Cable bundle, method of manufacturing cable bundle, and manufacturing device for cable bundle

Abstract

A cable bundle (1) has a plurality of unit bundles (10A to 10C) that overlap in a second direction (D3) orthogonal to a first direction (D1) that is a circumferential direction (D1) of the cable bundle (1), each of the unit bundles (10A to 10C) has a first ring (20A to 20C) and a second ring (30A to 30C) that overlap in the second direction (D3), the first ring (20A to 20C) and the second ring (30A to 30C) are connected to each other at a connection portion (12A to 12C) in a manner that forms a figure-8-shaped ring having the first ring and the second ring in a case where the unit bundle is opened, and the connection portions (12A to 12C) of the unit bundles (10A to 10C) adjacent in the second direction (D3) are offset in the first direction (D1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to cable bundles, methods for manufacturing cable bundles, and apparatus for manufacturing cable bundles.

[0002] Regarding the designated country for reference in the approved literature, the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-187748 filed in Japan on November 24, 2022 are incorporated into this specification as part of the description of this specification. Background Technology

[0003] As a method of winding cables, a so-called "figure-eight winding" is known (for example, see Patent Document 1) in which the cable is wound while alternately twisting it clockwise and counterclockwise to form loops. In this "figure-eight winding," when the cable is stretched by unwinding the first and second loops, the spiral twist generated when the first loop (second loop) is pulled out cancels out the twist applied when the second loop (first loop) is formed, so the cable does not twist.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-5840

[0005] When continuously winding cables using the aforementioned "figure-eight" method, the crossover portions of the cables overlap in the winding direction. Therefore, if the cable has high bending rigidity, when pulling the cable out of the cable bundle, the subsequently pulled loops float upwards, leading to cable entanglement and kinking. This phenomenon tends to occur more frequently, especially when the cable bundle is contained in a container and the cable is pulled out from the opening of the container. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a cable bundle capable of suppressing the upward movement of a ring, a method for manufacturing the cable bundle, and an apparatus for manufacturing the cable bundle.

[0007] [1] Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a cable bundle having a wound cable, wherein the cable bundle has a plurality of unit bundles, the plurality of unit bundles overlapping in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction which is the circumferential direction of the cable bundle, each of the unit bundles having a first ring and a second ring overlapping in the second direction, the first ring and the second ring being connected to each other at a connecting portion in such a way that when the unit bundles are opened, they form a figure-eight-shaped loop having the first ring and the second ring, and the connecting portions of adjacent unit bundles in the second direction are offset in the first direction.

[0008] [2] In the second embodiment of the present invention, based on the cable bundle of the first embodiment, the connecting portions of adjacent unit bundles in the second direction are staggered in the first direction within a range of 90 degrees to 270 degrees.

[0009] [3] In the cable bundle of the present invention, the third embodiment of the invention may be formed by folding the figure-eight-shaped ring having the first ring and the second ring at the connecting portion.

[0010] [4] In addition to the cable bundle of any one of the embodiments 1 to 3, the cable bundle of the present invention may also have an intermediate portion, which is located between the unit bundles and connects the unit bundles to each other, and the intermediate portion is wound along the first direction in such a way that the connecting portions of the adjacent unit bundles in the second direction are staggered in the first direction.

[0011] [5] In the cable bundle of the present invention, the intermediate portion of the present invention may be wound along the first direction such that the connecting portions of the adjacent unit bundles in the second direction are staggered in the first direction within the range of 90 degrees to 270 degrees.

[0012] [6] In the cable bundle of the present invention, the intermediate portion of the present invention may have a length of 1 / 4 to 3 / 4 relative to the circumference of the first ring or the second ring connected to the intermediate portion.

[0013] [7] In addition to the cable bundle of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, embodiment 7 of the present invention may also include the plurality of unit bundles comprising: a first unit bundle; a second unit bundle overlapping the first unit bundle; and a third unit bundle overlapping the second unit bundle. The cable bundle includes: a first intermediate portion, which is located between the first unit bundle and the second unit bundle and connects the first unit bundle and the second unit bundle; and a second intermediate portion, which is located between the second unit bundle and the third unit bundle and connects the second unit bundle and the third unit bundle. The first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion are wound along the first direction, and the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion are offset in the first direction.

[0014] [8] In the cable bundle of any one of the embodiments 1 to 7, the cable bundle of the present invention may also have an intermediate portion, which is located between the unit bundles and connects the unit bundles to each other, and is wound along the first direction, wherein the cable is subjected to a twist in the opposite direction to the twist generated by the intermediate portion when the cable is pulled out.

[0015] [9] In the cable bundle of the present invention, the number of turns of the twist applied to the cable may be a value obtained by dividing the total length of the intermediate portion by the average circumference of the cable bundle.

[0016]

[10] In the cable bundle of any one of the embodiments 1 to 7, the connection portion of the present invention may be a portion of the cable between the first intersection point of the first ring and the second intersection point of the second ring, and is wound along the first direction.

[0017]

[11] In addition to the cable bundle of the present invention, the connection portion of the plurality of adjacent unit bundles in the second direction and the intermediate portion connecting the unit bundles to each other can be formed around the first direction.

[0018]

[12] In the cable bundle of any one of the embodiments 1 to 11, the first ring of the present invention may be formed by winding the cable in a forward winding or a reverse winding opposite to the forward winding, and the second ring may be formed by winding the cable in the reverse winding or the forward winding.

[0019]

[13] In the cable bundle of any one of the embodiments 1 to 12, the present invention may also be formed such that the unit bundle does not produce a twist in the cable when the cable is pulled out.

[0020]

[14] Embodiment 14 of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a cable bundle, which manufactures a cable bundle having a wound cable, wherein the method comprises: a first step in which a plurality of unit bundles are formed, each of the plurality of unit bundles having a first ring and a second ring connected at a connecting portion and overlapping each other; and a second step in which the plurality of unit bundles are overlapped such that the connecting portions are staggered in a first direction which is the circumferential direction of the cable bundle, and the first ring and the second ring are connected at the connecting portion such that when the unit bundles are opened, they form a figure-eight-shaped loop having the first ring and the second ring.

[0021]

[15] In addition to the cable bundle manufacturing method of Method 14, Method 15 of the present invention may also include the following: forming a plurality of third rings by arranging the cables in a figure-eight shape, wherein each of the plurality of third rings has a first ring and a second ring connected to the connection portion; and folding each of the third rings at the connection portion to overlap the first ring and the second ring, thereby forming a plurality of the unit bundles.

[0022]

[16] In the method of manufacturing cable bundle of the present invention, the first step may include: forming the first loop by twisting the cable in a third direction; forming the second loop by twisting the cable in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction; and forming the unit bundle by overlapping the first loop and the second loop.

[0023]

[17] In the method of manufacturing cable bundles of any one of methods 14 to 16, the second step of the present invention may include overlapping the unit bundles in such a way that the connecting portions of the adjacent unit bundles are staggered in the first direction within a range of 90 degrees to 270 degrees.

[0024]

[18] In the method of manufacturing a cable bundle according to any one of methods 14 to 17, the cable bundle may have an intermediate portion, which is located between the unit bundles and connects the unit bundles to each other. The second step includes winding the intermediate portion along the first direction in such a way that the connecting portions of the adjacent unit bundles are staggered in the first direction.

