JP2012223005A - Electric wire protector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric wire protector that is applicable to various branching configurations of an electric cable and can be manufactured at a low cost.SOLUTION: An electric wire protector 10 is arranged around a periphery of each branch line, extended by branching from a main line portion 3, in a region where each of branch lines 1a, 1b, and 1c is branched from the main line portion 3 of an electric cable 1 to connect to an electric connector. The electric wire protector 10 is composed of a wire 14 that is made of an insulating material and molded in a coil shape. An inner peripheral shape of the wire 14 continuing spirally is deformed so as to extend from an approximate circular shape at one protector end portion 10a, corresponding to a periphery of the main line portion 3, to an ellipse shape at other protector end 10b corresponding to a periphery of each branch line end portion. In the deformed state, the other protector end portion 10b is fixed to the electric connector.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric wire protector, and more particularly, to an electric wire protector that covers and protects the periphery of the ends of a plurality of branch lines in a region where a plurality of branch lines are separated from a trunk portion of an electric cable and spread to connect to an electrical connector.

  Conventionally, an electric cable 1 and an electric connector 2 as shown in FIG. 6 are known. Such an electric cable 1 and an electric connector 2 are used to exchange power by electrically connecting an inverter and a motor mounted on an electric vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle, for example.

  The electric cable 1 has a trunk portion 3 in which, for example, three branch lines 1a, 1b, and 1c are bundled by a binding member such as a tape, a band, a clip, and a corrugated tube. And the edge part of each branch line 1a, 1b, 1c branched and extended from this trunk part 3 in substantially fan shape is respectively connected with the electrical connector 2 in the state spaced apart in the horizontal line.

  The electrical connector 2 is generally formed of a resin molded product that is an insulating material. In the electrical connector 2, the branch lines 1a, 1b, 1c are held in a state of being aligned in parallel with each other, and metal terminal plates 4a, 4b, crimped to the conductors exposed at the ends of the branch lines 1a, 1b, 1c, respectively. 4 c protrudes from the end face of the electrical connector 2.

  An oval through hole 5 is formed at each end of the metal terminal plates 4a, 4b, and 4c protruding from the electric connector 2, and an electric device such as an inverter U-phase, V is formed through the through hole 5. Screwed to three output terminals corresponding to the phase and the W phase. Further, mounting tabs 7 having through holes 6 are formed on both sides of the electrical connector 2, and the electrical connector 2 is connected to the inverter by fastening the through holes 6 to the inverter housing with screws or the like. Fixed.

  6 shows only the end portion of the electric cable 1 on the inverter side, the end portion of the electric cable 1 on the motor side can be configured in the same manner, or depending on the configuration of the connection terminal of the motor. 6 may be connected to the motor via an electrical connector different from 6.

  In an electric vehicle, the electric cable 1 is often routed through a narrow space in a space where motors and power conversion devices are mounted in close proximity. In order to prevent direct contact with the body or the like), they are bound with a tape or the like or covered with a tube or a sheath.

  In addition, the ends of the branch lines 1a, 1b, and 1c are exposed in a region 8 (hereinafter, referred to as a branch line branch region as appropriate) where a plurality of branch lines branch from the trunk portion 3 of the electric cable 1 and expand in a substantially fan shape. Since the above-described contact with the vehicle constituent members may occur, the branch region 8 has been conventionally protected by providing an electric wire protector made of a resin molded product.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-306733 (Patent Document 1) discloses a protector that aims to reduce the size of a protector that is externally mounted on a branching portion where a branch line branches from a trunk wire tip of a wire harness. This protector is a protector that is externally mounted on a portion where two or more branch lines branch off from the trunk wire distal end of the wire harness. A main-line containing portion comprising an arc-shaped recess portion fitted on the main line from the branch line to the front end of the branch line, and a guide portion projecting from both ends of the recess portion. The main body and the cover are connected to the split end of the cylindrical portion for one end of the branch tube portion via a thin hinge portion. At the same time, it is described that a lock portion and a locked portion that are coupled to each other are provided on the outer divided end of the other end branch tube portion and the fan-shaped side ends of the branch tube portion.

