JP2009015290A - Model for wire harness - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for easily and quickly examining the structure or arrangement of a wire harness at a low cost. <P>SOLUTION: In lieu of a prototype, a model for a wire harness is used. The model has a model main body corresponding to the main body of the wire harness. The model main body is formed by connecting a plurality of cylindrical components. Various requirements for the harness can be simulated by suitably selecting the shapes, colors, masses, connecting intervals of the cylindrical components, the rigidity of a member to connect the cylindrical members, and so on. This model can be formed simply by connecting the cylindrical components. Accordingly, unlike a prototype, it can be formed easily and quickly by anyone at a low cost. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for supporting the examination of the structure and arrangement of a wire harness.

In devices using electricity, such as automobiles, industrial machines, and electrical appliances, members called “wire harnesses” are used as the electrical wiring inside the devices. Patent Document 1 discloses a method of using a three-dimensional CAD system for designing a wire harness structure and a plan.
JP 2003-141196 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 50-84786 JP 2007-80132 A JP 2002-313158 A

  The wire harness is usually arranged in a limited narrow space. Therefore, when designing a wire harness, it is necessary to consider from various viewpoints such as interference with peripheral members, bending and twisting of the wire harness, strength of the wire harness, necessity of protective parts, and ease of assembly. Therefore, in the past, after designing a wire harness on CAD or a drawing, a prototype was manufactured with the same material as the real one, and the prototype was actually assembled on a device such as an automobile, thereby causing design problems and improvements. It was common to consider the points.

  However, the production of prototypes requires specialized knowledge and skills, and requires considerable cost and time. This in turn leads to an increase in the design cost and design lead time of the wire harness, which is a problem. Moreover, this type of prototype cannot be reused and must be discarded, which is also not environmentally preferable.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for facilitating, speeding up, and reducing the cost of the structure and routing of the wire harness. There is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a model of a wire harness.

  Specifically, the present invention is a model of a wire harness, comprising a model body corresponding to the body of the wire harness, wherein the model body is configured by connecting a plurality of columnar parts. And

It is preferable that an interval between two columnar parts to be connected can be selected from two or more types. It is preferable that the rigidity of the member connecting the two columnar parts can be selected from two or more types. It is preferable to have a cushioning member attached between the two columnar parts. It is preferable that a mark having a shape along the axial direction is attached to the outer surface of the columnar part. It is preferable that the outer diameter of the columnar part can be selected from two or more types. It is preferable that the color of the columnar part can be selected from two or more types. It is preferable that the mass of the columnar part can be selected from two or more types. At least one end of the columnar part has a tapered shape, and the columnar part has an axially penetrating hole passing through the apex of the tapered shape, and is connected to another columnar part by passing a string through the hole. It is preferable. The taper angle of the taper shape is preferably selectable from two or more types. The columnar part is composed of a first part and a second part that are separable in the axial direction, enters from an end face on the first part side, passes through a side face of the first part, enters from a side face of the second part, and is an end face on the second part side. It is preferable to have a hole that passes through and to be connected to another columnar part by passing a string through the hole. The columnar component is preferably configured by fixing the first component and the second component with a tape. The columnar part has an annular connecting member that can be attached to and detached from the end face, and is connected to the other columnar part by connecting the connecting member to a connecting member provided on the other columnar part. It is preferable. The connecting member is preferably selectable from two or more types. The end face of the columnar part preferably has a protrusion on the edge. The protrusion is preferably selectable from two or more types. At least one end surface of the end surfaces of the columnar component has a convex portion, the columnar component has a hole penetrating in the axial direction of the columnar component, passes the string through the hole, and passes the convex portion to the other columnar shape. It is preferable to connect with other columnar components by providing a gap in a recess provided in the component. It is preferable that the said recessed part and / or convex part can be selected from 2 or more types.

  By using the wire harness model according to the present invention instead of the prototype, the structure and arrangement of the wire harness can be studied. And since it is only necessary to connect the columnar parts, unlike a prototype, anyone can easily, quickly and at low cost. In addition, it is easy to reuse columnar parts and the like, which is environmentally preferable.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a wire harness and its model.

