Guide wheel set device for steel wire production

By installing baffles and temperature flow control units in the cooling pipes of the guide wheel assembly, combined with thermal barrier sleeves and non-contact seals, the problem of overheating failure of the guide wheel assembly at high temperatures is solved, achieving efficient cooling and improved reliability.

CN223792676UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-13SHANDONG CHUANGDA STEEL WIRE PROD CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522553965.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-02
Publication Date
2026-01-13
Estimated Expiration
2035-12-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing guide wheel assemblies are prone to failure and damage due to overheating when guiding and conveying high-temperature steel wires after heat treatment. Furthermore, existing cooling methods suffer from low efficiency, resource waste, and negative impacts on the performance of the steel wires.

Method used

The cooling pipes are equipped with internal baffles to form a reciprocating cooling flow channel. Combined with a temperature flow control unit and a thermal barrier sleeve, this achieves efficient cooling of the bearings. Non-contact seals prevent contaminants from entering, forming a dual protection of internal water cooling and external heat insulation.

Benefits of technology

This effectively cooled the bearings, avoiding the impact on steel wire performance and resource waste, and improving the reliability of the equipment and simplifying the layout of the production line.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a guide wheel set device for steel wire production, and relates to the technical field of steel wire production devices and guide structures. Comprising a plurality of guide wheel units which are arranged in parallel, each guide wheel unit comprises a guide wheel and a bearing installed in the center of an inner hole of the guide wheel, and the guide wheel units are rotatably arranged on a cooling pipeline serving as a center supporting shaft in a sleeving mode; the inner ring of the bearing in each guide wheel unit is matched with the peripheral wall of the cooling pipeline; one end of the cooling pipeline is a closed end, and the other end of the cooling pipeline is an open end which is respectively communicated with the water inlet joint and the water outlet joint; a partition plate is arranged in the cooling pipeline in the axial direction of the cooling pipeline and divides an inner cavity of the cooling pipeline into a water inlet runner and a water outlet runner which communicate with each other. The water inlet flow channel is communicated with the water inlet connector, and the water outlet flow channel is communicated with the water outlet connector. On the basis, the guide wheel set structure solves the problems that when an existing guide wheel set structure is used for guiding and conveying a steel wire subjected to heat treatment, the steel wire fails due to overheating and is damaged.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of steel wire production equipment and guiding structure, specifically a guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of steel wire, guide rollers (assemblies) are commonly used guiding and conveying components. For example, in the guide roller device for a traction machine in a steel wire stabilization treatment production line provided by patent CN208249542U, the steel wire is guided by contact between the top part of the guide roller. Heat treatment is a key step in giving steel wire specific mechanical properties. After heat treatment, the high-temperature steel wire needs to be guided by the guide roller assembly to the next process. Conventional guide roller assemblies usually include multiple parallel guide rollers, a central shaft, and bearings located between the guide rollers and the central shaft. However, in practical applications, when guiding and conveying heat-treated steel wire, this structure faces the problem of overheating failure and damage. Specifically:

[0003] During the heat treatment process, the steel wire is heated to temperatures of several hundred degrees Celsius, such as 400°C or even higher. During the guiding process, as the hot steel wire continues to contact the guide wheel surface, a large amount of heat is transferred to the entire guide wheel body through heat conduction, eventually accumulating on the support bearing at the center of the guide wheel. Ordinary bearings and their lubricating grease will fail and be damaged under the continuous action of high temperatures. The grease will carbonize and leak, losing its lubricating function; the bearing rolling elements and raceways will experience a decrease in hardness due to high-temperature annealing, resulting in plastic deformation; and thermal expansion may also cause the internal clearance of the bearing to disappear, leading to seizure. Once the bearing fails, the guide wheel cannot rotate, resulting in severe sliding friction with the high-speed moving steel wire. This not only severely wears down the guide wheel surface but also causes serious quality defects such as scratches and scoring on the steel wire surface, while also posing safety hazards such as wire breakage.

