MXPA04008098A

MXPA04008098A - Electric wire and wire coloring apparatus.

Info

Publication number: MXPA04008098A
Application number: MXPA04008098A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Sugimura Keigo
Original assignee: Yazaki Corp
Priority date: 2002-02-19
Filing date: 2003-01-10
Publication date: 2005-06-20
Also published as: EP1477994A1; WO2003071560A1; AU2003203153A1; CN1643622A; CN100354983C; JPWO2003071560A1; JP4511837B2; EP1477994A4

Abstract

An electric wire which is easily identified and suppresses a decrease in the quality of a wire harness to be assembled, and a wire coloring apparatus. An electric wire (1) comprises a core (2) and a coated section (3) that coats the core (2). The outer surface (3a) of the coated section (3) has a first identifying section (4) and a mark (5). The first identifying section (4) lies over the whole periphery of the outer surface (3a) of the coated section (3) located at the central section (1a) of the wire (1) in the longitudinal direction. The first identifying section (4) is formed of the outer surface (3a) colored in a first color (G) different from the color (P) of a colorless synthetic resin which constitutes the coated section (3). The mark (5) lies in a colorless region (6) provided at each end (1b) of the wire (1). The colorless region (6) is formed by removing the colorless coated section (3). The mark (5) lies by keeping the colorless region (6) colored partially in a second color (H).