[0025]

[19] In the method of manufacturing cable bundle of the present invention, the second step may include winding the middle portion along the first direction in such a way that the connecting portions of the adjacent unit bundles are staggered in the first direction within a range of 90 degrees to 270 degrees.

[0026]

[20] In the method of manufacturing a cable bundle according to any one of methods 14 to 19, the intermediate portion of the present invention may have a length of 1 / 4 to 3 / 4 relative to the circumference of the first ring or the second ring connected to the intermediate portion.

[0027]

[21] Embodiment 21 of the present invention is a cable bundle manufacturing apparatus, wherein the cable bundle includes a wound cable, and comprises: a fixing device that fixes the axial movement of the cable at a fixed position on the cable; a feeding device that feeds the cable toward the fixed position; a twisting device that forms a loop of the cable by twisting the cable fed by the feeding device; and a first rotating device having a mounting surface for mounting and stacking the loop formed by the twisting device, and rotating the mounting surface about a first axis substantially parallel to the normal direction of the mounting surface.

[0028]

[22] In the cable bundle manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the twisting device can also form a first loop by twisting the cable in a third direction and a second loop by twisting the cable in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction.

[0029]

[23] In addition to the cable bundle manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 21 or 22, embodiment 23 of the present invention may also include a second rotating device, which causes the roller supplying the cable to rotate around a second axis that is substantially parallel to the direction in which the cable is fed out of the roller.

[0030] In this invention, the connecting portions of adjacent unit bundles in the second direction are staggered in the first direction, thus preventing the subsequent extraction of the ring from floating upwards. Furthermore, in this invention, the first rotating device rotates the mounting surface of the ring carrying the cable, thereby enabling the manufacture of cable bundles having the aforementioned connecting portions staggered in the first direction. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a cable bundle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 It is Figure 1 A magnified side view of a portion of the cable bundle shown.

[0033] Figure 3 (a) is a schematic top view showing the location of the first middle section of the cable bundle in the circumferential direction. Figure 3 (b) is a schematic top view showing the location of the second middle section of the cable bundle in the circumferential direction.

[0034] Figure 4 (a)~ Figure 4 (e) is a diagram illustrating a method for forming a first unit bundle of a cable bundle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 (e) is a diagram illustrating a method for forming a second unit bundle of a cable bundle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 6 (e) is a diagram illustrating a method for forming a third unit bundle of a cable bundle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 A perspective view showing the structure of the figure-eight-shaped ring when the unit bundle of the second embodiment of the present invention is opened.

[0038] Figure 8This is a side view showing the cable harness according to the second embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to... Figure 2 The image.

[0039] Figure 9 This is an unfolded view of a portion of the cable bundle according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a cable bundle manufacturing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the cable bundle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is Figure 1 An enlarged side view of a portion of cable bundle 1 is shown. Additionally, Figure 3 (a) is a schematic top view showing the position of the middle part 40A of the circumferential D1 of cable bundle 1. Figure 3 (b) is a schematic top view showing the position of the middle part 40B of the circumferential D1 of the cable bundle 1.

[0043] In addition, Figure 1 In order to easily understand the internal condition of container 50, container 50 is shown in perspective. Additionally, in... Figure 2 In the diagram, the hollow portion of cable 2 represents the surface side of cable 2, and the shaded portion represents the back side of cable 2. Additionally, in... Figure 2 In the diagram, the thick solid lines in cable 2 represent the middle portions 40A, 40B, and 40C of cable 2, while the thick dashed lines in cable 2 represent the connecting portions 12A, 12B, and 12C of cable 2.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the cable bundle 1 of this embodiment includes a cable 2 wound in a loop (cylindrical, spiral) in the winding direction D2, and is formed by winding a continuous cable 2 using the winding method described later. This cable bundle 1 has a so-called rollerless structure, lacking a core such as a roller or reel. Fiber optic cables can be exemplified as a specific example of the cable 2, but it is not particularly limited to this. For example, power transmission, communication, or composite metal cables combining these can also be used as the cable 2. Furthermore, the cable 2 of this embodiment has one end 3 (e.g., the end at the end of winding (E end)) and the other end 4 (e.g., the end at the beginning of winding (S end)) (see reference). Figure 2 There are no connection points between them, but multiple cables can be connected to form a continuous cable by means of fusion splicing, connectors, etc.

[0045] During the installation of cable 2, for example, Figure 1 As shown, the cable bundle 1 is transported to the laying site while contained in a container 50. The container 50 has a box-like shape with an opening 52 formed on its upper surface. Then, the cable 2 is sequentially pulled out from one end 3 of the container 50 through the opening 52, thereby supplying the cable 2 to the laying site. The cable bundle 1 is arranged in the container 50 in a posture (i.e., "longitudinal posture") with its axis D3 substantially parallel to the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure). The container 50 is constructed, for example, using corrugated paper, but is not particularly limited to this. For example, it can also be constructed using corrugated plastic sheeting made of resin materials such as polypropylene (PP), or it can also be constructed using a metal box.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the cable bundle 1 comprises multiple unit bundles 10A, 10B, 10C, ... and multiple intermediate portions 40A, 40B, 40C, ... . Each unit bundle 10A, 10B, 10C, ... is formed by winding the cable 2 into a figure-eight shape to form two circular loops and folding these loops. Then, the multiple unit bundles 10A, 10B, 10C, ... are stacked in the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure). Furthermore, each intermediate portion 40A, 40B, 40C, ... is the portion of the cable 2 between the unit bundles 10A, 10B, 10C, ... . Additionally, in Figure 2 The diagram only shows three unit bundles 10A, 10B, and 10C on the other end 4 of cable 2, but in reality, cable bundle 1 has multiple unit bundles.

[0047] The unit bundle 10A includes a first loop 20A and a second loop 30A. In this embodiment, the first loop 20A and the second loop 30A have substantially the same diameter, but their diameters may also differ. The first loop 20A is formed by winding the cable 2 in a "forward" manner. In contrast, the second loop 30A is formed by winding the cable 2 in a "reverse" manner. The two loops 20A and 30A overlap such that the second loop 30A is above the first loop 20A in the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure).

[0048] In this embodiment, "forward winding" refers to a winding method in which the cable 2 is wound in the overlapping direction of the two loops constituting the unit bundle, such that the starting point of the loop is on one side (e.g., the lower side) relative to the ending point. In contrast, "reverse winding" refers to a winding method in the overlapping direction of the two loops, such that the starting point of the loop is on the other side (e.g., the upper side) relative to the ending point.

