EP1731651B1 - Latch needle for textile machines - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a latch needle, which is suitable for textile machines, such as knitting machines or knitting machines.

Tongue needles are known from the prior art for the production of knitwear, which have an elongate shaft with a hook attached to the end and a tongue pivotally mounted in a longitudinal slot and with its end in a position touching the hook (closed position). and which can be pivoted away from the hook to release the hook.

Such a needle discloses, for example, the DE OS 27 14 607 , To damp the impact energy of the tongue in the reserve, the latch needle has a second longitudinal slot following a first longitudinal slot, with an opening in the direction of the needle back. In this case, it is positioned below the tongue rest and has a depth which is greater than half the needle shank height. The execution of a latch needle according to DE OS 27 14 607 Known in professional circles as Doppelschlitznadel, increases the elasticity of the sheep cheeks and thus has a dampening effect.

Furthermore, from the DE OS 43 24 232 a tongue needle is known, which has below the bearing surface of the tongue in the reserve means in the form of a breakthrough, which extends from the needle top to the needle back. These agents increase the deformability of the sheep cheeks with which a dampening effect arises.

Needles according to these publications have in common that in addition to the tongue slot in which the tongue is pivotally mounted, they have other openings e.g. in the form of a slot or a breakthrough, which makes additional process steps necessary in the production.

The prior art also discloses in the form of DE 43 34 051 C1 a needle having a tongue slot for receiving the tongue, which extends from the needle top. With regard to the shaft longitudinal direction of the tongue slot is bounded substantially parallel flankig. At the hook-side end and at the opposite end of the tongue slot obliquely arranged curved end surfaces are provided, so that the length of the tongue slot measured with respect to the shaft longitudinal direction, seen from the needle top side, decreases inwardly ie in the depth of the slot.

On its underside, the tongue slot is provided with a breakthrough to the needle back. The breakthrough is limited parallelepiped and has both at its hook-side end and on the opposite side in each case a small, preferably flat, oriented transversely to the shaft longitudinal direction end surface.

The leading to the needle back breakthrough can be used to create the knitting process accumulating dirt that has entered the tongue slot out of this.

Furthermore, from the DE 586678 a latch needle with a tongue slot known that widens like a funnel to the back of the needle. The tongue slot is limited with respect to the shaft longitudinal direction of two cheeks whose inner surfaces together form an acute angle. The tongue slot length increases in the longitudinal direction of the shaft towards the needle back. Likewise, starting from an approximately central region of the tongue slot which is short in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, its length increases towards the top of the needle.

On the side facing the tongue and the needle top, in particular the hook-side end of the tongue slot is formed by a slightly curved inclined surface, which forms an acute angle with the shaft longitudinal direction. Although the extension of the tongue slot, which is located towards the back According to this document, the improvement in the removal of dirt is used, it can not be ruled out that the closing tongue presses dirt on its facing end surface of the tongue slot and thus builds up a solid dirt body. The same applies to needles according to GB 1 591 613 ,

A similar effect can occur with latch needles that have a tongue spring to support selected lobes of the tongue. Such a needle is for example from the DE-AS 1113537 known. Also in this needle, the hook adjacent to the hook and the opposite end surface of the tongue slot is inclined obliquely upwards, so that the moving tongue can build a dirt pad on these surfaces. The passage blocked by the tongue to the back of the needle complicates the self-cleaning and the dirt discharge.

From the filing date of the present patent application unpublished patent application with the file reference P 102004049069.9 is a latch needle with spring-assisted tongue out, in which the tongue spring is inserted from the needle back forth in the tongue slot. Seen from the needle back ago shortened in the shaft longitudinal direction length of the tongue slot shortens with increasing depth thereof. At the top of the needle, the hook-side end face of the tongue slot ends with a small surface which is oriented at right angles or obtusely to the longitudinal direction of the shank and faces away from the needle top side. This surface is arranged so that the closing tongue just just touches the end of this surface when in the closed position.

With this measure, the structure of dirt pads can be avoided by the closing tongue on an end surface of the tongue slot.

It is an object of the invention to provide a latch needle with increased elasticity for the impact of the tongue in reserve, which is improved in terms of their pollution properties.

This object is achieved with the latch needle according to claim 1. The invention is applicable to two categories of latch needles, namely tongue needles with tongue springs and tongue needles without tongue springs. If no tongue spring is provided, at least the hook-side of, based on the shaft longitudinal direction end surfaces of the tongue slot is oriented approximately at right angles to the shaft longitudinal direction. The relevant surface is thus oriented so that the direction of movement of the tongue is directed shortly before reaching its end position approximately parallel to the respective end face. As a result, dirt moved by the tongue is not deposited on the end surface but pushed past it. This is for the hook-side, the tongue slot limiting area of importance to allow permanent safe closing of the tongue.