  The wire harness 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 is used as a wiring component for electrically connecting a battery and various electrical components in an automobile or the like. The wire harness 2 includes a wire harness main body 20 composed of a bundle of wires (conductive wires), electrical components (connector 21 and joint box 22) attached to the wire, and protective components (corrugated tube 24, protector for protecting the wire harness main body 20). 25).

The structural design and routing design of the wire harness 2 itself can be performed using a three-dimensional CAD system. However, when the wire harness 2 is assembled to an automobile,
・ How much tension is applied to the wire harness body 20
・ How strongly it interferes with surrounding parts,
・ Do you need any protective measures at the interference position?
・ Is the wire harness body 20 bent or twisted excessively?
-What is the bending stiffness and twisting stiffness of the wire harness body 20?
-Is the length and outer diameter of the wire harness body 20 appropriate?
-Is it easy to assemble the wire harness 2?
It is extremely difficult to perform such matters on the desk. Thus, conventionally, verification by a prototype is customary, but as described above, verification by a prototype is not preferable because it leads to an increase in the design cost and design lead time of the wire harness. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wire harness model 1 is used as an alternative to the prototype.

  A model 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a model main body 10 as a portion corresponding to the wire harness main body 20. The model body 10 is configured by connecting a plurality of basic components 11.

As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 2, the basic component 11 is a columnar component having a substantially columnar (or approximately cylindrical) outer shape. The basic component 11 is made of a material that can be easily molded and processed, such as resin or metal.

  The basic component 11 has a through hole 12 that penetrates the center of the cross section in the axial direction. When connecting the basic component 11, a core material (connecting material) 13 is inserted into the through hole 12 to fix the basic component 11 at a desired position. Any fixing means may be used for the basic part 11. For example, the basic part 11 may be bonded to the core member 13 with an adhesive, a stopper for preventing the movement of the basic part 11 may be attached, or a spacer for maintaining a gap between the two basic parts 11. May be attached. Alternatively, the basic component 11 may have a fixing means such as a nail that sandwiches the core material 13.

  The requirements (properties) of the wire harness 2 to be simulated by the model 1 vary depending on the purpose and application of the model 1, but at least the model 1 has an external shape equivalent to that of the wire harness body 20 (overall shape including branches, length, It is necessary to have an outer diameter dimension). This is because if it has at least the same outer shape, it can be verified with respect to the possibility and ease of assembly and interference with peripheral components. Preferably, the model 1 may simulate the maximum curvature, bending stiffness, and twist stiffness of the wire harness body 20. This is because the strength of interference with peripheral parts, the degree of tension, bending and twisting can be verified. More preferably, the mass of the wire harness main body 20 and various electrical components and protective components attached to the wire harness main body 20 may be simulated.

  A specific mechanism for simulating various requirements of these wire harnesses in the model 1 will be described.

(1) Length As shown in FIG. 3, the length of the wire can be adjusted by changing the number of basic parts 11 to be connected. Further, if there are a plurality of types of basic parts 11 having different axial lengths “a”, a finer length adjustment is possible by appropriately selecting a combination of the basic parts 11.

(2) Outer diameter dimension The outer diameter dimension of the wire harness varies depending on the number of wires to be bundled. In addition, there may be a portion having a large outer diameter (a central portion of the wire harness body 20 in FIG. 1) and a portion (a terminal portion of the wire harness body 20 in FIG. 1) in one wire harness.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of types of basic components 11 having different outer diameters b are prepared in advance. When the model 1 is assembled, by appropriately selecting the outer diameter of the basic component 11, the thickness can be adjusted according to the actual wire harness.

  The cross-sectional shape of the basic component 11 is not limited to a circle, and may be any shape such as an ellipse, an ellipse, or a polygon. This is because, depending on how the wires are bundled, there may be a cross-sectional shape other than circular.

(3) Branching FIG. 5 shows a configuration that simulates branching of a wire harness by appropriately combining basic components 11 having different outer diameter dimensions and cross-sectional shapes. In addition, FIG.5 (b) is C arrow view of Fig.5 (a). The state in which the thickness of the bundle of wires changes before and after branching can be simulated by changing the outer diameter of the basic component 11 to be selected. Further, in an actual wire harness, the shape and dimensions of the branching portion change relatively smoothly (continuously), and thus a basic component 11 having a flat cross-sectional shape is used for the branching portion in order to simulate this. Good.

