Terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus and terminal-equipped electric wire

A terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus, includes: a placing table on which a crimp terminal is placed while kept crimped to an electric wire; and a supply device that supplies an anticorrosive material to the crimp terminal placed on the placing table while kept crimped to the electric wire. While kept crimped to the electric wire, the crimp terminal has a communication hole allowing communication between a gap space portion in the crimp terminal and outside of the crimp terminal gap space portion. The placing table has a distribution hole positioned opposite the communication hole of the placed crimp terminal, the distribution hole allowing the anticorrosive material, supplied from the supply device, to flow in the distribution hole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to and incorporates by reference the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-077669 filed in Japan on Apr. 16, 2019.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus and a terminal-equipped electric wire.

2. Description of the Related Art

As a conventional method for manufacturing a terminal-equipped electric wire, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2018-106864 discloses a manufacturing method for a terminal-equipped electric wire in which a core-wire crimp piece projecting from part of a bottom portion of a terminal is crimped to an end, exposed from an insulation cover, of the core wire of an electric wire and an exposed part of the core wire has been subjected to anticorrosive treatment.

By the way, in the manufacturing method for the terminal-equipped electric wire described in the foregoing Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2018-106864, the need for, for example, further improvement in ensuring more reliable water-impervious performance still exists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing situation. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus that can manufacture a terminal-equipped electric wire that ensures appropriate water-impervious performance, and to provide the terminal-equipped electric wire.

In order to achieve the above mentioned object, a terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a placing table on which a crimp terminal is placed while kept crimped to an electric wire, the crimp terminal including a covering crimp portion crimped to an insulative covering portion of the electric wire in which a conductor portion having conductivity is covered with the insulative covering portion having insulating properties, and a conductor crimp portion crimped to the conductor portion exposed from an end of the insulative covering portion; and a supply device that supplies an anticorrosive material to the crimp terminal placed on the placing table while kept crimped to the electric wire, wherein while kept crimped to the electric wire, the crimp terminal has a communication hole allowing communication between a gap space portion and outside of the crimp terminal, the gap space portion being surrounded by the crimp terminal, the conductor portion, and the end of the insulative covering portion, and the placing table has a distribution hole positioned opposite the communication hole of the crimp terminal placed while kept crimped to the electric wire, the distribution hole allowing the anticorrosive material, supplied from the supply device, to flow in the distribution hole.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in the terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus, it is possible to configure that the supply device includes a filling device that fills the anticorrosive material into the gap space portion via the distribution hole and the communication hole while the crimp terminal crimped to the electric wire is kept placed on the placing table.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, in the terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus, it is possible to configure that the filling device is able to fill the anticorrosive material until the anticorrosive material supplied via the distribution hole and the communication hole extrude from between the conductor crimp portion and the covering crimp portion via the conductor portion.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, in the terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus, it is possible to configure that the supply device includes an application device that, while the crimp terminal crimped to the electric wire is placed on the placing table, applies the anticorrosive material to the conductor portion exposed between the covering crimp portion and the conductor crimp portion, and a suction device that sucks, via the gap space portion, the communication hole, and the distribution hole, the anticorrosive material applied to the conductor portion by the application device.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, in the terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus, it is possible to configure that the placing table is composed of an anvil that crimps the crimp terminal to the electric wire.

In order to achieve the above mentioned object, a terminal-equipped electric wire according to still another aspect of the present invention includes an electric wire in which a conductor portion having conductivity is covered with an insulative covering portion having insulating properties; a crimp terminal including a covering crimp portion crimped to the insulative covering portion, and a conductor crimp portion crimped to the conductor portion exposed from an end of the insulative covering portion; and an anticorrosive material applied to the crimp terminal, wherein while kept crimped to the electric wire, the crimp terminal has a communication hole allowing communication between a gap space portion and outside of the crimp terminal, the gap space portion being surrounded by the crimp terminal, the conductor portion, and the end of the insulative covering portion, and the gap space portion and the communication hole are filled with the anticorrosive material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by these embodiments. In addition, the compositional elements in the embodiments described below include ones that can easily be replaced by those skilled in the art or ones that are substantially the same.

First Embodiment

A manufacturing apparatus M (seeFIG. 5) as a terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment manufactures a terminal-equipped electric wire100illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3. In the following description, the basic configuration of the terminal-equipped electric wire100illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3will be described first, and then the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing method will be described in detail.

The terminal-equipped electric wire100illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3is applied to, for example, a wire harness used in a vehicle or the like. Here, the wire harness is formed as a collective component by bundling a plurality of electric wires W used for power supply and signal communication in order to, for example, connect devices mounted on a vehicle, and the plurality of electric wires W are connected to each device with a connector or the like. The terminal-equipped electric wire100of the present embodiment includes: an electric wire W; a crimp terminal1crimped to an end of this electric wire W; and an anticorrosive water-impervious portion10formed from an anticorrosive material (a first anticorrosive material11aand a second anticorrosive material12adescribed below (seeFIG. 3, etc.)) and rendering each part impervious to water.

In the following description, among a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction intersecting one another, the first direction is referred to as “axial direction X”, the second direction is referred to as “width direction Y”, and the third direction is referred to as “height direction Z”. Here, the axial direction X, the width direction Y, and the height direction Z are substantially orthogonal to one another. The axial direction X typically corresponds to the extending direction of the electric wire W on which the crimp terminal1is provided, and corresponds to the direction in which an electrical connection portion2of the crimp terminal1and an electric-wire crimp portion4of the crimp terminal1are arranged. The width direction Y and the height direction Z correspond to intersecting directions, i.e., directions intersecting the axial direction X. In addition, each direction used in the following description indicates a direction in a state in which respective parts are mutually fitted together, unless otherwise specified.