Description

ELECTRIC CABLE AND APPARATUS FOR COLORING ELECTRICAL CABLE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electric cable, which includes an electrically conductive core cable and an insulating coating that covers the core cable, and an apparatus for coloring the electric cable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various electronic devices are mounted on a motor vehicle as a mobile unit. Therefore, the motor vehicle is provided with a wired harness to transmit power from a power source and control signals from a computer to the electronic devices. The wired harness includes a plurality of electrical cables 100 (shown in Figures 4 and 5) and connectors coupled to one end of the cables 100. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cable 100 includes a core cable 101 electrically conductor and a coating 102 made of insulating synthetic resin, which covers the core cable 101. The cable 100 is a so-called coated cable. The cable 100 is fabricated by extrusion coating the insulating synthetic resin around the core cable 101. The cable 100 is colored to a desired power by mixing a desired coloring agent with the synthetic resin after the extrusion coating. A connector includes an electrically conductive terminal fitting and an insulator connector housing. The end fitting is coupled to one end of the cable 100 and comes into electrical contact with the core cable 101 of the cable 100. The connector housing is formed in a box shape and receives the terminal fitting. When the wired harness is assembled, first the cable 100 is cut to a specific length and then the end fitting is coupled to one end of the cable 100. One cable 100 is connected to another cable 100 according to need. After this, the end fitting is inserted into the connector housing, whereby the wired harness is assembled. The cable 100 of the wired harness must be distinguished in terms of the size of the core cable 101, the coating material 102 (concerning the alteration of the materials depending on the heat resistance property), and a purpose of use. The purpose of use means, for example, an air bag, an anti-brake braking system (ABS), a control signal such as speed data, and a system in a motor vehicle in which the cable 100 is used, such as a power transmission system. In order to distinguish the purpose of use (system) as described above, "cable 100 of the wired harness has been colored to various colors by mixing various coloring agents with the synthetic resin constituting the coating 102, and is subjected to at various markings For a cable 100 shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the outer surface 102a of the cover 102 is colored in a pattern of strips with two different colors A and B (shown with parallel diagonal lines in the figures). cable 100 shown in Figure 5A and 5B, a desired coloring agent is mixed with the synthetic resin constituting the coating 102 after the extrusion coating, so that the outer surface 102a of the coating 102 is colored to a desired color C (shown with parallel diagonal lines in the figures.) The markings 103 are formed on the outer surface 102a of the covering 102 located at both ends os in the longitudinal direction of it. With respect to the markings 103, the portions of the outer surface 102a of the coating 102 are colored to a color D and a color E (shown with parallel diagonal lines in the figures) / which are different from the color C. In general, the users of a motor vehicle have different demands, therefore, a motor vehicle must assemble many more diverse electronic devices. Sometimes the wired harness includes, for example, one hundred types of cables 100, forcing cables 100 having different colors to be used. Accordingly, the cable 100 shown in Figures 4a and 4B is colored in a pattern of strips by the use of various combinations of colors A and B. The cable 100 shown in Figures 5A and 5B is colored by the use of various combinations of colors C, D and E. The wired harness, which is mounted on a motor vehicle, tends to increase in its weight since various electronic devices are mounted on the motor vehicle, therefore the cable 100 is forced to become thin In this regard, for the cable 100 shown in Figures 4A and 4B having a pattern of strips in its color, when the cable 100 becomes thin, the pattern constituting the strip becomes of course thin, thereby making it Difficulty the discrimination of the combination of two colors A and B. As a result, the cables 100 tend to be incorrectly arranged after the 'harness' is harnessed, causing deterioration in the quality of the harness harness. With respect to the cable 100 shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the cable 100 is in advance colored to a specific color by mixing a coloring agent with the synthetic resin constituting the coating 102. Then, the marks 103 are formed which they have the color D and E, which is different from the color C of the coating 102, at both ends of the cable 100. When the cable 100 becomes thin, it may be difficult to distinguish the markings 103 depending on the color combination C, D and E As a result, the cables 100 tend to be incorrectly accommodated after the wiring harness is assembled, causing deterioration in the quality of the wired harness. In order to make various cables easily distinguishable, the outer surface of the cable can be colored by using the combination of different colors. However, after the extrusion coating of the coating, when the coloring agent is mixed with the synthetic resin constituting the coating, it has been necessary to interrupt an operation of an apparatus for manufacturing the cable after changing the color. Alternatively, the coloring agent to be mixed has been replaced without interrupting an operation of the apparatus for manufacturing the cable. In such a case, the cable, in which a coloring agent before replacement and a coloring agent after the replacement of a mixture, has inevitably been manufactured, causing deterioration in the performance of the cable. Therefore, a conventional apparatus for manufacturing the cable has not been able to manufacture the cable having various colors. For various apparatuses to color the cable, which have been proposed so far, only one mark or a similar is formed at the end of the cable. Therefore, there is a limit to the combination of colors with such conventional apparatus, which is not capable of manufacturing the cable having different colors. It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide a cable, which can be easily distinguished from another and can prevent deterioration in the quality of the wiring harness to be assembled. Therefore, a second objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for coloring an electric cable, by means of which it has various colors on its outer surface, it can be easily obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the first objective, the present invention will provide an electrical cable comprising: an electrically conductive core cable; a coating made of synthetic resin to coat the core cable; a first distinguishable part formed by coloring the outer surface of the central part in the longitudinal direction of the coating, with a first color, which is different from a color of the synthetic resin; and a second distinguishable part, formed by the coloration of a part of each end of the longitudinal direction of the coating with a second color, which is different from the color of the synthetic resin. With the construction described above, the first distinguishable part is formed on the outer surface of the central part of the covering. The first color of the first distinguishable part is different from the color of the synthetic resin. Therefore, even if the cable becomes thin, since the first distinguishable part is formed on the central part of the coating, the first color of the first distinguishable part can be easily distinguished. In addition, the second distinguishable part is formed in a part of each end of the coating. The second distinguishable part is formed on the outer surface of the coating. The second color of the second distinguishable part is different from the color of the synthetic resin. Therefore, the second color of the second distinguishable part can be easily distinguished. In this specification, "coloring the outer surface of the coating" is to color the outer surface of the cable coating with a coloring agent. The coloring agent means a liquid substance, in which a coloring material (organic substance for use in industry) is dissolved and dispersible in water or in another solvent. The organic substance described above is a dye or a pigment. Sometimes, a dye is used and a pigment is used as a dye. As an example, the coloring agent can be a coloring liquid or a coating material. The coloring liquid is a liquid, in which a dye is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent. The coating material is a material in which a pigment is dispersed in a liquid dispersion. When the outer surface of the coating is colored with a coloring liquid, the dye permeates the coating. When the outer surface of the coating is colored with a coating material, the pigment adheres to the outer surface without permeating into the coating. In the specification, "coloring the outer surface of the coating" means dyeing at least a portion of the outer surface of the cable coating with a dye or pigment or coating at least a portion of the outer surface of the cable coating with a pigment. Preferably, the solvent and the liquid dispersion have an affinity for the synthetic resin constituting the coating, in order to safely permeate the dye towards the coating, or to cause the pigment to adhere securely to the outer surface of the coating. covering. Preferably, a section is provided, in which an outer surface of the synthetic resin is uncovered, between the first and second distinguishable portions. With the construction described above, the section is formed between the first and second distinguishable parts. Therefore, the first and second distinguishable parts can be easily distinguished from one another.

