WIRE SPACER CONVERSION DEVICE

Abstract

A wire spacing conversion device for electrical wires is provided, in which a load exerted on an electrical wire is reduced. A wire spacing conversion device according to the disclosure comprises: a plurality of guide tubes (10) into which a plurality of electrical wires (W) are each inserted and which are arranged in an offset pattern, and a wire feed element (30) for electrical wires, which feeds the plurality of electrical wires (W), each fed from the plurality of guide tubes (10), with the electrical wires (W) in a parallel orientation to one another, wherein the wire feed element (30) has at one end side first insertion openings (31a), each corresponding to the guide tubes (10) in one row of the offset pattern, and second insertion openings (32a).which are each provided in the other row of the offset pattern corresponding to the guide tubes (10), and wherein the wire feed element (30) has feed openings (33) at its other end side, which each feed the electrical wires (W) introduced by the first feed openings (31a) and the second feed openings (32a) in alignment with each other.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for converting the distance between electrical wires or a wire distance conversion device.

[0002] A wiring harness may be used for electrical wiring in electronic devices or the like. The term "wiring harness" as used in this description refers to a wiring harness formed by bundling a number of electrical wires together and attaching a multi-pole connector to one end of each wire.

[0003] A multi-pole connector intended for use at one end of electrical wires can have a variety of shapes. Multi-pole connectors at one end of electrical wires and those at the other can differ in shape. It may also be necessary to vary the spacing between adjacent electrical wires W at one end and the other end of a wiring harness, as shown in Fig. Figure 9 illustrates this, due to a difference in shape between CN connectors. It should be noted that "spacing" or "distance" in this description refers to the distance between the respective centers of objects.

[0004] When such a cable harness is manufactured in which the spacing between electrical wires is converted, a spacing conversion plate as described in patent document 1 is used. List of state-of-the-art patent literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-072223

[0006] The distance conversion plate described in patent document 1 comprises an upper and a lower plate, which are stacked on top of each other in such a way that they can be freely opened and closed. Grooves are formed on opposite surfaces of the two plates, so that when the two plates are stacked, several electrical wire paths are created. When electrical wires are guided over these wire paths, the wire distance is converted in an orthogonal direction between the multiple electrical wires, from a wire distance corresponding to a distance between contact terminals in a first connector to a wire distance corresponding to a distance between contact terminals in a second connector.

[0007] The wire paths provided in the distance conversion plate can be formed by grinding or similar processes. If a wire path WP is formed by grinding on two plates PT, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, an electrical wire W can wear down and generate resistance due to a frictional force from a bottom surface and a side surface of the wire path WP when a load is applied. A more specific frictional force is given when the electrical wire W is in contact with two points, i.e., the bottom surface and the side surface, as shown in Figure 10. Fig. Figure 10 shows that a frictional force F = µ√2N is applied, where µ is a kinetic coefficient of friction.

[0008] In view of such a problem, a main objective of the disclosure is to provide a wire spacing conversion device that reduces a load exerted on an electrical wire.

[0009] A wire spacing conversion device according to the present disclosure has the following features: a plurality of guide tubes, into each of which a plurality of electrical wires are inserted and which are arranged in a staggered pattern, and A wire feed element for electrical wires, which feeds the plurality of electrical wires, each fed by a plurality of guide tubes, with the electrical wires in parallel alignment with each other, wherein the wire feed element has at one end side first insertion openings, each corresponding to the guide tubes in one row of the staggered pattern, and second insertion openings, each corresponding to the guide tubes in the other row of the staggered pattern, and wherein the wire feed element has feed openings at its other end side, which each feed or guide the electrical wires inserted by the first feed openings and the second feed openings in alignment with each other.

[0010] A wire spacing conversion device according to the disclosure can reduce the load exerted on an electrical wire. In particular, the wire spacing conversion device comprises a plurality of guide tubes into each of which a plurality of electrical wires are inserted. Accordingly, a frictional force between the electrical wire and an inner surface of the guide tube can be reduced (see below). Fig. 8) Furthermore, in the wire spacing conversion device according to the disclosure, the outer diameter of the guide tubes is larger than the outer diameter of the electrical wires, but the guide tubes are each efficiently positioned in an offset pattern in gaps between adjacent guide tubes. Therefore, the electrical wires fed by a wire feeder can be fed after being converted to a desired spacing in which the electrical wires are aligned in a parallel direction. Brief description of the drawings

