JP6537093B2 - Wire harness production system and wire harness production method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wire harness production system and a wire harness production method including a coloring unit for coloring a wire coating portion with a coloring material in a system configuration.

  The electric wire for transmitting electric power and signals is configured to include a conductive metal conductor and an insulating resin insulating material covering the conductor. In the electric wire having such a configuration, the conductor may be referred to as a core wire or a wire conductor portion, and the insulator may be referred to as a coating or a wire coating portion. Since the electric wire is used to transmit power and signals as described above, the material, thickness and configuration of the conductor, material and thickness of the insulator, etc. differ depending on the application. For example, in the case of a conductor, copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the like is employed. Then, a wire is made of such a material, and a conductor is formed by simply bundling or twisting the wires. Alternatively, the conductor may be formed of a single core structure instead of a strand. The thickness of the wire is, for example, represented by a conductor cross-sectional area, and varies from small to large. The thickness of the wire also varies depending on the number of strands. On the other hand, regarding the insulator, a resin material is selected in consideration of heat resistance, weather resistance, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, flame resistance and the like. Moreover, in order to ensure insulation, thickness is also suitably set. From the above, it can be understood that there are various types of wires.

  Although only one electric wire may be used, in the case of a car (mobile), many electric wires are used. Many electric wires are used to constitute a wire harness. As for wire harnesses, automobiles are equipped with various electronic devices that enable the basic performance of the car, that is, the performance of running, bending, and stopping, safety, convenience, and comfort. These various electronic devices are operated by the power from the battery and the control signal, and the wire harness is responsible for the transmission of the power and the signal. The wire harness requires various types of wires (length, thickness, insulator material) depending on the type of device, the value of current flowed, the position of wiring, and the like.

  A wire harness comprising a large number of different types of electric wires will be extremely difficult to manufacture if, for example, the appearances of the electric wires themselves are all the same. Also, when connecting the devices, an incorrect connection may occur. Furthermore, maintenance may be hindered. Therefore, in order to identify various types of wires, it is general to color or mark the wire covering portion. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is by the applicant of the present invention, and it is indicated about coloring and marking in the proposal of the method of manufacturing a wire harness.

JP, 2007-181805, A

  By the way, in the prior art disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, after the wire is measured to a predetermined length and cut, the measurement cut wires are held so as to be arranged in order from the end of the wire holding rod, for example To be done. As described above, if the measurement cutting wires are arranged in order, from the viewpoint of production efficiency, they are held by the wire holding rod in a post process according to the sub harness production content or according to the wire harness assembly content. There is a problem that it is necessary to rearrange the measuring and cutting wires.

  This is because the inventor of the present invention thought that when attaching a terminal fitting to the end of the measurement cutting wire and inserting the terminal fitting into the cavity of the connector housing, it would be more efficient if the terminals were arranged in the order of terminal insertion. . In addition, when assembling a wire harness from a sub-harness, the inventors of the present application have thought that it would be more efficient if the wires were arranged so as not to cause the wire entanglement.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and a wire harness production system and wire harness production capable of improving the production efficiency when inserting a terminal at the time of sub harness production and assembling a wire harness from the sub harness. The task is to provide a method.

In the present invention made to solve the above problems, in a wire harness production system including a coloring unit for coloring a wire covering portion with a coloring material in a system configuration, a wire holding rod having a plurality of wire holding portions, An electric wire U-shaped set portion for setting the measured and cut measurement electric wire which has been measured and cut in a substantially U shape in the electric wire holding rod, and a terminal attaching portion for attaching a terminal fitting to each end of the electric wire. includes a terminal insertion portion for inserting the terminal fitting with respect to cavities of the connector housing, and as the electric wire U-shaped setting section, when word ear harness assembly, in one of the connector housings of a plurality of connector housings A measuring and cutting wire to be connected passes through between the measuring and cutting wires connected to the other connector housing of the plurality of connector housings. Bets is the absence, and having a function of each held by the wire holding portion rearranges the respective terminals of sequentially the test length cut wire the test length cutting electric wires are not intertwined.

Further, in the present invention made to solve the above problems, in the wire harness production method including the coloring step of coloring the wire covering portion with the coloring material, the measuring and cutting wire which has been measured and cut is held by the wire. Electric wire U-shaped setting step of setting in a substantially U-shape in a bowl, terminal attaching step of attaching a terminal fitting to each end of the measuring and cutting electric wire, and terminal inserting step of inserting the terminal fitting into a cavity of a connector housing If, include, as the wire U-shaped setting step, upon word ear harness assembly, Kenshaku cutting wire to be connected to any one of the connector housings of the multiple connector housing of a plurality of connector housings a state never slip through between Kenshaku cutting wire to be connected to another connector housing, said analyzing length cutting electric wires are intertwined There sequentially, characterized in that to each hold the corresponding wire holding portion of the electric wire holding rod rearranges each terminal of the test length cutting wires.

  According to the present invention having the above-described features, the measurement-cut wires obtained by measuring and cutting are arranged according to the sub-harness production content or the wire harness assembly content. After arranging accordingly, the wire covering portion can be colored by the coloring unit, and can be flowed to the subsequent process with the identification portion. Specifically, after arranging the measurement-cut wires in the terminal insertion order or arranging so that the wires do not get tangled when assembling the wire harness from the sub-harness, for example, the wire covering portion by the coloring unit Can be colored and flowed to the subsequent process with the identification portion.

According to the present invention, for example, it can be produced from the rearranged so as not to cause entanglement between pre Me wires flowing state performed, efficiently sub harnesses and wire harness. Therefore, the effect of improving the production efficiency can be achieved as compared with the conventional case.