[0004] To address overheating issues, some existing technologies employ external cooling methods, such as spraying cooling water onto the guide wheel assembly or blowing powerful cold air. However, these external cooling methods have drawbacks in practical applications. Specifically: while water spraying can remove some heat, the direct contact of the cooling water with the high-temperature steel wire can cause localized, rapid cooling of the wire surface, leading to uneven microstructure or thermal shock cracks, thus affecting the wire's final mechanical properties. Furthermore, the large amount of water vapor generated can deteriorate the workshop environment and corrode surrounding equipment; splashing water droplets and scale can easily contaminate the steel wire surface and bearing area, further accelerating wear and corrosion. Additionally, this open cooling method results in significant heat loss, leading to high water consumption and low energy efficiency. While blowing powerful cold air avoids the aforementioned drawbacks of water spraying, its cooling capacity is often insufficient to continuously control the bearing temperature within a safe range when faced with continuous heat input of several hundred degrees Celsius. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production, so as to solve the problems of overheating failure and damage faced by the existing guide wheel assembly structure when guiding and conveying heat-treated steel wire, as mentioned in the background art.

[0006] This utility model is achieved using the following technical solution:

[0007] A guide wheel assembly for steel wire production includes several guide wheel units arranged in parallel. Each guide wheel unit includes a guide wheel and a bearing installed at the center of the guide wheel's inner hole. The guide wheel units are rotatably mounted on a cooling pipe that serves as a central support shaft. The inner ring of the bearing in each guide wheel unit mates with the outer peripheral wall of the cooling pipe. One end of the cooling pipe is closed, and the other end is open, with the open end communicating with an inlet connector and an outlet connector, respectively. A partition is arranged axially inside the cooling pipe, dividing the inner cavity of the cooling pipe into a connected inlet channel and an outlet channel. The inlet channel communicates with the inlet connector, and the outlet channel communicates with the outlet connector.

[0008] In the guide wheel assembly device provided by this utility model, cooling water can flow in the pipes adjacent to the inner ring of the bearing by setting up cooling pipes, thereby directly and efficiently removing heat. Specifically, by setting up baffles, a reciprocating cooling pipe is formed, achieving the function of a dual flow channel within a single pipe. This forces the cooling water to reciprocate within the pipe, increasing cooling time and thoroughness, thus achieving a better cooling effect. Furthermore, since the cooling water can enter and exit at the same end of the cooling pipe, the inlet and outlet pipes and other equipment can be centrally arranged on the same side, eliminating the need to reserve space and arrange pipes and equipment on the other side of the device. This greatly simplifies the production line layout, effectively reduces installation complexity, and minimizes space occupation.

[0009] Furthermore, one end of the partition is connected to the open end, and the partition is located between the inlet connector and the outlet connector; the other end of the partition extends toward the closed end, but a communication gap is left between the partition and the closed end, and the communication gap connects the inlet channel and the outlet channel.

[0010] In the above solution, a dual-channel system is achieved through a partition, which has the advantages of simple structure and low cost; the size of the connecting gap can be set and adjusted by those skilled in the art according to actual needs.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a temperature and flow control unit, which includes a temperature sensor, a controller, and a flow control actuator. The controller is communicatively connected to the temperature sensor and the flow control actuator, respectively. The temperature sensor is installed in the water outlet connector, or in the water outlet pipe connected to the water outlet connector, or in the return water tank connected to the water outlet pipe.