[0011] The drawings show: Fig. 1 an isometric view of a wire spacing conversion device according to the disclosure; Fig. 2 an isometric view illustrating a major part of the wire spacing conversion device according to the disclosure; Fig. 3 an isometric view of a wire feed element for electrical wires; Fig. 4A an isometric view of a first comb-shaped element; Fig. 4B an isometric view of a second comb-shaped element; Fig. 5A a cross-sectional view of a first inclined path; Fig. 5B a cross-sectional view of a second inclined track; Fig. 6 an isometric view illustrating the first inclination path and the second inclination path; Fig. 7A a side view on one end side of the wire feed element; Fig. 7B a side view on the other end side of the wire feed element; Fig. 8 an explanatory view illustrating a load exerted on an electrical wire inserted into a guide tube; Fig. 9 a top view of a cable harness undergoing distance conversion; and Fig. 10 An explanatory view illustrating a load applied to an electrical wire inserted into an electrical wire path using conventional technique.

[0012] Embodiments for implementing the disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that a wire spacing conversion device described below is intended to express the technical idea of ​​the disclosure and that, unless otherwise stated, the disclosure is not limited to what follows.

[0013] The term "planar view" used in this description refers to a state in which an object (e.g., a wire spacing converter) is viewed directly from above in the vertical direction and has the same meaning as "top view". For example, the planar view refers to a state in which the object is viewed in a negative direction (minus direction) in a Fig. The “Z-direction” shown in Figure 1 is viewed. The term “side view” used in this description refers to a state in which the object is viewed from the side in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and, unless otherwise specified, has the same meaning as side view. For example, the side view refers to a state in which the object is viewed in a positive (or negative) direction in a direction shown in Figure 1. Fig. The term "front view" as used in this description refers to a state in which the object is viewed from a front side in a direction perpendicular to the height direction and, unless otherwise specified, has the same meaning as "front view". For example, the front view refers to a state in which the object is viewed in a negative direction (minus direction) in a "Y direction", as shown in Figure 1. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates this. It should be noted that the "positive direction" described above illustrates the directions of the arrows, i.e., the X, Y, and Z directions shown in the drawings, and the "negative direction" illustrates the direction opposite to the arrow directions, i.e., the X, Y, and Z directions shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0014] In the present description, terms used to indicate a relationship between elements (e.g., "parallel", "orthogonal", etc.) and terms used to indicate respective forms of the elements refer not only to the literal and strict aspect, but also to an essentially equivalent range, e.g., a range encompassing a difference of about a few percent. < Description of the wire spacing conversion device >

[0015] A wire spacing conversion device 1 according to the disclosure is described with reference to the Fig. Sections 1 to 8 describe in detail. The wire spacing conversion device 1 is a device that converts a distance (distance between electrical wires or wire spacing) between a plurality of electrical wires W arranged in one direction. In this description, the direction in which the plurality of electrical wires W are arranged is defined as the “+ X direction (or width direction)”, the direction in which the plurality of electrical wires W are fed is defined as the “+ Y direction (or electrical wire feed direction)”, and a height direction perpendicular to the + X direction and the + Y direction is defined as the “+ Z direction (or height direction)”, as described in the Fig. 1 to 8 are shown as examples.

[0016] It should be mentioned that in the present embodiment, an aspect is described in which ten electrical wires W are subjected to a distance conversion, as in Fig. Figure 1 is shown as an example. It should be noted that the number of electrical wires W is not limited to ten.

[0017] The wire spacing conversion device 1 according to the disclosure comprises a plurality of guide tubes 10 into which the plurality of electrical wires W are each inserted, and a wire feed element 30 which feeds the plurality of electrical wires W, each of which is fed from the plurality of guide tubes 10, in a manner aligned with each other in a parallel direction (X-direction) (see Fig. 2) In a further preferred embodiment, a retaining element 20, which holds the majority of the guide tubes 10, can be provided at one end of the wire feed element 30. Each of the components is described in detail below. Guide tube

[0018] Each of the guide tubes 10 is a tubular element into which the electrical wire W is inserted. In other words, the guide tube 10 can have a cylindrical shape.

[0019] When the electrical wire W is inserted into the guide tube 10, contact occurs between the electrical wire W and the guide tube 10 at a single point, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows that a frictional force between the electrical wire W and the guide tube 10 is F = µN, which can be less than F = µ√2N, as shown in Fig. 10 as conventional technique.