The electric wire W includes, for example: a linear conductor portion W1having conductivity; and an insulative covering portion W2covering the outside of the conductor portion W1and having an insulating property. The electric wire W is an insulated electric wire in which the conductor portion W1is covered with the insulative covering portion W2. The conductor portion W1of the present embodiment is a core wire formed by bundling together a plurality of strands of conductive metal, for example, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc., but it may be a twisted core wire formed by twisting a plurality of strands together. The insulative covering portion W2is an electric wire covering that covers the outer peripheral side of the conductor portion W1. The insulative covering portion W2is formed by extrusion molding, for example, an insulating resin material (PP, PVC, cross-linked PE or the like. Appropriately selected taking wear resistance, chemical resistance, heat resistance, etc., into consideration). In the electric wire W, the insulative covering portion W2is peeled off at least at one end of the conductor portion W1, one end of the conductor portion W1is exposed from the end W2aof the insulative covering portion W2, and the crimp terminal1is crimped to the end of the exposed conductor portion W1. Here, the electric wire W is formed so as to extend having substantially the same diameter with respect to the extending direction, which extends linearly, the cross-sectional shape of the conductor portion W1(the cross-sectional shape in the direction intersecting the extending direction) is substantially circular, the cross-sectional shape of the insulative covering portion W2is substantially annular and, therefore, the cross-sectional shape is substantially circular as a whole.

The crimp terminal1includes the electrical connection portion2, a coupling portion3, and an electric-wire crimp portion4. The electrical connection portion2, the coupling portion3, and the electric-wire crimp portion4compose a terminal fitting5by their being integrally made of a conductive metal such as copper, copper alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc. For example, the crimp terminal1is formed, for example, by press and bend molding a single sheet of metal punched into a shape having portions corresponding to the electrical connection portion2, the coupling portion3, the electric-wire crimp portion4, etc., thereby three-dimensionally integrating these portions. In the crimp terminal1, the electrical connection portion2, the coupling portion3, and the electric-wire crimp portion4are mutually coupled by their being arranged in that order from one side to the other along the axial direction X.

The electrical connection portion2is a portion that is electrically connected to a conductive member. The conductive member in the present embodiment is, for example, a mating terminal (not illustrated). That is, here, the electrical connection portion2of the present embodiment is configured as a terminal connection portion that is electrically connected to the mating terminal. The electrical connection portion2may have a male terminal shape or a female terminal shape. The electrical connection portion2of the present embodiment is illustrated in a female terminal shape, and is electrically connected to a mating terminal-equipped a male terminal shape. Note that the conductive member may not be a mating terminal, but may be a variety of conductive members such as a ground member, for example. The electrical connection portion2does not need to constitute a terminal connection portion that is electrically connected to a mating terminal but may have, for example, a so-called round terminal (LA terminal) shape that is fastened to a ground member or the like.

The coupling portion3is a portion that is interposed between the electrical connection portion2and the electric-wire crimp portion4and couples this electrical connection portion2and this electric-wire crimp portion4. In the crimp terminal1, the electrical connection portion2and the electric-wire crimp portion4are electrically connected via the coupling portion3, and the electrical connection portion2and the conductor portion W1of the electric wire W are electrically connected and conducted via the electric-wire crimp portion4.

The electric-wire crimp portion4is a portion that electrically connects the crimp terminal1and the end of the electric wire W. The electric-wire crimp portion4is caulked and crimped to the end of the electric wire W. The electric-wire crimp portion4includes a base41and two pairs of barrel pieces42,43, and44,45. The electric-wire crimp portion4is caulked and crimped to the electric wire W by the base41and two pairs of barrel pieces42,43, and44,45. In the electric-wire crimp portion4, a conductor crimp portion46, an intermediate portion47, and a covering crimp portion48are composed of the base41and two pairs of barrel pieces42,43, and44,45. In other words, the electric-wire crimp portion4includes the conductor crimp portion46, intermediate portion47, and covering crimp portion48, which are composed of the base41and the two pairs of barrel pieces42,43, and44,45. The conductor crimp portion46is composed of part of the base41and the pair of barrel pieces42,43. The intermediate portion47is composed of part of the base41. The covering crimp portion48is composed of part of the base41and the pair of barrel pieces44,45. In the electric-wire crimp portion4, the conductor crimp portion46, the intermediate portion47, and the covering crimp portion48are mutually coupled by their being arranged in that order from the electrical connection portion2side to the opposite side along the axial direction X. The electric-wire crimp portion4composes a so-called separate barrel-type crimp portion in which the pair of barrel pieces42,43and the pair of barrel pieces44,45are separated via the intermediate portion47.

The base41is a portion that extends along the axial direction X and serves as a bottom wall of the electric-wire crimp portion4formed in a U shape. On the base41, an end of the electric wire W is placed during a crimping process. The electrical connection portion2is coupled to one side, in the axial direction X, of the base41via the coupling portion3. In the base41, both edges, in the width direction Y, of each of portions including the intermediate portion47extend upward in the height direction Z (seeFIG. 7, etc.). The base41is coupled to a carrier on the other side in the axial direction X before a crimping process and is disconnected from the carrier at the time of the crimping process, for example.