(4) Maximum curvature FIG. 6 shows a mechanism for simulating the maximum curvature of the wire harness. The maximum curvature means the maximum curvature that can be taken when a predetermined bending moment is applied in the axial direction of the wire harness. In a wire harness, the maximum curvature changes depending on the thickness of the bundle of wires, the thickness of the wire itself, the material, and the like. Typically, the thicker the bundle of wires, the smaller the maximum curvature (harder to bend), and the thinner the bundle, the larger the maximum curvature (easy to bend).

  Such a difference in the maximum curvature in the wire harness can be simulated by appropriately selecting the distance d between the basic components 11. As shown in FIG. 6, in this model, the maximum curvature of the model body is defined by the interference between adjacent basic components. Therefore, the interval d between the basic components may be increased in the portion where the maximum curvature is desired to be increased, and conversely, the interval d between the basic components may be decreased in the portion where the maximum curvature is desired to be reduced.

(5) Bending stiffness and torsional stiffness The bending stiffness and torsional stiffness of the wire harness can be simulated by appropriately selecting the rigidity of the core member 13. The rigidity of the core material 13 can be obtained by changing the material, thickness, cross-sectional shape, and the like of the core material 13. Any material such as metal, resin, and chemical fiber can be used as the material for the core material 13.

  As another mechanism for simulating bending stiffness and torsional stiffness, a buffer member 14 may be attached between the basic components 11 as shown in FIG. The buffer member 14 is a component made of a material such as elastomer or sponge, for example. Since the buffer member 14 is interposed, resistance (reaction force) is generated in the relative movement between the basic components, so that the feeling of bending stiffness and torsional stiffness increases.

(6) Degree of twisting As shown in FIG. 8, a mark 15 having a shape along the axial direction may be attached to the outer surface of the basic component 11. When the model 1 is assembled, the parts are connected so that the marks 15 are aligned (that is, the marks 15 are aligned in a straight line when there is no twist). As a result, when the model 1 is assembled at the location of the arrangement, it is possible to visually and intuitively grasp the degree of twisting only by looking at the amount of deviation of the mark 15.

(7) Electrical parts, protective parts For electrical parts such as connectors and joint boxes, and protective parts such as protectors and corrugated tubes, genuine parts may be attached to the model 1 or model parts that mimic those parts are prepared. May be.

  Also, a plurality of types of colors of the basic part 11 may be prepared, and for example, the color of the basic part 11 may be different between a part where a protective part such as a corrugated tube is mounted and other parts. Thereby, when the model 1 is assembled | attached to the arrangement | positioning location, it becomes easy to verify whether the protection member is mounted | worn in the location where interference with a peripheral member has arisen.

(8) Mass It is preferable that there are a plurality of types of basic parts 11 having different masses. Thereby, when the model 1 is assembled, by appropriately selecting the mass of the basic component 11, it is possible to adjust the weight according to the actual wire harness.

(9) Maximum bending amount As shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to define the maximum bending amount possible by forming at least one end (end portion in the axial direction) of the basic component 11 into a tapered shape. Specifically, a hole penetrating in the axial direction passing through the apex of the tapered shape is provided in the basic part 11, and the basic part 11 can be connected to other basic parts by passing a string as a core material 13 through the hole. That's fine. In such a configuration, the maximum bending amount is defined by causing the tapered surface of the basic component 11 to interfere (abut) with the end surface of the adjacent basic component. In this configuration, not only can the maximum bending amount be specified, but also the cost can be kept lower by using a string as the core material 13 than using copper or the like as the core material 13. Moreover, since it is not necessary to fix the basic part 11 to the core material 13, assembly and disassembly of the model can be performed very easily.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the maximum bending amount e is defined by the taper angle f of the taper shape. Therefore, if the taper angle of the taper shape can be selected from two or more types, various maximum bending amounts can be defined. As shown in FIG. 11, if a taper shape is provided at both ends of the basic member 11, a larger maximum bending amount can be defined than when a taper shape is provided only at one end.

