Abstract:
Method for manufacturing a wiring harness or a substrate for wiring wherein the wiring diagram applied to the substrate is based on the wiring harness information. Entities representing connectors, binding parts, and wiring length information of wirings are input. The wiring arrangement diagram includes lines that correspond to the wirings and do not have a length corresponding to actual length of the wirings. The wiring harness is made using the information including total length of wiring between each of the connectors, harness information generated based on the entities, and the length information of the desired wiring arrangement. Alternatively, the wiring harness information is used to draw a wiring diagram for fixing on the substrate.

Description:
This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/111,191, filed Jul. 7, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,438,435 which application are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 9-181138 filed on Jul. 7, 1997 and Hei 10-189994 filed on Jul. 6, 1998 including specification, claims, drawings and summary are incorporated herein by reference in entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates an apparatus and a method for generating a wiring harness diagram used for manufacturing of wiring harnesses. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Recently, various apparatuses for automatically manufacturing wiring harnesses have been proposed such as Japanese patent laid open publication No. SHO 63-58712 and others. In order to manufacture wiring harnesses with the apparatuses, the following steps need to be carried out before the manufacturing processes. At first, a wiring condition is determined in accordance with given circuit diagram(s). Then, the wiring harness(es) independent from others (hereinafter referred to as independent wiring harness) is found based on the wiring condition thus determined. Thereafter, connection between connectors, a length of wire(s) allocated between the connectors and a type of the wire(s) in the independent wiring harness should be obtained. 
     These steps require a certain period of experience. Even though, the designer of the wiring harness(es) has enough experience in designing thereof, there is still a high probability of making mistakes and/or miscalculations when wiring harnesses have a complex wiring. Further, the designer needs to carry out the steps again whenever a circuit diagram(s) is redesigned, so that the efficiency of the manufactured harness will be relatively low. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above mentioned problems associated with prior art, and to provide an apparatus and a method capable of easily generating and modifying a wiring harness diagram being used for manufacturing of wiring harnesses. 
     In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, the operator obtains a desired wiring arrangement diagram by using entity input means and numeral value input means by referring to entities and length information displayed on display means while generating wiring harness information including a total length of the wiring between each connector in the desired wiring arrangement in accordance with the entities and the length information of the desired wiring arrangement. Therefore, it is possible to generate the wiring harness information including a total length of the wiring between each connector easily as well as inputting the desired wiring arrangement by referred to the displays. 
     Also, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, connection information representing connections between each of the connectors are inputted to the apparatus of the present invention. In this way, the wiring harness information including connections between the connectors can easily be generated. 
     Further, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, the connection information are inputted from an apparatus for designing circuits in the apparatus of the present invention. It is therefore possible to use the connection information being used during the design work with the apparatus of the present invention. 
     Still further, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, an entity representing a connection between the connectors is also inputted in the apparatus of the present invention. In this way, a desired wiring arrangement can be inputted while displaying connections between the connectors on a display screen. 
     In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, the wiring harness information for outputting a wiring diagram illustrated in actual lengths of the wirings are generated in accordance with the entities and the length information. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a wiring substrate by fixing the wiring diagram thereon illustrated in actual size on the substrate at a proper position. 
     Also, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, a wiring arrangement diagram not illustrating actual length of the wirings is displayed on the display device while outputting the wiring diagram illustrating actual length of the wiring from a printing device. In this way, the wiring diagram can easily be previewed on the display screen while obtaining the wiring diagram illustrated in actual size on a paper. 
     Further, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, the wiring harness information of an independent wiring harness being connected to each other as a group is generated in accordance with the entities and the length information. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an independent wiring harness diagram or the like by just inputting an overall wiring arrangement diagram. 
     Still further, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, the wiring harness information of the independent wiring harnesses including the connection information of each terminal between each connector is generated by additionally considering the connection information of each terminal between each of the connectors thus inputted. It is therefore possible to generate the independent harness diagram illustrating greater details. 
     In addition, the connection information of each terminal between each of the connectors corresponds to the entity representing the connector, binding part and the wiring. In this way, it is possible to recognize details of the connection data easily. 
     Further, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, a judgement is carried out whether or not connection status of wiring in the independent wiring harness being extracted comply with a predetermined rule. It is therefore possible to judge whether or not the independent wiring harness which will be extracted comply with the predetermined rule by just inputting the overall wiring arrangement diagram. As a result, an independent wiring harness which does not comply with the rule can be rejected during the generation of the overall wiring arrangement diagram. 
     Still further, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, correction of a given length of the wiring is performed by considering a length of displacement in actual wiring work as a correction value. In this way, the wiring harness having accurate length can be obtained in consideration of the length of displacement in the actual wiring work. 
     In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, the correction value at least includes a length caused by displacement of the wiring work or a margin for crimping the connector terminals. It is therefore possible to avoid displacement caused by the wiring work or the margin for crimping the connector terminals both having a great influence on the displacement during the actual wiring work. 
     Also, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, part of the wiring harness information is provided to a wiring harness manufacturing device, the part of the wiring harness information being used in the wiring harness manufacturing device. In this way, data used in the wiring harness manufacturing device can be set automatically. 
     Further, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, the wiring harness diagram is generated by performing the steps of: displaying connector and binding parts on a display screen and connecting therebetween with wiring as well as providing connection data between each connector, providing a length of the wiring connecting the connectors and the binding parts, and outputting the independent wiring harness diagram being connected to each other as a group in accordance with the wiring arrangement diagram and the length of the wiring. It is therefore possible to obtain the independent harness diagram easily while inputting a predetermined wiring arrangement while referring to the displays on the display screen. 
