JP2018054478A - Device for measuring pitch of twist electric wire and electric wire twisting device having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for measuring the pitch of a twist electric wire, the device concurrently allowing a highly accurate pitch measurement and maintenance of the quality of a twist electric wire after the measurement.SOLUTION: A pitch measurement device 20 includes: a first holding tool 30 and a second holding tool 40 holding a first electric wire 200 and a second electric wire 210; a movement unit 50 between the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40; and a pitch measurement sensor 60 supported by the movement unit 50, the pitch measurement sensor detecting the position of the surface of the twist electric wire 220 with respect to the direction Y perpendicular to the direction X, in which the movement unit 50 is moved; and an operation device 70 for operating the pitch of twisting of the twist electric wire 220 based on the position of the surface of the twist electric wire 220 detected by the pitch measurement sensor 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a twisted wire pitch measuring device and a wire twist device including the same.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electric wire twist apparatus that produces a twisted electric wire by twisting a plurality of electric wires is known. The twisted electric wire is used as a component part of a wire harness, for example. In recent years, the demand for higher quality wire harnesses has increased, and high-quality twisted electric wires have been demanded. In order to improve the quality of twisted wires, it is important that a plurality of wires are twisted at a constant pitch as much as possible.

  In order to inspect whether there is any variation in the pitch of the twisted wires, a method of measuring the pitch visually using a measure has been adopted. However, visual measurement takes a lot of time and high-precision measurement is difficult. Therefore, it is preferable to use a pitch measuring device that automatically measures the pitch of the twisted wires.

  Since the twisted electric wire is formed by twisting a plurality of electric wires, irregularities are formed on the surface of the twisted electric wire. The surface of the twisted electric wire has peaks and valleys. The distance between the peaks in the same wire is the pitch of the twisted wire. In Patent Document 1, a pair of electric wires are twisted while moving in the longitudinal direction, and a pitch is measured by detecting each mountain of the moving twisted wires by a photoelectric sensor arranged at a predetermined position. It is disclosed.

JP 2013-84506 A

  However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a method of continuously measuring the pitch in-line while producing a twisted wire by twisting a pair of wires while moving the pair of wires. When a twisted electric wire is used as a component part of a wire harness or the like, in order to make the twisted electric wire have a predetermined length, a process of cutting a pair of electric wires after twisting them is necessary. Moreover, when it is necessary to provide a terminal in the edge part of a twisted electric wire, the process which unfastens the twisted edge part and crimps | bonds a terminal is further needed.

  However, the process of cutting the twisted electric wire is a process of cutting a plurality of twisted electric wires at the same time, which is difficult compared to the process of cutting a single electric wire. Moreover, in the case of a cutting process, force is added to each twisted electric wire and there exists a possibility that the twisted state of a twisted electric wire may deteriorate. Furthermore, when the process which crimps | bonds a terminal is performed, there exists a possibility that the twisted state of a twisted electric wire may deteriorate further at the time of terminal crimping. As a result, the quality of the twisted wire may be deteriorated after the pitch measurement.

  As described above, in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, when obtaining a twisted electric wire that is a component of a wire harness, such as a twisted electric wire having a predetermined length or a twisted electric wire having a terminal crimped thereon, the pitch is measured with high accuracy. And maintaining the quality of the twisted wire after measurement is difficult.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pitch measuring device capable of achieving both high-precision pitch measurement and maintaining the quality of the twisted electric wire after the measurement, and an electric wire twisting device including the same. Is to provide.

  The twist electric wire pitch measuring device according to the present invention is a pitch measuring device for measuring a twist pitch of a twisted electric wire having a first electric wire and a second electric wire twisted around the first electric wire, and the first holding tool. And a second holder, a moving unit, a pitch measuring sensor, and a computing device. The first holder holds one end of the first electric wire and one end of the second electric wire. The second holder holds the other end of the first electric wire and the other end of the second electric wire. The moving unit is disposed between the first holding tool and the second holding tool, and is movable in a direction approaching the first holding tool and a direction approaching the second holding tool. The pitch measurement sensor is supported by the moving unit and detects the position of the surface of the twisted electric wire in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the moving unit moves. The computing device computes the twist pitch of the twisted wire based on the position of the surface of the twisted wire detected by the pitch measurement sensor.

  According to the pitch measuring device, the first holding tool and the second holding tool hold the pitch measurement sensor in a state where the cut ends of the first electric wire and the second electric wire or the ends to which the terminals are crimped are held. The pitch of the twisted wire is measured by moving the supporting moving unit in the longitudinal direction of the twisted wire. Therefore, after measuring the pitch, there is no need to perform a process of cutting the end of the twisted electric wire or crimping the terminal to the end. Therefore, there is no possibility that the quality of the twisted wire is deteriorated after the pitch measurement. Further, since the pitch of the twisted electric wire is calculated based on the position of the surface of the twisted electric wire detected by the pitch measurement sensor, it is possible to measure the pitch with high accuracy. Therefore, according to the pitch measuring apparatus, it is possible to achieve both high-precision pitch measurement and quality maintenance of the twisted electric wire after the measurement.

  According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the pitch measurement sensor is an optical sensor. The first holder, the second holder, and the moving unit are in the same plane parallel to the optical axis of the optical sensor and the direction in which the moving unit moves when performing detection by the optical sensor. The twisted electric wire is arranged in the above.