(10) Maximum torsion angle Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the maximum torsion possible by providing a concave portion or a convex portion on at least one of the end surfaces of the basic component 11 (the surface at the end in the axial direction). An angle can be defined. Specifically, a convex portion is provided on the end face of the basic component 11, a string is passed through a hole penetrating in the axial direction of the basic component 11, and the concave portion (radial direction) is provided in the concave portion provided in the other columnar component. The basic component 11 may be connected to another basic component by providing a gap). In such a configuration, the maximum torsion angle is defined by causing the convex portion of the basic component 11 to interfere with the concave portion of the adjacent basic component. In the example of FIG. 12, a single groove is provided as the concave portion, and the convex portion has a shape corresponding to the groove (similar shape to the concave portion). It may be. For example, a triangular prism or a cylindrical groove may be provided as the concave portion, and the shape of the convex portion and the concave portion may not correspond to each other. Also in this configuration, not only can the maximum twist angle be defined, but also by using a string as the core material 13, the cost can be kept lower than when copper or the like is used as the core material 13. Moreover, since it is not necessary to fix the basic part 11 to the core material 13, assembly and disassembly of the model can be performed very easily.

  The maximum twist angle is defined by the combination of the concave and convex portions. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view obtained by a plane perpendicular to the axis of the basic component 11 at the interference position (combination position; position where interference occurs) between the concave and convex portions. As shown in FIG. 13, the maximum torsion angle g is specifically defined by the size h of the gap, the width i in the major axis direction of the cross section of the convex portion, and the like. Therefore, if the concave and convex portions can be selected from two or more types, various maximum torsion angles can be defined.

Moreover, the structure which can prescribe | regulate both the maximum bending amount and the maximum torsion angle mentioned above is shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, the basic component 11 has an annular connecting member 18 that can be attached and detached. By connecting the connecting member 18 to a connecting member provided on another basic part, the connecting member 18 is connected to the other columnar part. With such a configuration, both the maximum bending amount and the maximum torsion angle can be defined. Specifically, the maximum bending amount is defined by causing the basic part 11 to interfere with an adjacent basic part. The maximum torsion angle is defined by causing the connecting member 18 to interfere with a connecting member provided on an adjacent basic part. Further, since the connecting member 18 can be attached and detached, the model can be assembled and disassembled very easily. For example, the connecting member 18 may be formed by attaching an annular member (which may be partially covered) as shown in FIG. 15, or a U-shaped or V-shaped member. It may be formed by attaching. As shown in FIG. 15, in the case of using an annular member, a groove may be formed in the basic part 11 and fixed by a nail or the like that sandwiches the connecting member, or a U-shaped or V-shaped member may be used. In the case of using, it is only necessary to make a hole in the end face of the basic component 11 and insert the end of a U-shaped or V-shaped member into the hole. As shown in FIG. 15, when an annular member is used, connecting members 18 can be formed at both ends of the basic component 11.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), the maximum bending amount j is defined by the distance k from the end of the basic part 11 to the end of the adjacent basic part, as shown in FIG. 16 (b). The maximum twist angle l is defined by the thickness m of the connecting member 18 and the like (FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view obtained by a plane perpendicular to the axis of the basic component 11 at the interference position of the connecting member. .) Therefore, by making the connecting member 18 selectable from two or more types, various maximum bending amounts and maximum torsion angles can be defined.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, the maximum bending amount can also be defined by providing a protrusion on the edge of the end face of the basic component 11. Specifically, it is defined by causing the protrusion to interfere with an adjacent basic part (or a protrusion when the adjacent basic part is provided with a protrusion). As shown in FIG. 17, the maximum bending amount n is defined by the height o of the protrusion. Therefore, if the projections can be selected from two or more types, various maximum bending amounts can be defined.

(11) Curling In FIG. 18, the basic component 11 includes a first component 11a and a second component 11b that are separable in the axial direction. Furthermore, the basic component 11 has a hole that enters from the end surface on the first component side, exits the side surface of the first component, enters from the side surface of the second component, and exits from the end surface on the second component side. Connected with other basic parts by threading. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reproduce the habit of the wire harness. Specifically, the basic part 11 is separated into the first part 11a and the second part 11b by applying a predetermined external force, and the separated state is in a state of being crusty (exceeding the maximum bending amount). The bending amount can be reproduced). The first component 11a and the second component 11b constitute the basic component 11 by being fixed with, for example, a tape. Also in this configuration, by using a string as the core material 13, the cost can be suppressed lower than when copper or the like is used as the core material 13. Moreover, since it is not necessary to fix the basic part 11 to the core material 13, assembly and disassembly of the model can be performed very easily. The holes are not necessarily provided as shown in FIG. For example, a hole connected in a straight line from the end surface on the first component side to the end surface on the second component side may be used.