The pair of barrel pieces42,43are portions composing the conductor crimp portion46together with part of the base41. The conductor crimp portion46is a portion that is provided on the one-end side, in the axial direction X, of the electric-wire crimp portion4, here, on the electrical connection portion2side, and is caulked and crimped to the conductor portion W1of the electric wire W. In other words, the conductor crimp portion46is a portion that is electrically connected to the conductor portion W1by its being caulked and crimped to the conductor portion W1. The pair of barrel pieces42,43are portions extending in belt forms on both sides in the width direction Y from the base41in this conductor crimp portion46and caulked and crimped such that the conductor portion W1of the electric wire W is wrapped between the base41and these barrel pieces. The barrel pieces42,43are portions serving as side walls of the electric-wire crimp portion4formed in the U shape before the crimping process. The barrel piece42extends from the base41to one side in the width direction Y intersecting the axial direction X. The barrel piece43extends from the base41to the other side in the width direction Y. Before caulked and crimped to the conductor portion W1of the electric wire W (seeFIG. 2), the barrel pieces42,43are formed in an approximately U shape together with the base41by their being bent with respect to the base41. In the pair of barrel pieces42,43of the present embodiment, their respective lengths from the root on the base41side to their respective leading edges are set such that these barrel pieces do not extend beyond (overlap) each other in the states of being caulked and crimped around the electric wire W. The pair of barrel pieces42,43may have the same length from the root on the base41side to their respective leading edges, and one length may be greater than the other. Here, the pair of barrel pieces42,43are illustrated as being subjected to caulking and crimping referred to as a so called B-crimp, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the B-crimp, barrel pieces42,43are caulked and crimped such that each of the barrel pieces42,43is bent toward the base41and the respective leading edges are pressed against the electric wire W. The conductor crimp portion46is caulked and crimped to the conductor portion W1such that the base41and the pair of barrel pieces42,43wrap the outside of the conductor portion W1of the electric wire W located between the pair of barrel pieces42,43. In the conductor crimp portion46, portions where the base41and the pair of barrel pieces42,43are in contact with the conductor portion W1may be provided with serrations or the like to increase the contact area with the conductor portion W1and to improve contact stability as well as adhesion strength. In addition, the conductor crimp portion46is not limited to the above type, and may be configured such that, for example, a pair of barrel pieces42,43extend beyond (overlap) each other in the states of being caulked and crimped around the electric wire W.

The pair of barrel pieces44,45are portions composing the covering crimp portion48together with part of the base41. The covering crimp portion48is a portion that is provided on the other end side, in the axial direction X, of the electric-wire crimp portion4, here, on the opposite side to the electrical connection portion2side, and is caulked and crimped to the insulative covering portion W2of the electric wire W. Here, in the electric-wire crimp portion4, the intermediate portion47is interposed between the covering crimp portion48and the conductor crimp portion46with respect to the axial direction X. The intermediate portion47is a portion that is interposed between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48and that couples the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48. The pair of barrel pieces44,45are portions extending in belt forms on both sides in the width direction Y from the base41in this covering crimp portion48and caulked and crimped such that the insulative covering portion W2of the electric wire W is wrapped between the base41and these barrel pieces. The barrel pieces44,45are portions serving as side walls of the electric-wire crimp portion4formed in the U shape before the crimping process. The barrel piece44extends from the base41to one side in the width direction Y intersecting the axial direction X. The barrel piece45extends from the base41to the other side in the width direction Y. Before caulked and crimped to the insulative covering portion W2of the electric wire W (seeFIG. 2), the barrel pieces44,45are formed in an approximately U shape together with the base41by their being bent with respect to the base41. The barrel pieces44,45are formed separate from the barrel pieces42,43, respectively, with the intermediate portion47interposed between the barrel pieces42,43and these barrel pieces. In the pair of barrel pieces44,45of the present embodiment, their respective lengths from the root on the base41side to their respective leading edges are set such that these barrel pieces do not extend beyond (overlap) each other in the states of being caulked and crimped around the electric wire W. In addition, these barrel pieces are formed in different positions in the axial direction X. The pair of barrel pieces44,45may have the same length from the root on the base41side to their respective leading edges, and one length may be greater than the other. The covering crimp portion48is caulked and crimped to the insulative covering portion W2such that the base41and the pair of barrel pieces44,45wrap the outside of the insulative covering portion W2of the electric wire W located between the pair of barrel pieces44,45. In addition, the covering crimp portion48may be configured such that, for example, a pair of barrel pieces44,45extend beyond (overlap) each other in the states of being caulked and crimped around the electric wire W.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the anticorrosive water-impervious portion10is formed by curing the anticorrosive material (the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12a) applied to the crimp terminal1and makes each part of the terminal-equipped electric wire100impervious to water. Here, the anticorrosive water-impervious portion10includes a first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11and a second anticorrosive water-impervious portion12. The first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11is a portion making a predetermined portion inside the crimp terminal1impervious to water by applying and curing the first anticorrosive material11a, or the first anticorrosive material, to the predetermined portion inside the crimp terminal1. The second anticorrosive water-impervious portion12is a portion making a predetermined portion outside the crimp terminal1impervious to water by applying and curing the second anticorrosive material12a, or the second anticorrosive material, to the predetermined portion outside the crimp terminal1. The first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12ain the present embodiment are both resins that cure as a result of changing respective cure degree when the resins are exposed to light and, for example, a UV (Ultraviolet) curable resin that cures by emission of ultraviolet rays thereto can be used. That is, here, the anticorrosive water-impervious portion10is formed by curing the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12athat are photo-curable resins. The UV curable resin may be, for example, a urethane acrylate resin but it is not limited thereto. As the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12a, the same UV curable resin can typically be used but, for example, different ones may be used depending on the situation where each is applied. They are made different from each other in, for example, viscosity or the like.

The crimp terminal1of the present embodiment has a communication hole7that allows communication between the gap space portion6formed inside the crimp terminal1and the outside of the crimp terminal1and the first anticorrosive material11acan be supplied into the crimp terminal1via the communication hole7. With this configuration, the crimp terminal1is configured to reliably supply the first anticorrosive material11ato the gap space portion6where it is difficult to supply the first anticorrosive material11afrom outside.

Here, the gap space portion6is a space portion surrounded by the crimp terminal1, the conductor portion W1, and the end W2aof the insulative covering portion W2inside the crimp terminal1while the crimp terminal1is kept crimped to the electric wire W. In the electric wire W, while the crimp terminal1is kept crimped, the end W2aof the insulative covering portion W2is located between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48, that is, in the intermediate portion47. The gap space portion6is a gap defined between the internal surface of the base41of the crimp terminal1and the external surface of the conductor portion W1due to a step corresponding to the thickness of the end W2aof the insulative covering portion W2inside the crimp terminal1. The gap space portion6is defined as a substantially arcuate gap along a step caused according to the thickness of the end W2aof the insulative covering portion W2.

