Electric wire and method for printing information on electric wire

Abstract

To provide an electric wire with enhanced designability.SOLUTION: A base 3 is printed on an outer peripheral surface of a sheath material (sheath 2) visible from outside of an electric wire 1, and information (pattern 5) is printed on the base. The information are information not related to manufacturing or specification of the electric wire, and include at least either one of a pattern and a design.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric wire and a method for printing information on an electric wire. [Background technology]

[0002] Some conventional electric wires have been designed to be easily identifiable by changing the color of the exterior materials, such as the insulator and sheath, that surround the conductor. It is also known to display information about the specifications and manufacturing of the electric wire by printing or the like on the outer layer of the electric wire or on the inner layer that is visible after peeling the wire, using letters, symbols, or diagrams (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Information about the specifications and manufacturing of the electric wire includes, for example, the type, structure, manufacturer, and year of manufacture of the electric wire, and is information required for regulations and construction work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-303523 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-349025 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, because cables are usually laid in inconspicuous locations, design considerations have not been fully taken into account. Also, when cables are exposed during installation, cable covers are attached to the exposed sections before wiring. This means that there are limitations on where cables can be laid and installed, and because a cover must be attached when exposed, there is room for improvement in installation workability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric wire with improved design and a method for printing information on an electric wire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the electric wire according to the present invention has the following features.

[0007] Information not related to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire, including at least one of a picture and a design, is printed on the outer peripheral surface of the exterior material visible from the outside of the electric wire. Electric wire.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the method for printing information on an electric wire according to the present invention has the following features.

[0009] Printing information unrelated to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire, including at least one of a picture and a design, on the outer peripheral surface of the exterior material that is visible from the outside of the electric wire. How to print information on electrical wires. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the design of the electric wire can be improved.

[0011] The present invention has been briefly described above. The details of the present invention will become clearer by reading the following detailed description of the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an electric wire according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view and an enlarged view of a main part of the electric wire according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view for explaining the method for manufacturing the electric wire according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the relationship between the electric wire and each marking roll in FIG. 3, as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the electric wire. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of a main part of an electric wire according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view and an enlarged view of a main part of an electric wire according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] 1 and 2, this electric wire 1 has information printed on the outer surface of the sheath 2, which is an externally visible exterior material among the exterior materials surrounding a conductor (not shown), and which is unrelated to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire 1 and includes at least one of a picture and a design. In this example, this information shows a picture 5 of a potted flower, but it may also be letters, a logo, a picture, etc.

[0015] The electric wire 1 has information (pattern 5) that is not related to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire 1 displayed on the outer periphery of the sheath 2, which is the outermost layer of the exterior material and is visible from the outside, thereby enhancing the design of the electric wire 1. For example, it is possible to provide an electric wire with a pattern or design that matches the landscape of a room. Since such an electric wire blends in with the landscape even when exposed indoors, there is no need to attach a cover when laying it, improving workability.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the electric wire 1 has a base 3 printed on the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 2, and a pattern 5 printed on the base 3. In the electric wire 1 shown in Fig. 1, a common base 3 is continuously printed along the longitudinal direction of the electric wire 1 for a plurality of patterns 5. In the electric wire 1 shown in Fig. 2, an independent base 3 is printed for each pattern 5. By providing the base 3 on the sheath 2, the electric wire 1 can clarify the pattern 5 printed on the base 3 regardless of the color of the sheath 2, thereby further improving the design.

[0017] The color of the base 3 should be clearly distinguishable from the color of the sheath 2, and is preferably a complementary color to the color of the sheath 2 or a color close to it. For example, if the color of the sheath 2 is black, the color of the base 3 should be white. Also, if the color of the sheath 2 is reddish (greenish), the color of the base 3 should be greenish (reddish). The color of the base 3 should preferably have a strong contrast with the color of the sheath 2.

[0018] In this way, by providing the base 3 on the sheath 2, the visibility and design of information (pattern 5) such as a picture or design printed on the base 3 can be improved regardless of the color of the sheath 2.

[0019] Furthermore, by printing a white-based base 3 on a black-based sheath 2, the visibility of the wire 1 itself can be improved when wiring in the dark. The color of the printed information (pattern 5) should also stand out against the color of the base 3, and it is desirable to use a color complementary to the color of the base 3 or a color close to it.