It is a basic composition figure showing the wire harness production system of the present invention. It is a basic composition figure showing the first system composition group. It is a figure which shows the state which set the measuring and cutting electric wire to the electric wire holding rod. It is a figure which shows the state which colored the electric wire terminal. It is a figure which shows the state which peeled the electric wire terminal. It is a figure which shows a back identification electric wire group. It is a figure which shows a sub harness (in the middle). It is a figure showing a sub harness. It is a block diagram which shows a wire harness production system (Example). It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a wire harness. It is a figure which shows an electric wire terminal and a coloring part. It is a block diagram which shows a 1st system configuration group. FIG. 5 is an enlarged block diagram showing an automatic subset cutter. It is explanatory drawing which shows about a wire connection. It is a block diagram which shows a coloring unit. It is a block diagram which shows a coloring unit main-body part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the adhesion state of a coloring material. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows a terminal peeling part. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows a terminal attachment part.

  FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram showing a wire harness production system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a basic configuration diagram showing the first system configuration group of FIG. Furthermore, FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the measurement cutting wire is set in the wire holding rod, FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which the wire end is colored with respect to FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing a rear identification wire group, and FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are views showing a sub-harness.

  In FIG. 1, the wire harness production system 1 is a system for producing an intermediate product such as a sub-harness constituting the wire harness, and the system shown in FIG. 1 is a sub-harness 2 shown in FIG. Show the configuration until the production of Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

  The first system configuration group 3, the second system configuration group 4, the third system configuration group 5, the first stock unit 6, and the second configuration are the configurations until the sub harness 2 (see FIG. 8) is produced. The stock unit 7 and the third stock unit 8 are included (this is an example, and other examples will be described later).

  In the first system configuration group 3, a plurality of post-terminal identification cables 9 (rear identification cable group 10) are obtained as components of the sub-harness 2 shown in FIG. A colored portion 11 is formed on the post-terminal identification wire 9 as a post-identification portion effective for the production of the sub-harness 2. The colored portion 11 is formed by coloring the wire covering portion 13 with a coloring material using the coloring unit 12. The first system configuration group 3 includes the coloring unit 12 described above, and the wire terminal collecting portion 14, the selected wire drawing portion 15, the measuring portion 16, the wire cutting portion 17, and the end peeling portion 18. And a wire holding rod 20, a wire U-shaped set portion 21, and a wire holding rod moving portion 22. The coloring unit 12 is disposed between the wire cutting portion 17 and the end peeling portion 18.

In the wire end collecting portion 14, the wire ends 24 of the plurality of types of wires 23 wound around the reel are collected, and the wire ends 24 are respectively held. In the selected wire lead-out portion 15, the wire 23 is selected based on the type of wire constituting one sub-harness 2, and is pulled out from the wire terminal collecting portion 14 as the selected wire 25. Thereafter, the selected electric wire 25 drawn out is cut into the length instructed by the electric wire cutting portion 17 to be a measuring and cutting electric wire 26. The measuring and cutting electric wire 26 is set in a substantially U shape to the electric wire holding rod 20 by the electric wire U-shaped set portion 21. At this time, the set position of the terminal with respect to the electric wire holding rod 20 is entanglement or sealed explosion of, the set position or to the terminal fitting insertion order at the time of the sub-harness 2 production.

  While the fixed range of the outer surface of the electric wire coating | coated part 13 in this terminal is wiped off, the main part of the coloring unit 12 is colored with respect to the wiped-off part of the measuring and cutting electric wire 26. The colored portion 11 is inspected at the design confirmation portion of the coloring unit 12.

  At the terminal attachment portion 19, the terminal fitting 27 is attached, whereby a terminal-attached rear identification wire 9 is obtained. A plurality of post-terminal identification wires 9 become a rear identification wire group 10 in a state of being held in plurality by the wire holding rod 20.

  In the second system configuration group 4, the sub-harness 2 shown in FIG. 7 is partially produced from the terminal-attached rear identification wire 9 (rear identification wire group 10) held in plurality by the wire holding rod 20. In the second system configuration group 4, the terminal fitting 27 is automatically inserted (automatically accommodated) into the cavity of the housing 28.

  In the third system configuration group 5, the sub-harness 2 is produced to be completed as shown in FIG. In the third system configuration group 5, steps that are difficult to automate are performed. Specifically, the step of manually inserting the terminal fitting 27 (for example, in the case of inserting in the opposite direction to the other) which could not be automatically inserted in the second system configuration group 4 is performed. Further, a process of twisting the identification wire 9 with a terminal, a process of jointing the wires, and the like are performed. In addition to this, a process of manually assembling an exterior part such as a grommet or the like which should be previously assembled is also performed.

  The identification wire group 10 obtained by the first system configuration group 3 is stocked in the first stock unit 6. Further, the sub harness 2 obtained by the second system configuration group 4 is stocked in the second stock unit 7. In addition, the sub harness 2 obtained by the third system configuration group 5 is stocked in the third stock unit 8. Although not shown, the sub-harness 2 after being stocked in the third stock portion 8 is set on a wiring board and assembled as a wire harness.

In the above system configuration, when setting the measurement cutting wire 26 into the wire holding rod 20 in a substantially U shape, the set position of the end with respect to the wire holding rod 20 is inserted as described above. or sequentially, and the entanglement of electric wires at the wire harness assembly to the set position or sealed explosion, because it so as to respectively hold the electric wire holding portion, it is not necessary to rearrangement in a later step, the result , Can be produced efficiently.