  The above embodiment is merely an example of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea. For example, in the above embodiment, a connection structure that connects components using a core material penetrating a plurality of basic components is employed. However, as shown in FIG. 9, a connecting member 17 is integrally formed with the basic component 16. The structure is also preferable.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a wire harness and a model thereof. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the model. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for simulating the length of the wire harness. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for simulating the outer diameter dimension of the wire harness. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for simulating the branching of the wire harness. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for simulating the maximum curvature of the wire harness. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for simulating bending stiffness and torsional stiffness. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for verifying the degree of twist. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modification of the basic component connection structure. FIG. 10 is a view showing a modification of the model of the wire harness according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for simulating the maximum bending amount. FIG. 12 is a view showing a modification of the model of the wire harness according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for simulating the maximum torsion angle. FIG. 14 is a view showing a modification of the model of the wire harness according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a mechanism for attaching and detaching the connecting member to the basic part. FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for simulating the maximum bending amount, and FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for simulating the maximum torsion angle. FIG. 17 is a view showing a modification of the model of the wire harness according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a view showing a modification of the model of the wire harness according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Wire harness model 2 Wire harness 10 Model body 11 Basic parts (columnar parts)
11a 1st part 11b 2nd part 12 Through-hole 13 Core material 14 Buffer member 15 Mark 16 Basic part (columnar part)
17, 18 Connecting member 20 Wire harness body 21 Connector 22 Joint box 24 Corrugated tube 25 Protector

Claims (18)

A model of a wire harness,
It has a model body corresponding to the body of the wire harness,
A model of a wire harness, wherein the model body is configured by connecting a plurality of columnar parts.   The wire harness model according to claim 1, wherein an interval between two columnar parts to be connected can be selected from two or more types.   The wire harness model according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a rigidity of a member connecting two columnar parts can be selected from two or more kinds.   The wire harness model according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a buffer member attached between the two columnar components.   The wire harness model according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a mark having a shape along an axial direction is attached to an outer surface of the columnar part.   The model of the wire harness according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an outer diameter of the columnar part can be selected from two or more types.   The wire harness model according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the color of the columnar part can be selected from two or more kinds.   The wire harness model according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mass of the columnar part can be selected from two or more types. At least one end of the columnar part has a tapered shape,
The columnar parts are
Having a hole penetrating in the axial direction, passing through the apex of the tapered shape,
The wire harness model according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wire harness model is connected to another columnar part by passing a string through the hole. 10. The wire harness model according to claim 9, wherein the taper angle of the taper shape can be selected from two or more types. Columnar parts are
It consists of a first part and a second part that are separable in the axial direction,
It has a hole that enters from the end surface on the first component side, exits the side surface of the first component, enters from the side surface of the second component, and exits the end surface on the second component side,
The wire harness model according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wire harness model is connected to another columnar part by passing a string through the hole. The model of the wire harness according to claim 11, wherein the columnar part is configured by fixing the first part and the second part with a tape. Columnar parts are
It has an annular connecting member that can be attached to and detached from the end face,
The wire harness model according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wire harness model is connected to the other columnar part by connecting the connection member to a connection member provided on the other columnar part. The wire harness model according to claim 13, wherein the connecting member can be selected from two or more types. The model of the wire harness according to claim 13 or 14, wherein an end surface of the columnar part has a protrusion on an edge. The model of the wire harness according to claim 15, wherein the protrusion can be selected from two or more types. At least one of the end faces of the columnar part has a convex portion,
The columnar parts are
It has a hole penetrating in the axial direction of the columnar part,
It connects with other columnar components by passing the string through the hole and combining the convex portions with recesses provided in the other columnar components. A model of the described wire harness. The model of the wire harness according to claim 17, wherein the concave portion and / or the convex portion can be selected from two or more types.

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