Cable and damage detection device

Abstract

The invention provides a cable and a damage detection device, which can inhibit the increase of working hours during manufacturing and reduce the occurrence of false detection. A cable (1) is provided with: a wire bundle (10) in which first to third wires (2-4) are bundled; a pressing and winding member (5) which is wound in a spiral shape around the outer periphery of the wire bundle (10); and a sheath (8) which covers the pressing and winding member (5). The pressing and winding member (5) has a base material (51) comprising a strip-shaped insulator and a planar conductor (52) provided on one surface of the base material (51) along the longitudinal direction of the base material (51), and is wound around the outer periphery of the wire harness (10) so that the ends of the base material (51) in the width direction overlap each other. The damage detection device detects the occurrence of damage when the planar conductor (52) is damaged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable and a damage detection device for detecting damage to the cable. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a device that can detect an omen of an abnormality such as a wire break in a cable having a plurality of wires before the occurrence of the abnormality (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the first embodiment of the invention described in Patent Document 1, a detection wire is disposed at the center of the cable, and a plurality of wires are disposed around the detection wire. The plurality of wires are the objects for detecting an omen of damage. The detection wire has lower bending resistance than the wires around it and is likely to break due to metal fatigue when bent. Then, an inspection signal including an AC component is input to the detection wire by an abnormality detection device. When a change in the characteristic impedance of the detection wire exceeds a reference value and a break in the detection wire conductor is detected, it is notified to the outside that there is an omen of a wire break.

[0004] In addition, in the second and third embodiments of the invention described in Patent Document 1, in addition to the above-described detection wire, an outer detection layer is provided so as to be able to detect damage to the wires caused by trauma when a sudden impact is applied from the outside of the cable. In the second embodiment, the outer detection layer is a conductive band formed of a conductive material, and the conductive band is spirally wound around the outer periphery of a tape layer formed by winding an insulating tape around a wire group. In the third embodiment, the outer detection layer is a laminated tape having conductive coating layers formed on both surfaces of an insulating base material, and the laminated tape is spirally wound around the outer periphery of the wire group. When a change in the characteristic impedance of the conductive band or the laminated tape exceeds a reference value, the abnormality detection device also notifies this to the outside.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7151754 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] In the case where the conductive tape is spirally wound around the outer periphery of the tape layer as in the second embodiment of the invention described in Patent Document 1, when manufacturing a cable, after winding the tape body constituting the tape layer, an operation of further winding the conductive tape around its outer periphery is required, increasing the man-hours. Further, as in the third embodiment of the invention described in Patent Document 1, in the case of using a laminated tape in which conductive coatings are respectively formed on both surfaces of an insulating base material, when the cable is used, the cable is repeatedly bent and the laminated tape is displaced in the cable length direction. When a portion where the conductive coating on one side of the base material contacts the conductive coating on the other side is generated in a part of the cable length direction, even if either coating is broken in this portion, it cannot be detected, resulting in detection omission.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cable and a damage detection device using the cable that can suppress an increase in man-hours during manufacturing and reduce the occurrence of detection omission and false detection.

[0011] Method for Solving the Problem

[0012] The present invention aims to solve the above problems and provides a cable including a wire bundle formed by bundling a plurality of wires, a pressing winding member spirally wound around the outer periphery of the wire bundle, and a sheath covering the pressing winding member; the pressing winding member has a base material formed of a strip-shaped insulator and a planar conductor provided on one surface of the base material along the length direction of the base material, and is overlapped and wound around the outer periphery of the wire bundle in such a manner that the end portions in the width direction of the base material overlap each other.

[0013] Further, the present invention aims to solve the above problems and provides a damage detection device including a pressing winding member and a damage detection circuit; the pressing winding member is spirally wound around the outer periphery of a wire bundle formed by bundling a plurality of wires, and has a base material formed of a strip-shaped insulator and a planar conductor provided on one surface of the base material along the length direction of the base material; the damage detection circuit detects the occurrence of damage when the planar conductor is damaged.

[0014] Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the cable and the damage detection device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in man-hours during manufacturing and reduce the occurrence of detection omission and false detection. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of a cable according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a wire bundle.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a perspective view separately showing the pressing winding member.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the pressing winding member showing a state wound in a spiral shape.

[0020] Figure 5 In (a), it is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a damage detection device for detecting damage to a cable, and in (b), it is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a linear conductor.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of a cable of a comparative example.