  Regarding the coloring unit 12, this may be read as a "coloring unit and / or a marking unit". The marking unit is a unit for marking with a coloring material.

  Further, regarding the sub-harness 2, the "sub-harness" refers to a state in which all of the terminal fittings 27 (crimped terminals and the like) are inserted into the connector housing or in a jointed state. In other words, all the terminal fittings 27 are not exposed.

  Further, with regard to the colored portion 11, the colored state may be linear (band-like) in the circumferential direction as illustrated, or may be dots (···) or marks (マ ー ク Δ) (AB) or the like.

  In addition, the third system configuration group 5 may not be provided, and all the terminal fittings 27 may be automatically inserted. Also, conversely, the second system configuration group 4 may not be provided, and all the terminal fittings 27 may be manually inserted. Furthermore, the order of arrangement of the second system configuration group 4 and the third system configuration group 5 may be reversed from the illustration. Alternatively, either one or both of the second system configuration group 4 and the third system configuration group 5 may be arranged in parallel.

  Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a wire harness production system. Moreover, FIG. 10 is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a wire harness, FIG. 11 is a figure which shows a wire end and a coloring part.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 31 indicates a wire harness production system. The wire harness production system 31 is configured to include a sub harness production line 32 and a wire harness assembly line 33. The sub-harness production line 32 may be called a front process line 34, and the wire harness assembly line 33 may be called a rear process line 35.

  The sub harness production line 32 is composed of two lines in this embodiment. The sub-harness production line 32 is an automatic including the first system configuration group 36, the second system configuration group 37, the first stock section 38 (38a, 38b), and the second stock section 39 (39a, 39b). It comprises a manually adaptable line, and a corresponding line (line on which assembly by a worker is performed) manually including the third system configuration group 41 and the third stock section 42 (42a, 42b). The first system configuration group 36 is provided with a coloring unit 40.

  In addition, although the sub harness production line 32 is two lines in a present Example, the number of lines in particular is not limited, For example, one line may be sufficient.

  It is assumed that the first system configuration group 36 and the second system configuration group 37, which are lines capable of automatic machine correspondence, are controlled by a computer (not shown). Moreover, it shall operate | move by the control mechanism which is not shown in figure. The control unit by the computer is configured to be able to control for each system configuration or to be able to control the whole collectively. The control unit has a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. It goes without saying that the production procedure, production speed, etc. can be changed by programming according to the type of sub-harness, and, for example, even if there are a large number of supplied parts, it is possible to reliably select etc. In addition to this, by the control of the control unit, it is possible to determine the quality or the like during production.

  The wire harness assembly line 33 is a dedicated assembly line installed downstream of the sub harness production line 32. In this line, a wire harness 43 as shown in FIG. 10 can be assembled by assembling one or more of the sub-harnesses 2 of FIG. 8 on a wiring board, winding a tape at this time, attaching exterior parts, etc. . The configuration and appearance shape of the wire harness 43 of FIG. 10 are an example. Here, illustration of exterior parts, such as a protector and a grommet, shall be omitted.

  In FIG. 10, a wire harness 43 is a bundle of electric wires 44, and is wired at a predetermined position of a car (mobile body) to transmit power and signals. The number of electric wires required in automobiles may range from several hundred to more than one thousand in some cases, from so-called popular cars to luxury cars. Since such a wire harness 43 is produced by processing one wire at a time, it can be understood that a large number of steps are required, and a great deal of labor and time is required. Therefore, it is important to automate production.

  The wire harness 43 is produced according to the arrangement of the device (vehicle-mounted electrical component) mounted on the vehicle. The types of the wire harness 43 include, for example, a wire harness for an engine room, a wire harness for a cowl side, a wire harness for an instrument panel, a wire harness for a door, and a wire harness for a rear side.

  The wire harness 43 is a bundle of the electric wires 44 as described above, and has a trunk 45 and a plurality of branch wires 46 branched from a predetermined position of the trunk 45 as the configuration of the bundle portion. Various types of connectors 47 are provided at the terminals of the trunk line 45 and the plurality of branch lines 46. The connector 47 has a terminal fitting attached to the end of the electric wire 44, and a connector housing that accommodates the terminal fitting.

  In the wire harness 43, in order to ensure electrical connection, the terminal fitting at the end of the wire 44 needs to be inserted into a predetermined position of the connector housing. In the present invention, at the end 48 of the electric wire 44, a design portion for identification as shown in FIG. 11, that is, a colored portion 49 is formed. The above-mentioned terminal will be referred to as the reference numeral 48 in the description herein, but after the electric wire 44 is measured and cut, it will be indicated by the reference numerals 66 and 67 described later.

  Referring to FIG. 11A, first, the configuration of the electric wire 44 will be described. The electric wire 44 includes the electric wire conductor portion 50 (conductor) and the electric wire covering portion 51 (insulator). The wire conductor portion 50 has conductivity. The wire covering portion 51 has an insulating property. The wire covering portion 51 is formed by extruding a non-colored molten resin material on the outer surface of the wire conductor portion 50. The wire covering portion 51 is made white by mixing a white colorant in the resin material. Alternatively, the resin material has a natural color without being mixed with a colorant. In the present embodiment, white is used in principle, but natural or other colors may be used.

  Next, the colored portion 49 will be described. The colored portion 49 is formed on the outer surface of the wire covering portion 51 which is white. The colored portion 49 is formed in a predetermined area of the outer surface and over the entire circumference. The colored portion 49 is formed by coloring the outer surface of the wire covering portion 51 with a coloring material.

