CN101454845A - Electric wire coloring apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric wire coloring apparatus for forming color bands 6 on an outer surface 3a of an electric wire 3 by attaching coloring material on the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3, said apparatus including: a coloring device 13, a reciprocating device 18, a transportation device 14 and a controlling device 21.

Description

Wire coloring equipment

technical field

The present invention relates to an electric wire coloring apparatus for coloring an electric wire having a conductive core wire and an insulating sheath for covering the core wire.

Background technique

Various electronic components are installed on the vehicle. Accordingly, a wiring harness is arranged in a vehicle to supply electric power from a battery to electronic components and control signals from a computer to the electronic components. The wire harness includes a plurality of electric wires and connectors connected to ends of the electric wires.

The electric wire includes a conductive core wire and a sheath made of insulating synthetic resin for covering the core wire. This electric wire is a so-called coated wire. The connector includes conductive terminals and an insulating connector housing. The terminal is connected to the end of the electric wire and is electrically connected to the core wire of the electric wire. The connector housing has a box shape and accommodates terminals.

When assembling this wire harness, first, electric wires are cut to a specific length, and then terminals are attached to ends of the electric wires. Then, if necessary, connect the wires to each other. Then, insert the terminal into the connector housing. In this way, the wire harness is assembled.

The size of the core wire of each wire in the harness, the material of the sheath (for example, heat resistance characteristics) and the purpose of use should be distinguished. The purpose of use is, for example, airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system), or control signal transmission of vehicle speed, or supply of electric power.

In order to distinguish the usage, generally, the wires of the wire harness have two different colored strip patterns on the outer surface. When the sheath is formed by extruding the synthetic resin around the core wire, a coloring material having a desired first color and the synthetic resin of the sheath are mixed in advance. Then, another coloring material having a second color different from the first color is attached to a part of the outer surface of the sheath, ie, the synthetic resin covering the core wire. Thus, by coloring a portion of the outer surface of the sheath, the wire has a striped pattern.

However, when the wires are manufactured, the type of wires is judged by their color. There is a problem that electric wires having a striped pattern cannot be distinguished by viewing from a certain direction. Accordingly, the applicant of the present invention has proposed an electric wire coloring apparatus for attaching a coloring material to the outer surface of an electric wire by spraying a specific amount of the coloring material onto the outer surface of an electric wire in a spiral shape. The center of is the core wire of the electric wire (see Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1

Patent Application No. 2004-79200 published in Japanese.

Contents of the invention

technical problem

By having a spiral pattern, the color on the outer wall of the wire can be seen from every direction. However, due to the increase of wire types, it is difficult to manage each type in a single color. Therefore, each type is managed in combination of colors. However, there is a problem that various colored spiral stripes may not be recognized from a specific direction.

Further, when the coloring nozzle of the coloring device of the coloring apparatus is transported along the wire, the nozzle should be transported in the longitudinal direction of the wire and in a direction perpendicular to the wire. Therefore, a dual axis control system with two motors needs to be used. Accordingly, two single-axis robots are required. In this way, there are problems in that the cost of the coloring equipment becomes high and the control system of the coloring equipment becomes complicated. Further, since the traveling distance of the coloring device is adjusted according to the size of the electric wire, when the size of the electric wire is changed, there is a problem that the coloring apparatus becomes oversized.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric wire coloring apparatus having a simple device configuration to improve the visibility and design quality of electric wires.

Technical solutions

According to claim 1, as shown in FIG. 1, there is provided a wire coloring device for forming a color band 6 on the outer surface 3a of the wire 3 by adding a coloring material on the outer surface 3a of the wire 3, said Equipment includes:

a coloring device 13 for spraying coloring material towards the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3;

The reciprocating device 18 is used to reciprocate the tip of the coloring device 13 from which the coloring material is ejected, and is used to attach each coloring material to the entire circumference of the coloring area 3b corresponding to each color band 6. moving the tip circularly in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction "A" of the wire 3;

a conveying device 14 for conveying the coloring device 13 and the reciprocating device 18 or the electric wire 3 in the longitudinal direction "A" of the electric wire 3; and

The control device 21a is used to control the spraying of the coloring material from the coloring device 13, and to control the reciprocation of the coloring device 13 after the transport device 14 transports the coloring device 13 to the position of the coloring area 3b, wherein the coloring device 13 attaches the coloring material to the The position of the colored area 3b.