     Still further, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, a substrate for wiring is manufactured by performing the steps of: directly drawing a wiring diagram in actual size on the substrate or fixing a sheet illustrating the wiring diagram in actual size on the substrate, and disposing a supporting member for wiring to at least a position of locating a binding part in the wiring diagram. In this way, position for disposing the supporting members to each binding part can be determined easily and accurately. 
     In accordance with characteristics of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a wiring harness using a computer, comprises steps of: inputting entities representing connectors, binding parts, wiring length information of the wirings from an input device, inputting a desired wiring arrangement from the input device by referring to a wiring arrangement diagram generated in basis of the entities and the length information and displayed on a display device, and making the wiring harness using information including a total length of the wiring between each connector, wherein the harness information is generated on the basis of the entitles and the length information of the desired wiring arrangement. It is therefore possible to make the manufacturing process easier as a result of easily obtaining the wiring harness information including a total length of the wiring between each connector as well as inputting the desired wiring arrangement with reference to the displays. 
     Also, in accordance with characteristics of the present invention, the wiring harness information is generated by additionally considering the connection information of each terminal between each of the connectors being inputted from an apparatus for designing circuits. In this way, the connection information being used during the design work can be also used in the manufacturing processes. 
     Definition of words and phrases used in the specification for describing the present invention as well as correspondence in the embodiment herein are as follows. 
     “Entity input means” is means for inputting instructions for arranging at least entities representing connectors, binding parts and wirings. The entity input means includes not only a mouse or a tracker ball, but also includes other devices such as cursor keys of a keyboard. In the embodiments herein, the mouse  2  corresponds to the entity input means. 
     “Numeral value input means” is means for inputting lengths of the wirings relatedly with at least each of the entities representing the wirings. The numeral value input means includes not only the keyboard, but also the mouse or the tracker ball by which the numeral value displayed on the screen is selected. In the embodiments which will be described hereunder, the keyboard  4  corresponds to the numeral value input means. 
     “Wiring harness information” means information about wiring harness including at least a total length of the wiring between the connectors. 
     “Wiring harness information” includes any form of information, such as drawings numeral values or characters. Further, the phrase “total lengths of the wirings between the connectors” mentioned above include the lengths represented in the form of numeral values, actual lengths (actual sizes, or reduced sizes, enlarged sizes and in numeral values) in illustrated drawings or the like. In the embodiments described hereunder, a wiring length table shown in FIG. 10, wiring table illustrated in both FIGS. 13 and 19, an independent wiring harness diagram shown in FIG. 16 and a wiring diagram illustrated in FIG. 30 corresponds to the “wiring harness information” respectively. Further, step S 2 , step S 4 , step S 4 , step S 5 , step S 6  and step S 7  shown in FIGS. 3 and 22 corresponds to the “wiring harness information generating means”. 
     “Wiring” is a line for connecting between connectors, and includes an electric cable, a fiber or the like. 
     “Apparatus for designing circuits” is an apparatus for designing circuits, and the apparatus is at least capable of outputting connection information of the connectors. 
     While the novel features of the invention are set forth in a general fashion, both as to organization and content, it will be better understood and appreciated, along with other objects and features thereof, from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating overall structure of an embodiment of an apparatus for processing information to manufacture wiring harnesses in the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating hardware structure of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 using a CPU and peripherals. 
     FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing overall procedures of a program for processing the information of the wiring harnesses. 
     FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a display screen for inputting a wiring arrangement diagram. 
     FIG. 5A is a view illustrating an input of the wiring arrangement diagram. 
     FIG. 5B is a view illustrating relocation of the input shown in FIG.  5 A. 
     FIG. 5C is a view illustrating relocation of the input shown in FIG.  5 B. 
     FIG. 5D is a view illustrating relocation of the input shown in FIG.  5 C. 
     FIG. 6A is a view illustrating a dialogue for inputting details of connectors, a type of the wire(s) and other information. 
     FIG. 6B is a view illustrating another dialogue for inputting information. 
     FIG. 7 is a view illustrating another dialogue for inputting information. 
     FIG. 8 is an example of a wiring arrangement diagram thus inputted. 
     FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing procedures for processing a table for illustrating length of wiring. 
     FIG. 10A is a view illustrating a table for showing length of wiring. 
     FIG. 10B is another view illustrating the table for showing length of wiring. 
     FIG. 10C is another view illustrating the table for showing length of wiring. 
     FIG. 10D is another view illustrating the table for showing length of wiring. 
     FIG. 11 a flow chart showing procedures for generating the table for illustrating length of wiring. 
     FIG. 12 is a flow chart for generating a part of a wiring table as to a designated (referenced) connector. 
     FIG. 13 is a flow chart for generating an independent wiring harness diagram as to remarked connector. 
     FIG. 14A is a view illustrating a wiring table. 
     FIG. 14B is another view illustrating the wiring table. 
     FIG. 14C is another view illustrating the wiring table. 
     FIG. 15 is an example of connections of the wiring harness which not comply with a predetermined rule. 
     FIG. 16 is an example of the wiring table thus completed. 
     FIG. 17A is a view illustrating the independent wiring harness. 
     FIG. 17B is another view illustrating the independent wiring harness. 
     FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing procedures for generating the wiring table. 
     FIG. 19 is another flow chart showing procedures for generating another wiring table as to the remarked connector. 
     FIG. 20 is another example of the wiring table. 
     FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating another overall structure of a second embodiment of an apparatus for processing information to manufacture the wiring harnesses in the present invention. 
     FIG. 22 is another diagram illustrating hardware structure of the apparatus shown in FIG. 20 using the CPU and peripherals. 
     FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing overall procedures of a program for processing the information of the wiring harnesses. 