  In FIGS. 11B and 11C, the first area is between the reference signs ar1 and ar2, the second area is between the reference signs ar2 and ar3, and the third area is between the reference signs ar3 and ar4. Assuming that the fourth area is between the reference code ar5 and ar6, the fifth area is between the reference code ar6 and ar7, and the sixth area is between the reference code ar7 and ar8, the colored portion 49 in FIG. Are formed across the third area and half of the second area, and also across the sixth area and half of the fifth area. On the other hand, in the case of the colored portion 49 of FIG. 11C, the colored portion 49 is formed in each of the first area and the third area, and in each of the fourth area and the sixth area. In addition, it shall not be limited to the explanation here. If the identification is possible, the number, width, etc. may be changed as appropriate. In addition, it may be a dot, a mark, or the like, instead of a line (strip) in the circumferential direction.

  The color of the colored portion 49 is W / B (white / black), B (black), R (red), L (blue), Lg (light green), G (green), Y (yellow), V ( Violet), P (pink), Sb (sky blue), Br (brown) and the like. With regard to the color of the colored portion 49, it is assumed that there is no particular problem as long as the white wire covering portion 51 can be identified and if it can be distinguished from other colors.

  The coloring unit 49 is formed in the first system configuration group 36 because the coloring unit 40 is provided in the first system configuration group 36 as shown in FIG. 9. First, the first system configuration group 36 will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the first system configuration group 36 of FIG. 9 in more detail.

  In FIG. 12, a first system configuration group 36 is configured to include an automatic subset cutting machine 52, a first automatic subset crimping line 53, and a second automatic subset crimping line 54. The automatic subset cutting machine 52, the first automatic subset crimping line 53, and the second automatic subset crimping line 54 are disposed so as to be continuous from the left to the right in the drawing of FIG. The difference between the first automatic subset crimping line 53 and the second automatic subset crimping line 54 is mainly the presence or absence of the coloring unit 40, and the coloring unit 40 is incorporated into the first automatic subset crimping line 53.

  FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the automatic subset cutter 52. As shown in FIG. The automatic subset cutter 52 has a plurality of wire reels 56 (56a, 56b, 56c...) On the back side 55 of the device. In other words, a plurality of wire reels 56 of different wire types are provided. “Different wire types” means, for example, that wires 44 having different thicknesses and the like are wound for each wire reel 56. The number of the wire reels 56 (five are shown in the present embodiment) in the drawing is an example. It shall be at least for the type of wire necessary for sub harness production.

  Reference numeral 57 indicates a wire terminal assembly. The wire end collecting portion 57 is provided as a portion for collecting the wire ends 48 (48a, 48b, 48c...) Of the wires 44 (44a, 44b, 44c...) Drawn from the respective wire reels 56. Further, the wire end collecting portion 57 is also provided as a portion for holding each of the wire ends 48. The wire end collecting portion 57 has a holding power to such an extent that the wire 44 can be pulled out. Alternatively, it has a mechanism such that the holding is released when the wire 44 needs to be pulled out. The respective wire terminals 48 are held by the wire terminal collecting portion 57 in a state where the positions are aligned.

  As the system configuration, the automatic subset cutting machine 52 moves the selection wire lead portion 58, the measurement portion 59, the wire cutting portion 60, the wire U-shaped set portion 61, the wire holding rod 62, and the wire holding rod movement And a unit 63. In the selection wire lead-out portion 58, the wire 44 is selected based on the type of wire constituting one sub-harness, and the selected wire 44 is automatically drawn out from the wire terminal collecting portion 57 as the selection wire 64. The selection wire lead-out portion 58 automatically pulls out the wire 44 (selection wire 64) in a direction (see arrow Q) orthogonal to the moving direction of the wire holding rod 62 (see arrow P, same as the method of production process). Have a mechanism that can

  The wire length of the electric wire 44 (selection electric wire 64) drawn by the selection electric wire drawing portion 58 is automatically measured by the measuring unit 59. The drawing length is based on a numerical value preprogrammed according to the contents of the sub-harness. That is, since it is necessary to secure the length necessary for the arrangement, it may be pulled out long or vice versa. The drawn electric wire 44 (selected electric wire 64) is cut at a desired length based on the measurement of the measurement unit 59. This cutting is performed by the electric wire cutting portion 60, and the measurement cutting electric wire 65 is obtained by the cutting.

  The electric wire U-shaped set portion 61 operates in accordance with the drawing of the electric wire 44 (selection electric wire 64) by the selection electric wire drawing portion 58. By the operation of the electric wire U-shaped set portion 61, both ends 66, 67 of the measuring and cutting electric wire 65 are respectively set at desired positions of the electric wire holding rod 62. Further, the whole of the measuring and cutting wire 65 is set in a substantially U shape with respect to the wire holding rod 62.

  Here, the electric wire U-shaped set portion 61 will be described in more detail. The electric wire U-shaped set portion 61 has a mechanism etc. which can make the selected electric wire 64 drawn in the arrow Q direction into a substantially U shape. . Although not particularly illustrated, specifically, first, the first mechanism that reverses the direction of the terminal 66 by 180 degrees while holding the terminal 66 (terminal at the leading end of the drawing) of the selection wire 64 according to the timing of drawing A second mechanism for holding the end 67 (end on the trailing end side) of the measurement cutting wire 65 drawn out in the direction of arrow Q and cut by the electric wire cutting unit 60, and the terminal 66 whose direction is reversed as described above Of the wire holding rod 62 to the desired position, and a fourth mechanism for carrying the terminal 67 to the desired position of the wire holding rod 62 and setting it.