[0049] Therefore, in the first loop 20A of the unit bundle 10A, the cable 2 is wound in the overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) of the two loops 20A and 30A, with the starting point 21A positioned below the ending point 22A. Thus, the winding method of this first loop 20A is "forward winding". Conversely, in the second loop 30A of the unit bundle 10A, the cable 2 is wound in the overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) of the two loops 20A and 30A, with the starting point 31A positioned above the ending point 32A. Therefore, the winding method of this second loop 30A is "reverse winding". The overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) of the two loops 20A and 30A corresponds to an example of the "second direction" in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] The unit bundle 10A is formed by a figure-eight winding, thus the two loops 20A and 30A are connected at the connecting portion 12A. In other words, the two loops 20A and 30A form a figure-eight shaped loop 11A with the first loop 20A and the second loop 30A when the unit bundle 10A is opened (see below). Figure 4 They are interconnected at the connection part 12A in the manner of (a)). Furthermore, when the unit bundle 10A is opened (see reference...), Figure 4 In (a), the starting point 21A of the first loop 20A is located below the ending point 22A of the first loop 20A, and the starting point 31A of the second loop 30A is also located below the ending point 32A of the second loop 30A. By forming such a figure-eight shaped loop 11A, no twisting of the unit bundle 10A is generated in the cable 2 when the cable 2 is pulled out.

[0051] Here, the first loop 20A is defined by the crossing of cable 2 at its starting point 21A and ending point 22A, and the second loop 30A is also defined by the crossing of cable 2 at its starting point 31A and ending point 32A. Therefore, when the first crossing point defining the first loop 20A and the second crossing point defining the second loop 30A overlap in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1, the connecting portion 12A aligns with both the first and second crossing points in the circumferential direction D1. On the other hand, when the first and second crossing points are offset in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1, the connecting portion 12A is the portion of cable 2 between the first and second crossing points, including the first and second crossing points. Therefore, the "figure-eight shape" in this embodiment includes a complete figure-eight shape where the connecting portion 12A does not have length, and also includes a shape where two loops 20A and 20B are connected in a connecting portion 12A having length. Furthermore, the "figure-eight" in this embodiment refers to the Arabic numeral "8".

[0052] The unit bundle 10B also includes a first loop 20B formed by forward winding of the cable 2, and a second loop 30B formed by reverse winding of the cable 2. In the first loop 20B, the cable 2 is wound in the overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) of the two loops 20B and 30B, with the starting point 21B positioned below the ending point 22B; therefore, the winding method of the first loop 20B is "forward winding". In contrast, in the second loop 30B, the cable 2 is wound in the overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) of the two loops 20B and 30B, with the starting point 31B positioned above the ending point 32B; therefore, the winding method of the second loop 30B is "reverse winding".

[0053] The two rings 20B and 30B overlap such that the second ring 30B is above the first ring 20B in the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure). Furthermore, the unit bundle 10B is also formed by a figure-eight winding, thus the two rings 20B and 30B are connected at the connecting portion 12B. In other words, the two rings 20B and 30B form a figure-eight shaped ring 11B with the first ring 20B and the second ring 30B when the unit bundle 10B is opened (see below). Figure 5 They are interconnected at the connection part 12B in the manner of (a)). Furthermore, when the unit bundle 10B is opened (see reference...), Figure 5 In (a)), the starting point 21B of the first loop 20B is located below the ending point 22B of the first loop 20B, and the starting point 31B of the second loop 30B is also located below the ending point 32B of the second loop 30B. This figure-eight shaped loop 11B is formed so that no twisting occurs in the cable 2 caused by the unit bundle 10B when the cable 2 is pulled out.

[0054] Unit bundle 10B is stacked on top of unit bundle 10A. Furthermore, unit bundles 10A and 10B are connected via a middle portion 40A of cable 2. This middle portion 40A is the section of cable 2 between unit bundles 10A and 10B, wound along the circumferential direction D1 of cable bundle 1.

[0055] Although not specifically limited, in this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown in (a), the length L1 of the intermediate portion 40A is half (L1 = 1 / 2 × L2) relative to the circumference L2 of the second ring 30A of the unit bundle 10A connected to the lower side of the intermediate portion 40A. The connecting portion 12A of the unit bundle 10A and the connecting portion 12B of the unit bundle 10B are offset by 180 degrees (θ1 = 180°) in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1. Therefore, the connecting portions 12A and 12B of adjacent unit bundles 10A and 10B in the overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) of the unit bundles are offset in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1. The circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1 corresponds to an example of the "first direction" in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The length L1 of the intermediate portion 40A can also be 1 / 4 to 3 / 4 of the circumference L2 of the second ring 30A (L2×1 / 4≤L1≤L2×3 / 4). In this case, the connecting portion 12A of the unit bundle 10A and the connecting portion 12B of the unit bundle 10B are offset in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1 within the range of 90° to 270° (90°≤θ1≤270°). Alternatively, the length L1 of the intermediate portion 40A can also be 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the circumference L2 of the second ring 30A (L2×1 / 3≤L1≤L2×2 / 3). In this case, the connecting portion 12A of the unit bundle 10A and the connecting portion 12B of the unit bundle 10B are offset in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1 within the range of 120° to 240° (120°≤θ1≤240°).

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the unit bundle 10C also includes a first loop 20C formed by forward winding of the cable 2, and a second loop 30C formed by reverse winding of the cable 2. These two loops 20C and 30C overlap such that the second loop 30C is above the first loop 20C in the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure). Furthermore, the unit bundle 10C is also formed by figure-eight winding, so the two loops 20C and 30C are connected at the connecting portion 12C. In other words, the two loops 20C and 30C form a figure-eight shaped loop 11C (see below) with the first loop 20C and the second loop 30C when the unit bundle 10C is opened. Figure 6 They are interconnected at the connection part 12C in the manner of (a)). Furthermore, when the unit bundle 10C is opened (see reference...), Figure 6 In (a)), the starting point 21C of the first loop 20C is located below the ending point 22C of the first loop 20C, and the starting point 31C of the second loop 30C is also located below the ending point 32C of the second loop 30C. This figure-eight shaped loop 11C is formed so that no twisting occurs in the cable 2 caused by the unit bundle 10C when the cable 2 is pulled out.

[0058] The unit bundle 10C is stacked on top of the unit bundle 10B. In addition, the unit bundles 10B and 10C are connected via the middle portion 40B of the cable 2. The middle portion 40B is the part of the cable 2 between the unit bundles 10B and 10C, and is wound along the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1.

[0059] Although not specifically limited, in this embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown in (b), the length L3 of the intermediate portion 40B is half the circumference L4 of the first ring 20B of the unit bundle 10B connected to the lower side of the intermediate portion 40B (L3 = 1 / 2 × L4). The connecting portion 12B of the unit bundle 10B and the connecting portion 12C of the unit bundle 10C are offset by 180 degrees (θ2 = 180°) in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1. Therefore, the connecting portions 12B and 12C of adjacent unit bundles 10B and 10C in the overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) of the unit bundles are offset in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1. In addition, the aforementioned intermediate portion 40A and the intermediate portion 40B are offset in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1.

[0060] The length L3 of the intermediate portion 40B can also be 1 / 4 to 3 / 4 of the circumference L4 of the first ring 20B (L4×1 / 4≤L3≤L4×3 / 4). In this case, the connecting portion 12B of the unit bundle 10B and the connecting portion 12C of the unit bundle 10C are offset in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1 within the range of 90° to 270° (90°≤θ2≤270°). Alternatively, the length L3 of the intermediate portion 40B can also be 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the circumference L4 of the first ring 20B (L4×1 / 3≤L3≤L4×2 / 3). In this case, the connecting portion 12B of the unit bundle 10B and the connecting portion 12C of the unit bundle 10C are offset in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1 within the range of 120° to 240° (120°≤θ2≤240°).