  According to the said aspect, even if the holding position of a twisted electric wire has shifted | deviated with respect to the longitudinal direction of a twisted electric wire, a pitch can always be measured on the same detection line.

  According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the first holding tool and the twisted electric wire are arranged in the same plane parallel to the optical axis of the optical sensor and the direction in which the moving unit moves. A mechanism for rotating the second holder or rotating the moving unit is provided.

  According to the above aspect, the twist electric wire is moved in the optical axis of the optical sensor and the moving direction of the moving unit by rotating the first holding tool and the second holding tool by the mechanism or by rotating the moving unit. They can be arranged in the same parallel plane.

  According to still another preferred aspect of the present invention, the pitch measurement sensor includes an optical sensor that emits strip-shaped light perpendicular to a direction in which the moving unit moves.

  According to the above aspect, since the detection area of the optical sensor is wide, the pitch of the twisted wires can be measured with high accuracy.

  According to another preferable aspect of the present invention, the first holding tool and the second holding tool are rotated so that the twisted electric wires are arranged in the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical sensor. Or a mechanism for rotating the moving unit.

  According to the above aspect, since the twisted electric wires are arranged in the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical sensor, even if a deviation occurs between the moving direction of the moving unit and the longitudinal direction of the twisted electric wires (in other words, Even if the longitudinal direction of the twisted electric wire is inclined with respect to the moving direction of the moving unit), the distance between the optical sensor and the twisted electric wire in the optical axis direction is constant. Therefore, even when the above-described deviation occurs, the pitch of the twisted wires can be measured with high accuracy.

  According to another preferable aspect of the present invention, the pitch measuring device is disposed between the first holder and the second holder, and moves in a direction approaching the first holder and a direction approaching the second holder. One or more other mobile units possible and other detecting the position of the surface of the twisted wire with respect to the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the other mobile units supported by the other mobile units And a pitch measurement sensor.

  According to the above aspect, since a plurality of sets of moving units and pitch measuring sensors are provided, the measuring range per pitch measuring sensor in the longitudinal direction of the twisted electric wire can be reduced. Therefore, the measurement time of the twisted wire pitch can be shortened.

  According to another preferable aspect of the present invention, at least one of the first holding tool and the second holding tool is slidably engaged in a direction in which the first holding tool and the second holding tool approach and away from each other. Rails. The moving unit is slidably engaged with the rail.

  The twisted wire becomes shorter as the degree of twisting progresses. According to the above aspect, the distance between the first holder and the second holder can be changed by moving at least one of the first holder and the second holder along the rail. For example, as the twisted electric wire becomes shorter, the distance between the first holding tool and the second holding tool can be shortened. Therefore, a twisted electric wire can be produced without generating an excessive tension during the twist. Furthermore, at least one of the first holder and the second holder is slidably engaged with the rail, and the moving unit is slidably engaged. The rail is used not only as a rail for the moving unit but also as a rail for the holder. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced.

  According to another preferable aspect of the present invention, the moving unit has a sensor attachment member to which a pitch measurement sensor is attached. The sensor mounting member is configured to be movable between a detection position where the pitch measurement sensor detects the position of the surface of the twisted electric wire and a retracted position retracted from the detection position.

  According to the above aspect, when the pitch of the twisted electric wire is not measured, the pitch measuring sensor and the sensor mounting member can be prevented from becoming an obstacle by moving the sensor mounting member to the retracted position. For example, when conveying the 1st electric wire and 2nd electric wire by which the edge part was cut | disconnected, or the 1st electric wire and 2nd electric wire by which the terminal was crimped | bonded toward the edge part toward the 1st holder and the 2nd holder The pitch measuring sensor and the sensor mounting member can be prevented from becoming an obstacle. Further, when at least one of the first holder and the second holder holding the first electric wire and the second electric wire is rotated to produce a twisted electric wire, the pitch measuring sensor and the sensor mounting member are prevented from becoming an obstacle. be able to.

  According to another preferable aspect of the present invention, an electric wire twist device including the sensor mounting member includes an actuator that moves the sensor mounting member between a detection position SP and a retracted position EP.

  According to the above aspect, the sensor mounting member can be easily moved between the detection position and the retracted position.

  According to another preferable aspect of the present invention, the electric wire twist device includes a retraction detection sensor that detects whether or not the sensor mounting member is in the retraction position.

  According to the said aspect, it can detect more reliably that the sensor attachment member exists in a retracted position compared with the case where it observes visually. The first electric wire and the second electric wire are transported toward the first holder and the second holder while the sensor mounting member is in the detection position, or at least one of the first electric wire and the second electric wire is rotated. Can be prevented more reliably.

  According to another preferable aspect of the present invention, the wire twist device sets the pitch measurement sensor to the first detection state when the sensor mounting member is in the detection position, and the pitch measurement sensor when the sensor mounting member is in the retracted position. Is provided in a second detection state different from the first detection state.

  According to the above aspect, it is possible to detect whether the sensor mounting member is in the detection position or the retracted position based on whether the pitch measurement sensor is in the first detection state or the second detection state. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a retraction detection sensor separately from the pitch measurement sensor. Therefore, the number of parts of the electric wire twist device can be reduced.

