JP2001251741A - Apparatus and method for support of wiring design and computer-readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To calculate and report a precise shape using a simple setting item, even when a fixing position can be turned or moved. SOLUTION: When position information, which is common to a plurality of wire harnesses(WHs) as targets, is designated in end parts, on one side of the plurality of WHs the whole shape of a WH which, is composed of the plurality of WHs containing the common position information as a branch point and a dynamic balancing position in which the branch point is to be arranged by forming the whole shape are calculated, in such a way that the overall shape is recomputed whenever the common position information is moved by each prescribed amount.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wire design support device and a wire design support method for a wire material, for example, a support device and a wire design for supporting an optimum wire design of various wire harnesses at a design site of an automobile or the like. Regarding support methods.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Various electronic devices such as vehicles such as automobiles and household electric appliances are used to connect between a certain electrical component and another electrical component or between a certain package and another package. Materials are used.

A typical wire material is a so-called wire harness in which a plurality of electric wires and communication wires are appropriately bundled into one bundle by a protective member such as a tape, and predetermined connectors are attached to both ends. In addition, since the number of bundled wires, the thickness of each wire, the presence or absence of a branch point, and the like differ depending on the application (connection destination), the rigidity of the wire harness also varies.

Conventionally, in a design site of a manufacturer that frequently uses such a wire harness, a CAD (computer-aided design) system has been widely used for designing electrical components and packages, but the wiring route of the wire harness has been widely used. As for the design of the length and the number of electric wires and communication lines to be combined into one, it is common for the designer to repeat trial production mainly based on intuition and experience.

However, in recent years, in order to develop a product in a short period of time without trial production of the actual product as much as possible,
A series of design work is being performed on a design support device using a computer or the like, and even in the wiring design of the wire harness described above, an optimal design can be easily performed regardless of the experience of the designer. A feasible support device is desired.

[0006]

Against the background of such needs, in the current CAD system, the B based on a plurality of points (coordinates) defined on a two-dimensional plane or a three-dimensional space by an operator. -Spline curve, Bezier
A function has been developed that automatically calculates a curve or a surface that satisfies (approximates) those points by using a curve or a parametric method such as a NURBS surface.

However, although the shape simulation by these methods satisfies the coordinate data of a plurality of fixed points, it is a simulation by geometric processing. Therefore, it is attempted to apply it to, for example, a case of designing wiring of a wire harness. Since the self-weight and hardness (rigidity) of the wire harness and mechanical factors such as the force generated at a fixed position of a connector or the like due to these factors are not considered, an actual product is manufactured as it is according to the generated shape. This is often difficult (unrealistic).

As an example of the above-described parametric method, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-182017 proposes a method for performing a shape simulation of a wire harness provided along an arm of an industrial robot. In this method, the deformation shape of the wire harness is input by inputting parameters such as a plurality of fixed point positions on the arm of the wire harness to be simulated, a tangent vector at the fixed point positions, a length of the wire harness, and a deformation coefficient. Is automatically calculated to check for interference with other surrounding devices.

However, in the above conventional example,
A semi-fixed support member (clip) for fixing the wire harness, a branch provided on the same wire harness, a force generated at each fixing point due to bending of the wire harness, and the like are not taken into consideration.

In addition, in the automatically calculated shape of the wire harness, since the force applied to the connectors and the like at both ends is not clear, how much strength is required for fixing or whether the strength is appropriate or not. It is difficult to figure out.

Therefore, the present invention provides a wire design support apparatus and a wire design support method for a wire material for calculating and reporting an accurate shape by simple setting items even when a fixed position is rotatable or movable. It is intended to provide a possible storage medium.

[0012]

Means for Solving the Problems To achieve the above object, an apparatus for supporting a wire design of a wire according to the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, based on the plurality of input fixed positions, the fixing directions at the fixed positions, and the deformation coefficient of the linear material, a wiring shape of the linear material satisfying the fixed positions is calculated and reported. An apparatus for assisting wire design of a wire material comprising means, wherein the calculating means includes designation means capable of designating whether or not the target wire material can be rotated around a normal direction at at least one fixed position, When at least one fixed position is designated to be rotatable by the designation means, the shape of the filament is calculated, and the filament attempts to rotate around the normal direction at the designated fixed position. It is characterized by calculating the force to perform.

Also, for example, the fixed position at which the rotation can be specified by the specifying means is an end position of the linear material, and the position information input as the end position is:
The calculating means is a temporary fixed position at which the calculating means is movable when calculating the shape of the wire, and the calculating means is provided at one end of a plurality of target wires at the temporary position. As a fixed position, when common position information is specified by the specifying means for each of the plurality of filaments, a composite filament including the plurality of filaments including the common position information as a branch point. Recalculating the entire shape of the material and the mechanically balanced position where the branch point should be arranged by forming the entire shape each time the common position information is moved by a predetermined amount. It is good to calculate by.

