Wire harness terminal protection cover, wire harness terminal protection structure, and wire harness

Abstract

To protect a terminal of a wire bundle processed to be led out from the side, regardless of the length of a connector.SOLUTION: A wire harness terminal protection cover 15 protects a terminal of a wire harness 11 having a bent portion 13a where an electric wires is bent at the end of an electric wire bundle 13 to which a connector is connected. The wire harness terminal protection cover 15 includes a main body portion 51 that covers the bent portion 13a, and an arm portion 52 that supports the main body portion 51 at one end and is fixed to the electric wire bundle 13. The main body portion 51 is semi-cylindrical and has a side portion 53 that covers both sides along the longitudinal direction of the electric wires in the bent portion 13a, and a top portion 54 that covers the back of the bent portion 13a. The arm portion 52 is protruded from one end of the main body portion 51 in the longitudinal direction. The main body portion 51 and the arm portion 52 are formed with a connection structure 57 that connects the main body portion 51 of one terminal protection cover 15 to the arm portion 52 of another adjacent terminal protection cover 15 when the main body portions 51 are arranged in the longitudinal direction while being in contact with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to protection of a terminal of a wire harness to which a connector is connected.

Background Art

[0002] When there is another component behind a connector connected to a terminal of a wire bundle, in order to prevent interference between the component and the electric wires, the wire bundle is sometimes not drawn straight out from the connection surface of the connector, but is bent near the connection surface and drawn out in a direction along the connection surface. This is so-called "lateral drawing processing", and the wire bundle has a bent portion where the electric wires are bent at the terminal. In this case, a connector cover may be attached to prevent the electric wires from coming loose.

[0003] The connector cover has a structure that is fixed to the connector and covers the terminal of the wire bundle. However, since the connector cover is configured to be fixed to the connector, it has been formed into a dedicated shape for each connector. For this reason, many types of connector covers corresponding to connectors have been required for terminal protection of wire harnesses.

[0004] There is a terminal protection material that can solve such inconveniences. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, this is a terminal protection material formed of a bendable sheet material. The terminal protection material includes a covering portion that is folded in half to cover the bent portion of the wire bundle, and a fixing portion extending to one side on a bending line where the covering portion is bent. The covering portion is formed with an opposing side that faces the connection surface of the connector when the bent portion is covered.

[0005] The terminal protection material having such a configuration is used as follows. That is, the covering portion covers the bent portion of the wire bundle, and while maintaining this state, the fixing portion is wrapped around and fixed to a portion adjacent to the bent portion of the wire bundle with an adhesive tape. Since the fixing portion is firmly fixed to the wire bundle, the state where the covering portion covers the bent portion is maintained.

[0006] In other words, since the terminal protection material is fixed to the wire bundle and the opposite side of the cover faces the connection surface of the connector, it can protect the ends of the wire bundle even if the protection material is not designed to correspond to each connector.

[0007] However, since the covering portion of the terminal protection material is formed to a fixed size, the terminal protection material of Patent Document 1 could accommodate connectors with short connection surfaces, but it could not accommodate connectors with long connection surfaces. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7203589 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, the main objective of this invention is to increase versatility by enabling it to accommodate connectors with long connection surfaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This invention relates to a wire harness terminal protection cover for protecting a wire harness having a bent portion at the end of a wire bundle to which a connector is connected, the wire harness terminal protection cover comprising a main body portion that covers the bent portion and an arm portion that cantilever-supports the main body portion and is fixed to the wire bundle, the main body portion having side portions that cover both sides along the longitudinal direction of the wire at the bent portion and a top portion that covers the back of the bent portion and is formed to a certain length, the arm portion being formed at one end of the main body portion in the longitudinal direction, and a coupling structure formed on the main body portion and the arm portion of one terminal protection cover that connects the main body portion of one terminal protection cover to the arm portion of an adjacent terminal protection cover when the main body portions are lined up in the longitudinal direction, the wire harness terminal protection cover comprising the main body portion and the arm portion.

[0011] In this configuration, the main body covers the bent portion of the wire bundle, and the covering state by the main body is maintained by the arm portion fixed to the wire bundle. The main body and arm portion each perform their respective functions, and the connecting structure formed on them can, if necessary, form a terminal protection cover by integrating multiple units. That is, if the longitudinal length of the main body portion of a single terminal protection cover is insufficient to cover the bent portion, multiple terminal protection covers can be joined together using the connecting structure to increase the length of the portion that covers the bent portion. In a terminal protection cover formed by integrating multiple units, the arm portion at one end maintains the covering state of the bent portion by the multiple main body portions arranged in a row, just as in the case of a single terminal protection cover.

[0012] In one aspect of this invention, the main body can be formed into a terminal protective cover for a wire harness, where the length of the main body is set to a unit length based on a predetermined small connector among the connectors used.

[0013] The "unit length" is the minimum length that can be used to connect connectors to the ends of wire harnesses that are processed horizontally, for example, to the "small" size when the lengths are categorized as "large," "medium," and "small." It can be calculated using a greatest common divisor method, but it does not need to be strictly determined, and it is set with a certain degree of margin. Furthermore, this "unit length" is roughly determined according to the application of the wire harness.

