CN101978438B - Apparatus for coloring electric wire - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are an apparatus and method for coloring electric wires so that the coloring material can be quickly dried and the coloring material is prevented from coming off from the outer surface of the wire so that the electric wire can be identified reliably and easily Change the coloring pattern. A coloring device (1) colors an outer surface (5a) of an electric wire (5) moving in a moving direction P. The coloring apparatus (1) includes a roller member (31), and first to twelfth spraying units (40A to 40L). The outer peripheral wall surface (31a) of the rotating roller member (31) is in contact with the outer surface (5a) of the electric wire (5), and rotates as the electric wire (5) moves. The first to twelfth spraying units (40A to 40L) can spray coloring materials of mutually different colors onto the peripheral wall surface (31a) of the roller member (31).

Description

Equipment for coloring wires

technical field

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for coloring the outer surface of an electric wire moving in one direction. the

Background technique

A variety of electronic devices are mounted on motor vehicles in the form of mobile units. Accordingly, a wiring harness is provided on a motor vehicle for transmitting electric power from a power source to these electronic devices, and for sending control signals from a computer to the electronic devices. A wiring harness consists of multiple wires and connectors attached to the ends of the wires. the

The electric wire has a conductive core wire and a covering made of an insulating synthetic resin, the covering covering the core wire. Such electric wires are so-called covered wires. The connector includes a terminal fitting and a connector housing in which the terminal fitting is accommodated. A terminal fitting consists of a conductive sheet metal or similar component which is attached to the end of an electrical wire and makes electrical connection with the cores of the electrical wire. The housing of the connector is made of electrically insulating synthetic resin, which is formed into a box-shaped structure. When the connector housing is connected to the electronic device, each wire is connected to the corresponding electronic device through the terminal fitting, and the wire harness can thereby transmit power and signals to each electronic device. the

When assembling the wire harness, the wires are first cut to specific lengths, and then, after the coating near the ends of the wires is removed, terminal fittings are attached to the ends of the wires. Connect one wire to another as desired. Then, the terminal fitting is inserted into the connector housing, thereby assembling the wire harness. the

The wires in the wiring harness must be differentiated in several respects, including the size of the core wire, the material of the covering layer (involving material replacement depending on heat resistance), and the use. The usage aspect refers, for example, to air bags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), control signal lines, and systems in motor vehicles using electric lines such as transmission systems. Thus, the outer surfaces of the electric wires used in the wire harness need to be colored by a coloring device in order to identify the purpose of these electric wires (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). the

The wire coloring apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is mounted on a wire cutting machine. The wire cutter cuts the wire into prescribed lengths after moving it in the lengthwise direction. A coloring device for electric wires includes a plurality of spray units, and a duct with a suction unit. The spraying unit sprays colorants with different colors according to a predetermined coloring pattern. A conduit is arranged at a position downstream of the coloring device in the direction of movement of the electric wire. the

While the electric wire cutting machine moves the electric wire lengthwise, the electric wire coloring device with the above-mentioned structure utilizes the spray unit to deposit the coloring material on the outer surface of the electric wire according to the coloring pattern, and then, the color is matched in the conduit. The material is fully dried. the

The electric wire coloring apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a moving unit for moving the electric wire in its longitudinal direction, a container for containing a coloring liquid, a conveying roller, a coloring roller, and a wiper. The conveying roller is rotatably supported, and a part of the conveying roller is immersed in the coloring liquid contained in the tank. The coloring roller is rotatably supported, is arranged on the upper side of the conveying roller, the lower side of the electric wire, and is in contact with both the conveying roller and the electric wire. A plurality of dimples are formed on the peripheral wall surface of the coloring roller. In the moving direction of the wire, the wiper is located downstream of the coloring roller. The scraper has holes for the wire to pass through, and scrapes off excess coloring liquid on the outer surface of the wire. the

In the electric wire coloring apparatus having the above structure, the conveying roller rotates while depositing the coloring liquid on its peripheral wall surface so as to guide the coloring liquid into the dimples on the coloring roller. Then, the coloring roller deposits the coloring liquid in the dimples onto the outer surface of the wire while the moving unit moves the wire in the longitudinal direction. the

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No.2004-134371

[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No.2003-303524

In recent years, considering environmental issues, the demand for replacement of fast-drying solvents has become urgent. The fast-drying solvents are, for example, toluene. dry solvent. These stains using water-based or alcohol-based solvents will take longer to dry than those using fast-drying solvents. the

In the coloring apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, while the wire cutter is moving the wire, the spray unit sprays to deposit the coloring material on the outer surface of the wire. Therefore, if the solvent of the coloring material is an aqueous or alcohol-based solvent, the undried coloring material may adhere to such as a roller for moving the wire if the wire touches the surrounding members before the coloring material is completely dried. and other components, thereby falling off from the wire. As a result, the coloring material deposited on the wire may be uneven or partially removed, and the coloring material adhering to the roller may be deposited again on the outer surface of the wire. Therefore, since there arises a problem that the coloring pattern on the electric wire is different from the predetermined pattern, identification of the electric wire becomes difficult. the

In addition, in the coloring apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, if the shape or layout of the coloring pattern is changed, it is necessary to change the shape of the dimples or the layout of the coloring roller. As a result, there arises a problem that production cost and labor input increase because it is necessary to prepare another coloring roll and replace the coloring roll. There also arises a problem that if the color of the coloring pattern is changed, the coloring liquid in the tank should be changed, which also increases labor input. the

Contents of the invention

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. That is to say, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for coloring electric wires. By using the present invention, the coloring material can be quickly dried to prevent it from being detached from the outer surface of the electric wire, thereby enabling reliable coloring. Wires are easily identified and coloring patterns can be easily changed. the

In order to achieve this object, according to claim 1 of the present invention, the present application provides a device for coloring the outer surface of an electric wire moving in one direction, comprising:

a rotating roller member, the outer peripheral wall of which is in contact with the outer surface of the wire, and which rotates as the wire moves; and

A spraying unit for spraying the coloring material onto the outer peripheral wall surface of the roller member. the