In order to increase the elasticity of the latch needle, the distance of the end face of the tongue slot from the hook of the latch needle is at least as large or larger, depending on the desired elasticity of the sheep cheeks of the latch needle, such as the distance of the end of the tongue spoon in reserve from the hook.

For latch needles with tongue springs, it is proposed according to the invention to orient both end surfaces of the tongue slot adjacent to the needle top side essentially parallel to one another and approximately at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the shaft. With obtuse-angled orientation of at least one of the surfaces adjacent the top of the needle, the normal vector on the surface is inclined away from the top of the needle into the tongue slot and subtends an acute angle with the shaft longitudinal direction. Due to the right angle, a build-up of dirt packages on the end faces of the tongue slot is avoided in both end positions of the tongue. Due to the length of the tongue slot increasing towards the needle back (relative to the longitudinal direction of the shaft), the discharge from the tongue slot to the needle back is facilitated despite the presence of the tongue spring. This especially if the tongue spring fills only a portion of the width of the tongue slot, so that dirt on the tongue spring can be done over to the needle back.

Further details of advantageous embodiments of the latch needle according to the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the accompanying description and / or subclaims.

Figur 1

eine Zungennadel in schematisierter Seitenansicht,

Figur 2

die Zungennadel nach Figur 1 in einer ausschnittsweisen vergrößerten und teilweise aufgeschnittenen Darstellung,

Figur 2b

eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform der Zungennadel nach Figur 2 mit einem größeren Zungenschlitz in abschnittsweise längs geschnittener Darstellung,

Figur 3

eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform der Zungennadel nach Figur 2 mit Zunge in Schließlage in ausschnittsweiser, abschnittsweise längs geschnittener Darstellung,

Figur 4

die Zungennadel nach Figur 3 mit Zunge in Rücklage,

Figur 5

eine weitere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Zungennadel in ausschnittsweiser und abschnittsweise längs geschnittener Darstellung mit Zunge in Schließlage,

Figur 6

die Zungennadel nach Figur 5 mit Zunge in Rücklage,

Figur 6b

eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform der Zungennadel nach Figur 5 mit einem größeren Zungenschlitz in abschnittsweise längs geschnittener Darstellung,

Figur 7

eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Zungennadel in ausschnittsweiser, abschnittsweise längs geschnittener Darstellung mit Zunge in Schließlage und

Figur 8

die Zungennadel nach Figur 7 mit Zunge in Rücklage.

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated. Show it:

FIG. 1

a latch needle in a schematic side view,

FIG. 2

the latch needle after FIG. 1 in a partially enlarged and partially cutaway representation,

FIG. 2b

a modified embodiment of the latch needle after FIG. 2 with a larger tongue slot in sections longitudinally cut representation,

FIG. 3

a modified embodiment of the latch needle after FIG. 2 with tongue in closed position in fragmentary, partially longitudinally cut representation,

FIG. 4

the latch needle after FIG. 3 with tongue in reserve,

FIG. 5

a further embodiment of the latch needle according to the invention in a sectional and partially longitudinally sectioned representation with tongue in the closed position,

FIG. 6

the latch needle after FIG. 5 with tongue in reserve,

FIG. 6b

a modified embodiment of the latch needle after FIG. 5 with a larger tongue slot in sections longitudinally cut representation,

FIG. 7

an embodiment of the latch needle according to the invention in a sectional, partially longitudinally sectioned representation with tongue in the closed position and

FIG. 8

the latch needle after FIG. 7 with tongue in reserve.

The illustrated in the individual figures of the drawing embodiments of the latch needle according to the invention are divided into embodiments of latch needles with tongue spring and embodiments of latch needles without tongue spring. In the FIG. 1 illustrated latch needle 1 can be performed both with and without tongue spring. In that regard, the details described below apply to both embodiments.

The latch needle 1 has a needle body 2 with an elongate shaft 3, which ends in a hook 4 with a hook tip 5. Adjacent to the hook, a tongue 6 is arranged, which is pivotally mounted by means of a tongue bearing 7. By swinging back and forth of the tongue 6, this can touch the hook tip 5 with her spoon 8 and thus close the hook 4 or open the hook 4, by getting into reserve.

The latch needle 1 also has at least one upstanding from the needle body 2 foot 9. Optionally, a cap spring 10 may be provided on the needle body 2 and / or the shaft 3. This is, for example, attached to one of the flat side surfaces of the latch needle 1 and serves to transfer stitches received by the shaft 3, i. the transfer of these stitches to other needles.