[0014] In this configuration, by appropriately setting the unit length, it is possible to simplify the terminal protection cover by combining multiple units into one (reducing the number of terminal protection covers used), strengthen the protective structure, and simplify the fixing process.

[0015] In one aspect of this invention, the coupling structure can be a wire harness terminal protection cover in which the arm portion is superimposed on the outer surface of the main body portion.

[0016] In this configuration, whether the coupling structure involves inserting the arm longitudinally or pressing the surface of the arm against the main body, the arm is located on the outer surface of the main body, making it easy to judge the quality of the coupling. Therefore, if there is any coupling defect, appropriate action can be taken immediately. This ensures reliable and effective terminal protection.

[0017] In one aspect of this invention, the coupling structure can be a wire harness terminal protection cover in which the arm portion is superimposed on the inner surface of the main body portion.

[0018] In this configuration, the coupling structure is located on the inner surface of the main body, allowing the outer surface of the main body to have a smooth, non-bulky shape when the terminal protection covers are coupled together, thus suppressing contact with other components behind them. Furthermore, terminal protection covers other than those with arms fixed to the wire bundle are coupled in such a way that the arms are pressed against the main body of the adjacent terminal protection cover. Therefore, even without increasing the number of coupling points and actively restricting the position of the main bodies, protection can be achieved with a high degree of unity, contributing to appropriate terminal protection.

[0019] In one aspect of this invention, the end of the arm portion is formed to be a wire harness terminal protective cover having an overhang that extends in a direction that increases the width or thickness.

[0020] In this configuration, the adhesive tape used to secure the arm to the wire bundle is hooked onto the protruding part, thereby increasing the integration between the arm and the adhesive tape. As a result, a firm fixed state can be maintained without shifting or coming loose due to vibration, contributing to proper terminal protection.

[0021] In one aspect of this invention, the end protection cover for a wire harness can be provided, which has protrusions formed on the lower surface of the arm portion that fit between the wires constituting the wire bundle.

[0022] In this configuration, when the arm portion is fixed to the wire bundle, the protruding ridges fit between the wires of the wire bundle and regulate the position in the circumferential direction between the arm portion and the wire bundle. Therefore, the orientation of the main body portion can be positively maintained, which contributes to proper terminal protection.

[0023] As an aspect of the present invention, it can be a terminal protection cover for a wire harness in which a plurality of said arm portions are formed.

[0024] In this configuration, when the arm portions are fixed to the wire bundle, the plurality of arm portions each contact the wire bundle, and the corners of the arm portions are fitted between the wires. Unlike the case where there is only one arm portion, the arm portions that abut at multiple positions in the circumferential direction of the wire bundle cooperate to regulate the position in the circumferential direction between the arm portions and the wire bundle. Therefore, the orientation of the main body portion can be positively maintained, which contributes to proper terminal protection.

[0025] As an aspect of the present invention, it can be a wire harness terminal protection structure that uses said wire harness terminal protection cover.

[0026] As an aspect of the present invention, it can be a wire harness that includes said terminal protection structure for the wire harness. Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, the arm portion fixed to the wire bundle is configured to maintain the covering state of the bent portion by the main body portion, and the coupling structure formed on the main body portion and the arm portion is coupled as necessary to lengthen the portion covering the bent portion. Therefore, not only terminals connected to connectors with a short connection surface length but also terminals connected to connectors with a long connection surface length can be protected by one type of terminal protection cover. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] A side view of a terminal protection structure for a wire harness. [Figure 2] A perspective view of a terminal protection cover. [Figure 3] A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the terminal protective cover, along its length. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the terminal protection structure of a wire harness. [Figure 5] Side view of the terminal protection structure of a wire harness protected by a single terminal protection cover. [Figure 6] A side view of an example of a terminal protection structure for a wire harness protected by three terminal protection covers. [Figure 7] A side view of a terminal protection cover related to another example, and a cross-sectional view of a terminal protection structure for a wire harness using the same. [Figure 8] Perspective and cross-sectional views of terminal protective covers related to other examples. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly using the terminal protection cover. [Figure 10] Perspective and cross-sectional views of terminal protective covers related to other examples. [Figure 11] Figure 10 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly using the terminal protection cover. [Figure 12] Perspective view of a terminal protective cover related to another example. [Figure 13] Figure 12 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly using the terminal protection cover. [Figure 14] Front view of a terminal protection cover related to another example, seen from the tip of the arm. [Figure 15] Perspective and cross-sectional views of terminal protective covers related to other examples. [Figure 16] Figure 15 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly using the terminal protection cover. [Figure 17] A perspective view of a terminal protective cover related to another example, and a cross-sectional view cut at the arm section. [Figure 18] A perspective view of the terminal protective cover from the front and a perspective view from the bottom of another example. [Figure 19] Figure 18 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly using the terminal protection cover. [Figure 20] A perspective view of the terminal protection cover from the underside, and a cross-sectional view cut at the arm section, relating to another example. [Figure 21] A perspective view of a terminal protective cover and cover assembly relating to another example. [Figure 22] Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the terminal protection cover cut at the arm section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] One embodiment for carrying out this invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a side view of the terminal protection structure of the wire harness 11. This terminal protection structure protects the terminals of the wire harness 11, which has a bent portion 13a at the end of the wire bundle 13 to which the connector 12 is connected, that is, the terminals of the wire harness 11 that has been processed to exit sideways.