  The first mechanism in the electric wire U-shaped set portion 61 is first disposed in alignment with the position of the end 66 of the selected electric wire 64, and while holding the end 66, reverses the direction by 180 degrees while adjacent (arrow P direction Operation to be offset). When the direction of the first mechanism is reversed 180 degrees, the direction of the terminal 66 is also reversed 180 degrees, that is, the reverse direction of the arrow Q, so the selection wire 64 is substantially U-shaped near the terminal 66. Will have an inverted portion of The inverted portion moves in the direction of the arrow Q along with the withdrawal of the selection wire 64 (the inverted portion of the selection wire 64 comes to be separated from the first mechanism).

  The second mechanism described above operates to move to the position of the selection wire 64 in the pulled-out state along with the movement of the first mechanism (displacement to the above), and is cut by the wire cutting portion 60 An operation is performed to hold the terminal 67 of the measuring and cutting wire 65 obtained as described above.

In this embodiment, the set position of the terminal 66 and 67 for the wire holding rod 62, for example, or sealed explosion-entanglement electric wires during wire harness assembly, the set position or to the terminal fitting insertion order at the time of sub-harnesses production Is set. Specifically, as schematically shown in FIG. 12, the positions as shown in FIG. 3 are not set sequentially (it is assumed that FIG. 12 is not made to be a complicated diagram), Set to

  Here, the state of the entanglement of the said electric wires is demonstrated, referring FIG. In FIG. 14A, reference numerals 101 to 103 denote electric wires, and reference numerals 104 to 106 denote connector housings. The wires 101 to 103 are terminal-attached rear identification wires provided with terminal fittings at one end and the other end.

  One end 107 of the electric wire 101 is in a state of being inserted into the connector housing 104, and the other end 108 is in a state of being inserted into the connector housing 105. Similarly, one end (not shown) of the electric wire 102 is inserted into a connector housing (not shown), and the other end 109 is inserted into the connector housing 105. Furthermore, similarly, one end (not shown) of the electric wire 103 is in a state of being inserted into a connector housing (not shown), and the other end 110 is in a state of being inserted into the connector housing 106.

  The wire 103 passes through between the wire 101 and the wire 102, as can be seen from the figure. Here, such a state is included to be defined as "entangled". Here, it is assumed that the electric wire 101 and the electric wire 102 are in contact with the electric wire 103 in a state of being sandwiched.

  Since the electric wire 103 passes between the electric wire 101 and the electric wire 102 and is also pinched, there is a possibility that the electric wire 103 can not be easily moved even if the connector housing 106 is moved in the arrow direction, for example. Therefore, if it is at the time of wire harness assembly using a wiring board, it will cause trouble. It can be seen that it is effective to improve the productivity that the wires do not entangle each other.

FIG. 14 (b) shows a state in which the entanglement of the electric wires is prevented . That is, the wire 103 does not go through between the wire 101 and the wire 102. In such a state, movement in the arrow direction is easy. There will be no hindrance.

Incidentally, in addition to preventing the entanglement of wires, but also the above or to the terminal fitting insertion order, and the terminal insertion order, the terminal 66 of Kenshaku cutting wire 65 in order to insert the terminal fitting with respect to the connector housing , 67 from the end of the wire holding rod 62. If you or the terminal insertion order, especially manually (manually) be effective in carrying out the terminal insertion.

Returning to FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, the terminals 66 and 67 are set in the corresponding wire holding portions (described later) of the wire holding rod 62 at the setting position . As a result, as will be understood from the following description, it is not necessary to rearrange the measurement cutting wire 65 (the identification wire 9 with a terminal) in a later step.

  The measuring and cutting wire 65 which is set in a substantially U-shape with respect to the wire holding rod 62 is held such that both the ends 66 and 67 protrude from the wire holding rod 62 by a predetermined length. In addition, the measurement cutting wire 65 has a direction in which the both terminals 66 and 67 are orthogonal to the moving direction of the wire holding rod 62 (refer to the arrow P) and opposite to the drawing direction of the arrow Q (described later It is held so as to project in the same direction as the Q ′ direction. Further, the measuring and cutting electric wire 65 is held such that the both terminals 66 and 67 protrude to the arrangement side of the coloring unit 40 and the arrangement side of the terminal peeling portion 68 and the terminal attaching portion 69 (see FIG. 12) described later. (In other words, the terminals 66 and 67 are held at positions passing the coloring unit 40 and the terminal peeling section 68).

  The wire holding rod 62 is a rod-shaped member elongated in the arrow P direction, and has a plurality of slits in the direction orthogonal to the arrow P. The plurality of slits are formed as a wire holding portion. The wire holding rod 62 is not particularly shown, but is stocked near the automatic subset cutting machine 52 and supplied to the wire holding rod moving part 63 in accordance with the production of the sub-harness.

  The structure of the wire holding rod 62 will be described in more detail. The wire holding rod 62 includes a large number of wire clips aligned in the direction of arrow P and a clip base for keeping the wire clips in a long hook shape. The wire clip is composed of a pair of clamps, and a space between the pair of clamps is formed as the above-mentioned wire holding portion. A taper is formed at the tip portion of the pair of clamp members for wire guiding. The taper is formed to be inclined toward the wire holding portion. The wire clips are all formed in the same size and shape. The wire clip is provided such that several tens of wire clips are present in one wire holding rod 62.