[0012] In the above scheme, a closed-loop feedback regulation mechanism is constructed by setting a temperature flow control unit, which can achieve better cooling effect. Specifically, the return water temperature is monitored in real time by a temperature sensor, which reflects the heat load of the guide wheel assembly. The controller adjusts the cooling water flow rate according to the deviation between the return water temperature and the set value. For example, when the steel wire temperature is high and the friction between the steel wire and the guide wheel is large due to high production load or high speed, the return water temperature will be too high, and the temperature flow control unit will increase the cooling water flow rate to ensure sufficient cooling. When the steel wire temperature decreases due to reduced load, short-term shutdown, or production of low-specification steel wire, the return water temperature will decrease, and the temperature flow control unit will decrease the cooling water flow rate to avoid over-cooling and unnecessary waste of water and electricity. Based on this, the operating temperature of the guide wheel assembly can be accurately stabilized within an ideal range, and energy saving and consumption reduction are achieved.

[0013] Furthermore, the flow control actuator is an electric proportional regulating valve installed on the water inlet pipe connected to the water inlet connector, or a frequency converter connected to the water pump motor of the water source.

[0014] In the above scheme, the electric proportional regulating valve can regulate the cooling water flow rate acting on the guide wheel assembly by controlling the flow rate of cooling water entering the inlet connector; the frequency converter can regulate the cooling water flow rate acting on the guide wheel assembly by controlling the flow rate of cooling water pumped out by the water pump.

[0015] Furthermore, an annular thermal barrier sleeve with low thermal conductivity is provided between the outer ring of the bearing and the inner wall of the guide wheel.

[0016] In the above solution, by adding a thermal barrier sleeve, a dual protection system is formed, combining internal water cooling and external thermal insulation. This effectively prevents the bearing temperature from becoming too high. Specifically, the thermal barrier sleeve, with its low thermal conductivity, establishes an effective heat flow barrier between the high-temperature guide wheel and the bearing, significantly reducing the heat transferred from the guide wheel to the bearing. This reduces the heat generated by the bearing itself, alleviating the burden on the internal cooling system. Thus, the thermal barrier sleeve reduces heat intrusion through external thermal insulation, while internal water cooling efficiently removes residual heat and heat generated by the bearing's own operation. Together, they ensure the bearing operates at a low temperature. Furthermore, even in extreme cases such as a momentary shortage of cooling water flow or an abnormal surge in external temperature, the thermal barrier sleeve provides a buffer and protection for the bearing, preventing the bearing temperature from suddenly running out of control. This buys time for system adjustments and troubleshooting, thereby improving reliability.

[0017] Furthermore, the thermal barrier sheath is made of engineering ceramics or high-temperature resistant composite materials.

[0018] In the above scheme, engineering ceramics have the advantages of low thermal conductivity, high strength, high hardness and good thermal shock resistance, while high temperature resistant composite materials also have low thermal conductivity and sufficient mechanical strength.

[0019] Furthermore, a V-shaped or U-shaped groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the guide wheel.

[0020] In the above scheme, the steel wire can be stably guided by setting V-shaped or U-shaped grooves.

[0021] Furthermore, each of the guide wheel units also includes a seal, which includes two inner sealing rings and two outer sealing rings; the two inner sealing rings are respectively connected to both sides of the inner ring of the bearing, and the two outer sealing rings are respectively connected to both sides of the inner hole of the guide wheel; toothed structures are provided on the outer surfaces of the two inner sealing rings and the inner surfaces of the two outer sealing rings; the toothed structures on the inner sealing rings and the toothed structures on the outer sealing rings located on the same side are in a staggered but non-contact fit relationship.

[0022] In the above solution, the interlaced but non-contact toothed structures on the inner and outer sealing rings can form a narrow and tortuous fluid channel. This fluid channel generates a throttling effect and centrifugal force, which can prevent external contaminants (such as iron oxide scale brought by steel wire and workshop dust) from entering, while also preventing grease leakage. Furthermore, since it is a non-contact seal, there is no friction and wear problem as with traditional rubber oil seals, nor is there any risk of rubber material aging, hardening, or failure at high temperatures, thus providing long-term and reliable protection for the bearing.