  Moreover, although not applied to the branch line branch region of the electric cable, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-178170 (Patent Document 2) discloses variations in the outer diameter of the wire harness and specifications without increasing the number of parts. A wire harness routing protector has been disclosed in which the difference in outer diameter due to the difference is absorbed to secure the wire harness to be held in the concave groove. This protector for wiring harnesses is composed of a flat strip shaped body formed by spiraling a long object. The protector is wound around the outer periphery of the wire harness, and the wire harness is fixedly held in the concave-shaped routing groove. As a result, when the protector is pushed into the routing groove, the protector is twisted to match the size of the routing groove, so a reaction force is generated from the twisted rigidity, and the protector is against the inner surface of the wire harness and the routing groove. It is described that it is possible to maintain a close contact state and to perform appropriate support.

JP 2007-306733 A JP-A-11-178170

  Depending on the state of power conversion equipment such as inverters and the electrical cables connected to the vehicle, the three branch cables are bound in a substantially triangular shape, and three are arranged in a row at intervals. There are various forms that change. For example, the thickness of each branch cable may be different, or the interval between three branch cables that are branched and connected to the electrical connector may be different. In such a case, even if the protector of the above-mentioned patent document 1 is adapted to one type of branching form, it is not compatible with other branching forms, so various cable protectors designed for each form are manufactured. There is a need. Then, since such a cable protector is generally manufactured by molding a resin material with a mold, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases.

  Moreover, although the protector for wiring harness wiring of the said patent document 2 may be suitable for fixing and holding a wire harness in a concave-shaped groove | channel, a several branch line cable branches from a trunk part and becomes an electrical connector. Each branch line is not protected in the branch area to be connected.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electric wire protector that can be adapted to various branch-type electric cables and can be manufactured at low cost.

  In the wire protector according to the present invention, each branch line branches out from the trunk portion of the electric cable including a plurality of branch lines in a substantially fan shape and is connected to the electrical connector. A wire protector to be disposed, wherein at least an outer peripheral portion is formed by forming a wire rod made of an insulating material into a coil shape, and an end portion of the protector corresponding to an inner peripheral shape of the spirally continuous wire rod around the trunk portion The other end of the protector is fixed to the electrical connector in a state of being deformed so as to expand from an approximately circular shape at the portion to an oblong shape at the other end of the protector corresponding to the periphery of each branch line end on the electrical connector side. Is.

  The electric wire protector which concerns on this invention WHEREIN: You may provide the lock | rock part which hold | maintains the state made to deform | transform into the said ellipse shape in the part which the said wire rod mutually contacts regarding the axial direction of the said substantially cylindrical electric wire protector.

  In this case, in the electric wire protector according to the present invention, the lock portion is configured by an engagement protrusion and an engagement groove that are fitted to each other, and the engagement protrusion formed on the surface of the wire rod facing the one end of the protector. Is engaged with and engaged with the engagement groove formed on the surface of the wire facing the other end of the protector with respect to the wire when the wire is deformed from a substantially circular shape to an oval shape. It may be.

  Further, in this case, the engagement protrusions constituting the lock portion are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the wire, while the engagement grooves constituting the lock portion are along the longitudinal direction of the wire. It may be formed continuously.

  Further, in the wire protector according to the present invention, a plurality of cuts are formed in the inner peripheral portion of the wire rod at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the wire rod, and locked to the cut of the wire rod positioned on the other end portion side of the protector. A lock member that holds the inner peripheral shape of the wire rod in an oval shape by biting the portion, and the lock portion of the lock member has a larger cut as the wire rod is located on the other end side of the protector. You may form in the shape hold | maintained in the expanded state.

  Further, in the wire protector according to the present invention, at least the outer peripheral portion is cut around a necessary length from a protector material formed into a coil shape by continuously forming a wire material made of an insulating material, and arranged around the ends of the branch lines. It may be a thing.