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the cable bundle 1 of this embodiment, a twist 13 is applied near the end 4 on the winding start side of the unit bundle 10A. This twist 13 is applied to the cable 2 by twisting it one turn in the opposite direction to the twist generated by the intermediate portions 40A and 40B when the cable 2 is pulled out of the cable bundle 1. In other words, this twist 13 is applied by making the cable 2 oriented in the direction opposite to the winding direction D2 of the cable bundle 1 when viewed from the cable bundle 1 lead-out side (end 3 side) (refer to...). Figure 1 The cable 2 is applied by twisting it one turn in the opposite direction. By twisting the unit bundle 10 one turn 13, the twist generated by the two intermediate parts 40A, 40B, which are equivalent to one turn of the cable bundle 1, can be offset when the cable 2 is pulled out from the cable bundle 1.

[0062] Although not specifically illustrated, it is more than in multiple unit bundles. Figure 2The unit bundle 10C shown above is formed by alternating and repeating the aforementioned unit bundle 10B and unit bundle 10C (hereinafter referred to as "unit bundle 10B'" and "unit bundle 10C'"). The unit bundles 10B' and 10C' are connected via the aforementioned intermediate portion 40B, and the connecting portions 12B and 12C of adjacent unit bundles 10B' and 10C' in the overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) are staggered in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1.

[0063] in addition, Figure 2 The unit bundle 10C (or unit bundle 10C') and unit bundle 10B' shown are connected via an intermediate portion 40C. This intermediate portion 40C, like the intermediate portions 40A and 40B described above, has a length of half the circumference of the first loop 20C of the unit bundle 10C connected to the lower side of this intermediate portion 40C. Therefore, the connecting portions 12C and 12B of adjacent unit bundles 10C and 10B' (or unit bundles 10C' and 10B') in the overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) of the unit bundles are also staggered in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1.

[0064] In addition, in multiple unit bundles, in comparison Figure 2 In the unit bundle 10C shown above, a torsion 13 of rotating 1 revolution is applied to the two unit bundles 10B' and 10C'.

[0065] Furthermore, the location where the twist 13 is applied in the cable bundle 1 is not limited to near the end of the unit bundle. For example, the twist 13 can be applied at any location in the unit bundle, or the twist 13 can be applied to the middle portion connecting the unit bundles. In this case, the total number of turns R of all the twists 13 applied to the entire cable bundle 1 is preferably the total number of turns L of all the middle portions 40A, 40B, ... of the cable bundle 1. t The value obtained by dividing by the average perimeter L0 of cable bundle 1 is below (R≤L) t / L0), more preferably, is the number of turns R and the total length L of the intermediate portions 40A, 40B, ... t The values ​​obtained by dividing by the average perimeter L0 of cable bundle 1 are equal (R = L). t / L0). This can counteract the torsion caused by the middle portions 40A, 40B, ... of the cable bundle 1. Furthermore, the average circumference L0 of the cable bundle 1 is a value obtained by dividing the total length of the cable 2 by the number of turns of the cable 2.

[0066] The following is for reference Figure 4 (a)~ Figure 6 (e) describes the manufacturing method of the cable bundle 1 described above. Figure 4 (a)~ Figure 4(e) is a diagram illustrating a method for forming a unit bundle 10A of the cable bundle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 (e) is a diagram illustrating a method for forming a unit bundle 10B of the cable bundle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 (a)~ Figure 6 (e) is a diagram showing the method of forming a unit bundle 10C of the cable bundle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] also, Figure 4 (c) is in Figure 4 (b) is a diagram showing the unit bundle of 10A viewed from direction A. Figure 4 (e) is in Figure 4 The diagram in (d) shows the unit bundle 10A viewed from direction B. Similarly, Figure 5 (c) is in Figure 5 (b) is a diagram of the unit bundle 10B viewed from direction C. Figure 5 (e) is in Figure 5 The diagram in (d) shows the unit bundle 10B viewed from direction D. Similarly, Figure 6 (c) is in Figure 6 (b) is a diagram of the unit bundle 10C viewed from direction E. Figure 6 (e) is in Figure 6 The diagram of unit bundle 10C observed from the F direction in (d).

[0068] First, such as Figure 4 As shown in (a), a figure-eight shaped third loop 11A is formed by arranging the cable 2 in a figure-eight configuration. This third loop 11A includes a first loop 20A and a second loop 30A connected at the connecting portion 12A. In the first loop 20A, the cable 2 is wound with the starting point 21A below the ending point 22A, thus the winding method of the first loop 20A is "forward winding". Conversely, in the second loop 30A, the cable 2 is also wound with the starting point 31A below the ending point 32A. If the second loop 30A is subsequently flipped, the winding method of the second loop 30A becomes "reverse winding".

[0069] Furthermore, when the cable 2 is configured in a figure-eight shape, a twist 13 is formed near the end 4 of the cable 2 in the first loop 20A. This twist 13 causes the cable 2 to be aligned with the winding direction D2 of the cable bundle 1 when viewed from the lead-out side (end 3 side) of the cable 2. Figure 1 Twist the cable in the opposite direction by one revolution to apply force to cable 2. For example, in Figure 1In the example shown, when viewing the cable bundle 1 from the lead-out side (end 3 side) of the cable 2, the winding direction D2 of the cable bundle 1 is clockwise, so a twist 13 is applied to the cable 2 so that the cable 2 becomes counterclockwise.

[0070] Next, as Figure 4 (b) and Figure 4 As shown in (c), the figure-eight shaped third ring 11A is folded at the connecting part 12A to overlap the second ring 30A on the first ring 20A, thereby forming a unit bundle 10A.

[0071] Next, as Figure 4 (d) and Figure 4 As shown in (e), portion 5 of cable 2 (the portion 5 in cable 2 that is closer to end 3 than the end point 32A of the second loop 30A) is wound 180 degrees along the circumferential direction D1 of cable bundle 1. Furthermore, this portion 5 of cable 2 corresponds to the middle portion 40A between unit bundles 10A and 10B.

[0072] Next, as Figure 5 As shown in (a), a figure-eight shaped third loop 11B is formed by arranging the portion of cable 2 that connects to portion 5 in a figure-eight shape. This third loop 11B includes a first loop 20B and a second loop 30B connected at the connecting portion 12B. In the first loop 20B, cable 2 is wound with the starting point 21B positioned below the ending point 22B, thus the winding method of the first loop 20B is "forward winding". Conversely, in the second loop 30B, cable 2 is also wound with the starting point 31B positioned below the ending point 32B. If the second loop 30B is subsequently flipped, the winding method of the second loop 30B becomes "reverse winding". Furthermore, no twist 13 is applied to the third loop 11B.

[0073] In this second-level third ring 11B, compared to the positional relationship of the first ring 20A and the second ring 30A in the first-level third ring 11A described above, the first ring 20B and the second ring 30B become reversed. That is, in Figure 4 In the third ring 11A of the first stage shown in (a), the first ring 20A is located on the right relative to the second ring 30A, while Figure 5 In the third ring 11B of the second level shown in (a), the first ring 20B is located on the left relative to the second ring 30B.