[0023] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are:

[0024] A guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production is provided. By setting a cooling pipe as a central support shaft, cooling water can flow in the pipe adjacent to the inner ring of the bearing, thereby directly and efficiently removing heat to achieve a good cooling effect on the bearing and guide wheel. In particular, by setting a baffle, a reciprocating cooling pipe is formed, which achieves better cooling effect and simplifies the production line layout.

[0025] Compared with existing spray cooling water methods, this invention does not require cooling water to directly contact the high-temperature steel wire, thus avoiding the impact on the performance of the steel wire, preventing pollution from water vapor and splashing water droplets, and achieving efficient utilization of water resources; compared with existing blowing cooling air methods, this invention has a better cooling effect and can continuously control the bearing temperature within a safe range. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the guide wheel assembly device described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cooling pipe in the guide wheel assembly device described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal barrier sleeve in the guide wheel assembly device described in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing element in the guide wheel assembly device described in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Cooling pipe; 2. Guide wheel; 3. Bearing; 4. Water outlet connector; 5. Water inlet connector; 6. Connecting gap; 7. Baffle plate; 8. Thermal barrier sleeve; 9. Inner sealing ring; 10. Outer sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] This embodiment provides a guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 It includes several guide wheel units arranged in parallel, specifically:

[0034] Several guide wheel units are arranged side by side and rotatably mounted on the cooling pipe 1, which serves as the central support shaft. In this embodiment, the cooling pipe 1 is a hollow cylinder made of a corrosion-resistant and thermally conductive material (e.g., 304 or 316 stainless steel).

[0035] Each guide wheel unit includes a guide wheel 2, and a bearing 3 is press-fitted or fixed in the center hole of the guide wheel 2. The inner ring of the bearing 3 is interference-fitted with the outer peripheral wall of the cooling pipe 1. In this embodiment, a V-shaped (or U-shaped) groove is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the guide wheel 2; and in order to resist the wear of the high-temperature steel wire, the guide wheel 2 is made of wear-resistant alloy steel (such as high-chromium cast iron or tool steel), and its outer peripheral surface in contact with the steel wire is provided with a hard alloy spray coating (which can be a layer of tungsten carbide sprayed using supersonic flame spraying (HVOF) technology) or a ceramic wear-resistant ring (which can be made of engineering ceramics such as silicon nitride or zirconium oxide). In this embodiment, the bearing 3 is preferably a high-temperature resistant deep groove ball bearing 3, which can operate at temperatures above 350°C and is filled with high-temperature grease such as perfluoropolyether. In particular, in order to cope with the thermal expansion of various components during operation, the selected bearing 3 should have a larger radial clearance than ordinary bearing 3 (e.g., C3 or C4 clearance group), which can effectively avoid excessive internal stress and jamming of bearing 3 caused by thermal expansion.

[0036] One end of the cooling pipe 1 is a closed end and the other end is an open end. The open end is connected to the water inlet connector 5 and the water outlet connector 4 respectively. The water inlet connector 5 and the water outlet connector 4 are connected to the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe respectively. The water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are connected to the water source (through a water pump) and the return water pool respectively. In this embodiment, a long strip-shaped baffle 7 is welded or otherwise fixed along the axial direction inside the cooling pipe 1. The width of the baffle 7 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the cooling pipe 1, thereby dividing the circular cross-sectional space inside the cooling pipe 1 into two, forming a connected water inlet channel located above and a water outlet channel located below. The water inlet channel is connected to the water inlet connector 5, and the water outlet channel is connected to the water outlet connector 4. One end of the baffle 7 is connected to the pipe wall or end cap (non-closed) at the open end, and the baffle 7 is located between the water inlet connector 5 and the water outlet connector 4. The other end of the baffle 7 extends toward the closed end, but a connecting gap 6 is left between the baffle 7 and the inner wall of the closed end, which connects the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel.