[0020] Furthermore, the color of the information printed on the sheath 2 may be a single color, but using multiple colors can further enhance the design. In the illustrated example of pattern 5, the design can be enhanced by printing multiple colors, such as brown for the pot, green for the leaves and stems, and pink for the flowers. Furthermore, the base 3 may also be printed in multiple colors, and may be painted in more than just a solid color; it may also be painted with a mesh or other pattern, or a grid pattern.

[0021] The above-mentioned base 3 and information (design 5) can be printed using marking rolls, laser markers, inkjet printers, etc. Laser markers and inkjet printers can print multiple colors in a single printing run by using equipment compatible with multi-color printing, but this can make the equipment more complicated. When printing multiple colors using marking rolls, multi-color printing can be easily achieved by using more marking rolls than the number of colors required. Furthermore, if the outer surface of the sheath 2 has fine irregularities, the strength of the printing of the base 3 and information (design 5) can be increased. Furthermore, negative printing and positive printing are also possible as printing formats.

[0022] Furthermore, the electric wire 1 may have information (design 5) that is not related to the manufacture or use of the electric wire and that is displayed on the outer periphery of the sheath 2 coated with a resin that is transparent to visible light. This coating prevents peeling of the base 3 and the information (design 5) and protects the printed information.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of a method for printing a multicolored design (design 5) using multiple marking rolls 10 to 14, and FIG. 4 is a front view seen from the longitudinal direction of the wire showing the relationship between the wire 1 of FIG. 3 and each of the marking rolls 10 to 14.

[0024] In this method, marking rolls 10-14, the number of which is equal to or greater than the number of colors to be printed, are provided in the process, and printing is performed while the electric wire 1 is fed and moved along the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow A). The marking rolls 10-14 are pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the outermost sheath 2 of the electric wire 1 with the roll rotation surface aligned along the longitudinal direction of the electric wire. The marking rolls 10-14 hold inks 10A-14A and rotate in synchronization with the movement of the electric wire 1. Thus, by pressing the outer circumferential surfaces of the marking rolls 10-14 against the outer circumferential surface of the sheath 2 while feeding and moving the electric wire 1 along the longitudinal direction, information formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the marking rolls 10-14 is printed on the outer circumferential surface of the outermost sheath 2 of the electric wire 1. The printed information is information such as a design or pattern unrelated to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire 1. This information may include text or may consist solely of decorative text.

[0025] That is, marking rolls 10 to 14, each holding a plurality of different colored inks 10A to 14A, are arranged along the feeding direction of the electric wire 1. Then, information formed on the outer circumferential surface of each marking roll 10 to 14 is printed in order from the marking roll 10 arranged upstream in the feeding direction of the electric wire 1 to the marking roll 14 arranged downstream. In this way, information unrelated to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire 1 and including at least one of a picture and a design is printed in multiple colors on the outer circumferential surface of the outermost sheath material (sheath 2) of the electric wire 1. Each marking roll 10 to 14 corresponds to a plate in printing.

[0026] As a specific example, first, the base is printed with white ink 10A using the base marking roll 10. Next, a red design is printed with the red ink marking roll 11, i.e., printing is performed with red ink 11A. Next, a yellow design is printed with the yellow ink marking roll 12, i.e., printing is performed with yellow ink 12A. Next, a green design is printed with the green ink marking roll 13, i.e., printing is performed with green ink 13A. Finally, a brown design is printed with the brown ink marking roll 14, i.e., printing is performed with brown ink 14A. By performing multiple printing in this manner, multi-color design information (design 5) can be printed. The order of printing from base 3 onwards can be determined arbitrarily. For example, printing can be performed starting with the brightest color.

[0027] Furthermore, if the design is complex, even when printing in the same color, the design can be divided into multiple parts and each part can be printed on multiple marking rolls. This eliminates the complexity of the design per marking roll. In other words, it simplifies the grooves to be dug in each marking roll. This makes it easier to print designs with more complex shapes.

[0028] After printing the information (design 5) using the plurality of marking rolls 10 to 14 as described above, the information (design 5) may be coated with a resin that is transparent to visible light.

[0029] Here, the features of the electric wire and the method for printing information on the electric wire according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [7]. [1] Information (pattern 5) that is not related to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire and includes at least one of a picture and a design is printed on the outer surface of the outer circumferential surface of the sheath 2 that is visible from the outside of the electric wire 1. Electric wire (1).

[0030] According to the electric wire of [1] above, the outer periphery of the exterior material (sheath 2) that is visible from the outside of the electric wire is provided with information (pattern 5) that is not related to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire and includes at least one of a picture and a design, thereby improving the design of the electric wire. For example, it is possible to provide an electric wire with a picture or pattern that matches the landscape of a room. Since such an electric wire blends in with the landscape of a room even when exposed, there is no need to attach a cover when laying it, improving workability.