[0074] Next, as Figure 5 (b) and Figure 5 As shown in (c), the figure-eight shaped third ring 11B is folded at the connecting part 12B, and the second ring 30B is overlapped on the first ring 20B, thereby forming a unit bundle 10B.

[0075] Next, as Figure 5 (d) and Figure 5 As shown in (e), a portion 6 of cable 2 (the portion 6 in cable 2 that is closer to end 3 than the end point 22B of the first loop 20B) is wound 180 degrees around the circumferential direction D1 of cable bundle 1. Furthermore, this portion 6 of cable 2 corresponds to the middle portion 40B between unit bundles 10B and 10C.

[0076] Next, as Figure 6 As shown in (a), a figure-eight shaped third loop 11C is formed by arranging the portion of cable 2 that connects to portion 6 in a figure-eight shape. This third loop 11C includes a first loop 20C and a second loop 30C connected at the connecting portion 12C. In the first loop 20C, cable 2 is wound with the starting point 21C positioned below the ending point 22C, thus the winding method of the first loop 20C is "forward winding". Conversely, in the second loop 30C, cable 2 is also wound with the starting point 31C positioned below the ending point 32C. If the second loop 30C is subsequently flipped, the winding method of the second loop 30C becomes "reverse winding". Furthermore, no twist 13 is applied to the third loop 11C.

[0077] In this second-level third ring 11B, compared to the positional relationship of the first ring 20B and the second ring 30B in the aforementioned second-level third ring 11B, the first ring 20C and the second ring 30C become reversed. That is, in Figure 5 In the third ring 11B of the second level shown in (a), the first ring 20B is located to the left relative to the second ring 30B, while Figure 6 In the third ring 11C of the third level shown in (a), the first ring 20C is located on the right relative to the second ring 30C.

[0078] Next, as Figure 6 (b) and Figure 6 As shown in (c), the figure-eight shaped third ring 11C is folded at the connecting part 12C, and the second ring 30C is overlapped on the first ring 20C, thereby forming a unit bundle 10C.

[0079] Next, as Figure 6 (d) and Figure 6 As shown in (e), a portion 7 of cable 2 (the portion 7 in cable 2 that is closer to end 3 than the end point 22C of the first loop 20C) is wound 180 degrees around the circumferential direction D1 of cable bundle 1. Furthermore, this portion 7 of cable 2 corresponds to the intermediate portion 40C between unit bundle 10C and the next unit bundle (the aforementioned unit bundle 10B').

[0080] Subsequently, following the same principles as described above, alternating unit bundles and intermediate sections are formed to create cable bundle 1. As mentioned above, among the multiple unit bundles, [the following is a more detailed description of the process]... Figure 2The unit bundle 10C shown is formed by alternating unit bundles 10B' and 10C', which are connected via the middle portion 40B of the cable 2. Additionally, unit bundle 10C' is connected to its unit bundle 10B' via the middle portion 40C.

[0081] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method described above, the formation and stacking of unit bundles are repeated sequentially from the bottom, but this is not particularly limiting. For example, all unit bundles may be stacked after all unit bundles have been formed. Alternatively, all unit bundles may be formed by folding the third rings after all third rings have been formed, and then all unit bundles may be stacked. Alternatively, unit bundles may be formed without opening them into a figure-eight shape.

[0082] As described above, in this embodiment, the connecting portions (e.g., 12A, 12B) of adjacent unit bundles (e.g., unit bundles 10A, 10B) in the overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) of unit bundles 10A, 10B, 10C, ... are offset in the circumferential direction D1 of cable bundle 1. Therefore, relative to the loops of the lower unit bundles (e.g., loops 20A, 30A of unit bundle 10A), the upper unit bundle (e.g., unit bundle 10B) functions as a counterweight, thus suppressing the upward floating of the loops (e.g., loops 20A, 30A of unit bundle 10A) that are subsequently pulled out, and preventing the cables 2 from getting tangled together.

[0083] Furthermore, the figure-eight loop structure with the unit bundle open is not limited to the structure described above, as long as it does not cause twisting in the cable due to the unit bundle when the cable is pulled out. For example, it could also have... Figure 7 The figure-eight shaped ring 11 is shown in the diagram. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the figure-eight-shaped ring 11 when the unit bundle 10 of the second embodiment of the present invention is opened.

[0084] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, with the unit bundle 10 open, the starting point 21 of the first loop 20 is located below the ending point 22 of the first loop 20. Additionally, in this... Figure 7 In the example shown, when the unit bundle 10 is opened, the end point 32 of the second loop 30 is located below the start point 31 of the second loop 30 and the start point 21 of the first loop 20, and a portion 8 of the cable 2 (the portion 8 of the cable 2 that is closer to the end 4 of the start point 21 of the first loop 20) passes through the second loop 30. By forming such a figure-eight-shaped loop 11, no twisting of the cable 2 caused by the unit bundle 10 is generated when the cable 2 is pulled out.

[0085] Then, if in Figure 7When the unit bundle 10 acts on the unit bundles 10B and 10C, it forms Figure 8 The cable bundle 1B shown is described. Regarding this... Figure 8 The unit bundle 10B of the cable bundle 1B shown is wound in the first loop 20B, in the overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) of the two loops 20B and 30B, with the starting point 21B above the ending point 22B. Therefore, the winding method of the first loop 20A is "reverse winding". Conversely, in the second loop 30B, in the overlapping direction D3 (Z direction in the figure) of the two loops 20B and 30B, the cable 2 is also wound with the starting point 31B above the ending point 32B. Therefore, the winding method of the second loop 30B is also "reverse winding". That is, the winding methods of both the first loop 20B and the second loop 30B are "reverse winding". Regarding... Figure 8 Similarly, the unit bundle 10C of the cable bundle 1B shown also has a "reverse winding" method for the first loop 20C and the second loop 30C.

[0086] Additionally, as mentioned above, the connecting portion of the unit bundle can also have length. (See reference...) Figure 9 The cable bundle 1C of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 9 This is a partial unfolded view of the cable bundle 1C according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] like Figure 9 As shown, the cable bundle 1C of this embodiment includes multiple unit bundles 10A, 10B, ... and multiple intermediate portions 40A, 40B, ... As will be described later, in this embodiment, the cable bundle 1C is formed by twisting the cable 2 to sequentially form loops and stacking these loops sequentially. Furthermore, in Figure 9 The diagram only shows two unit bundles 10A and 10B on the four sides of the end of cable 2, but in reality, cable bundle 1C has many unit bundles. Additionally, Figure 9 This is an unfolded diagram of cable bundle 1C, thus showing the open state of unit bundles 10A, 10B, but in reality, multiple unit bundles 10A, 10B, ... are stacked in the vertical direction (Z direction in the diagram).