The communication hole7is formed so as to allow communication between the gap space portion6formed as described above and the outside of the crimp terminal1. The communication hole7is provided in a portion of the crimp terminal1, where the gap space portion6is formed, and allows communication between the inside and outside of the crimp terminal1. Here, the communication hole7is formed in a portion of the base41which portion composes the intermediate portion47and also defines the gap space portion6. The communication hole7is formed through the base41in the height direction Z or the like. The communication hole7is formed typically in a substantially cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed in a substantially elliptical column shape, a substantially long cylindrical shape, or a substantially rectangular slit shape. In addition, at least one communication hole7will suffice, but a plurality of communication holes7may be provided as long as appropriate strength can be secured in the intermediate portion47.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 4 to 11, a manufacturing method for a terminal-equipped electric wire100as described above (a terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing method) will be described. The following description will be given based on the flowchart ofFIG. 4and the other drawings will also be referred to as needed.

The manufacturing method for the terminal-equipped electric wire100in this embodiment is automatically performed by a manufacturing apparatus M as a terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus illustrated inFIG. 5. The manufacturing apparatus M includes a peeling device M1, a terminal supply device M2, a crimping device M3, a supply device M4, a terminal cutting device M5, a curing device M6, and a control device M7. The terminal supply device M2, the crimping device M3, and the terminal cutting device M5are formed, for example, in an integral configuration, which may be, therefore, referred to as an applicator in this technical field. Further, the peeling device M1, the supply device M4, the curing device M6, the control device M7, etc., may be configured by their being incorporated in this applicator.

The peeling device M1is an automatic stripping device that peels the insulative covering portion W2at one end of the electric wire W and exposes one end of the conductor portion W1from the end W2a(seeFIG. 3, etc.) of the insulative covering portion W2. This peeling device M1performs a peeling step (step ST1).

The terminal supply device M2is a supply device that pulls out the head of crimp terminals1on the outer peripheral side of a terminal chain wound in a reel form and sequentially supplies the crimp terminals1to a downstream device (here, the crimping device M3, etc.). Here, the terminal chain is formed by connecting, via carriers or the like, a plurality of crimp terminals1before the crimping process, in which the shape of each part is formed by a pressing step or a bending step. The terminal chain is provided in the terminal supply device M2while kept wound in a reel form.

The crimping device M3is a device that crimps the crimp terminal1to the electric wire W. As illustrated inFIG. 6, using an anvil M3aas a lower mold and a crimper M3bas an upper mold, the crimping device M3crimps the conductor crimp portion46to the conductor portion W1and crimps the covering crimp portion48to the insulative covering portion W2. The crimping device M3performs a crimping step (step ST2).

In this case, the anvil M3acomposes a placing table M8for placing the crimp terminal1onto a placing surface M8aon the upper side in the height direction Z. In the anvil M3a, the base41side of the crimp terminal1is placed on the placing surface M8a. At a stage before the crimping step (step ST2), the anvil M3afunctions as a placing table M8by which the crimp terminal1before crimped to the electric wire W is placed onto the placing surface M8a. Furthermore, at a stage after the crimping step (step ST2), the anvil M3aalso functions as a placing table M8by which the crimp terminal1crimped to the electric wire W is placed onto the placing surface M8awhile kept crimped to the electric wire W.

In the present embodiment, the anvil M3acomposing the placing table M8has a distribution hole M8b. The distribution hole M8bis a hole that forms a passage in which an anticorrosive material (a first anticorrosive material11a, etc.) supplied from the supply device M4, described below, can flow. The distribution hole M8bfaces the communication hole7of the crimp terminal1placed on the placing surface M8akept crimped to the electric wire W. The distribution hole M8bhas an opening at a position facing the communication hole7of the crimp terminal1at least in the placing surface M8aand is formed so as to pass through the anvil M3acomposing the placing table M8. With this configuration, the manufacturing apparatus M is configured such that, using the distribution hole M8bof the placing table M8and the communication hole7of the crimp terminal1, the first anticorrosive material11acan reliably be supplied from outside of the crimp terminal1to the gap space portion6where it is difficult to supply the first anticorrosive material11a.

The supply device M4is a device that supplies the anticorrosive material (the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12a) to the crimp terminal1placed on the placing surface M8aof the placing table M8while kept crimped to the electric wire W. The supply device M4of the present embodiment includes: a filling device M4a(seeFIGS. 6 and 7) that pumps the anticorrosive material; and an application device M4b(seeFIG. 10) that applies the anticorrosive material. The supply device M4performs the anticorrosive material supply step (step ST3).

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 6,FIG. 7, etc., the filling device M4ais a device that fills the gap space portion6with the first anticorrosive material11athrough the distribution hole M8band the communication hole7while the crimp terminal1crimped to the electric wire W is placed on the placing table M8. The filling device M4ais connected to one end of the distribution hole M8b(the end opposite to the open end on the placing surface M8aside), pressurizes the first anticorrosive material11a, and pumps the first anticorrosive material11ainto the distribution hole M8band the communication hole7such that the anticorrosive material is pushed out. The filling device M4amay be connected to one end of the distribution hole M8bthrough, for example, various pipes and hoses.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, etc., the application device M4bis a device that applies the second anticorrosive material12ato the crimp terminal1while the crimp terminal1crimped to the electric wire W is placed on the placing table M8. The application device M4bsprays and applies droplets of a predetermined amount of second anticorrosive material12afrom a nozzle such as a dispenser toward the crimp terminal1by means of, for example, reciprocating movement of a piston. The application device M4bcan move the nozzle relatively along the axial direction X and the width direction Y. With this configuration, the second anticorrosive material12acan be applied to any position.

The terminal cutting device M5is a device that separates the crimp terminal1after crimping from the terminal chain. This terminal cutting device M5performs a cutting step (step ST4). The terminal cutting device M5may perform the disconnection (cutting step) of the crimp terminal1from the terminal chain simultaneously with the crimping (crimping step) of the crimp terminal1by the crimping device M3.