Preferably, each end of the cover is provided with a plurality of the second distinguishable parts and each second distinguishable part has a different color from that of the other second distinguishable part. With the construction described above, a plurality of second distinguishable parts is provided at each end of the coating. Thus, by using combinations between the second colors of a plurality of the second distinguishable parts and the first color of the first distinguishable part, the types of cable to be distinguished from one another can be increased. In order to achieve the second objective, the present invention is to provide an apparatus for coloring an outer surface of a coating of an electric cable, which includes an electrically conductive core cable and the elaborate coating of the synthetic resin for coating the cable of the core, the apparatus comprises: first coloring means for coloring an outer surface of the central part in the longitudinal direction of the coating with a first color, which is different from a color of the outer surface of the coating; and the second coloring means for coloring a part of each end in the longitudinal direction of the coating / with a second color which is different from a color of the outer surface of the coating. With the construction described above, the first coloring means colors the central part in the longitudinal direction of the coating "with the first color The second coloring means colors a part of each end in the longitudinal direction of the coating, with the second color. thus, by combining the first color and the second color, the types of cable to be distinguished from each other can be increased.The first and second coloring means color the outer surface of the coating with the first and second colors, respectively, which are different from a color of the outer surface of the coating Therefore, by changing the first and second colors, the color of the wire can be easily changed.The first coloring means preferably colors the entire circumference of the outer surface of the part of the coating with the first color, in which case, even if the cable becomes thin, the The first color can be easily distinguished and the cable can be easily distinguished.

In addition, the cable, which is colored by the first and second coloring means, is preferably not colored. In this case, the first and second coloring means color the cable securely with the first and second colors, respectively. Therefore, the cable, the outer surface of which has different colors, can be obtained safely. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises: transfer means for transferring the electric cable along the longitudinal direction of the electric cable; measurement means for measuring a specific position of the electric cable; and control means for controlling the action of the first and second coloring means based on the specific position of the electric cable measured by the measuring means. With the construction described above, the outer surface of the cable is colored while the cable is transferred in a longitudinal direction thereof. Based on the specific position of the cable measured by the measuring means, the control means control the action of the first coloring medium and the second coloring medium. Therefore, a predetermined position can be colored with the first color and the second color, by using the first coloring medium and the second coloring medium, respectively. The specific position can be any wire position with the proviso that the specific position can be a reference position when the wire is transferred to be colored. For example, the specific position may be one end of the cable or the end of the first distinguishable part where the cable is colored with the first color by the first coloring means. Preferably, the second coloring means is placed downstream of the first coloring medium in the direction of transfer of the electric cable and colors a section with the second color, wherein the section is located at a distance from a portion colored by the first coloring medium and The synthetic resin of each coating end is discovered in the section. With the construction described above, the second coloring means colors a portion, which has a distance from a portion colored by the first coloring medium, with the second color. The second coloring medium colors a part of the uncolored section that is uncovered with the second color. Therefore, in the cable, there is an outer surface of the synthetic resin between the first color and the second color.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1A is a perspective view of an electrical panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure IB is a plan view of the cable shown in Figure 1A. Figure 2 illustrates a construction of an apparatus for coloring and trimming the cable shown in Figures 1A and IB. Figure 3 is a plan view illustrating a primary part of the cable formed in Figures 1A and IB. Figure 4A is a perspective view illustrating an example of a conventional cable. Figure 4B is a plan view of the cable in Figure 4A. Figure 5A is a perspective view illustrating yet another example of a conventional cable. Figure 5B is a plan view of the cable shown in Figure 5A.

