Auxiliary device for adding copper particles in steel cord electroplating process and method for adding copper particles

By designing an auxiliary device for adding copper particles, the height of the copper particles can be mechanically adjusted, solving the problem of uneven current caused by uneven copper particle laying, improving electroplating quality and safety, and adapting to different steel wire spacing and diameters.

CN121496540APending Publication Date: 2026-02-10ZHANGJIAGANG JUNMA STEEL CORD CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511451974.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-10-11
Publication Date
2026-02-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the electroplating process of steel cord, uneven laying of copper particles leads to uneven current, affecting the coating thickness and cord adhesion, and manual smoothing poses a safety risk.

Method used

Design a copper particle adding auxiliary device, including a box, a smoothing block and a transmission structure, to adjust the height of the copper particles mechanically so that they are evenly laid out, avoiding manual contact and ensuring uniform current distribution.

Benefits of technology

This method achieves a uniform copper plating layer, improves the electroplating quality of steel cords, reduces safety risks, and enhances operational flexibility and efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of steel cord production, in particular to a steel cord electroplating process copper particle adding auxiliary device and a copper particle adding method.The steel cord electroplating process copper particle adding auxiliary device comprises a box body, and a transmission structure is arranged in the box body; the smoothing pressing blocks are connected to the first surface of the box body at equal intervals in the length direction of the box body, and each smoothing pressing block is connected with a transmission structure in the box body; and the handle is connected to the second surface of the box body through a connecting structure. The copper particles are mechanically smoothed through the smoothing pressing block, it is ensured that the heights of the copper particles at the bottom of the electroplating pool are consistent, and therefore it is ensured that current distribution is uniform, the thickness difference of a plating layer caused by the uneven copper particles is avoided, and the electroplating quality of the steel cord is improved; interference between the steel wire moving at a high speed and workers is avoided, and the safety risk is remarkably reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of steel cord production technology, and more specifically to an auxiliary device and method for adding copper particles in the electroplating process of steel cord. Background Technology

[0002] Steel cord production involves multiple processes such as dry drawing, electroplating, wet drawing, and twisting. The stability of product quality in the electroplating process directly affects the drawing and twisting processes in the wet drawing and twisting processes. The electroplating process involves copper plating, and the stability of the copper layer is particularly important. Uneven plating not only affects the wet drawing process but also has an adverse effect on the adhesion of the cord.

[0003] In copper electroplating, the bottom of the electroplating tank is an anode plate covered with copper particles. A steel wire serves as the cathode, and is covered by the plating solution, forming a complete circuit with the anode plate. Through an electrochemical reaction, copper is plated onto the steel wire. During this process, the copper particles dissolve into copper ions on the anode plate and enter the plating solution. The copper ions in the plating solution are reduced to copper and attached to the steel wire.

[0004] Centralized control production methods require that the copper particles be laid flat because, in the case of cathode rollers, each group operates in parallel circuits. Unevenness in the copper particles affects the uniformity of the current. Combined with... Figure 1 As shown, when the copper particles are placed high and close to the steel wire, the resistance is low, the current is high, and more copper is plated. When the copper particles are placed low and far away from the steel wire, the resistance is high, the current is low, and less copper is plated, resulting in an uneven coating on the steel wire.

[0005] like Figure 2 As shown, the process of smoothing copper particles inevitably involves human hands. The high speed of the steel wire production line causes interference between the high-speed moving steel wire and the workers' smoothing actions, which is very unsafe. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the technical problems existing in the addition of copper particles in the prior art, the first aspect of the present invention proposes a technical solution: an auxiliary device for adding copper particles in the electroplating process of steel cord, comprising:

[0007] The box body contains a transmission structure.

[0008] Multiple smoothing blocks are connected at equal intervals to the first surface of the box body along the length direction of the box body, and each of the smoothing blocks is connected to the transmission structure inside the box body;

[0009] A handle is connected to the second surface of the housing via a connecting structure, allowing the handle to rotate relative to the housing.

[0010] The first surface and the second surface are respectively opposite sides of the box body. Each smoothing block extends from the first surface of the box body in a direction perpendicular to the first surface and away from the second surface. The bottom surfaces of the multiple smoothing blocks are located in the same plane, and a gap is formed between two adjacent smoothing blocks to allow a steel wire to pass through. The transmission structure is configured to be operable to rotate each smoothing block synchronously to change the width of the gap.

[0011] Preferably, the smoothing block is constructed as a rectangular block, and is constructed as a rectangle along a tangent parallel to the first surface, and the four corners of the rectangle are rounded. When the smoothing block rotates, the gap is narrowest when the short sides of the smoothing block are close to each other, and the gap is widest when the long sides of the smoothing block are close to each other.

[0012] Preferably, when the gap is at its narrowest, it is larger than the diameter of the steel wire.

[0013] Preferably, the transmission structure includes an operating lever, a worm gear, and a worm wheel. The two ends of the operating lever are rotatably connected to the housing. Each smoothing block is connected to a worm wheel. The worm gear is arranged on the operating lever at a position corresponding to the worm wheel. When the operating lever rotates, all the worm gears and corresponding worm wheels mesh, causing each smoothing block to rotate around the axis of the worm wheel by a predetermined angle.

[0014] Preferably, the first end of the operating rod is provided with a retaining spring to keep the operating rod axially fixed to the box body, and the second end of the operating rod is connected with a nut.

[0015] Preferably, the connection structure includes a first toothed disc and a second toothed disc, the first toothed disc and the second toothed disc are elastically connected, the first toothed disc is connected to the handle, the second toothed disc is connected to the housing, the first toothed disc is rotatable relative to the axis of the second toothed disc, the length direction of the handle is perpendicular to the axis of the second toothed disc, and the length direction of the housing is perpendicular to the axis of the second toothed disc.

[0016] Preferably, a connecting rod is provided between the first and second toothed discs, the connecting rod is fitted with a spring, and the contact surfaces of the first and second toothed discs are provided with toothed surfaces, which are configured to allow only the first toothed disc to rotate unidirectionally relative to the second toothed disc.

[0017] Preferably, the smoothing block is made of insulating material.

[0018] Preferably, the handle is parallel or perpendicular to the length direction of the box body.

[0019] The second aspect of this invention provides a technical solution: a method for adding copper particles in a steel cord electroplating process, using the aforementioned copper particle adding auxiliary device, comprising the following steps:

[0020] Step S1: Pour copper granules into the bottom of the electroplating tank;

[0021] Step S2: Based on the spacing between the steel wires in the electroplating tank, operate the transmission structure so that the gap between each smoothing block can accommodate one steel wire.

[0022] Step S3: Hold the handle and make the length direction of the box perpendicular to the axis of the steel wire, control the box to move downward, so that multiple smoothing blocks extend into the gap between the steel wires;

[0023] Step S4: Push the box back and forth along the axis of the steel wire to smooth the copper particles at the bottom of the pool with the flattening block.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0025] This application uses a smoothing block to mechanically smooth copper particles, ensuring that the height of the copper particles at the bottom of the electroplating tank is uniform, thereby guaranteeing uniform current distribution and avoiding differences in plating thickness caused by uneven copper particle height. This improves the electroplating quality of steel cord. Since the auxiliary device replaces manual direct contact with copper particles and steel wires, it avoids interference between the high-speed moving steel wires and the operator, significantly reducing safety risks. At the same time, the gap width between the smoothing blocks is adjustable to accommodate different steel wire spacing and diameter, improving the versatility and flexibility of the device. In addition, since the handle can rotate relative to the box through the connecting structure, the operator can adjust the handle angle according to the site space, improving operating comfort and efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in the various figures may be denoted by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component is labeled in each figure. Embodiments of various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle behind uneven copper particles at the bottom of the electroplating tank.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating workers smoothing out copper particles on-site;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary device for adding copper particles in the electroplating process of steel cord as shown in this invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a dynamic schematic diagram of the handle rotating relative to the box body as shown in this invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure shown in this invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission structure inside the box shown in this invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing that the handle and the steel wire are parallel, as shown in this invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the handle and the steel wire being perpendicular, as shown in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To better understand the technical content of the present invention, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] {Example 1}

[0037] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, an auxiliary device for adding copper particles in a steel cord electroplating process includes a box body 10, a plurality of smoothing blocks 40 and a handle 30. The box body 10 is provided with a transmission structure. The plurality of smoothing blocks 40 are connected to the first surface of the box body 10 at equal intervals along the length direction of the box body 10. Each smoothing block 40 is connected to the transmission structure inside the box body 10.