According to the electric wire coloring apparatus claimed in claim 1, when the conveying device 14 conveys the coloring device 13 and the reciprocating device 18 or the electric wire 3 in the longitudinal direction "A" of the electric wire 3, the control device 21a controls the coloring device 13 to eject the coloring material , and the reciprocating device 18 reciprocates the spray tip of the coloring device 13 in a circular path. Then, a coloring material is attached to the entire circumference of the colored area 3b, and the color band 6 is formed on the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3.

According to claim 2, as shown in FIG. 1, there is provided the electric wire coloring apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reciprocating device 18 includes an air cylinder for moving the tip of the coloring device 13 on a circle, wherein the circle The center of the circle lies on the line perpendicular to the wire 3.

According to the electric wire coloring apparatus claimed in claim 2 , the air cylinder of the reciprocating device 18 moves the tip of the coloring device 13 on a circle whose center is located on a line perpendicular to the electric wire 3 .

According to claim 3, as shown in FIG. 1, there is provided the electric wire coloring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the coloring device 13 includes an anti-scattering member 71 for preventing scattering of the coloring material sprayed to the electric wire.

According to the electric wire coloring apparatus claimed in claim 3, when the coloring device 13 sprays the colorant even when reciprocating in a circular path, the anti-scattering member 71 prevents the coloring material from scattering.

According to claim 4, as shown in Figure 1, there is provided the electric wire coloring equipment as any one requirement of claim 1 to 3, wherein, this control device 21a controls coloring device 13 only when reciprocating device 18 makes the tip of coloring device 13 The coloring material is sprayed during reciprocating motion.

According to the electric wire coloring apparatus claimed in claim 4, the control means 21a allows the coloring means 13 to spray the coloring material only when the reciprocating means 18 reciprocates the tip of the coloring means 13 in a circular path.

technical effect

According to the present invention as claimed in claim 1, the reciprocating device 18 reciprocates the tip of the coloring device 13 in a circular path crossing the longitudinal direction of the electric wire, from which the coloring unit is ejected, and the transport device 14 transports The coloring device 13 is such that the coloring material is attached to the entire circumference of the coloring area. Therefore, without moving the coloring device 13 in the direction intersecting the electric wire, the color band is reliably formed in the entire circumference of the outer surface of the electric wire. Therefore, it is easy to recognize the color band corresponding to the wire type from any direction. Further, the plurality of coloring devices 13 are transported in only one direction, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire. Therefore, the transmission device 14 can have a simple structure, and the cost of the wire coloring device can be reduced. According to this, the structure and control of the coloring apparatus can be simplified. Further, the visibility and design quality of the electric wire are further improved compared with the electric wire whose outer surface is partially colored. Further, since the color band that can easily identify the electric wires is easily formed, it is possible to reduce the stock of electric wires corresponding to the colors of the electric wires. Furthermore, the storage of electric wires can also be reduced corresponding to the reduction of the stock of electric wires. Therefore, the space for handling electric wires can also be reduced.

According to the present invention as claimed in claim 2, in addition to the effect of claim 1, since the tip of the coloring device 13 is moved on a circle whose center is located at a line perpendicular to the electric wire 3, it can be over a wide range of the electric wire. Spray coloring material. Therefore, a color bar is reliably formed over the entire circumference of the outer surface of the electric wire, and the coloring device is easily adapted to a change in size of the electric wire.

According to the invention as claimed in claim 3, in addition to the effect of claim 1 or 2, since the anti-scattering member 71 prevents coloring material from scattering, the range of reciprocating motion in the circular path of the coloring device 13 can be increased. Therefore, color bars are reliably formed over the entire circumference of the outer surface of the electric wire, and the coloring apparatus is easily adapted to changes in the size of the electric wire.

According to the present invention as claimed in claim 4, in addition to the effect of any one of claims 1 to 3, since the control means 21a controls the coloring means 13 to spray the coloring material only when the reciprocating means 18 reciprocates the tip of the coloring means 13, Therefore, the control of the coloring equipment is further simplified, and the emission of coloring materials is reduced.

Description of drawings

[ Fig. 1 ] A schematic view showing a basic structure of an electric wire coloring apparatus according to the present invention.

[ Fig. 2 ] An explanatory view showing a process flow of a wire harness manufacturing system using the electric wire coloring apparatus according to the present invention.

[ Fig. 3 ] A schematic view showing a schematic structure of an electric wire coloring apparatus according to the present invention.

[ Fig. 4 ] A perspective view showing the relationship among the coloring device shown in Fig. 3 , the reciprocating device and the electric wires.

[ Fig. 5 ] An explanatory view showing a color bar formed on an electric wire.

[ Fig. 6 ] A cross-sectional view showing the structure of a coloring nozzle of a coloring device.

