Apparatus for transferring wires that have been cut into lengths from a wire bundle into a single layer

Abstract

An apparatus for extricating and transferring wires cut into lengths from a loose, random wire bundle into a single layer of parallel wires, the apparatus comprising a fanning device for fanning out the wire bundle (B) into a plurality of random wire layers at least one extraction device for extracting a partial bundle (T, T′) of wires (D) from the fanned-out wire layers (F) a wire guide conduit inclined relative to the horizontal and a portioning device for extracting an intermediate bundle (Z) from the partial bundle, transferring the intermediate bundle into an operative range of combing-out devices, and forming a bundle (K) to be combed out wherein each combing-out device has a plurality of continuously drivable combing-out wheels having a rotation direction and being distributed over the length of the wires (D) to be processed, and provided with teeth for combing out the wires (D), and wherein the rotation direction of the combing-out wheels is oriented counter to the inclination of the wire guide conduit.

1 . An apparatus for extricating and transferring wires cut into lengths from a loose, random wire bundle into a single layer of parallel wires, the apparatus comprising:
 a fanning device for fanning out the wire bundle into a plurality of random wire layers;   at least one extraction device for extracting a partial bundle of wires from the fanned-out wire layers;   a wire guide conduit inclined relative to the horizontal; and   a portioning device for extracting an intermediate bundle from the partial bundle, transferring the intermediate bundle into an operative range of combing-out devices, and forming a bundle to be combed out;   wherein each combing-out device has a plurality of continuously drivable combing-out wheels having a rotation direction and being distributed over the length of the wires to be processed, and provided with teeth for combing out the wires, and   wherein the rotation direction of the combing-out wheels is oriented counter to the inclination of the wire guide conduit.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the wire guide conduit comprises a plurality of parallel wire chutes each having cooperating, parallel-extending upper and lower guide ledges, the lower guide ledges having upper ends with a less-inclined contour and lower ends protruding past the upper guide ledges and being provided with a stop for wires emerging from the wire chutes. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the wire chutes have a working width predetermined by adjustment of the upper and lower guide ledges. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the teeth on the combing-out wheels are positioned to be flush with the lower edge of the upper guide ledges. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the combing-out wheels are adjustable vertically to the wire guide conduit. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fanning device has at least two horizontally extending, drivable fan chains for fanning out the wires of the wire bundle. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the extraction device for the partial bundle has at least two drivable, horizontally extending conveyor chains, and the partial bundle is deposited in a collection tray. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein for extricating the partial bundle, the extraction device comprises a preportioning device and a conveyor device for forming the partial bundle, the conveyor device having at least two drivable, horizontally extending conveyor chains. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the preportioning device has at least one drivable disk with an adjustable bucket, which has an adjustable cutting edge for cutting the wires in the fanned-out wire layers. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the portioning device has at least one drivable magnet wheel, which has at least one magnet on its circumference. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the magnet is an electromagnet. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the portioning device has at least one drivable magnet wheel, which has at least one magnet on its circumference for engaging and holding the wires of the intermediate bundle in a single layer. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the portioning device has at least two drivable chains, which have at least one driver for combing out the intermediate bundle. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising a stripper device for stripping off the intermediate bundle from the portioning device. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a filler device for initial filling of the wire chutes, wherein the filler device includes a plurality of drivable filler chains extending parallel to the wire chutes, each of the filler chains having a termination element protruding into the wire chutes. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said combing-out wheels are distributed uniformly over the length of the wires to be processed. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the teeth of the combing-out wheels are rounded at their tips. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the two drivable chains extend obliquely upward.