[0020] As an example, the guide tube 10 can have an inner diameter of 1 mm or more to accommodate the electrical wire W with an electrical wire diameter of 1 mm or less. The guide tube 10 preferably has a small thickness to minimize the distance between the respective centers of the guide tubes 10. For example, the thickness or wall thickness is 0.5 mm or less, and preferably 0.2 mm or less.

[0021] The guide tube 10 can exhibit flexibility. In this description, "flexibility" means that it can be bent by applying an external force. Therefore, the guide tubes 10 can be bent in the direction of the retaining element 20, and the guide tubes 10 can be held by the retaining element 20, as shown in Fig. 1 shown.

[0022] The guide tube 10 can be made of a metallic material. In particular, a stainless steel tube can have a thin wall and good flexibility. Furthermore, stainless steel is preferred because its frictional resistance can be reduced by the electrical wire W inserted within it. It should be noted that the guide tube 10 can also be made of a non-metallic material (e.g., synthetic resin).

[0023] As a preferred aspect, each of the guide tubes 10 can be held by the retaining element 20. In this case, the majority of the guide tubes 10 can be held while positioned in an offset pattern. "Offset" in this description means that a plurality of rows of guide tubes 10, arranged in the X-direction, are provided in the Z-direction, with the guide tubes 10 in one row and the guide tubes 10 in the other row being alternately offset from one another. It should be noted that an aspect in which two rows of guide tubes 10 are provided in the Z-direction is represented as one aspect of the guide tubes 10 being positioned in the offset pattern in the illustrated example; however, this aspect is not to be understood as limiting. Three or more rows of guide tubes can be provided in the Z-direction. retaining element

[0024] The retaining element 20 is an element that feeds the electrical wires W to the wire feed element 30, with the guide tubes 10 being held therein in an offset pattern. The retaining element 20 shown as an example can be equipped with retaining openings 23 (see Fig. 2) be provided which each hold the guide tubes 10 arranged in the offset pattern according to the guide tubes 10.

[0025] Furthermore, the retaining element 20 can have a first retaining element 21, which applies pressure to the guide tubes 10 in one row of the staggered pattern, and a second retaining element 22, which applies pressure to the guide tubes 10 in the other row of the staggered pattern. In a Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the first retaining element 21 can rigidly hold the guide tubes 10 in one row of the staggered pattern by applying pressure to them in the -Z direction. Furthermore, the second retaining element 22 can rigidly hold the guide tubes 10 in the other row of the staggered pattern by applying pressure to them in the +Z direction. That is, the direction in which the first retaining element 21 applies pressure to the guide tubes 10 is opposite to the direction in which the second retaining element 22 applies pressure. Therefore, the guide tubes 10 can be rigidly held by applying pressure to one set of guide tubes 10 in opposite directions (±Z directions) relative to the other set of guide tubes 10.

[0026] The first retaining element 21 and the second retaining element 22 are preferably pressed from a relatively soft material such as synthetic resin (e.g. urethane rubber) to prevent the collapse of the guide tubes 10 from hindering the insertion of the electrical wires W into the interior of the guide tubes 10. Wire feed element for electrical wires

[0027] The wire feed element 30 is an element that feeds the majority of the electrical wires W, which are each fed by the majority of the guide tubes 10, in a manner aligned with the electrical wires W in a parallel direction (X-direction).

[0028] The material for the wire feed element 30 is preferably a metallic material. Iron can be used as an example. If the material for the wire feed element 30 is metallic, wear caused by feeding the electrical wires W is reduced, thus improving durability. Furthermore, if iron is used, its hardness can be improved by quenching or a similar process, further enhancing durability and service life. It should be noted that the material for the wire feed element 30 is not limited to a metallic material; it can also be a non-metallic material (e.g., plastic).

[0029] The wire feed element 30 has first insertion openings 31a provided at one end side, each corresponding to the guide tubes 10 in one row of the offset pattern, and second insertion openings 32a, each corresponding to the guide tubes 10 in the other row of the offset pattern, (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 7A). The wire feed element 30 has feed openings 33 provided at its other end side, which each feed the electrical wires W inserted by the first feed openings 31a and the second feed openings 32a, aligning the electrical wires (see Fig. 7B).