[0031] The terminal protection structure covers the ends of the wire bundle 13 (hereinafter also referred to as the "protected portion 13b") with terminal protection covers 15 to prevent the wire bundle 13 from unraveling. In the terminal protection structure illustrated in Figure 1, one protected portion 13b is protected using multiple terminal protection covers 15. The terminal protection covers 15 used are all the same shape. In other words, only one type of terminal protection cover 15 is used. The terminal protection covers 15 are wrapped around and fixed to the wire bundle 13 with adhesive tape 16, but are not fixed to the connector 12.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the terminal protection cover 15. The terminal protection cover 15 is made of a molded synthetic resin and has a main body portion 51 and an arm portion 52 which are integral to each other. The main body portion 51 is the part that covers the bent portion 13a, and the arm portion 52 is the part that cantilever-supports the main body portion 51 and is fixed to the wire bundle 13.

[0033] The main body 51 is formed in a tunnel shape of a certain length, having side portions 53 and a top portion 54, so as to be able to cover the entire portion of the wire bundle 13 that includes the bent portion 13a extending from the connection surface 12a of the connector 12 at the end of the wire bundle 13, that is, the protected portion 13b. In other words, it is a semi-cylindrical shape with the same cross-sectional shape continuous in one direction, and has an opening 51a on the bottom surface. The side portions 53 are the parts that cover both sides of the bent portion 13a along the longitudinal direction of the wire, and the top portion 54 is the part that covers the back of the bent portion 13a.

[0034] The side portion 53 and the top portion 54 are formed so as to create a gap between them and the protected portion 13b. In other words, the two opposing side portions 53 are formed with a gap wider than the width of the wire bundle 13 on the connection surface 12a of the connector 12. The top portion 54 is also formed at a height such that a gap is created between it and the wire bundle 13 when the lower end 53a of the side portion 53 abuts against the connection surface 12a of the connector 12.

[0035] The cross-sectional shape, having a side portion 53 and a top portion 54, is approximately a U-shape, inverted vertically, as shown in the illustrated example. Specifically, the side portion 53 has a vertical surface extending in the vertical direction, and the top portion 54 has a horizontal surface extending in the horizontal direction. The vertical surface and the horizontal surface are continuous via an inclined surface portion 51b, which has a chamfered corner.

[0036] The length of the main body 51 is a "unit length" set based on a predetermined small connector 12 among the connectors 12 used. In other words, it is a length that can cover the end of a wire bundle 13 to which a smaller connector 12 is connected, and for the end of a wire bundle 13 to which a longer connector 12 is connected, the length of the covered area can be doubled or tripled by arranging two or three main body 51s in the longitudinal direction. The "unit length" is set to be longer than necessary to allow for some leeway.

[0037] The arm portion 52 is formed at one end of the main body portion 51 in the longitudinal direction and protrudes from the main body portion 51. Specifically, it is formed in a strip shape at one end of the top portion 54 of the main body portion 51, and the arm portion 52 extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 51.

[0038] As shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 3, the arm portion 52 is formed at a step from the top portion 54. Specifically, the lower surface of the arm portion 52 and the upper surface of the top portion 54 on the main body portion 51 are formed at the same height (see auxiliary line L1) so that when the main body portions 51 are lined up in the longitudinal direction, the outer surfaces of adjacent main body portions 51 are flush with each other.

[0039] The length of the arm portion 52 is set to be slightly shorter than the length of the main body portion 51. This is to prevent the arm portion 52 from protruding from the main body portion 51 when the main body portions 51 are placed side by side in contact with each other in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. It is also to prevent interference between the arm portions 52 that are aligned in the longitudinal direction when the main body portions 51 are placed side by side in contact with each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] Since the arm portion 52 is the part that wraps and secures the adhesive tape 16 around the wire bundle 13, it is advisable to consider the width of the adhesive tape 16 when determining the length of the arm portion 52. In other words, it is preferable that the length of the arm portion 52 be set to be approximately the same as or greater than the width of the adhesive tape 16.

[0041] Furthermore, the width of the arm portion 52 is set to be slightly smaller than the width of the top portion 54 of the main body portion 51.

[0042] The main body portion 51 and the arm portion 52 are formed with a connecting structure 57 for connecting the terminal protection covers 15 together. The connecting structure 57 is for connecting the main body portion 51 of one terminal protection cover 15 to the arm portion 52 of an adjacent terminal protection cover 15 when the main body portions 51 are placed side by side in contact with each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0043] The coupling structure 57 in this example is configured such that the arm portion 52 of one terminal protection cover 15 can be inserted into the main body portion 51 of another terminal protection cover 15, as shown by the arrow in Figure 2, and the arm portion 52 is superimposed on the upper surface of the main body portion 51. Specifically, it has a locking projection 71 on the arm portion 52 and a retaining frame 72 on the main body portion 51.