[0022] Figure 7 In (a), it is a perspective view separately showing a modified pressing winding member of the first embodiment, and in (b), it is a cross-sectional view of the modified pressing winding member.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of a cable of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 In (a), it is a cross-sectional view of a cable of the third embodiment of the present invention, and in (b), it is a cross-sectional view of a vulnerable wire of the cable of the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 10 It is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a damage detection device of the third embodiment.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals

[0027] 1, 1B, 1C... cables, 10... wire harness, 11, 12... damage detection devices, 110, 120... damage detection circuits, 2, 3... first and second wires (large-diameter wires), 4... third wire, 41, 42... signal wires (small-diameter wires), 43... inner sheath, 5, 5A... pressing winding members, 51... base material, 51a... one surface, 52, 53... planar conductors, 6... linear conductor, 7... interposed object, 8... sheath, 9... vulnerable wire. Detailed implementation manners

[0028] [First embodiment]

[0029] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of a cable 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention. The cable 1 includes a wire harness 10 formed by bundling a plurality of wires 2 to 4, a pressing winding member 5 wound around the outer periphery of the wire harness 10 in a spiral shape, a linear conductor 6 and an interposed object 7 covered by the pressing winding member 5 together with the wire harness 10, and a sheath 8 covering the pressing winding member 5.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the first wire 2 and the second wire 3 among the plurality of wires 2 to 4 are power supply wires for supplying operating power to the target device. The third wire 4 is a multi-core wire in which a pair of signal wires 41 and 42 are covered with an inner sheath 43. Further, in the present embodiment, one end of each of the first to third wires 2 to 4 of the cable 1 is connected to a component under the spring of the vehicle, and the other end of each of the first to third wires 2 to 4 is connected to a control device disposed on the vehicle body side as a component above the spring. The target device under the spring supplied with power by the first wire 2 and the second wire 3 is, for example, an electric parking brake device that locks the wheels when the vehicle stops. The pair of signal wires 41 and 42 of the third wire 4 are connected to, for example, a wheel speed sensor that detects the rotational speed of the wheel, and transmit the output signal of the wheel speed sensor. As the suspension spring expands and contracts during vehicle travel, a part of the length direction of the cable 1 bends repeatedly.

[0031] The first wire 2 is an insulated wire in which a conductor 21 is covered with an insulator 22. The second wire 3 is an insulated wire in which a conductor 31 is covered with an insulator 32. The conductors 21 and 31 are stranded wires formed by stranding a plurality of wire rods 210 and 310 made of a metal with good conductivity such as copper. Each of the pair of signal wires 41 and 42 of the third wire 4 is an insulated wire in which a conductor 411 and 421 are covered with insulators 412 and 422. The conductors 411 and 421 are stranded wires formed by stranding a plurality of wire rods 410 and 420 made of a metal with good conductivity such as copper. The insulators 22 and 32 of the first and second wires 2 and 3 and the insulators 412 and 422 of the pair of signal wires 41 and 42 of the third wire 4 are made of, for example, fluororesin.

[0032] The outer diameters of the signal wires 41 and 42 of the third wire 4 are smaller than the outer diameters of the first wire 2 and the second wire 3, and the outer diameter of each of the signal wires 41 and 42 is half or less of the outer diameter of the first wire 2 and the second wire 3. The signal wires 41 and 42 of the third wire 4 are one mode of the small-diameter wires of the present invention, and the first wire 2 and the second wire 3 are one mode of the large-diameter wires of the present invention. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the wire harness 10 is configured to have one multi-core wire (third wire 4), but the plurality of wires constituting the wire harness may also include a plurality of multi-core wires. Further, the plurality of wires constituting the wire harness may not include multi-core wires.

[0033] Figure 2 It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the wire harness 10 and the pressing winding member 5. In Figure 2 it, the illustration of the sandwiching member 7 and the sheath 8 is omitted, and the state of the wire harness 10 and the pressing winding member 5 is shown when viewed from the radial direction of the cable 1. Further, in Figure 2In part of the length direction of the wire harness 10, the outline of the inner sheath 43 of the third wire 4 is indicated by an imaginary line (double-dashed line), and a pair of signal wires 41, 42 are indicated by solid lines.

[0034] As Figure 2 shown, the first to third wires 2 to 4 are twisted together, and a pair of signal wires 41, 42 of the third wire 4 are further twisted inside the inner sheath 43 to form a twisted pair. In Figure 1 it, an arrow A 10 indicates the twisting direction of the first to third wires 2 to 4, and an arrow A4 indicates the twisting direction of a pair of signal wires 41, 42 in the multi-core wire 4. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, in this embodiment, the twisting direction of the first to third wires 2 to 4 observed in the length direction of the cable 1 is the same as the twisting direction of a pair of signal wires 41, 42.

[0035] In addition, in Figure 1 it, arrows A 21 , A 31 , A 41 , A 42 respectively indicate the twisting direction of multiple wire materials 210 in the conductor 21 of the first wire 2, the twisting direction of multiple wire materials 310 in the conductor 31 of the second wire 3, and the twisting direction of multiple wire materials 410, 420 of a pair of signal wires 41, 42 in the multi-core wire 4. The twisting directions of these wire materials 210, 310, 410, 420 are the same as the twisting direction of the first to third wires 2 to 4 and the twisting direction of a pair of signal wires 41, 42. Thus, the twisting of the first to third wires 2 to 4 is difficult to untie.

[0036] The sandwiching member 7 is formed of, for example, a fibrous body such as aromatic polyamide fiber, Kevlar (registered trademark), etc., and is disposed by being sandwiched between the first to third wires 2 to 4 and the pressing and winding member 5. Through this sandwiching member 7, the shape of the pressing and winding member 5 in the cross-section perpendicular to the length direction of the cable 1 approaches a circle. That is, the sandwiching member 7 circularizes the shape of the pressing and winding member 5 in the cross-section perpendicular to the length direction of the wire harness 10. Thus, the cable 1 can be bent softly in all directions.