[0038] This allows the operator to control the position of each smoothing block 40 by manipulating the transmission structure to accommodate steel wires with different spacing.

[0039] Furthermore, the handle 30 is connected to the second surface of the housing 10 via a connecting structure 20, allowing the handle 30 to rotate relative to the housing 10.

[0040] In this way, the operator can control the device through the handle 30, avoiding direct contact between the operator's hands and the electroplating tank, thus improving safety. At the same time, the rotatable design of the handle 30 allows the operator to adjust the angle of the handle 30 according to the space and posture of the site, improving the flexibility and comfort of operation.

[0041] The first surface and the second surface are opposite sides of the box body 10. Each smoothing block 40 extends from the first surface of the box body 10 in a direction perpendicular to the first surface and away from the second surface. The bottom surfaces of the multiple smoothing blocks 40 are located in the same plane, and a gap 41 for the steel wire to pass through is formed between two adjacent smoothing blocks 40.

[0042] The transmission structure is configured to be operable to rotate each smoothing block 40 synchronously to change the width of the gap 41.

[0043] In this way, the smoothing block 40 can extend from the top of the steel wire to the copper particle layer at the bottom of the electroplating tank. By adjusting the gap width through synchronous rotation, the device can accurately adapt to the steel wire spacing and achieve uniform smoothing of the copper particles. The coplanar design of the bottom surfaces of all the smoothing blocks 40 can ensure uniform distribution of smoothing pressure, avoid unevenness of copper particles in some areas, and make the electroplating tank have a relatively uniform electroplating effect.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, the smoothing block 40 is constructed as a rectangular block, and is constructed as a rectangle along a tangent parallel to the first surface, and the four corners of the rectangle have rounded corners.

[0045] Thus, when the smoothing block 40 rotates, the gap 41 is narrowest when the short sides of the smoothing block 40 are close to each other, and the gap 41 is widest when the long sides of the smoothing block 40 are close to each other.

[0046] It should be understood that the rectangular block design combined with rounded corners allows for smooth adjustment of the gap width during rotation, avoiding damage to the steel wire or copper particles from sharp edges. By switching between long and short sides, the gap width can be varied to adapt to different steel wire spacing requirements.

[0047] Preferably, when the gap 41 is at its narrowest, it is larger than the diameter of the steel wire.

[0048] This ensures that the smoothing block 40 can pass smoothly through the gap between the steel wires without getting stuck, guaranteeing smooth operation, while avoiding direct contact with the steel wires to prevent wear or short circuits.

[0049] In an optional embodiment, combined with Figure 6 As shown, the transmission structure includes an operating lever 11, a worm gear 12, and a worm wheel 13. The two ends of the operating lever 11 are rotatably connected to the housing 10.

[0050] Each smoothing block 40 is connected to a worm gear 13. A worm 12 is set on the operating lever 11 at the position corresponding to the worm gear 13. When the operating lever 11 is rotated, all the worms 12 and the corresponding worm gears 13 mesh, causing each smoothing block 40 to rotate around the axis of the worm gear 13 by a predetermined angle.

[0051] It should be understood that the worm gear transmission has a self-locking characteristic, so when the operating lever 11 stops rotating, the rotation angle of the smoothing block 40 can be precisely controlled. This control method can ensure that all smoothing blocks 40 move synchronously and that the gap 41 between adjacent smoothing blocks 40 is adjusted in a consistent manner.

[0052] Furthermore, the operating lever 11 allows the operator to rotate it, thereby simplifying the operation steps and improving efficiency.

[0053] Specifically, the first end of the operating lever 11 is provided with a retaining spring 111 to keep the operating lever 11 axially fixed to the housing 10, and the second end of the operating lever 11 is connected with a nut 112.

[0054] Thus, the rotation of the operating rod 11 can be controlled by rotating the nut 112. At the same time, the snap ring 111 and the nut 112 together fix the axial position of the operating rod, preventing loosening or displacement during operation and ensuring the stability and reliability of the transmission structure.

[0055] Combination Figure 5 As shown, the connection structure 20 includes a first toothed disk 21 and a second toothed disk 22, and the first toothed disk 21 and the second toothed disk 22 are elastically connected.

[0056] Specifically, the first gear 21 is connected to the handle 30, and the second gear 22 is connected to the box 10. The first gear 21 can rotate relative to the axis of the second gear 22. The length direction of the handle 30 is perpendicular to the axis of the second gear 22, and the length direction of the box 10 is perpendicular to the axis of the second gear 22.

[0057] Thus, through the cooperation of the first toothed disc 21 and the second toothed disc 22, the handle 30 can be positioned at multiple angles. The elastic connection provides a certain amount of cushioning to avoid rigid impact. The vertical design optimizes force transmission, making operation more effortless and adaptable to different operating postures.

[0058] In an optional embodiment, a connecting rod 23 is provided between the first toothed disc 21 and the second toothed disc 22, and a spring 24 is sleeved on the connecting rod 23. The contact surfaces of the first toothed disc 21 and the second toothed disc 22 are provided with toothed surfaces, which are configured to allow only the first toothed disc 21 to rotate unidirectionally relative to the second toothed disc 22.

[0059] In this way, the spring 24 provides a continuous clamping force to ensure stable meshing of the tooth surfaces (first tooth surface 211 and second tooth surface 221). The unidirectional rotation design prevents the handle 30 from rotating accidentally, maintains the set angle, and improves operational safety and accuracy.

[0060] Preferably, the smoothing block 40 is made of insulating material. The insulating material prevents the risk of short circuit or electric shock caused by current flowing through the device during the electroplating process, thereby enhancing safety.

[0061] The insulating material can be a polymer or a ceramic structure.

[0062] Combination Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the handle 30 is parallel or perpendicular to the length direction of the box body 10.

[0063] Thus, two handles with 30-position options are provided to adapt to different operating scenarios and space constraints. When parallel, it is convenient for vertical pushing and pulling, and when vertical, it is convenient for horizontal operation, thus improving the applicability of the device.

[0064] {Example 2}

[0065] The second aspect of this invention provides a technical solution: a method for adding copper particles in a steel cord electroplating process, using the aforementioned copper particle adding auxiliary device, comprising the following steps:

[0066] Step S1: Pour 200 copper granules into the bottom 100 of the electroplating tank;

[0067] Step S2: Based on the spacing between the steel wires in the electroplating tank, operate the transmission structure so that the gap 41 between each smoothing block 40 can accommodate one steel wire.

[0068] Step S3: Hold the handle 30 and make the length direction of the box 10 perpendicular to the axis of the steel wire. Control the box 10 to move downward so that multiple smoothing blocks 40 extend into the gap between the steel wires.

[0069] Step S4: Push the box 10 back and forth along the axis of the steel wire to make the bottom of the smoothing block 40 smooth the copper particles 200 on the bottom of the pool 100.

[0070] As mentioned above, using the copper particle addition auxiliary device to replace manual smoothing not only ensures that the copper particles are laid at a consistent height, but also prevents the operator's hands from interfering with the steel wire. This not only ensures that the electroplating current is evenly distributed and improves the coating quality, but also makes the operation safe and efficient, reducing interference with the production line. It is suitable for high-speed steel cord production lines.