[0044] The locking projection 71 is a protruding portion 58 that extends in a direction that increases the thickness of the arm portion 52, and is formed in a triangular cross-section on the upper surface at the tip of the arm portion 52, and has an inclined surface 71a that slopes backward and a locking step portion 71b behind this inclined surface 71a.

[0045] The retaining frame 72 is formed on the upper surface of the top 54 of the main body 51 and has opposing upright wall portions 72a on both the left and right sides of the top 54, and a connecting portion 72b that connects the upper ends of the upright wall portions 72a. The space enclosed by the upright wall portions 72a and the connecting portion 72b is sized to fit the portion of the arm portion 52 that does not have a locking projection 71. The retaining frame 72 is formed on the part of the top 54 on the side where the arm portion 52 is formed, and the connecting portion 72b is formed on the opposite side from the direction in which the arm portion 52 is formed so that the locking projection 71 of the arm portion 52 can be locked.

[0046] Furthermore, the locking projection 71, which has a function to prevent detachment, of the connecting structure 57 may be configured to protrude in the width direction rather than in the thickness direction of the arm portion 52. Also, the locking projection 71 can be omitted. If necessary to maintain the connected state, a welder (high-frequency welding) or the like may be used in combination.

[0047] The terminal protection cover 15, configured as described above, is used in a modified form depending on the length of the protected portion 13b.

[0048] First, let's explain the case where the length of the connector 12 is longer than the unit length. In the wire harness terminal protection structure shown in Figure 1, the protected part 13b is longer than the unit length of the connector 12, and the length is such that it can be protected by placing two main bodies 51 of the terminal protection cover 15 side by side. In such cases, the required number of terminal protection covers 15 are joined together.

[0049] The terminal protection covers 15 are joined together by inserting the arm portion 52 of one terminal protection cover 15 into the retaining frame 72 of the other terminal protection cover 15, as shown in Figure 2, and engaging the locking projection 71 with the connecting portion 72b of the retaining frame 72. In the locked state, as shown in Figure 4, the arm portion 52 is positioned by the retaining frame 72 and held down by the connecting portion 72b, and the locking projection 71 engages with the connecting portion 72b to prevent it from coming loose.

[0050] The terminal protection cover (hereinafter also referred to as "cover assembly 15a"), which integrates multiple terminal protection covers 15 by a coupling structure 57, is positioned by placing the main body 51 over the protected part 13b and orienting the lower end of the main body 51 toward the connection surface 12a of the connector 12. Then, the main body 51, which are aligned in the longitudinal direction, are positioned to cover the wires protruding from the connection surface 12a of the connector 12, and the arm 52 protruding from one end in the longitudinal direction is placed along the wire bundle 13 and secured to the wire bundle 13 by wrapping adhesive tape 16 around it. In this way, the arm 52 maintains the covering state of the protected part 13b by the main body 51.

[0051] Next, if the length of the connector 12 is short, approximately the length of a unit, the protected part 13b is protected using one terminal protection cover 15, as shown in Figure 5. That is, the main body 51 is placed over the protected part 13b, and the arm 52 is fixed to the wire bundle 13 with adhesive tape 16.

[0052] If the length of the connector 12 is greater than twice its unit length, a cover assembly 15a is obtained by joining three or more terminal protective covers 15 together, although this is not shown in the illustration, to protect the part to be protected 13b.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, if the wire bundle 13 is drawn out in two opposing directions from the connector 12, it is advisable to consider there as two protected parts 13b and fix the terminal protection cover 15 or cover connector 15a so as to cover each protected part 13b. This is because fixing the terminal protection cover 15 or cover connector 15a to each wire bundle 13 provides more reliable protection than fixing one cover connector 15a to one wire bundle 13 to protect multiple protected parts 13b.

[0054] As described above, the main body 51 covers the protected part 13b, preventing the wire bundle 13 from unraveling and preventing contact with other components, and this protected state is maintained by the arm 52 fixed to the wire bundle 13. The main body 51 is semi-cylindrical in shape and covers the protected part 13b, and is not fixed to the connector 12, so it can be applied to connectors 12 of different lengths as long as they can be covered by the main body 51. In addition, although the main body 51 is cantilevered by the arm 52, the arm 52 is fixed to the wire bundle 13, and the lower end of the main body 51 abuts against the connection surface 12a of the connector 12, so the protected state can be maintained well.

[0055] Furthermore, since the main body 51 does not have a angular cross-sectional shape but rather a shape with an inclined surface portion 51b, it fits well into narrow wiring spaces.

[0056] Furthermore, the main body 51 and the arm 52 perform their respective functions, and also serve to create a cover assembly 15a when the connector 12 is long and the protected portion 13b is longer than a unit length, that is, when one terminal protection cover 15 cannot provide sufficient protection. In other words, the coupling structure 57 formed on the main body 51 and the arm 52 creates a cover assembly 15a in which two terminal protection covers 15 are joined together. This allows for protection of the terminals of the wire harness 11 to which long connectors 12 are connected.

