Patent Publication Number: US-2002007657-A1

Title: Multi-draw wire drawing machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/193,946, filed Apr. 1, 2000. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] 1. Field of Invention  
       [0003] This invention relates generally to wire draw machines. More particularly, the invention relates to wire draw machines adapted for multiple drawing steps in in-line wire drawing operations.  
       [0004] 2. Description of Prior Art  
       [0005] In-line wire drawing machines typically draw unfinished wire, from a coil of unfinished wire, through a draw die to obtain wire of a desired size, and supply the finished wire to a using machine at a station located downstream of the wire drawing machine.  
       [0006] The reduction in wire size that is achievable in a single drawing operation (i.e., through a single draw die) is subject to and limited by certain physical constraints dependent on the characteristics of the machine and the wire being drawn such as the size, material, hardness and hardenability characteristics of the wire, the size and durability of the draw die, and the power available in the machine to pull the wire through the die.  
       [0007] Two single-draw machines (with the first machine feeding the second machine, and the second machine feeding the using station), or more typically, wire drawing machines having integral multiple drawing stations (i.e., including two or more draw dies) are used to obtain wire size reduction greater than is available through a single-draw machine. Such multi-draw machines are arranged with both horizontally and vertically oriented capstan axes. However, such prior multi-drawing operations, including prior multi-draw wire drawing machines present several problems and disadvantages.  
       [0008] As with the use of cascaded single-draw machines, prior multi-draw wire drawing machines are typically arranged with two or more draw stations horizontally aligned with one another, with one station feeding wire generally horizontally to the next station, and with each station substantially duplicating the other stations.  
       [0009] As a result, such conventional arrangements require the use of substantial floor space corresponding directly to the number of draw stations. In other words, a two-draw machine will take up approximately twice the floor space of a comparable single-draw machine.  
       [0010] Thus, there is a need for an in-line multi-draw wire drawing machine that requires less floor space that prior multi-draw wire draw machines.  
       [0011] Prior multiple-draw machines are generally adapted for simultaneous use of all of the draw stations in the machine. However, there are wire processing operations where, in certain instances, a single draw machine is suitable, and where in other instances, a multi-draw wire drawing machine is desirable or needed. Prior multiple-draw machines are generally incapable of such operations. As a result, the processing operation may purchase two machines for the two different operational requirements. Consequently, providing for such operations is additionally expensive, requiring the purchase of two machines, and the additional floor space required by both machines.  
       [0012] Thus, there is a need for an in-line wire drawing machine that is capable of both operating as a single-draw machine and a multi-draw machine.  
       [0013] In addition, there is an ever present need to simplify the construction and operation of multi-draw wire drawing machines in order to achieve reduced expense and increased reliability, and to provide such machines adapted for safe operations.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014] The general aim of the present invention is to provide a new and improved wire draw machine adapted for multiple draws of wire.  
       [0015] An objective of the invention is to achieve the foregoing by providing a multi-draw wire draw machine that uses substantially less floor space than prior multi-draw wire draw machines of the same general type.  
       [0016] Another objective of the invention is to provide a wire machine having multiple drawing stations that may operate either together in a multi-drawing operation, or independently of one another in single-draw operations.  
       [0017] A more detailed objective is to provide such independently operable wire drawing stations being independently controllable.  
       [0018] Another more detailed objective is to provide such independently operable stations which are mirrored or flipped and offset with respect to one another for reduction of costs, and for simplification of construction and operation in either operating mode.  
       [0019] These and other objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
       [0020] Briefly, a wire drawing machine in accordance with the present invention comprises vertically stacked wire-drawing stations adapted for simultaneous operation—to provide multi-draw capability, and each provided with independently operable controls and associated hardware such that each station is adapted for independent operation—to provide single-draw capability—from either and both stations simultaneously.  
       [0021] In carrying out preferred embodiments of the invention, the draw dies, capstans and certain associated wire flow-control hardware of the upper and lower wire drawing stations are arranged to substantially mirror each other along a horizontally extending plane. As a result, both the upper and lower stations are adapted to receive unfinished wire from the same side, and to provided drawn wire flowing in the same direction toward the opposite side in a conventional in-line manner, with the upper station thus being capable or alternately providing drawn wire to the lower station or to a using station downstream of the machine.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0022]FIG. 1 is a front view of a new and improved multi-draw wire draw machine in accordance with the present invention.  
     [0023]FIG. 2 is a right side view of the machine, the left side being closed by removable housing access panels.  
     [0024]FIG. 3 is a back view of portions of the machine shown with portions of the housing removed.  
     [0025]FIG. 4 is a top view of portions of the machine shown with the upper sheet metal housing panel removed.  
     [0026]FIG. 5 is a back view of portions of the machine.  
     [0027]FIG. 6 is right side view of portions of the machine shown without the housing.  
     [0028]FIG. 7 is a top view of portions of the machine.  
     [0029]FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of certain components of FIG. 5.  
     [0030]FIG. 9 is right side view of portions of the machine.  
     [0031]FIG. 10 is a back view of portions of the machine.  
     [0032]FIG. 11 is a top view of portions of the machine.  
     [0033]FIG. 12 is right side view of portions of the machine, and showing an electrical control box on the forward side thereof and a manual control button-box connected thereto by a flexible electrical bundled wire connection.  
     [0034]FIG. 13 is a back view of portions of the machine.  
     [0035]FIGS. 14 and 15 are enlarged views of certain components of FIG. 12. 
    
    
     [0036] While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment has been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0037] For purposes of illustration, the present invention is shown in the drawings as multi-draw wire draw machine  10  adapted for use in in-line wire drawing operations.  
     [0038] Attached hereto, and made a part hereof by reference is a copy of U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,675 which describes a wire drawing machine equipped with an integral turntable. The basic structure, function and operation of the wire draw stations of machine  10  is similar to the machine of said patent, except for provision of integral turntable and associated components, and except as described herein in connection with the present invention; said patent being included for identification and explanation of such associated components and operations thereof of the wire drawing stations of machine  10  herein.  
     [0039] In accordance with the present invention, the wire draw machine  10  is uniquely adapted for both single and multiple drawing of wire within a relatively small floor space as compared with prior multi-draw machines.  
     [0040] Briefly, the wire draw machine  10  comprises upper and lower wire draw stations,  20  and  30 , respectively. As will become apparent, the two stations are adapted for operating either independently of one another, or together for multiple wire drawing operations. Accordingly, the upper and lower capstans  40  and  42 , respectively, are provided with independently operable drive motors  32  and  34 , respectively, and associated speed controls.  
     [0041] During multi-draw operations, the wire enters and is drawn through the upper station, whereupon the wire is then drawn through the lower station. The finished wire is feed to a wire using machine or station (not shown) forwardly of the machine  10 . The general path  8  of the wire during multi-draw operations is shown in FIG. 6. It is noted that the capstans are not shown in this figure, as well as some of the other figures, the capstan mountings  14  instead being shown, but the general wire path being shown at approximately the capstan outer diameter. It is further noted that the compensating arms  46  shown in the drawings are generally shown at one or both of the two extremes of their operating strokes, with their normal operating positions being therebetween such as indicated by the wire path lines shown.  
     [0042] In this instance, the upper electric motor  32  power rotates the upper capstan  40  with wire wrapped therearound to draw the wire from a coil of wire (not shown), located behind the machine, through the upper draw die  44 . Upon exiting the upper capstan, the wire travels around the upper speed compensating roller/arm assembly  46 . At the lower station, a second electric motor  34  power rotates the lower capstan  42  with the wire wrapped therearound to draw the wire from the upper station through the lower draw die  48 . From the lower capstan, the wire is pulled around lower speed compensating roller/arm assembly  50 , and is drawn into a wire using machine or station (not shown) located forwardly of the machine. The wire is held to the capstan by manually operated wire containment rolls  66  or other suitable arrangements.  