[ Fig. 7 ] An explanatory view showing the operation of the swing portion shown in Fig. 4 .

[ Fig. 8 ] An explanatory view showing how to color electric wires.

[ Fig. 9 ] A flowchart showing a part of the control operation of the mobile coloring device executed by the CPU shown in Fig. 3 .

Description of letters or numbers

1 Wire coloring equipment

3 wires

3a The outer surface of the wire

6 color bands

13 Coloring device

14 Transmission device (sliding part)

18 reciprocating device (swing part)

21a Control unit (CPU)

A The longitudinal direction of the wire

Detailed ways

An embodiment of the electric wire coloring apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the wire harness manufacturing system includes wire cutting process P1, coloring process P2, terminal crimping process P3, joining process P4, and the like. In the best mode, the electric wire coloring apparatus 1 is installed on the coloring process P2. If the coloring process P2 is not included in the system, the wire coloring device 1 is installed on the wire cutting process P1, or the terminal crimping process P3.

In addition, the wire harness includes a plurality of sub-harnesses. Install the sub-harnesses respectively on the corresponding systems in the vehicle. Each sub-harness includes a plurality of wires and connectors attached to ends of the wires.

The electric wire manufacturing apparatus 100 cuts a long reel-shaped electric wire into electric wires each having a specific length, and engages the ends of the electric wires with each U-shaped clamping rod. Then, the clamping rod is transferred to the coloring process P2 by the transfer device 10 installed in the process.

This conveying device 10 includes a belt and a chain circulated in a process, a drive motor for circulating the belt and chain, and a controller for controlling the drive motor. That is, the controller controls the driving motor to deliver the clamp rod to each process. Further, according to the best mode, the controller intermittently controls the driving motor corresponding to a pressing cycle (takt time) of the pressing apparatus described later, and thus intermittently transmits the electric wire.

The clamping lever includes a plurality of clips 11 for catching electric wires, and fixing members for fixing the clips at predetermined intervals. In the electric wire manufacturing apparatus 100, a pair of clamps 11 catches the electric wire in a "U" shape using a round head to bend the electric wire into a U shape.

In the coloring process P2, a color band for distinguishing the electric wires is formed by attaching a liquid coloring material to the outer surface of the electric wires conveyed from the electric wire cutting process P1. This coloring process P2 includes the electric wire coloring apparatus 1 according to the present invention described later.

In the terminal crimping process P3, sorting, applicator preparation, crimping, inspection, and marking are performed. That is, the electric wires are classified corresponding to terminal types. Preparing the applicator means changing the applicator of the crimping apparatus 200 corresponding to the type of the terminal, or adjusting the height of crimping. The applicator consists of an upwardly rising die (crimper) and a fixed bottom die (anvil) as pressing tools. After crimping the terminal onto the end of the wire, the crimping is checked by visual inspection or a TV camera. Then, in order to distinguish in a terminal insertion process described later, an identification mark is marked on the terminal with a felt pen.

The crimping apparatus 200 has a known structure and crimps various types of terminals. The crimping apparatus 200 crimps the terminal to the electric wire conveyed by the clamping bar using a crimping tool.

In the joining process P4, sorting, peeling, applicator preparation, pressing, inspection, and winding of the joining tape are performed. That is, first, the electric wires having the terminals of the coloring process P2 are classified according to the type of the joint terminal and the joint position. Then, similar to the crimping process, an applicator is prepared according to the bonding terminal. Then, the end portion of the other electric wire is joined to the joining terminal at the stripped position of the electric wire. After checking the fit, wrap the joint with PVC tape.

In the following processing, for example, the electric wires crimped at the terminal crimping process P3 and the electric wires spliced at the splicing process P4 are sorted by each product number. Then, the terminals of the electric wires are inserted in the connector housing to assemble the sub-harness.

The electric wire coloring apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is provided in the coloring process P2 for forming a color band on a part of the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 shown in FIG. 5 . That is, this electric wire coloring apparatus 1 attaches a liquid coloring material on the entire circumference of the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 to form the color band 6 .

This electric wire 3 is a component of a wiring harness arranged in the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 5 , the electric wire 3 includes a plurality of conductive core wires 4 and an insulating sheath 5 . The core wire 4 is formed by twisted lead wires. Lead wires, which are constituent parts of the core wire 4, are made of conductive metal. The core wire 4 may consist of a single lead wire. The sheath 5 is made of synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The sheath 5 covers the core wire 4 . The outer surface 3 a of the wire 3 is thus the outer surface of the sheath 5 .

Sheath 5 is monochrome. By mixing a coloring material with the synthetic resin of the sheath 5, the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3 can be monochromatic.