  According to another preferable aspect of the present invention, in the electric wire twisting apparatus, the twisted electric wires are held by the first holder and the second holder based on a signal from the pitch measurement sensor before or after the movement of the moving unit. It is provided with a determination device for determining whether or not it is performed.

  According to the said aspect, a pitch measurement sensor can be combined as a sensor which detects whether the twist electric wire is hold | maintained at the 1st holder and the 2nd holder. Therefore, the number of parts of the electric wire twist device can be reduced.

  The wire twist device according to the present invention includes the above-described pitch measuring device and a rotation mechanism that rotates at least one of the first holder and the second holder so that the first electric wire and the second electric wire are twisted. Yes.

  According to the wire twist device, the first holder and the second holder are twisted at the time of measuring the pitch of the twisted wire and the means for producing the twisted wire (in other words, the means for twisting the first wire and the second wire). It is also used as a means for holding the electric wire. Therefore, the number of parts of the electric wire twist device can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pitch measuring device capable of achieving both high-precision pitch measurement and maintaining the quality of the twisted electric wire after the measurement, and an electric wire twisting device including the pitch measuring device.

It is a perspective view of an electric wire twist device concerning one embodiment. It is the schematic diagram which looked at some twisted electric wires from the upper part. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the pitch measuring device which held the twist electric wire inclining with respect to the moving direction of a moving unit from the upper part. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the pitch measuring apparatus after making a holder vertical. It is a perspective view of the pitch measuring device provided with the photoelectric sensor which irradiates the strip | belt-shaped light perpendicular | vertical to the moving direction of a moving unit. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the pitch measuring device of Drawing 5 from the upper part. It is a perspective view of a pitch measuring device provided with a plurality of sets of moving units and pitch measuring sensors. It is a perspective view of the movement unit which has a sensor attachment member. It is a perspective view of the movement unit provided with the shielding board.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The embodiments described herein are, of course, not intended to limit the present invention. Further, members / parts having the same action are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted or simplified.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric wire twist device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, directions indicated by reference signs F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings are front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower, respectively. However, these are only directions for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the installation mode of the wire twist device 10 at all.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electric wire twist device 10 includes a pitch measurement device 20, a first rotation mechanism 110, a second rotation mechanism 120, a rail 130, and a transport unit 140. The pitch measuring device 20 includes a first holding tool 30, a second holding tool 40, a moving unit 50, a pitch measuring sensor 60, and an arithmetic device 70. The electric wire twist device 10 produces a twisted electric wire 220 by twisting the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210, both ends of which are cut by a cutter (not shown) and the terminals T are crimped to both ends by a terminal crimping device (not shown). Is.

  The first holder 30 includes a first grip arm 32 that holds one end of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210, and an unillustrated grip arm actuator that opens and closes the first grip arm 32. The first grip arm 32 has, for example, two arms facing each other, and is configured to be opened and closed by a grip arm actuator. In the open state of the first grip arm 32, the gripping surfaces of both arms are separated from each other, and one end portions of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 can be inserted between the gripping surfaces. On the other hand, in the closed state, the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 are held by the first grip arm 32 by being sandwiched between the holding surfaces. The grip arm actuator is, for example, an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. The second holder 40 has the same configuration as the first holder 30. The second holder 40 includes a second grip arm 42 and a grip arm actuator, and the second grip arm 42 can grip and separate the other ends of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210.

  The first holder 30 and the second holder 40 are disposed facing each other. The second holding tool 40 is engaged with the rail 130 so that the first holding tool 30 can be approached or moved away. The second holder 40 has a slider 121 engaged with the rail 130. The rail 130 extends in the front-rear direction. The second holder 40 moves on the rail 130 and can change the distance from the first holder 30. The second holder 40 is engaged with, for example, a ball screw driven by a motor, and slides on the rail 130 by the power of the motor. In the present embodiment, of the first holder 30 and the second holder 40, only the second holder 40 slides on the rail 130. However, of the first holder 30 and the second holder 40, only the first holder 30 may slide on the rail 130. Both the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 may be engaged with the rail 130 and slide with respect to each other. Further, the drive source is not limited to the motor, and the drive force transmission means is not limited to the ball screw. For example, the moving means of the second holder 40 may be an air cylinder or the like.

  The moving unit 50 is disposed between the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40 and is configured to be movable therebetween. In the electric wire twist device 10 according to the present embodiment, the moving unit 50 is engaged with the rail 130 in the same manner as the second holder 40. The moving unit 50 can move on the rail 130. The moving unit 50 can move in a direction approaching the first holder 30 (rear) and a direction approaching the second holder 40 (front). Hereinafter, the direction in which the moving unit 50 moves is represented by X. Here, the moving direction X is the front-rear direction. For example, a belt 53 hung on a pulley 51 of a motor 52 is connected to the moving unit 50. The moving unit 50 can slide along the rail 130 by the rotation of the motor 52. Here, the moving unit 50 is engaged with the same rail 130 with which the second holder 40 is engaged, but the moving unit 50 and the second holder 40 may be engaged with different rails. However, if the moving unit 50 and the second holder 40 are engaged with the same rail 130, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the rails are individually installed.