  In the case of the present embodiment, what kind of wire type measurement cut-off wire 65 is held in which wire clip from, for example, one end of the wire holding rod 62 is programmed according to the contents of the sub harness in advance Shall be

  The wire holding rod moving unit 63 directs the wire holding rod 62 in a state in which the plurality of measurement cut wires 65 are held to the coloring unit 40 and the terminal peeling portion 68 and the terminal attachment portion 69 (see FIG. 12). Has a mechanism that can be transported. Specifically, it has a rail-shaped portion for guiding the wire holding rod 62 in the arrow P direction, and a mechanism for moving the wire holding rod 62 in the arrow P direction at a predetermined speed. In the present embodiment, the wire holding rod moving unit 63 is controlled so that the movement of the wire holding rod 62 does not occur during the setting of the measurement cutting wire 65.

  The rail-shaped portion is disposed to extend not only to the automatic subset cutting machine 52 but also to the first automatic subset crimping line 53 and the second automatic subset crimping line 54.

  The automatic subset cutting machine 52 having the above-described system configuration makes it possible to flow the measurement cutting wires 65 into the first automatic subset crimping line 53 collectively for the wire types necessary for sub harness production and for several minutes. (See also FIG. 3 for a state in which a plurality of measurement cutting wires 65 are put together).

  In FIG. 12, the first automatic subset crimping line 53 is configured to include a coloring unit 40, a terminal peeling portion 68, and a terminal attaching portion 69. The first automatic subset crimping line 53 is a line in which the coloring unit 40 is incorporated.

  First, the coloring unit 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19 in order. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the coloring unit, FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the coloring unit main body, and FIG. 17 is a view showing the adhesion state of the coloring material.

  In FIG. 15, the coloring unit 40 is disposed on the side where both ends 66 and 67 of the measuring and cutting electric wire 65 set in a substantially U shape with respect to the electric wire holding rod 62 protrude. That is, the coloring unit 40 is arranged and configured so that coloring can be performed at a desired position (desired area) of both the terminals 66 and 67 with a coloring material.

  Here, "coloring" will be described. The coloring means coloring the outer surface of the terminals 66 and 67 (see the wire covering portion 51 in FIG. 11. The same applies to the following) with a coloring material. The coloring material is a liquid substance in which a coloring material (industrial organic substance) is dissolved and dispersed in water or other solvent. Organic substances include dyes and pigments (mostly organic and synthetic products), and sometimes dyes are used as pigments and pigments as dyes. As a more specific example, the colorant is a coloring solution or a paint.

  The above-mentioned colored liquid indicates one in which a dye is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent. Moreover, the said coating material shows what the pigment is disperse | distributing in a dispersion liquid. Therefore, when the outer surface of the terminal 66, 67 (wire covering portion 51) is colored with the coloring liquid, the dye penetrates into the terminals 66, 67 (wire covering portion 51), and the coating 66, 67 (wire covering portion 51) When the outer surface of the light emitting element is colored, the pigment adheres to the outer surface without permeating into the terminals 66, 67 (wire covering portion 51). That is, to “color” means to dye the outer surface of the terminals 66 and 67 (wire covering portion 51) with a dye, and to apply a pigment to the outer surfaces of the terminals 66 and 67 (wire covering portion 51) Indicates that.

  Regarding the above-mentioned solvent and dispersion liquid, one having affinity to the synthetic resin material forming the terminals 66 and 67 (wire covering portion 51) is desirable. In this case, the dye will surely penetrate into the terminals 66, 67 (wire covering portion 51), and the pigment will surely adhere to the outer surface of the terminals 66, 67 (wire covering portion 51).

  The coloring unit 40 includes a terminal wiping unit 70, a coloring unit main body 71, a drying unit 72, and a design confirmation unit 73. The coloring unit 40 is an apparatus formed by putting together the above-described configurations in the present embodiment (this is an example. The above-described configurations may be arranged as an individual apparatus at appropriate intervals to form the coloring unit 40. ). The coloring unit 40 is controlled by a control unit (not shown). It is assumed that information necessary for the operation of the coloring unit 40 such as the wire type of the measurement cutting wire 65 and the arrangement of the terminal 66 (67) in the wire holding rod 62 are preprogrammed in the control unit.

  The terminal wiping unit 70 shown in FIG. 15 is provided for automatically wiping out the dirt of the terminal 66 (67) of the measuring / cutting wire 65 which is generally set in a substantially U shape with respect to the wire holding rod 62. In the present embodiment, the terminal wiping unit 70 is provided to improve the coloring state of the terminal 66 (67).

  In FIG. 16, the coloring unit main body 71 has a coloring part 49 as a design part for identification at the terminal 66 (67) of the measurement cutting wire 65 whose whole is set in a substantially U shape with respect to the electric wire holding rod 62. Provided for automatic formation. In the present embodiment, the coloring unit main body 71 is configured to spray the coloring material 77 on a predetermined area on the outer surface of the terminal 66 (67) to form the coloring part 49.

  The coloring unit main body 71 includes a coloring head 78, a first moving mechanism 79 and a second moving mechanism 80 for moving the coloring head 78, a wire chuck unit (not shown), and a nozzle cleaning unit (not shown). And a colorant supply unit (not shown). The coloring head 78 has a coloring head body 81 and a plurality of coloring nozzles 82 for spraying the coloring material 77 onto a predetermined area on the outer surface of the terminal 66 (67) from the coloring head body 81.

  In the present embodiment, the coloring nozzles 82 are provided by the number capable of discharging 12 colors. Such a plurality of coloring nozzles 82 are arranged in line in the directions of arrows Q and Q '. The plurality of coloring nozzles 82 can be used properly depending on the color of the coloring portion 49. The selective use is performed by moving the coloring head 78 in the directions of arrows Q and Q 'by the first moving mechanism 79.