Bundling the electric wires 3 and attaching connectors to the ends of the electric wires 3 form a wire harness. Connectors Connect to the connectors of various electronic components in the vehicle. In this way, the wires 3 of the wiring harness send signals or power to the electronic components.

On the colored region 3b on the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3, a color stripe 6 is formed with a coloring material. First, the coloring material is attached to the front side of the coloring area 3b, and then proceeds to the rear side of the coloring area 3b, so that the coloring material is attached in the entire circumference of the coloring area 3b. In the best mode, the width of the colored area 3b corresponding to the color bar in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 3 is changed. However, their widths may be the same.

The width of the colored area 3b, the number of the colored areas 3b, and the combination of their colors indicate the size of the electric wire 3, the purpose of use, and the like. Accordingly, the colored bar 6 indicates the size and usage of the electric wire 3 . The colored bar 6 may indicate the type of electric wire 3, the system in which the electric wire 3 is used, and the like.

Recognition of the color bar 6 is ensured by adding a coloring material in a ring shape throughout the entire circumference of the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 . Similar to existing wires, wires are formed by tying core wires together in a white sheath. The wires are then marked so that there is no need to mark the conventional tape markings used to identify the size or type of wire. In this way, the electric wire 3 with a mark can be manufactured.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the electric wire coloring apparatus 1 includes a control unit 20 , a coloring unit 30 , and a driver 24 for driving the coloring unit 30 .

The control unit 20 includes: a CPU 21 for processing and controlling according to a predetermined program; a ROM 22 for accommodating programs of the CPU 21; and a RAM 23 for accommodating various data and a work area provided for the CPU 21.

The ROM 22 stores various programs such as a coloring and transmission control program for making the CPU 21 work as a control device for coloring or transmission in claims, and stores a coloring and transmission control program for forming a color corresponding to the color and size of the electric wire 3. Strip 6 of various design pattern data. The design pattern data includes the colored area 3b, the color used to color the colored area 3b, and the relative position of the colored area 3b.

The driver 24 is connected to the control unit 20 and the coloring unit 30 . The driver 24 controls ejection and transport in the longitudinal direction "A" of the coloring device 13 according to instructions from the control unit 20 . The driver 24 outputs position data (counter value) corresponding to the transmitted position of the coloring device 13 to the control unit 20 .

The coloring unit 30 includes: a plurality of coloring devices 13 corresponding to the colors of the coloring material; a sliding member 14 as a transportable element for transporting in the longitudinal direction "A" of the electric wire 3 (which is the direction "Y" in FIG. 5 ). A conveying device housing a housing 14a of the coloring device 13; a swing member 18 as a reciprocating device; an anti-scattering member 71; and a cleaning member 91.

The plurality of coloring devices 13 are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction "A" of the electric wire 3 . Furthermore, the longitudinal direction "A" is perpendicular to the direction of transport "F" of the wire 3 . Each coloring device 13 includes: a coloring nozzle 31 ; a coloring material source 32 ; and a compressed air source 33 .

The coloring nozzle 31 sprays a liquid coloring material from a coloring material source 32 onto the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 . The coloring nozzle 31 attaches sprayed droplets of a coloring material to the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 , and colors (marks) at least a part of the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 .

As shown in FIG. 6, the coloring nozzle 31 includes: a cylindrical nozzle body 34; an insert member 35 accommodated in the nozzle body 34; an inlet 36; a first nozzle member 37; a valve mechanism 38; a second nozzle member 50; Tube 51.

The second nozzle part 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second nozzle member 50 is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The outer diameter of the second nozzle part 50 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the first nozzle part 37 .

The inner diameter of the second nozzle member 50 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first nozzle member 37 . The second nozzle part 50 is arranged coaxially with the first nozzle part 37 and is connected to the first nozzle part 37 .

The second nozzle member 50 is arranged closer to the electric wire 3 than the first nozzle member 37 . The gap between the first nozzle part 37 and the second nozzle part 50 is watertight. The coloring material flows through the second nozzle part 50 and the inside of the first nozzle part 37 along the arrow "S" in the longitudinal direction of the first nozzle part 37 . Arrow "S" indicates the flow of coloring material.

The end surface 50 a of the second nozzle member 50 close to the first nozzle member 37 protrudes from the inner wall of the first nozzle member 37 toward the inside of the first nozzle member 37 . Further, the end face 50a is formed flat in the direction perpendicular to the arrow "S".

Furthermore, the first nozzle member 37 and the second nozzle member 50 constitute a nozzle member 47 . This nozzle member 47 communicates with the inside of the insertion member 35, and the coloring material flows through the inside.