[0037] The outer diameter of the first wire 2 is the same as the outer diameter of the second wire 3. In addition, the outer diameter of the third wire 4 is of the same level as the outer diameter of the first wire 2 and the outer diameter of the second wire 3. Specifically, the outer diameter of the third wire 4 is 95% or more and 105% or less of the outer diameters of the first wire 2 and the second wire 3. This dimensional relationship helps to circularize the shape of the pressing and winding member 5 in the cross-section perpendicular to the length direction of the wire harness 10.

[0038] In Figure 1In the example shown, a part of the outer peripheral surfaces 2a, 3a, and 4a of the first to third electric wires 2 to 4 are in contact with each other, and a part of the outer peripheral surfaces 2a, 3a, and 4a of the first to third electric wires 2 to 4 are in contact with the pressing winding member 5. However, the outer peripheral surfaces 2a, 3a, and 4a of the first to third electric wires 2 to 4 may not be in contact with each other, and the outer peripheral surfaces 2a, 3a, and 4a of the first to third electric wires 2 to 4 may not be in contact with the pressing winding member 5.

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view separately showing the pressing winding member 5. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pressing winding member 5 wound in a spiral shape. The pressing winding member 5 has a base material 51 made of a flexible band-shaped insulator and a planar conductor 52 provided on one surface 51a of the base material 51 along the length direction of the base material 51. A conductor is not provided on the other surface 51b of the base material 51 on the back side of the one surface 51a of the base material 51. That is, the planar conductor 52 is provided only on one surface 51a of the base material 51. It should be noted that since the planar conductor 52 is integrated with the base material 51, the pitch in the length direction of the cable 1 of the base material 51 when the pressing winding member 5 is wound in a spiral shape is the same as the pitch in the length direction of the cable 1 of the planar conductor 52.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the planar conductor 52 is formed by vapor deposition on one surface 51a of the base material 51. The base material 51 is a band-shaped body made of a resin such as non-woven fabric, paper, or polyester, for example. The main component of the planar conductor 52 is made of a metal with good conductivity such as copper, silver, or aluminum, for example. By providing the planar conductor 52 on one surface 51a of the base material 51, the strength of the planar conductor 52 is ensured, and it is possible to prevent the planar conductor 52 from being easily broken excessively.

[0041] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the thickness of the planar conductor 52 is thinner than the thickness of the base material 51, but it is not limited thereto, and the planar conductor 52 may also be thicker than the base material 51. If the thickness of the planar conductor 52 is thinner than the thickness of the base material 51, it is possible to sensitively detect the occurrence of trauma caused by flying stones or the like and the wear of the sheath 8. In addition, if the planar conductor 52 is thicker than the base material 51, it is easy to prevent the planar conductor 52 from being broken due to friction with the sheath 8.

[0042] In Figure 3In this case, let W1 denote the width of the base material 51 in the short side direction of the pressing winding member 5, and let W2 denote the width of the planar conductor 52. W2 is narrower than W1, and the planar conductor 52 is formed in a range other than the both end portions in the width direction of the base material 51. The preferable range of W2 relative to W1 also depends on the thickness of the planar conductor 52 and the strength of the base material 51, and is, for example, 10% or more and 30% or less. However, it is not limited thereto, and the planar conductor 52 may be formed over the entire one surface 51a of the base material 51.

[0043] The pressing winding member 5 is overlapped and wound around the outer periphery of the wire harness 10 in such a manner that the end portions in the width direction of the base material 51 coincide with each other in the radial direction of the cable 1. In the present embodiment, the end portions in the width direction of the base material 51 coincide with each other and are in contact. More specifically, one surface 51a of the end portion on one side in the width direction of the base material 51 and the other surface 51b of the end portion on the other side in the width direction of the base material 51 are in contact with each other in a state of overlapping in the thickness direction of the base material 51. In the longitudinal direction ( Figure 4 the left - right direction) of the cable 1, the ratio of the overlapping length L2 of the end portions in the width direction of the base material 51 in one turn to the length L1 of the base material 51 is, for example, 10% or more and 40% or less. It should be noted that, in the overlapping portion of the pressing winding member 5, a part of the other surface 51b of the base material 51 may also overlap with the planar conductor 52. It should be noted that, in the present invention, in the longitudinal direction of the cable 1, there is no portion where the planar conductors 52 are in contact with each other and overlap. However, in the present invention, in the longitudinal direction of the cable 1, due to the presence of the base material 51, there may be a portion where the planar conductors 52 overlap with each other in a non - contacting state.

[0044] In Figure 2 the planar conductor 52 of the pressing winding member 5 is shown in gray. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the pressing winding member 5 is spirally wound around the outer periphery of the wire harness 10 in such a manner that one surface 51a of the base material 51 provided with the planar conductor 52 becomes the outer side, and the first to third wires 2 - 4 are pressed and wound by the other surface 51b of the base material 51 so as to press them toward the central portion of the cable 1. The planar conductor 52 is in contact with the sheath 8 on the outer side of the base material 51.