Alternatively, in order to achieve the above object, an apparatus for supporting a wire design of a wire according to the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, based on at least three fixed positions, the fixing directions at the fixed positions, and the deformation coefficient of the linear material, a calculating means for calculating and notifying the wiring shape of the linear material satisfying the fixed positions is provided. An apparatus for supporting the design of a wire provided with a wire, wherein the calculating means, when the target wire includes a branch point, forms the shape of the wire including the branch point and the shape thereof. It is characterized in that a mechanical balance position at which the branch point is to be arranged is calculated.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for supporting a wire design of a wire according to the present invention has the following features.

That is, based on a plurality of fixing positions, fixing directions at the fixing positions, and a deformation coefficient of the linear material,
A wire design support method for calculating and notifying a wire shape of a wire material satisfying the fixed position, comprising: a rotation of a target wire material around a normal direction in at least one fixed position. A designation step of designating whether or not the wire rod is formed, and when at least one fixed position is designated to be rotatable in the designation step, the shape of the filament material is calculated, and the filament material is calculated at the designated fixed position. Calculating a force to rotate about the normal direction.

Further, for example, the fixed position for designating whether or not rotation is possible in the designation step is an end position of the filament, and the position information input as the end position is the position information of the filament. It is a temporary fixed position that can be moved in the calculation step when calculating the shape, and in the designation step, at one end of a plurality of target filaments, as the temporary fixed position, When common position information is specified for each of the plurality of filaments, in the calculation step, the entire composite filament including the plurality of filaments including the common position information as a branch point A shape and a mechanically balanced position at which the branch point is to be arranged by forming the entire shape are calculated by recalculating the entire shape each time the common position information is moved by a predetermined amount. good.

Alternatively, in order to achieve the above object, a wiring design support method for a linear material according to the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, based on at least three fixed positions, fixing directions at the fixed positions, and a deformation coefficient of the linear material, a wire shape of the linear material satisfying the fixed positions is calculated and reported. In the case where the target wire material includes a branch point, the shape of the wire material including the branch point and the dynamics at which the branch point should be arranged by forming the shape. And a calculation step of calculating a typical balance position.

In any case, the bending stiffness E of the wire is determined based on the wire diameter φ by the curvature ρ of the wire. Calculated by a predetermined biquadratic function with respect to
The calculated bending stiffness E may be used to calculate the wiring shape of the linear material.

Further, the present invention is characterized by a computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for realizing the above-mentioned wire material wiring design support apparatus and wiring design support method by a computer.

[0024]

According to the present invention described above, even when the fixed position is rotatable or movable, a wire design support apparatus and a wire design for a wire material which calculates and reports an accurate shape with simple setting items. The support method and the provision of the computer-readable storage medium are realized.

That is, according to the first and sixth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to accurately calculate the force to be generated at a rotatable fixed position.

Further, according to the second and seventh aspects of the present invention, it is possible to accurately calculate the shape of the composite linear material including the branches.

According to the third and eighth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to accurately calculate the balanced shape of the linear material including the movable branch.

Further, according to the fifth and ninth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to accurately calculate the shape of the actually achievable linear material.

[0029]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a wire design support apparatus and a wire design method according to the present invention. An embodiment applied to the case where wiring design of a harness is performed will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram exemplifying the entire shape of a wire harness to be designed in this embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape of the wire harness illustrated in FIG. 1.

The wire harness shown in FIG. 1 has a connector 11 connected to the electrical component 12 at each end, and has three branch points (branch points).

In the cross section of the wire portion of the wire harness, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of electric wires 15 are formed of a protective member such as a tape 16 or a binding member (not shown) made of synthetic resin (for example, curl or insulation lock). Binder)) and the like. For this reason, in the wire harness illustrated in FIG. 1, basically, the number of wires bundled toward the left side of FIG. 1 is large, and the number of wires bundled toward the right side through each branch is small. Few. The central portion of the wire harness is protected by a protective member 14 having a higher strength than other portions to prevent the electric wire 15 and the conductive wire (not shown) from being exposed due to contact (friction) with an external interference. Is protected.

Further, in the wire harness illustrated in FIG. 1, each connector 11 is detachably attached to a predetermined fixing position according to a fixing position of a pair of connectors (not shown) provided on the electrical component 12 side and a mounting direction thereof. Fixed as possible. FIG.
Is attached to a predetermined position such as an inner surface of a product housing or a stay.
A support member that holds the wire harness fixedly or semi-fixed (rotatable about an axis) at the predetermined position.

Each branch point on the wire harness can be mechanically balanced according to the rigidity of each part, the fixing position of each connector 11, the fixing position of each clip 13, and the supporting method thereof. Placed in the position.

FIG. 3 is a view exemplifying a shape of a rotary clip for holding a wire harness to be designed in the present embodiment.

As an example of the clip 13, a rotary clip 13A whose section is shown in FIG. 3A and whose top view is shown in FIG.
A resin clip formed with two support legs having a semicircular cross-section and a pedestal formed on an upper portion thereof for holding a wire harness 17 is provided on a base 18. By being inserted into the provided circular mounting hole, it is rotatable around an axis passing through the center of the circle. In the present embodiment, a rotatable support member like the rotating clip 13A is generically referred to as a rotating clip in the following description.