According to claim 2 of the present invention, the application provides the device for coloring electric wires as described in claim 1,

Wherein, a plurality of spraying units are provided for spraying coloring materials of different colors to the outer peripheral wall surface of the turning roller member. the

According to claim 3 of the present invention, the application provides the device for coloring electric wires as described in claim 2,

Therein, the spraying unit is arranged in the circumferential direction of the turning roller member. the

According to claim 4 of the present invention, the application provides the device for coloring electric wires as described in one of claims 1 to 3,

Wherein, grooves in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotating roller member. the

According to claim 5 of the present invention, the application provides the device for coloring electric wires as described in claim 4,

Wherein, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire, a plurality of grooves are arranged; and

A drive unit is provided for moving the roller member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, whereby each groove can be moved closer to or farther away from the corresponding spray unit. the

According to claim 6 of the present invention, the present application provides a method for coloring the outer surface of an electric wire moving in one direction, comprising the steps of:

Spray the coloring material onto the outer peripheral wall of the roller member;

causing the roller member to rotate with the movement of the wire while the outer peripheral wall surface of the roller member is in contact with the outer surface of the wire; and

Rub coloring material onto the outside surface of the wire to color the wire. the

According to the invention according to claim 1, the coloring apparatus includes: a roller member whose outer peripheral wall surface is in contact with the outer surface of the electric wire and arranged to rotate as the electric wire moves; and for spraying the coloring material to the roller The injection unit on the outer peripheral wall of the component. Thus, when the turning roller member rotates, the coloring material will be rubbed onto the outer surface of the electric wire, and the coloring material on the outer surface of the electric wire is cast into a very thin uniform film shape, thereby smearing the outer surface of the electric wire. coloring process. Therefore, the drying time of the coloring unit can be significantly shortened, and a colorant that can replace quick-drying solvents such as toluene with an aqueous solvent or an alcoholic solvent can be used. Thus, an environmentally friendly electric wire can be produced. the

In addition, in general, when using a coloring material containing an aqueous solvent or an alcoholic solvent, in order to dry the coloring material quickly, a plurality of spraying units are provided, and these spraying units spray the colorant of the same color at the same time, and reduce the The size of the droplets ejected from the jetting unit. However, according to the present invention, the drying time is remarkably shortened by using one spray unit and roller member. Thus, the number of ejection units can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a drying device for drying the coloring material, so that the equipment for coloring electric wires can be downsized. the

According to the invention described in claim 2, a plurality of ejection units are provided for ejecting coloring materials of mutually different colors onto the outer peripheral wall surface of the roller member. Thus, the color of the coloring pattern can be changed only by selecting from these ejection units and driving those ejection units ejecting the coloring material with a desired color. Thus, the manual operations required for changing colors can be significantly reduced, and the work time required for changing colors can be greatly shortened. Thus, the wire coloring operation can be continuously performed. the

According to the invention described in claim 3, the spraying units are arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotary roller member. Thus, each spray unit can be equally moved closer to the transfer roller member. Thus, each ejection unit can reliably eject the coloring material onto the outer surface of the roller member. the

According to the invention described in claim 4, grooves in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer peripheral wall surface of the roller member. Thus, the spraying unit sprays the coloring material into the groove, and the electric wire is set in the groove. Accordingly, the coloring material can reliably contact the electric wire, and the electric wire can be reliably colored. In addition, by spraying the coloring material into the grooves, the coloring material is not sprayed to a portion of the roller member where it does not come into contact with the electric wire. Thus, useless amounts of coloring materials can be reduced. the

According to the invention described in claim 5, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire, a plurality of grooves are provided, and a driving unit is provided for moving the rotating roller member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, Therefore, each groove can be moved closer to or farther away from the corresponding spraying unit. Thus, each groove can be easily moved closer to and away from the corresponding ejection unit, and each ejection unit can reliably eject the coloring material into the corresponding groove. the

According to the present invention described in claim 6, the coloring method includes the steps of: spraying the coloring material onto the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotating roller member; Rotates with movement; rubs coloring material onto the outer surface of the wire to color the wire. Thus, the coloring material on the outer surface of the electric wire can be cast in a very thin uniform film shape, thereby realizing the coloring of the electric wire. Therefore, the drying time of the coloring unit can be significantly shortened, and a colorant that can replace quick-drying solvents such as toluene with an aqueous solvent or an alcoholic solvent can be used. Thus, an environmentally friendly electric wire can be produced. the

In addition, under normal circumstances, if the coloring material using water-based solvent or alcohol solvent is used, in order to dry the coloring material quickly, a plurality of spraying units are provided, and these spraying units spray the colorant of the same color at the same time, and reduce the The size of the droplets ejected from the jetting unit. However, according to the present invention, the drying time is significantly shortened by using one spray unit. Thus, the number of ejection units can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a drying device for drying the coloring material, so that the equipment for coloring electric wires can be downsized. the

Description of drawings

The explanatory view among Fig. 1 has represented the structure of a kind of electric wire cutting machine, is installed with the electric wire coloring equipment of one embodiment of the present invention on this cutting machine;

The enlarged explanatory diagram in Fig. 2 shows the structure around the transfer roller member of the electric wire coloring equipment shown in Fig. 1;

The perspective view in Fig. 3 has represented the structure around the transfer roller member in the electric wire coloring equipment shown in Fig. 2;

The side view among Fig. 4 has represented when the electric wire coloring equipment shown in Fig. 3 works, the positioning relationship between the electric wire and the roller member;

Fig. 5 is the front view of electric wire and roller member shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is the top view of the wire shown in Fig. 5, being colored;

The explanatory view in Fig. 7 shows the structure of the spraying unit of the electric wire coloring apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is an explanatory view showing the structure of the control unit of the wire coloring device shown in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 9 shows a modified example of the colored electric wire shown in Fig. 6 . the

The reference signs are defined as follows:

1 Equipment for coloring wires

5 wires

5a The outer surface of the wire

10 wire cutting machine

31 roller components

31a The peripheral wall surface of the roller member

32 linear guide (drive unit)