[0045] The sheath 8 is made of, for example, a urethane resin such as thermoplastic polyurethane, and is extrusion - molded on the outer periphery of the pressing winding member 5. The pressing winding member 5 covers the entire circumference of the wire harness 10 in a cross - sectional view. Thereby, when the sheath 8 is molded, the entry of the liquid thermoplastic resin forming the sheath 8 between the first to third wires 2 - 4 is suppressed.

[0046] The cable 1 configured as described above may, for example, be externally damaged by being struck by flying stones or the like during vehicle travel, or the sheath 8 may be severely worn due to friction with the outside. In the present embodiment, when the cable 1 is damaged due to such external damage or wear, the occurrence of the damage is detected by a damage detection device described below.

[0047] Figure 5 (a) is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a damage detection device 11 for detecting damage to the cable 1. Figure 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the linear conductor 6. The damage detection device 11 includes a pressing and winding member 5 and a linear conductor 6 as constituent elements, and is configured to have a damage detection circuit 110 that electrically detects the occurrence of damage in the cable 1.

[0048] As Figure 5 (b) shows, the linear conductor 6 is an insulated covered wire having a conductor 61 and an insulator 62 covering the conductor 61. In the example shown in Figure 5 (b), the conductor 61 is a stranded wire formed by stranding a plurality of wire materials 610, but is not limited thereto, and the conductor 61 may also be a single wire. In addition, the insulator 62 may be omitted, and the linear conductor 6 may be a non-covered wire (bare wire).

[0049] The linear conductor 6 is arranged inside the pressing and winding member 5 together with the first to third wires 2 to 4, and the conductor 61 of the linear conductor 6 is electrically connected to the planar conductor 52 of the pressing and winding member 5 at one end portion in the length direction of the cable 1. In the present embodiment, this end portion corresponds to the end portion on the lower side of the spring of the vehicle. It should be noted that in the example shown in Figure 5 (a), the case where the planar conductor 52 and the linear conductor 6 are connected by a terminal resistor Rt is shown, but is not limited thereto, and the conductor 61 of the linear conductor 6 may also be directly connected to the planar conductor 52 of the pressing and winding member 5 to short-circuit them.

[0050] The bending durability of the linear conductor 6 is lower than that of the first to third wires 2 to 4, and the linear conductor 6 will break before any of the first to third wires 2 to 4 breaks when the cable 1 is repeatedly bent. In addition, the conductor cross-sectional area of the conductor 61 of the linear conductor 6 is smaller than the conductor cross-sectional areas of the conductor 21 of the first wire 2, the conductor 31 of the second wire 3, and the conductors 411, 421 of the signal lines 41, 42 of the third wire 4, respectively.

[0051] In the present embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, the linear conductor 6 is disposed between the first electric wire 2 and the second electric wire 3 and the pressing winding member 5. However, the disposition position of the linear conductor 6 is not limited thereto. For example, the linear conductor 6 may also be disposed at the center of the cable 1 surrounded by the first to third electric wires 2 to 4. The linear conductor 6 may be separated from the wire harness 10 as shown in Figure 1 or may be in contact with the wire harness 10.

[0052] The damage detection circuit 110 is provided on the side opposite to the side electrically connected to the planar conductor 52 of the pressing winding member 5 and the conductor 61 of the linear conductor 6 in the longitudinal direction of the cable 1, and detects the occurrence of damage when any one of the planar conductor 52 and the linear conductor 6 is damaged. Further, when the damage detection circuit 110 detects the occurrence of damage, it outputs a damage detection signal for reporting the occurrence of damage. When this damage detection signal is output, for example, the occurrence of damage to the cable 1 is reported to the driver by the lighting of a lamp on the instrument panel of the vehicle.

[0053] In Figure 5 In the circuit configuration example of the damage detection circuit 110 shown in (a), a shunt resistor Rs, a planar conductor 52, a terminal resistor Rt, and a linear conductor 6 are connected in series between the + side and the - side of the DC power supply V. Further, the damage detection circuit 110 includes first and second reference resistors Ra, Rb connected in series between the + side and the - side of the DC power supply V, and a comparator C, and is configured to input a reference voltage Vref obtained by resistively dividing the voltage of the DC power supply V by the first and second reference resistors Ra, Rb and a detection voltage Vd which is the voltage on the planar conductor 52 side of the shunt resistor Rs to the comparator C.

[0054] When neither the planar conductor 52 nor the conductor 61 of the linear conductor 6 is broken and a predetermined current flows in the series circuit composed of the shunt resistor Rs, the planar conductor 52, the terminal resistor Rt, and the linear conductor 6, a voltage drop corresponding to the magnitude of the current is generated in the shunt resistor Rs, and the detection voltage Vd is lower than the voltage of the DC power supply V. On the other hand, when either the planar conductor 52 or the conductor 61 of the linear conductor 6 is broken, no current flows in the series circuit, and the detection voltage Vd is equal to the voltage of the DC power supply V.

