EP2067885B1 - Needle bed with fluid ducts - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a needle bed for a knitting machine.

Knitting machines are known, for example, in the form of circular knitting machines or flat knitting machines. While the latter have at least one essentially flat needle bed, in the case of circular knitting machines the needle beds are hollow-cylindrical in shape as knitting cylinders or annular in the form of dials. Each needle bed has needle channels into which knitting tools such as needles or sinkers are inserted. The knitting tools are reciprocated in operation in the needle bed.

The DE 24 16 626 A1 discloses such a needle bed, further teaching to provide the needle bed with grooves extending transverse to the needle channels and to blow through holes an air / oil mixture in these grooves. The groove walls bounding the guide channels of the knitting tools can be provided with recesses so that the lubricating medium can spread better between the knitting tools and their guide channels.

With this arrangement, it is somewhat difficult to maintain control over the spread of the lubricant in the needle bed.

The DE 1 635 836 A both discloses a knitting cylinder as well as a dial of a circular knitting machine. Both may be provided with annular grooves which cut the guide grooves of the knitting tools. Compressed air can be injected into the lock shell via these annular grooves.

Moreover, from the DD 37 345 A the introduction of compressed air into a needle bed known, the compressed air to prevent the accumulation of dirt in the lock area of the knitting machine concerned.

Compressed air is a process medium, the use of which is associated with considerable operating costs. It must therefore be a goal to reduce the amount of compressed air required to operate a knitting machine.

Further, dirt accumulation in needle beds of knitting machines is a problem that promotes wear and reduces maintenance intervals. It is therefore desirable to avoid dirt accumulation in the needle carriers of knitting machines.

With the increasing speed of knitting machines, the reliability of the lubrication of the knitting tools also gains importance. Partially dry running knitting tools lead to increased energy requirements and wear on knitting tool and knitting machine.

On this basis, it is an object of the invention to provide a knitting machine with improved air supply.

• Das erfindungsgemäße Nadelbett kann als Strickzylinder, als Rippscheibe, als Flachbett oder als ähnlicher Nadelträger einer maschenbildenden Maschine ausgebildet sein. Es weist einen Grundkörper auf, dessen eine Fläche mit einer Vielzahl von Nuten sowie einem Fluidkanal versehen ist, der sich quer zu der Längsrichtung der Nuten und vorzugsweise an einem Ende der Nuten erstreckt. In die Nuten sind Stege eingesetzt, die zwischeneinander Führungsnuten für die Strickwerkzeuge bilden. Jeder Steg weist jeweils eine Anzahl von Ausnehmungen auf, die eine Fluidverbindung zwischen dem Fluidkanal und den Führungsnuten schaffen.

This object is achieved with the needle bed having the features of claim 1:

• The needle bed according to the invention can be used as a knitting cylinder, be designed as a dial, as a flatbed or similar needle carrier of a stitch-forming machine. It has a base body, one surface of which is provided with a plurality of grooves and a fluid channel which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the grooves and preferably at one end of the grooves. In the grooves webs are used, which form guide grooves for the knitting tools between each other. Each ridge each has a number of recesses which provide fluid communication between the fluid channel and the guide grooves.

The web has at its seated in the groove side, i. on its underside, similar to a comb a plurality of recesses whose depth is slightly greater than the depth of the grooves formed in the body. Most of these tooth-like protrusions do not contact the groove base of the needle carrier, thereby providing a longitudinal flow channel within the groove, with which fluid, such as, for example, can flow For example, most tooth-like protrusions float above the groove bottom of the needle carrier, and the thickness of the web and its teeth preferably coincide with each point of the ridge The upper side of the web is preferably closed, ie formed without recesses, Preferably, the web is closed at the top with a narrow straight uninterrupted strip-shaped surface.

A preferred embodiment may have multiple fluid channels with different functions. For example, there is a first fluid channel, as already described, in the immediate Proximity to the grooves for the canal bridges. This fluid channel is formed in the form of a circumferential groove and can act as a distributor groove. A second fluid channel may be located within the base body and communicate with the first fluid channel via a connection channel, preferably a plurality of connection channels.

For supporting and adjusting the webs within the groove is preferably used in each case the front and rear end of each web.

In addition, one of the tooth-like projections between its front and rear ends of the web may contact the bottom of the groove to prevent flow interruption, i. To provide a barrier between the recesses. This tooth-like projection thus divides the recesses into two groups, namely a first group which is in communication with a fluid-supplying channel and a second group which communicates, for example, with a fluid-discharging channel. As a result, a well-controlled fluid flow can be achieved in each needle channel with which the knitting tool in the desired distribution, the required fluid, for example, oil-bearing compressed air supplied and discharged at a desired location optionally dirt-laden fluid again. In this way, in the needle channel penetrated dirt, lint, abrasion, excess lubricant and the like can be removed controlled.