[0088] Unit bundle 10A includes a first loop 20A and a second loop 30A. The first loop 20A is formed by winding the cable 2 with the starting point 21A above the ending point 22A; therefore, the winding method of the first loop 20A is "reverse winding". In contrast, the second loop 30A is formed by winding the cable 2 with the starting point 31A below the ending point 32A; therefore, the winding method of the second loop 30A is "forward winding". Furthermore, in Figure 9The diagram shows the cable bundle 1C in an open state, so the starting point 31A of the second loop 30A is positioned above the ending point 32A. The two loops 20A and 30A overlap such that the second loop 30A is above the first loop 20A in the vertical direction (Z direction in the diagram). The two loops 20A and 30A are connected via a connecting portion 12A to form a figure-eight shaped loop 11A containing the first loop 20A and the second loop 30A when the unit bundle 10A is open.

[0089] In this embodiment, the intersection point 23A of the first loop 20A (the point where the starting point 21A and the ending point 22A intersect) is not the same as the intersection point 33A of the second loop 30A (the point where the starting point 31A and the ending point 32A intersect), and the intersection point 33A of the second loop 30A is far from the intersection point 23A of the first loop 20A. As described above, the connecting portion 12A of the unit bundle 10A is the portion between the intersection points 23A and 33A of the first loop 20A and the second loop 30A in the cable 2, therefore, the connecting portion 12A in this embodiment has a predetermined length. This connecting portion 12A is wound along the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1C. The length of this connecting portion 12A has a length corresponding to the central angle θ3 in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1C. Although not particularly limited, as an example of this central angle θ3, it is, for example, 120° (θ3=120°). The central angle that determines the length of this connecting portion is preferably 120° or less.

[0090] Unit bundle 10B also includes a first loop 20B and a second loop 30B. The first loop 20B is formed by winding the cable 2 with the starting point 21B above the ending point 22B, therefore the winding method of the second loop 30B is "reverse winding". The second loop 30B is also formed by winding the cable 2 with the starting point 31B above the ending point 32B, therefore the winding method of the second loop 30B is also "reverse winding". Furthermore, in Figure 9 The diagram shows the state of the cable bundle 1C being opened, so the starting point 21B of the first loop 20B is located below the ending point 22B, and the starting point 31B of the second loop 30B is also located below the ending point 32B.

[0091] The two rings 20B and 30B overlap such that the second ring 30B is above the first ring 20B in the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure). The two rings 20B and 30B are connected via a connecting part 12B in such a way that when the unit bundle 10B is opened, it forms a figure-eight shaped loop 11B containing the first ring 20B and the second ring 30B. Furthermore, the winding method of the second ring 30B can be "forward winding".

[0092] In this embodiment, the intersection point 23B of the first loop 20B (the point where the starting point 21B and the ending point 22B intersect) is not the same as the intersection point 33B of the second loop 30B (the point where the starting point 31B and the ending point 32B intersect), and the intersection point 33B of the second loop 30B is far from the intersection point 23B of the first loop 20B. As described above, the connecting portion 12B of the unit bundle 10B is the portion between the intersection points 23B and 33B of the first loop 20B and the second loop 30B in the cable 2, therefore, the connecting portion 12B in this embodiment has a predetermined length. This connecting portion 12B is wound along the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1C. The length of this connecting portion 12B has a length corresponding to the central angle θ4 in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1C. Although not particularly limited, as an example of this central angle θ4, it is, for example, 120° (θ4=120°).

[0093] Unit bundle 10B overlaps unit bundle 10A. At this time, the start point 31B and end point 32B of the second loop 30B of unit bundle 10B are located above the start point 21A and end point 22A of the first loop 20A of unit bundle 10A. Furthermore, unit bundles 10A and 10B are connected via a middle portion 40A of cable 2. This middle portion 40A is the portion in cable 2 between the end point 32B of the second loop 30A of unit bundle 10A and the start point 21B of the first loop 20B of unit bundle 10B, and is wound along the circumferential direction D1 of cable bundle 1C. The length of this middle portion 40A has a length corresponding to the central angle θ5 in the circumferential direction D1 of cable bundle 1C. Although not specifically limited, an example of this central angle θ5 is, for example, 120° (θ5 = 120°).

[0094] In this embodiment, the connecting portions 12A and 12B of the unit bundles 10A and 10B, and the intermediate portion 40A, each have a length corresponding to 120° in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1C. Therefore, their sum forms a loop around the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1C. The winding method of the loop formed by the connecting portions 12A and 12B and the winding method of the second loop 30B of the unit bundle 10A are "forward winding," while the winding methods of the first loop 20A of the unit bundle 10A and the first loop 20B of the unit bundle 10B are "reverse winding." The number of "forward winding" loops is the same as the number of "reverse winding" loops. Therefore, there is zero twist among the above four loops, so it is not necessary to form the twist 13 described in the first embodiment in the cable bundle 1C.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above-described relationship where zero twist is achieved, the total number of the first and second loops connected via the connecting portion and the intermediate portion is not particularly limited to the above-described content, as long as it is an odd number. Additionally, in the above-described relationship where zero twist is achieved, the winding method of each loop is not particularly limited to the above-described content, as long as the number of "forward" loops is the same as the number of "reverse" loops. Furthermore, the lengths of the connecting portion and the intermediate portion forming one loop along the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1C can also be unequal.

[0096] Next, refer to Figure 10 The structure of the manufacturing apparatus 60 for manufacturing the above-mentioned cable bundle 1C will be described. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a manufacturing apparatus 60 for a cable bundle 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] like Figure 10 As shown, the manufacturing apparatus 60 of this embodiment includes a holding device 61, a torsion device 62, a fixing device 63, a rotation device 64, and a control device 65.

[0098] The holding device 61 holds the roller 611 on which the cable 2 is wound. The roller 611 is rotatably held in the holding device 61 about its central axis RA1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the roller 611 is passively rotated by leading the cable 2 out from the track 621 of the torsion device 62, but the holding device 61 may also include a drive device that drives the roller 611 to rotate about its rotation axis RA1. In this case, the cable 2 is actively fed out from the roller 611 by the drive device in conjunction with the track 621 of the torsion device 62.

[0099] Alternatively, the holding device 61 may also include a rotating device 612, which rotates the roller 611 about a rotation axis RA2 that is substantially parallel to the cable 2's feed direction D4 from the roller 611. This allows for easy removal of any twisting in the cable 2, particularly in the portion between the roller 611 and the twisting device 62. Furthermore, the aforementioned rotation axis RA2 is also substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis RA1 of the roller 611. This rotation axis RA2 is an example of a "second axis" in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The torsion device 62 includes a pair of tracks 621, a frame 625, and a rotating device 626. Each track 621 includes a pair of pulleys 622, an annular belt 623 wound around the pulleys 622, and a drive device 624 for rotating the pulleys 622. The pair of tracks 621 are configured such that the belts 623 are in close contact with each other, allowing the cable 2 supplied from the roller 611 to be clamped between the belts 623. The drive device 624 includes a motor, gearbox, etc., for rotating the pulleys 622, and by driving the tracks 621, the cable 2 can be drawn out from the roller 611 and pushed out from the torsion device 62. This pair of tracks 621 corresponds to an example of a "feeding device" in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The pair of tracks 621 are housed within a frame 625. A rotating device 626 includes a motor, gearbox, etc., for rotating the frame 625. For a cable 2 held between the tracks 621, the rotating device 626 can rotate the frame 625 about the axis of the cable 2 to twist the cable 2. The rotating device 626 can rotate the frame 625 360° in one rotation direction D5 and 360° in another rotation direction D6. One rotation direction D5 corresponds to an example of a "third direction" in the present invention, and the other rotation direction D6 corresponds to an example of a "fourth direction" in the present invention.