The curing device M6is a device that emits light from a light source M6a(seeFIG. 11, etc.) to the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12ato cure them. As the light source M6a, a UV-LED (Light Emitting Diode) can be used. The UV-LED used as the light source M6ais a light-emitting element capable of emitting ultraviolet rays for curing the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12athat are UV curable resins. This curing device M6performs a curing step (step ST5).

The control device M7is a portion that executes various arithmetic processes and controls each part of the manufacturing apparatus M in an integrated manner. The control device M7includes an electronic circuit mainly including a known microcomputer including a central arithmetic processing apparatus such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an interface. The control device M7controls the peeling device M1, the terminal supply device M2, the crimping device M3, the supply device M4, the terminal cutting device M5, the curing device M6, to cause them to respectively perform the peeling step (step ST1), the crimping step (step ST2), the anticorrosive material supply step (step ST3), the cutting step (step ST4), the curing step (step ST5) and the like. Here, the control device M7performs a process of, after crimping the crimp terminal1to the electric wire W with the crimping device M3, supplying the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12ato each part of the crimp terminal1with the supply device M4. Further, the control device M7executes a process of simultaneously curing the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12awith the curing device M6. Now, each step will be described in detail.

First, the control device M7controls, as the peeling step, the peeling device M1to perform the peeling process in which the insulative covering portion W2is peeled off at one end of the electric wire W such that one end of the conductor portion W1is exposed from one end W2aof the insulative covering portion W2(seeFIG. 3, etc.) (step ST1). Then, the control device M7controls the terminal supply device M2, and performs the subsequent steps while performing a process of pulling out the head of the crimp terminals1on the outer peripheral side of the terminal chain and sequentially supplying it to the downstream devices (here, the crimping device M3, etc.).

Next, after the peeling step (step ST1), the control device M7controls, as a crimping step, the crimping device M3to perform the crimping process in which the conductor crimp portion46of the crimp terminal1is crimped to the conductor portion W1and the covering crimp portion48is crimped to the insulative covering portion W2(step ST2). In the crimping step (step ST2), the crimping device M3caulks and crimps the crimp terminal1to the electric wire W while deforming the electric-wire crimp portion4of the crimp terminal1using the anvil Mia and crimper M3b, as illustrated inFIG. 6.

More specifically, the crimping device M3places the peeled electric wire W between the two pairs of barrel pieces42,43and44,45while the base41of the electric-wire crimp portion4is kept placed on the placing surface M8aof the anvil M3acomposing the placing table M8. At this time, the crimping device M3aligns the distribution hole M8bformed in the placing surface M8aand the communication hole7formed in the base41, such that they face each other in the height direction Z. The crimping device M3may be configured such that, for example, the crimp terminal1is set so as to fit into a mold formed in the anvil M3a, thereby aligning the distribution hole M8band the communication hole7. Alternatively, the crimping device M3may be configured such that, for example, the distribution hole M8band the communication hole7are aligned by inserting a jig pin or the like into the distribution hole M8band the communication hole7. Alternatively, the crimping device M3may be configured such that the distribution hole M8band the communication hole7are aligned by, for example, operator's visual observation or the like.

The crimping device M3places the electric wire W on the base41such that a conductor portion W1is positioned between the barrel pieces42,43of the conductor crimp portion46, an insulative covering portion W2is positioned between the barrel pieces44,45of the covering crimp portion48, and the end W2ais positioned between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48. Then, the crimping device M3presses toward the base41, gradually inclines inward, and deforms the two pairs of barrel pieces42,43, and44,45while bringing the crimper M3b, located facing the anvil M3ain the height direction Z, relatively close to the anvil M3aside in the height direction Z. Consequently, the crimping device M3wraps and caulks the conductor portion W1between the base41and the pair of barrel pieces42,43, in the conductor crimp portion46and crimps the pair of barrel pieces42,43to the conductor portion W1. Similarly, the crimping device M3wraps and caulks the insulative covering portion W2between the base41and the pair of barrel pieces44,45, in the covering crimp portion48and crimps the pair of barrel pieces44,45to the insulative covering portion W2. As illustrated inFIG. 6, in the crimp terminal1, the conductor crimp portion46and the conductor portion W1directly contact, adhere, conduct while the conductor crimp portion46is kept crimped to the conductor portion W1and the covering crimp portion48is kept crimped to the insulative covering portion W2.

Next, after the crimping step (step ST2), the control device M7controls, as the anticorrosive material supply step, the supply device M4to perform the anticorrosive material supply process in which the anticorrosive material (the first anticorrosive material11a, the second anticorrosive material12a) is supplied to a predetermined place of the crimp terminal1(step ST3).

In the anticorrosive material supply step (step ST3), the supply device M4in the present embodiment first supplies the first anticorrosive material11awith the filling device M4a, as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7. The filling device M4apumps and fills the first anticorrosive material11atoward the gap space portion6via the distribution hole M8band the communication hole7while the crimp terminal1crimped to the electric wire W is kept placed on the placing surface M8aof the placing table M8. Consequently, in the crimp terminal1, the gap space portion6and the communication hole7are filled with the first anticorrosive material11a.

In this case, after filling the first anticorrosive material11ainto the gap space portion6, the filling device M4afurther fills the first anticorrosive material11a, supplied via the distribution hole M8band the communication hole7, until the anticorrosive material is extruded from between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48via the gaps between the strands of the conductor portions W1, as illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9. Thereby, the manufacturing apparatus M can provide the first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11, formed by curing the first anticorrosive material11a, in the gap space portion6and, in addition, provide it so as to cover the intermediate exposed portion Wla of the conductor portion W1located between the conductor crimp portion46and the end W2aof the insulative covering portion W2.