  Moreover, the electric wire protector which concerns on this invention WHEREIN: The substantially circular shape which is the inner peripheral shape of the said wire which makes the said protector one end part may be formed in a smaller diameter than the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the said trunk part.

  Furthermore, the electric wire protector which concerns on this invention WHEREIN: The said protector other end part may be fixed to the said electrical connector by winding an adhesive tape.

  According to the wire protector of the present invention, the wire protector can be deformed so as to expand from an approximately circular shape to an oval shape according to the branching state of the branch line of the electric cable. In addition, it is possible to flexibly adapt to branch regions of various branch forms of electric cables having different branch line thicknesses and / or branch intervals. Therefore, one electric wire protector can be used for protecting branch regions of various electric cables, and the manufacturing cost of the electric wire protector can be reduced.

It is a side view which shows the protector raw material from which the electric wire protector which is embodiment of this invention is cut out. It is a figure which shows the state with which the electric wire protector of 1st Embodiment of this invention was mounted | worn in the branch line branch area | region of an electric cable, (a) is a top view of an electric wire protector, (b) is a side view of an electric wire protector, (c ) Is a bottom view of the wire protector shown together with the cross section of the trunk line. It is an expanded sectional view which follows the AA line in Drawing 2 (a) which shows the lock part of an electric wire protector. (A) is a top view of the electric wire protector of 2nd Embodiment, (b) is the side view. It is an expanded sectional view which follows the BB line in Drawing 4 (a). It is a top view which shows an electrical cable and the electrical connector connected with this.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this description, specific shapes, materials, numerical values, directions, and the like are examples for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and can be appropriately changed according to the application, purpose, specification, and the like.

  The electric wire protector of the following embodiment is preferably applicable to an electric cable that electrically connects an inverter and a motor mounted on an electric vehicle, but is not limited to this, for example, in an installation panel of an automobile. You may apply to the branch branch area | region of the wire harness routed, and may apply to the electric cable of electric equipments other than a motor vehicle, an industrial machine, a robot, etc.

  In the following description, the same or corresponding components as those of the electric cable 1 and the electric connector 2 described above with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a side view showing a protector material 12 from which an electric wire protector 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is cut out. As shown in FIG. 1, the protector material 12 is formed by continuously forming a wire 14 made of resin (insulating material) having a circular cross section in a coil shape. The protector material 12 is formed like a substantially cylindrical tubular member having a columnar inner space, and has a constant outer shape and inner diameter over the axial direction in a free state. Moreover, the wire 14 which comprises the protector raw material 12 is wound in the state which mutually contact | connected in the axial direction. And the electric wire protector 10 of this embodiment can be obtained by cut | disconnecting only the required length L from the said protector raw material 12. FIG.

  Since the protector material 12 from which the wire protector 10 is cut out in this way can be continuously formed, the manufacturing cost is greatly increased compared to the case where one or a plurality of wire protectors are formed with a plurality of molds that can be divided. Can be reduced.

  Then, with reference to FIG. 2, the electric wire protector 10 of this embodiment is demonstrated.

  As described above, the wire protector 10 is configured by forming the resin wire 14 into a coil shape. The electric wire protector 10 is arranged so as to surround each of the branch lines 1a, 1b, and 1c in a branch line branching region 8 that branches and expands from the main line part 3 of the electric cable 1 in a substantially fan shape. Thereby, since each branch line 1a, 1b, 1c branched from the trunk part 3 in order to be connected to the electrical connector 2 is completely or substantially completely covered without being exposed, other vehicle constituent members located close to each other Can be avoided, and the branch lines or branch cables 1a, 1b, and 1c in the branch line branch region 8 of the electric cable 1 can be protected.

