Wire pitch conversion device

Abstract

To provide a wire pitch conversion device that reduces the load on the wires. [Solution] The wire pitch conversion device of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of guide pipes 10 arranged in a staggered pattern, each into which a plurality of wires W are inserted, and a wire delivery member 30 that delivers the plurality of wires W delivered from each of the plurality of guide pipes 10 in an aligned parallel direction. One end of the wire delivery member 30 is provided with a first insertion opening 31a corresponding to one row of guide pipes 10 in the staggered pattern, and a second insertion opening 32a corresponding to the other row of guide pipes 10 in the staggered pattern. The other end of the wire delivery member 30 is provided with a delivery outlet 33 that delivers the wires W inserted from the first insertion opening 31a and the second insertion opening 32a in an aligned state.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , ,

[0006] , , , , , , , , , ,

[0005] ,

[0003] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wire pitch conversion device.

Background Art

[0002] When performing electrical wiring in electronic devices or the like, a harness may be used. As used in this specification, the "harness" is intended to mean a bundle of a plurality of electric wires with a multi-core connector attached to an end portion thereof.

[0003] The shapes of multi-core connectors attached to the ends of electric wires are diverse, and there are cases where the shapes are different between one end and the other end. And due to the difference in the shape of the connector CN, as shown in FIG. 9, there may be a need to make the pitch between adjacent electric wires W different between one end and the other end of the harness. Note that, as used in this specification, the "pitch" is intended to mean the distance between the centers of objects.

[0004] When manufacturing such a harness with the pitch between electric wires converted, the pitch conversion plate described in Patent Document 1 is used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The pitch conversion plate described in Patent Document 1 comprises two upper and lower plates that are stacked on top of each other so as to be openable and closable. Grooves are formed on the opposing surfaces of the two plates so that multiple wire paths are formed when the two plates are stacked. By passing each wire through each wire path, the wire pitch in the orthogonal direction of the multiple wires is converted between the wire pitch corresponding to the pitch of the crimp terminals in the first connector and the wire pitch corresponding to the pitch of the crimp terminals in the second connector.

[0007] Here, the wire paths provided on the pitch conversion plate can be formed by grinding or other processes. As shown in Figure 10, when wire paths WP are formed on two plates PT by grinding, the wires W are subjected to frictional loads from the bottom and sides of the wire paths WP, and there is a risk that the wires W will rub and create resistance. More specifically, if the wires W are in contact with the bottom and sides at two points as shown in Figure 10 and stress is applied, then the frictional force F = μ√2N, where μ is the coefficient of dynamic friction.

[0008] In view of these issues, the primary purpose of this disclosure is to provide a wire pitch conversion device that reduces the load on the wire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The wire pitch conversion device of this disclosure is Multiple electric wires are inserted into the interior, and multiple guide pipes are arranged in a staggered pattern, The system includes a wire delivery member that delivers multiple wires, each of the multiple guide pipes, in an aligned state in the parallel direction, The wire delivery member has a first insertion opening provided on one end corresponding to one row of guide pipes in a staggered arrangement, and a second insertion opening provided corresponding to the other row of guide pipes in a staggered arrangement. The other end of the wire delivery member is provided with a discharge port for delivering the wires inserted through the first and second insertion ports in an aligned state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The wire pitch conversion device of this disclosure can reduce the load on the wires. Specifically, since each of the multiple wires is equipped with multiple guide pipes inserted inside, the frictional force between the wire and the inner surface of the guide pipe can be reduced (see Figure 8 below). Furthermore, although the outer diameter of the guide pipes in the wire pitch conversion device of this disclosure is larger than the outer diameter of the wires, the guide pipes are efficiently arranged in a staggered pattern in the gaps between adjacent guide pipes. As a result, the wires discharged from the wire delivery member can be converted to the desired pitch and discharged while aligned in the parallel installation direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the wire pitch conversion device of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the main components of the wire pitch conversion device of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the wire delivery component. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a perspective view of the first comb-shaped member. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the second comb-shaped member. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the first ramp. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the second ramp. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the first and second ramps. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a side view of one end of the wire delivery member. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a side view of the other end of the wire delivery member. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the load on the electric wire inserted into the guide pipe. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan view of the pitch-converted harness. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the load applied to the electric wire inserted into the electric wire path of the prior art.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. Note that the electric wire pitch conversion device described below is for embodying the technical idea of the present disclosure, and unless otherwise specifically described, the present disclosure is not limited to the following.