The connection pipe 51 is made of fluororesin, and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the connecting pipe 51 is substantially equal to the outer diameters of the first nozzle part 37 and the second nozzle part 50 . The connecting pipe 51 is fitted to the outer walls of both the first nozzle part 37 and the second nozzle part 50 , and connects the first nozzle part 37 and the second nozzle part 50 . Further, the connecting pipe 51 makes it possible to detach the second nozzle part 50 from the first nozzle part 37 .

Each coloring device 13 is connected to a control unit 20 and is controlled by the control unit 20 . Coloring nozzle 31 directs coloring material from coloring material source 32 to flow path 39 via inlet 36 . Then, when the coil 40 is not energized, the valve body 44 touches the base end 37 a of the first nozzle member 37 due to the energizing force of the coil spring 42 , so that the coloring material is located in the flow path 39 .

Then, when the coil 40 is energized, the valve body 44 attached to the disk 46 is moved away from the base end 37a of the first nozzle part 37 by the exciting force of the coil spring 42, so that the coloring material in the flow path 39 moves along the direction of the arrow “S” flows through the inside of the first nozzle member 37 and the second nozzle member 50 . Then, the coloring nozzle 31 sprays the coloring material from the second nozzle member 50 . Further, the coil 40 is energized for a predetermined period of time based on an instruction from the driver 24 . Therefore, the coloring nozzle 31 sprays a certain amount of coloring material onto the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3 at a time.

A coloring material means a liquid substance in which a colorant (an organic substance used in industry) is dissolved and dispersed in water or other solvents. That is, the coloring material consists of a colorant and a solvent. The organic substances (colorants) are dyes or pigments (most of them are organic substances and synthetic substances). Sometimes dyes are used as pigments and pigments are used as dyes. As a more specific example, the coloring material is a coloring liquid or a coating material.

A coloring liquid is a liquid in which a dye is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent. Coating materials are materials in which pigments are dispersed in a liquid dispersion. When the colored liquid is deposited on the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 , the dye penetrates into the sheath 5 . When the coating material is deposited on the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 , the pigment is deposited on the outer surface 3 a without penetrating into the sheath 5 . That is, the coloring device 13 dyes a part of the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 with a dye or coats a part of the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 with a pigment. That is, "coloring the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3" means dyeing a part of the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3 with a dye or coating a part of the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3 with a pigment.

Preferably, the solvent and liquid dispersion have an affinity for the synthetic resin constituting the sheath 5, thereby reliably penetrating the dye into the sheath 5 or allowing the pigment to be reliably deposited on the outer surface 3a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a coloring liquid is used as a coloring material, and acetone is used as a solvent.

A coloring material source 32 contains liquid coloring material and is associated with the coloring nozzle 31 . The coloring material source 32 supplies the coloring material to the inside of the inlet 36 of the corresponding coloring nozzle 31 .

The compressed air source 33 supplies compressed air to the inside of the coloring material source 32 . Since the compressed air source 33 supplies compressed air to the inside of the coloring material source 32 according to the request of the driver 24, when the valve body 44 of the coloring nozzle 31 is removed from the base end 37a of the first nozzle member 37, the flow path 39 The coloring material is rapidly sprayed through the first nozzle part 37 and the second nozzle part 50 .

The coloring device 13 can change the width of the coloring area 3b of the electric wire 3 and the thickness of the coloring material around the electric wire 3 by changing the air pressure of the compressed air source 33, the nozzle diameter of the coloring nozzle 31, the speed of the coloring material through the nozzle, or the viscosity of the coloring material. coverage. Therefore, arbitrary design patterns can be efficiently formed.

The slide member 14 is connected to a drive 24 . According to the driving command of the driver 24, the driving motor moves the casing 14a to a predetermined position along the rectangular guide rail 14b. That is, the control unit 20 controls the movement of the housing 14a in the up-down direction (Y axis) of FIG. 3, ie, in the longitudinal direction "A" of the electric wire 3, and it corresponds to the transmission device in the claims. Further, the slide member 14 holds the housing 14a in a direction perpendicular to the electric wire 3 in such a manner that the coloring device 13 ejects the coloring material from the coloring nozzle 31, and moves the housing 14a in the same manner.

The swing member 18 includes: a plate-shaped holding member 81 for holding the housing 14a having a plurality of coloring devices 13; a substantially L-shaped substrate 82 on which the coloring material source 32 of the coloring device 13 is mounted; Part 83 for rotatably fixing the holding part 81 on the substrate 82; The center of the circle is located at an arbitrary center of a line perpendicular to the electric wire 3 .