As a clip for fixing the wire harness at a predetermined position without rotating it, although not shown, for example, a rectangular mounting hole is provided in the base 18 and a rotary clip 13A shown in FIG. If the cross section of the support leg of the book is formed in a rectangular shape in accordance with the size of the rectangular mounting hole, a fixed clip can be realized. In the following description, such clips are collectively referred to as fixed clips.

Here, the support member for supporting the wire harness and the degree of freedom when fixed by the support member will be summarized.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a list of types of support members and their degrees of freedom handled in calculating the shape of the wire harness according to the present embodiment. , Fixing clips, rotating clips, and, although not strictly the fixing method, the bifurcation (free end) as a control. Further, in the horizontal column, when a resultant force exists at a position where the wire harness is fixed by the support members at the three-dimensional coordinates xyz, whether or not the fixed position can be moved according to the resultant force is determined. When a resultant moment (synthetic moment) exists at the fixed position, it indicates whether the fixed position can be rotated in a direction corresponding to the resultant moment.

As can be seen from FIG.
At the position fixed by the connector and the fixing clip, it is impossible to move and rotate in any direction (degree of freedom: 0), whereas at the position fixed by the rotating clip, rotation according to the total moment is possible (degree of freedom). 2). On the other hand, at the branch point, it can move and rotate in any direction (6 degrees of freedom).

The purpose of the present embodiment is to optimally wire the above-described branching wire harness while holding it by using such a rotating or fixed clip. explain.

The apparatus for supporting the design of a wire in the form of a wire according to this embodiment simulates the shape of the wire harness which satisfies the coordinates of the fixed points such as the connector and the fixed clip input by the operator. Stiffness E when the wire harness is bent is calculated based on the stiffness E and the torsional stiffness C.
, A force F and a moment M generated in each part of the wire harness are calculated, and the shape of the wire harness is calculated using these calculated values. Thus, unlike the wire harness simulation calculation conventionally performed only by the geometric element, the simulation calculation that is more realistic is realized by adding the geometric element and the mechanical element. .

<Relational Expression of Elastic Model> In this embodiment, the bending force of the wire harness having the thickness and elasticity causes the force F, the moment E, and the shape generated in each part to be calculated. Adopt the vector equation of the elastic body model given by (Konapasek). For this vector equation, see M. Konapasek and J.
Literature by WS Hearl (fiberSci & Technology, 5, 1, 1
972), the relational expression is outlined here with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the vector equation of the elastic body model used in this embodiment.

Kanapaso et al., In the above-mentioned literature, approximated that a thin rod as an elastic body had no thickness in order to calculate the force F, moment E, and shape of an elastic body having thickness and elasticity. Furthermore, a method has been proposed in which a large deformation of the thin rod is calculated by a relatively small amount of calculation by fusing geometric shape analysis methods.

In this method, the shape to be followed by the thin rod can be expressed by the following equation by focusing on a minute section. In the following description, vectors are represented by thick lines in the present embodiment, and are represented by upper bars in the drawings.

Relational expression between the position of the thin rod on the center line and the tangential direction at that position: w = r / ds (r ') (1), In the above equation (1), r is a fine This is a position from a predetermined reference point O on the center line of the bar. s is the distance (length) measured along the center line from the starting point of the thin rod. W indicates a tangential direction indicating the direction of the thin rod at the position. In the following description, a minute change (differential) d of s
/ Ds is represented by “′”.

Relational expression between curvature ρ and direction change amount: u ′ = ω × u, v ′ = ω × v, w ′ = ω × w, ω = pu + qv + rw (2), (2) ), P is the curvature in the u direction, q is the curvature in the v direction, and r is the torsion around w. u and v are
This is a coordinate system vector combined with w.

Relational expression between curvature ρ and moment: M _u = A · p, M _v = B · q, M _w = C · r (3), In the above equation (3), A and B is a bending rigidity value. C is the torsional rigidity value. M _u , M _v , M _w are
U, v, w components of the moment M.

[0050] The balance of the - force F and the moment M _{relationship: M (d + ds) -M} s + mds + {w × F} ds = 0, F (d + ds) -F s + fds = 0 ··· (4), In the above equation (4), m is a self-moment.
F is a force acting on a distance s from the starting point of the thin rod. f is the weight of the thin rod.

In each of the above equations, if the numerical analysis is performed by giving the positions and the tangential directions of the end points of the thin bar as boundary conditions, the shape, force F, and moment M of the center line of the thin bar can be calculated. it can.

Next, a description will be given of values to be substituted into the relational equation in order to calculate the shape of the wire harness using the above-described relational equation of Kanapasaw.

<Relational Expression of Bending Rigidity E> When each of the above-mentioned relational expressions of the elastic body model is applied to the wiring design of the wire harness as illustrated in FIG. Because the thickness differs depending on the part,
The bending stiffness E is also different. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a predetermined biquadratic function relating to the curvature ρ shown below is adopted when each of the above-mentioned relational expressions of the elastic body model is used for calculating the shape of the wire harness.