[0030] In such a configuration, when the electrical wires W are inserted from the first insertion openings 31a and the second insertion openings 32a at one end of the wire feed element 30, the majority of electrical wires W are fed from the insertion openings 33 at the other end of the electrical wire feed element 30 in a manner aligned with one another. Therefore, a change in spacing can be achieved from a state in which the guide tubes 10, with the electrical wires W inserted therein, are arranged at a predetermined distance to a state in which the multiple electrical wires W are aligned with one another.

[0031] As described above, the wire spacing conversion device 1 according to the disclosure comprises a plurality of guide tubes 10 into which the multiple electrical wires W are inserted. Accordingly, the frictional force between an electrical wire W and an inner surface of the guide tube 10 can be reduced more significantly than in conventional techniques without a guide tube. Furthermore, in the wire spacing conversion device 1 according to the disclosure, the outer diameter of the guide tubes 10 is larger than the outer diameter of the electrical wires W; however, the guide tubes 10 are efficiently positioned in an offset pattern in gaps between adjacent guide tubes 10. Therefore, the electrical wires W supplied by the wire feed element 30 can be fed to the desired spacing after conversion, with the electrical wires W aligned parallel to each other.

[0032] As a more specific aspect of the wire feed element 30, the wire feed element 30 can have a first comb-shaped element 31 and a second comb-shaped element 32, as shown in the Fig. 3 to 7B are shown.

[0033] The first comb-shaped element 31 and the second comb-shaped element 32 can each have comb teeth CT with curved areas CS provided on its upper and outer surfaces respectively (see Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B). The first comb-shaped element 31 and the second comb-shaped element 32 engage with each other, so that the first insertion openings 31a, the second insertion openings 32a, and the feed openings 33 can be provided. More precisely, the curved areas CS of the comb teeth CT can form the respective outer margins of the first insertion openings 31a, the second insertion openings 32a, and the feed openings 33.

[0034] The curved areas CS in each of the first comb-shaped element 31 and the second comb-shaped element 32 can be formed by polishing with grinding stones, each curved according to the curved areas CS. In other words, the curved areas CS are formed by a different method than the one used to form a rectangular electrical wire path WP, which is formed by grinding, as in Fig. Figure 10 illustrates this. Therefore, frictional force due to curvature can be reduced, unlike with the electrical wire path WP in conventional technology, as shown in Fig. 10 shown.

[0035] Furthermore, the first comb-shaped element 31 can have first inclined tracks 31b, each inclined from the first insertion openings 31a to the feed openings 33 (see Fig. 5A), and the second comb-shaped element 32 can have second inclined tracks 32b, each inclined from the second insertion openings 32a to the feed openings 33 (see Fig. 5B). The first inclined paths 31b and the second inclined paths 32b can each be formed by polishing using the curved grinding wheels described above. Therefore, frictional force due to curvature can be reduced, in contrast to the situation with the electrical wire path WP in the Fig. 10. Furthermore, the first inclined track 31b and the second inclined track 32b can be subjected to high-gloss polishing. High-gloss polishing leads to a further improvement in surface accuracy, so that frictional force in each of the first inclined track 31b and the second inclined track 32b can be further reduced.

[0036] The first inclined plane 31b can be positioned such that it descends along the incline, as in the Fig. 5A and Fig. 6 shown, and the second inclined path 32b can be positioned such that it rises along the incline, as shown in the Fig. 5B and Fig. 6 shown. Accordingly, the first insertion openings 31a and the second insertion openings 32a, which are as in Fig. 7A shown in the offset pattern are arranged on one end side, positioned such that the feed openings 33 on the other end side are aligned in a row, so that the electrical wires W supplied from the feed openings 33 can be adjusted to a desired distance.

[0037] As a preferred aspect of the spacing between the electrical wires W, which is to be converted by the wire spacing conversion device 1 according to the disclosure, a spacing P1 between the adjacent feed openings 33 can be more than the simplest diameter D1 of the feed opening 33 (see Fig. 7B). By setting such a distance between the feed openings 33, it is possible to obtain a cable harness with a relatively close spacing.