  The coloring head 78 moves in the directions of arrows Q and Q ′ with respect to the end 66 (67) of the measurement cutting wire 65. In addition, in order to form the colored portion 49 over the entire circumference of the outer surface of the terminal 66 (67), it is also moved in the directions of arrows S and S 'that swing (swing or swing).

  The coloring head 78 is configured to move itself to form a coloring part 49 with respect to the measurement cutting wire 65 moving in the arrow P direction and with respect to the terminal 66 (67) protruding in the arrow Q ′ direction. Be done.

  The adhesion state of the coloring material 77 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. First, it is assumed that the coloring material 77 is not jetted at a position where the coloring material 77 does not adhere to the outer surface of the terminal 66 (67). Next, as shown in FIG. 17A, when the coloring head 78 is moved in the direction of the arrow S to reach a position where the coloring material 77 adheres to the outer surface, the coloring material 77 is jetted. In addition, the coloring material 77 shall be sprayed by pressurization (it shall be an example). When the coloring material 77 starts to adhere to the outer surface, the coloring material 77 turns to the side away from the coloring head 78, and the state as shown in FIG. 17B is obtained.

  After the coloring material 77 crosses the end 66 (67), the coloring head 78 is moved in the direction of the arrow S 'as shown in FIG. By this, the adhesion of the coloring material 77 is completed over the entire circumference.

  If the coloring material 77 is to be attached to the entire circumference more reliably, for example, as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 16, the coloring unit main body 71 ′ is additionally arranged on the opposite side of the coloring unit main body 71. An example is given. The arrangement is not particularly limited as long as the arrangement does not hinder the measurement cutting wire 65 moving in the arrow P direction.

  In addition to this, a mask member may be interposed between the terminal 66 (67) and the coloring head 78 so that dots and marks can be applied.

  When the colored portion 49 is formed wide or the entire terminal 66 (67) is colored, the coloring head 78 is also moved in the directions of arrows S and S 'while being moved in the directions of arrows S and S'. The coloring material 77 may be sprayed continuously.

  The drying unit 72 shown in FIG. 15 is provided for drying and fixing the colored portion 49 formed by spraying the coloring material 77 (see FIG. 16) with a heater or the like. The design confirmation unit 73 is also provided to inspect the formation state and formation position of the coloring unit 49 by photographing an image or the like.

  Next, the terminal peeling section 68 will be described with reference to FIG. The terminal attachment portion 69 will also be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 18, the terminal peeling portion 68 is provided to automatically remove the wire covering portion 51 (insulator) with a predetermined length. As for the terminal 66 (67) of the rear identification wire 88 (the measurement cutting wire 65) having the colored portion 49, the wire covering portion 51 is removed with a predetermined length by the end peeling portion 68. When the wire covering portion 51 is removed, the wire conductor portion 50 is exposed from the terminal 66 (67). The terminal peeling section 68 also brings about a state as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 19, the terminal attachment portion 69 is provided for automatically attaching the terminal fitting 89 to the terminal 66 (67) where the wire conductor portion 50 is exposed. The terminal mounting portion 69 is configured such that the terminal fitting 89 can be mounted by pressure bonding in the present embodiment. Further, the terminal attachment portion 69 is configured such that a plurality of types of terminal fittings 89 can be attached to correspond to the wire type. In the first automatic subset crimping line 53 (see FIG. 12) of the present embodiment, six types of terminal fittings 89 can be attached (if it is necessary to attach more types of terminal fittings 89, the present embodiment) As an example, a second automatic subset crimping line 54 similar to the first automatic subset crimping line 53 is required). A plurality of types of terminal fittings 89 are supplied to the terminal attachment portion 69, respectively.

  In addition, regarding attachment of multiple types of terminal fittings 89, the process of attaching the various terminal fittings 89 in the order of the flow of the terminal 66 (67), and the process of moving the terminal attachment portion 69 and attaching it for each terminal fitting 89 of the same type. Any of these may be adopted. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that only the terminal 66 (67) that needs to be attached is performed on the terminal fitting 89 (in this case, the state is as shown in FIG. 6).

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 9 to 19, according to the system configuration of the first system configuration group 36, a plurality of post-terminal identification wires 9 (rear identification wire group 10) as shown in FIG. Is obtained.

  In the second system configuration group 37, the sub harness 2 (see FIG. 7) is partially produced. Reference numeral 90 in the second system configuration group 37 denotes an automatic terminal insertion machine (terminal insertion portion).

  The third system configuration group 41 is manufactured to complete the sub harness 2 (see FIG. 8). Reference numeral 91 in the third system configuration group 41 indicates a wire twist portion. Reference numeral 92 denotes a manual terminal insertion portion (terminal insertion portion). Reference numeral 93 denotes an inter-wire joint. Reference numeral 94 denotes a sub-harness conduction inspection unit.

  In the third system configuration group 41, steps that are difficult to automate are performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a step of twisting the identification wire 9 with a terminal is performed. In addition, a step of manually inserting a terminal fitting which can not be automatically inserted in the second system configuration group 37 (for example, when inserting in the opposite direction to the other) is performed. Moreover, the process of joining electric wires is performed. In addition to this, a process of manually assembling an exterior part such as a grommet or the like which should be previously assembled is performed. Finally, a process is performed to check whether the circuit of the sub harness 2 (see FIG. 8) is correctly formed.