[0057] Only one type of terminal protection cover 15 is used, and it is only necessary to decide whether or not to connect them and how many terminal protection covers 15 to connect, depending on the connector 12, thus reducing the burden of parts management for protection. In addition, since the fixing work is the same regardless of whether or not the terminal protection covers 15 are connected to each other, the workload is also reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, since the length of the main body 51 is set to a unit length, the number of terminal protective covers 15 used to obtain the cover assembly 15a can be reduced by appropriately setting the unit length according to the application. As a result, the number of connection points can be reduced, resulting in a more integrated cover assembly 15a, a stronger protective structure, and easier fixing work despite its cantilevered shape.

[0059] The coupling structure 57 has a structure in which the arm portion 52 is superimposed on the outer surface of the main body portion 51, so it is possible to instantly determine whether the coupling state of the arm portion 52 and the main body portion 51 is correctly connected when fixing it to the wire bundle 13. For this reason, if there is any loosening of the connection before fixing it to the wire bundle 13, appropriate action can be taken immediately, thereby increasing the reliability of the work.

[0060] The terminal protection cover 15 or cover assembly 15a is fixed to the wire bundle 13 by wrapping it with adhesive tape 16. The arm portion 52 around which the adhesive tape 16 is wrapped has a locking projection 71 as an overhanging portion 58, so a firm fixation can be achieved. That is, when wrapping the adhesive tape 16, if the adhesive tape 16 is hooked onto the locking projection 71 as an overhanging portion 58, as shown in Figure 1, the slippage of the adhesive tape 16 can be prevented. This increases the unity between the arm portion 52 and the adhesive tape 16, and maintains the protected state of the protected portion 13b.

[0061] Furthermore, the terminal protection cover 15 has a coupling structure 57 formed between the main body portion 51 and the arm portion 52, which each function to protect the protected portion 13b. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate coupling structure, and the configuration can be simplified. Moreover, since the locking projection 71 of the coupling structure 57 also serves as the protruding portion 58, the overall configuration is extremely simple despite being multi-functional. This also contributes to reducing manufacturing costs.

[0062] Other examples are explained below. In this explanation, parts identical to those in the previous configuration are denoted by the same symbols, and detailed explanations are omitted. Furthermore, redundant explanations of functions and other aspects mentioned earlier are also omitted. <Another example 1> Figure 7(a) is a side view of the terminal protection cover 15. This terminal protection cover 15 has a bending-facilitating portion 52a at the base of the arm portion 52 near the main body portion 51 to facilitate bending. The bending-facilitating portion 52a is composed of multiple grooves that extend along the entire width direction and reduce the thickness of the arm portion 52. The grooves are formed on the lower surface of the arm portion 52.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7(b), the terminal protection cover 15 with this configuration is bent according to the inclination of the wire bundle 13 when fixed in place. When fixed, a biasing force acts on the main body 51 toward the connection surface 12a of the connector 12, so a good protective state is obtained. Because this type of fixing is possible, the terminal protection cover 15 can accommodate differences in the inclination of the wire bundle 13. <Another example 2> Figure 8(a) is a perspective view of the terminal protection cover 15. In addition to the locking projection 71 and retaining frame 72 of the previously described example, the terminal protection cover 15 has a fitting piece 73 on the end face of the main body portion 51 as a coupling structure 57.

[0064] Specifically, a fitting piece 73 is formed on the entire end face of the main body 51 opposite to the end face where the arm portion 52 is formed, with the fitting piece 73 protruding from the end face. The fitting piece 73 is slightly smaller in size than the cross-sectional shape of the main body 51, and as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 8(b), the outer surface of the fitting piece 73 is at the same height as the inner surface of the main body 51 (see auxiliary line L2).

[0065] Furthermore, the retaining frame 72 is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the example shown in Figure 2, and extends to a position close to the end having the fitting piece 73. Behind the connecting portion 72b in the middle of the retaining frame 72 in the width direction, a notch 72c is formed with a width shorter than the distance between the upright wall portions 72a. The portions on both sides of the notch 72c are portions that restrict the arm portion 52, and in a retaining frame 72 with this configuration, the portion that restricts the arm portion 52 is formed to be longer in the longitudinal direction.

[0066] When terminal protection covers 15 with this configuration are joined together, they will look like the perspective view shown in Figure 9(a). That is, the fitting piece 73 of the terminal protection cover 15 into which the arm portion 52 is inserted fits inside the main body portion 51 at one end of the other terminal protection cover 15, and the end faces of the opposing main body portions 51 come into contact with each other, as shown in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 9(b). At this time, the arm portion 52, which is inserted into the retaining frame 72, is positioned by the retaining frame 72 over almost its entire longitudinal direction, and the contact state between the main body portions 51 is maintained.