34 encoders (detection unit)

35c valve selection circuit (memory unit, control unit)

36A to 36L First to Twelfth Groove

40A to 40L first to twelfth injection unit

The direction of movement of the P wire

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, an apparatus for coloring electric wires (hereinafter simply referred to as “coloring apparatus”) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 . The coloring apparatus according to this embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a wire cutting machine 10 . The wire cutter 10 cuts the wire 5 into specific lengths. The coloring apparatus 1 performs a coloring process on the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 by forming a mark 6 on part of the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 . the

As shown in Figure 1, the electric wire cutting machine 10 comprises: frame 11, and it is as the main body of cutting machine; Guide roller 12; As the conveying roller 13 of electric wire conveying unit; ; Loose absorption unit 20, and cutting unit 15. the

The frame 11 is installed on the factory floor. The frame 11 extends horizontally. Guide rollers 12 are rotatably connected to the ends of the frame 11 . The long electric wire 5 without the mark 6 thereon is wound on the guide roller 12 . The guide roller 12 feeds the electric wire 5 sequentially into the trimming unit 14 , the slack absorbing unit 20 , the ejection units 40A to 40L described below, the encoder 34 described below, and the cutting unit 15 . the

At the other end of the frame 11, a pair of transport rollers 13 are provided. The pair of conveying rollers are rotatably supported by the frame 11 and are vertically arranged. The two conveying rollers 13 are driven by a motor (not shown in the figure) to rotate at the same speed in opposite directions. The delivery rollers 13 sandwich the electric wire 15 therebetween, and pull the electric wire 5 out of the guide roller 12 in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5 . the

The delivery roller 13 having the above structure functions as a pulling unit that pulls the electric wire 5 in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5 . When the delivery roller 13 moves the electric wire 5 in its longitudinal direction, the electric wire 5 moves in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5 with respect to a roller member 31 which will be described later. The electric wire 5 moves from the guide roller 12 to the delivery roller 13 in the direction of the arrow P in FIG. 1 . Arrow P represents the moving direction P of electric wire 5. the

The trimming unit 14 is provided on the delivery roller 13 side of the guide roller 12 , that is, it is provided between the guide roller 12 and the delivery roller 13 . That is, in the moving direction P of the electric wire 5 , the trimming unit 14 is located downstream of the guide roller 12 and upstream of the delivery roller 13 . The trimming unit 14 includes a plate-shaped unit main body 14a, a plurality of first turn rollers 14b, and a plurality of second turn rollers 14c. The main body 14a of the unit is fixed to the frame 11 . the

Both the first and second rollers 14b, 14c are rotatably supported by the main body 14a of the unit. A plurality of first turning rollers 14 b arranged above the electric wire 5 are provided in the moving direction P of the electric wire 5 . A plurality of second turning rollers 14 c are provided in the moving direction P of the electric wire 5 , and these turning rollers are arranged below the electric wire 5 . The first and second turn rollers 14b and 14c are arranged in a staggered shape. the

The trimming unit 14 having the above structure sandwiches the electric wire 5 led out from the guide roller 12 by the conveying roller 13 between the first roller 14b and the second roller 14c. Thus, the trimming unit 14 applies a frictional force to the electric wire 5 by sandwiching the electric wire 5 between the first and second turning rollers 14b and 14c. That is, the frictional force applied to the electric wire 5 by the trimming unit 14 is used as the first urging force Q1 , which is opposite to the pulling direction of the electric wire 5 (the moving direction P of the electric wire 5 ) by the conveying roller 13 . The urging force Q1 is smaller than the pulling force applied to the electric wire 5 by the transport roller 13 . Thus, the trimming unit 14 tensions the electric wire 5 in the longitudinal direction, thereby tightening the electric wire 5 . the

The slack absorbing unit 20 is provided on the delivery roller 13 side of the finishing unit 14 , that is, it is provided between the finishing unit 14 and the delivery roller 13 . That is, in the moving direction P of the electric wire 5 , the slack absorbing unit 20 is located downstream of the trimming unit 14 and upstream of the conveying roller 13 . In addition, the slack absorbing unit 20 is arranged between the finishing unit 14 and a turn roller member 31 which will be described later. the

The slack absorbing unit 20 includes a pair of frames 21 for supporting guide rollers, a pair of guide rollers 22 , a frame 23 for supporting driving rollers, driving rollers 24 , and an air cylinder 25 . the

A frame 21 for supporting the guide rollers is fixed to the frame 11 . A frame 21 for supporting the guide rollers extends vertically from the frame 11 . Two frames 21 for supporting the guide rollers are arranged with a certain gap in the moving direction of the electric wire 5 . the

The frame 21 for supporting the guide rollers rotatably supports the corresponding guide rollers 22 . Guide rollers 22 are arranged below the electric wires 5. Since the outer peripheral wall surface of the guide roller 22 is in contact with the electric wire 5, the guide roller 22 can guide the electric wire 5 so that it does not deviate from the moving direction P. As shown in FIG. Thus, the guide roller 22 guides the moving direction of the electric wire 5 . the

A frame 23 for supporting the drive roller is fixed to the frame 11 . A frame 23 for supporting the driving roller extends vertically from the frame 11 . A frame 23 for supporting the drive roller is interposed between two frames 21 for supporting the guide roller. the

Supported by a frame 23 for supporting the driving roller, the driving roller 24 is rotatably movable in the vertical direction. The drive roller 24 is arranged above the electric wire 5 at the center between the two guide rollers 22 . the

The cylinder 25 includes a cylinder main body 25a and a retractable piston rod 25b, and the piston rod can be extended or retracted from the cylinder main body 25a. The air cylinder main body 25 a is fixed to a frame for supporting the driving roller 23 , and is arranged above the electric wire 5 . A telescoping piston rod 25b extends downward from the cylinder body 25a. That is, the telescopic piston rod 25b extends toward the electric wire 5 . The drive roller 24 is connected to a telescoping piston rod 25b. the