Bending stiffness E (N · cm ² ) = f (φ, ρ) = G (a ₀ (φ) + a ₁ (φ) ρ + a ₂ (φ) ρ ² ) × K, (5) , A ₀ (φ) = 5.76φ + 1.04φ ² , a ₁ (φ) = − 0.28φ−0.0559φ ² , a ₂ (φ) = 0 .0047φ + 0.000638φ ² , where each coefficient is a value empirically obtained based on experiments. Φ is the diameter (mm) of the wire harness. ρ is a curvature (1 / mm) × 10 ³ , and a length direction formed by the wire harness in order to satisfy two set fixed positions (coordinate values) at both ends of the target wire harness. Is determined according to the shape of. G is the gravitational acceleration (≒ 9.8) (m / sec ² ). K is a coefficient (≦ 1.0) determined according to the type of the protection member.

In the above relational expression of bending rigidity E, a ₀
The expressions (φ) to a ₂ (φ) are empirically based on experiments performed by the applicant of the present application on a plurality of types of wire harnesses having different thicknesses, the number of electric wires, and the presence or absence of a protective material. The value of the bending stiffness E calculated by the biquadratic function of the equation (5) decreases as the curvature ρ of the target wire harness increases.

In the present embodiment, the bending stiffness E calculated by the equation (5) is commonly used as the bending stiffness values A and B included in the above equation (3). Here, the reason will be described. The bending stiffness values A and B are included in the above equation (3) because the equation (3) indicates the directionality of the bendability of the elastic body model (for example, a material having an elliptical cross section has a long axis This is because characteristics such as hardness in the direction and softness in the short axis direction are considered. If the number of wires bundled inside is the same as in the present embodiment, the bending rigidity and the torsion are increased. When dealing with a wire harness that can be considered to have substantially the same rigidity, it is not necessary to strictly consider the directionality of bendability.

<Torsion rigidity value C> The torsional rigidity value C to be substituted into the above equation (3) can be calculated by a higher-order equation based on the thickness (diameter) of the wire harness. In the present embodiment, a quadratic relational expression including a coefficient calculated by a method such as multivariate analysis is adopted based on experimental values performed on various wire harnesses. Detailed description is omitted.

<Weight of Wire Harness> The weight per unit length of the wire harness differs depending on the type and number of electric wires (wires) bundled inside the wire harness.
Also, if the use of the wire harness and the electrical components to be connected to are limited to some extent (for example, calculating the shape of the wire harness to be arranged in the engine room of an automobile, etc.) Since the type and the number of wires to be bundled can be limited, the variation in the type and number of wires is determined by the thickness (diameter) of the wire harness.
Can be considered. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the thickness and the weight per unit length is measured in advance for the variation of the wire harness, and the thickness of the wire harness whose shape is to be obtained is determined by the operator using the measurement result. When input, the weight per unit length of the wire harness is automatically selected. Alternatively, as described above, if the electrical equipment to be connected is determined, the wiring harness to be used can be limited, so that the operator selects the usage of the wiring harness for which the shape is to be obtained and the electrical equipment to be connected. Alternatively, the weight per unit length of the wire harness to be selected may be automatically selected.

<Wiring Design Support Apparatus> Here, the configuration of the wiring design support apparatus according to the present embodiment for calculating the wiring shape of the wire harness using the above-described values and relational expressions according to a procedure described later. explain.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a wire material design support apparatus according to this embodiment.

In the figure, reference numeral 22 denotes a display such as a CRT,
Reference numeral 23 denotes a keyboard as input means. A ROM 24 stores a boot program and the like. 25 is
This is a RAM for temporarily storing various processing results. A hard disk drive (HDD) 26 stores a program for calculating a wiring shape of a wire harness as described later.
D). Reference numeral 27 denotes a communication interface for communicating with an external device via the communication line 30. Reference numeral 28 denotes a printer that prints processing results and the like. These components are connected via an internal bus 29, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21
6 to control the entire wiring design support apparatus.

The wiring design support device for the wire material includes:
It is possible to use a general-purpose computer that can execute software for realizing a wiring shape calculation process (to be broadly divided into a basic shape calculation process and a balanced shape calculation process) of a wire harness described later.

<Basic Shape Calculation Process> Next, using the above-described relational expressions, the thicknesses (diameters) of the two ends to be fixed at the predetermined positions (including the case of the free ends) are the same. Processing for calculating the shape of the wire harness will be described. This processing (hereinafter referred to as basic shape calculation processing) is performed by the wiring design support apparatus shown in FIG. 12 in a wiring simulation of a wiring harness having a branch and different thicknesses of each part, which will be described later, This is a basic process when recalculation is repeated until each part is dynamically balanced.

FIG. 6 shows the shape of one wire harness calculated in the basic shape calculation processing in the present embodiment,
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating parameters to be input by an operator in order to calculate the shape.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the basic shape calculation processing in this embodiment.