     FIG. 24 is another example of the wiring arrangement diagram thus inputted. 
     FIG. 25 is an example of a connection information table. 
     FIG. 26 is a flow chart for showing procedures for generating a wiring length table. 
     FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a display screen for inputting a connection information table. 
     FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing procedures for converting the wiring arrangement diagram into actual sizes. 
     FIG. 29 is a view illustrating a wiring arrangement diagram displayed on the display screen. 
     FIG. 30 is a view showing contents of a list. 
     FIG. 31 is a view illustrating the wiring diagram which represents actual length of the wiring harness. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     1. First Embodiment 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall structure of an embodiment of an apparatus for processing information on wiring harnesses in the present invention. Entities representing connectors, binding parts and wirings are stored in basic entities storing means  16 . Further another entity representing connection between the connectors being connected to each other is also stored in the basic entities storing means  16 . Entities input means  2  is the means for inputting, arranging and connecting the entities by selecting the entities stored in the basic entities storing means  16 . 
     Numeral value input means  4  is the means for inputting numeral value and character to relate with each of the entities described above. For instance, the numeral value input means  4  is used for assigning codes to the connectors and for specifying a length of the wiring between the connectors. 
     Wiring arrangement diagram generating means  8  generates a wiring arrangement diagram in accordance with the entities, the numeral value and the character thus inputted. The wiring arrangement diagram thus generated is displayed on a display means  6 . 
     A desired wiring arrangement diagram is obtained by carrying out modifications and/or additional input by an operator of the apparatus via the entity input means  2  and/or the numeral value input means  4  while watching the display means  6 . 
     A wiring table and a diagram of an independent wiring harness (hereinafter referred to as independent wiring harness diagram) as information on the wiring harness are generated in accordance with the entities, the numeral value and the character in the desired wiring arrangement diagram with consideration of connection between terminals of each connector by a wiring harness information generating means  10 . At that time, judging means  12  judges whether or not the diagram of the independent wiring harness thus generated complies with a predetermined rule. The wiring table and the diagram of the independent wiring harness thus generated are outputted with a printer  14 . 
     As described above, both the wiring table and the independent wiring harness diagram can be obtained by inputting the wiring arrangement diagram. Further, the judgement can be obtained whether or not the diagram of the independent wiring harness thus generated comply with the rule. 
     FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating hardware structure using a CPU embodying the means shown in FIG. 1. A mouse  2 , a keyboard  4 , a display  6 , the printer  14 , a hard disk  20 , a memory  24  and a flexible disk drive  26  (FDD) are connected to the CPU  22 . 
     Programs for the operating system such as Windows™ 95 of Microsoft Corp. and the like are stored in the hard disk  20 . The operating system carries out the basic controls of the entire system such as displaying, printing, inputting and outputting of data. 
     In addition, another program for processing the information on the wiring harness is stored in the hard disk  20 . The program is installed in the hard disk  20  from flexible disk(s) through the FDD  26 . The program may be downloaded into the hard disk  20  through a communication line. 
     The program for processing the wiring harness information stored in the flexible disk(s)  28  may be executed directly on the CPU  22  or may be executed after decompressing. Further, the program includes a program which can be executed by combining with the operating system or function(s) of other program(s). For instance, a program for computer-aided design (hereinafter referred to as CAD) generally used for graphics can be used in order to perform processing of graphics in the apparatus. In addition, the program may be a program which executes all the functions by itself. 
     Further, entities such as the connectors, the binding parts, wirings and that of connections are stored on the hard disk  20 . 
     FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing overall procedures of the program for generating the information on the wiring harness. At first, a wiring arrangement diagram is inputted in step S 1 . In other words, the wiring arrangement diagram is generated by the CPU  22  in accordance with input of the operator through the mouse  2  and the keyboard  4 . 
     FIG. 4 shows a display screen of the display  6  for inputting the wiring arrangement diagram. A work window  32  is an area for generating the wiring arrangement diagram. Also, a basic entities window  34  is an area for displaying icons representing the basic entities stored in the hard disk  20 . In this embodiment, icons  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  48  respectively representing an electric cable forming the wiring, the connector, a binding belt forming the binding portion, the connection, a round type terminal, a closed type terminal and a flat type terminal are displayed on the basic entities window  34 . 
     The icons  38  through  48  of the basic entities are allocated on the work window  32  by dragging the icons with control of the cursor position of the mouse  2 . In this way, a desired wiring arrangement diagram is generated on the display screen. Processing for each of the entities is similar to that of ordinary CAD applications. 
     FIGS. 5A through 5D show an example of procedures for generating the wiring arrangement diagram. At first, basic entities needed for generating the diagram are allocated on the work window  32  by selection as shown in FIG.  5 A. In this case, the connectors  50  and  52 , an electric cable  54 , a connection  56  and the binding belt  58  are selected. Identifiers are automatically provided to each of the entities thus selected. Each of the identifiers consist of “name of the entity . serial number of the part”. In case of FIG. 5A, identifiers such as “connector. 1” “connector. 2”, “electric cable. 1”, “connection. 1” and “binding belt. 1” are provided. These identifiers thus provided are stored in the memory  24  and are not displayed on the display screen. 
     Additional codes can be provided to the connectors beside the identifiers being provided for the CPU  22  by the operator of the apparatus. The additional codes are provided by inputting the codes with the keyboard  4  so as to relate with selected entities after clicking a code input icon  60  for selecting the entities. Additional codes such as “J2080M” and “J51B” are respectively provided to the connector  52  and the connector  50  in FIGS. 5A through 5D. These codes are respectively displayed adjacent to the related entities on the display screen of the display  6  as well as being stored in the memory  24 . 