  The pitch measurement sensor 60 is supported by the moving unit 50 and detects the position of the twisted electric wire 220 in the direction Y perpendicular to the moving direction X of the moving unit 50. In the present embodiment, the Y direction is the left-right direction of the electric wire twist device 10. That is, the pitch measurement sensor 60 is supported by the moving unit 50 that horizontally moves in the X direction, and detects the position of the twisted electric wire 220 in the Y direction. The position of the pitch measurement sensor 60 is adjusted so that the central axes CL of the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 pass through the detection region. The central axis CL of the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 is the axis of rotation when the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 are rotated by the first rotation mechanism 110 and the second rotation mechanism 120. The central axis of the first holder 30 and the central axis of the second holder 40 coincide with each other. The twisted electric wire 220 is held on the central axis CL. For the pitch measurement sensor 60, for example, an optical sensor such as a photoelectric sensor or a laser sensor is used. For example, a transmissive photoelectric sensor, a reflective photoelectric sensor, or a laser displacement sensor can be suitably used. Further, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, or the like may be used. It is good also as using the magnetic sensor which sends an electric current through the twist electric wire 220 and measures the magnetism around the twist electric wire 220. FIG.

  The rotation mechanism for twisting the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 is connected to at least one of the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40 and rotates the connected holding tool. Here, the rotation mechanism includes a first rotation mechanism 110 connected to the first holder 30 and a second rotation mechanism 120 connected to the second holder 40. The first rotation mechanism 110 is configured to be able to rotate the first holder 30, and the second rotation mechanism 120 is configured to be able to rotate the second holder 40 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first holder 30. The first rotating mechanism 110 and the second rotating mechanism 120 are preferably provided with, for example, a servo motor so that the rotational position can be detected. Since the second holder 40 moves along the rail 130, the second rotation mechanism 120 that rotates the second holder 40 is also disposed on the same slider 121 as the second holder 40 and moves together. It is good to be.

  The transport unit 140 is disposed, for example, on the left side of the pitch measurement device 20 and includes two transport arms 142 and a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the transport arms 142. The transport arm 142 has the same mechanism as the grip arm 32 of the first holder 30 and the grip arm 42 of the second holder 40, and can grip the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210. Here, the transfer arm 142 can simultaneously hold the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 in a state where they are arranged side by side. The moving mechanism can move the transfer arm 142 in the left-right direction. Further, the moving mechanism can change the distance between the two transfer arms 142. The moving mechanism can carry the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 to the position of the central axis CL of the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 by sending the two transfer arms 142 to the right. Further, by changing the distance between the two transfer arms 142, the length of the electric wires 200 and 210 to be transferred can be accommodated.

  The calculation device 70 calculates the twist pitch of the twisted electric wire 220 based on the surface position of the twisted electric wire 220 detected by the pitch measuring sensor 60. The computing device 70 is not limited to a single device (for example, a unit incorporated in the pitch measuring device main body). For example, some or all of the functions may be performed by an external computer or the like connected to the pitch measurement apparatus main body. An external computer or the like includes an interface (I / F) for transmitting and receiving data and the like, a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM for storing a calculation program executed by the CPU, and a RAM used as a working area for developing the program And a storage device for storing various data.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the twisted electric wire 220 has a peak 220 </ b> A and a valley 220 </ b> B. The peaks 220 </ b> A and the valleys 220 </ b> B appear alternately, and two sets of the peaks 220 </ b> A and the valleys 220 </ b> B constitute one twist cycle of the twisted electric wire 220. The pitch P of the twisted electric wires 220 can be defined by, for example, the distance between adjacent peaks 220 </ b> A in the first electric wire 200 or the distance between adjacent peaks 220 </ b> A in the second electric wire 210. For example, the position of each peak 220A along the detection line SL may be detected, and the distance obtained by adding the distances between two adjacent peaks 220A may be detected as the pitch P. The position of the detection line SL is not particularly limited. For example, the pitch P may be defined by the distance between adjacent valleys 220B in the first electric wire 200 or the distance between adjacent valleys 220B in the second electric wire 210. it can. In the inspection of the pitch P, for example, whether or not the measured pitch P is within a predetermined numerical range is determined to pass or fail. Alternatively, whether the average pitch P is within a predetermined numerical range or not can be determined.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pitch measurement sensor 60 according to the present embodiment is a transmissive photoelectric sensor having a projector 62 and a light receiver 64. In the following description, the pitch measurement sensor 60 is appropriately referred to as a photoelectric sensor 60. The photoelectric sensor 60 determines the presence / absence of a shield depending on whether the light receiver 64 receives the light emitted by the projector 62. The light receiver 64 is connected to an amplifier 66. For example, the amplifier 66 outputs a signal when the light receiver 64 does not receive light. This operation may be reversed, and a signal may be output when the light receiver 64 receives light.