[0055] The reference voltage Vref is adjusted to a value between the detection voltage Vd when there is no disconnection in the conductor 61 of the planar conductor 52 and the linear conductor 6, and the detection voltage Vd when there is a disconnection in either the planar conductor 52 or the linear conductor 6. When there is a disconnection in either the planar conductor 52 or the linear conductor 6, the output voltage Vout of the comparator C changes. The output voltage Vout of the comparator C is output as a damage detection signal indicating that the cable 1 is damaged from the damage detection circuit 110.

[0056] [Comparative Example]

[0057] Figure 6 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of the cable 100 showing a comparative example. In Figure 6 , for the components common to those of the cable 1 in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those labeled in Figure 1 etc. are used, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0058] In the cable 100, the shape of the pressing and winding member 5 in the cross-section of the cable 100 is a triangular shape with rounded corners. That is, at each corner of this triangular shape, the base material 51 of the pressing and winding member 5 bends along the outer peripheral surfaces 2a, 3a, and 4a of the first wire 2, the second wire 3, and the third wire 4 with the curvature of the outer peripheral surfaces 2a, 3a, and 4a.

[0059] In this cable 100, compared with the cable 1 in the first embodiment, the planar conductor 52 of the pressing and winding member 5 is subjected to stress generated by bending with a larger curvature, and the planar conductor 52 is likely to break due to this stress, resulting in an easy occurrence of false detection of damage. In contrast, in the cable 1 of the first embodiment, the shape of the pressing and winding member 5 in the cross-section perpendicular to the length direction of the wire bundle 10 is circularized, and the curvature of the base material 51 is smaller than the curvature of the outer peripheral surfaces 2a, 3a, and 4a of the first to third wires 2 to 4. Therefore, it is difficult for the planar conductor 52 to generate stress caused by bending, and the occurrence of false detection can be suppressed.

[0060] (Effects of the First Embodiment)

[0061] According to the first embodiment described above, the pressing winding member 5 has a base material 51 and a planar conductor 52. When the planar conductor 52 is broken, the occurrence of the break is detected by the damage detection circuit 110. Therefore, compared with the case where, for example, a press-packing tape and a conductive tape are wound around the outer periphery of the wire harness 10 respectively, an increase in man-hours during manufacturing can be suppressed and the occurrence of false detection can be reduced. In addition, since the planar conductor 52 is provided only on one surface 51a of the base material 51, the planar conductors 52 of different turns of the pressing winding member 5 wound in a spiral shape do not contact each other, and the occurrence of detection omission can be suppressed. In addition, when the sheath 8 is molded, by the liquid thermoplastic resin forming the sheath 8, the planar conductor 52 can be suppressed from shifting from the desired position with respect to the base material 51.

[0062] In addition, according to the first embodiment, the linear conductor 6 has lower bending durability than the first to third wires 2 to 4. When the linear conductor 6 is broken, the occurrence of the break is also detected by the damage detection circuit 110. Therefore, in addition to sudden external injuries caused by collisions such as flying stones and wear of the sheath 8, it is also possible to detect the omen of breakage of the first to third wires 2 to 4 caused by metal fatigue due to repeated bending through the breakage of the linear conductor 6.

[0063] In addition, according to the first embodiment, the planar conductor 52 is provided on the surface of the base material 51 on the side of the sheath 8, that is, one surface 51a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent breakage of the planar conductor 52 caused by wear due to contact between the planar conductor 52 and the first to third wires 2 to 4.

[0064] [Modification Example of the First Embodiment]

[0065] Figure 7 (a) is a perspective view separately showing the pressing winding member 5A of the modification example of the first embodiment. Figure 7 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the pressing winding member 5A in a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction of the pressing winding member 5A. The pressing winding member 5A is wound around the outer periphery of the wire harness 10 in a spiral shape with one surface 51a of the base material 51 on the outside, similarly to the pressing winding member 5 of the first embodiment.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the case where the planar conductor 52 is formed by vapor deposition on one surface 51a of the base material 51 has been described. The pressing and winding member 5A of the modified example has the same base material 51 as the first embodiment and a planar conductor 53 adhesively provided on one surface 51a of the base material 51. The planar conductor 53 is, for example, a metal foil made of a metal with good conductivity such as copper, silver, or aluminum. A bonding layer 54 made of an adhesive is interposed between the base material 51 and the planar conductor 53. That is, the planar conductor 53 is fixed to the base material 51 by the adhesive. It should be noted that the planar conductor 53 may be thicker or thinner than the base material 51. The adhesive preferably has a melting point higher than the temperature of the liquid thermoplastic resin that forms the sheath 8 during the molding of the sheath 8. Thereby, during the molding of the sheath 8, it is possible to suppress the softening and melting of the adhesive, and it is possible to further suppress the displacement of the planar conductor 52 relative to the base material 51 from the desired position.

[0067] When using the pressing and winding member 5A of this modified example, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can also be obtained.

[0068] [Second Embodiment]

[0069] Figure 8 FIG. is a cross-sectional view of a cable 1B showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the case where the pressing and winding member 5 is wound around the outer periphery of the wire harness 10 such that one surface 5a of the base material 51 on which the planar conductor 52 is formed faces the outside (sheath 8 side) has been described. However, in the second embodiment, the pressing and winding member 5 is wound around the outer periphery of the wire harness 10 such that one surface 5a of the base material 51 on which the planar conductor 52 is formed faces the inside (wire harness 10 side).