[0038] Furthermore, for a preferred positioning of the feed openings 33, the feed openings 33 can be provided on a virtual line L0 which, when viewed from one end side of the wire feed element 30, lies between a virtual line L1, which connects the respective centers of the first feed openings 31a, and a virtual line L2, which connects the respective centers of the second feed openings 32a, as shown in the Fig. 7A and Fig. Figure 7B illustrates this. According to this positioning aspect of the feed openings 33, the feed openings 33 are positioned such that they are aligned in a row on the virtual line Lo, which lies between the virtual line L1 and the virtual line L2. Thus, the electrical wires W supplied by the feed openings 33 can be fed in after being arranged so that, when aligned with each other in the parallel direction (X-direction), they have a desired distance.

[0039] Furthermore, for a preferred positioning of the first insertion openings 31a and the second insertion openings 32a, the center of each of the first insertion openings 31a can lie on a virtual angle bisector La that connects the respective centers of the adjacent second insertion openings 32a (see Fig. 7A). According to such a positioning aspect of the first insertion openings 31a and the second insertion openings 32a, the guide tubes 10, which have a larger outer diameter than the outer diameter of the electrical wire W, can be efficiently positioned in an offset pattern in gaps between the adjacent guide tubes 10.

[0040] For a preferred positional relationship between the feed openings 33, the first insertion openings 31a, and the second insertion openings 32a, the first insertion openings 31a can each be offset vertically relative to the feed openings 33 to one side, and the second insertion openings 32a can each be offset vertically relative to the feed openings 33 to the other side, when viewed from an end face of the wire feed element 30. In a configuration in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 5A to 7B, which illustrates an example, the first insertion openings 31a are each offset in the +Z direction relative to the feed openings 33 (see e.g. Fig. 5A), and the second insertion openings 32a are each offset in the -Z direction relative to the feed openings 33 (see e.g. Fig. 5B). Such a configuration, together with the first inclined tracks 31b, each inclined from the first insertion openings 31a to the feed openings 33, and the second inclined tracks 32b, each inclined from the second insertion openings 32a to the feed openings 33, makes it possible to feed the electrical wires W after converting a distance between the electrical wires W by the wire feed element 30 and at the same time to reduce a frictional force between the electrical wires W and the wire feed element 30.

[0041] Furthermore, as a preferred aspect of the feed openings 33, the first insertion openings 31a and the second insertion openings 32a, the diameter D1 of the feed openings 33, the first insertion openings 31a and the second insertion openings 32a can be smaller than a diameter D2 of the guide tubes 10 (see Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B). According to such an aspect, the electrical wires W can be supplied after a distance between the guide tubes 10, which have a larger outer diameter than the outer diameter of the electrical wires W, has been converted into a distance between the electrical wires W by the wire supply element 30.

[0042] It should be noted that the embodiment disclosed here is intended in every respect as an example and should not be understood as the basis for a restrictive interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the disclosure is not to be interpreted solely on the basis of the embodiment above, but is defined on the basis of the claims. Furthermore, the technical scope of the disclosure is intended to encompass all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0043] A wire spacing conversion device according to the disclosure has the aspects listed below in the following numbered paragraphs.

[0044] <1> A wire spacing conversion device comprising the following: a plurality of guide tubes, into each of which a plurality of electrical wires are inserted and which are arranged in an offset pattern, and a wire feed element for electrical wires, which feeds the plurality of electrical wires, each fed from the plurality of guide tubes, with the electrical wires in parallel alignment with each other, wherein the wire feed element has first insertion openings at one end side, each corresponding to the guide tubes in one row of the offset pattern, and has second insertion openings, each corresponding to the guide tubes in the other row of the offset pattern, and wherein the wire feed element has feed openings at its other end side, each of which feeds the electrical wires inserted by the first feed openings and the second feed openings in alignment with each other.

[0045] <2> The wire spacing conversion device, as described in paragraph <1> described in which the wire feed element has a first comb-shaped element and a second comb-shaped element, and in which the first insertion openings, the second insertion openings and the feed openings are formed by the interaction or mutual engagement of the first comb-shaped element and the second comb-shaped element.

[0046] <3> The wire spacing conversion device, as described in paragraph <2> described in which the first comb-shaped element has first inclined tracks, each inclined from the first insertion openings to the feed openings, and in which the second comb-shaped element has second inclined tracks, each inclined from the second insertion openings to the feed openings.

[0047] <4> The wire spacing conversion device, as described in one of the paragraphs <1> until <3> described where the feed openings are provided on a virtual line which, when viewed from one end of the wire feed element, lies between a virtual line connecting the respective centers of the first feed openings and a virtual line connecting the respective centers of the second feed openings.