  The light projector 62 and the light receiver 64 face each other with the twisted electric wire 220 interposed therebetween. For example, the projector 62 is installed above the twisted electric wire 220 and the light receiver 64 is installed below. Here, the direction of the optical axis OA of the photoelectric sensor 60 is the vertical direction. However, the top and bottom of the projector 62 and the light receiver 64 may of course be reversed. Further, the light projector 62 and the light receiver 64 are not necessarily arranged so that the optical axis OA is in the vertical direction. For example, the projector 62 and the light receiver 64 may be arranged so that the optical axis OA is inclined from the vertical direction. The photoelectric sensor 60 detects the position of the twisted electric wire 220 while moving in the X direction, that is, the longitudinal direction of the twisted electric wire 220 by the moving unit 50. The photoelectric sensor 60 detects, for example, a portion of the twisted electric wire 220 that is located on a detection line SL (see FIG. 2) that is a predetermined distance away from the center in the radial direction r. If the twisted wire 220 is twisted at a constant pitch, the amplifier 66 of the photoelectric sensor 60 outputs a signal at a constant cycle. This signal is input to the arithmetic device 70, and the arithmetic device 70 calculates the twist pitch of the twisted wire 220.

  In addition, when using a light transmission type sensor like this embodiment, area | region SA1 (refer FIG. 2) where neither the 1st electric wire 200 nor the 2nd electric wire 210 exists directly on the detection line SL. Detected. On the other hand, for example, when a reflective displacement sensor such as a laser displacement sensor is used, the above-mentioned central axis CL is set as a detection line, and each part of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 is set as a detection target. In the case of using an optical sensor that emits strip-shaped light perpendicular to the moving direction X of the moving unit 50, a region where the first electric wire 200 or the second electric wire 210 exists, the first electric wire 200, and the second electric wire. An area SA3 that is combined with an area where none of 210 exists is a detection target.

  Next, the operation of the electric wire twist device 10 will be described. First, the transfer arm 142 of the transfer unit 140 moves to the right while holding the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 that are cut to a predetermined length and the terminals T are crimped to both ends. The transfer arm 142 transfers the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 to the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40.

  Next, the first rotation mechanism 110 rotates the first holder 30 and the second rotation mechanism 120 rotates the second holder 40. As described above, the rotation direction of the first holder 30 and the rotation direction of the second holder 40 are opposite to each other. As the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 are rotated, the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 are twisted. When the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 are twisted, the apparent length is shortened. Therefore, the second holding tool 40 moves toward the first holding tool 30 as the twisting progresses. The second holder 40 may move at a predetermined speed, but may move so that the tension of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 is constant.

  Thus, the 1st electric wire 200 and the 2nd electric wire 210 are twisted, and the twist electric wire 220 is produced. When the twisted electric wire 220 is manufactured, the first rotating mechanism 110 and the second rotating mechanism 120 are stopped, and the rotation of the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40 is stopped. Next, the moving unit 50 moves from one of the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 toward the other, and the pitch measurement sensor 60 measures the position of the twisted electric wire 220. The arithmetic device 70 receives a signal from the pitch measurement sensor 60 and calculates the pitch of the twisted electric wire 220. And the arithmetic unit 70 determines the quality of the twisted electric wire 220 based on whether or not the pitch of the twisted electric wire 220 is within a predetermined numerical range.

  As described above, according to the pitch measurement device 20 according to the present embodiment, the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40 hold the end portions of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 in the moving unit. As 50 moves in the longitudinal direction of the twisted electric wire 220, the pitch of the twisted electric wire 220 is measured. Therefore, after measuring the pitch, there is no need to cut the end of the twisted electric wire 220 or perform a process of crimping the terminal T on the end. Therefore, there is no possibility that the quality of the twisted wire 220 is deteriorated after the pitch measurement. Moreover, since the pitch of the twisted electric wire 220 is calculated based on the position of the surface of the twisted electric wire 220 detected by the pitch measuring sensor 60, it is possible to measure the pitch with high accuracy. Therefore, according to the pitch measuring apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve both high-precision pitch measurement and quality maintenance of the twisted electric wire 220 after the measurement.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms. Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  There may be variations in the holding positions of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 by the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first holder 30 holds one end of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 on the right side of the central axis CL, and the second holder 40 is on the left side of the central axis CL. The other ends of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 may be held. In this case, when the twisted electric wire 220 is produced by rotating the first holder 30 and the second holder 40, the twisted electric wire 220 is inclined from the central axis CL as viewed from above. When the twisted electric wire 220 is inclined as described above, an error may occur in the pitch measurement by the photoelectric sensor 60.

  Therefore, the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 (see FIGS. 1 and 3), which were lying when receiving the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210, are measured for pitch as shown in FIG. In this case, it may be vertical. Note that the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40 being vertical means a state in which the gripping surface 35 of the grip arm 32 and the gripping surface 45 of the grip arm 42 are vertical. On the other hand, that the 1st holding tool 30 and the 2nd holding tool 40 are horizontal means the state from which these holding surfaces 35 and 45 become horizontal. As described above, when the pitch is measured, the postures of the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 are rotated by 90 degrees from the posture when the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 are received from the transfer arm 142. You may change to Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, the twisted electric wire 220 is positioned on the central axis CL as viewed from above. In addition, when changing the attitude | position of the 1st holder 30 and the 2nd holder 40, the 1st holder 30 and the 2nd holder 40 are on the same axis | shaft so that the twist state of the twist electric wire 220 may not be changed. It is preferable to rotate the same. When the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40 are thus vertically arranged, the twisted electric wire 220 is held in a vertical plane parallel to the optical axis OA of the photoelectric sensor 60 and the moving direction X of the moving unit 50. . Therefore, the pitch measurement by the photoelectric sensor 60 can be satisfactorily performed regardless of the shift of the gripping position.