[0070] An interposed object 7 is interposed and disposed between the planar conductor 52 and the first to third wires 2 to 4. Even when the cable 1B is bent, it is possible to suppress mutual friction between the planar conductor 52 and the first to third wires 2 to 4. In addition, due to the interposed object 7, the shape of the pressing and winding member 5 in a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction of the wire harness 10 is circularized. In addition, the occurrence of damage in the cable 1B is detected by the damage detection circuit 110 described in the first embodiment. It should be noted that, although it depends on the strength of the planar conductor 52, a part of the interposed object 7 may be deleted to bring the planar conductor 52 into contact with the first to third wires 2 to 4. Thereby, the diameter reduction of the cable 1B can be achieved.

[0071] It should be noted that, as an example, the planar conductor 52 is formed by vapor deposition on one surface 5a of the base material 51, but it may also be used with reference to Figure 7(a) and (b) illustrate a modified example of the pressing and winding member 5A. The pressing and winding member 5A is wound around the outer periphery of the wire harness 10 such that one surface 5a of the base material 51 faces inward. By winding the pressing and winding member 5A around the outer periphery of the wire harness 10 with one surface 5a of the base material 51 facing inward, it is possible to prevent the bonding of the planar conductor 53 of the pressing and winding member 5A from peeling off due to the pressure of the resin during the extrusion molding of the sheath 8.

[0072] Similar to the first embodiment, the cable 1B according to the second embodiment can reduce the occurrence of detection omissions and misdetections while suppressing an increase in manufacturing man-hours.

[0073] [Third Embodiment]

[0074] Figure 9 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a cable 1C according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The cable 1C of the third embodiment is a cable in which a fragile wire 9 having lower bending durability and higher susceptibility to breakage than the first to third wires 2 to 4 is added to the cable 1 of the first embodiment. The fragile wire 9 is disposed at the center of the cable 1C surrounded by the first to third wires 2 to 4 and extends along the length direction of the cable 1C.

[0075] Figure 9 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the fragile wire 9. The fragile wire 9 is an insulated coated wire having a conductor 91 and an insulator 92 covering the conductor 91. The conductor 91 is a stranded wire formed by stranding a plurality of wire materials 910, but is not limited thereto, and the conductor 91 may also be a single wire. In addition, the insulator 92 may be omitted and the fragile wire 9 may be a non-coated wire (bare wire).

[0076] The fragile wire 9 is used to detect the omen of breakage in any one of the first to third wires 2 to 4 before breakage occurs due to repeated bending of the cable 1C. That is, in the present embodiment, the occurrence of sudden trauma caused by flying stones or the like and the occurrence of damage such as wear of the sheath 8 are detected by the breakage of the planar conductor 52 of the pressing and winding member 5, and the omen of breakage of the conductors 21, 31, 411, 421 of the first to third wires 2 to 4 due to metal fatigue is detected by the breakage of the fragile wire 9. The thickness of the planar conductor 52 of the pressing and winding member 5 is formed to be thinner than the conductor diameter of the conductor 91 of the fragile wire 9. Thus, it is possible to sensitively detect the wear of the sheath 8 and the occurrence of trauma.

[0077] It should be noted that in the cable 1C, instead of the pressing and winding member 5, the pressing and winding member 5A shown in (a) and (b) in which the planar conductor 53 is bonded to one surface 51a of the base material 51 may be used. In this case, the thickness of the planar conductor 53 of the pressing and winding member 5A is formed to be thinner than the conductor diameter of the conductor 91 of the fragile wire 9. Figure 7 (a) and (b).

[0078] Figure 10 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a damage detection device 12 according to the third embodiment. The damage detection device 12 includes the pressing and winding member 5, the fragile wire 9, and the linear conductor 6 of the cable 1C as components, and is configured to include a damage detection circuit 120. The damage detection circuit 120 includes a first circuit unit 121 for detecting a disconnection of the planar conductor 52 of the pressing and winding member 5, and a second circuit unit 122 for detecting a disconnection of the conductor 91 of the fragile wire 9.

[0079] The first circuit section 121 of the damage detection circuit 120 includes reference resistors Ra1 and Rb1, a shunt resistor Rs1, and a comparator C1. The reference resistors Ra1 and Rb1 divide the voltage of the DC power supply V by resistance, thereby generating a reference voltage Vref1. The comparator C1 compares the voltage on the planar conductor 52 side of the shunt resistor Rs1, i.e., the detection voltage Vd1, with the reference voltage Vref1. When the planar conductor 52 is disconnected, the output voltage Vout1 of the comparator C1 changes. The planar conductor 52 of the press-wound member 5 and the linear conductor 6 are electrically connected at the end of the cable 1C in the longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the end on the opposite side to the damage detection circuit 120, through the first terminal resistor Rt1.