When the compressed gas is delivered to the inside of the cylinder main body 25a, the cylinder 25 will push down the retractable piston rod 25b, that is, the driving roller 24 will generate the second urging force Q2. Thus, the air cylinder 25 pushes the driving roller 24 toward the electric wire 5 with the second urging force Q2. The second urging force Q2 is smaller than the first urging force Q1. the

When the two cutting blades 15a of the cutting unit 15 to be introduced below moved closer to each other, the motion of the electric wire 5 would stop once, so that the electric wire 5 was cut, and the electric wire 5 would move along the direction of the arrow P due to inertia, thereby , between the two guide rollers 22, the wire 5 will become slack. At this time, in the slack absorbing unit 20, the telescopic piston rod 25b in the air cylinder 25 will be stretched out, and the driving roller 24 will move downward (shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1). In this way, the slack absorbing unit 20 will use the second actuating force Q2 in the vertical direction to act on the slack wire 5 between the two guide rollers 22 to eliminate the slack phenomenon and keep the wire 5 in a tight state. the

In the moving direction P of the electric wire 5, the cutting unit 15 is arranged downstream of the two rotors 34a of the encoder 34 in the coloring apparatus 1, the encoder 34 of which will be described later. The cutting unit 15 includes two blades 15a. The two blades 15a are arranged vertically. The two blades 15a can move closer or farther away from each other in the vertical direction. When the two blades 15a moved closer to each other, the two blades 15a would clamp the electric wire 5 sent from the two conveying rollers 13 and cut it off. When the two blades 15a move away from each other, the two blades 15a will leave the electric wire 5 . the

While the two blades 15a of the cutting unit 15 are separated from each other, the electric wire cutter 10 clamps the electric wire 5 by two conveying rollers 13, and conveys the electric wire 5 along the direction of the arrow P. In this way, after the electric wire 5 of a predetermined length has been fed, the rotation of the feeding roller 13 is stopped. Then, the two blades 15a move toward each other, clamp the electric wire 5 and cut it. Thus, the electric wire cutter 10 cuts the electric wire 5 after moving it along the arrow P. As shown in FIG. the

The coloring device 1 colors the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 moving along the arrow P. As shown in FIG. Such electric wires 5 constitute a wiring harness to be mounted to a motor vehicle or a mobile unit or the like. the

As shown in FIG. 5 , the electric wire 5 includes a conductive core wire 51 and an electrically insulating covering layer 52 . A plurality of wire elements 51 a are bundled together to form the core wire 51 . Each wire element 51a of the core wire 51 is made of conductive metal. The core wire 51 may consist of a single wire element. The covering layer 52 is made of synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride. The covering layer 52 covers the core wire 51 . Thus, the outer surface of the covering layer 52 is the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 . the

The cladding layer 52 has a monochromatic color N (as indicated in FIG. 6 ). A desired colorant may be mixed with the synthetic resin of the covering layer 52, thereby giving the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 a single color, or alternatively, the single color N may be set to the synthetic resin itself. color, so that there is no need to add a colorant to the synthetic resin of the cladding layer 52 . In the latter case, if the monochromatic color N is the color of the synthetic resin itself, the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 is said to be uncolored. Therefore, "uncolored" means that the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 is the color of the synthetic resin itself, and no coloring agent is mixed in the synthetic resin of the coating layer 52 . the

If the coloring apparatus 1 colors the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 , a mark 6 as shown in FIG. 6 is formed on the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 . The color of the marking 6 is the first color A (shown by parallel oblique lines in FIG. 6 ). The first color A is different from the monochromatic color N. The planar shape of the marker 6 is substantially a square shape with rounded corners, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5 (moving direction P of the electric wire 5). The shape and layout (position on the electric wire 5) of the mark 6 are determined according to a predetermined pattern. the

After the electric wires 5 are cut to a fixed length by the electric wire cutter 10, a plurality of electric wires 5 are bundled and connectors are coupled at their ends, thereby forming a wire harness. Then, the connector is connected with the connectors of various electronic devices on the vehicle or the like, and the wiring harness, that is, the wire 5 sends various signals to the electronic devices and supplies power. the

In addition, if the first color A of the mark 6 is changed to various colors (in this embodiment, it is any one of the second to twelfth colors B to L), it is possible to connect various electric wires 5 to each other. distinguish. The first to twelfth colors A to L are different from each other. The color of the marking 6 is used as an identification measure for the type of wire in the harness or system. That is, the first to twelfth colors A to L of the marks 6 on the electric wires 5 are used to identify the purpose of the electric wires 5 in the wire harness. the

As shown in FIG. 1 , a coloring device 1 forms a mark 6 on an outer surface 5 a of an electric wire 5 . The coloring apparatus 1 is arranged on the delivery roller 13 side of the slack absorption unit 20 and interposed between the slack absorption unit 20 and the delivery roller 13 . That is, the coloring apparatus 1 is arranged at a downstream position of the slack absorbing unit 20 and at an upstream position of the conveyance roller 13 in the moving direction P of the electric wire 5 . the

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the coloring apparatus 1 includes a support frame 30, a roller member 31, a linear guide 32 as a driving unit, an air cylinder 33, first to twelfth spraying units 40A to 40L (in FIG. 3 Partially shown), an encoder 34 (see FIG. 1 ) as a detection unit, and a control unit 35 (see FIG. 1 ). A support frame 30 is fixed to the frame 11 . A support frame 30 extends upwardly from the frame 11 . the

The turning roller member 31 is arranged above the electric wire 5 and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the turn roller member 31 includes a central shaft 31 b, a turn roller 31 c, and first to twelfth 36A to 36L. The central shaft 31b is made of ceramics or the like, and is formed into a cylindrical shape. The end of the central shaft 31b is longitudinally fitted into a bearing 32c formed in a slider 32b of a linear guide 32 to be described later, and the end of the central shaft is rotatably supported by the slider 32b. Thus, the turning roller member 31 is supported to be rotatable. the