  In arranging the twisted electric wire 220 in the same plane including the optical axis OA of the photoelectric sensor 60 and parallel to the moving direction X of the moving unit 50, the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40 are moved around the central axis CL. The photoelectric sensor 60 may be rotated around the central axis CL. In the present embodiment, the first rotation mechanism 110 is configured to rotate the first holder 30 and the second rotation mechanism 120 is configured to rotate the second holder 40. Therefore, a dedicated rotation mechanism for arranging the twisted electric wires 220 in the same plane is not necessary. However, it is of course possible to provide a dedicated rotation mechanism for the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 or the photoelectric sensor 60. In order to arrange the twisted electric wires 220 in the same plane, a rotation mechanism other than the first rotation mechanism 110 and the second rotation mechanism 120 may be provided.

  The photoelectric sensor 60 may irradiate linear light, but may irradiate belt-shaped light. If the photoelectric sensor 60 that irradiates a band-shaped light perpendicular to the moving direction X of the moving unit 50 is used, the light having the vertical direction as the optical axis is irradiated continuously in a band shape in the Y direction. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pitch measuring device 20 including the photoelectric sensor 60 that irradiates the band-shaped light. A symbol SA in FIG. 5 represents a detection region of the photoelectric sensor 60. This detection area SA has a width in the Y direction.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the pitch measuring device 20 of FIG. 5 as viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 6, even if the twisted electric wire 220 is inclined from the central axis CL as viewed from above, the detection region SA of the photoelectric sensor 60 has a width in the Y direction, so that all the parts of the twisted electric wire 220 are It is in the detection area SA. Therefore, the pitch measurement by the photoelectric sensor 60 can be satisfactorily performed without rotating the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 and without rotating the photoelectric sensor 60. Furthermore, since the 1st holding tool 30 and the 2nd holding tool 40 are lying down here, all the site | parts of the twist electric wire 220 are in the same horizontal surface HP. Therefore, the distance between the light projector 62 and each part of the twisted electric wire 220 becomes uniform, and the distance between the light receiver 64 and each part of the twisted electric wire 220 becomes uniform. Therefore, the pitch measurement by the photoelectric sensor 60 can be performed more satisfactorily. In addition, since the 1st holding tool 30 and the 2nd holding tool 40 are lying down here, all the parts of the twist electric wire 220 are arrange | positioned in the same surface perpendicular | vertical to the optical axis of the photoelectric sensor 60. FIG. However, if this is not the case, the pitch measurement device 20 rotates the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 so that the twisted wires 220 are arranged in the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the photoelectric sensor 60. Or a mechanism for rotating the moving unit 50 may be provided.

  In the embodiment, one pitch measurement sensor 60 is provided between the first holder 30 and the second holder 40. However, a plurality of pitch measurement sensors 60 may be provided between the first holder 30 and the second holder 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, three pitch measurement sensors 60 may be provided between the first holder 30 and the second holder 40. The same number of moving units 50 as the pitch measuring sensor 60 are engaged with the rail 130. Each pitch measurement sensor 60 is supported by the moving unit 50 that engages with the rail 130.

  When a plurality of pitch measurement sensors 60 are provided, the measurement range per pitch measurement sensor 60 in the longitudinal direction of the twisted electric wire 220 can be reduced. Therefore, the pitch measurement time of the twisted electric wire 220 can be shortened. For example, when three pitch measurement sensors 60 are provided, the pitch measurement time can be reduced to approximately one third.

  In the embodiment, the transfer arm 142 is configured to deliver the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 from the side to the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40. However, depending on the form of the wire twist device 10, the transfer arm 142 may transfer the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 from the upper side to the lower side with respect to the first holding device 30 and the second holding device 40. May be configured. In that case, the pitch measurement sensor 60 may be in the way.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the collection tray 55 may be disposed below the first holding tool 30, the second holding tool 40, and the pitch measurement sensor 60. In such a case, the wire twisting device 10 measures the pitch of the twisted wires 220 and then freely drops the twisted wires 220 by opening the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 and collects them in the collection tray 55. . In that case, the pitch measurement sensor 60 may be in the way.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the sensor attachment member 150 to which the pitch measurement sensor 60 is attached may be configured to be movable between the detection position SP and the retracted position EP. Although the structure of the sensor attachment member 150 is not limited at all, here, an attachment plate 152 and a hinge 154 are provided. The mounting plate 152 is configured to be rotatable about a vertical axis. The projector 62 and the light receiver 64 are attached to a mounting plate 152. The position along the Y direction of the mounting plate 152 is the detection position SP, and the position along the X direction is the retreat position EP. When the attachment plate 152 is at the detection position SP, the attachment plate 152 is in a position overlapping the twisted electric wire 220 when viewed from above. When the mounting plate 152 is at the detection position SP, the twisted electric wire 220 is positioned between the light projector 62 and the light receiver 64. On the other hand, when the mounting plate 152 is in the retracted position EP, the mounting plate 152 does not overlap the twisted electric wire 220 when viewed from above. When the mounting plate 152 is in the retracted position EP, the twisted electric wire 220 is not disposed between the light projector 62 and the light receiver 64.