BEST MODALITY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION In the following, an electric cable and an apparatus for coloring the electric cable according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, will be explained with reference to Figures 1-3. An electric cable 1 constitutes a wired harness to be mounted on a motor vehicle or the like as a mobile unit. As shown in Figures 1A and IB, the cable 1 includes an electrically conductive core cable 2 and an electrically insulating coating 3. A plurality of elementary cables are grouped to form a core cable 2. Each elementary wire of the core cable 2 is made of electrically conductive metal. The core cable 2 can be constituted by a simple elementary cable. The coating 3 is made of synthetic resin such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The synthetic resin, which constitutes coating 3, does not contain a coloring agent. Therefore, the synthetic resin is not colored, ie an outer surface 3a of the coating 3 has a color P (shown with a white background in Figures la and IB) of the synthetic resin. The other surfaces 3a of the coating 3 is an outer surface of the cable 1. In this specification, "not to be colored" means that a coloring agent is not mixed with the synthetic resin, which constitutes the coating 3 of the cable 1. That is, "not to be colored" means that the outer surface 3a of the coating 3 has the color P of the synthetic resin itself. The covering 3 covers the core cable 2. The outer surface 3a of the covering 3 is provided With a first distinguishable part 4, which is colored by a first coloring unit · 12 (explained later), and the marks 5 as a second part distinguishable. The first distinguishable part 4 is formed on the surface 3a of the central part la in the longitudinal direction of the cable 1. The central part la is a central part in the longitudinal direction of the covering 3. The outer surface 3a of the covering 3 consisting of the synthetic resin the color P (shown with a white background in Figures 1A and IB) is colored with a first coloring agent of a first color G (shown with parallel diagonal lines in Figures 1A and IB) for the full circumference of the central part the, whereby the first distinguishable part 4 is formed. The first color G is different from the color P of the synthetic resin. That is, the first distinguishable part 4 is formed by coloring the entire surface of the outer surface 3a of the central part in the longitudinal direction of the coating 3 with the first color G.

The markings 5 are formed on the outer surface 3a of the coating 3 located at both ends Ib in the longitudinal direction of the cable 1. Each end Ib is one end in the longitudinal direction of the coating 3. The markings 5 are formed on a section 6 not colored located at both ends Ib. The outer surface 3a of the coating 3 'consisting of the synthetic resin having the color P is uncovered, whereby the uncolored section 6 is formed. That is, the uncolored section 6 is not colored with a coloring agent and the outer surface of the resin having the color P is uncovered. A part of the uncolored section 6, which is located at each end Ib, is colored with a second coloring agent of a second color H, which is different from the color P and the color G, whereupon the marks are formed 5. That is, a part of each end Ib is colored with the second color H, which is different from the color P and the color G, whereupon the marks 5 are formed. In Figure 1A and IB, as an example , each brand 5 is formed in a rectangular shape in its plan view. Two marks 5 are formed by end Ib of cable 5, as an example. If a plurality of marks 5 are formed by the end Ib, the second colorant of these marks 5 is preferably different from one another. More than two marks 5 can be formed by the end Ib of the cable 1. In this way, a part of each end Ib of the covering 3 is colored with the second color H, whereupon the marks 5 are formed. The second color H it can be the same as the first color G, with the proviso that the second color H is different from the color G of the synthetic resin, which constitutes the coating "3. In this specification" coloring the outer surface 3a of the coating 3"is coloring the outer surface 3a of the coating 3 of the cable 1 with a coloring agent The coloring agent means a liquid substance, in which a coloring material is dissolved and dispersed in water or in other solvents (organic substance for use in industries) The organic substance described above is a dye or a pigment.Sometimes, a dye is used as a pigment and a pigment is used as a dye.As an example, the coloring agent can be a colored liquid. or a coating material. The coloring liquid is a liquid, in which it dissolves or disperses in a solvent, a dye. The coating material is a material in which a pigment is dispersed in a liquid dispersion. When the outer surface 3a of the coating 3 is colored with a coloring liquid, the dye permeates the coating 3. When the outer surface 3a of the coating 3 is colored with a coating material, the pigment adheres to the outer surface 3a without permeating to the coating 3. In the specification, "coloring the outer surface 3a of the coating 3" means coloring at least a portion of the outer surface 3a of the coating 3 of the cable 1, with a colorant or coating at least a part of the outer surface 3a of the coating 3 of cable 1, with a pigment. Preferably, the solvent in the liquid dispersion has an affinity for the synthetic resin constituting the coating 3, in order to securely permeate the dye towards the coating, or to cause the pigment to adhere securely to the outer surface 3a of the coating 3. The marks 5 as the second distinguishable part, are formed in the uncolored section 6, located at each end Ib. That is, on the outer surface 3a in the coating 3, the non-colored section 6 (the outer surface of the synthetic resin constituting the coating 3) is formed between the first distinguishable part 4 and the markings 5. That is, the surface The exterior of the synthetic resin is discovered between the first distinguishable part 4 and the 5 marks.