[0067] Therefore, a secure, rattling connection is achieved between the terminal protective covers 15, enabling good protection. <Another example 3> Figure 10(a) is a perspective view of the terminal protection cover 15. Unlike the terminal protection cover 15 shown in Figure 8, this terminal protection cover 15 has a fitting piece 73, which is one of the connecting structures 57, formed to fit externally to the main body 51 rather than internally. That is, the fitting piece 73 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional shape of the main body 51, and as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 10(b), the inner surface of the fitting piece 73 is at the same height as the outer surface of the main body 51 (see auxiliary line L3). A notch 73a is formed in a part of the fitting piece 73 corresponding to the top 54 to allow insertion of the arm portion 52.

[0068] Even with this configuration of terminal protection cover 15, as shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), the connection is made over a wide area, resulting in a secure connection between the terminal protection covers 15 without any rattling, thus enabling good protection. In particular, in this configuration, the terminal protection cover 15 having the arm portion 52 fixed to the wire bundle 13 is fitted onto the other terminal protection cover 15. In other words, when fixed, the other terminal protection cover 15 having the arm portion 52 used for connection is pressed down toward the connector 12. As a result, a more robust protective state is obtained. <Another example 4> Figure 12 is a perspective view of the terminal protection cover 15. In addition to the locking projection 71 and retaining frame 72 of the previously described example, the terminal protection cover 15 has, as a coupling structure 57, an engaging piece 74 and an engaged portion 75 near the end face of the main body portion 51 that engage with each other by insertion in the longitudinal direction.

[0069] Specifically, an engaging piece 74 is formed on the side of the main body 51 opposite to the side where the arm portion 52 is formed, and a engaged portion 75 is formed on the side where the arm portion 52 is formed. The engaging piece 74 is a rectangular plate that protrudes in the longitudinal direction and is formed on the outer surface of the lower end of the main body 51, so that the inner surface of the engaging piece 74 is at the same height as the outer surface of the main body 51. On the other hand, the engaged portion 75 is formed on the outer surface at a position corresponding to the engaging piece 74 in the longitudinal direction, and is an angular "C" shape that can receive the engaging piece 74.

[0070] When terminal protection covers 15 with this configuration are joined together, they will look like the perspective view shown in Figure 13(a). That is, the engaging piece 74 of the terminal protection cover 15 into which the arm portion 52 is inserted fits into the engaged portion 75 of the other terminal protection cover 15, and the end faces of the opposing main body portions 51 come into contact with each other as shown in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 13(b). At this time, the arm portion 52 inserted into the retaining frame 72 is positioned by the retaining frame 72 over almost its entire longitudinal direction, and the contact state between the main body portions 51 is maintained.

[0071] Therefore, although the area over which the connection takes place is narrower than in the examples shown in Figures 8 and 10, the connection is made at the lower ends of both sides in the width direction of the main body 51, resulting in a secure connection between the terminal protection covers 15, similar to a connection over a wide area. Furthermore, in this configuration in particular, the engaging piece 74 and the engaged portion 75 are configured to firmly resist displacement of the main body 51 not only in the width direction but also in the vertical direction. Therefore, when fixed, a force is applied that pushes the other terminal protection cover 15 having the arm portion 52 used for connection toward the connector 12, resulting in a more robust protective state. <Another example 5> Figure 14 is a front view of the terminal protection cover 15 as seen from the tip side of the arm portion 52. Unlike the terminal protection cover 15 shown in Figure 2, this terminal protection cover 15 has a semi-elliptical cross-sectional shape for the main body portion 51. The side portion 53, which has a vertical surface, and the top portion 54, which has an arcuate surface, are continuous without any angular parts. In accordance with the cross-sectional shape of the main body portion 51, the arm portion 52 and the retaining frame 72 are also formed with an arcuate cross-section.

[0072] In a terminal protection cover 15 with this configuration, the cross-sectional shape of the arm portion 52 is also arc-shaped, so as shown by the dashed line, it is easy to create a large contact area corresponding to the shape of the wire bundle 13, and it is easy to wrap the adhesive tape 16 for fixing. <Other example 6> Figure 15(a) is a perspective view of the terminal protection cover 15. This terminal protection cover 15 shows an example in which a coupling structure 57 is used to connect the arm portion 52 by fitting it in rather than inserting it. That is, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 15(a), the coupling structure 57 is a structure in which the arm portion 52 is fitted into the main body portion 51 from above. It is also a structure in which the arm portion 52 is superimposed on the upper surface of the main body portion 51.

[0073] Therefore, a recess 76 is formed on the upper surface of the top 54 of the main body 51. The recess 76 is composed of two parallel upright walls 77 erected on both sides in the width direction. The upright walls 77 are formed over almost the entire top 54, except for the portion on the side where the arm portion 52 is formed. The end of the upright wall 77 on the arm portion 52 side does not touch the base end of the arm portion 52, but rather there is a gap between it and the base end of the arm portion 52.

[0074] Furthermore, a protrusion 78 that projects upward is formed in the recess 76. This protrusion 78 is a component for maintaining the fitted state.