  According to the present embodiment, when the pitch of the twisted electric wires 220 is not measured, the first electric wires 200 and the second electric wires 210 are first held from above to below by moving the sensor mounting member 150 to the retracted position EP. When passing to the tool 30 and the second holding tool 40 or when the twisted electric wire 220 is released from the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40 and freely falls, the pitch measuring sensor 60 and the sensor mounting member 150 are It can be prevented from getting in the way. Further, when the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 are rotated to twist the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210, the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 are attached to the pitch measurement sensor 60 or the sensor attachment. Contact with the member 150 can be prevented.

  The sensor attachment member 150 may be moved manually by the user, but an actuator 160 that moves the sensor attachment member 150 between the detection position SP and the retracted position EP may be provided. The actuator 160 is, for example, an air cylinder or an electric motor. For example, an air cylinder having a shaft connected to the mounting plate 152 may be used. The actuator 160 may be controlled to interlock with at least one of the transport unit 140, the holders 30 and 40, and the rotation mechanisms 110 and 120.

  While the sensor mounting member 150 is in the detection position SP, the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 are conveyed from the upper side to the lower side with respect to the first holder 30 and the second holder 40, or the twisted electric wire 220. May be provided with a retraction detection sensor that detects whether or not the sensor mounting member 150 is in the retreat position EP. Whether or not the sensor mounting member 150 is at the retracted position EP can be visually confirmed. However, by using the retract detection sensor, it is more reliably detected that the sensor mounting member 150 is at the retracted position EP. can do.

  Various controls can be performed by using the signal of the retraction detection sensor. For example, when the transport unit 140 transports the electric wires 200 and 210 toward the holders 30 and 40 while the sensor mounting member 150 is in the detection position SP by using the signal of the retraction detection sensor, the transport unit 140 The operation may be forcibly stopped. Further, the signal of the retraction detection sensor may be used so that the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 cannot release the twisted electric wire 220 while the sensor attachment member 150 is at the detection position SP.

  The configuration of the retraction detection sensor is not limited at all. The retraction detection sensor is, for example, a proximity switch built in the actuator 160. For example, by using an air cylinder with a proximity switch, the position where the shaft of the air cylinder is housed and the extended position can be detected. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the limit switch 170 may be disposed at a position where the sensor mounting member 150 is pushed down by the mounting plate 152 when the sensor mounting member 150 is folded to the retracted position EP.

  A dedicated sensor may be provided as the retraction detection sensor, but the pitch measurement sensor 60 may also be used as the retraction detection sensor. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the sensor mounting member 150 is in the retracted position EP, a shielding plate 180 that blocks light from the light projector 62 toward the light receiver 64 is provided, and the sensor mounting member 150 is in the detection position SP. The detection state of the pitch measurement sensor 60 may be different between the case where the pitch measurement sensor 60 is at the retracted position EP. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide a retract detection sensor separately from the pitch measurement sensor 60. Therefore, the number of parts of the electric wire twist device 10 can be reduced.

  Note that it is possible to detect whether or not the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 are disposed between the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 using the pitch measurement sensor 60. In other words, by using the signal from the pitch measurement sensor 60, the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 are connected to the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 before the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 are twisted. It is possible to detect whether or not it is held in Moreover, after twisting the 1st electric wire 200 and the 2nd electric wire 210, it can be detected whether the twist electric wire 220 is hold | maintained at the 1st holder 30 and the 2nd holder 40. FIG. As described above, the pitch measurement sensor 60 can also be used as a sensor for detecting whether or not the twisted electric wire 220 is held by the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40. Therefore, the number of parts of the electric wire twist device 10 can be reduced.

  The electric wire twist device 10 determines whether or not the twist electric wire 220 is held by the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 based on a signal from the pitch measurement sensor 60 before or after the movement unit 50 moves. A determination device 190 (see FIG. 1) for determination may be provided. The determination device 190 receives a signal from the pitch measurement sensor 60 and determines whether the twisted electric wire 220 is actually held at a position where the twisted electric wire 220 should be held. For example, the determination is made based on whether or not there is a shielding object in the detection region of the photoelectric sensor 60. If the twisted electric wire 220 does not exist between the first holder 30 and the second holder 40, the light from the projector 62 is not shielded at any position in the detection region, and the light is transmitted at all positions. Received light. When the determination device 190 determines that the twisted electric wire 220 is not held, processing for stopping the electric wire twist device 10, processing for issuing an alarm, or the like may be performed.

  In the embodiment, the first holder 30 holds one end of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 together, and the second holder 40 holds the other end of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 together. Was configured to hold on. The transport unit 140 transfers one end of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 to the first holding tool 30 at the same time, and transfers the other end of the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 to the second holding device 40 at the same time. It was configured as follows. However, the first holder 30 may be configured to separately hold one end of the first electric wire 200 and one end of the second electric wire 210. The second holder 40 may be configured to hold the other end of the first electric wire 200 and the other end of the second electric wire 210 separately. The transport unit 140 may be configured to transport the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210 separately. For example, the first holder 30 may include a first holder that holds one end of the first electric wire 200 and a second holder that holds one end of the second electric wire 210. The second holder 40 may include a third holder that holds the other end of the first electric wire 200 and a fourth holder that holds the other end of the second electric wire 210. The transport unit 140 may be configured to deliver the second electric wire 210 to the second holding body and the fourth holding body after delivering the first electric wire 200 to the first holding body and the third holding body.