[0080] The second circuit section 122 of the damage detection circuit 120 includes reference resistors Ra2, Rb2, shunt resistor Rs2, and comparator C2. The reference resistors Ra2 and Rb2 divide the voltage of the DC power supply V to generate a reference voltage Vref2. The comparator C2 compares the voltage on the fragile line 9 side of the shunt resistor Rs2, i.e., the detection voltage Vd2, with the reference voltage Vref2. When the conductor 91 of the fragile line 9 is disconnected, the output voltage Vout2 of the comparator C2 changes. The conductor 91 of the fragile line 9 and the linear conductor 6 are electrically connected at the end portion in the length direction of the cable 1C corresponding to the end on the opposite side of the damage detection circuit 120 through the second terminal resistor Rt2.

[0081] The output voltage Vout1 of the comparator C1 of the first circuit unit 121 is output from the damage detection circuit 120 as a damage detection signal indicating that the cable 1C is damaged. The output voltage Vout2 of the comparator C2 of the second circuit unit 122 is output from the damage detection circuit 120 as a sign detection signal indicating that the first to third electric wires 2 to 4 of the cable 1C are disconnected. If the damage detection signal or the sign detection signal is output, it is notified to the driver by, for example, lighting of a lamp on the dashboard of the vehicle.

[0082] According to this third embodiment, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of missed detections and false detections while suppressing an increase in man-hours during manufacturing, and it is possible to detect an omen of disconnection caused by metal fatigue of the conductors 21, 31, 411, and 421 of the first to third electric wires 2 to 4 through the fragile wire 9. It should be noted that in the first embodiment, the bending durability of the linear conductor 6 is lower than that of the first to third electric wires 2 to 4. However, in the third embodiment, since it is possible to detect an omen of disconnection of the first to third electric wires 2 to 4 through the fragile wire 9, the bending durability of the linear conductor 6 may not be lower than that of the first to third electric wires 2 to 4. In addition, the fragile wire 9 does not necessarily have to be arranged at the center of the cable 1C, and the fragile wire 9 may be arranged between the first to third electric wires 2 to 4 and the pressing and winding member 5. In this case, the fragile wire 9 is stranded together with the first to third electric wires 2 to 4 and the linear conductor 6.

[0083] (Summary of the embodiment)

[0084] Next, for the technical ideas grasped from the above-described embodiments and modification examples, the reference numerals and the like in the embodiments and modification examples are cited for description. However, the reference numerals in the following description do not limit the components in the claims to the components specifically shown in the embodiments.

[0085] [1] A cable (1, 1B, 1C) includes a wire bundle (10) formed by bundling a plurality of electric wires (2 to 4), a pressing and winding member (5, 5A) wound around the outer periphery of the wire bundle (10) in a spiral shape, and a sheath (8) covering the pressing and winding member (5, 5A); the pressing and winding member (5, 5A) has a base material (51) made of a strip-shaped insulator and a planar conductor (52, 53) provided on one surface (51a) of the base material (51) along the length direction of the base material (51), and the pressing and winding member (5, 5A) is overlapped and wound around the outer periphery of the wire bundle (10) in such a manner that the end portions in the width direction of the base material (51) overlap each other.

[0086] [2] The cable (1, 1C) according to the above [1], wherein the planar conductor (52, 53) is provided on the surface (one surface 51a) on the sheath (8) side of the base material (51).

[0087] [3] The cable (1, 1B, 1C) according to the above [1] or [2], in the pressing and winding member (5, 5A), the width (W2) of the planar conductor (52) in the width direction of the base material (51) is narrower than the width (W1) of the base material (51), and the end portions in the width direction of the base material (51) overlap and contact each other.

[0088] [4] According to the cable (1, 1B, 1C) described in any one of [1] to [3] above, the planar conductor (52) is formed by vapor deposition onto the substrate (51).

[0089] [5] According to any one of the above-mentioned [1] to [3], the above-mentioned planar conductor (53) is bonded to the above-mentioned base material (51).

[0090] [6] According to the cable (1, 1B, 1C) described in [1] above, the above-mentioned wire harness (10) is formed by bundling at least three wires (2 to 4), and an intervening object (7) is arranged between the above-mentioned pressing and winding member (5, 5A) and the above-mentioned at least three wires (2 to 4), and the shape of the above-mentioned pressing and winding member (5, 5A) in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the above-mentioned wire harness (10) is circularized by the above-mentioned intervening object (7).

[0091] [7] According to the cable (1, 1B, 1C) described in [6] above, the above-mentioned wire harness (10) has a plurality of large-diameter wires (a first wire 2 and a second wire 3) and at least one multi-core wire (4) as the above-mentioned plurality of wires, and the above-mentioned multi-core wire (4) is a plurality of small-diameter wires (signal wires 41, 42) having an outer diameter smaller than the above-mentioned plurality of large-diameter wires (2, 3) and covered together with a sheath (internal sheath 43), and the outer diameter of each of the above-mentioned plurality of large-diameter wires (2, 3) is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the above-mentioned at least one multi-core wire (4).