In addition, in the anticorrosive material supply step (step ST3), the supply device M4in the present embodiment also supplies the second anticorrosive material12awith the application device M4b, as illustrated inFIG. 10. The application device M4bapplies the second anticorrosive material12ato the conductor portion W1exposed from the crimp terminal1, while the crimp terminal1crimped to the electric wire W is kept placed on the placing surface M8aof the placing table M8. Here, the application device M4bapplies the second anticorrosive material12aover the conductor portion W1, exposed from the crimp terminal1, the conductor crimp portion46, the insulative covering portion W2, and the so on while moving a nozzle. The portions to which the second anticorrosive material12ais applied also include the position where the first anticorrosive material11ahas been extruded from between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48via the gaps between the strands of the conductor portions W1. That is, in this case, the application device M4bapplies the second anticorrosive material12aover the leading end W1bof the conductor portion W1, exposed from the crimp terminal1in the axial direction X, the conductor crimp portion46, the intermediate exposed portion W1a, and the covering crimp portion48. The second anticorrosive material12aapplied to each portion composes a film at each portion and integrally covers these portions. More specifically, the second anticorrosive material12aintegrally covers: the leading end W1bof the conductor portion W1; part of the conductor crimp portion46; the first anticorrosive material11aextruded from the intermediate exposed portion W1aof the conductor portion W1; the end W2aof the insulative covering portion W2; part of the intermediate portion47; and part of the covering crimp portion48. Here, the intermediate exposed portion W1aof the conductor portion W1is a portion exposed between the conductor crimp portion46and the end W2aof the insulative covering portion W2, as described above. The leading end W1bof the conductor portion W1is a portion exposed from the conductor crimp portion46toward the electrical connection portion2side. Here, it is preferable that the second anticorrosive material12abe applied so as to fill a groove formed by the leading edges, facing each other, of at least the barrel pieces42,43. Furthermore, the second anticorrosive material12apenetrates the gaps between the inner strands of the conductor portion W1.

Next, after the anticorrosive material supply step (step ST3), the control device M7controls, as a cutting step, the terminal cutting device M5to perform a cutting process in which the crimp terminal1crimped to the electric wire W is cut from the terminal chain (Step ST4). In parallel with the crimping step (step ST2) before the anticorrosive material supply step (step ST3), the control device M7may control, as a cutting step, the terminal cutting device M5to perform the cutting process in which the crimp terminal1crimped to the electric wire W is cut from the terminal chain.

Next, after the cutting step (step ST4), the control device M7controls, as a curing step, the curing device M6to perform a curing process, as illustrated inFIG. 11, in which the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12aare cured by emitting light thereto (step ST5), and the manufacturing method for the terminal-equipped electric wire100is completed. In the curing step (step ST5), the curing device M6in the present embodiment simultaneously emits light to both the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12ato cure them. In the curing device M6, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the light source M6ais positioned on a side opposite to the side on which the base41is located in the height direction Z, and ultraviolet rays are emitted to the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12afrom this light source M6a. The ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source M6aare irregularly reflected from the surfaces of strands of the conductor portion W1, and reach and cure the first anticorrosive material11afilled in the gap space portion6and the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12apenetrating the inside of the conductor portion W1. The first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12aretain respective shapes by their being cured with ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source M6a.

As a result, as illustrated inFIG. 3, gap space portion ultraviolet rays are emitted to the first anticorrosive material11awhile the first anticorrosive material11ais filled in the gap space portion6and is extruded from the intermediate exposed portion W1a. Consequently, the first anticorrosive material11acures, for example: in the gap space portion6inside the crimp terminal1; inside the intermediate exposed portion W1aof the conductor portion Wl; and in a portion between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48, to form the first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11. By virtue of this, in the terminal-equipped electric wire100, the first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11is able to be securely impervious to water in the gap space portion6inside the crimp terminal lterminal-equipped, and in a portion exposed to outside from between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48in the conductor portion W1. Furthermore, the first anticorrosive material11ahas also been filled in the communication hole7in addition to the gap space portion6. Therefore, the first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11is filled in the communication hole7as well, thus making it possible to securely block entry of water into the communication hole7.

Meanwhile, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3, ultraviolet rays are emitted to the second anticorrosive material12aintegrally covering: the conductor portion W1exposed from the crimp terminal1; the conductor crimp portion46; the first anticorrosive material11aexposed from between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48; and the insulative covering portion W2. Consequently, this anticorrosive material12acures outside the crimp terminal1to form the second anticorrosive water-impervious portion12. By virtue of this, the second anticorrosive water-impervious portion12covers, in the terminal-equipped electric wire100, the leading end W1bof the conductor portion W1; part of the conductor crimp portion46; the first anticorrosive material11a(the first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11) of the intermediate exposed portion W1aof the conductor portion W1; the end W2aof the insulative covering portion W2; part of the intermediate portion47; and part of the covering crimp portion48, thus making it possible to make them securely impervious to water integrally. In other words, the second anticorrosive water-impervious portion12can block off the exposed portion of the conductor portion W1from outside space and make the exposed portion securely impervious to water.

The manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100described above enable the first anticorrosive material11ato be supplied to the gap space portion6via the communication hole7formed in the crimp terminal1and via the distribution hole M8bformed in the placing table M8. The gap space portion6is a space portion surrounded by the crimp terminal1, the conductor portion W1, and the end W2aof the insulative covering portion W2. Thus, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100enable the first anticorrosive material11ato securely be supplied to the gap space portion6where it is difficult to supply the first anticorrosive material11afrom outside, thus making it possible to securely block entry of water into the gap space portion6. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100enable the first anticorrosive material11ato securely form the first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11, for example, in the gap space portion6inside the crimp terminal1where it is difficult to apply the first anticorrosive material11aafter the crimping of the crimp terminal1; and the inside of the portion located between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48in the conductor portion W1, making it possible to securely block entry of water. Furthermore, in the terminal-equipped electric wire100of the present embodiment, the first anticorrosive material11ahas also been filled in the communication hole7in addition to the gap space portion6, and the first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11can be formed in the communication hole7as well by the first anticorrosive material11a, thus making it possible to securely block entry of water.