[0037] This device also includes a temperature and flow control unit (not shown in the figure), which includes a temperature sensor, a controller, and a flow control actuator. The controller is communicatively connected to the temperature sensor and the flow control actuator. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor can be a Pt100 resistance temperature detector (RTD) or a K-type thermocouple, and is installed in the outlet pipe connected to the outlet connector 4 (in other embodiments, it can also be installed in the outlet connector 4 or the return water tank connected to the outlet pipe). The controller can be a dedicated PID temperature controller or a PLC module, which has one or more target temperature values ​​or temperature ranges preset inside. The flow control actuator is an electric proportional regulating valve installed on the inlet pipe (in other embodiments, it can also be a frequency converter connected to the water pump motor of the water source). The controller can control the opening of the valve by outputting an electrical signal, thereby regulating the cooling water flow.

[0038] Based on the above structure, this guide wheel assembly works as follows:

[0039] After the production line starts, several high-temperature steel wires from the heat treatment tank continuously pass through the guide wheel assembly. Heat is transferred from the steel wires to the guide wheel 2, and then to the bearing 3 and cooling pipe 1. After the cooling process begins, cooling water is continuously pumped from the water source by a water pump, enters the inlet connector 5 through the inlet pipe, and then enters the inlet channel in the cooling pipe 1. The cooling water flows along the pipe axis to the closed end in the inlet channel, and then turns through the connecting gap 6 to enter the outlet channel. Subsequently, the cooling water flows to the open end in the outlet channel, and finally exits from the outlet connector 4, and flows into the return water pool through the outlet pipe. Based on the continuous and circulating flow of cooling water, the bearing 3 in the guide wheel assembly can be stably cooled and cooled.

[0040] During the above process, the temperature sensor monitors the return water temperature in the outlet pipe in real time. The controller compares the measurement results of the temperature sensor with the target temperature value or temperature range to determine the heat load level of the guide wheel assembly. Based on the judgment result, the controller activates the flow control actuator to perform corresponding actions. For example, if the return water temperature is too high, it means that the heat load level is exceeded. The controller will increase the opening of the electric proportional regulating valve, which acts as the flow control actuator, to increase the cooling water flow and thus enhance the cooling capacity. As the temperature of the guide wheel assembly decreases, the return water temperature will also decrease. When the heat load level falls back to the safe range, the controller will decrease the opening of the electric proportional regulating valve to save water and electricity and prevent excessive cooling of the steel wire.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] This embodiment also provides a guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production. Based on embodiment 1, it adds a thermal barrier sleeve 8 and a sealing element. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , specifically:

[0043] For each guide wheel unit, an annular thermal barrier sleeve 8 is provided between the outer ring of the bearing 3 and the inner wall of the guide wheel 2. This thermal barrier sleeve 8 is tightly fitted onto the outer ring of the bearing 3 and fixed to the inner wall of the guide wheel 2 by an interference fit. In this embodiment, the thermal barrier sleeve 8 is made of a material with extremely low thermal conductivity and capable of withstanding high temperatures, such as engineering ceramics (e.g., zirconium oxide, with a thermal conductivity of only 2 W / (m²)). (k) or high-temperature resistant composite materials (such as high-temperature resistant resin-based composite materials reinforced with glass fiber or carbon fiber).

[0044] Based on the aforementioned thermal barrier sleeve 8, a dual protection system is formed by the combined action of internal water cooling and external heat insulation. That is, the thermal barrier sleeve 8 reduces heat intrusion through external heat insulation, while internal water cooling efficiently removes residual heat and heat generated by the operation of the bearing 3 itself. Together, they ensure the low-temperature operation of the bearing 3.

[0045] Each guide wheel unit is equipped with a non-contact seal. The seal includes two inner sealing rings 9 and two outer sealing rings 10, which are nested. The two inner sealing rings 9 are respectively connected to both sides of the inner ring of the bearing 3, and the two outer sealing rings 10 are respectively connected to both sides of the inner hole of the guide wheel 2. The outer surfaces of the two inner sealing rings 9 and the inner surfaces of the two outer sealing rings 10 are provided with toothed structures. The toothed structures on the inner sealing rings 9 and the outer sealing rings 10 on the same side are interlocked but do not contact each other.