In the figure, step S1: the operator is prompted to input predetermined various data for calculating the basic shape. Specifically, input of the data of the following items is required. 1: The thickness (diameter) φ (m) of the wire harness to be processed
m), 2: the coordinate value of the fixed position 1 in the global coordinate system with respect to the external interference surface of the wire harness to be processed, 3: the tangential direction indicating the fixed direction at the fixed position 1, and 4: the direction of the fixed position 1 Normal direction 1 (may be automatically calculated according to the input tangential direction 1), 5: Coordinate value in the global coordinate system of the fixed position 2 with respect to the external interference surface of the processing target wire harness, 6: Tangent directions 2 and 7 representing the fixing direction at the fixed position 2: Normal direction 2 representing the direction of the fixed position 2 (may be automatically calculated according to the input tangential direction 2), 8: Processing target Kind of protective member (tape etc.) that covers the wire harness, 9: Length L (mm) of the wire harness to be processed (if an automatically calculated length is used, there is no need to enter it), 10: processing By fixing the wire harness of the elephant at the fixing positions 1 and 2, designation of whether or not to perform shape calculation in consideration of the twist (moment) generated in the wire harness (a plurality of shapes generated by the basic shape calculation process) 11: a fixing member used when fixing the wire harness to be processed at the fixing positions 1 and 2 (input when calculating a balanced shape described later by connecting the basic shapes (a plurality of wire harnesses)). The input method of the coordinate values of the fixed positions 1 and 2 is as follows.
In this step, the data of the interference plane (wire frame model, solid model, etc.) designed in a separate process is read in this step and displayed on the display 22, and the desired position on the displayed model is pointed with a mouse or the like. The configuration may be such that the selection is made by the device, or the coordinate value may be directly input.

The value of the above-described protection member K is stored in advance in the storage device 26 in accordance with the type of the protection member. A coefficient K is determined.

Further, the thickness of the wire harness determined according to the number of wires to be bundled as one wire harness is stored in the storage device 26 in advance, and the wires to be bound to the wire harness to be processed in this step are stored. By selecting the number, the diameter of the wire harness may be automatically determined.

Further, in the storage device 26, a table indicating the degree of freedom of each fixing member described with reference to FIG. 4 is stored in advance as a constraint condition. When any member is selected by the operator, the wiring design support device can recognize the degree of freedom of each fixed position.

Step S2, Step S3: Step S
After performing a general validity check (step S2) such as confirmation of the number of input items and confirmation of the number of digits, the data of each item input in step 1 is read into the main memory of the CPU 21 (step S2). S3).

Step S4: The thickness of the wire harness to be processed input (or determined) in step S1,
The bending stiffness E is calculated by substituting the selected coefficient K into the above-mentioned relational expression (5). At this time, an efficient calculation is realized by using the maximum curvature of the wire harness to be processed as the curvature ρ to be substituted.

Further, in step S4, the weight per unit length of the wire harness to be processed is calculated. In calculating the weight, the relationship between the thickness of the wire harness and the weight per unit length is stored in advance in the storage device 26 or the like as a lookup table, and the lookup table is input in step S1. What is necessary is just to obtain | require by referencing according to thickness. And the torsional rigidity value C
Is calculated by substituting the diameter of the wire harness input in step S1 into a quadratic equation empirically obtained by experiment, as described above.

Step S5: The tangent and normal directions at the fixed positions 1 and 2 of the wire harness to be processed, which are input in step S1, and the values calculated in step S4 are converted into the above-mentioned Kanapaso relations. By substituting, the shape as an elastic body model when the wire harness is fixed at the fixing positions 1 and 2 and the force F and the moment M generated therein are calculated.

Step S6: The data of the predetermined item input in step S1 and the force F calculated in step S5
And the moment M are stored in the storage device 26. More specifically, at least the wire harness thickness φ, the calculated (or inputted) length L, the normal direction vectors of the fixed positions 1 and 2, and the twist indicating the amount of twist between the two locations The rate (m / radian) and the calculated force F are saved (all input data may be saved).

Step S7: The calculated shape (basic shape) of the wire harness to be processed is displayed on the display 22, and the force F applied to the fixed positions 1 and 2 is displayed as a vector representing the magnitude and direction of the force. .

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of the shape and force F of the wire harness calculated in the basic shape calculation processing according to the present embodiment. The wire harness shown in FIG.
As an example, a fixed position 1 shown on the upper side shows a connector, and a fixed position 2 shown on the lower side shows a fixed clip. From each fixed position, the wire harness bent into the shape shown in FIG. 2, the magnitude and direction of the force generated are displayed.

According to the basic shape calculation process described above, the resultant force F generated in the calculated basic shape is displayed, so that the operator can determine the direction and magnitude of the force necessary for fixing a fixing member such as a connector. Thus, it is possible to easily and visually recognize the positional relationship with surrounding interference objects, and it is possible to improve the design supportability.

FIG. 14 shows the shape of the wire harness calculated in the basic shape calculation processing according to this embodiment.
It is a figure which shows the comparative example with the shape of the wire harness calculated by the general CAD system, and since the shape of the wire harness by a general CAD system does not consider bending rigidity and self-weight, it is this embodiment. It can be seen that the wire harness is unnaturally twisted compared to the shape of the wire harness.

<Calculation Process of Balance Shape> Next, a dynamic balance shape when the wire harness whose shape is calculated by the above-described basic shape calculation process is fixed at its end (including the case of a free end). (Hereinafter, a balanced shape calculation process) will be described.