  The electric wire protector 10 is arrange | positioned corresponding to the circumference | surroundings of the trunk line part 3 of the electric cable 1 in the protector one end part 10a. The trunk portion 3 of the electric cable 1 is configured by bundling three branch cables 1a, 1b, 1c, for example. Here, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), each branch cable 1a, 1b, 1c has a circular cross section, and is bundled so that one branch line is in contact with the other two branch lines at two locations. For example, when the periphery is wound by a binding member 16 such as a tape, a clip, a band, a rubber band, a tube, or a sheath, the cables are bound as if they are one cable. By binding in this way, the operation | work which routes the electric cable 1 in the narrow space in a vehicle becomes easy. Further, if the periphery of the trunk portion 3 is covered with a tube or a sheath or the like, the branch lines 1a, 1b, It is possible to prevent the insulating film 1c from being damaged. Furthermore, the periphery of the trunk portion 3 and the branch line branch region 8 of the electric cable 1 may be covered over the substantially entire length between the inverter and the motor by a thin metal wire braided cylinder. Thereby, the radiation | emission of the electromagnetic noise emitted from the electric cable 1 can be suppressed or sealed.

  The inner peripheral shape of the wire rod 14 at the protector one end portion 10a of the wire protector 10 has a substantially circular shape substantially corresponding to the circumscribed circle of the three branch cables 1a, 1b, and 1c bound as described above. In this case, if the inner diameter of the wire protector 10 in a free state is formed to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the circumscribed circle, the three elastic contracting forces of the wire protector 10 when the wire protector 10 is attached to the trunk portion 3 will be used. An action of binding the branch cables 1a, 1b, 1c can be produced. In addition, by pressing the protector one end portion 10 a onto the main line portion 3 in this manner, there is an effect of suppressing the position shift of the wire protector 10 on the electric cable 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the wire protector 10 of the present embodiment is constituted by, for example, approximately five turns of the wire 14. Here, the part of the wire 14 of each winding which comprises the electric wire protector 10 is made into the 1st coil part 141, the 2nd coil part 142, the 3rd coil part 143, the 4th coil part 144 in order from the protector one end part 10a side. And the fifth coil portion 145.

  The 1st and 2nd coil parts 141 and 142 among the electric wire protectors 10 respond | correspond to the trunk part 3 of the electric cable 1, and the internal peripheral shape has comprised the substantially circular shape. On the other hand, the 3rd thru | or 5th coil parts 143,144,145 of the electric wire protector 10 respond | correspond to the branch line branch area | region 8 of the electric cable 1, and the inner peripheral shape goes to the protector other end part 10b side. It gradually spreads outward to form an oval shape. By being formed in this way, the branch cables 1a, 1b, 1c are branched from the trunk part 3 of the electric cable 1 and are arranged in a horizontal row at intervals in the branch region 8 that spreads in a substantially fan shape. The three branch cables 1a, 1b, and 1c can be shaped to be accommodated inside, and two of the three branch cables 1a, 1b, and 1c in a horizontal row are located outside. It is possible to prevent the branch cables 1 a and 1 c from being excessively pressed by the elastic diameter reducing force of the wire 14 constituting the wire protector 10.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), in the protector other end portion 10b of the wire protector 10, the inner peripheral shape of the fifth coil portion 145 extends along the arrangement direction of the branch cables 1a, 1b, 1c. It has an elliptical shape or an elliptical shape in which the major axis direction extends. On the other hand, the minor axis direction of the inner peripheral shape of the protector other end portion 10b of the wire protector 10 is held so as not to be substantially different from that of the protector one end portion 10a by the action of the lock portion described below.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2A, showing the lock portion 20 of the wire protector 10. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 3, a lock portion 20 is provided at a portion where the wire rods 14 are in contact with each other in the axial direction to hold the other end portion 10 b of the protector in an oval shape. Yes.

  The lock portion 20 is configured by an engagement protrusion 22 and an engagement groove 24 that are fitted to each other. The engaging protrusions 22 are formed on the surface of the wire 14 constituting the wire protector 10 facing the protector one end 10a side, while the engaging grooves 24 are formed on the surface of the wire 14 facing the protector other end 10b. Has been. In the present embodiment, the engagement protrusion 22 is formed as a projecting piece that is provided at predetermined intervals (for example, several mm) along the longitudinal direction of the wire 14, and the engagement groove 24 is formed on the wire 14. It is formed continuously along the longitudinal direction. In this way, by forming the engaging protrusions 22 as projecting pieces divided in the extending direction of the wire rod 14, for example, a pair of engaging protrusions 22 at positions opposed or substantially opposed in the radial direction are engaged with the engaging grooves 24. By combining them, the protector other end portion 10b side of the wire protector 10 is crushed in a desired direction so as to have an oval shape.