[0013] As used in this specification, "plan view" refers to the state when looking directly from above in the height direction with respect to an object (for example, an electric wire pitch conversion device), and is the same as a plan view. As an example, the plan view is the state when looking along the negative direction (- direction) in the "Z direction" shown in FIG. 1. As used in this specification, "side view" refers to the state when looking from the side perpendicular to the height direction with respect to an object, unless otherwise specified, and is the same as a side view. As an example, the side view is the state when looking along the positive direction (or negative direction) in the "X direction" shown in FIG. 1. As used in this specification, "front view" refers to the state when looking from the front perpendicular to the height direction with respect to an object, unless otherwise specified, and is the same as a front view. As an example, the front view is the state when looking along the negative direction (- direction) in the "Y direction" shown in FIG. 1. Note that the above-mentioned "positive direction" intends the direction of the arrows in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction shown in the drawings, and the "negative direction" intends the direction opposite to the direction of the arrows in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction shown in the drawings. Also, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are in a mutually orthogonal relationship.

[0014] In this specification, terms indicating the relationship between elements (for example, "parallel", "orthogonal", etc.) and terms indicating the shape of elements do not only mean the strictly literal aspect, but also mean a substantially equivalent range, for example, a range including a difference of about a few percent.< / END>

[0015] <<Description of the Electric Wire Pitch Conversion Device>> The wire pitch conversion device 1 according to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The wire pitch conversion device 1 is a device that converts the distance (wire pitch) between multiple wires W arranged in one direction. In this specification, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, the direction in which multiple wires W are arranged is referred to as the "+X direction (or width direction)", the direction in which multiple wires W are fed out is referred to as the "+Y direction (or wire feeding direction)", and the height direction perpendicular to the +X direction and the +Y direction is referred to as the "+Z direction (or height direction)".

[0016] In this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which pitch conversion is performed on 10 wires W is described, as shown in Figure 1. However, the number of wires W is not limited to 10.

[0017] The wire pitch conversion device 1 according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of guide pipes 10 into which each of a plurality of electric wires W is inserted, and a wire delivery member 30 that delivers the plurality of electric wires W delivered from each of the plurality of guide pipes 10 in an aligned state in the parallel installation direction (X direction) (see Figure 2). More preferably, a holding member 20 for holding the plurality of guide pipes 10 may be provided at one end of the wire delivery member 30. The following describes each configuration in detail.

[0018] Guide pipe The guide pipe 10 is a tubular member into which the electric wire W is inserted. In other words, the guide pipe 10 may be cylindrical in shape.

[0019] By inserting the electric wire W into the guide pipe 10, as shown in Figure 8, the contact between the electric wire W and the guide pipe 10 becomes a single-point contact. The frictional force between the electric wire W and the guide pipe 10 becomes F = μN, which can be reduced from F = μ√2N shown in Figure 10, which is the case with conventional technology.

[0020] As an example of a guide pipe 10, the inner diameter of the guide pipe 10 may be 1 mm or more in order to insert an electric wire W with a diameter of 1 mm or less. Here, it is preferable that the pipe thickness of the guide pipe 10 be thin in order to make the pitch distance between the centers of the guide pipes 10 as narrow as possible. As an example, it may be 0.5 mm or less, preferably 0.2 mm or less.

[0021] The guide pipe 10 may be flexible. As used herein, "flexible" means that it can be bent when an external force is applied. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the guide pipe 10 can be made flexible toward the holding member 20, and the guide pipe 10 can be held by the holding member 20.

[0022] The guide pipe 10 may be made of a metal material. In particular, a stainless steel pipe is preferable because it allows for a thin wall thickness and also has good flexibility. Furthermore, a stainless steel pipe is preferable because it can reduce frictional resistance with the electric wire W inserted inside. The guide pipe 10 may also be made of a non-metallic material (for example, resin).

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, each guide pipe 10 may be held by a holding member 20. In this case, multiple guide pipes 10 may be held in a staggered arrangement. In this specification, "staggered arrangement" means that multiple rows of guide pipes 10 arranged in the X direction are provided in the Z direction, and the guide pipes 10 of one row and the guide pipes 10 of the other row are arranged alternately offset from each other. In the illustrated example, a configuration in which two rows of guide pipes 10 are provided in the Z direction is shown as a staggered arrangement of guide pipes 10, but the invention is not limited to this configuration, and three or more rows of guide pipes 10 may be provided in the Z direction.

[0024] • Retaining member The holding member 20 is a member that holds the guide pipes 10, which are arranged in a staggered pattern, and feeds the electric wire W to the electric wire feeding member 30. In one example, the holding member 20 may be provided with holding holes 23 (see Figure 2) that hold the guide pipes 10, corresponding to the staggered arrangement of the guide pipes 10.