[0071] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for adding copper particles in the electroplating process of steel cord, characterized in that, include: Box (10), wherein a transmission structure is provided inside the box (10); Multiple smoothing blocks (40) are connected at equal intervals to the first surface of the box body (10) along the length direction of the box body (10), and each of the smoothing blocks (40) is connected to the transmission structure inside the box body (10); A handle (30) is connected to the second surface of the housing (10) via a connecting structure (20), so that the handle (30) can rotate relative to the housing (10); The first surface and the second surface are respectively opposite sides of the box body (10). Each smoothing block (40) extends from the first surface of the box body (10) in a direction perpendicular to the first surface and away from the second surface. The bottom surfaces of the multiple smoothing blocks (40) are located in the same plane, and a gap (41) is formed between two adjacent smoothing blocks (40) for the passage of a steel wire. The transmission structure is configured to be operable to rotate each smoothing block (40) synchronously to change the width of the gap (41).

2. The auxiliary device for adding copper particles in the steel cord electroplating process according to claim 1, characterized in that, The smoothing block (40) is constructed as a rectangular block, and is constructed as a rectangle along a tangent parallel to the first surface, and the four corners of the rectangle are rounded. When the smoothing block (40) rotates, the gap (41) is narrowest when the short sides of the smoothing block (40) are close to each other, and the gap (41) is widest when the long sides of the smoothing block (40) are close to each other.

3. The auxiliary device for adding copper particles in the steel cord electroplating process according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the gap (41) is at its narrowest, it is greater than the diameter of the steel wire.

4. The auxiliary device for adding copper particles in the steel cord electroplating process according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission structure includes an operating lever (11), a worm (12), and a worm wheel (13). The two ends of the operating lever (11) are rotatably connected to the housing (10). Each smoothing block (40) is connected to a worm wheel (13). The worm (12) is arranged on the operating lever (11) at a position corresponding to the worm wheel (13). When the operating lever (11) rotates, all the worms (12) and the corresponding worm wheels (13) mesh, causing each smoothing block (40) to rotate a predetermined angle around the axis of the worm wheel (13).

5. The auxiliary device for adding copper particles in the steel cord electroplating process according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first end of the operating rod (11) is provided with a retaining ring (111) to keep the operating rod (11) and the box (10) axially fixed. The second end of the operating rod (11) is connected with a nut (112).

6. The auxiliary device for adding copper particles in the steel cord electroplating process according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection structure (20) includes a first toothed disc (21) and a second toothed disc (22). The first toothed disc (21) and the second toothed disc (22) are elastically connected. The first toothed disc (21) is connected to the handle (30), and the second toothed disc (22) is connected to the housing (10). The first toothed disc (21) can rotate relative to the axis of the second toothed disc (22). The length direction of the handle (30) is perpendicular to the axis of the second toothed disc (22), and the length direction of the housing (10) is perpendicular to the axis of the second toothed disc (22).

7. The auxiliary device for adding copper particles in the steel cord electroplating process according to claim 6, characterized in that, A connecting rod (23) is provided between the first toothed disc (21) and the second toothed disc (22). The connecting rod (23) is fitted with a spring (24). The contact surfaces of the first toothed disc (21) and the second toothed disc (22) are provided with toothed surfaces. The toothed surfaces are configured to allow only the first toothed disc (21) to rotate in one direction relative to the second toothed disc (22).

8. The auxiliary device for adding copper particles in the electroplating process of steel cord according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The smoothing block (40) is made of insulating material.

9. The copper particle addition auxiliary device for the steel cord electroplating process according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The handle (30) is parallel or perpendicular to the length direction of the box body (10).

10. A method for adding copper particles in the electroplating process of steel cord, characterized in that, Using the copper particle adding auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1-9 includes the following steps: Step S1: Pour copper granules (200) into the bottom (100) of the electroplating tank; Step S2: Based on the spacing between the steel wires in the electroplating tank, operate the transmission structure so that the gap (41) between each smoothing block (40) can accommodate one steel wire. Step S3: Hold the handle (30) so that the length direction of the box (10) is perpendicular to the axis of the steel wire, and control the box (10) to move downward so that multiple smoothing blocks (40) extend into the gap between the steel wires. Step S4: Push the box (10) back and forth along the axis of the steel wire to make the bottom of the smoothing block (40) smooth the copper particles (200) on the bottom of the pool (100).