The rotary roller 31c is made of ceramics or the like, which is formed into a hollow cylindrical shape. The turn roller 31c is arranged outside the central axis 31b. Therefore, the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotary roller 31 c is the outer peripheral wall surface 31 of the rotary roller member 31 . The above-mentioned one end portion of the center shaft 31b protrudes from one end of the rotary roller 31c in the longitudinal direction thereof. The other end of the center shaft 31b is arranged inside the turning roller 31c. the

First to twelfth grooves 36A to 36L are formed on the outer peripheral wall surface 31a of the rotary roller 31c, that is, the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotary roller member 31, and these grooves are formed to extend in the entire circumferential direction of the rotary roller member 31. . The grooves 36A to 36L are arranged along the lengthwise direction of the roller member 31 with gaps therebetween. That is, the grooves 36A to 36L are arranged in parallel along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5 . The first to twelfth grooves 36A to 36L correspond to the first to twelfth ejection units 40A to 40L, respectively. The number of grooves is the same as the number of ejection units (12). Any one of the ejection units 40A to 40L ejects the coloring material into the interior of the corresponding one of the grooves 36A to 36L. In addition, each of the grooves 36A to 36L is sized to allow the electric wire 5 to enter therein, and the electric wire 5 is received into the groove. the

The roller member 31 having the above structure is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 4, when the coloring device 1 was working for forming the mark 6, the roller member 31 moved in the vertical direction so that the rear bottom wall 36a of the first groove 36A close to the electric wire 5 (as shown in Figure 4 ) drops below the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 close to the roller member 31 (as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4 ). Thus, the rear bottom wall 36a of the first groove 36A on the side of the electric wire 5 pushes the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 on the side of the roller member 31 vertically downward. In this way, the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 4 is pushed down to the position shown by the dashed-two dotted line in FIG. 4 . the

That is, the rear bottom wall 36a of the first groove 36A, that is, the outer peripheral wall surface 31a of the roller member 31 is in contact with the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 in the vertical direction. Thus, the rotating roller member 31 at the position shown in FIG. 4 is supported so that it will rotate in the arrow R direction around the central axis 31b as the electric wire 5 moves in the arrow P direction. the

In addition, the roller member 31 is supported so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , when the coloring apparatus 1 is operated to form the mark 6 , the roller member 31 is positioned in the horizontal direction such that the first groove 36A receives the electric wire 5 . the

As shown in FIG. 3, the linear guide 32 includes a guide rail 32a and a slider 32b. The guide rail 32a is formed into a linear shape. The guide rails 32a are arranged horizontally and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the electric wires 5 . The guide rail 32a is supported by the support frame 30 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The slider 32b is supported by the guide rail 32a, and is supported so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 32a. The slider 32 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 32a by an unshown power source such as a motor. The roller member 31 is coupled to the slider 32b. the

When the slide block 32b moved in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 32a, the linear guide 32 with the above-mentioned structure just made the turning roller member 31 move in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 32a, that is to say, the turning roller member moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5. direction to move. Thus, when the roller member 31 moves in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5, the linear guide 32 moves the respective grooves 36A to 36L closer to or farther away from the corresponding ejection units 40A to 40L. the

The cylinder 33 includes a cylinder main body 33a, and a piston rod 33b that can be extended or retracted from the cylinder main body 33a. The cylinder main body 33 a is fixed to the frame 11 and arranged below the electric wire 5 . The movement of the electric wire 5 in the extending direction of the telescopic piston rod 33b will be away from the cylinder main body 33a. The rail 32a of the linear guide 32 is coupled to a telescoping piston rod 33b. the

The air cylinder 33 having the above structure moves the linear guide 32 closer to or farther away from the electric wire 5 in the vertical direction when the telescopic piston rod 33b is extended or retracted. Since the roller member 31 is coupled to the slider 32b of the linear guide 32, when the telescopic piston rod 33b is extended or retracted, the cylinder 33 moves the roller member 31 closer to or farther away from the electric wire 5 in the vertical direction. . the

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , first to twelfth spraying units 40A to 40L are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5 , and these spraying units are arranged in a radial pattern along the circumferential direction of the roller member 31 . The ejection units 40A to 40L are coupled to an ejection unit holder (not shown in the drawings) fixed to the frame 11 . The ejection units 40A to 40L are arranged on the conveying roller 13 side of the slack absorbing unit 20 and between the slack absorbing unit 20 and the conveying roller 13 . That is, in the moving direction P of the electric wire 5 , the ejection units 40A to 40L are located downstream of the slack absorbing unit 20 but located upstream of the conveyance roller 13 . the

The first to twelfth spraying units 40A to 40L can spray the first to twelfth coloring materials onto the outer peripheral wall surface 31 a of the rotary roller member 31 , respectively. The first to twelfth coloring materials have first to twelfth colors A to L, respectively. The first to twelfth colors A to L are different from each other. Since the structures of the first to twelfth spraying units 40A to 40L are basically the same, the first spraying unit 40A will be introduced below and can be generalized to all spraying units. the

The first spray unit 40A includes a first nozzle 41A and a first valve 42A. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first nozzle 41A faces the outer peripheral wall surface 31 a of the rotary roller member 31 . The first nozzle 41A has holes through which the coloring material having the first color flows. The hole extends straight toward the outer peripheral wall surface 31 a of the turn roller member 31 . The opening of the hole faces the outer peripheral wall surface 31a of the roller member 31, and the first coloring material flows into the inside of the hole. The first coloring material supply source 43A supplies the first coloring material to the holes.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the first valve 42A is located between the first nozzle 41A and the first coloring material supply source 43A, and is connected to the first nozzle and the supply source 43A. In addition, the first coloring material supply source 43A is also connected to the compressed gas supply source 45 . The compressed gas supply source 45 supplies compressed gas to the inside of the first coloring material supply source 43A. Incidentally, this compressed gas supply source 45 is also connected to the second to twelfth coloring material supply sources 43B to 43L, and supplies compressed gas to the second to twelfth coloring material supply sources 43B to 43L. 43L. the

When the first valve 42A is opened, the compressed gas delivered from the compressed gas supply source 45 sprays the first coloring material in the hole of the first nozzle 41A onto the outer peripheral wall surface 31a of the roller member 31 through the opening. When the first valve 42A is closed, ejection of the first coloring material in the first nozzle 41A is stopped. the