     Thereafter, a desired wiring arrangement diagram is generated by connecting each of the entities with the electric cable after moving the positions of the entities. In case of FIG. 5B, one end of the electric cable  54  is connected to the connector  50 , and the other end thereof is connected to the connector  52 . The length of the electric cable  54  can be varied under control of the mouse  2 . Both ends of the electric cable  54  are connected to the connectors  50 ,  52  by adjusting the length thereof. In this embodiment, the apparatus is controlled to display both ends of the electric cable  54  in red when the both ends thereof are connected to the connectors  50 ,  52 . In this way, both ends of the electric cable  54  are reliably connected to the connectors  50 ,  52 . 
     Next, the binding belt  58  is allocated as shown in FIG.  5 B. Further, an actual length “ 50 ” of the electric cable  54  from the connector  50  to the binding belt  58  is inputted with the keyboard  4  after clicking another icon  62  for inputting the length shown in FIG.  4 . An actual length “ 60 ” of the electric cable  54  from the connector  52  to the binding belt  58  is inputted in similar manner. These lengths are stored in the memory  24  so as to relate with the electric cable  5 , and are displayed on the display screen as shown in FIG.  5 C. 
     Thereafter, a positional relation among the connector  50 , the binding belt  58  and the connector  52  are determined by moving the connector  52  on the display screen as shown in FIG.  5 D. 
     In order to clarify the connection between the connector  50  and the connector  52 , the connection  56  is used for connecting therebetween. The connection  56  is displayed in a certain color (or a certain type of line) capable of being clearly distinguished from the electric cable  54 . 
     Further, other entities such as a connector  53 , an electric cable  55  and a connection  57  are arranged (see FIG.  5 D). 
     On completion of the arrangement, properties of the connectors  50 ,  52  and  53 , and the connections  56  and  57  are inputted through the keyboard  4 . The input of these properties is carried out by clicking an icon  64  for inputting properties after selecting the entities. 
     A dialogue display for inputting the properties shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the screen by clicking the icon  64 . Type, number of terminals, parts number and color of the connector are inputted in the dialogue display. “Name of connector—terminal number” are displayed on the “remarked connector” column and stored in the hard-disk  20  as a result of processing by the CPU  22 , such as “J51B-1”, “J51B-2” and “J51B-3” displayed in FIG.  6 A. Name of the connector and the terminal being connected to the first terminal of the remarked connector (“J51B-1”) is inputted by the operator through the keyboard  4 . The name of the connector being connected to the remarked connector is hereinafter referred to as an opponent connector. In an example shown in FIG. 6A, “J2080M-1” is inputted as the opponent connector. In addition to the name of the opponent connector and the terminal thereof, both colors and types of the electric cables connecting between the terminal of the remarked connector and that of the opponent connector are inputted. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, “UL1061AWG26” “yellow” are inputted. Similar inputs are carried out for other terminals of both the remarked connector and the opponent connector. 
     After the inputs, properties of both the connection  54  and the connector  52  are inputted. In this embodiment, the CPU  22  uses the inputted properties of the connector  50  for other properties to be inputted. In this way, it is not necessary to input properties of the connection  54  (see FIG.  6 B). Further, in respect of the connector  52 , the properties of the opponent connector are automatically inputted when the properties of the connector  50  have been inputted. Inputs for generating the wiring arrangement diagram are carried out as described above. 
     Further, description will be made in an assumption that the wiring arrangement diagram shown in FIG. 8 has already been inputted. Although, there are connectors and connections that do not show their properties as shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the properties of those have already been inputted. 
     Upon inputting all the data for generating the desired wiring arrangement diagram, either of an icon  66  or another icon  68  both for generating the independent wiring harness diagram is clicked with the mouse by the operator (see FIG.  4 ). By clicking either of the icons, the independent wiring harness diagram is generated in accordance with procedures described hereunder. The icon  66  is an icon representing a command to generate all the independent wiring harness diagram(s) for manufacturing the independent wiring harness(es) included in the wiring arrangement diagram thus generated. And the icon  68  is an icon representing a command to generate the independent wiring harness diagram(s) for manufacturing the independent wiring harness(es) as to the connector(s) specified by the operator. 
     Once the command to generate the independent wiring harness diagram(s) is inputted, the data for generating the desired wiring arrangement diagram(s) being stored in the memory  24  is transferred to the hard disk  20  by the control of the CPU  22 . That is, the data shown in FIG. 8 are stored on the hard disk  20 . 
     Next, a table for showing the connection and cable length (hereinafter referred to as wiring length table) is generated by the CPU  22  in accordance with the desired wiring arrangement diagram thus generated (step S 2 , FIG.  3 ). FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing detailed procedures for generating the wiring length table. 
     In step S 200 , a value of “i” is set as 1, and a connector having an identifier such as “connector. i” is designated as an object connector. In this case, it is assumed that the identifiers of “connector. 1”, “connector. 2”, “connector. 3”, “connector. 4”, “connector. 5” and “connector. 6” are respectively provided to connectors  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  77  and  78  shown in FIG.  8 . Therefore, the connector  70  is designated as the object connector at first. 
     Then, a value of suffix j of a comparison connector is equalized with the value of “i” in step S 201 . Further, a connector having the identifier of “connector. j” is designated as the comparison connector as a result of making the value of the suffix j as j+1 in step S 202 . In other words, the connector  72  is designated as the comparison connector in the step. 