[0031] [2] A substrate (3) is printed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer casing (sheath 2) of the electric wire (1), and the information (pattern 5) is printed on the substrate (3). Electric wire (1).

[0032] According to the electric wire [2] above, by providing a base (3) on the exterior material (sheath 2), the information (pattern 5) printed on the base can be made clearer regardless of the color of the exterior material (2), thereby further enhancing the design.

[0033] [3] The color of the base (3) is the complementary color of the outer surface of the exterior material (sheath 2), The electric wire (1) described in [2] above.

[0034] According to the electric wire [3], the information (design 5) printed on the base can be made even clearer, and the design can be further improved.

[0035] [4] The color of the base (3) is the complementary color of the printing color of the information (image 5), The electric wire (1) according to the above [2] or [3].

[0036] According to the electric wire [4], the information (design 5) printed on the base can be made even clearer, and the design can be further improved.

[0037] [5] The information (image 5) is printed in multiple colors. The electric wire (1) according to any one of the above [1] to [4].

[0038] According to the electric wire [5] above, the design can be further enhanced by using multiple colors.

[0039] [6] Print information (pattern 5) that is not related to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire and includes at least one of a picture and a design on the outer surface of the outer covering material (sheath 2) of the electric wire (1) that is visible from the outside. How to print information on electrical wires.

[0040] According to the method for printing information on an electric wire described above in [6], information (pattern 5) that is not related to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire and includes at least one of a picture and a design is presented on the outer periphery of the exterior material (sheath 2) that is visible from the outside of the electric wire, thereby improving the design of the electric wire. For example, it is possible to provide an electric wire with a picture or pattern that matches the landscape of a room. Since such an electric wire blends in with the landscape of a room even when exposed, there is no need to attach a cover when laying it, improving workability.

[0041] [7] While moving the electric wire (1) along the longitudinal direction (arrow A), the outer circumferential surfaces of a plurality of marking rolls (10-14) holding ink (10A-14A) are pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the sheath (2) with the roll rotation surfaces aligned along the longitudinal direction of the electric wire, and the marking rolls rotate in synchronization with the movement of the electric wire to print the information (design 5) on the outer circumferential surface of the sheath. The method for printing information on an electric wire described in [6] above.

[0042] According to the method for printing information on the outer casing of an electric wire described above in [7], various patterns and designs can be printed on the outer periphery of the outer casing of the electric wire using a marking roll, thereby enhancing the design of the electric wire.

[0043] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified, improved, and so forth as appropriate. Furthermore, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, configuration, number, location, and so forth of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as they achieve the present invention. The type of electric wire to which the present invention is applied is not limited. For example, the configuration of the electric wire body is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may include braiding, tape, or interposition. Furthermore, the shape of the electric wire (cable) is not limited to a round shape and may also be flat. Furthermore, the electric wire (cable) may have a multi-core structure, in which case the structure of the insulator and sheath may be a solid extrusion structure or a tubular extrusion structure. Furthermore, the conductor may have a rectangular cross section or a stranded wire structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 electric wire 2. Sheath (exterior material) 3. Base 5. Picture (information) 10~14 Marking roll 10A~14A ink

Claims

1. Information not related to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire, including at least one of a picture and a design, is printed on the outer peripheral surface of the exterior material visible from the outside of the electric wire. Electric wire.

2. A base is printed on the outer peripheral surface of the sheath material of the electric wire, and the information is printed on the base. The electric wire according to claim 1 .

3. The color of the base is a complementary color to the color of the outer surface of the exterior material. The electric wire according to claim 2.

4. The color of the base is a complementary color to the printing color of the information. The electric wire according to claim 2.

5. The information is printed in multiple colors. The electric wire according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Printing information unrelated to the manufacture or specifications of the electric wire, including at least one of a picture and a design, on the outer peripheral surface of the exterior material that is visible from the outside of the electric wire. How to print information on electrical wires.

7. While moving the electric wire along its longitudinal direction, the outer circumferential surfaces of a plurality of marking rolls holding ink are pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the exterior material with the roll rotation surfaces aligned along the longitudinal direction of the electric wire, and the information is printed on the outer circumferential surface of the exterior material by the marking rolls which rotate in synchronization with the movement of the electric wire. The method for printing information on an electric wire according to claim 6.

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