[0025] Furthermore, the holding member 20 may include a first holding member 21 that presses against one row of guide pipes 10 in a staggered arrangement, and a second holding member 22 that presses against the other row of guide pipes 10 in a staggered arrangement. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2 as an example, the first holding member 21 can firmly hold the guide pipes 10 by pressing against one row of guide pipes 10 in a staggered arrangement in the -Z direction. The second holding member 22 can firmly hold the guide pipes 10 by pressing against the other row of guide pipes 10 in a staggered arrangement in the +Z direction. In other words, the direction in which the first holding member 21 presses against the guide pipes 10 is opposite to the direction in which the second holding member 22 presses against the guide pipes 10. Therefore, the guide pipes 10 can be firmly held by pressing against them from a direction opposite to the guide pipes 10 (±Z direction).

[0026] It is preferable that the first retaining member 21 and the second retaining member 22 are pressed with a relatively soft material such as resin (for example, urethane rubber) so as not to obstruct the delivery of the internal electric wire W by crushing the guide pipe 10.

[0027] • Wire delivery component The wire delivery member 30 is a member that delivers multiple wires W, each delivered from a multiple guide pipe 10, in an aligned state in the parallel installation direction (X direction).

[0028] The material of the wire delivery member 30 is preferably a metal. For example, iron may be used. By using a metal material for the wire delivery member 30, wear caused by the delivery of the electric wire W can be reduced and durability can be increased. Furthermore, if iron is used, durability can be further increased by improving the hardness of the iron through heat treatment, etc. However, the material of the wire delivery member 30 is not limited to a metal, and may also be a non-metallic material (for example, plastic).

[0029] One end of the wire delivery member 30 is provided with a first insertion opening 31a corresponding to one row of guide pipes 10 in a staggered pattern, and a second insertion opening 32a corresponding to the other row of guide pipes 10 in a staggered pattern (see Figures 3 and 7A). The other end of the wire delivery member 30 is provided with an outlet 33 (see Figure 7B) that delivers the wires W inserted from the first insertion opening 31a and the second insertion opening 32a in an aligned state.

[0030] With this configuration, when electric wires W are inserted from the first insertion port 31a and the second insertion port 32a, which are at one end of the electric wire delivery member 30, multiple electric wires W are delivered in an aligned state from the outlet port 33, which is at the other end of the electric wire delivery member 30. Therefore, the pitch of the guide pipes 10 into which the electric wires W are inserted can be changed from a state in which they are arranged at a predetermined pitch to a state in which multiple electric wires W are aligned.

[0031] As described above, the wire pitch conversion device 1 of this disclosure is equipped with multiple guide pipes 10 inserted inside each of the multiple wires W, so that the frictional force between the wires W and the inner surface of the guide pipes 10 can be reduced compared to the conventional technology which is not equipped with guide pipes. Furthermore, although the outer diameter of the guide pipes 10 of the wire pitch conversion device 1 of this disclosure is larger than the outer diameter of the wires W, the guide pipes 10 are efficiently arranged in a staggered pattern in the gaps between adjacent guide pipes 10. Therefore, the wires W sent out from the wire delivery member 30 can be converted to a desired pitch and sent out while aligned in the parallel direction.

[0032] As a more specific embodiment of the wire delivery member 30, the wire delivery member 30 may be composed of a first comb-shaped member 31 and a second comb-shaped member 32, as shown in Figures 3 to 7B.

[0033] The first comb-shaped member 31 and the second comb-shaped member 32 may each be provided with comb teeth CT having a curved portion CS on their upper surface (see Figures 4A and 4B). The first comb-shaped member 31 and the second comb-shaped member 32 may interlock to form a first insertion opening 31a, a second insertion opening 32a, and an outlet opening 33. More specifically, the curved portion CS of the comb teeth CT may constitute the outer edges of the first insertion opening 31a, the second insertion opening 32a, and the outlet opening 33.

[0034] The curved portions CS of the first comb-shaped member 31 and the second comb-shaped member 32 may be formed by polishing using a grinding wheel curved to correspond to the curved portion CS. In other words, they are formed by a different method than the rectangular wire path WP formed by grinding as shown in Figure 10. Therefore, unlike the conventional wire path WP shown in Figure 10, the frictional force can be reduced by the curvature.