  The pitch measurement described above may be performed for all the twisted wires 220 produced by the wire twist device 10 or may be performed for only a part of the twisted wires 220 produced continuously. For example, only a predetermined number of twisted wires 220 immediately after the start of the wire twist device 10 may be targeted (initial inspection). Alternatively, a predetermined number of twisted electric wires 220 may be targeted for every predetermined period during the operation of the electric wire twist device 10 (periodic inspection). Pitch measurement may be performed only when designated by the user. The above-described pitch measurement can be executed at an arbitrary timing.

  In the said embodiment, although the twisted electric wire 220 was produced by twisting the two electric wires 200 and 210, the number of the electric wires contained in the twisted electric wire 220 is not restricted to two. The twisted electric wire 220 may be produced by twisting three or more electric wires. The pitch can be measured in the same manner for a twisted electric wire 220 including three or more electric wires.

  In the said embodiment, after the 1st electric wire 200 and the 2nd electric wire 210 before twisting are conveyed by the 1st holder 30 and the 2nd holder 40, the 1st holder 30 and the 2nd holder 40 rotate. Therefore, the twisted electric wire 220 was to be produced. However, after producing the twisted electric wire 220 by twisting the first electric wire 200 and the second electric wire 210, the twisted electric wire 220 may be conveyed to the first holding tool 30 and the second holding tool 40. In this case, the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 are not necessarily rotatable, and the first rotation mechanism 110 and the second rotation mechanism 120 may be omitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electric wire twist apparatus 20 Pitch measuring apparatus 30 1st holder 40 2nd holder 50 Moving unit 60 Photoelectric sensor 70 Arithmetic apparatus 110 1st rotation mechanism 120 2nd rotation mechanism 130 Rail 150 Sensor attachment member 140 Conveyance unit 160 Air cylinder 170 Limit switch 180 Shielding plate 190 Determination device 200 First electric wire 210 Second electric wire 220 Twisted electric wire

Claims (13)

A pitch measuring device for measuring a twist pitch of a twisted electric wire having a first electric wire and a second electric wire twisted on the first electric wire,
A first holder for holding one end of the first electric wire and one end of the second electric wire;
A second holder for holding the other end of the first electric wire and the other end of the second electric wire;
A moving unit disposed between the first holding tool and the second holding tool and movable in a direction approaching the first holding tool and a direction approaching the second holding tool;
A pitch measurement sensor that is supported by the moving unit and detects a position of a surface of the twisted electric wire in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the moving unit moves;
An arithmetic device that calculates the twist pitch of the twisted wire based on the position of the surface of the twisted wire detected by the pitch measuring sensor;
A twist wire pitch measuring apparatus comprising: The pitch measurement sensor comprises an optical sensor,
The first holder, the second holder, and the moving unit are in the same plane parallel to the optical axis of the optical sensor and the direction in which the moving unit moves when performing detection by the optical sensor. The twist measuring device for twisted wires according to claim 1, wherein the twisted wires are arranged on the wire.   Rotating the first holding tool and the second holding tool so that the twisted electric wires are arranged in the same plane parallel to the optical axis of the optical sensor and the moving unit; or The twist measuring apparatus for twisted wires according to claim 2, further comprising a mechanism for rotating the moving unit.   The pitch measurement sensor is composed of an optical sensor that irradiates a band-shaped light perpendicular to the direction in which the moving unit moves.   A mechanism for rotating the first holding tool and the second holding tool or rotating the moving unit so that the twisted electric wires are arranged in the same plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical sensor; The twist measuring apparatus for twisted wires according to claim 4. One or more other moving units that are arranged between the first holder and the second holder and are movable in a direction approaching the first holder and a direction approaching the second holder When,
Another pitch measurement sensor that is supported by the other moving unit and detects the position of the surface of the twisted electric wire in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the other moving unit moves;
The twist measuring apparatus for twisted wires according to claim 1, comprising: A rail engaged with at least one of the first holder and the second holder so that the first holder and the second holder are slidable in a direction toward and away from each other;
The twist measuring unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the moving unit is slidably engaged with the rail. The moving unit has a sensor attachment member to which the pitch measurement sensor is attached,
The sensor mounting member is configured to be movable between a detection position where the pitch measurement sensor detects the position of the surface of the twisted electric wire and a retracted position retracted from the detection position. The twist measuring apparatus for twisted wires according to any one of the above.   The electric wire twist device according to claim 8, further comprising an actuator that moves the sensor mounting member between the detection position and the retracted position.   The electric wire twist apparatus of Claim 8 or 9 provided with the retraction | saving detection sensor which detects whether the said sensor attachment member exists in the said retracted position.   When the sensor mounting member is in the detection position, the pitch measurement sensor is in a first detection state, and when the sensor mounting member is in the retracted position, the pitch measurement sensor is different from the first detection state. The electric wire twist apparatus of Claim 8 or 9 provided with the member made into a state.   A determination device configured to determine whether the twist electric wire is held by the first holder and the second holder based on a signal from the pitch measurement sensor before or after the movement of the movement unit; The twist measuring apparatus for twisted wires according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The pitch measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A rotation mechanism for rotating at least one of the first holder and the second holder so that the first electric wire and the second electric wire are twisted;
Electric wire twist device with

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