The invention thus allows on the one hand the controlled and adequate lubrication of knitting tools and on the other hand, both the contamination of the knitting tools and the needle channels as well as the discharge of lubricant into the environment or excessive contamination the knitwear with lubricant avoided.

The controlled supply of fluid to the knitting tool through a series of recesses in the lands reduces the amount of fluid required to a minimum. This is possible because, on the one hand, the controlled distribution of the fluid over the length of the knitting tool avoids uncontrolled escape and too much fluid at certain points, as well as a lack of fluid elsewhere.

Further details of advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the drawing, the description or subclaims.

• Figur 1 einen Strickzylinder mit Strickwerkzeugen in aufs Äußerste schematisierter Prinzipdarstellung,
• Figur 2 eine Rippscheibe in perspektivischer ausschnittsweiser Prinzipdarstellung,
• Figur 3 die Rippscheibe nach Figur 2 in vergrößerter ausschnittsweiser Prinzipdarstellung,
• Figur 4 die Rippscheibe nach Figur 2 und 3 im Vertikalschnitt,
• Figur 5 und 6 abgewandelte Ausführungsformen der Rippscheibe nach Figur 4 und
• Figur 7 eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Rippscheibe in ausschnittsweiser Prinzipdarstellung.

The description is limited to essential aspects of the invention and other circumstances. The drawing discloses further details and is therefore supplementary to use. In the description and drawings embodiments of the invention are shown. Show it:

• FIG. 1 a knitting cylinder with knitting tools in extremely schematized schematic representation,
• FIG. 2 a dial in perspective fragmentary schematic representation,
• FIG. 3 the dial after FIG. 2 in an enlarged fragmentary schematic diagram,
• FIG. 4 the dial after FIG. 2 and 3 in vertical section,
• FIG. 5 and 6 modified embodiments of the dial after FIG. 4 and
• FIG. 7 a modified embodiment of a dial according to the invention in a fragmentary schematic representation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a needle bed 1 in the form of a knitting cylinder 2. The knitting cylinder 2 has on its outer periphery a substantially cylindrical surface 3, projecting from the webs 4 substantially radially away. The webs 4 are oriented along the knitting cylinder 2. Preferably, they are formed as flat sheet metal parts with flat, mutually parallel side surfaces. But the webs 4 can also have different shapes, such as a slim wedge shape. The side surfaces then enclose an acute angle with each other.

Between the webs 4 needle channels 5 are formed, in which according to FIG. 1 Knitting tools 6 are arranged for example in the form of needles 7. Each needle channel 5 is thus bounded by two side surfaces of two webs 4. The surface 3 forms the bottom of the needle channels 5.

Similarly, the conditions in the realization of the needle bed according to the invention in the form of a dial 8, as it is FIG. 2 shows. During the knitting cylinder after FIG. 1 has an approximately hollow cylindrical base body 9; the main body 10 of the dial 8 forms a flat ring. Its substantially flat top is an annular surface 11, on which the webs 4 are arranged, between which the needles 7 or other knitting tools 6 sit like sinkers.

Further details are illustrated FIG. 3 , Thereafter, in the surface 3 or 11 grooves 12, 13, 14 and further formed, which serve to receive the webs 4. The webs 4 are secured in the grooves 12, 13, 14 and thus form the side walls of the needle channels 5, the bottom of which is formed by the surface 3 and 11 respectively.

As FIG. 4 again using the example of the dial 8 is illustrated, the base body 10 is composed of at least two annular parts 10a, 10b composed. The two parts 10a, 10b are joined together and secured as indicated, for example by screws or other connecting means to each other. They define between each other two annular fluid channels 15, 16, which are separated from each other by a partition wall 17. The fluid channels 15, 16 may be provided with ports 18, 19 to supply and remove fluids such as compressed air or the like.

From the fluid channel 15, a connecting channel 20 extends to a distributor groove 21, which is formed for example as an annular groove and arranged concentrically to the annular base body 10. The annular groove 21 intersects all the grooves 12, 13, 14. Preferably, the part 10a has a whole series of such connecting channels 20 which connect the distributor groove 21 to the fluid channel 15 at a plurality of preferably many different locations. Preferably, the distributor groove 21 is concealed, ie it does not reach the surface 11 forming the bottom of the guide grooves of the knitting tools. This can be achieved, for example, by the distributor groove 21, as in FIG FIG. 4 is machined starting from a surface 22 in the part 10 a, wherein the surface 22 is covered in the assembled state of the part 10 b. However, the distributor groove 21 lies at a height at which it intersects all grooves, for example 12, 13, 14, ie it projects beyond its groove bottom 23.