     [0043] It will be understood that the upper and lower draw dies are oriented for convenience of desired wire paths. In the embodiment shown, the upper draw die is positioned for entrance from a substantially horizontal wire path for relatively low wire entry path. The axis of the lower draw die is slightly rotated from horizontal for convenient alignment with and smooth flow of wire from the upper station.  
     [0044] The controls for the upper and lower stations are adapted to operate either together, for multi-draw operations, or independently of one another for operation of either station independently. The capstans are controlled by AC drive motors for independent operation. The speed compensating arms shown utilize non-contact cam and proximity sensors such that as the distance increases between the cam and the sensor, the speed of the capstan increases. Other capstan speed control mechanisms are known and may be adapted for use herewith.  
     [0045] As shown with upper and lower wire path lines  4  and  6  respectively, in FIG. 12, both the upper and lower wire draw stations are adapted to draw wire from a coil of wire located behind the machine, and to supply finish drawn wire to a using station located forwardly of the machine for optional independent operations. To this end, the machine is optionally fitted with guide rollers  18  for guiding the wire into the angularly oriented lower die box, and other guide rollers and supports as desired for guiding the wire into and out of the machine.  
     [0046] In carrying out the invention, the combined operations and orientations of the draw die and capstan, and in the embodiment shown the speed compensating arm and associated control components of the generally convention arrangement of the lower station are substantially mirrored or flipped about a substantially horizontally extending axis for positioning and operations at the upper station. This arrangement permits both stations to receive wire from a coil of wire located behind the machine, and to supply finish drawn wire to a using station located forwardly of the machine. Moreover, maintaining essentially the same operational relationships between the components of the upper and lower stations permits the use of many of the same or substantially similar component parts to assist in achieving a lower cost multi-draw machine.  
     [0047] In preferred embodiments, the upper station, including the capstan and draw die, and in particular the speed compensating arm and associated control components, are laterally offset from the lower station, and are positioned such that the upper speed compensating arm is aligned with the lower draw die such that wire exiting therefrom is aligned for entrance into the lower station. In this instance, the upper-capstan speed controls are responsive to use of wire by the lower drawing station.  
     [0048] With this arrangement, the capstans rotate in opposite directions. Advantageously, during multi-draw operations, the counter-rotating capstans assist in removing the precast in the wire, resulting in wire with improved tensile strength and elasticity.  
     [0049] In further keeping with the invention, the machine  10  is equipped with a unique housing arrangement that is adapted for operator safety considerations while enabling convenient startup and operation of the machine. In carrying out this aspect of the invention, the housing comprises removable panels generally designated as item  60  that are secured in place with threaded fasteners  62  or other removable fasteners, to cover the entire side of the machine opposite the capstan, and to substantially cover the front and rear sides of the machine. Windows  64  are provided in the housing at the front and back of the machine at the wire entry and exit locations. In the embodiment shown, the back windows are also sized to permit the speed compensating arm to extend outwardly therefrom when in its outer-most position, and the front windows are sized for access to a manually actuated wire containment clamps  66  for clamping the last wrap of wire onto the capstan after the side door is closed and prior to starting the machine.  
     [0050] The side of the machine adjacent the capstan is provided with a door  68  mounted to the frame with hinges  70  to provide operator access for initial wire rigging prior to starting the machine. The door is provided with windows  72  for viewing the wire generally between the draw die and the capstan to enable monitoring thereof; these windows are preferably covered with a mesh screen or like material for operator safety purposes. An electrical interlock operatively connected between the door and the machine controls prevents the machine to be turned on for operations while the door is open, and automatically shuts the machine down if the door is opened during wire drawing operations.  
     [0051] Those skilled in the art will appreciate alternate embodiments that fall within multi-draw machine of the present invention. Without limitations, such embodiments include arranging the lower drawing station to optionally feed the upper station during multi-draw operations, and the use of alternate speed control arrangements suitable for use with such wire drawing stations and machines.