Further, as shown in Figure 3, for the cable 1, the length L of the cover 3 along the longitudinal direction of the cable I, the length L2 of the first distinguishable part 4 along the longitudinal direction of the cable 1 and the length Ll of the section 6 colored river along the longitudinal direction of the cable 1, are determined in advance. Further, in an uncolored section 6 located on the right side in Figure 3 (located on the downstream side in the direction of the arrow K explained later) the distance A between a mark 5 near the end of cable 1 and the end of cable 1, is determined in advance. In both uncolored sections 6, the length Lb of a mark 5 located near the end of the cable 1 along the longitudinal direction of the cable 1, the distance Le between the marks 5 mutually adjacent to each other, and the length Ld of the other mark 5 located near the central part of the cable 1 along the longitudinal direction of the cable 1 are determined in advance. In addition, in the other uncolored section 6 located on the left side in Figure 3 (located on the upstream side in the direction of the arrow K explained later), the distance Le between the first distinguishable part 4 and the other marking 5 located near the central part of cable 1 is determined in advance.

A plurality of cables 1 are grouped and a connector or the like is coupled to the end of the bundled cables, whereby the wired harness is constructed. The connector is coupled with a coupling connector of various electronic devices in the motor vehicle, whereby the wired harness, for example, the cable 1 transfers various signals or electrical energy to various devices. At that time, the first distinguishable part 4 indicates a system in the motor vehicle as described above. The mark 5 indicates a position of a terminal receiving chamber of the connector, inside which a terminal fitting attached to the end is inserted. The cable 1 can be distinguished from one another by the combination of the first color G and the second color H. The cable 1 is obtained by the use of an apparatus 10 for coloring and trimming the cable shown in Figure 2. In this specification, the cable before being processed by the apparatus 10 is shown by the reference number 30, while the cable after being processed by the apparatus 10 is shown by the reference number 1. The apparatus 10 cuts the cable 30 very long and not colored, which is wound with a drum 11 or the like, to a desired length, based on the length L as described above. The outer surface 3a of the coating 3 is colored with the first coloring agent based on the length Ll and the length L2, whereby the first distinguishable part 4 is formed. A part of the uncolored section 6 is colored with the second agent dye based on the distances La, Le and Le, the length Lb and the length Ld, whereupon the marks 5 are formed. In this way, the apparatus 10 colors the outer surface 3a of the non-colored cable, thereby it makes the cable, in which the outer surface 3a of the coating 3 is colored. The uncolored wire means a cable, in which the complete outer surface 3a of the coating 3 is not colored with a coloring agent. As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 10 for coloring and trimming the cable includes a first coloring unit 12 as the first coloring medium, a second coloring unit 13 as the second coloring medium, and a trimmer unit 14, the encoder 17 as the measuring means, and the control unit 18 as the control means. In the apparatus 10, the uncolored cable is transferred in the direction shown by the arrow K passing through the first coloring unit 12, the second coloring unit 13 and the trimmer unit 14 in sequence, with which the colored cable is manufactured. In order to move the cable, the apparatus 10 has a plurality of drive rollers 15 and a plurality of follower rollers 16. Follower roller 16 guides the direction of wire transfer. The first coloring unit 12 includes an impregnation tank 20, a lifting roller 21, and a rubber squeezing roller 22. The impregnation tank 20 is formed in a box shape having an upward opening. The impregnation tank 20 receives the first coloring agent of the first color G. The cable is moved above the impregnation wire 20 by the roller 15, 16. The lifting roller 21 is provided movable in the vertical direction. When the lifting roller 21 descends, the cable that is moved by the rollers 15, 16 is immersed in the first coloring agent in the impregnation tank 20. When the lifting roller 21 ascends, the cable that is moved by the rollers 15, 16 is removed from the first coloring agent in the impregnation tank 20. In this way, the cable that is moved by the rollers 15, 16 can be moved between a position where the cable is immersed in the first coloring agent (shown by the continuous lines). in Figure 2) and another position where the cable is removed from the first coloring agent (shown by long alternating broken lines and two short lines in Figure 2). The rubber squeezing roller 22 is placed on the downstream side of the impregnation tank 20. The rubber squeezing roller 22 removes an excess of the first coloring agent adhering to the outer surface 3a of the cable, from the outer surface 3a . In this way, the first coloring unit 12 colors the outer surface 3a of the central part in the longitudinal direction of the covering 3 with the first color G, which is different from the color P, whereby the first distinguishable part 4 is formed. The second coloring unit 13 is placed downstream of the first coloring unit 12. The second coloring unit 13 has a sprinkler 23. The second coloring units 13 are provided according to the marking number 5. In Figure 2, as an example , since one end Ib is provided with two marks 5 (in other words, in total four marks 5 which are formed by cable 1), four sprinklers 23 are provided. The sprinkler 23 sprinkles the second coloring agent of the second color H on a part of the uncolored section 6, whereby the mark 5 is formed. In this way, the second coloring unit 13 colors a part of the non-colored section 6 where the synthetic resin at each end Ib is uncovered with the second color H leaving a space from the first distinguishable part 4. That is, the second coloring unit 13 colors at least a part of each end Ib in the longitudinal direction of the coating 3 with the second color II, which is different from the color P. The cutting unit 14 is placed downstream of the second coloring unit 13. The cutting unit 14 has a pair of cutting blades 24. These cutting blades 24 locate the cable that is moved by the roller 15, 16 between these . The cutting blade 24 approaches or moves away from one another. The cutting blade 24 approaches one another, holds the cable between them, and cuts the cable, whereby the cable 1 is obtained. The encoder 17 has a rotor 25, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The outer circumferential surface of the rotor 25 comes into contact with the coating 3 of the cable. When the cable moves in the direction of the arrow K, the rotor 25 rotates about the axis of rotation. The travel distance of the cable in the direction of the arrow K is proportional to the number of revolutions of the rotor 25. The encoder 17 is connected to the control unit 18. When the rotor 25 rotates for each predetermined angle, the encoder 17 sends the output a pulsatile signal to the control unit 18. That is to say, the encoder 17 sends information corresponding to the travel distance of the cable to the control unit 18. In this way, the encoder 17 measures the information corresponding to the travel distance of the cable and outputs the information regarding a position optionally from the cable to the control unit 18. In this way, the encoder 17 measures a specific position of the cable, which is moved by the rollers 15, 16. The specific position can be any position of the cable with the condition that the position specific can be a reference position when the cable