     Thereafter, the CPU  22  judges whether or not the object connector having the identifier of “connector. 1” is connected to the comparison connector having the identifier of “connector . j” (the connector  72 ) in step S 204 . In other words, a judgement is carried out whether or not the object connector  70  is connected to the comparison connector  72 . The connection between these connectors is confirmed if these connectors are connected to each other with the connection. Otherwise, the disconnection between the connectors is confirmed. The CPU  22  returns to the step S 202  when the disconnection the connectors is confirmed. In this case, the connection between the connectors  70  and  72  with a connection  96  is confirmed. 
     In this way, the CPU  22  steps forward to step S 205  and records that the “connector. I” and “connector . j” are connected to each other in an area of the wiring length table being generated in the memory  24  as shown in FIG.  10 A. Although, just the name of the connectors are shown in FIGS. 10A through 10D, identifiers for the connectors are also recorded on the wiring length table. 
     Next, the CPU  22  returns to the step S 202 , and the designation of a coming comparison connector is carried out by setting the value of the suffix j as j+1 in the step. 
     These steps are repeated until all the connectors are designated as the comparison connectors. Upon completing the designation, the CPU  22  steps forward to step S 206  by the judgement made in step S 203 . In the step S 206 , the coming connector is designated as the comparison connector as a result of setting the value of the suffix i as i+1. Thereafter, the connections between the connectors are recorded on the wiring length table by performing the steps followed to the step S 201 . On completing the designation of all the connectors as the comparison connectors, the CPU  22  steps forward to step S 208  by the judgement made in step S 207 . FIG. 10B is the wiring length table listing all the connections. In the step S 208 , each length of the electric cables between the connectors are recorded on the wiring length table by obtaining them from the wiring arrangement diagram. 
     For instance, a wiring route between J 100  and J 101  is detected by referring the properties of the electric cable (which indicating both connectors to be connected and the binding belts) in case of recording the wiring lengths between the connector  70  (code J 100 ) and the connector (code J 101 ). In this way, the wiring route of the connector  70 —the binding belt  95 —the binding belt  85 —the binding belt  87 —the connector  72  is detected. In the wiring route, a total length of the electric cable between the connector  70  and the connector  72  is recorded on the wiring length table as a sum total of lengths  50 ,  40 ,  70  and  80  of the electric wire divided with the binding belts. FIG. 10C is the wiring length table listing all the total lengths of the electric cables between all the connectors thus obtained. 
     Then, a correction of the total length of the electric cable is carried out in accordance with status of the wirings (step S 209 ). For instance, actual lengths of the electric cables are longer than that of the sum total of both an electric cable  82  and an electric cable  84  when the extension of the electric cable  84  is changed into a different direction from that of the electric cable  82  at the binding belt. In this embodiment, 1 mm is added to the sum total of the electric cables as an correction value for every binding belt accompanying a change of direction. FIG. 10D is the wiring length table listing the correction values. 
     Thereafter, rearrangement of the table is carried out so as to list the connector(s) on upper line of the wiring length table in descending order of frequent appearance on the table (step S 210 ). In the examples shown in FIGS. 10A through 10D, no rearrangement is carried out because the connector  70  (code J 100 ) which appeared most frequently (twice) is recorded on the uppermost line of the wiring length table. The wiring length table thus generated is stored in the hard disk  20 . 
     Although, the wiring length table is generated in accordance with the entity of connection in the procedures shown in FIG. 9, the wiring length table can be generated using the properties of the connection as shown in FIG.  11 . Procedures for generating the wiring length table shown in FIG. 11 will be described hereunder. 
     In step S 251 , properties of a connection to be detected are obtained. In this case, properties of a connection  96  shown in FIG. 8 are obtained. In step S 252 , connection information between the connectors being connected with the connection  96  are extracted in accordance with the properties thus obtained. The facts that the first terminals of the connector  72  (code J 101 ) and the connector  70  (code J 100 ), and the second terminals of these connectors being connected respectively are recorded in the properties of the connection  96 . In accordance with the facts, the CPU  22  extracts information of connecting the connector  72  (code J 101 ) to the connector  70  (code J 100 ). 
     The connection information thus extracted are recorded on the wiring length table (step S 253 ). On the other hand, the connection information are not recorded on the wiring length table when the data thus extracted have already been recorded. In this case, connection information are recorded on the wiring length table as shown in FIG.  10 A. 
     Next, a judgement is carried out whether or not processing has been carried out to all the connections (step S 254 ). The CPU  22  performs the steps followed to the step S 251  using coming connections when any of unprocessed connection(s) exist. The wiring length table as shown in FIG. 10 can be generated by carrying out the steps S 251  through S 255 . 
     The steps performed later in step S 208  through the step S 210  are the same as the step S 208  through the step S 210  shown in FIG.  9 . Therefore, the wiring length table (wiring table) shown in FIG. 10D is generated similar to the result of carrying out the procedures shown in FIG.  9 . 
     Upon generating the wiring length table, the CPU  22  judges that either of a command for generating all the independent wiring harness diagram(s) or a command for generating the independent wiring harness diagram(s) for specified part(s) is inputted (FIG. 3, step S 3 ). 
     The following procedures are carried out when the command for generating the independent wiring harness diagram as to a certain connector(s) is inputted by clicking the icon  68  shown in FIG.  4 . At first, a wiring table as to the connectors thus specified in step S 4  of FIG. 3 is generated. 
     FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing procedures for generating the wiring table of the connector(s) thus designated (the object connector(s)). Procedures of the flow chart using the connector  72  (code J 101 ) as the designated connector will be described herein. A number “1” is flagged on the lines where the object connectors are recorded thereon as shown in FIG.  14 A. Next, a judgement is carried out whether or not the connectors listed on the flagged lines are listed on unflagged lines (step S 401 ). Here, the connector  70  (code J 100 ) is listed on the second line. Therefore, number “1” is flagged on the second line by the CPU  22  in step S 402  (see FIG.  14 B). 