Furthermore, in this case, as described above, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100enable the first anticorrosive material11ato be supplied to the inside of the crimp terminal1, including the gap space portion6, from the supply device M4by making use of the communication hole7and the distribution hole M8b. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100can shorten a time required for the first anticorrosive material11ato penetrate the inside of the conductor portion W1, in comparison with, for example, a case where the first anticorrosive material11ais applied to the portion between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48of the conductor portion W1from outside and allowed to naturally penetrate the inside. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100can restrict, for example, a cycle time related to the manufacture of the terminal-equipped electric wire100and restrict the manufacturing cost.

In addition, since the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100enables the first anticorrosive material11ato be supplied to the gap space portion6after the crimping of the crimp terminal1to the electric wire W, it possible to securely prevent the first anticorrosive material11afrom intervening in the adhesion portion between the conductor crimp portion46formed by crimping and the conductor portion W1. As a result, while crimped to the electric wire W, the crimp terminal1can conduct the conductor crimp portion46and the conductor portion W1in direct contact with each other without the first anticorrosive material11aintervening in a portion where the conductor crimp portion46and the conductor portion W1conduct in contact with each other. As a result, the crimp terminal1can reliably ensure appropriate conduction performance as well. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100can not only guarantee an appropriate water-impervious anticorrosive performance but also ensure an appropriate conduction performance, in the terminal-equipped electric wire100.

As described above, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100make a portion including the gap space portion6and the entire periphery of the conductor portion W1inside the crimp terminal1securely impervious to water, making it possible to securely restrict entry of water and so on into a space between the conductor portion W1and the crimp terminal1and toward the conductor portion W1. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100enable manufacture of the terminal-equipped electric wire100that ensures appropriate water-impervious performance and enable appropriate anticorrosion performance to be secured in this terminal-equipped electric wire100. For example, in the terminal-equipped electric wire100, if the material of the conductor portion W1is aluminum and the material of the crimp terminal1is copper and if water enters between the two, the conductor portion W1may corrode (galvanic corrosion) due to the difference in ionization tendency. Compared to this, the terminal-equipped electric wire100can hinder the occurrence of the corrosion by restricting entry of water as described above.

Here, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100described above can quickly and securely fill the gap space portion6with the first anticorrosive material11avia the distribution hole M8band the communication hole7by the filling device M4acomposing the supply device M4. Also, with this configuration, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100can cause the first anticorrosive material11ato quickly and securely penetrate not only the gap space portion6but also the gaps between the strands of the conductor portion W1and the surface of the intermediate exposed portion Wla. As a result, by making use of the first anticorrosive material11a, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100can securely block entry of water not only into the gap space portion6but also into a portion exposed to outside from between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48in the conductor portion W1of the electric wire W. In other words, by making use of the first anticorrosive material11afilled from the filling device M4avia the distribution hole M8band the communication hole7into the crimp terminal1after crimping, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100forms the first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11in the gap space portion6and in the portion exposed to outside from between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48in the conductor portion W1, making it possible to securely block entry of water. In addition, using the filling device M4a, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100fill the first anticorrosive material11ainto the crimp terminal1, thus making it possible to hinder mixture of bubbles into the filled first anticorrosive material11aand hence the first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100enable manufacture the terminal-equipped electric wire100that ensures more appropriate water-impervious performance.

In addition, in the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100described above, the placing table M8in which the distribution hole M8bis formed is composed of the anvil Mia that crimps the crimp terminal1to the electric wire W. This configuration makes it possible for the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100to proceed, subsequent to the step of crimping the crimp terminal1to the electric wire W, to the step of supplying the first anticorrosive material11afrom the supply device M4via the distribution hole M8band the communication hole7to the portion including the gap space portion6. Also in this respect, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100can restrict, for example, the cycle time related to the manufacture of the terminal-equipped electric wire100and restrict the manufacturing cost.

Furthermore, in the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100described above, the second anticorrosive material12ais applied over the conductor portion W1exposed from the crimp terminal1, the conductor crimp portion46, the first anticorrosive material11aexposed from between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48, and the insulative covering portion W2, such that these are covered with this second anticorrosive material12a. As a result, by making use of the second anticorrosive material12aapplied to the crimp terminal1, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100can more securely block entry of water into each of the portions. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100make the periphery of the conductor portion W1securely impervious to water, and more securely restrict entry of water and so on into the space between the conductor portion W1and the crimp terminal1and toward this conductor portion W1, thus making it possible to manufacture the terminal-equipped electric wire100that ensures more appropriate water-impervious performance.

Second Embodiment

A terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus and a terminal-equipped electric wire according to the second embodiment differ from those in the first embodiment in the configuration of the supply device. In the following, the same components as those in the embodiment described above are labeled with the same reference symbols and duplication of description of the common configurations, operations, and effects is omitted as much as possible.

A manufacturing apparatus MA as the terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13differs from the above-described manufacturing apparatus M in the configuration of the supply device M4. The other configurations of the manufacturing apparatus MA are substantially the same as those of the manufacturing apparatus M described above.

The supply device M4of the present embodiment includes a suction device M4cinstead of the filling device M4a. In addition, an application device M4bof the present embodiment is also used as a device for applying, in addition to a second anticorrosive material12a, a first anticorrosive material11ato a crimp terminal1.

The application device M4bof the present embodiment also supplies the first anticorrosive material11ain an anticorrosive material supply step (step ST3). While the crimp terminal1crimped to an electric wire W placed on a placing surface M8aof a placing table M8, the application device M4bapplies the first anticorrosive material11ato an intermediate exposed portion W1aof a conductor portion W1exposed between a covering crimp portion48and a conductor crimp portion46. As described above, the application device M4bcan move the nozzle relatively along an axial direction X and a width direction Y. With this configuration, the first anticorrosive material11acan be applied to the intermediate exposed portion W1a.

Then, the suction device M4cof the present embodiment is a device that, while the crimp terminal1crimped to the electric wire W is placed on the placing table M8, sucks via a gap space portion6, a communication hole7, and a distribution hole M8bthe first anticorrosive material11aapplied to the conductor portion W1by the application device M4b. The suction device M4cis connected to one end of the distribution hole M8b(the end opposite the open end on the placing surface M8aside) and generates a negative pressure via the distribution hole M8b, thereby sucking out the first anticorrosive material11avia the gap space portion6, the communication hole7, and the distribution hole M8b. The suction device M4cmay be connected to the one end of the distribution hole M8bvia various pipes or hoses, for example.