[0092] [8] The cable (1, 1B, 1C) described in [1] above also includes a linear conductor (6) electrically connected to the planar conductor (52, 53) at one end portion in the length direction of the cable (the length direction of the cable 1, 1B, 1C), and the linear conductor (6) is arranged on the inner side of the pressing and winding member (5, 5A) together with the multiple wires (2 to 4).

[0093] [9] According to the cable (1, 1B) described in [8] above, the bending durability of the linear conductor (6) is lower than that of the plurality of electric wires (2 to 4).

[0094]

[10] A damage detection device (11, 12) comprising a press-wound member (5, 5A) and a damage detection circuit (110, 120); the press-wound member (5, 5A) is spirally wound around the periphery of a wire bundle (10) formed by bundling a plurality of wires (2 to 4), and comprises a substrate (51) formed by a strip-shaped insulator and a planar conductor (52, 53) arranged on one surface (51a) of the substrate (51) along the length direction of the substrate (51); the damage detection circuit (110, 120) detects the occurrence of damage when the planar conductor (52, 53) is damaged.

[0095] The embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above. However, the above embodiments and variations do not limit the invention defined in the claims. In addition, it should be noted that not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments and variations are necessarily essential for the means to solve the problems of the invention. In addition, the present invention can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from its gist. For example, it can be implemented with the following modifications.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the case where the third wire 4 as a multi-core wire has a plurality of signal wires 41 and 42 as small-diameter wires has been described. However, the plurality of small-diameter wires constituting the multi-core wire can also be used as power supply wires for supplying operating power to the target device. As the target device, for example, an active suspension device with variable damping force, a tire pressure detection device for detecting tire pressure, etc. can be cited.

[0097] In addition, in the above embodiment, the case where the first and second wires 2 and 3 are used as power supply wires for supplying operating power to the electric parking brake device and the signal wires 41 and 42 of the third wire 4 are used for transmitting the output signals of the wheel speed sensors has been described. However, the uses of the first to third wires 2 to 4 are not limited to this. For example, the first wire 2 and the second wire 3 can also be used as power supply wires for supplying operating power to an electric braking device that brakes the rotation of the wheels during vehicle travel, and the signal wires 41 and 42 of the third wire 4 can be used for transmitting control signals for controlling the electric braking device.

[0098] In addition, in the above embodiment, the case where three wires (the first to third wires 2 to 4) are bundled to form the wire harness 10 has been described. However, it is not limited to this, and the number of wires can also be two or four or more.

[0099] In addition, in the above embodiment, the case where a direct current is passed through the planar conductor 52 to detect a break in the planar conductor 52 has been described. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a pulsed signal can also be input to the planar conductor 52, and the break in the planar conductor 52 can be detected by confirming whether the signal returns via the linear conductor 6. In addition, a signal containing an alternating current component can be input to the planar conductor 52, and the response signal can be detected by the reflection method or the transmission method, thereby detecting a break in the planar conductor 52.

[0100] In addition, in the above embodiment, the case where the cable 1 is mounted on a vehicle has been described. However, it is not limited to this, and the cable 1 can also be used for industrial machines such as robots and machine tools.

Claims

1. A cable, comprising: A wire bundle formed by bundling a plurality of wires, A pressing winding member spirally wound around the outer periphery of the wire bundle, and A sheath covering the pressing winding member; The pressing winding member has a base material formed of a strip-shaped insulator and a planar conductor provided on one surface of the base material along the length direction of the base material, and the pressing winding member is overlapped and wound around the outer periphery of the wire bundle in such a manner that the end portions in the width direction of the base material overlap each other.

2. The cable according to claim 1, wherein The planar conductor is provided on the surface of the base material on the sheath side.

3. The cable according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The width of the planar conductor in the width direction of the base material of the pressing winding member is narrower than the width of the base material, and the end portions in the width direction of the base material coincide with each other and are in contact.

4. The cable according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The planar conductor is formed by vapor deposition on the base material.

5. The cable according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The planar conductor is adhered to the base material.

6. The cable according to claim 1, wherein, The wire bundle is formed by bundling at least three wires, An interposed object is disposed between the pressing winding member and the at least three wires, The shape of the pressing winding member in a cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the wire bundle is circularized by the interposed object.

7. The cable according to claim 6, wherein, The wire bundle includes a plurality of large-diameter wires and at least one multi-core wire as the plurality of wires, and the multi-core wire is formed by a plurality of small-diameter wires having an outer diameter smaller than that of the plurality of large-diameter wires being covered by a sheath together, The outer diameter of each of the plurality of large-diameter wires is of the same order as the outer diameter of the at least one multi-core wire.

8. The cable according to claim 1, wherein, It further includes a linear conductor electrically connected to the planar conductor at one end portion in the cable length direction, The linear conductor is disposed inside the pressing winding member together with the plurality of wires.

9. The cable according to claim 8, wherein The bending durability of the linear conductor is lower than that of the plurality of wires.

10. A damage detection device, comprising: A pressing winding member spirally wound around the outer periphery of a wire bundle formed by bundling a plurality of wires, having a base material formed of a strip-shaped insulator and a planar conductor provided on one surface of the base material along the length direction of the base material, and A damage detection circuit that detects the occurrence of damage when the planar conductor is damaged.

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