     Thereafter, step S 401  is carried out again. In other words, the CPU  22  judges again whether or not the connectors listed on the flagged lines including the first and the second line are listed on other lines. Here, the CPU  22  steps forward to step S 403  because none of the connectors listed on the flagged line are listed on other lines. 
     In step S 403 , rearrangement of the table is carried out so as to list the flagged lines on upper lines as a bunch of lines as well as carrying out relocation of the connectors on the table by giving the top priority to the object connectors. Bunch of lines thus relocated form one independent wiring harness. A blank line is provided between the bunch of lines and line(s) listed below (see FIG.  14 C). 
     Then, a judgement is carried out whether or not connections of the independent wiring harness thus obtained comply with a predetermined rule (step S 404 ), because there are some restrictions for manufacturing independent wiring harness(es) when an automatic manufacturing machine is used to manufacture the independent wiring harness(es). For instance, the automatic manufacturing machine can not manufacture an independent wiring harness having more than two connectors such as connectors β, γ between a connector α and a connector ε both of which are most apart from each other in the independent wiring harness as shown in FIG.  15 . In that case, an error indication is displayed on the display  6  as an irregular harness, and the CPU  22  returns to step S 1  shown in FIG.  3 . Thus, the operator needs to store the predetermined rule which fulfills requirements of the automatic manufacturing machine prior to carrying out manufacturing of the wiring harnesses. 
     Next, details of connections among terminals are obtained from the properties of the connectors when the independent wiring harness thus obtained complies with the predetermined rule (step S 405 ). Further, type and color of the connections are obtained from the properties of the connections (S 406 ). A wiring table shown in FIG. 16 is generated by incorporating a part of the properties obtained from the connectors and the connections shown in FIG. 14C into the table in the steps described above (step S 407 ). In the table, the fifth terminal of the connector  72  (code J 101 ) is indicated as a dummy terminal (a terminal not for connection). The wiring table thus generated is stored on the hard disk  20 . 
     Upon generating the wiring table, the independent wiring harness diagram is generated by the CPU  22  (FIG. 3, step S 5 ). FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing procedures for generating the independent wiring harness diagram. 
     Data of the wiring table are obtained in step S 500 . Then, the independent wiring harness diagram shown in FIG. 17A is generated in accordance with the data thus obtained (step S 501 ). Further, the independent wiring harness diagram thus generated is outputted from the printer  14  (step S 502 ). 
     As described above, the independent wiring harness diagram as to the connector(s) specified by the operator can be generated. Solid lines located in the connectors shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B indicate terminals thereof, and the longest lines in each of the connectors show the first terminals thereof. 
     Although, generation of the independent wiring harness diagram as to the connector(s) being specified is described in above embodiment, all the independent wiring harness diagrams can be generated automatically by extracting all the independent wiring harnesses by clicking the icon  66  (shown in FIG.  4 ). In that case, the CPU  22  steps forward to both steps S 6  and  7  from step S 3  in FIG.  3 . FIG.  18  and FIG. 19 are flow charts showing detail procedures of steps  6  and  7 . In the generation of the wiring table shown in FIG. 18, processing performed for generating the wiring table is carried out (step S 601 , FIG. 12) after setting the connector listed on the uppermost line of the wiring length table as the object connector. Then the CPU  22  judges whether or not all the lines in the wiring length table are flagged (step S 602 ). The CPU  22  performs the steps followed to the step S 601  by using all the connectors listed on unflagged lines as the object connectors when none of the lines are flagged. 
     These steps are performed until all the lines are flagged. As a result, another wiring table shown in FIG. 20 is generated. 
     Further, independent wiring harness diagrams for all the independent wiring harnesses listed on the wiring table are generated as shown in FIG.  19 . By performing those steps, the independent wiring harness diagrams shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B can be generated. 
     Although, the independent wiring harness diagrams indicating details of the connections between terminals of each connector are outputted in the embodiment described in above, other independent wiring harness diagrams showing the connection briefly as FIG. 15 can be outputted instead of them. 
     Further, the wiring length table shown in FIGS. 10A through 10D, the wiring arrangement diagrams shown in FIGS. 16 and 20 can be outputted instead of the independent wiring harness diagrams. 
     Although, the outputs of the wiring table and the independent wiring harness diagram are carried out from the printer  14  in the embodiment described above, these table and diagram can be outputted as data being stored on a data storing medium such as a flexible disk  30  shown in FIG.  2 . 
     2. Second Embodiment 
     FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating another overall structure of a second embodiment of an apparatus for processing information to manufacture wiring harnesses in the present invention. Although, the information as to the connections is inputted through the entity input means  2  in the first embodiment, these information are inputted through a connection data input means  3 . FIG. 22 is another diagram illustrating hardware structure of the apparatus shown in FIG. 21 using the CPU and peripherals. The mouse  2 , the keyboard  4 , the display  6 , the printer  14 , the hard disk  20 , the memory  24 , the flexible disk drive  26  (FDD) and a communication control circuit  154  are connected to the CPU  22 . Further, both an apparatus  150  for designing circuits and an apparatus  152  for manufacturing of wiring harnesses are connected to the communication control circuit  154  via local area network (hereinafter referred to as LAN) or other communication lines. The basis functions of this apparatus are similar to that of the apparatus shown in FIG.  2 . Description of the apparatus in this embodiment will be focused on the difference from the apparatus in this first embodiment. 