[0035] Furthermore, the first comb-shaped member 31 may be provided with a first inclined passage 31b that slopes from the first insertion opening 31a toward the outlet 33 (see Figure 5A), and the second comb-shaped member 32 may be provided with a second inclined passage 32b that slopes from the second insertion opening 32a toward the outlet 33 (see Figure 5B). The first inclined passage 31b and the second inclined passage 32b may be formed by polishing using the curved grinding wheel described above. Therefore, unlike the conventional wire path WP shown in Figure 10, the frictional force can be reduced by the curvature. Furthermore, the first inclined passage 31b and the second inclined passage 32b may be given a mirror finish. By giving them a mirror finish, the surface accuracy is further improved and the frictional force of the first inclined passage 31b and the second inclined passage 32b can be further reduced.

[0036] The first ramp 31b may be arranged to descend by incline, as shown in Figures 5A and 6, and the second ramp 32b may be arranged to ascend by incline, as shown in Figures 5B and 6. As a result, the first insertion openings 31a and the second insertion openings 32a, which are arranged in a staggered pattern at one end as shown in Figure 7A, are arranged at the other end so that the outlets 33 are aligned in a single line, and the electric wire W discharged from the outlets 33 can be converted to a desired pitch.

[0037] A preferred configuration for the pitch between wires W converted by the wire pitch conversion device 1 of this disclosure is that the pitch P1 between adjacent outlets 33 may be greater than 1 times the diameter D1 of the outlet 33 (see Figure 7B). By using such a pitch for the outlets 33, a harness with a relatively narrow pitch can be made.

[0038] Furthermore, regarding the preferred arrangement of the outlet 33, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, when viewed through from one end of the wire delivery member 30, the outlet 33 may be provided on a virtual line Lo located between the virtual line L1 connecting the centers of the first insertion openings 31a and the virtual line L2 connecting the centers of the second insertion openings 32a. With this arrangement of the outlet 33, the outlet 33 is arranged in a line on the virtual line Lo located between the virtual line L1 and the virtual line L2, so that the electric wires W delivered from the outlet 33 can be delivered in a line aligned in the parallel installation direction (X direction) and converted to the desired pitch.

[0039] Furthermore, regarding the preferred arrangement of the first insertion port 31a and the second insertion port 32a, the center of the first insertion port 31a may be located on a virtual bisector La (see Figure 7A) connecting the centers of adjacent second insertion ports 32a. With this arrangement of the first insertion port 31a and the second insertion port 32a, guide pipes 10 having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the electric wire W can be efficiently arranged in a staggered pattern in the gaps between adjacent guide pipes 10.

[0040] Furthermore, regarding the preferred positional relationship between the outlet 33, the first insertion opening 31a, and the second insertion opening 32a, when viewed through from one end of the wire delivery member 30, the first insertion opening 31a may be displaced to one side in the height direction relative to the outlet 33, and the second insertion opening 32a may be displaced to the other side in the height direction relative to the outlet 33. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5A to 7B, which illustrate one example, the first insertion opening 31a is displaced in the +Z direction relative to the outlet 33 (see, for example, Figure 5A), and the second insertion opening 32a is displaced in the -Z direction relative to the outlet 33 (see, for example, Figure 5B). With this configuration, the first inclined path 31b, which slopes from the first insertion opening 31a toward the outlet 33, and the second inclined path 32b, which slopes from the second insertion opening 32a toward the outlet 33, work together to reduce the frictional force between the electric wire W and the electric wire delivery member 30, while the electric wire delivery member 30 converts the electric wire W into a pitch between them for delivery.

[0041] Furthermore, in a suitable configuration for the outlet 33, first insertion port 31a, and second insertion port 32a, the diameter D1 of the outlet 33, first insertion port 31a, and second insertion port 32a may be smaller than the diameter D2 of the guide pipe 10 (see Figures 5A and 5B). In this configuration, the pitch between guide pipes 10 having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the electric wire W can be converted to the pitch between the electric wires W by the electric wire delivery member 30 and then delivered.

[0042] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and do not constitute a limiting interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure is not construed solely by the embodiments described above, but is defined based on the claims. Furthermore, the technical scope of this disclosure includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalence to the claims.