If the first valve 42A is opened at a predetermined time according to a signal from the valve driving circuit 37 (described below) in the control unit, the first spray unit 40A having the above-mentioned structure will spray to the outer peripheral wall surface of the turning roller member 31. 31a sprays a predetermined amount of the first coloring material. Therefore, the first spraying unit 40A immediately sprays a predetermined amount of the first coloring material. Incidentally, "spraying" means that the liquid first coloring material is sprayed toward the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 in a droplet state. the

Similar to the first spraying unit 40A described above, the second to twelfth spraying units 40B to 40L can also spray prescribed amounts of the second to twelfth coloring materials onto the outer peripheral wall surface 31 a of the roller member 31 . The first to twelfth spraying units correspond to the first to twelfth grooves 36A to 36L on the roller member 31, respectively. When the linear guide 32 moves the roller member 31 in the horizontal direction, the openings of the ejection units 40A to 40L face the corresponding grooves 36A to 36L, respectively. Thus, the spraying units 40A to 40L spray the first to twelfth coloring materials onto the outer peripheral wall surface 31a of the roller member 31 so as to spray the first to twelfth coloring materials into the grooves 36A to 36L. the

The above-mentioned first to twelfth coloring materials refer to liquid substances in which colorants (organic substances used in industry) are dissolved and dispersed in a solvent. Colorants are dyes or pigments (most of them are organic or synthetic substances). Sometimes "dye" is used as a pigment and "pigment" as a dye. As for the solvent, there are fast-drying type solvents such as toluene, and slow-drying type solvents such as aqueous solvents or alcoholic solvents. As specific examples of the first to twelfth coloring materials, the coloring material may be a coloring liquid or a coating material. the

The coloring liquid is a liquid in which a dye as a coloring material is dissolved and dispersed in a solvent. The coating material is a material in which a pigment as a coloring material is dispersed in a liquid dispersant as a solvent. If the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 is colored by a coloring liquid, the dye will penetrate into the coating 52 of the electric wire 5 . If the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 is colored by a coating material, the pigment will adhere to the outer surface 5 a but will not penetrate into the coating 52 of the electric wire 5 . It is preferable that the solvent and the liquid dispersant have an affinity for the synthetic resin constituting the covering layer 52 in order to reliably penetrate the dye into the covering layer 52 or allow the pigment to adhere reliably to the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 middle. the

That is, the first to twelfth spraying units 40A to 40L dye a part of the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 with a dye, or coat a part of the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 with a pigment. Thus, the phrase "to color the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5" expresses that a part of the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 is dyed with a dye, or a part of the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 is coated with a pigment. the

As shown in FIG. 1, the encoder 34 includes a pair of rotors 34a. The rotor 34 a is arranged at a downstream position of the transport roller 13 in the moving direction P of the electric wire 5 . Each rotor 34a is supported for rotation about its own axis. The outer peripheral wall surface of the rotor 34 a is in contact with the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 sandwiched between the two conveying rollers 13 . The two rotors 34a sandwich the electric wire 5 between them. When the wire 5 moves in the arrow P direction, each rotor 34a rotates. The number of revolutions of the rotor 34a is proportional to the moving distance of the electric wire 5 in the arrow P direction. the

The encoder 34 is connected to a pulse counting circuit 35b of a control unit 35 which will be described later. If the rotor 34a turns over a prescribed angle, the encoder 34 outputs a pulse signal to the control unit 35. That is, the encoder 34 measures data corresponding to the moving speed of the electric wire 5 along the arrow P, and outputs the data to the pulse counting circuit 35b. That is, the encoder 34 outputs a pulse signal corresponding to the moving distance of the electric wire 5 by means of the frictional force between the electric wire 5 and the rotor 34a. However, if the moving distance of the electric wire 5 cannot correspond to the number of pulses due to the condition of the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5, another speed data of the electric wire 5 can be obtained from another position for feedback, and the control unit 35 can control this Two data are compared. the

As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 35 includes a main body 35a housed in a case, a pulse counting circuit 35b, a valve selection circuit 35c as a memory unit and a controller, and first to twelfth valve driving circuits 37A to 37L. The unit main body 35a houses a pulse counting circuit 35b, a valve selection circuit 35c, and first to twelfth valve drive circuits 37A to 37L. the

The pulse count circuit 35b counts the pulse signal input from the encoder 34 . The pulse counting circuit 35b is connected to the valve selection circuit 35c, and the signal output to the valve selection circuit 35c represents the number of pulse signals input from the encoder. In order to increase the resolution of pulses, the pulse counting circuit 35b can divide the very high frequency of the pulse signal generated by the encoder 34, and input the frequency-divided signal into the pulse counting circuit 35b. the

The valve selection circuit 35c is connected to the valve drive circuits 37A to 37L. When a predetermined sequence of pulse signals is input, the valve selection circuit 35c outputs a signal so that the valve drive circuits 37A to 37L open the corresponding valves 42A to 42L. According to the pattern of marks made on the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5, the valve selection circuit 35c outputs signals so that the valve driving circuits 37A to 37L open the valves 42A to 42L. the

That is, the valve selection circuit 35c memorizes the condition of opening one of the valves 42A to 42L or closing all the valves for each pulse signal input from the encoder 34 . In accordance with such memory patterns, the valve selection circuit 35c controls the valve drive circuits 37A to 37L. Incidentally, if the pulse count circuit 35b is directly connected to the valve drive circuits 37A to 37L, the valve selection circuit 35c can be eliminated. the

Therefore, the valve selection circuit 35c memorizes the pattern of coloring the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 in advance. In addition, in response to the moving speed of the electric wire 5 input from the encoder 34, the valve selection circuit 35c can cause the spraying units 40A to 40L to spray the first to twelfth coloring materials to the outside of the electric wire 5 in prescribed amounts according to the memory pattern. on surface 5a. The above-mentioned pulse counting circuit 35b and valve selection circuit 35c are formed by known digital circuits. the