The air cylinder 84 is connected to the control unit 20, and the piston 85 reciprocates in a predetermined range according to the request of the CPU 21. Since the tip of the piston 85 abuts against the holding member 81, the housing 14a reciprocates around the fixing member 83 when the piston 85 reciprocates. That is, the coloring nozzle 31 of each coloring device 13 reciprocates in a circular path relative to the electric wire 3 in the range "R" of FIG. 7 .

In the swing part 18, when the air cylinder 84 is reciprocated according to the instruction of the CPU 21, the housing 14a reciprocates around the fixed part 83 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction "A" of the electric wire 3. That is, it is possible to eject the coloring material from the coloring nozzle 31 while reciprocating the coloring nozzle 31 provided in the housing 14 a perpendicular to the longitudinal direction "A" of the electric wire 3 like a pendulum. As a result, regardless of the size of the electric wire 3, the coloring material can be reliably attached to the entire circumference of each colored region 3b on the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3.

The anti-scatter member 71 includes a groove 72 having a substantially U-shaped cross section in which the electric wire 3 is arranged. The size and shape of the groove 72 are formed not to come into contact with all types of electric wires 3 to be colored. The coloring material 7 dripped or scattered from the electric wire 3 is discharged to the outside through the groove 72 . The anti-scattering member 71 is mounted movably upward and downward relative to the substrate 90 by the elevating mechanism 73 . In this way, use of the anti-scattering member 71 allows a large amount of coloring material to be attached to the electric wire 3 so that the coloring material can be reliably attached to the entire circumference of the electric wire 3 .

The cleaning unit 91 includes a cleaning tank 92 for cleaning the coloring nozzles 31 of the coloring device 13 . When the guide rail 14b shown in FIG. 3 transports the casing 14a to the cleaning tank 92, the coloring nozzle 31 in the casing 14a is cleaned and waste liquid is discharged.

When coloring the coloring area 3b, the control unit 20 selects the coloring device 13 corresponding to the color to be colored, and controls the movement of the electric wire 3 in FIG. 3 in the longitudinal direction "A" relative to the corresponding coloring device 13. Then, when the coloring nozzle 31 of the coloring device 13 is located at the coloring position, the air cylinder 84 is driven to swing the coloring nozzle 31 , and the coloring material 7 is ejected from the coloring nozzle 31 when the coloring nozzle 31 is swung.

For example, when the color bar 6 shown in FIG. 8 is formed on the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3, the driver 24 transports the coloring device 13 in the direction of arrow "C", which is indicated by "START" and "END" in FIG. composed of solid and dashed lines. When the three coloring devices 13 face the coloring area 3b on the solid line of the arrow "C", the coloring material 7 is sprayed from the coloring nozzle 31 of the coloring device 13 reciprocating in a circular path, thereby causing the coloring material 7 to be added Go to shaded area 3b.

Then, an embodiment of the control performed by the CPU 21 of the control unit 20 in the case where the color bar 6 as shown in FIG. 5 is formed on the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3 will be explained.

In the present embodiment, the design pattern data in the ROM 22 includes: identification data of the electric wire 3; data for subsequently coloring the corresponding coloring area 3b; data for starting the moving position; data for stopping the moving position ; data of the size (width) of the electric wire 3; and data for a position to start coloring; data for a position to stop coloring.

When the CPU 21 executes the coloring and transport control processing program shown in FIG. 9, in step S31, the CPU 21 receives the identification data of the electric wire 3 by reading the barcode with a reader or by an operator's input, and then stores it in the RAM 23 Store the identification data in . Then, the process proceeds to step S32.

In step 32, the CPU 21 receives one design pattern data corresponding to the identification data from among a plurality of design pattern data, and stores the design pattern in the RAM 23. Then, the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S33, the CPU requests the driver 24 to transfer the coloring device 13 corresponding to the color data of the design pattern data in the RAM 23 to the start movement position indicated by the first data for the position to start movement. Accordingly, the driver 24 drives the slide member 14 to transport the corresponding coloring device 13 to the first start moving position ("START" in FIG. 8). Then, the process proceeds to step S34. Furthermore, in the best mode, since the coloring unit 30 includes a plurality of coloring devices 13, the corresponding coloring devices 13 are references for movement control.

In step 34, according to the changing position data of the design pattern data in the RAM 13, the CPU 21 requests the driver 24 to start moving the coloring device 13. Accordingly, the driver 24 drives the sliding member 14 to transport the corresponding coloring device 13 to the end position ("END" in FIG. 8 ) at a certain speed in the longitudinal direction "A" of the electric wire 3 . Then, the process proceeds to step S35.

In step S35 (coloring control means), it is judged whether the coloring means 13 is located at the start position based on the comparison result between the position data from the driver 24 and the coloring start position data of the design pattern data. When judging that it is not at the coloring start position ("N" in step S35), the CPU 21 waits by repeating the judgment until the coloring device 13 reaches the coloring start position. If it is judged that the coloring device 13 is located at the coloring start position ("Y" in S35), the process proceeds to step S36.

In step S36 (coloring control device), the CPU requests the coloring device 13 located at the coloring position to start spraying coloring material, and requests the air cylinder 84 to start, for example, one-way or round-trip. Accordingly, the driver 24 causes the coloring device 13 to eject the coloring material, and the air cylinder 84 moves the coloring nozzle 31 of the coloring device 13 in a circular path, one way or a reciprocating stroke. Then, the process advances to step S37.

In step S37 (coloring control means), it is judged whether the coloring means 13 is at the coloring stop position based on the comparison result between the position data from the driver 24 and the coloring stop position data from the design pattern data. When judging that the coloring device 13 is not at the coloring stop position ("N" in step S37), the CPU 21 waits until the coloring device 13 reaches the coloring stop position. If it is judged that the coloring device 13 is located at the coloring stop position ("Y" in S37), the process proceeds to step S38.

In step S38 (coloring control means), the CPU 21 requests the driver 24 to stop ejecting the coloring material from the moving coloring means 13. Therefore, the driver 24 causes the coloring device 13 to stop ejecting the colorant. Then, the process proceeds to step S39. In addition, regarding the detection of the coloring stop position, various methods can be accepted, for example, detection of a predetermined period of time from the time when the coloring start position is detected, or detection of stop based on the travel time of one-way or round-trip of the coloring device 13 Shading position.

In step S39, it is judged whether all the colored regions 3b on the electric wire 3 have been colored according to the judgment result of whether the coloring device 13 has reached the stop moving position. When it is judged that coloring has not ended ("N" at step S39), the process returns to step S35, and a series of processes is repeated. When it is judged that the coloring is finished ("Y" at step S39), the process proceeds to step S40.

In step S40, it is judged whether the CPU 21 has received a request for coloring the next electric wire 3. When judging that the CPU 21 has received the above request ("Y" in S40), the process returns to step 31, and a series of processes is repeated. When judging that the CPU 21 has not received the request ("N" in S40), the process proceeds to step S41.

In step S41, it is judged whether the CPU 21 has received a termination request. When judging that the CPU 21 has not received a termination request ("N" in S41), the process returns to step S31, and a series of processes is repeated to color the next electric wire 3. When it is judged that the CPU 21 has received a termination request ("Y" in S41), the processing is terminated.

Next, an example of the operation (action) of the electric wire coloring apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 8 .

When receiving the product number of the electric wire 3 to be colored, the electric wire coloring apparatus 1 extracts design pattern data corresponding to the product number. The design pattern data includes data corresponding to three colored regions 3b. The coloring start position data corresponding to the first coloring area 3b includes positions "L11", "L13", "L15". The coloring stop position data includes positions "L12", "L14", and "L16".

When the coloring device 13 reaches the first coloring start position indicated by "L11" of the coloring area 3b, the coloring unit 30 starts spraying the coloring material 7, and moves the coloring device 13 in a circular path one way or a round trip. Then, when the coloring device 13 reaches the coloring stop position "L12", the coloring unit 30 stops ejecting the coloring material 7, and stops moving the coloring device 13 in a circular path. Therefore, the coloring material 7 jetted from the coloring nozzle 31 is attached to the entire circumference of the first coloring region 3 b on the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 .

Similarly, when the coloring device 13 reaches the second coloring start position "L13", the coloring unit 30 starts spraying the coloring material 7, and moves the coloring device 13 in a circular path one way or a round trip. Then, when the coloring device 13 reaches the coloring stop position "L14", the coloring unit 30 stops ejecting the coloring material 7, and stops moving the coloring device 13 in a circular path. Then, when the coloring device 13 reaches the third coloring start position "L15", the coloring unit 30 starts spraying the coloring material 7, and moves the coloring device 13 in a circular path one way or a round trip. Then, when the coloring device 13 reaches the coloring stop position "L16", the coloring unit 30 stops ejecting the coloring material 7, and stops moving the coloring device 13 in a circular path.