  Further, the engaging protrusion 22 is formed in a wedge-shaped or V-shaped pointed tip in the circumferential direction, and the engaging groove 24 is formed in a wedge-shaped or V-shaped recessed shape. As a result, in a state where the engaging protrusion 22 is engaged with and engaged with the engaging groove 24, the wire 14 forming each of the coil portions 141-145 is held so as not to expand radially outward. .

  In the present embodiment, the engagement protrusion 22 formed on the surface of the wire 14 facing the protector one end 10a side is formed, and the engagement groove 24 is formed on the surface of the wire 14 facing the protector other end 10b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shapes of the engagement protrusion and the engagement groove may be reversed. That is, the engagement protrusions may be formed in a shape that is continuous along the longitudinal direction of the wire 14, and the engagement grooves may be formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the wire 14.

  In addition, each shape of the engagement protrusion 22 and the engagement groove 24 may be any shape other than a wedge shape or a V shape as long as the movement between adjacent coil portions can be partially restricted by fitting each other. It may be a shape.

  Next, the operation of the lock portion 20 constituted by the engagement protrusion 22 and the engagement groove 24 will be described. If the end portion of the wire protector 10 having a constant inner diameter and outer diameter is expanded in the free state, each coil portion positioned on the end portion side is deformed so as to gradually increase concentrically if there is no lock portion. It will be.

  On the other hand, in the wire protector 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the engaging protrusions 22 facing in the minor axis direction are engaged with the engaging grooves 24. The mating protrusion 22 is in a state of being disengaged from the engaging groove 24 (that is, not engaged). Therefore, when the third to fifth coil portions 143 to 145 are to be expanded along the branch line branch region 8, the wires 14 are prevented from shifting in the minor axis direction, while the wires 14 have a smaller diameter curvature. It is allowed that the wire rods 14 are displaced in the major axis direction and are expanded in diameter by bending at a radius. As a result, the protector other end portion 10 b side of the wire protector 10 can be deformed into an oval shape along the branch line branch region 8.

  In the state where the protector other end portion 10b of the electric wire protector 10 is deformed in this way, for example, by winding an adhesive tape across the protector other end portion 10b and the electric connector 2, the electric wire protector 10 is branched to the branch line of the electric cable 1. It can be arranged and fixed around the area 8. Alternatively, by cutting out the wire protector 10 of about 7 turns from the protector material 12, and winding the adhesive tape in a state where the sixth and seventh coil parts deformed into an oval shape are superimposed on the electrical connector 2, The other end 10 b of the protector 10 may be fixed on the electrical connector 2.

  As described above, according to the wire protector 10 of this embodiment, the wire protector 14 is formed in a coil shape, and the inner peripheral shape expands from a substantially circular shape to an oval shape according to the branch line branching state of the electric cable 1. Therefore, the branch cables 1a, 1b, and 1c can be flexibly adapted to branch line branch regions of various branch forms of electric cables having different thicknesses, trunk line portions 3, branch intervals, and the like. be able to. Therefore, one kind of electric wire protector can be used for protecting the branch line branch region 8 of various electric cables, and the manufacturing cost of the electric wire protector 10 can be reduced.

  In addition, the wire protector 10 of the present embodiment can be obtained by cutting the required length L from the protector material 12 continuously formed into a coil shape. The cost can be significantly reduced compared to the case protector.

  Next, the mounting method of the wire protector 10 of this embodiment is demonstrated easily.

  First, the wire protector 10 obtained by cutting the protector material 12 by the required length L is prepared. Then, the electric wire protector 10 is externally attached to the trunk portion 3 of the electric cable 1 before being connected to the electric connector 2.

  Thereafter, the conductive portions are exposed at the ends of the branch cables 1a, 1b, and 1c of the electric cable 1, and the metal terminal plates 4a, 4b, and 4c are respectively crimped to the conductive portions.

  Then, the electrical connector 2 is assembled to the electrical cable 1 so as to accommodate the three branch cables 1a, 1b, 1c and the metal terminal plates 4a, 4b, 4c. At this time, branch line branch regions 8 are formed in which the branch cables 1a, 1b, 1c connected to the electrical connector 2 are branched in a substantially fan shape and widened.

  And the protector other end part 10b of the electric wire protector 10 previously sheathed on the main line part 3 is spread around the branch line region 8 by spreading it into an elliptical shape that gradually changes in the manner described above, and the state For example, the wire protector 10 is fixed to the electrical connector 2 by winding an adhesive tape around the other end 10b of the protector.

  In addition, the electric wire protector which concerns on this invention is not limited to the structure of above-described embodiment, A various change or improvement is possible.

  For example, the example in which the wire protector 10 is applied to the electric cable 1 including the three branch cables 1a, 1b, and 1c has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and two or four or more branch cables are used. May be used for protection of branch branch regions of electrical cables including: In this case, the branch line branch region is a form in which at least three or more branch line cables are connected to the electrical connector in a three-dimensional arrangement or a three-dimensional arrangement, rather than being arranged two-dimensionally in a horizontal row. Alternatively, the shape of the other end of the protector of the wire protector may be used in a state where the diameter of the protector is gradually expanded in a concentric manner.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the inner peripheral shape deform | transformed from the substantially circular shape to the ellipse shape by having elastically deformed the wire 14 which comprises the electric wire protector 10, it was not limited to this. The oblong shape at the other end of the protector may be maintained by plastically deforming the wire rod 14 so as to be crushed in the minor axis direction while spreading in the major axis direction. In this case, it is not necessary to form the lock part 20 in the wire 14, and the configuration, production, and arrangement of the wire protector can be made easier.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the wire protector 10 has been described as being made of an elastically deformable resin wire 14. However, at least the outer periphery is made of an insulating material such as resin or rubber, and the center is made of metal. The core material, such as a wire, may be embedded along the extending direction. In this case as well, the ellipse shape at the other end of the protector can be retained by plastically deforming the wire rod 14 so as to be crushed in the minor axis direction while spreading the wire rod 14 in the major axis direction. There is no need to form the wire protector, making it easier to construct, manufacture and arrange the wire protector.

  In this way, when the wire 14 is plastically deformed and the substantially circular inner peripheral shape is gradually deformed into an oval shape, the lock portion 20 is not necessary, and therefore there is a gap between the coil portions constituting the wire protector. It may be molded in a state where is formed.

  Furthermore, although the electric wire protector 10 for protecting the branch line branch region 8 of the electric cable 1 has been described in the above embodiment, the electric wire cable is covered with a coiled wire material over the entire length of the electric cable, and both ends thereof are as described above. An electric wire protector may be provided. In this case, it is not necessary to separately provide a member for binding the electric cable, and a tube and a sheath for protecting the trunk portion of the electric cable can be eliminated.

  Next, the electric wire protector 30 of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 4A is a top view of the wire protector 30, FIG. 4B is a side view of the wire protector 30, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4A. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the illustration of the electric cable 1 (that is, the trunk portion 3 and the branch lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) is omitted. In addition, the description which will attach | subject the same or similar code | symbol to the same or similar component as the said embodiment, and overlap will be abbreviate | omitted by assistance.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the wire protector 30 of the present embodiment has a large number of cuts 32 a, 32 b, 32 c,. The notches 32a, 32b, 32c,... Are formed at appropriate intervals along the longitudinal direction of the wire 14.

  Moreover, the electric wire protector 30 of this embodiment is provided with the lock member 34 which consists of resin integral molded products, for example. The lock member 34 is hooked around the fifth coil portion 145 located at the other end of the protector, and is hooked to the lock member 34 by being hooked around the fifth coil portion 145. The lock member 34 is inserted in the axial direction along the inner peripheral side of the hook portion 38. Plate portion 36.

  As long as the hook portion 38 of the lock member is bent such that it can be hooked on the outer peripheral surface of the fifth coil portion 145 and locked to the wire protector 30, it can be bent in any shape such as a substantially U shape or a substantially L shape. It may be a shape.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the plate portion 36 of the lock member 34 is formed in a substantially rhombus shape and extends from the fifth coil portion 145 to the third coil portion. Further, the plate portion 36 of the lock member 34 is inclined inward so as to be closer to the central axis of the wire protector 30 as it goes from the protector other end portion 30b side to the back side in the insertion direction, and the radius of curvature gradually decreases. Curved in the direction. By being formed in this way, the plate portion 36 of the lock member 34 can be adapted to follow the inner peripheral shape of the wire protector 30 that extends from a substantially circumferential shape to an oval shape toward the electrical connector 2. Yes.

  Lock portions 40 and 42 are formed on the plate portion 36 of the lock member 34. The lock portions 40 and 42 are third to fifth coil portions of the wire 14 constituting the wire protector 30 by being engaged with the cuts 32a, 32b, 32d, and 32e of the wire 14 positioned on the protector other end 30b side. This is for holding the inner peripheral shape of 143-145 in an oval shape.

  The lock portion 40 is a projection having a wedge-shaped cross section that extends from the third coil portion 143 to the fifth coil portion 145, and the angle of the apex portion increases as it goes from the third coil portion 143 side to the fifth coil portion 145 side. It is formed as follows. The two lock portions 42 arranged on both sides of the lock portion 40 in the plate portion 36 are wedge-shaped projections formed only corresponding to the fifth coil portion 145, and the lock portion positioned therebetween. It is formed at substantially the same top angle as the 40 portion.

  The lock portions 40 and 42 are arranged so as to be engaged with the notches 32a and 32b of the fifth coil portion 145, so that the notches 32a and 32b are expanded, whereby the inner periphery of the fifth coil portion 145 is obtained. The shape is held in an oval shape. Further, the notch 32d of the fourth coil portion 144 is slightly smaller than the extent of the notches 32a and 32b of the fifth coil portion 145, but is expanded when the wedge-shaped lock portion 40 is bitten. The inner circumferential shape of the fourth coil portion 144 is held in an oval shape that is slightly smaller than the fifth coil portion 145. Further, the notch 32e of the third coil part 143 is also slightly smaller than the extent of the notch 32d of the fourth coil part 144, but is expanded when the wedge-shaped lock part 40 is bitten. The inner peripheral shape of the three-coil portion 143 is held in an oval shape that is slightly smaller than the fourth coil portion 144.

  Therefore, also by the wire protector 30 of the present embodiment, the inner peripheral shape of the third to fifth coil portions 143 to 145 on the side of the other end portion 30b of the protector disposed around the branch branch region 8 of the electric cable 1 is branched. It is possible to deform into an oval shape that gradually spreads along the region 8. Thereby, also by the electric wire protector 30 of this embodiment, there can exist an effect similar to the said 1st Embodiment.

  Then, the mounting method of the wire protector 30 of this embodiment is demonstrated easily.

  First, the wire protector 30 obtained by cutting the protector material 12 by the required length L is prepared. Then, the electric wire protector 30 is externally attached to the trunk portion 3 of the electric cable 1 before being connected to the electric connector 2.

  Thereafter, the conductive portions are exposed at the ends of the branch cables 1a, 1b, and 1c of the electric cable 1, and the metal terminal plates 4a, 4b, and 4c are respectively crimped to the conductive portions.

  Then, the electrical connector 2 is assembled to the electrical cable 1 so as to accommodate the three branch cables 1a, 1b, 1c and the metal terminal plates 4a, 4b, 4c. At this time, branch line branch regions 8 are formed in which the branch cables 1a, 1b, 1c connected to the electrical connector 2 are branched in a substantially fan shape and widened.

  And the plate part 36 of the lock member 34 is inserted inside the protector other end part 30b of the wire protector 30 previously sheathed on the main line part 3, and the lock parts 40 and 42 are cut into the notches 32a and 32b of the wire 14. , 32d, 32e. As a result, the third to fifth coil portions 143 to 145 on the protector other end portion 30 b side are expanded into an elliptical shape that gradually increases and are arranged around the branch line branch region 8. In this state, for example, the wire protector 30 is fixed to the electrical connector 2 by winding an adhesive tape around the other end 30b of the protector.

  Note that the same modification as in the first embodiment can also be applied to the electric protector 30 in the second embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electric cable, 1a, 1b, 1c Branch line or branch line cable 2 Electrical connector, 3 Trunk part, 4a, 4b, 4c Metal terminal board, 5, 6 Through hole, 7 Mounting tab, 8 Branch area or Branch line branch area, 10 Wire protector, 10a One end of protector, 10b Other end of protector, 12 Protector material, 14 Wire material, 16 Bundling member, 20 Locking part, 22 Engaging protrusion, 24 Engaging groove, 141 First coil part, 142 Second coil part , 143 3rd coil part, 144 4th coil part, 145 5th coil part, 30 wire protector, 30a protector one end, 30b protector other end, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e cut, 34 lock member, 36 Plate part, 38 Hook part, 40, 42 Lock part.

Claims (8)

An electric wire protector arranged around each branch line that branches off from the main line part and expands in a region where each branch line branches from the main line part of the electric cable including a plurality of branch lines in a substantially fan shape and is connected to the electric connector. ,
The electrical connector is formed from a substantially circular shape at one end of a protector corresponding to the periphery of the trunk portion, and the inner circumferential shape of the wire rod is formed by coiling a wire made of an insulating material at least at the outer peripheral portion into a spiral shape. A wire protector in which the other end of the protector is fixed to the electrical connector in a state of being deformed so as to expand into an oval shape at the other end of the protector corresponding to the periphery of each branch end on the side. The wire protector according to claim 1,
The electric wire protector characterized by providing the lock | rock part which hold | maintains the state deform | transformed into the said ellipse shape in the part which the said wire rod mutually contacts regarding the axial direction of the said electric wire protector which makes the said substantially cylindrical shape. The wire protector according to claim 2,
The locking portion is configured by an engaging protrusion and an engaging groove that are fitted to each other, and the engaging protrusion formed on the surface of the wire facing the one end of the protector has a shape in which the wire is from a substantially circular shape to an ellipse. An electric wire protector characterized by being fitted into and engaged with the engaging groove formed on the surface of the wire facing the other end of the protector when the wire is deformed. The wire protector according to claim 3,
The engaging protrusions constituting the lock part are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the wire, while the engaging grooves constituting the lock part are continuously formed along the longitudinal direction of the wire. An electric wire protector characterized by The wire protector according to claim 1,
A plurality of notches are formed in the inner peripheral portion of the wire at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the wire, and the lock portion is engaged with the notch of the wire located on the other end side of the protector. A lock member that holds an inner circumferential shape in an oval shape is provided, and the lock portion of the lock member is formed in a shape that holds the cut in a state in which the notch is more widely expanded as the wire rod is located on the other end side of the protector. An electric wire protector characterized by In the electric wire protector according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An electric wire characterized in that at least the outer peripheral portion is cut around a necessary length from a protector material formed into a coil shape by continuously forming a wire material made of an insulating material, and arranged around the ends of the branch lines. Protector. In the electric wire protector according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The electric wire protector characterized in that a substantially circular shape, which is an inner peripheral shape of the wire material forming one end portion of the protector, is formed to have a diameter smaller than a diameter of a circumscribed circle of the main wire portion. In the electric wire protector as described in any one of Claim 1 to 7,
The wire protector, wherein the other end of the protector is fixed to the electrical connector by winding an adhesive tape.

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