     In the apparatus shown in FIG. 22, connection information being inputted through the apparatus  150  is provided to the CPU  22  via the communication control circuit  154 . That is, the communication control circuit  154  forms connection data input means. The connection data being stored on the flexible disk can be obtained instead of inputting them through the apparatus  150 . In that case, the FDD  26  forms the connection data input means. Further, the connection data can be inputted with the keyboard  4 . In such case, the keyboard  4  forms the connection data input means. 
     Beside the programs for the operating system, a program(s) for processing the information of wiring harnesses is stored on the hard disk  20 . Further entities of connectors, binding parts and wirings are also stored on the hard disk  20 . 
     FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing overall procedures of the program for processing the information on the wiring harnesses. At first, a wiring arrangement diagram is inputted in step S 1 . In other words, the wiring arrangement diagram is generated by the CPU  22  in accordance with the inputs of the operator through the mouse  2  and the keyboard  4 . 
     FIG. 24 is a view illustrating the wiring arrangement diagram displayed on the screen. The procedures for generating the wiring arrangement diagram are the same as the first embodiment described earlier. As it is clear from a comparison with FIG. 8, no connections and none of properties are illustrated in FIG.  24 . In this embodiment, no connections and none of properties are necessary. 
     Upon completing the generation of the wiring arrangement diagram, the CPU  22  obtains the connection information (FIG. 23, step S 15 ). In this embodiment, the connection information is provided by the apparatus  150 . The apparatus  150  for designing circuits is an apparatus for designing circuits including the connections of connectors, such as CAD apparatus. The apparatus  150  for designing circuits may be constituted by the CPU  22  with a CAD program stored on the hard disk  20 . In such case, the communication control circuit  154  for apparatus  150  is not necessary. 
     The CPU  22  outputs a command to the apparatus  150  for sending a connection information table through the communication control circuit  154 . On receiving the command, the apparatus  150  transmits the connection information table shown in FIG. 25 to the CPU  22 . The connection information table thus transmitted are stored on the hard disk  20  under the control of the CPU  22 . 
     The connection information table shown in FIG. 25 contains data showing connections between the terminals of each connector. In addition, colors and types of electric cables used for the connection and so on are shown in the table. Although, a plurality of columns for inputting lengths of wiring are prepared in the table, no data are inputted therein. It is clearly shown that the first terminal of the connector J 101  is connected to the first terminal of the connector J 100  on the first line of the connection information table shown in FIG.  25 . 
     Next, the independent wiring harness diagram is generated in accordance with procedures described hereunder when either of the icon  66  or the icon  68  both for generating the independent wiring harness diagram is clicked with the mouse by the operator (see FIG.  4 ). Data of the wiring arrangement diagram stored in the memory  24  are obtained and stored in the hard disk  20  under the control of the CPU  22 . That is, the data shown in FIG. 24 are stored on the hard disk  20 . 
     Thereafter, another wiring length table is generated by the CPU  22  in accordance with the independent wiring harness diagram thus generated and the connection information table (FIG. 23, step S 2 ). FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing procedures for generating the wiring length table. 
     In step S 801 , a value of “i” is set as 1. Then, the CPU  22  reads out a wiring route listed on “i” line of the connection information table. In the other words, the CPU  22  reads the data indicating the connection between the first terminal of the connector J 101  and the first terminal of the connector J 100 . Then, only the connections between the connectors are extracted from the data thus read out earlier (step S 803 ). In other words, the CPU  22  just the data indicating, 
     connection information table thus transmitted stored, 
     added to the sum total of the electric cables as; 
     Thereafter, a judgement is performed whether or not the data thus extracted have already been extracted (step S 804 ). If the data have not been extracted before, the connection between the connectors is recorded on the wiring length table as shown in FIG. 10A (step S 805 ). On the other hand, the step S 805  is not performed if the data have already been extracted before. 
     Next, a judgement is performed whether or not the line under processing is the last line of the connection information table. The steps followed to the step S 802  are performed continuously until the last line by incrementing the value of “i” when the line under processing is not the last line. As a result of performing these steps until the last line, the wiring length table shown in FIG. 10B is generated. 
     On completing the processing until the last line, lengths of the electric cables between all the connectors are obtained from the wiring arrangement diagram (step S 208 ). Corrections of the lengths of the electric cables thus obtained are carried out in accordance with status of the wirings (step S 209 ). Thereafter, rearrangement of the wiring length table is carried out so as to list the connector(s) on upper line of the table in descending order of frequent appearance on the table (step S 210 ). Thus, the wiring length table shown in FIG. 10D is generated. The steps performed in step S 208  through the step S 210  shown in FIG. 26 are the same as the step S 208  through the step S 210  shown in FIG.  9 . 
     Next, generation of both the wiring table (step S 6 ) and the independent wiring harness diagram (step S 7 ) is performed. Processing for generating these are similar to the processing described in FIG.  3 . The difference between the processing described in FIG.  23  and the processing in FIG. 3 is the way to obtain details of the connections between the terminals. Although, the details of the connections are obtained from the properties of the connectors in the flow chart shown in FIG. 3, the details of the connections are obtained from the connection information table in the flow chart shown in FIG.  23 . 
     The independent wiring harness diagram and the wiring table respectively shown in FIG.  17  and FIG. 20 can be generated in this embodiment. 
     Although, the wiring table is generated as a result of generating the wiring length table in accordance with the connection information table in the embodiment described above, the wiring table can be generated by adding the lengths of the electric cables to the connection information table. 