In the anticorrosive material supply step (step ST3), using the application device M4b, the supply device M4of the present embodiment first supplies the first anticorrosive material11a. As described above, while the crimp terminal1crimped to the electric wire W is placed on the placing surface M8aof the placing table M8, the application device M4bapplies the first anticorrosive material11ato the intermediate exposed portion W1afrom the side opposite the anvil Mia composing the placing table M8. Then, using the suction device M4c, the supply device M4sucks, via the gap space portion6, communication hole7, and distribution hole M8bon the anvil Mia side, the first anticorrosive material11aapplied to the intermediate exposed portion W1a. Thereby, the suction device M4ccan force the first anticorrosive material11aapplied to the intermediate exposed portion W1ato penetrate the inside of the crimp terminal1, including the gap space portion6, via the gaps between the strands of the conductor portion W1. Thus, in crimp terminal1, the first anticorrosive material11ahas been filled into: the gaps between the strands of the intermediate exposed portion W1abetween the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48; the gap space portion6; and the communication hole7. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus MA makes it possible for a first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11formed by curing the first anticorrosive material11ato be provided in: gaps between the strands of the intermediate exposed portion W1a; the gap space portion6; and the communication hole7.

The manufacturing apparatus MA and the terminal-equipped electric wire100described above make a portion including the gap space portion6and the entire periphery of the conductor portion W1inside the crimp terminal1securely impervious to water, making it possible to securely restrict entry of water and so on into a space between the conductor portion W1and the crimp terminal1and toward the conductor portion W1. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus MA and the terminal-equipped electric wire100enable the manufacture of the terminal-equipped electric wire100that ensures appropriate water-impervious performance.

The manufacturing apparatus MA and the terminal-equipped electric wire100described above enable the first anticorrosive material11ato be applied to the intermediate exposed portion W1aof the conductor portion W1by the application device M4bcomposing the supply device M4. Also, the manufacturing apparatus MA and the terminal-equipped electric wire100enable the first anticorrosive material11aapplied to the intermediate exposed portion W1aof the conductor portion W1to be sucked via the gap space portion6, the communication hole7, and the distribution hole M8bby the suction device M4ccomposing the supply device M4. With this configuration, the manufacturing apparatus M and the terminal-equipped electric wire100enable the first anticorrosive material11aapplied to the intermediate exposed portion W1ato quickly and securely penetrate the inside of the crimp terminal1, including the gap space portion6, via the gaps between the strands of the conductor portion W1. In addition, with this configuration, the manufacturing apparatus MA and the terminal-equipped electric wire100enable the first anticorrosive material11ato quickly and securely penetrate not only the gap space portion6but also the gaps between the strands of the conductor portion W1and the surface of the intermediate exposed portion W1a. As a result, by making use of the first anticorrosive material11a, the manufacturing apparatus MA and the terminal-equipped electric wire100can securely block entry of water not only into the gap space portion6but also into a portion exposed to outside from between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48in the conductor portion W1of the electric wire W. In other words, by making use of the first anticorrosive material11asucked into the crimp terminal1by the suction device M4cvia the gap space portion6, the communication hole7, and the distribution hole M8b, the manufacturing apparatus MA and the terminal-equipped electric wire100securely form the first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11in the portion exposed to outside from between the conductor crimp portion46and the covering crimp portion48in the conductor portion W1; and in the crimp terminal1including the gap space portion6, making it possible to block entry of water. In addition, using the suction device M4c, the manufacturing apparatus MA and the terminal-equipped electric wire100suck the first anticorrosive material11ainto the crimp terminal1, thus making it possible to hinder mixture of bubbles into the sucked first anticorrosive material11aand hence the first anticorrosive water-impervious portion11formed by the first anticorrosive material11a. As a result, the manufacturing apparatus MA and the terminal-equipped electric wire100enable manufacture the terminal-equipped electric wire100that ensures more appropriate water-impervious performance.

In addition, the terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus and the terminal-equipped electric wire according to the foregoing embodiments of the present invention are not limited by the foregoing embodiments and various changes can be made to them within the scopes of the claims.

The above description says that the placing table M8is composed of the anvil M3a, but it is not limited thereto. Separately from the anvil M3aor the like, the placing table M8may be provided exclusively.

The above description says that the application device M4bis also used as a device that applies, in addition to the second anticorrosive material12a, the first anticorrosive material11ato the crimp terminal1, but it is not limited thereto. The application device for applying the first anticorrosive material11aand the application device for applying the second anticorrosive material12amay be provided separately.

In the above description, typically, the same UV curable resin can be used as the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12a. However, depending on, for example, a situation in which each is applied, they may be different. For example, they may differ in viscosity or the like.

The above description says that the first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12aare both assumed to be UV curable resins, but they not limited thereto. The first anticorrosive material11aand the second anticorrosive material12amay be, for example, thermosetting resins that are cured by the application of heat.

The terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus and the terminal-equipped electric wire according to the present embodiments may be suitably combined with the components of the embodiments and modified embodiments described above.

The terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus and the terminal-equipped electric wire according to the present embodiment enables the supply of the anticorrosive material to the gap space portion via the communication hole formed in the crimp terminal and the distribution hole formed in the placing table. The gap space portion is a space portion surrounded by the crimp terminal, the conductor portion, and the end of the insulative covering portion. Thereby, the terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus and the terminal-equipped electric wire enable the anticorrosive material to be securely supplied to the gap space portion where it is difficult to supply the anticorrosive material from outside, thus making it possible to securely block entry of water into this gap space portion. As a result, the terminal-equipped electric wire manufacturing apparatus and the terminal-equipped electric wire yield the effect in that a terminal-equipped electric wire that secures appropriate water-impervious performance can be manufactured.