[0043] The wire pitch conversion device of this disclosure includes the following embodiments. <1> Multiple electric wires are inserted into the interior, and multiple guide pipes are arranged in a staggered pattern, The system includes a wire delivery member that delivers multiple wires, each of the multiple guide pipes, in an aligned state in the parallel direction, The wire delivery member has a first insertion opening provided on one end corresponding to one row of guide pipes in a staggered arrangement, and a second insertion opening provided corresponding to the other row of guide pipes in a staggered arrangement. A wire pitch conversion device, wherein the other end of the wire delivery member is provided with a delivery port for delivering the wires inserted from the first and second insertion ports in an aligned state. <2> The wire delivery member is composed of a first comb-shaped member and a second comb-shaped member. The first insertion port, the second insertion port, and the outlet port are formed by the interlocking of the first comb-shaped member and the second comb-shaped member. <1> A wire pitch conversion device as described above. <3> The first comb-shaped member is provided with a first inclined path that slopes from the first insertion opening toward the outlet opening, The second comb-shaped member includes a second inclined path that slopes from the second insertion opening toward the outlet opening. <2> The wire pitch conversion device described above. <4> When viewed through from one end of the wire delivery member, the outlet is located on a virtual line between the virtual line connecting the centers of the first insertion openings and the virtual line connecting the centers of the second insertion openings. <1> ~ <3> A wire pitch conversion device as described in any one of the following. <5> When viewed through from one end of the wire delivery member, the first insertion opening is displaced to one side in the height direction relative to the outlet, and the second insertion opening is displaced to the other side in the height direction relative to the outlet. <1> ~ <4> A wire pitch conversion device as described in any one of the following. <6> The diameters of the outlet, the first inlet, and the second inlet are smaller than the diameter of the guide pipe. <1> ~ <5> A wire pitch conversion device as described in any one of the following. <7> The center of the first insertion port is located on a virtual bisector connecting the centers of the adjacent second insertion ports. <1> ~ <6> A wire pitch conversion device as described in any one of the following. <8> A holding member is provided at one end of the wire delivery member to hold the plurality of guide pipes arranged in a staggered pattern. <1> ~ <7> A wire pitch conversion device as described in any one of the following. <9> The holding member comprises a first holding member that presses against one row of guide pipes arranged in a staggered pattern, and a second holding member that presses against the other row of guide pipes arranged in a staggered pattern. <8> The wire pitch conversion device described above. <10> The guide pipe and / or the wire delivery member are made of metal. <1> ~ <9> A wire pitch conversion device as described in any one of the following. [Industrial applicability]

[0044] The wire pitch conversion device of this disclosure can be suitably used as a device for reducing the load on electric wires. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1. Wire pitch conversion device 10 Guide pipes 20 Retaining member 21 First retaining member 22 Second retaining member 23 Retaining hole 30 Wire delivery member 31 First comb-shaped member 31a First insertion port 31b 1st ramp 32 Second comb-shaped member 32a Second insertion port 32b 2nd ramp 33 Outlet CT comb teeth CS curved section CN connector L1, L2, Lo virtual lines P1 Pitch D1 diameter W electric wire WP power line route PT Plate

Claims

1. Multiple electric wires are inserted into the interior, and multiple guide pipes are arranged in a staggered pattern, The system includes a wire delivery member that delivers multiple wires, each of the multiple guide pipes, in an aligned state in the parallel direction, The wire delivery member has a first insertion opening provided on one end corresponding to one row of guide pipes in a staggered arrangement, and a second insertion opening provided corresponding to the other row of guide pipes in a staggered arrangement. A wire pitch conversion device, wherein the other end of the wire delivery member is provided with a delivery port for delivering the wires inserted from the first and second insertion ports in an aligned state.

2. The wire delivery member is composed of a first comb-shaped member and a second comb-shaped member. The wire pitch conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the first insertion port, the second insertion port, and the outlet port are formed by the interlocking of the first comb-shaped member and the second comb-shaped member.

3. The first comb-shaped member is provided with a first inclined path that slopes from the first insertion opening toward the outlet opening, The wire pitch conversion device according to claim 2, wherein the second comb-shaped member includes a second inclined path that slopes from the second insertion opening toward the outlet opening.

4. The wire pitch conversion device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed through from one end of the wire delivery member, the outlet is provided on a virtual line located between a virtual line connecting the centers of the first insertion openings and a virtual line connecting the centers of the second insertion openings.

5. The wire pitch conversion device according to claim 4, wherein, when viewed through from one end of the wire delivery member, the first insertion port is displaced to one side in the height direction relative to the outlet port, and the second insertion port is displaced to the other side in the height direction relative to the outlet port.

6. The wire pitch conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the diameters of the outlet, the first insertion port, and the second insertion port are smaller than the diameter of the guide pipe.

7. The wire pitch conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the center of the first insertion port is located on a virtual bisector connecting the centers of adjacent second insertion ports.

8. The wire pitch conversion device according to claim 1, wherein a holding member for holding the plurality of guide pipes arranged in a staggered pattern is provided at one end of the wire delivery member.

9. The wire pitch conversion device according to claim 8, wherein the holding member comprises a first holding member that presses against one row of guide pipes in a staggered arrangement, and a second holding member that presses against the other row of guide pipes in a staggered arrangement.

10. The wire pitch conversion device according to claim 1, wherein the guide pipe and / or the wire delivery member is made of metal.

Images