is moved to be colored. For example, the specific position may be one end of the cable, or the end of the first distinguishable part 4 where the cable is colored with the first color G by the first coloring unit 12. The control unit 18 is a computer that includes a RAM, ROM, and known CPUs, and so on, and controls the entire apparatus 10. The control unit 18 is connected to an input unit 19. The control unit 18 stores the length L, Ll, L2, Lb and Ld and the distances La, Le and Le previously described. Based on the order entered from the input unit 19, a program stored in the ROM and successive loop, described above, the lengths L, Ll, L2, Lb and Ld and the distances' La, Le and Le, and the information from the encoder 17, the control unit 18 raises the lifting roller 21 of the first coloring unit 12, operates the sprinkler 23 of the second coloring unit 13, and operates the movement of the pair of knives 24 of the cutting unit 14. this mode, the control unit 18 controls the action of the first coloring unit 12 and the second coloring unit 13 based on the specific position of the cable, which is measured by the encoder 17. The input unit 19 is used to carry various operations of the apparatus 10. The input unit 19 may be various units for entering information such as a known keyboard, a switch, and the disc drive of the recording medium such as a CD-ROM drive. In the apparatus 10, the encoder 17 measures the movement of the cable, which is moved by the rollers 15, 16. Based on the information measured by the encoder 17, the length L, Ll, L2, Lb and Ld and the distances The, Le and Le, the apparatus 10 raises the lifting roller 21 of the first coloring unit 12, operates the sprinkler 23 of the second coloring unit 13, and operates the movement of the pair of blades 24, of the cutting unit 14. Of this mode, the apparatus 10 processes the uncolored cable 30 which is wound by the drum 11 to the cable 1 shown in Figure 1. According to the preferred embodiment, the first color G of the first distinguishable part 4 is different from the color P of the synthetic resin constituting the coating 3. Therefore, even if the cable becomes thin, since the first distinguishable part 4 is formed for the full circumference of the central part of the covering 3, the first color G of the first distinguishable part 4 can be easily dist inguible In addition, the marks 5 with respect to the second distinguishable part are formed on the part of each end Ib of the cover 3. The synthetic resin has the color P. That is, the marks 5 are formed in the uncolored section 6 which has the color P. The color H of the marks 5 is different from the color P of the synthetic resin and of the first color G. Therefore, the marks 5 can be easily distinguished. The non-colored section 6 is provided between the first distinguishable part 4 and the marks 5. Therefore, the first distinguishable part 4 can be easily distinguished from the marks 5. Accordingly, the first distinguishable part 4 of the marks 5 can be easily distinguished from each other, whereby the cable 1 can be easily distinguished from the other cable 1. Therefore, by assembling a wired harness using the cables 1 processed in this way, as described in the above preferred embodiment, an error in the assembly of the cable 1 can be prevented and deterioration in the quality of the wired harness can be prevented. A plurality of marks 5 are formed at each end Ib of the cover 3. Therefore, by using combinations between the second colors H of a plurality of the marks 5 and the first color G of the first part 4 distinguishable , the types of the cable 1 to be distinguished from one another can be increased.As a result, it can be possible to process more diverse electronic devices.In the preferred embodiment described above, the uncolored cable 30 is colored by the first coloring unit 12. and the second coloring unit 13. Therefore, the first color G and the second color H can be easily changed and compared to a case, in which various coloring agents are mixed with the synthetic resin constituting the coating 3 when formed the coating 3. That is to say, the cable 1, the outer surface 3a of which it has various colors, can be easily obtained quickly.The first coloring unit 12 The central part is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the coating 3 with the first color G. The second coloring unit 13 colors a part of each end Ib in the longitudinal direction of the coating 3 with the second color H. Therefore, by combining of the first color G and the second color H, the types of the cable 1 that are to be distinguished from one another can be increased. That is, the cable 1, the outer surface 3a 'of which has different colors, can be obtained. In addition, the first and second colorant unit 12, 13 color the outer surface 3a to the first and second colors G, H, respectively, which are different from the color of the outer surface 3a of the coating 3. Therefore, when changing the first and second colors G, H, the cable 1, the outer surface 3a of which has different colors, can be obtained easily. The outer surface of the cable is colored while the cable is moved in the longitudinal direction thereof. Based on the specific position of the cable measured by the encoder 17, the control unit 18 controls the action of the first coloring unit 12 and the second coloring unit 13. Therefore, a predetermined position can be colored with the first color. G and the second color H by using the first coloring unit 12 and the second coloring units 13, respectively. Therefore, the cable 1, the outer surface 3a of which is colored with a desired color, can be obtained safely. The second coloring unit 13 colors a portion, which has a distance from a portion colored by the first coloring unit 12, with the second color H. The second coloring unit 13 colors a part of the uncolored section 6 which is uncovered with the second color. Therefore, in the cable 1, there is a surface of the synthetic resin between the first color G and the second color H. Therefore, the first color G and the second color H can be easily distinguished from one another. That is, the cable 1, the outer surface 3a from which it can be easily distinguished and has different colors, can be obtained safely. In the preferred embodiment described above, the encoder 17 measures the specific position of the cable. In the present invention, other means of collecting images such as a CCD camera and distinguishing means can be used in place of the encoder 14 to distinguish an optional position of the cable from an image obtained by the image acquisition means. In the preferred embodiment described above, the cable 1 is mentioned, which constitutes the wired harness to be mounted on a motor vehicle. However, the cable 1 of the present invention can also be applied to various electrical machines and electronic devices' such as a portable computer. In the preferred embodiment described above, the colored outer surface of the cable 30 is colored with the first color G and the second color H. Rather, in the present invention, the cable 1 can be produced starting from a cable, the coating of which is colored with a Different color after mixing a coloring agent with the synthetic resin, which covers the core cable. In such a case, a color of the outer surface of the colored wire is different from the first color G of the second color H. In this case, a wire, which is not frequently used or is in reserve, due to its limited use, may be reused In the present invention, as means for forming the first distinguishable part 4 and the marks 5 as the second distinguishable part by coloring the outer surface 3a of the non-colored coating 3, various means can be used, such as immersion, spraying, injection, printing and transcription. As the coloring liquid, or the coating material, various materials may be used, such as acrylic coating material, ink, (dye or pigment) and UV ink.