     In this embodiment, a part of the wiring harness information out of the wiring harness information thus obtained as described above being used in the manufacturing apparatus  152  for manufacturing of wiring harnesses can be transmitted to the manufacturing apparatus  152 . In order to transmit the information to the manufacturing apparatus  152 , an icon  69  for transmitting the information shown in FIG. 27 is clicked with the mouse by the operator. By clicking the icon  69 , the CPU  22  controls the communication control circuit  154  so as to transmit parameters needed to manufacture the wiring harnesses such as number of terminals of each connector, the lengths of the electric cables between all the connectors. In this way, it is not necessary for the operator to input these parameters all over again. As a result, erroneous inputs of the parameters can be decreased and operating accuracy of apparatus is increased. 
     The parameters mentioned above can be outputted to a storing medium so as to be stored therein, and the parameters thus stored in the storing medium can be read by the manufacturing apparatus  152 . 
     In this embodiment, a wiring table illustrating actual sizes of the components can be printed out from the printer  14  in accordance with the wiring arrangement diagram thus inputted. FIG. 28 is a flow chart of a program for converting the wiring arrangement diagram into actual sizes. Procedures for converting reduced diagram to the actual sizes will be described hereunder when a wiring diagram shown in FIG. 29 is inputted (that is, the arrangement is displayed on the display screen  6 ). 
     At first, an icon  71  for conversion shown in FIG. 27 is clicked with the mouse by the operator. By clicking the icon  71 , the CPU  22  starts performing the procedures shown in FIG.  28 . In step S 901 , a judgement is carried out whether or not a reference point has a part(s) to be connected thereto after specifying the reference point. In this case, either one of the connector or the binding belt and so on is specified as the reference point. It is assumed that the binding belt “T. 24” is specified as the reference point. 
     As shown in FIG. 29, the binding belt “T. 24” has parts to be connected such as the connector “J1”, and other binding belts “T. 36” and “T. 13”. As a result of the judgement, the CPU  22  steps forward to step S 902 . In step S 902 , the connector “J1” is stored in the memory  24  in a list form. Then, the binding belt “T. 24”, the connector “J1” thus stored as the part to be connected and therebetween are converted into their actual size (step S 903 ). In this way, the cursor is moved to a position on the region where the conversion is carried out. 
     In step  5904 , a judgement is carried out whether or not other part(s) to be connected to the binding belt “T. 24” (the reference point) exist in addition to the connector “J1”. The step S 901  is performed if any other part(s) to be connected exist. In this case, the steps S 901 , S 902  and step S 903  are sequentially performed because of existence of the binding belt “T. 36” as another part to be connected. The binding belt “T. 36” and the wiring being connected between the binding belt “T. 36” and the binding belt “T. 24” are converted into their actual sizes (step S 903 ). In this way, the cursor is moved to a position on the region where the conversion is carried out. The binding belt “T. 36” is also added to the list stored in the memory  24 . 
     Similar procedures are performed as described above, such as the binding belt “T. 13” connected to the binding belt “T. 24” is added to the list stored in the memory  24  and the binding belt “T. 13” and the wiring being connected between the binding belt “T. 13” and the binding belt “T. 24” are converted into their actual sizes. In any case, the conversions into the actual sizes are carried out without moving the position of the binding belt “T. 24”. This is because movement of the reference point causes dislocation between the converted regions and the unconverted regions. Therefore, a proper relationship among each of the components cannot be maintained in actual sizes. 
     The step S 904  and the step S 905  are sequentially performed after completing the conversions with respect to all parts to be connected to the binding belt “T. 24”. In the step S 905  and step S 906 , another reference point is specified from the one which has not been specified as the reference point. A number “1” is flagged to the part(s) which have been specified as the reference point in the list shown in FIG.  30 . 
     The steps followed to the step S 901  are performed using another reference point when unspecified part(s) is listed on the list. In this way, newly specified reference points are recorded on the list, and the conversions are carried out in accordance with the reference points. Thus, the procedures for converting the wiring diagram into actual sizes have been completed when all the parts listed on the list are used as the reference point (step S 910 ). 
     In the conversion procedures described above, the conversion of the wiring diagram into the actual sizes are carried out while maintaining their angles. 
     Consequently, the wiring diagram being enlarged into the actual sizes shown in FIG. 31 can be generated. The wiring diagram thus generated is printed out on a paper by the printer  14 . Manufacturing process of the wiring harnesses can be carried out easily by pasting (or by directly printing) the wiring diagram shown in FIG. 31 onto a substrate for wiring. In other words, positions for allocating jigs for wiring (supporting members such as nails) can be determined easily and accurately on the actualized wiring diagram shown in FIG. 31 by just disposing the jigs on the arrangement. Similar to above, the independent wiring harness diagrams shown in both FIGS. 15 and 17 can be actualized to the actual sizes, and the independent wiring harness diagrams thus actualized can be used both for simplifying the manufacturing processes and for allocating jigs of wiring. 
     According to the embodiment described above, the wiring diagram is not actualized on the display screen of the display  6  for carrying out correction work easily. And the wiring diagram is printed out in the actual sizes for simplifying the manufacturing processes and for allocating jigs. 
     Although, the wiring diagram having actual sizes is printed out by the printer  14 , the actualized wiring diagram can be displayed on the display  6  as well as outputting that in a data format. 
     While, actualization of the wiring diagram or the independent wiring harness diagram is carried out in above embodiment, enlarged or shrank diagrams to their actual sizes can be outputted. 
     The wiring harness using the electric cable as the wiring is described in the embodiment described above, the present invention can also be applied to a wiring harness using optical fibers as the wiring. 
     Although, the CPU  22  shown in FIG.  1  and FIG. 22 is used for realizing functions described in above embodiments, a part of or all of the functions can be realized by using hardware such as logic circuits or the like. 
     While the invention has been described in its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the words which have been used and words of description rather than limitation and that changes within the purview of the appended claims may be made without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects.