.

[0071] (Configuration of the second locking section 101) As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the lid 32 may have a plurality of second locking parts 101 that engage with a plurality of second locking receiving parts 71, respectively. The plurality of second locking parts 101, together with the plurality of second locking receiving parts 71, are for maintaining the covering part 81 in a state that covers the opening 41a. The lid 32 may have, for example, four second locking parts 101, the same number as the second locking receiving parts 71. Each second locking part 101 is located on the outer surface of the covering part 81. The plurality of second locking parts 101 are located at both ends of the covering part 81 in the width direction Y. In addition, the second locking parts 101 are located in the lid 32 in the depth direction Z opposite to the corresponding second locking receiving part 71 when the covering part 81 covers the opening 41a. Furthermore, the second locking parts 101 are located in a position to be inserted into the second locking hole 72 of the corresponding second locking receiving part 71 when the covering part 81 covers the opening 41a.

[0072] Each of the second locking portions 101 has a second insertion portion 102 that is inserted into the second locking hole 72 of the corresponding second locking receiving portion 71, and a second locking projection 103 that protrudes from the second insertion portion 102. The second insertion portion 102 and the second locking projection 103 may have the same shape as the first insertion portion 62 and the first locking projection 63, respectively. However, in the protector 30, the direction in which the second insertion portion 102 extends may be different from the direction in which the first insertion portion 62 extends. Similarly, in the protector 30, the direction in which the second locking projection 103 protrudes from the second insertion portion 102 may be the same direction as the direction in which the first locking projection 63 protrudes from the first insertion portion 62, or it may be a different direction.

[0073] Of the four second locking parts 101, in the second locking part 101a, which is located in the width direction Y with the covering part 81 sandwiched between it and the first locking receiving part 91, the second insertion part 102 extends from the covering part 81 in the direction opposite to the third direction D3. Also, in the second locking part 101a, the second locking projection 103 protrudes from the second insertion part 102 in the direction opposite to the fourth direction D4. In each of the remaining three second locking receiving parts 71b to 71d, the second insertion part 102 extends in the second direction D2. Of the second locking parts 101b to 101d, in each of the two second locking parts 101b and 101c, which are located on the same side as the first locking receiving part 91 on both sides in the width direction Y, the second locking projection 103 protrudes from the second insertion part 102 in the fourth direction D4. In the remaining second lock portion 101d, the second lock projection 103 protrudes from the second insertion portion 102 in the direction opposite to the fourth direction D4.

[0074] When the covering portion 81 covers the opening 41a, each second locking portion 101 engages with the corresponding second locking receiving portion 71. For example, the second locking portion 101 snap-fits into the second locking receiving portion 71. Each second locking portion 101 engages with the corresponding second locking receiving portion 71 in the same way that the first locking portion 61 engages with the first locking receiving portion 91. When engaging the second locking portion 101 with the second locking receiving portion 71, the second insertion portion 102 is inserted into the second locking hole 72 while the cover 32 is positioned opposite the protector body 31 so that the covering portion 81 covers the opening 41a. The direction in which the second insertion portion 102 is inserted into the second locking hole 72 is generally parallel to the direction in which the cover 32 moves relative to the protector body 31 to cover the opening 41a with the covering portion 81.

[0075] The timing at which the first locking portion 61 engages with the first locking receiving portion 91 and the timing at which each second locking portion 101 engages with the second locking receiving portion 71 may be simultaneous or different. Also, the timing at which each second locking portion 101 engages with the second locking receiving portion 71 may be simultaneous or different from each other.

[0076] The second locking portion 101 engages with the second locking receiving portion 71 when the second locking projection 103 passes through the second locking hole 72 in the direction of insertion of the second insertion portion 102 into the second locking hole 72. The second locking portion 101 catches on the second locking receiving portion 71 when the second insertion portion 102 is inserted into the second locking hole 72. That is, when the second insertion portion 102 is inserted into the second locking hole 72, if the second locking portion 101 attempts to move relative to the second locking receiving portion 71 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the second insertion portion 102 into the second locking hole 72, the second locking projection 103 catches on the second locking receiving portion 71. For example, the second locking projection 103 catches on the engaging portion 74 from the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the second insertion portion 102 into the second locking hole 72. Then, the first locking projection 63 catches on the first locking receiving portion 91, and the second locking projection 103 each catches on the second locking receiving portion 71, thereby maintaining the covering portion 81 in a state that covers the opening 41a.

[0077] (Configuration of the wire housing section 110) As shown in Figure 1, when the opening 41a is covered by the covering portion 81, the covering portion 81, together with the wire arrangement portion 42, constitutes a tubular wire housing portion 110 that houses a portion of the length X1 of each wire 21. Each wire 21 passes through the space enclosed by the inner surface of the housing recess 41 and the inner surface of the covering portion 81. Furthermore, a portion of each wire 21 in the length X1 is arranged in the space enclosed by the inner surface of the housing recess 41 and the inner surface of the covering portion 81. The inner surface of the covering portion 81 is the surface exposed to the inside of the housing recess 41 in the lid 32.

[0078] The wire housing section 110 may have a first housing section 111 extending linearly along a second direction D2, a second housing section 112 extending linearly along a direction intersecting the second direction D2, and a third housing section 113 connecting the first housing section 111 and the second housing section 112. The first housing section 111, the second housing section 112, and the third housing section 113 are aligned in the extending direction X. The third housing section 113 is located between the first housing section 111 and the second housing section 112 in the extending direction X.

[0079] The first housing section 111 is tubular in shape and extends linearly along the second direction D2. The first housing section 111 has a portion that extends linearly along the second direction D2 in the wire arrangement section 42 and a portion that closes the opening 41a of the said portion in the covering section 81. For example, the first housing section 111 is a predetermined area in the wire housing section 110 that includes the first passage opening 41b. In the first housing section 111, the third direction D3 is parallel to the depth direction Z and opposite to the depth direction Z. The portion of each wire 21 that is placed inside the first housing section 111 is held by the first housing section 111 in a state where it extends linearly along the second direction D2, that is, the center line L is parallel to the second direction D2. In other words, the first housing section 111 is arranged such that the portion of each electric wire 21 that is located inside the first housing section 111 is arranged in a straight line along the second direction D2.

[0080] The second housing section 112 extends linearly along a third direction D3 perpendicular to the second direction D2, for example. The second housing section 112 is tubular in shape and extends linearly along the third direction D3. The second housing section 112 has a portion that extends linearly along the third direction D3 in the wire arrangement section 42 and a portion that closes the opening 41a of that portion in the covering section 81. For example, a predetermined area including the second passage opening 41c in the wire housing section 110 is the second housing section 112. The portion of each wire 21 that is arranged inside the second housing section 112 is held by the second housing section 112 in a state where it extends linearly along the third direction D3, that is, where the center line L is parallel to the third direction D3. In other words, the second housing section 112 is arranged such that the portion of each electric wire 21 that is located inside the second housing section 112 is arranged in a straight line along the third direction D3.

[0081] Since the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are intersecting directions, the third housing section 113 corresponds to the bend in the wire housing section 110 between the first housing section 111 and the second housing section 112. In other words, the third housing section 113 is the part of the wire housing section 110 that changes the direction in which the wire housing section 110 extends between the first housing section 111 and the second housing section 112. The wire housing section 110 is, for example, L-shaped. The third housing section 113 extends along the extension direction X between the first housing section 111 and the second housing section 112.

[0082] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, for example, the first fixing part 45, the first locking part 61, and the first lock receiving part 91 are located in the first housing part 111. Also, for example, the second fixing part 46 is located in the second housing part 112.

[0083] Furthermore, at least one set of the second locking portion 101 and the second locking receiving portion 71 is provided in each of the first housing portion 111 and the second housing portion 112. One set of the second locking portion 101 and the second locking receiving portion 71 consists of one second locking portion 101 and one second locking receiving portion 71 into which the second locking portion 101 engages.

[0084] For example, the first housing section 111 is provided with a pair of a second locking section 101a and a second locking receiving section 71a with which the second locking section 101a engages. The second locking section 101a and the second locking receiving section 71a are positioned in the width direction Y, sandwiching the first housing section 111 between the first locking section 61 and the first locking receiving section 91.

[0085] For example, the second housing section 112 is provided with a set consisting of a second locking portion 101c and a second locking receiving portion 71c with which the second locking portion 101c engages. The second locking portion 101c and the second locking receiving portion 71c are positioned in the width direction Y such that they sandwich the second housing section 112 between them and the hinge 33.

[0086] Furthermore, for example, the second housing section 112 has two sets of components: a set of a second locking component 101b and a second locking receiving component 71b that engages with the second locking component 101b, and a set of a second locking component 101d and a second locking receiving component 71d that engages with the second locking component 101d. These two sets are located on both sides of the second housing section 112 in the width direction Y. For example, the second locking component 101b and the second locking receiving component 71b are positioned in the width direction Y such that they sandwich the second housing section 112 between the second locking component 101d and the second locking receiving component 71d.

[0087] The effects and advantages of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The protector 30 is a resin molded product comprising a protector body 31 having a wire arrangement portion 42 with groove-shaped receiving recesses 41, and a cover 32 having a covering portion 81 that covers the opening 41a of the receiving recesses 41. The protector body 31 has a first fixing portion 45 that is inserted into the mounting object in a first direction D1 in order to fix the protector body 31 to the mounting object, and a first locking portion 61 located near the first fixing portion 45. The cover 32 has a first lock receiving portion 91 with a first lock hole 92. The first fixing portion 45 has a mounting support 51 extending in the first direction D1, and at least one elastic engaging claw 52 that extends in a direction approaching the base end of the mounting support 51 from the tip region of the mounting support 51. The first fixing portion 45 has a shape such that a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 is the opening and closing direction of the mold that molds the first fixing portion 45. The first locking portion 61 has a first insertion portion 62 that is inserted into the first locking hole 92 in the third direction D3. The first locking portion 61 also has a first locking projection 63 that protrudes from the first insertion portion 62 in the fourth direction D4, which intersects the third direction D3 when viewed from the second direction D2, and that catches on the first locking receiving portion 91 when the first insertion portion 62 is inserted into the first locking hole 92. The shape of the first locking portion 61 is such that the second direction D2 is the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first locking portion 61. The first locking projection 63 catches on the first locking receiving portion 91, so that at least a part of the covering portion 81 is maintained in a state that covers the opening 41a.

[0088] In this configuration, a first locking portion 61 having a first locking projection 63 is arranged near the first fixing portion 45 in the protector body 31. Furthermore, a first locking receiving portion 91 having a first locking hole 92 is arranged in the lid 32.

[0089] Here, consider the case where a first lock receiving portion 91 is arranged near the first fixing portion 45 in the protector body 31 and has a first lock hole 92 that penetrates in a third direction D3. In this case, the first lock portion 61, which has a first lock projection 63 and is inserted into the first lock hole 92 along a direction parallel to the third direction D3, is arranged in the lid 32. In this case, if a slide mold is not used, the mold for forming the first lock receiving portion 91 will have an opening and closing direction along the third direction D3. Furthermore, the first fixing portion 45 has an arrowhead shape with a mounting support 51 extending in a first direction D1 and an engaging claw 52 extending from the mounting support 51. Therefore, it is difficult to make the opening and closing direction of the mold for forming the first fixing portion 45 a direction along the third direction D3. Therefore, it is difficult to unify the opening and closing directions of the mold that forms the first fixing part 45 and the mold that forms the first lock receiving part 91 located near the first fixing part 45. Consequently, it is difficult to form the first fixing part 45 and the first lock receiving part 91 with the same set of molds that do not have a sliding mold. However, using a sliding mold would increase the cost required for the mold, which raises concerns about increased manufacturing costs.

[0090] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the first lock portion 61 located near the first fixing portion 45 has a shape that includes a first lock projection 63 protruding from the first insertion portion 62. That is, the first lock portion 61 does not have a first lock hole 92. When viewed from the second direction D2, the first lock projection 63 protrudes from the first insertion portion 62 in a fourth direction D4 that intersects with the third direction D3, which is the insertion direction of the first insertion portion 62 into the first lock hole 92. Therefore, the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first lock projection 63 can be set to the second direction D2. That is, the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first lock portion 61 can be unified to the same second direction D2 as the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first fixing portion 45. Consequently, the first fixing portion 45 and the first lock portion 61 located near the first fixing portion 45 can be molded using the same mold without using a slide mold. Furthermore, in order to unify the opening and closing directions of the mold for forming the first fixing portion 45 and the mold for forming the first locking portion 61, the rotating plate and hinge portion do not need to be provided on the protector 30. As a result, the area around the first fixing portion 45 can be molded without using a sliding mold, and the size of the mold can be suppressed.

[0091] (2) The fourth direction D4 is perpendicular to the third direction D3. The first lock projection 63 has an engaging surface 63a which is planar and perpendicular to the third direction D3. The first lock projection 63 engages with the first lock receiving portion 91 when the engaging surface 63a abuts against the first lock receiving portion 91 from the direction opposite to the third direction D3.

[0092] With this configuration, the engaging surface 63a abuts against the first lock receiving portion 91, making it easy to maintain a state in which at least a part of the covering portion 81 covers the opening 41a of the receiving recess 41. Furthermore, since the engaging surface 63a has a planar shape perpendicular to the third direction D3, it has a planar shape parallel to the second direction D2. For this reason, the first lock projection 63 having the engaging surface 63a can be easily molded by a mold that opens and closes in the second direction D2.

[0093] (3) The first lock receiving portion 91 has a pair of support portions 93 that protrude from the outer surface of the covering portion 81 in a fourth direction D4, and an engaging portion 94 that connects the pair of support portions 93. The pair of support portions 93 are separated in a second direction D2. The first lock hole 92 is the space inside the pair of support portions 93 and the engaging portion 94 that penetrates the first lock receiving portion 91 in a third direction D3. The first lock projection 63 hooks onto the engaging portion 94 from the direction opposite to the third direction D3.

[0094] With this configuration, the first locking projection 63 hooks onto the engaging portion 94 from the direction opposite to the third direction D3, allowing the first locking portion 61 to easily hook onto the first locking receiving portion 91. Therefore, at least a part of the covering portion 81 can be easily maintained in a state that covers the opening 41a of the housing recess 41.

[0095] (4) The protector body 31 has a fixing base 47 that protrudes from the outer surface of the wire arrangement section 42. The first fixing section 45 and the first locking section 61 protrude from the fixing base 47. This configuration makes it easier to position the first locking section 61 near the first fixing section 45.

[0096] (5) The end faces 51a and 51b of the mounting support 51 in the fifth direction D5, which is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and perpendicular to the second direction D2, are planar in shape perpendicular to the fifth direction D5. The first fixing part 45 has two engaging claws 52 that extend from the end faces 51a and 51b of the mounting support 51, respectively. Each engaging claw 52 moves away from the mounting support 51 from its base to its tip, and extends linearly along the fifth direction D5 when viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction D1. With this configuration, the arrowhead-shaped first fixing part 45 can be easily formed by a mold that opens and closes in the second direction D2.

[0097] (6) The wire arrangement section 42 and the covering section 81 constitute a tubular wire housing section 110 that houses a portion of the wire 21 in the longitudinal direction X1. The wire housing section 110 has a first housing section 111 that extends linearly along the second direction D2, a second housing section 112 that extends linearly along a direction intersecting the second direction D2, and a third housing section 113 that connects the first housing section 111 and the second housing section 112. With this configuration, in a protector 30 with a curved shape, the area around the first fixing section 45 can be molded without using a slide mold, and the size of the mold can be suppressed.

[0098] (7) The first fixing portion 45, the first locking portion 61, and the first lock receiving portion 91 are located in the first housing portion 111. With this configuration, since the first housing portion 111 extends linearly along the second direction D2, it becomes easy to form the first fixing portion 45 and the first locking portion 61 into shapes that can be formed by a mold that opens and closes in the second direction D2.

[0099] (8) The protector body 31 has at least one second lock receiving portion 71 having a second lock hole 72. The lid 32 has the same number of second lock portions 101 as the second lock receiving portions 71. Each of the second lock portions 101 has a second insertion portion 102 that is inserted into the second lock hole 72, and a second lock projection 103 that protrudes from the second insertion portion 102 and catches on the second lock receiving portion 71 when the second insertion portion 102 is inserted into the second lock hole 72. The covering portion 81 is maintained in a state that covers the opening 41a by the first lock projection 63 catching on the first lock receiving portion 91 and the second lock projection 103 catching on the second lock receiving portion 71. With this configuration, the covering portion 81 can be easily maintained in a state that covers the opening 41a of the housing recess 41.

[0100] (9) At least one set of the second locking portion 101 and the second locking receiving portion 71 is provided in each of the first housing portion 111 and the second housing portion 112. With this configuration, in any of the housing portions of the first housing portion 111 and the second housing portion 112, the covering portion 81 can be maintained in a state where it covers the opening 41a of the housing recess 41 by the second locking portion 101 and the second locking receiving portion 71.

[0101] (10) The protector body 31 has a second fixing part 46 which protrudes outward from the wire arrangement part 42 and has a through hole 46a into which a bolt for fixing the protector body 31 to the mounting object is inserted. The second fixing part 46 is located in the second housing part 112. With this configuration, by fixing the protector body 31 to the mounting object using the first fixing part 45 located in the first housing part 111 and the second fixing part 46 located in the second housing part 112, the posture of the protector 30 attached to the mounting object becomes more stable.

[0102] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically. The second fixing part 46 may be located in the first housing part 111 or the third housing part 113. The protector body 31 may also have multiple second fixing parts 46. Furthermore, the protector body 31 may not have any second fixing parts 46.

[0103] The set of the second locking part 101 and the second locking receiving part 71 may be placed in at least one set in each of the first housing section 111, the second housing section 112, and the third housing section 113. In this way, in any of the housing sections of the first housing section 111, the second housing section 112, and the third housing section 113, the covering part 81 can be maintained in a state where it covers the opening 41a of the housing recess 41 by the second locking part 101 and the second locking receiving part 71. Note that the set of the second locking part 101 and the second locking receiving part 71 does not necessarily have to be placed in at least one set in the first housing section 111. Also, the set of the second locking part 101 and the second locking receiving part 71 does not necessarily have to be placed in at least one set in the second housing section 112.

[0104] The protector body 31 may have a second locking portion 101, and the lid 32 may have a second locking receiving portion 71. The protector 30 does not necessarily have to have the second locking portion 101 and the second locking receiving portion 71.

[0105] The first fixing portion 45, the first locking portion 61, and the first locking receiving portion 91 may be located in the second housing portion 112 or the third housing portion 113. The first direction D1 is always the direction in which the first fixing portion 45 is inserted into the mounting object, and is the direction from the base end to the tip of the mounting support column 51.

[0106] The shape of the wire housing section 110 is not limited to the shape of the embodiment described above. For example, the second housing section 112 may extend linearly along a direction intersecting the second direction D2 and different from the third direction D3. Also, for example, the third housing section 113 may be tubular in length in the extending direction X than in the embodiment described above. Also, for example, the wire housing section 110 may not have the second housing section 112. Also, for example, the wire housing section 110 may not have the second housing section 112 and the third housing section 113. That is, the wire housing section 110 may have a shape that extends linearly along the second direction D2.

[0107] The first fixing portion 45 may have only one engaging claw 52. Alternatively, the first fixing portion 45 may have three or more engaging claws 52. In this case, the engaging claws 52 are positioned so that the opening and closing direction of the mold for forming the first fixing portion 45 can be the second direction D2. Furthermore, the first fixing portion 45 does not need to have reinforcing portions 53a and 53b.

[0108] The shape of the mounting support 51 and the shape of the engaging claw 52 are not limited to those of the above embodiment. For example, the mounting support 51 may be cylindrical or polygonal. For example, the engaging claw 52 does not have to have a positioning projection 54.

[0109] The protector body 31 does not necessarily have a fixing base 47. In this case, the first fixing portion 45 and the first locking portion 61 protrude from the outer surface of the wire arrangement portion 42. The shape of the first locking portion 91 is not limited to that of the embodiment described above. The first locking portion 91 may have a shape having a first locking hole 92 that penetrates in the third direction D3. For example, the first locking portion 91 may be annular. As used in this description, the term “annular” may refer to any structure that forms a loop, i.e., a continuous shape without ends, as well as structures that have a gap, such as a C-shape, but form a loop shape overall. “Annular” shapes include, but are not limited to, circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes with pointed or rounded corners.

[0110] The engaging surface 63a does not necessarily have to be a planar shape perpendicular to the third direction D3, as long as it can contact the first lock receiving portion 91 from the direction opposite to the third direction D3. However, the engaging surface 63a is parallel to the second direction D2. The engaging surface 63a may, for example, be a planar shape inclined with respect to the third direction D3 when viewed from the second direction D2. The engaging surface 63a may also be a curved surface when viewed from the second direction D2. Furthermore, the engaging surface 63a may be a combination of multiple planes, such as a surface with irregularities when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0111] The extension direction X may be the direction from the second passage opening 41c to the first passage opening 41b. Also, the width direction Y may be the direction from the inner surface 41f to the inner surface 41e. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 20 Wire Harnesses 21 Electric wire 30 Protectors 31 Protector body 32 Lid 33 Hinge 41 Recessed 41a aperture 41b 1st passage gate 41c 2nd passage gate 41d Bottom 41e,41f Inside surface 42 Wire arrangement section 45 1st fixed part (fixed part) 46 Second fixed part 46a Through hole 47 Fixed base 47a 1st page 47b Page 2 51 Mounting support post 52,52a,52b Engagement claw 51a, 51b End faces (both ends) 53a,53b Reinforcement part 54 Positioning protrusions 55 Support protrusion 61 First Lock Section 62 First Insertion Section 63 First locking projection 63a Engaged surface 63b Guide surface 71, 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d Second lock receiving part 72 Second lock hole 73 Support part 74 Engagement part 81 Covering part 91 First lock receiving part 92 First lock hole 93 Support part 94 Engaging part 101, 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d Second lock section 102 Second insertion section 103 Second locking projection 110 Wire housing section 111 First Detention Unit 112 Second Detention Unit 113 Third Detention Unit 201 Body panel (for installation) 202 Fixed hole D1 First direction D2, D2a, D2b Second direction D3 Third direction D4 Fourth Direction D5 Fifth direction L center line X1 Length direction X extension direction Y width direction Z-direction (depth)

Claims

1. A resin molded protector comprising a protector body having a wire arrangement section with groove-shaped receiving recesses, and a lid having a covering section that covers the opening of the receiving recesses, The protector body has a fixing portion that is inserted into the mounting object in a first direction in order to fix the protector body to the mounting object, and a first locking portion for maintaining the cover in a state that covers the opening. The lid has a first lock receiving portion which has a first lock hole, The fixing portion has a mounting support extending in the first direction and at least one elastic engaging claw extending from the tip region of the mounting support toward the base end of the mounting support, and the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the fixing portion. If we define the third direction as the direction perpendicular to the first direction and opposite to the first direction when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the second direction, The first locking portion has a first insertion portion that is inserted into the first locking hole in the third direction, and a first locking projection that protrudes from the first insertion portion in a fourth direction that intersects the third direction when viewed from the second direction, and that catches on the first locking receiving portion when the first insertion portion is inserted into the first locking hole, and the second direction is the opening and closing direction of the mold that forms the first locking portion. A protector in which the first locking projection catches on the first locking receiving portion, thereby maintaining a state in which at least a part of the covering portion covers the opening.

2. The fourth direction is perpendicular to the third direction. The protector according to claim 1, wherein the first lock projection has an engaging surface that is planar and perpendicular to the third direction, and the engaging surface contacts the first lock receiving portion from a direction opposite to the third direction, thereby engaging with the first lock receiving portion.

3. The first lock receiving portion has a pair of support portions that protrude from the outer surface of the covering portion in the fourth direction, and an engaging portion that connects the pair of support portions together. The pair of support parts are separated in the second direction, The first locking hole is the space inside the pair of support parts and the engaging part that penetrates the first locking receiving part in the third direction. The protector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first locking projection hooks onto the engaging portion from a direction opposite to the third direction.

4. Both end faces of the mounting support in a fifth direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction are planar in shape perpendicular to the fifth direction. The fixing portion has two engaging claws extending from both end faces of the mounting support column, The protector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the engaging claws moves away from the mounting support as it moves from the base end toward the tip of the engaging claw, and extends linearly along the fifth direction when viewed from a direction parallel to the first direction.

5. The wire arrangement section and the covering section constitute a tubular wire housing section that accommodates a portion of the wire in the longitudinal direction inside. The protector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wire housing portion comprises a first housing portion extending linearly along the second direction, a second housing portion extending linearly along a direction intersecting the second direction, and a third housing portion connecting the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

6. The protector according to claim 5, wherein the fixing portion, the first locking portion, and the first lock receiving portion are located in the first housing portion.

7. The protector body has at least one second lock receiving portion having a second lock hole, The cover has the same number of second locking parts as the second locking receiving parts, Each of the second locking parts has a second insertion part that is inserted into the second locking hole, and a second locking projection that protrudes from the second insertion part and engages with the second locking receiving part when the second insertion part is inserted into the second locking hole. The protector according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the covering portion is maintained in a state that covers the opening by the first locking projection engaging with the first locking receiving portion and the second locking projection engaging with the second locking receiving portion.

8. The protector according to claim 7, wherein at least one set of the second locking portion and the second locking receiving portion is arranged in each of the first housing portion, the second housing portion, and the third housing portion.

9. The aforementioned fixing part is the first fixing part, The protector body has a second fixing portion that protrudes outward from the wire arrangement portion and has a through hole into which a bolt for fixing the protector body to the mounting object is inserted. The protector according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second fixing portion is located in the second housing portion.

Images