Wire insertion apparatus, particularly for forming presses

A wire insertion apparatus for forming presses and comprising at least one pair of insertion rollers between which a wire or rod is periodically advanced by a predetermined insertion length, a crank and connecting rod mechanism connecting at least one of said insertion rollers to drive shaft for producing a periodic angular movement of said at least one of said insertion rollers, said mechanism comprising an intermediate lever member pivotally mounted about an axis, a first linkage rod connecting said intermediate lever member with a first eccentric on said drive shaft for pivoting said intermediate lever member, a second linkage rod connecting said intermediate lever member with a second eccentric mounted on said at least one insertion roller for producing said angular movement in response to pivotal motion of said intermediate lever member, shifting motor means mounted on said axis for changing the distance between said axis and the pivot point connection between said intermediate lever member and said second linkage rod and thereby changing the degree of said angular movement of said at least one insertion roller.