Thus, the color stripe 6 consisting of three colored regions 3b is formed on the entire circumference of the outer surface 3a of the electric wire 3. As shown in FIG. This process is repeated to form the color bar 6 over the entire circumference of the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 when the transfer device 10 transfers the clip 11 of the clamping rod to set the next electric wire 3 . According to the electric wire coloring apparatus 1 as described above, the coloring nozzle 31 that is the tip of the coloring device 13 that ejects the coloring material 7 reciprocates in a circular path perpendicular to the longitudinal direction "A" of the electric wire 3, and only in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 3 The coloring device 13 is moved up "A" so that the coloring material 7 is attached to the entire circumference of the coloring area 3b. Therefore, the color stripe 6 is reliably formed over the entire circumference of the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 without moving the coloring device 13 in a direction perpendicular to the electric wire 3 . Therefore, the color bar 6 can be recognized from every direction. Further, since the coloring device 13 is moved in only one longitudinal direction, the transfer device can be simplified and the cost of the transfer device can be reduced. According to this, the structure and control of the electric wire coloring apparatus 1 can be simplified. Further, the electric wire 3 with the colored stripe 6 has better visibility and design perception than the electric wire 3 with a one-sided colored area on the outer surface 3a. Further, since the color bars 6 for identifying the electric wires 3 are easily formed on the electric wires 3, the inventory of the electric wires 3 corresponding to the colors of the electric wires 3 can be reduced. Further, it is also possible to reduce storage of electric wires due to reduction of stock of electric wires. Therefore, the space for handling electric wires can also be reduced.

Since the coloring nozzle 31 of the coloring device 13 is moved in a circle whose center is located on a line perpendicular to the electric wire 3 , the coloring material 7 is sprayed over a wide range of the electric wire 3 . Therefore, the color stripe 6 is reliably formed in the entire circumference of the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 , and the coloring apparatus 1 is easily adapted to a change in size of the electric wire 3 .

Since the coloring material 7 is prevented from scattering by the anti-scattering member 71, the range of reciprocating motion in the circular path of the coloring device 13 can be increased. Therefore, the color stripe 6 is reliably formed in the entire circumference of the outer surface 3 a of the electric wire 3 , and the coloring apparatus 1 is easily adapted to a change in size of the electric wire 3 .

Since the control device 21a controls the coloring device 13 to spray the coloring material only when the reciprocating device 18 reciprocates the coloring nozzle 31 of the coloring device 13, the control of the coloring apparatus 1 is further simplified and the discharge of the coloring material 7 is reduced.

Furthermore, in the best mode, the electric wire coloring apparatus 1 colors one electric wire 3 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various embodiments can be used. For example, in a state where a plurality of electric wires 3 are arranged in parallel in a direction "F" perpendicular to a longitudinal direction "A" of the electric wires 3 , the coloring nozzle 31 is moved in a circular path around the central electric wire 3 .

Further, in the best mode, the slide member 14 moves the coloring device 13 and the swing member 18 in the longitudinal direction "A" of the electric wire 3 . However, the transmission device 10 can move the wire 3 .

Although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention as defined hereinafter, they should be construed as being included therein.

Claims (4)

1. electric wire coloring apparatus, thus be used for by forming color belt on the additional outer surface of coloured material on the outer surface of electric wire at electric wire, and described equipment comprises:

Color applicator is used for to the spraying pigmented material of the outer surface of electric wire;

Reciprocating apparatus, be used to make the most advanced and sophisticated reciprocating motion of color applicator, wherein from the most advanced and sophisticated spraying pigmented material of this color applicator, and, on the direction that the longitudinal direction with electric wire intersects, move described tip circularly each coloured material is appended to the mode with the whole circumference of the corresponding painted areas of each color belt;

Transmitting device is used for the described color applicator of transmission and described reciprocating apparatus or electric wire on the longitudinal direction of described electric wire; With

Control device, be used for controlling from the spraying pigmented material of described color applicator, and described transmitting device described color applicator is transferred to painted areas as upper/lower positions after to as described in the reciprocating motion of color applicator control, wherein said position is the position that described color applicator appends to coloured material described painted areas.

2. equipment according to claim 1,

Wherein this reciprocating apparatus comprises cylinder, is used for the tip of mobile color applicator on following circle, the center of circle of described circle be positioned at the perpendicular line of electric wire on.

3. equipment according to claim 1 and 2,

Wherein this color applicator comprises the anti-scatter material that is used to prevent be ejected into the coloured material scattering of electric wire.

4. according to any one described equipment in the claim 1 to 3,

Wherein only when described reciprocating apparatus makes the most advanced and sophisticated reciprocating motion of color applicator, this control device control color applicator is with spraying pigmented material.

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