The fluid channel 16, which preferably serves to remove the fluid, is connected via at least one preferably a plurality of connecting channels 24 to a distributor groove 25, which functions as a collecting groove, which is preferably arranged concentrically with the distributor groove 21. While the distribution groove 21 is disposed at one end of the groove 12, the distribution groove 25 is disposed at the other end thereof. The distributor groove 25 is incorporated in the surface 11 and is thus open to the needle channels 5.

The webs 4 are preferably formed equal to each other. They are preferably formed as thin flat flat parts, which are upright standing in the grooves 12, 13, 14 are used. Their ends 26, 27 bear on the bottom 23 of the groove 12 or on other fitting or alignment surfaces of the base body 10 and thus position the web 4th

The web 4 is provided with a series of recesses 28 to 37, between which projections in the form of teeth 38 to 46 are formed. The recesses 28 to 37 take away from the lower, seated in the groove 12 edge of the web 4 material and are each so large that they project beyond the surface 11 when the web 4 is seated in the groove 12. The seated between the recesses 28 to 37 teeth 38 to 46 are so long that they dip into the groove 12. Preferably, at least one tooth 38 is so long that it touches the groove bottom 23 or at least almost touched. It thus forms a barrier which essentially prevents the fluid flow along the groove 12. Preferably, the remaining teeth 39 to 46 are shorter so that they do not reach the groove bottom 23. The long tooth 38 thus divides the recesses 28 to 37 into two groups, a first group (29 to 37) which communicates with the fluid-supplying distributor groove 21 and a second group (28); which is in communication with the fluid discharge manifold groove 25.

• In Betrieb werden die in den Nadelkanälen 5 zwischen den Stegen 4 sitzenden Strickwerkzeuge 6 längs hin und her (in Figur 4 von links nach rechts und von rechts nach links) bewegt. Über den Fluidkanal 15 wird ein gewünschtes Fluid, beispielsweise öltragende Druckluft, Kühlluft, Reinigungsluft kontinuierlich oder periodisch zugeführt. Das Fluid strömt dabei entlang der in Figur 4 durch eine Linie 47 angedeuteten Bahn in die Nut 12 und entlang derselben bis zu dem Zahn 38. Auf dem Weg speist es die einzelnen Ausnehmungen 29 bis 37, um über die zu dem Nadelkanal 5 hin frei liegenden Fenster in denselben einzuströmen. Somit wird der Nadelkanal 5 auf einer großen Länge des Stegs 4 gleichmäßig mit Fluid, beispielsweise Schmierfluid versorgt. Dieses strömt somit geordnet zu dem Strickwerkzeug. Über die bezogen auf die Längsrichtung des Stegs 4 längere Ausnehmung 28 und die Sammelnut 25 kann das Fluid über den Fluidkanal 16 wieder abgesaugt werden. Es kann dabei aus dem Nadelkanal heraus gespülte Partikel, Flusen, Abrieb und dergleichen mit sich führen.

The needle bed 1 described so far operates as follows:

• In operation, the in the needle channels 5 between the webs 4 sitting knitting tools 6 longitudinally back and forth (in FIG. 4 from left to right and from right to left). A desired fluid, for example oil-carrying compressed air, cooling air, cleaning air is supplied continuously or periodically via the fluid channel 15. The fluid flows along the in FIG. 4 On the way, it feeds the individual recesses 29 to 37, in order to flow through the windows exposed to the needle channel 5 in the same direction by a line 47 indicated in the groove 12 and along the same path. Thus, the needle channel 5 is supplied evenly over a large length of the web 4 with fluid, such as lubricating fluid. This thus flows ordered to the knitting tool. About the relative to the longitudinal direction of the web 4 longer recess 28 and the collecting groove 25, the fluid can be sucked through the fluid channel 16 again. It can thereby lead out of the needle channel purged particles, lint, abrasion and the like.

The air / oil mixture, as explained, passes in an orderly manner into the needle channels and to the meshing tools. Due to the suction effect of the collecting channel 25 and the fluid channel 16, the oil / air mixture is discharged together with fiber dust, abrasion and so on. It creates a defined circulation.

The adjustment of air supply and removal can be chosen so that there is always a slight overpressure in the area of the mesh-forming parts, so that dust and dirt are kept away.

The invention can undergo numerous modifications. For example, the tooth 38, as FIG. 5 illustrated, shortened and sealed by a separate seal 48 between the tooth 38 and the groove bottom 23 is used.

Besides, it is possible how FIG. 6 shows to make the individual recesses 28 to 37 different from each other and form the projections in the form of teeth 38 to 46 with different lengths. In this way, for example, a uniform distribution of the air or the oil / air mixture can be obtained. Also, a particular desired distribution profile can be set. For example, the flow rate of the grooves 12, 13, 14 can be reduced starting from the distributor groove 21 with increasing distance. This can be ensured by either decreasing the volume of the grooves 12, 13, 14 in the base body 10 with increasing distance from the feed point, eg by a decreasing groove depth, or by reducing the volume of the web portions inserted into the grooves 12, 13 , 14 rich, with increasing distance from the feed point ie the distributor groove 21 increase. The design of the recesses and teeth can vary along the web 4 both in terms of their shape, in particular the length and the width so that over the entire length of the web 4 each locally equal amount of air is directed to the respective location of the stitch forming element.