[0075] On the other hand, the protruding length x1 of the arm portion 52 is the same as the length x2 obtained by adding the length of the upright wall 77 to the length between the end of the upright wall 77 and the base end of the arm portion 52, as shown in Figure 15(b). The tip of the arm portion 52 has a protruding portion 58 that extends in the direction of increasing width. This protruding portion 58 is also the part that fits between the end of the upright wall 77 and the base end of the arm portion 52, and constitutes part of the connecting structure 57. In addition, the arm portion 52 has a through hole 79 into which the protrusion 78 fits.

[0076] When terminal protection covers 15 with this configuration are joined together, they will look like those shown in perspective view Figure 16(a) and cross-sectional view Figure 16(b). Specifically, the arm portion 52 fits into the recess 76 on the upper surface of the main body portion 51, and the through hole 79 and the protrusion 78, as well as the overhang portion 58 and the end of the upright wall 77, are used to restrict the position, so that the opposing end faces of the main body portion 51 of the terminal protection cover 15 come into contact with each other.

[0077] Therefore, a secure, rattling connection is achieved between the terminal protective covers 15, enabling good protection.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 16(a), the protruding portion 58 of the arm portion 52, which is also part of the connecting structure 57, catches on the adhesive tape 16 when fixed, thereby restricting the positional relationship between the two. As a result, displacement of the adhesive tape 16 is prevented, and the fixed state can be maintained. <Other example 7> Figure 17(a) is a perspective view of the terminal protection cover 15. This terminal protection cover 15 shows an example having a structure to prevent relative rotation between the arm portion 52 and the wire bundle 13. Specifically, a protrusion 59 is formed on the lower surface of the arm portion 52 at an intermediate position in the width direction, which fits between the wires constituting the wire bundle 13. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 59 is triangular, and it becomes thinner towards the tip. The length (formation range) of the protrusion 59 may be the entire arm portion 52 or only a part of it.

[0079] Furthermore, to ensure that the joint structure 57 can connect the protrusions 59 even if their height is increased, a groove 76a is formed at an intermediate position in the width direction of the recess 76, into which a portion of the tip of the protrusion 59 fits.

[0080] When the terminal protection cover 15 with this configuration is fixed to the wire bundle 13, the protrusions 59 fit between the wires, as shown in Figure 17(b) in the cross-sectional view of the arm portion 52, thereby restricting the position of the wire bundle 13 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in combination with the presence of the protruding portion 58, a better fixing state can be maintained. <Other example 8> Figure 18(a) is a perspective view of the terminal protection cover 15 seen from the top, and Figure 18(b) is a perspective view of the terminal protection cover 15 seen from the bottom. The coupling structure 57 of this terminal protection cover 15 is such that the arm portion 52 is superimposed on the inner surface of the main body portion 51. Furthermore, the coupling structure 57 is similar to the coupling structure 57 shown in Figure 15, in which the arm portion 52 is fitted into the recess 76 in the thickness direction to connect them.

[0081] In other words, the arm portion 52, which is formed at one end of the main body portion 51 in the longitudinal direction, is formed on the inner surface of the main body portion 51. That is, the upper surface of the arm portion 52 and the inner surface of the main body portion 51 are at the same height. The shape of the arm portion 52 is the same as the arm portion 52 shown in Figure 15.

[0082] The recess 76 into which the arm portion 52 fits is formed on the ceiling surface of the main body portion 51, that is, on the inner surface, in the portion corresponding to the top portion 54. In this case, the recess 76 is the same as the recess 76 of the connecting structure 57 shown in Figure 15, and is composed of an upright wall 77, as seen in Figure 18(b). A protrusion 78 is also formed in the recess 76.

[0083] In a terminal protection cover 15 with this configuration, the arm portion 52 of one terminal protection cover 15 is inserted into the main body portion 51 of the other terminal protection cover 15, and then the arm portion 52 is pressed into the recess 76 of the main body portion 51. Once the arm portion 52 is fitted into the recess 76, the connection is completed as shown in perspective view Figure 19(a).

[0084] In the connected state, as shown in Figure 19(b) in cross-sectional view, the arm portion 52 fits into the recess 76 on the inner surface of the main body portion 51, and the position is also restricted by the through hole 79 and the protrusion 78, as well as the overhang portion 58 and the end of the upright wall 77, so that the opposing end faces of the main body portion 51 come into contact with each other.

[0085] Therefore, a secure connection is achieved between the terminal protection covers 15, ensuring good protection. In addition, the protruding portion 58 of the arm portion 52 prevents the adhesive tape 16 used for fixing from shifting.