[0046] Based on the above-mentioned seal, a narrow and tortuous fluid channel can be formed. This fluid channel will generate a throttling effect and centrifugal force, thereby preventing the intrusion of external contaminants (such as iron oxide scale brought by steel wire and workshop dust) and preventing grease leakage.

[0047] It should be noted that the parts not described in detail or in detail in the above solution, such as the specific principle of the controller linking the flow control actuator to perform corresponding actions based on the temperature sensor measurement results, and the specific cooperation method between the guide wheel and the bearing, are all existing technologies and do not belong to the improvements made by this utility model to the existing technology, nor are they within the protection scope of the technical solution of this utility model. Therefore, they will not be elaborated on in this article.

[0048] Of course, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the above examples, and all equivalent changes and improvements made by those skilled in the art within the scope of this utility model should be included in the patent coverage of this utility model.

Claims

1. A guide wheel assembly for steel wire production, comprising a plurality of guide wheel units arranged in parallel, each guide wheel unit comprising a guide wheel (2) and a bearing (3) installed at the center of the inner hole of the guide wheel (2), characterized in that: Several of the guide wheel units are rotatably mounted on the cooling pipe (1) which serves as the central support shaft; the inner ring of the bearing (3) in each guide wheel unit is engaged with the outer peripheral wall of the cooling pipe (1); The cooling pipe (1) has a closed end at one end and an open end at the other end, and the open end is connected to the water inlet connector (5) and the water outlet connector (4) respectively. The cooling pipe (1) has a baffle (7) arranged along its axial direction inside. The baffle (7) divides the inner cavity of the cooling pipe (1) into a connected water inlet channel and a water outlet channel. The water inlet channel is connected to the water inlet connector (5), and the water outlet channel is connected to the water outlet connector (4).

2. The guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the partition (7) is connected to the open end, and the partition (7) is located between the water inlet connector (5) and the water outlet connector (4); The other end of the partition (7) extends toward the closed end, but there is a connecting gap (6) between the partition (7) and the closed end, which connects the inlet channel and the outlet channel.

3. The guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a temperature and flow control unit, which includes a temperature sensor, a controller, and a flow control actuator. The controller is communicatively connected to the temperature sensor and the flow control actuator, respectively. The temperature sensor is installed in the water outlet connector (4), or in the water outlet pipe connected to the water outlet connector (4), or in the return water tank connected to the water outlet pipe.

4. The guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flow control actuator is an electric proportional regulating valve installed on the inlet pipe connected to the inlet connector (5), or a frequency converter connected to the water pump motor of the water source.

5. The guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production according to claim 1, characterized in that: An annular thermal barrier sleeve (8) is provided between the outer ring of the bearing (3) and the inner wall of the guide wheel (2).

6. The guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production according to claim 5, characterized in that: The thermal barrier sheath (8) is made of engineering ceramics or composite materials.

7. The guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer circumferential surface of the guide wheel (2) is provided with a V-shaped or U-shaped groove.

8. The guide wheel assembly device for steel wire production according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the guide wheel units also includes a seal, which includes two inner sealing rings (9) and two outer sealing rings (10); the two inner sealing rings (9) are respectively connected to both sides of the inner ring of the bearing (3), and the two outer sealing rings (10) are respectively connected to both sides of the inner hole of the guide wheel (2); Toothed structures are provided on the outer surfaces of the two inner sealing rings (9) and the inner surfaces of the two outer sealing rings (10); the toothed structures on the inner sealing rings (9) and the toothed structures on the outer sealing rings (10) located on the same side are interlocked but do not contact each other.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Steel wire stabilizing treatment is tractor guide device for production line

    CN208249542U