In the preferred embodiment described above, the full circumference of the outer surface 3a of the central part in the longitudinal direction of the coating 3 is colored with the first color G, whereby the first distinguishable part 4 is formed. In the present invention , a part of the outer surface 3a of the central part in the longitudinal direction of coating 3, can be colored rather with the first color G, and the first distinguishable part 4 can be formed in a pattern of strips or a pattern spiral with the first color G and the color P.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION As explained above, in the present invention described in claim 1, the first distinguishable part is formed on the outer surface of the central covering part. The first color of the first distinguishable part is different from the color of the synthetic resin. Therefore, even if the cable becomes thin, since the first distinguishable part is formed on the central part of the coating, the first color of the first distinguishable part can be easily distinguished. In addition, the second distinguishable part is formed in a part of each end of the coating. The second distinguishable part is formed on the outer surface of the coating. The second color of the second distinguishable part is different from the color of the synthetic resin. Therefore, the second color of the second distinguishable part can be easily distinguished. Accordingly, the first and second distinguishable part can be easily distinguished from each other, whereby the cables can be easily distinguished from one another. By assembling a wired harness, using the cables defined in the claim of the present invention, an error in the assembly of the cables can be prevented and the deterioration in the quality of the wired harness can be prevented. In the invention described in claim 2, the section is formed between the first and second distinguishable portions. Therefore, the distinguishable first and second part can be more easily distinguished from one another. Therefore, the cables can be easily distinguished from each other. By assembling a wired harness using the cables defined in the claim of the present invention, an error in the assembly of the cables can be more surely prevented and can prevent deterioration in the quality of the wired harness from occurring in a more secure manner. . In the invention, described in claim 3, a plurality of second distinguishable parts are provided at each end of the coating. Therefore, by using combinations between the second colors of a plurality of the second distinguishable part and the first color of the second distinguishable parts, the types of the cable to be distinguished from one another can be increased. Consequently, it may be possible to treat more diverse electronic devices. In the invention, described in claim 4, the first coloring means colors the central part in the longitudinal direction of the coating, with the first color. The second coloring means colors a part of each end in the longitudinal direction of the coating with the second color. Therefore, by combining the first color and the second color, the types of the cable that are to be distinguished from one another can be increased. That is, the cable that has different colors can be obtained. Further, after the extrusion coating, the outer surfaces of the colored wire by mixing a coloring agent, is colored with the first color and the second color, whereby the cable is obtained. Therefore, a cable, which is not frequently used or is in reserve due to its limited use can be reused. The first and second coloring means colors the outer surface of the coating with the first and second colors, respectively, which are different from a color of the outer surface of the coating. Therefore, by changing the first and second colors, the color of the cable can be easily changed. That is, the cable, the outer surface of which has different colors, can be obtained easily. In the invention described in claim 5, the outer surface of the cable is colored while the cable is moved in the longitudinal direction thereof. Based on the specific position of the cable measured by the measuring means, the control means controls the action of the first coloring medium and the second coloring medium. Therefore, a predetermined position can be colored with the first color and the second color by using the first coloring medium and the second coloring medium, respectively. Therefore, the cable, the outer surface of which is colored with a desired color, can be obtained safely. In the invention described in claim 6, the second coloring means colors a portion, which has a distance of a portion colored by the first coloring medium, with the second color. The second coloring medium colors a part of the uncolored section that is uncovered with the second color. Therefore, in the cable, there is an outer surface of the synthetic resin between the first color and the second color. Therefore, the first color and the second color can be easily distinguished from one another, that is, the cable, the outer surface of which can be easily distinguished and has different colors, can be obtained more safely.