[0048] <5> The wire spacing conversion device, as described in one of the paragraphs <1> until <4> described in which the first insertion openings, when viewed from one end of the wire feed element, are offset vertically relative to the feed openings to one side, and the second insertion openings are offset vertically relative to the feed openings to the other side.

[0049] <6> The wire spacing conversion device, as described in one of the paragraphs <1> until <5> described where the feed openings, the first insertion openings and the second insertion openings each have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the guide tubes.

[0050] <7> The wire spacing conversion device, as described in one of the paragraphs <1> until <6> described where the center of each of the first insertion openings is located on a virtual angle bisector that connects the respective centers of the adjacent second insertion openings.

[0051] <8> The wire spacing conversion device, as described in one of the paragraphs <1> until <7> described in which a holding element, which holds the majority of the guide tubes arranged in the offset pattern, is provided at one end side of the wire feed element.

[0052] <9> The wire spacing conversion device, as described in paragraph <8> described in which the retaining element has a first retaining element that applies pressure to the guide tubes in one row of the offset pattern, and a second retaining element that applies pressure to the guide tubes in the other row of the offset pattern.

[0053] <10> The wire spacing conversion device, as described in one of the paragraphs <1> until <9> described where the guide tubes and / or the wire feed element are made of metal. Industrial applicability

[0054] The wire spacing conversion device according to the disclosure can preferably be used as a device that reduces a load exerted on an electrical wire. Reference symbol list 1 Wire spacing conversion device 10 guide tube 20 retaining elements 21 first retaining element 22 second retaining element 23 Holding opening 30 Wire feed element 31 first comb-shaped element 31a first insertion opening 31b first inclined track 32 second comb-shaped element 32a second insertion opening 32b second inclined track 33 Feed opening CT ridge teeth CS curved area CN connector L1, L2, Lo virtual line P1 spacing D1 diameter W electrical wire WP Wireway PT plate QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2016-072223

[0005]

Claims

[1] Wire spacing conversion device comprising: a plurality of guide tubes, into each of which a plurality of electrical wires are inserted and which are arranged in a staggered pattern, and a wire feeding element for electrical wires, which feeds the plurality of electrical wires, each fed by a plurality of guide tubes, with the electrical wires in parallel alignment with each other, wherein the wire feed element has at one end side first insertion openings, each corresponding to the guide tubes in one row of the offset pattern, and second insertion openings, each corresponding to the guide tubes in the other row of the offset pattern, and wherein the wire feed element has feed openings at its other end side, each of which feeds the electrical wires inserted by the first feed openings and the second feed openings in alignment with each other. [2] Wire spacing conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the wire feed element comprises a first comb-shaped element and a second comb-shaped element, and wherein the first insertion openings, the second insertion openings and the feed openings are formed by the interaction of the first comb-shaped element and the second comb-shaped element. [3] Wire spacing conversion device according to claim 2, wherein the first comb-shaped element has first inclined paths, each inclined from the first insertion openings to the feed openings, and wherein the second comb-shaped element has second inclined tracks, each inclined from the second insertion openings to the feed openings. [4] Wire spacing conversion device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the feed openings are provided on a virtual line which, when viewed from one end side of the wire feed element, lies between a virtual line connecting the respective centers of the first feed openings and a virtual line connecting the respective centers of the second feed openings. [5] Wire spacing conversion device according to claim 4, wherein the first insertion openings, viewed from one end side of the wire feed element, are offset in the vertical direction relative to the feed openings to one side and the second insertion openings are offset in the vertical direction relative to the feed openings to the other side. [6] Wire spacing conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the feed openings, the first insertion openings and the second insertion openings each have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the guide tubes. [7] Wire spacing conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the center of each of the first insertion openings is located on a virtual angle bisector connecting the respective centers of the adjacent second insertion openings. [8] Wire spacing conversion device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a retaining element holding the majority of the guide tubes arranged in the offset pattern is provided at one end side of the wire feed element. [9] Wire spacing conversion device according to claim 8, wherein the retaining element comprises a first retaining element that applies pressure to the guide tubes in one row of the offset pattern and a second retaining element that applies pressure to the guide tubes in the other row of the offset pattern. [10] Wire spacing conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the guide tubes and / or the wire feed element are made of metal.

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