In addition, the distribution of the air or the oil / air mixture can be optimized by the volume of the fluid channels 15, 16 is adapted to the flow conditions, ie that the volume of the fluid channels, in particular the fluid channel 15 through which the air or the oil / air mixture is supplied, starting from the port 18, reduced. It is also possible that the volume of the fluid channel 15, starting from the port 18 increases, if thereby the flow conditions can be optimized. The same applies analogously to the fluid channel 16.

As mentioned, it is possible to form all the webs of the needle bed 1 as described above. It is also possible to alternately provide a conventional web without teeth and recesses and a web with teeth and recesses to feed the individual needle channels only one-sided with air / oil mixture.

A modified embodiment is in FIG. 7 shown. The needle bed 1 shown therein has a particularly space-saving embodiment, which is particularly suitable for small circular knitting machines and flat knitting machines. The needle bed 1 can only comprise a fluid channel 15 in the form of the known distributor groove 21. This fluid channel 15 is fed directly via a port 18 or connecting channel 20 with the air / oil mixture. The fluid channel 16 or the connecting channel 24 is not included in this embodiment, but may optionally be present to allow or support the suction of the fluids.

The needle bed 1 according to the invention has to form needle channels 5 webs 4, which are formed like a comb. Between the individual teeth of this comb recesses 28 to 37 are formed, which are adapted to the needle channel 5 fluid and remove. The groove 12, which receives the web 4, forms a distributor space which distributes the fluid to be fed to the knitting tools over a portion of the web 4, which is preferably larger than half its length.

reference numeral

1

needle bed

2

knitting cylinder

3

area

4

Stege

5

needle channels

6

Knitting tools

7

needle

8th

dial

9, 10

body

10a, 10b

parts

11

area

12, 13, 14

groove

15, 16

fluid channels

17

partition wall

18, 19

connections

20

connecting channel

21

distributor

22

area

23

groove bottom

24

connecting channel

25

Distributor / collector groove

26, 27

end up

28 - 37

recesses

38 - 46

teeth

47

line

48

poetry

Claims (14)

1. Needle bed (1) for a knitting machine,
   with a base body (9, 10), which has at least one fluid channel (21, 15, 16) and which is provided on one surface (3, 11) with grooves (12, 13, 14), which connect with the fluid channel (21, 15, 16),
   with webs (4), which are inserted into the grooves (12, 13, 14) to form guide grooves (5) between them for knitting tools (6), and which respectively have a number of recesses (28-37), which form a fluid connection between the fluid channel (21, 15, 16) and the guide grooves (5),
   characterised in that
   configured between the recesses (28-37) are projections (38-46), which penetrate into the grooves (12, 13, 14), but do not touch the bases (23) thereof.
2. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the base body (9, 10) has connection channels (20, 24), which connect the grooves (12, 13, 14) to the fluid channel (21, 15, 16).
3. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the base body (9, 10) has multiple fluid channels (15, 16).
4. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 3, characterised in that the base body (9, 10) consists of at least two parts (10a, 10b), which delimit the fluid channels (15, 16) between them.
5. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 4, characterised in that the base body (9, 10) has at least two fluid channels (15, 16), which are separated from one another.
6. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the fluid channel (21, 15, 16) has connections (20, 24, 18, 19) to feed and/or discharge fluids, wherein the volume of the fluid channel (21, 15, 16) varies starting from the connection (20, 24, 18, 19).
7. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the volume of the fluid channel (15, 16) decreases starting from the connection (20, 24, 18, 19).
8. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the recesses (28-37) of the webs (4) inserted into the grooves (12, 13, 14) project over the surface (3, 11).
9. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 7, characterised in that the projections (38-46) have different shapes, in particular different lengths and/or widths.
10. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the recesses (28-36) of the webs (4) are respectively arranged in a row, which extends over a section of the length of the respective web (4).
11. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that a fluid barrier is arranged between at least two of the recesses (28, 29) of a web (4).
12. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that each of the webs (4) has two ends (26, 27), which are held fluid-tight in the grooves (12, 13, 14).
13. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one of the connection channels (20, 24) connects to a distributor or collection channel (21, 25), which is oriented transversely to the grooves (12, 13, 14) and intersects these.
14. Needle bed for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that one of the two fluid channels (15, 16) is connected to an extraction device, and that the other of the two fluid channels (15, 16) is connected to a device, which supplies the fluid channel with fluid.

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