[0102] Furthermore, the structure of the twisting device 62 is not particularly limited to the above-described contents, as long as it has the mechanism for feeding the cable 2 and the function of twisting the cable 2. Although not specifically illustrated, for example, the twisting device 62 may include a gripping part for holding the cable and a moving part for moving the gripping part along the axial direction of the cable 2, the gripping part having multiple rollers capable of twisting the cable. Additionally, although not specifically illustrated, the functions of feeding the cable 2 and twisting the cable 2 may also be achieved through independent devices.

[0103] The fixing device 63 is a device for fixing the cable 2 delivered from the torsion device 62. While not specifically limited, a concrete example of the fixing device 63 is a clamping member that uses a cylinder or the like to hold and fix the cable 2 at a fixed position FP. The axial movement of the cable 2 at the fixed position FP on the cable 2 is fixed by the fixing device 63. This fixed position FP is a position on the cable 2 that is separated from the torsion device 62 by a predetermined distance. This predetermined distance refers to the distance at which a loop 15 (e.g., a first loop 20A) of the cable 2 can be formed between the fixed position FP and the torsion device 62.

[0104] With the fixing device 63 securing the cable 2 to a fixed position FP, the track 621 of the torsion device 62 propels the cable 2 toward the fixed position FP. If the rotating device 626 of the torsion device 62 rotates in one direction D5, a "reverse" loop is formed. Conversely, if the pair of tracks 621 rotate the frame 625 in the other direction D6, a "forward" loop is formed.

[0105] The rotating device 64 includes a mounting platform 641 and a driving device 642. A ring 15 formed by the torsion device 62 is mounted and stacked on the mounting platform 641. The mounting platform 641 has a mounting surface for mounting the ring 15 of the cable 2. The driving device 642 includes a motor, gearbox, etc., for rotating the mounting surface of the mounting platform 641. This driving device is capable of rotating the mounting surface of the mounting platform 641 around a rotation axis RA3 that is substantially parallel to the normal direction of the mounting platform 641. This rotation axis RA3 corresponds to an example of the "first axis" in the embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, in Figure 10 In the example shown, the drive device 642 causes the mounting surface of the stage 641 to rotate only in the counterclockwise direction, but the drive device 642 can also cause the mounting surface of the stage 641 to rotate in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0106] The control device 65 may be, for example, a computer. Although not specifically illustrated, this computer is an electronic computer equipped with a CPU (processor), main storage (RAM, etc.), auxiliary storage (hard disk, SSD, etc.), and interfaces. The control device 65 can be controllably connected to the drive device 624 of the aforementioned torsion device 62 and the drive device 642 of the rotation device 62, as well as the drive device 642 of the fixing device 63 and the rotation device 64. These controls are functionally achieved, for example, by executing programs through the control device 65. Alternatively, the control device 65 may be constructed from a circuit board instead of a computer.

[0107] Next, the manufacturing apparatus 60 described above will be used to manufacture... Figure 9 The manufacturing method of the cable harness 1C shown will be described.

[0108] First, with cable 2 led out from twisting device 62 to fixing device 63, control device 65 sends a control signal to fixing device 63, and fixing device 63 clamps the fixed position FP on cable 2. Thus, the axial movement of cable 2 at the fixed position FP on cable 2 is fixed by fixing device 63.

[0109] Next, the control device 65 sends a control signal to the drive device 624 of the torsion device 62, and the track 621 feeds the cable 2 from the torsion device 62 by a predetermined amount. This predetermined amount is equivalent to the length of one loop 15 of the cable 2, and is a value pre-input to the control device 65.

[0110] Next, the control device 65 sends a control signal to the rotating device 626 of the twisting device 62. The rotating device 626 causes the frame 625 to rotate 360° in one rotation direction D5 to twist the cable 2, thereby forming a first loop 20A that is "reverse-wound". This first loop 20A is placed on the mounting platform 641 of the rotating device 64. In addition, the twisting device 62 can also twist the cable 2 while feeding out a predetermined amount of cable 2.

[0111] Next, the control device 65 sends a control signal to the fixing device 63, which releases the cable 2 to release its fixation. Then, the control device 65 sends control signals to the drive device 642 of the rotating device 64 and the drive device 624 of the torsion device 62. As a result, the drive device 642 rotates the mounting surface of the platform 641 by a central angle θ3, while the track 621 feeds the cable 2 from the torsion device 62 by a predetermined amount. This predetermined amount is the length on the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1C corresponding to the central angle θ3, and is a value pre-input to the control device 65. Although not specifically limited, in this embodiment, the central angle θ3 is 120° (θ3 = 120°). This forms the connection portion 12A of the unit bundle 10A in the cable bundle 1C.

[0112] Next, following the same procedure as forming the first loop 20A described above, the second loop 30A of the unit bundle 10A is formed. At this time, the rotating device 626 rotates the frame 625 360° in the opposite rotation direction D6 to twist the cable 2, thereby forming a "positively wound" second loop 30A. This second loop 30A is placed on the mounting platform 641 of the rotating device 64, forming the unit bundle 10A. Furthermore, the twisting device 62 can also twist the cable 2 while feeding out a predetermined amount of cable 2.

[0113] Next, the control device 65 sends a control signal to the fixing device 63, which releases the cable 2 to release its fixation. Then, the control device 65 sends control signals to the drive device 642 of the rotating device 64 and the drive device 624 of the torsion device 62. As a result, the drive device 642 rotates the mounting surface of the platform 641 by a central angle θ5, while the track 621 feeds the cable 2 from the torsion device 62 by a predetermined amount. This predetermined amount is the length on the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1C corresponding to the aforementioned central angle θ5, and is a value pre-input to the control device 65. Although not specifically limited, in this embodiment, the central angle θ5 is 120° (θ5 = 120°). This forms an intermediate portion 40A between the unit bundles 10A and 10B in the cable bundle 1C.

[0114] Next, following the same principle as described above, unit bundles and intermediate portions are alternately formed to form cable bundle 1C. Furthermore, if twist occurs in the portion of cable 2 between roller 611 and twisting device 62, the twist can be removed by rotating roller 611 using the aforementioned rotating device 612.

[0115] As described above, in the manufacturing apparatus 60 of this embodiment, since the driving device 642 of the rotating device 64 rotates the mounting surface of the mounting platform 641 on which the cable 2 is mounted, the cable bundle 1C having connecting portions 12A and 12B offset in the circumferential direction D1 can be manufactured.

[0116] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus 60 may also include a measuring device 66 that measures the length of the cable 2 fed from the twisting device 62. In this case, the control device 65 may also control the drive device 624 of the twisting device 62 based on the measurement result of the measuring device 66, so that the track 621 feeds the cable 2 from the twisting device 62 by a predetermined amount. Although not particularly limited, an encoder can be exemplified as a specific example of such a measuring device 66. Alternatively, the quality management of the cable bundle 1 can also be performed by using the measuring device 66 to measure the length of the cable 2 fed from the twisting device 62.