Claims

1. An electrical cable comprising: an electrically conductive core cable; a coating made of synthetic resin to coat the core cable; a first distinguishable part formed by coloring the outer surface of the "central part in the longitudinal direction of the coating, with a first color, which is different from a color of the synthetic resin, and a second distinguishable part, formed by the coloring a part of each end of the longitudinal direction of the coating with a second color, which is different from the color of the synthetic resin.

2. The electrical cable according to claim 1, wherein a section is provided, in which an outer surface of the synthetic resin is uncovered, between the first and second distinguishable parts.

3. The electric cable according to claim 1 6 2, wherein each end of the cover is provided with a plurality of the second distinguishable parts and each second distinguishable part has a different color from that of the other second distinguishable part.

4. An apparatus for coloring an outer surface of a coating of an electrical cable, including an electrically conductive core cable and the synthetic resin coating for coating the core cable, the apparatus comprises: the first coloring means for coloring an outer surface from the central part in the longitudinal direction of the coating with a first color, which is different from a color of the outer surface of the coating; and a second coloring means for coloring a part of each end in the longitudinal direction of the coating with a second color, which is different from a color of the outer surface of the coating.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: transfer means for transferring the electric cable along the longitudinal direction of the electric cable; measurement means for measuring a specific position of the electric cable; and control means for controlling the action of the first and second coloring means based on the specific position of the electric cable, measured by a measuring means.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second coloring means is placed downstream of the first coloring medium in the direction of transfer of the electric cable and colors a section with the second "color, wherein the section is located at a distance of one colored portion with the first coloring medium and the synthetic resin of each end of the coating is discovered in the section.