First, when the wire harness whose shape has been calculated in the basic shape calculation process described above is arranged in a three-dimensional space of the global coordinate system, the force generated at the end (fixed position 1 or 2) of the wire harness and The moment is represented by F _i and M _i .

When a certain end is constituted by a plurality of wire harnesses and constitutes a branch point, the resultant force and resultant moment generated at the branch point are represented by the following general formulas.
It is obtained by the following calculation.

Force F = ΣF _i (6), Moment M = ΣM _i (7) Next, the condition of the balance at the end of the wire harness having the above-mentioned mechanical relationship will be described. explain.

In the case of a branch point (free end): (6)
The resultant force F and the resultant moment M calculated by the equations (7) and (7) are both zero. In the case of a rotating clip: The resultant moment M calculated by the above equation (7) is calculated by using the rotating axis of the rotating clip (that is, the normal direction). ) Is zero, and in the case of the above-mentioned rotating clip, since the shaft is constrained to be rotatable, there is no need to consider the balancing condition for the resultant force F. Similarly, when the end points are the connector and the fixing clip, they are constrained with zero degree of freedom, so that it is not necessary to consider the balancing condition.

Here, with respect to the above-described dynamic balance relationship, a dynamic relationship in the case of a branch point where a plurality of wire harnesses are connected will be specifically described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram exemplifying a shape of a wire harness having a branch to be subjected to the balanced shape calculation processing in this embodiment.

The wire harness shown in the figure is, as an example, a wire harness having one branch point Pa selected by the operator as a target of the balancing shape calculation processing. Five wires are bundled inside the wire harness on the left side of the border, and a wire harness where two wires are bundled and three wires are bound on the right side of the branch point Pa. It is divided into a wire harness.

Prior to performing the balanced shape calculation process on the entire wire harness, the operator calculates a plurality of basic shapes constituting the wire harness. That is, the wire harness illustrated in FIG. 8 is formed by connecting five wire harnesses (wire harnesses 1 to 5) calculated as basic shapes by the basic shape calculation process. Here, the configuration of the wire harnesses 1 to 5 will be described: Wire harness 1: The fixed position 1 is the connector 11A, and the fixed position 2 is the wire harness of the clip 13B (fixed clip or rotating clip). Wire harness 2: The fixed position 1 is a clip 13B (fixed clip or rotating clip), the fixed position 2 is a wire harness at a branch point Pa, and is protected by the protection member 14. Wire harness 3: Fixed position 1 is a branch point Pa, and fixed position 2 is a wire harness of connector 11B. Wire harness 4: Fixed position 1 is branch point Pa, and fixed position 2 is clip 13C (fixed clip or rotating clip). Wire harness 5: The fixed position 1 is the clip 13C, and the fixed position 2 is the wire harness of the connector 11C.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining forces and moments generated in the wire harnesses 2 to 4 constituting the branch point Pa included in the wire harness shown in FIG. Although each end point of the wire harnesses 2 to 4 shown in the drawing is actually connected at a branch point Pa which is the same position, they are separately illustrated for convenience of explanation and illustration.

At the branch point Pa shown in FIG. 9, a force F ₃ and a moment M ₃ are generated at the fixed position 2 of the wire harness 2, and the force F ₃ is set at the fixed position 1 of the wire harness 3.
₁ and a moment M ₁ are generated, and a force F ₂ and a moment M ₂ are generated at the fixed position 1 of the wire harness 4. These forces and moments are values obtained by the basic shape calculation process for the wire harnesses 2 to 4.

Here, when the case of FIG. 9 is applied to the above equations (6) and (7), the resultant force F at the branch point Pa is the sum of the forces F ₁ , F ₂ , and F ₃ . It is obtained by adding each vector. Further, resultant moment M at the branch point Pa, the moment M _1, obtained by adding the vector of moment M _2, as well as moment M _3.

In order for the branch point Pa at which the resultant force and the resultant moment can be calculated by such calculation to form a certain shape in which the mechanical balance is established, the branch point Pa arranged in the three-dimensional space of the global coordinate system is required. The position of Pa is obtained by being arranged (moved) at a position where the calculated resultant force F and the resultant moment M are both zero.

When the above-mentioned dynamic balancing shape is applied to a rotating clip, the direction (direction) of the rotating clip fixed on the rotating shaft is determined by projecting the calculated total moment onto the rotating shaft. By rotating to zero.

In order to calculate the position (or direction) that satisfies the above balancing condition, a method of calculating an optimum value (optimum solution) generally performed by a computer processing can be employed. That is, if applied to the present embodiment, for example, the resultant force and resultant moment are calculated as described above for a certain basic shape or a shape obtained by combining a plurality of basic shapes, and whether the calculation result satisfies the condition is determined. Judge. If not satisfied, the target end (free end) is rotated or moved by a predetermined amount, the basic shape at the new position after the rotation or movement is recalculated, and the new basic shape is used. The resultant force and resultant moment are calculated again as described above, and it is determined whether the calculation result satisfies the condition. While repeating such processing, if at some point the calculation result is determined to be the reverse of the previous one, the end (free end) is rotated or moved by a small amount in the direction opposite to the previous one, Processing such as repeating the same processing until the condition is satisfied may be performed.