[0117] Alternatively, the manufacturing apparatus 60 described above can also be used to manufacture it. Figure 1 Cable bundle 1 is shown. In this case, as... Figure 10 As shown, the manufacturing apparatus 60 includes an additional fixing device 67 in addition to the fixing device 63 described above. This additional fixing device 67 has the same structure as the fixing device 63. When forming each unit bundle, the first ring is formed using the fixing device 63, and the second ring is formed using the additional fixing device 67.

[0118] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are provided for the purpose of understanding the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, the essence of the elements disclosed in the above embodiments also includes all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0119] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the cable bundle 1 has a rollerless structure without a core, but it is not particularly limited to this. The cable bundle 1 may also have a core, and the cable bundle 1 may also be formed around the pull-out guide pin.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, multiple unit bundles 10A, 10B, 10C, ... are stacked in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction (the overlap direction D3 of the unit bundles (the Z direction in the figure)), but this is not particularly limited. For example, by appropriately changing the size of the diameter of the ring constituting each unit bundle, a structure consisting of multiple unit bundles with different diameters arranged on the same plane can be stacked in the overlap direction D3. Alternatively, by appropriately changing the size of the diameter of the ring constituting each unit bundle, other unit bundles with a diameter larger than that of the unit bundle can be stacked on the outside of the multiple unit bundles stacked in the overlap direction D3.

[0121] Alternatively, the connection portion of the unit bundle can be offset in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1 by making the diameters of adjacent unit bundles in the overlapping direction D3 of the unit bundles different. Additionally, the first intersection point and the second intersection point can be offset in the circumferential direction D1 of the cable bundle 1 by making the diameters of the first loop and the second loop constituting the unit bundles different.

[0122] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0123] 1, 1B, 1C… Cable bundle; 2… Cable; 3, 4… End; 10A, 10B, 10C… Unit bundle; 11A, 11B, 11C… Figure-eight loop; 12A, 12B, 12C… Connector; 13… Twist; 20A, 20B, 20C… First loop; 21A, 21B, 21C… Start point; 22A, 22B, 22C… End point; 23A, 23B… Crossover point; 30A, 30B, 30C… Second loop; 31A, 31B, 31C… Start point; 32A, 32B, 32C… End point; 3 3A, 33B…intersection; 40A, 40B…intermediate section; 50…container; 51…upper surface; 52…opening; 60…manufacturing device; 61…holding device; 611…roller; 612…rotating device; 62…torsional device; 621…track; 622…pulley; 623…belt; 624…drive device; 625…frame; 626…rotating device; 63…fixing device; 64…rotating device; 641…platform; 642…drive device; 65…control device; 66…measuring device; 67…fixing device.

Claims

1. A cable bundle comprising wound cables, The cable bundle is characterized in that... The cable bundle comprises multiple unit bundles that overlap in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction which is the circumferential direction of the cable bundle. Each of the said unit bundles has a first ring and a second ring that overlap in the second direction. The first ring and the second ring are connected to each other at the connecting portion in such a way that they form a figure-eight shaped loop when the unit bundle is opened. The connecting portions of adjacent unit bundles in the second direction are offset in the first direction.

2. The cable harness according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable bundle has a middle portion that is located between the unit bundles and connects the unit bundles to each other. The middle portion is wound along the first direction such that the connecting portions of the adjacent unit bundles in the second direction are staggered in the first direction within a range of 90 degrees to 270 degrees.

3. The cable harness according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plurality of unit bundles includes: First unit bundle; A second unit bundle overlapping the first unit bundle; and The third unit bundle overlaps with the second unit bundle. The cable bundle includes: A first intermediate portion, situated between the first unit bundle and the second unit bundle, and connecting the first unit bundle and the second unit bundle; and The second intermediate portion, located between the second unit bundle and the third unit bundle, connects the second unit bundle and the third unit bundle. The first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion are wound along the first direction. The first middle portion and the second middle portion are offset in the first direction.

4. The cable harness according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cable bundle has a middle portion that is located between the unit bundles and connects the unit bundles to each other, and is wound along the first direction. The cable is subjected to a twist in the opposite direction to the twist generated by the intermediate portion when the cable is pulled out.

5. The cable harness according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of turns of the twist applied to the cable is a value obtained by dividing the total length of the intermediate portions by the average circumference of the cable bundle.

6. The cable harness according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connecting portion is a portion of the cable between the first intersection of the first loop and the second intersection of the second loop, and is wound along the first direction.

7. The cable harness according to claim 6, characterized in that, The multiple connecting portions of the adjacent unit bundles in the second direction and the intermediate portions connecting the unit bundles to each other form a circumference along the first direction.

8. The cable harness according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first loop is formed by winding the cable in a forward loop or a reverse loop opposite to the forward loop. The second loop is formed by winding the cable in either the reverse or the forward direction.

9. A method for manufacturing a cable bundle, the cable bundle comprising wound cables, The method for manufacturing the cable harness is characterized by having: In the first step, multiple unit bundles are formed, each having a first ring and a second ring, wherein the first ring and the second ring are connected at a connecting portion and overlap each other; and In the second step, the plurality of unit bundles are overlapped such that the connecting portions are staggered relative to each other in a first direction that is the circumferential direction of the cable bundle. The first ring and the second ring are connected to each other at the connection portion in such a way that they form a figure-eight-shaped loop when the unit bundle is opened.

10. The method for manufacturing a cable harness according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first process includes: The cable is configured in a figure-eight shape, thereby forming a plurality of third loops, each having a first loop and a second loop connected to the connecting portion; and Each of the third rings is folded at the connecting portion and overlapped with the first ring and the second ring, thereby forming a plurality of the unit bundles.

11. The method for manufacturing a cable harness according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first process includes: The cable is twisted in a third direction to form the first loop; The cable is twisted in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, thereby forming the second loop; and The first ring and the second ring are overlapped to form the unit bundle.

12. The method for manufacturing a cable harness according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The cable bundle has a middle portion that is located between the unit bundles and connects the unit bundles to each other. The second step includes winding the middle portion along the first direction such that the connecting portions of the adjacent unit bundles are staggered within a range of 90 degrees to 270 degrees in the first direction.

13. A cable bundle manufacturing apparatus, which is an apparatus for manufacturing cable bundles according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cable bundle includes wound cables, The cable harness manufacturing apparatus is characterized by comprising: A fixing device, wherein the fixing device is positioned on the cable to fix the axial movement of the cable; A delivery device that delivers the cable toward the fixed position; A twisting device that twists the cable delivered by the feeding device to form a loop in the cable; as well as A first rotating device has a mounting surface on which the ring formed by the torsion device is mounted and stacked, and the mounting surface is rotated about a first axis substantially parallel to the normal direction of the mounting surface, thereby forming a cable bundle having connecting portions offset in a first direction that is the circumferential direction of the cable bundle.

14. The cable harness manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that, The twisting device twists the cable in a third direction to form a first loop, and twists the cable in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction to form a second loop.

15. The cable harness manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, It includes a second rotating device that causes the roller supplying the cable to rotate about a second axis substantially parallel to the direction from which the cable is fed out of the roller.

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