The number of valve drive circuits 37A to 37L is the same as the number of injection units 40A to 40L, and the valve drive circuits 37A to 37L correspond to the respective injection units 40A to 40L, respectively. The valves 42L to 42L of the injection units 40A to 40L are connected to the corresponding valve drive circuits 37A to 37L through interfaces not shown in the drawings. When the valve selection circuit 35c inputs a signal to open the valves 42A to 42L, the valve drive circuits 37A to 37L output an open signal to the valves 42A to 42L. When the valve drive circuits 37A to 37L output signals to the valves 42A to 42L to open the corresponding valves 42A to 42L, the corresponding valves 42A to 42L are opened. Thus, when a signal is output to the valves 42A to 42L, the valve drive circuits 37A to 37L control opening/closing of the corresponding valves 42A to 42L. the

When the coloring apparatus 1 having the above-mentioned structure forms the mark 6 on the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5—that is, when coloring the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5—first, the guide roller 12 is attached to the frame 11. With the two cutting blades 15 a away from each other, the wire 5 wound on the guide roller 12 passes through the trimming unit 14 , the slack absorbing unit 20 , and the coloring device 1 in sequence, and is sandwiched between the two conveying rollers 13 . Then, the coloring material supply sources 43A to 43L corresponding to the ejection units 40A to 40L are connected with the coloring apparatus 1 . Then, the compressed gas supply source 45 is connected to the coloring material supply sources 43A to 43L. the

Then, the telescopic piston rod 33b of the gas 33 is extended, and the roller member 31 is moved upward to a position where it is separated from the electric wire 5 . Then, the slider 32 b of the linear guide 32 moves, thereby moving the roller member 31 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5 . Then, the opening of the hole in the first nozzle 41A of the first spraying unit 40A faces the corresponding groove 36A. Afterwards, the retractable piston rod 25b of the air cylinder 25 retracts to move the roller member 31 downward so that the electric wire 5 is positioned in the groove 36A, and the roller member 31 is pressed against the electric wire 5 in a position. Thus, the outer peripheral wall surface 31 a of the roller member 31 will press (contact) the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 . the

Then, the delivery roller 13 is rotated to pull the electric wire 5 out of the guide roller 12 in the longitudinal direction thereof. In addition, the trimming unit 14 applies the first urging force Q1 to the electric wire 5 to tension the electric wire 5 . Then, the air 25 presses against the driving roller 24 , that is, applies the second urging force Q2 to the electric wire 5 . the

Then, when a predetermined sequence of pulse signals is input from the encoder 34 to the pulse counting circuit, the first valve drive circuit 37A connected to the first valve 42A opens the first valve 42A once at a predetermined time. In this way, as shown in FIG. 5 , the first spraying unit 40A sprays the first coloring material into the inside of the corresponding groove 36A. the

Then, as the electric wire 5 moves, the roller member 31 rotates along the arrow R, and the first coloring material in the groove 36A is moved closer to the electric wire 5 . Thus, the first coloring material is rubbed onto the outer surface 5 a of the electric wire 5 . Thus, by rubbing the first coloring material onto the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5, the first coloring material is cast in a very thin uniform film shape. the

Then, the solvent or liquid dispersant is evaporated from the first coloring material; thus, the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 is dyed with a dye or coated with a pigment. Since the first coloring material is cast in a very thin shape, even if the solvent or liquid dispersant is a slow-drying type such as aqueous solvent or alcohol solvent, the solvent or liquid dispersant evaporates quickly and the coloring material dries quickly. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the mark 6 formed on the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 moves along the arrow P, and the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 is colored. the

If the control unit 35 judges that the electric wire 5 has moved a prescribed distance based on the data obtained from the encoder 34 , the control unit 35 stops the conveyance roller 13 . In this way, the wire 5 becomes slack—especially between the two guide rollers 22 of the slack absorbing unit 20 . Then, the telescopic piston rod 25b of the air cylinder 25 of the slack absorbing unit 20 is extended, and the driving roller 24 is moved to the position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1 by the second urging force Q2. Then, the slack absorbing unit 20 removes the slack of the electric wire 5 . After that, the two cutting blades 15a approach each other, sandwich the electric wire 5 therebetween, and cut the electric wire 5 . Thus, the electric wire 5 with the mark 6 of the first color A on its outer surface 5a is produced. the

If the color of the mark 6 changes from the first color to other colors (such as the second color B), then while the conveying roller 13 is stopped, the telescopic piston rod 33b of the cylinder 33 is stretched out to move the roller member 31 upwards, That is, the roller member is moved to a position away from the electric wire 5 . Then, the slider 32b of the linear guide 3 moves so that the roller member 31 moves in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5, so that the opening of the hole in the second nozzle 41B of the second spray unit 40B faces the corresponding second nozzle 41B. groove 36B. Then, the telescopic piston rod 33b of the air cylinder 33 retracts, so that the roller member 31 moves downward in the vertical direction, thereby placing the electric wire 5 in the second groove 36B, so that the roller member 31 presses ( contact) with wire 5. Then, as described above, the transport roller 13 is rotated. the

According to this embodiment, the coloring apparatus 1 includes: the rotating roller member 31 whose outer peripheral wall surface 31a is in contact with the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5, and the rotating roller member rotates with the movement of the electric wire 5; the first to twelfth spraying units , which are used to spray the first to twelfth coloring materials onto the outer peripheral wall surface 31a of the roller member 31, whereby when the roller member 31 rotates, the coloring materials are rubbed onto the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 . Thus, the coloring material on the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 is cast in a very thin uniform film shape, and the outer surface 5a of the electric wire 5 is subjected to coloring treatment. Therefore, the drying time of the coloring material can be significantly shortened, and a water-based solvent or an alcoholic solvent can be used instead of a quick-drying solvent such as toluene. Thus, an environmentally friendly electric wire can be produced. the