Next, a procedure of a balanced shape calculation process for realizing the above description will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a balanced shape calculation process in this embodiment.

In the figure, step S11: prompts the operator to input various predetermined data for calculating the balance shape. Specifically, input of the data of the following items is required. 1: Designation of a basic shape for calculating a balanced shape or a shape of a wire harness composed of a plurality of basic shapes, 2: Type data of a fixed position of the shape of the above item 1 (identification data of a rotating clip, a free end, etc.), If the type data of the fixed position has already been set in the individual basic shape calculation processing, it may be read together with the shape data.

Steps S12 and S13: The data of each item input in step S11 is subjected to a general validity check (step S12) such as confirmation of the number of input items and confirmation of the number of digits. Is read into the main memory of the CPU 21 (step S13).

Step S14: The wire harness designated in step S11 is read in step S13 (based on the above-mentioned equations (6) and (7) based on the force and moment at the fixed position, branch point (free end). ), The resultant force F and the resultant moment M are calculated.

Step S15: It is determined whether or not the resultant force F and the resultant moment M calculated in step S14 satisfy the above-described predetermined balancing condition. (Fixed point and free end).

Step S16: If the determination in step S15 is NO (when there is an end portion that does not satisfy the predetermined balance condition), the process proceeds to step S16, and if YES (when the predetermined balance condition is satisfied for all the end portions). Is satisfied), the process proceeds to step S18.

Step S17: Each end point (fixed point and free end) is moved and rotated by a predetermined amount in the direction of the resultant force F and the resultant moment M calculated with respect to the end point under the constraint of the predetermined balancing condition.

Step S18: Based on the position of each end point (fixed point and free end) after movement and rotation, the force generated at the shape and the end is recalculated, and the process returns to step S14. At this time, the recalculation of the shape may be performed by calling the processing after step S4 of the basic shape calculation processing (FIG. 7).

Step S19: Display the shape (balance shape) in which each end point satisfies the predetermined balance condition (display 2).
2 and the force F applied to each end point is displayed as a vector representing the magnitude and direction of the force. At this time, if the force applied to the connector and the fixed clip is larger than a predetermined value set in advance, processing of changing the color of the displayed vector or displaying characters or the like in order to notify the effect is performed. Accordingly, the operator can easily recognize that an excessive force is applied to the fixed position (end point) having zero degree of freedom.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of the wire harness shape and the force F calculated in the balanced shape calculation processing according to the present embodiment.

The wire harness shown in the figure shows only one end of the wire harness having a branch point from the relationship of the size that can be shown, and the magnitude and direction of the force generated at each fixed position. Is displayed.

Step S20: If a branch point is included in the wire harness specified in step S11, the breaking force at that branch point is displayed.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining the display of the breaking force at the branch point. When the equilibrium condition is satisfied at the branch point, each of the two narrower wire harnesses at the branch point is connected at the branch point. The generated forces F ₁ and F ₂
, And the result is displayed as an arrow or a numerical value. For the example shown in FIG. 11, it forces F ₁ since significantly greater than F _2, breaking strength and the numerical representing the result of the vector addition is displayed in the branch destination of the upper wire harness. Thereby, the operator can easily predict that there is a possibility that a break may occur at the branch point when the calculated breaking force is too large, although the branch point is mechanically stationary. .

According to the above-described balanced shape calculation processing,
The optimal balance shape is automatically calculated, and the magnitude of the force generated at each end is displayed, so that the operator can determine the direction and magnitude of the force necessary to fix the fixing member such as the connector. In addition, it is possible to easily visually recognize the positional relationship with surrounding interference objects, and it is possible to improve the design supportability.

Further, according to the above-described balanced shape calculation processing, in a so-called concurrent engineering environment in which design work is performed in each department in parallel, when the final shape of the interference surface cannot be obtained from the design department in the previous process ( In other words, even when only a low-accuracy shape model in which details of the product shape are not manufactured is available), the balance shape of the target wire harness is determined using the shape (or coordinate values) of the interference surface obtained for the time being. It can be grasped and the design efficiency is improved.

Further, even if it is necessary to change the wire to be used, the presence or absence of the protective material, the type of clip, etc., at a later date in accordance with a specification change or the like that occurred in the design department in the previous process. By re-inputting the setting items related to the change and recalculating the basic shape and the balance shape described above, it is possible to flexibly and quickly respond to the generated specification change.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram exemplifying the overall shape of a wire harness to be designed in the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape of the wire harness illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view exemplifying a shape of a rotating clip for holding a wire harness to be designed in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a list of types and degrees of freedom of support members handled in calculating a shape of the wire harness according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a vector equation of an elastic body model used in the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a shape of one wire harness calculated in a basic shape calculation process according to the embodiment and parameters to be input by an operator in order to calculate the shape.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a basic shape calculation process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram exemplifying a shape of a wire harness having a branch to be subjected to a balanced shape calculation process in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a branch point P included in the wire harness shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating forces and moments generated in wire harnesses 2 to 4 that constitute a.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a balanced shape calculation process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the display of a breaking force at a branch point.