[0086] Furthermore, since the coupling structure 57 does not appear on the outer surface of the main body 51, the outer surface of the main body 51 has a smooth and compact shape. As a result, the terminals of the wire harness 11 can be protected even in a narrow space for routing the wire harness 11. Unnecessary contact with other components behind it can also be suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, when fixed, terminal protection covers other than the terminal protection cover 15 having an arm portion 52 fixed to the wire bundle 13, that is, other terminal protection covers 15 having an arm portion 52 used for connection, are pressed down toward the connector 12. Therefore, protection can be achieved with a high degree of unity without actively restricting the position of the main body parts by increasing the number of connection points. This contributes to simplifying the shape of the terminal protection cover 15 and providing appropriate terminal protection. <Other example 9> Figure 20(a) is a perspective view of the terminal protection cover 15 from the bottom. This terminal protection cover 15 shows an example in which a protrusion 59 is formed to restrict the position in the circumferential direction between the terminal protection cover 15 illustrated in Figure 18 and the wire bundle 13. In other words, the protrusion 59 is formed at an intermediate position in the width direction on the lower surface of the arm portion 52. The protrusion 59 is formed along the entire longitudinal direction of the arm portion 52.

[0088] In a terminal protection cover 15 with this configuration, the lower surface of the arm portion 52 is a surface that does not come into contact with each other when joined by the coupling structure 57, so there is no limit to the height of the protrusion 59. For this reason, as shown in Figure 20(b), it is possible to form a protrusion 59 of sufficient height so that it fits more securely between the wires. <Other example 10> Figure 21(a) is a perspective view of the terminal protection cover 15, and Figure 21(b) is a perspective view of the cover assembly 15a. This terminal protection cover 15 shows an example in which multiple arm portions 52 are provided. In the illustrated example, two arm portions 52 are arranged parallel to each other with a gap in between.

[0089] The arm portion 52 is formed at one end of the outer surface of the main body portion 51. The formation position is on the inclined surface portion 51b, and the width of the arm portion 52 is narrower than the arm portion 52 of the terminal protection cover 15 illustrated in Figure 16. At the tip of the arm portion 52, a protruding portion 58 extending in the width direction is formed, similar to the example in Figure 16.

[0090] The recess 76 into which the arm portion 52 fits is formed in the inclined surface portion 51b of the main body portion 1. The formation of the recess 76 is the same as the recess 76 of the coupling structure 57 shown in Figure 16, and the recess 76 is formed by the upright wall 77.

[0091] However, since the arm portion 52 is thin, unlike the example in Figure 16, a locking projection 77a, which constitutes part of the connecting structure, is formed on the inner surface of the upright wall 77 to hold the arm portion 52 fitted into the recess 76.

[0092] In a terminal protection cover 15 with this configuration, as shown in Figure 22, a cross-sectional view of the arm portion 52, when the arm portion 52 is fixed to the wire bundle 13, the two arm portions 52 contact and are fixed to the wire bundle 13 separately. When the adhesive tape 16 is wrapped around the arm portion 52 while it is in contact with the wire bundle 13, the two arm portions 52 cooperate to restrict their position in the circumferential direction, such as by fitting their respective corners between the wires. Therefore, the orientation of the main body portion 51 can be actively maintained without providing a protrusion 59 for rotation restriction, contributing to proper terminal protection.

[0093] The above configuration is one embodiment for carrying out this invention, and this invention is not limited to the above configuration; other configurations can also be adopted.

[0094] For example, the entire end faces of the main body portions 51 of the cover assembly 15a do not necessarily have to be joined together; there may be gaps between them. Correspondingly, the length of the arm portion 52 can be made longer than the length of the main body portion 51.

[0095] Furthermore, the protrusions do not necessarily have a slender tip; they may have a rectangular cross-section. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 11…Wire harness 12… Connector 13...Wire bundle 13a...Bent section 13b…Protected part 15…Device protective cover 51...Main body 52...Arm section 53...Side part 54…Top 57...Connection structure 58...Protruding section 59…Convex

Claims

1. A wire harness terminal protection cover for protecting the terminals of a wire harness, which has a bent portion at the end of the wire bundle to which a connector is connected, It comprises a main body that covers the bent portion, and an arm that cantilever-supports the main body and is fixed to the wire bundle. The main body has side portions that cover both sides of the electric wire along the longitudinal direction in the bent portion, and a top portion that covers the back of the bent portion, and is formed to a certain length. The arm portion is formed at one end of the main body portion in the longitudinal direction. When the main body portions are arranged longitudinally, a coupling structure is formed between the main body portion of one terminal protective cover and the arm portion of an adjacent terminal protective cover, thereby connecting them to each other. Wire harness terminal protective cover.

2. The length of the main body is formed to a unit length determined based on a predetermined small connector among the connectors used. A terminal protective cover for a wire harness according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned coupling structure is a structure in which the arm portion is superimposed on the outer surface of the main body portion. A terminal protective cover for a wire harness according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned coupling structure is a structure in which the arm portion is superimposed on the inner surface of the main body portion. A terminal protective cover for a wire harness according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. An overhang is formed at the tip of the arm portion, extending in a direction that increases the width or thickness. A terminal protective cover for a wire harness according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. A protrusion is formed on the lower surface of the arm portion, which fits between the wires that make up the wire bundle. A terminal protective cover for a wire harness according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. Multiple arm sections are formed A terminal protective cover for a wire harness according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. Using the wire harness terminal protection cover described in claim 1 or claim 2 Wire harness terminal protection structure.

9. The wire harness terminal protection structure is provided as described in claim 8. Wire harness.

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