In addition, in general, when using a coloring material containing an aqueous solvent or an alcoholic solvent, in order to dry the coloring material quickly, a plurality of spraying units are provided, and these spraying units spray the colorant of the same color A at the same time, and reduce the Small The size of the liquid droplets ejected from the ejection unit. However, according to the present invention, the drying time is significantly shortened by using the first spray unit 40A and the roller member 31 . Thus, the number of ejection units can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a drying device for drying the coloring material, so that the equipment for coloring the electric wire 5 can be downsized. the

First to twelfth spraying units 40A to 40L are provided so as to be able to spray first to twelfth coloring materials having first to twelfth different colors A to L onto the outer peripheral wall surface 31a of the roller member 31 . Thus, only by selecting an ejection unit whose ejected coloring material has a desired color from among the ejection units 40A to 40L, and driving, the color of the coloring pattern can be changed. Thus, manual operations for changing colors can be significantly reduced, and the time for color changing operations can be greatly shortened. Thus, the operation of coloring the electric wires 5 can be continuously performed. the

The first to twelfth spraying units 40A to 40L are arranged in the circumferential direction of the turn roller member 31 . Thus, these ejection units 40A to 40L can be equally moved closer to the transfer roller member 31 . Thus, the ejection units 40A to 40L can reliably eject the coloring material onto the outer surface 31 a of the roller member 31 . the

First to twelfth grooves 36A to 36L are formed on the outer peripheral wall surface of the roller member 31 , and these grooves are arranged in the circumferential direction of the roller member 31 . Thus, the coloring material is ejected into the first to twelfth grooves 36A to 36L, and the electric wires 5 are arranged in the first to twelfth grooves 36A to 36L. Thereby, the coloring material is brought into contact with the electric wire 5 reliably, and the electric wire 5 can be colored reliably. In addition, by spraying the coloring material into the groove 36 , the coloring material will not be sprayed onto the portion of the roller member 31 that does not come into contact with the electric wire 5 . Thus, useless amounts of coloring materials can be reduced. the

The first to twelfth grooves 36A to 36L are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5, and the turning roller member moves in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 5, so that each The grooves 36A to 36L can all be moved closer to or farther away from the corresponding ejection unit 40A to 40L. Thus, each groove 36A to 36L can be easily moved closer to and farther from the corresponding ejection unit 40A to 40L, and each ejection unit 40A to 40L can reliably eject the coloring material into the corresponding groove 36A to 36L. the

The coloring apparatus 1 includes: an encoder 34 for detecting the moving speed of the electric wire 5; a valve selection circuit 35c for storing a coloring pattern of the electric wire 5, which is used to make the first to twelfth spraying units 40A to 40L respond to The moving speed of the electric wire 5 detected by the sensor 34 is used to spray the coloring material onto the outer peripheral wall surface 31a of the roller member 31 in a predetermined pattern. Thus, only by controlling the ejection units 40A to 40L, the pattern and layout of the coloring pattern can be easily changed without changing the roller member 31 . Thus, electric wires 5 having different coloring patterns can be easily produced. the

Since the first to twelfth grooves 36A to 36L are provided corresponding to the first to twelfth ejection units 40A to 40L, the coloring material is ejected only into the grooves 36A to 36L corresponding to the ejection units. Therefore, coloring materials of different colors are not mixed, and the electric wire 5 can be surely colored in a desired color. the

Since the first to twelfth spraying units 40A to 40L are arranged in the moving direction of the electric wire 5, in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction P of the electric wire 5, the coloring apparatus 1 can be miniaturized. the

Since the coloring device 1 is installed on the electric wire cutting machine, and the electric wire cutting machine is used to cut the electric wire 5 after moving along the arrow P, so, when the long electric wire 5 is cut to a prescribed length, the electric wire 5 can be colored as desired. s color. As a result, the space for installing the machine can be reduced, and the man-hours required for handling the electric wire 5 can be reduced. the

In this embodiment, only one marker 6 is made, which is substantially square in shape with rounded corners. However, according to the present invention, the mark 6 is not limited to such a shape, and the mark 6 may have various shapes. For example, the first nozzle 41A may be opened three times at a prescribed time, thereby spraying the first coloring material into the groove 36 three times and rubbing the coloring material onto the electric wire 5 three times. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 9, a long straight shape mark 6 formed by connecting three marks is formed. the

In addition, in this embodiment, the number of the first to twelfth ejection units 40A to 40L and the number of the first to twelfth grooves 36A to 36L are all twelve. However, according to the present invention, the number of spraying units 40 and grooves 36 is not limited. the

In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 35 is mainly constituted by a digital circuit. However, according to the present invention, the control circuit 35 may also be constituted by a computer having a known RAM, ROM, CPU and a known nonvolatile type memory such as EEPROM. In this case, a non-volatile memory such as EEPROM is used as a storage unit, and a CPU is used as a controller. the

In addition, in this embodiment, the electric wires 5 are used to constitute a wire harness provided on the vehicle. However, according to the present invention, the electric wire 5 can be used in various electronic devices such as computers, or in various electrical machines. the

In the present invention, for the colored liquid or coating material, various materials such as acrylic coating material, ink (dye or pigment), and UV-ink can be used. the

Although the present invention has been fully exemplified above 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 these changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention hereinafter defined, they should be construed as being included therein. the

Claims (3)

1. An apparatus for coloring the outer surface of an electric wire moving in one direction, comprising: a roller member whose outer peripheral wall surface is in contact with the outer surface of the electric wire, and which rotates as the electric wire moves; and a spraying unit for spraying the coloring material onto the outer peripheral wall surface of the roller member; Wherein, grooves arranged along the circumferential direction are formed on the outer peripheral wall surface of the roller member; Wherein, a plurality of grooves are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire; and Wherein, a driving unit for moving the roller member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electric wire is provided, so that each groove can be moved closer to or farther away from the corresponding spraying unit. 2. The apparatus for coloring the outer surface of the electric wire moving in one direction according to claim 1, characterized in that: a plurality of spraying units are provided for spraying colors different from each other to the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotating roller member. Same coloring material. 3. The apparatus for coloring the outer surface of an electric wire moving in one direction according to claim 2, wherein the spraying unit is arranged in the circumferential direction of the turning roller member.

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