  The wire harness assembly line 33 is configured such that the wire harness 43 (see FIG. 10) can be assembled from the sub harness 2 (see FIG. 8). Reference numeral 95 indicates a wired board. A plurality of wiring boards 95 are provided and attached to the conveyor so as to flow in an annular manner. After the tape winding and the exterior parts are attached to the sub-harness 2 (see FIG. 8) set in the wiring board 95, the wiring continuity inspection unit 96 and the appearance inspection unit 97 are sequentially passed through the wire harness 43 (FIG. A series of production and assembly) is completed.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 9 to 21, the measurement-cut wires 65 obtained by measuring and cutting are arranged according to the sub-harness production content, or a wire harness Since the wire covering portion 51 is colored by the coloring unit 40 and arranged in accordance with the contents of assembly, and flowed to a later step with the identification portion (colored portion 49), specifically, the measurement cutting After arranging the electric wires 65 in the order of inserting the terminals or arranging the electric wires entangled so as not to occur when assembling the wire harness 43 from the sub-harness 2, the electric wire covering portion 51 is colored by the coloring unit 40 and the identification portion The sub-harness 2 and the wire harness 43 can be efficiently produced because the flow is carried out to the post-process in the state of having. Therefore, the effect of improving the production efficiency can be achieved as compared with the conventional case.

  It goes without saying that the present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  1 ... wire harness production system, 2 ... sub harness, 3 ... first system configuration group, 4 ... second system configuration group, 5 ... third system configuration group, 6 ... first stock section, 7 ... second stock section, 8: Third stock unit, 9: After identification wire with terminal, 10: Rear identification wire group, 11: Colored portion, 12: Colored unit, 13: Wire covering portion, 14: Wire terminal collecting portion, 15: Selection wire lead Part 16 Measuring section 17 Electric wire cutting part 18 Peeling end of terminal 19 Terminal mounting part 20 Electric wire holding rod 21 Electric wire U-shaped set part 22 Electric wire holding rod moving part 23 ... electric wire, 24 ... electric wire terminal, 25 ... selection electric wire, 26 ... measurement and cutting electric wire, 27 ... terminal fitting, 28 ... housing (connector housing)

  31 wire harness production system 32 sub harness production line 33 wire harness assembly line 34 front process line 35 post process line 36 first system configuration group 37 second system configuration group 38 ... 1st stock part (stock part), 39 ... 2nd stock part, 40 ... coloring unit, 41 ... 3rd system configuration group, 42 ... 3rd stock part, 43 ... wire harness, 44 ... electric wire, 45 ... trunk line, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 46 ... Branch wire, 47 ... Connector, 48 ... Terminal, 49 ... Colored part, 50 ... Wire conductor part, 51 ... Wire coating part, 52 ... Automatic subset cutting machine, 53 ... 1st automatic subset crimping line, 54 ... 2nd Automatic subset crimping line, 55: Back side of device, 56: Wire reel, 57: Wire terminal assembly, 58: Selected wire lead 59: Measuring section 60: Electric wire cutting section 61: Electric wire U-shaped setting section 62: Electric wire holding rod 63: Electric wire holding rod moving section 64: Selection electric wire 65: Measuring electric wire 66, 67 ... terminal 68 peeling terminal portion 69 terminal attaching portion 70 terminal wiping portion 71 coloring unit main body portion 72 drying portion 73 design confirmation portion 77 coloring material 78 coloring head 79: first moving mechanism, 80: second moving mechanism, 81: coloring head main body, 82: coloring nozzle, 88: rear identification wire, 89: terminal fitting, 90: automatic terminal insertion machine (terminal insertion portion), 91: Wire twist portion 92: Manual terminal insertion portion (terminal insertion portion) 93: 9 Wire joint portion 94: Sub-harness continuity inspection portion 95: Wiring board, 96: Harness continuity inspection portion 97: Appearance査部

Claims (2)

In a wire harness production system including a coloring unit for coloring a wire covering with coloring material in a system configuration,
A wire holding rod having a plurality of wire holding parts;
An electric wire U-shaped set portion for setting the measured and cut measuring electric wire in a substantially U shape to the electric wire holding rod;
A terminal attachment portion for attaching a terminal fitting to each end of the measurement cutting wire;
A terminal insertion portion for inserting the terminal fitting into a cavity of a connector housing;
Including
As said electric wire U-shaped set part ,
During the follower unpleasant harness assembly, between the Kenshaku cutting wire Kenshaku cutting wire to be connected to any one of the connector housings of the multiple connector housing is connected to the other connector housing of the plurality of connector housings A wire harness producing a function of rearranging the respective ends of the measuring and cutting wires in the order that the measuring and cutting wires are not tangled with each other and holding them in the wire holding portion in a state in which the through holes do not fall through. system. In a wire harness production method including a coloring step of coloring a wire covering portion with a coloring material,
An electric wire U-shaped setting step of setting the measured and cut measuring electric wire in a substantially U shape on the electric wire holding rod;
A terminal attaching step of attaching a terminal fitting to each end of the measurement cutting wire;
A terminal inserting step of inserting the terminal fitting into a cavity of a connector housing;
Including
As the electric wire U-shaped setting process ,
During the follower unpleasant harness assembly, between the Kenshaku cutting wire Kenshaku cutting wire to be connected to any one of the connector housings of the multiple connector housing is connected to the other connector housing of the plurality of connector housings The respective ends of the measuring and cutting wires are rearranged in the order in which the measuring and cutting wires are not entangled in a state in which the through holes do not fall through, and the corresponding wire holding portions of the wire holding rod are respectively held. Wire harness production method.

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