FIG. 12 is a block configuration diagram of a device for supporting the design of a wire in a wire according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a wire harness shape and a force F calculated in a basic shape calculation process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a comparative example of a wire harness shape calculated in a basic shape calculation process according to the present embodiment and a wire harness shape calculated by a general CAD system.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a wire harness shape and a force F calculated in a balanced shape calculation process according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 ,: connector, 12, 12A to 12C: electrical component, 13, 13B, 13C: clip, 13A: rotating clip, 14, 16: protective material, 15 ,: electric wire, 17: wire harness, 18: base, 21: CPU, 22: display, 23: keyboard, 24: ROM, 25: RAM, 26: storage device, 27: communication interface, 28: printer, 29: internal bus, 30: communication line,

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Seiichi Hirano 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Mazda Co., Ltd. (72) Tomohiro Fukushima 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Mazda Stock In-house F term (reference) 5B046 AA04 AA07 BA06 GA01 HA05 HA09 JA08 5G363 AA16 BA02 DA13 DC02

Claims (11)

[Claims] An operation for calculating and notifying a wiring shape of a wire material satisfying the fixed positions based on a plurality of input fixed positions, fixing directions at the fixed positions, and a deformation coefficient of the wire material. An apparatus for supporting the design of a wire in a wire comprising means, wherein the calculating means includes a designating means capable of designating whether or not the target wire can rotate around a normal direction at at least one fixed position, When at least one fixed position is designated to be rotatable by the designation means, the shape of the filament is calculated, and the filament attempts to rotate around the normal direction at the designated fixed position. A wiring design support device for a linear material, which calculates a force to be applied. 2. A fixed position at which the specification means can specify whether or not rotation is possible is an end position of the filament material, and the position information input as the end position is a shape of the filament material. Is a temporary fixed position at which the calculating means is movable when calculating, the calculating means is provided at one end of a plurality of target filaments as the temporary fixed position. When common position information is designated by the designation means for each of the wire members, the overall shape of the composite wire member including the plurality of wire members including the common position information as a branch point, A dynamic equilibrium position where the branch point is to be arranged by forming the entire shape is calculated by recalculating the entire shape each time the common position information is moved by a predetermined amount. The wiring arrangement of the filament material according to claim 1 Support device. 3. A calculating means for calculating and informing a wire shape of a wire material satisfying the fixed positions based on at least three fixed positions, a fixing direction at the fixed positions, and a deformation coefficient of the wire material. An apparatus for supporting the design of a wire provided with a wire, wherein the calculating means is configured such that, when the target wire includes a branch point, the shape of the wire including the branch point and the shape of the wire. A wiring design support device for a linear material, which calculates a mechanically balanced position at which the branch point is to be arranged. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the calculating means calculates a breaking force generated at the branch point and reports the calculation result. 5. The calculating means calculates a bending stiffness E of the filament based on an input filament diameter φ by a predetermined biquadratic function relating to a curvature ρ of the filament. The wiring shape of the linear material is calculated by using the calculated bending stiffness E.
The wiring design support device for a linear material according to any one of the above. 6. A method of calculating a wire shape of a wire material satisfying the fixed positions based on a plurality of fixing positions, fixing directions at the fixing positions, and a deformation coefficient of the wire material, and reporting the wire shape. A wiring design support method, comprising: a designation step of designating whether or not rotation of a target filament material in at least one fixed position around a normal direction is possible; Calculating a shape of the wire when specified, and calculating a force of the wire to rotate around the normal direction at the specified fixed position. A wiring design support method for a wire material characterized by the following. 7. The fixed position for designating whether or not rotation is possible in the designation step is an end position of the filament, and the position information input as the end position includes a shape of the filament. A temporary fixing position that can be moved in the calculation step when performing the calculation, and in the designation step, at one end of a plurality of target filaments, In the case where common position information is specified for each of the line members, the overall shape of the composite line member including the plurality of line members including the common position information as a branch point in the calculation step. Calculating the dynamic equilibrium position where the bifurcation point is to be arranged by forming the entire shape by recalculating the entire shape each time the common position information is moved by a predetermined amount. 7. The wire material according to claim 6, wherein Line design support method. 8. A wire material for calculating and notifying a wire shape of a wire material satisfying the fixed positions based on at least three fixing positions, fixing directions at the fixing positions, and a deformation coefficient of the wire material. When the target wire material includes a branch point, the shape of the wire material including the branch point and the dynamics at which the branch point should be arranged by forming the shape. A wiring design support method for a linear material, comprising a calculation step of calculating a natural balance position. 9. In the calculating step, the bending stiffness E of the filament is calculated by a predetermined biquadratic function relating to the curvature ρ of the filament based on the diameter φ of the filament,
9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the calculated bending stiffness E is used to calculate a wiring shape of the linear material. 10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program code for operating a computer as the device for designing a wire for a wire according to claim 1. Description: 11. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program code that enables a computer to implement the method for supporting a wire design of a wire according to any one of claims 6 to 9. .