FIG. 2 The tongue 6 projects with its tongue bearing 7 associated end in a tongue slot 11 which is incorporated as an elongated slot in the shaft 3 and extending from the needle back 12 of the shaft 3 to the needle top 13. Is the shaft 3 in cross-section substantially formed rectangular, the needle back 12 is a narrow, preferably substantially flat surface with which the latch needle 1 slides to the bottom of its associated needle channel of a needle bed of a knitting machine. The needle top 13 is the opposite surface from which the tongue 6 protrudes. Both sides of the tongue slot are bounded by cheeks 14, 15. In FIG. 2 is the uppermost cheek 15 ( FIG. 1 ) cut away to thereby expose the cheek 14 lying behind the tongue 6 from the view of the beholder. As a result, a through a tongue hole 16 cross pin 17 is visible, which forms the tongue bearing 7. The pin 17 is preferably oriented at right angles to the cheeks 14, 15, which limit the tongue slot 11 with their preferably flat and oriented at right angles to each other, facing each other inner sides. The parallel to a shaft longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the cheeks 14, 15, ie in FIG. 2 perpendicular to the plane of the longitudinal section of the tongue slot 11 is therefore preferably rectangular at any point.

On both sides of the tongue bearing 7 of the tongue slot 11 is limited by end surfaces 18, 19. The end face 18 is arranged between the tongue bearing 7 and the hook 4. On the other hand, the end face 19 is disposed at the opposite end of the tongue slot and faces the end face 18.

The end face 18 is subdivided into an arched surface 21 and a preferably smaller surface 22 at an angle therewith, which borders on the needle top side 13. While the outgoing from the needle back 12 surface 21 is preferably circular arc, ie cylindrically curved is and with the needle longitudinal direction L includes an acute angle whose tip points in the direction of the hook 4, the surface 22 is oriented substantially or even in the context of manufacturing accuracy exactly perpendicular to the shaft longitudinal direction L. The surface 22 is preferably positioned so that the tongue 6 rests with its inner side 23 at the upper, needle top end of the surface 22 when it is in the closed position I. The tongue 6 can also be at a small distance to this.

Accordingly, the end face 19 is subdivided into an arcuate, preferably cylindrically curved, larger surface 24 adjoining the needle back 12 and to a preferably flat surface 25 within the scope of the machining accuracy, which adjoins the needle top side 13. The surface 25 is preferably oriented parallel to the surface 22 and thus aligned within the manufacturing accuracy-preferably perpendicular to the shaft longitudinal direction L. The surface 24 includes with the shaft longitudinal direction L, however, an acute angle, the tip of the hook 4 of the needle 1 points away.

The tongue slot 11 thus has on the needle top side 13 a length to be measured in the longitudinal direction L of the shaft, which is smaller than the length to be measured on the needle back 12. In addition, the surfaces diverge 21 and 24. Thus, the tongue slot 11 widens toward the needle back 12, at least with respect to its longitudinal direction. In the transverse direction, however, it preferably does not expand, because the cheeks 14, 15 are oriented parallel to each other as mentioned.

The tongue needle 1 described so far is subject to reduced pollution and has the best self-cleaning effect. In operation, the tongue 6 is continuously moved between the closed position I and the reserve II back and forth. In this case, any, on the needle top 13 fitting dirt on the surfaces 22, 25 over by the flared tongue slot 11 is moved to the needle back 12 out, where he can freely emerge.

The FIG. 2b illustrates a modified embodiment of the latch needle 1 similar to that in FIG FIG. 2 described with increased elasticity of the sheep cheeks 14, 15. As far as structural, functional or structural equality to the above-described latch needle 1 after FIG. 2 is present, reference is made to the previous description based on the same reference numerals. This therefore applies without restriction, with the exception of the following deviations.

Notwithstanding the latch needle 1 according to FIG. 2 has the latch needle 1 after the FIG. 2b a flat needle back 12. This extends in a plane over the entire shaft length 3. There are also needles conceivable, the needle back 12 has a planar shape and additionally has a raised hook position, as known from the prior art.

In addition, a latch needle 1 according to FIG. 2b a continuous tongue slot 11 extending from an area between the hook tip 5 and the tongue bearing 7 to the end or beyond of the tongue spoon 8 when it is in the reserve II. Thus, a latch needle 1 with very elastic cheeks 14, 15. The distance A from the hook tip 5 to the surface 25 of the end face 19 of the tongue slot 11 is greater than or equal to the distance B from the hook tip 5 to the end of the tongue spoon 8. The support of the tongue spoon is then ensured exclusively by a shape impression 37 , This creates a particularly flexible latch needle. The shape impression 37 is formed only on one or on both the cheeks delimiting the shaft. He stands in front of the respective cheek in the tongue slot 11 and narrows or obstructs it. He has an adapted in the form of the back of the tongue spoon contact surface.

The FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a further modified embodiment of the latch needle 1, which also manages without tongue spring. As far as structural, functional or structural equality to the above-described latch needle 1 after FIG. 1 is present, reference is made to the previous description based on the same reference numerals. This therefore applies without restriction, with the exception of the following deviations.

In deviation from the latch needle 1 according to FIG. 2 has the latch needle 1 after the FIGS. 3 and 4 the described end face 18 only on the hook-side end of the tongue slot 11. The surface 22 is rectangular or, as shown, may be inclined at an obtuse angle to the shank longitudinal direction L. In the latter case, the normal vector N of the surface 22 encloses an acute angle with the shank longitudinal direction L. The normal vector N points into the tongue slot 11, ie away from the needle top 13. The surface 22 is according to the invention oriented so that in the closed position I with the inside 23 of the tongue 6 approximately or exactly a right Includes angle. The tongue 6 can then rest on the surface 22 delimiting the upper edge or stand at a distance therefrom.

The opposite end of the tongue slot 11 is otherwise designed. The surface 24 extends from the needle back 12 only over a short distance into the tongue slot 11, which is preferably shorter than half the shaft thickness. The surface 24 meets there on a recess 27 incorporated into the shaft 3 from the needle top side 13, which cuts the tongue slot 11. The recess 27 preferably has a circular curved, ie partially cylindrical bottom 28 and forms together with the shape impression 37 for the reserve II of the tongue 6 a receptacle for the spoon 8 of the tongue 6. The spoon 8, which is slightly wider than the rest of the tongue 6, is partially taken in reserve of the recess 27 and the shape of impression 37. As a result of the weakening of the respective cheeks 14, 15 caused by the recess 27 (in FIG FIGS. 3 and 4 only cheek 14 visible) results in a certain spring action and thus a muted impact of the tongue. 6

With regard to the cleaning effect, the latch needle 1 is still superior to conventional latch needles. In particular, the accumulated in the hook interior dust and dirt is done by means of the tongue 6 and through the tongue slot 11 to the needle back 12 and thus out of the tongue slot 11 out. By the tongue slot 11 is fully closed to the hook 4 when the tongue 6 is in the closed position, the dirt entry into the tongue slot 11 is also reduced.

The FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate modified embodiments of the latch needle 1 with tongue spring 29. This is arranged in each case in the tongue slot 11. The embodiment of the latch needle 1 according to the FIGS. 5 and 6 is characterized by a relatively short tongue slot 11. Because of the general configuration of the latch needle 1 is the description of the embodiment of the latch needle 1 after FIG. 2 which applies accordingly. In addition, the following applies:

The end surface 18 is provided with a recess 30 which forms a bearing pocket or a bearing seat for the tongue spring 29. This is rod-shaped and substantially straight. It may have a round, oval or flattened cross-section. The tongue spring forms a spiral spring, which lies with its end 31 in the recess 30. The recess 30 is open towards the needle back 12, but somewhat narrowed, so that the end 31 is held captive in the recess 30.

The opposite end face 19 is also provided with a recess 32 in which one end 33 of the tongue spring 29 is located. Again prevents a needle-side constriction 38 of the otherwise open recess 32 falling out of the end 33 of the tongue spring 29 so that it is held captive in the tongue slot 11.

The end surface 19 is divided into the surfaces 25, 24, wherein the surface 25 may preferably be formed as a flat surface but need not. It is, as described above, preferably aligned parallel to the surface 22. The surface 24 may, as described above, formed curved and be arranged obliquely to the shaft longitudinal direction L or at right angles to this.

The tongue 6 abuts in the closed position I at the needle top end of the surface 22. This causes the displacement of dirt deposited on the surface 22 in the direction of the tongue spring 29 and past it out of the tongue slot 11. It is advantageous that the tongue spring 29 fills only a portion of the width of the tongue slot 11.

The tongue spring may serve to ensure various preferred positions of the tongue 6. For this purpose, located in the tongue slot 11 end of the tongue 6 may be provided with flats 34, 35 which are associated with the selected tongue positions and abut in each of these on the tongue spring 29. This is biased at the end of the tongue 6 at.

In the above embodiment, the arrangement is preferably made such that the preferred positions set by the tongue spring 29 are at least slightly spaced from the closed position I as well as from the reserve II. However, it is also possible, as in FIG. 6 shown to match the bending of the tongue spring 29 and the position of the flat 34 so that the tongue 6 is fixed just or just before the reserve II, in which the tongue 6 rests with its back 26 at the end of the surface 25, the the needle top 13 is adjacent.

The embodiment of the latch needle 1 according to the FIG. 6b is largely consistent with the embodiment of the latch needle 1 according to FIGS. 5 and 6 they have the same properties like a latch needle 1 according to FIG. 2b having. Based on the same reference numerals, therefore, the above description applies accordingly. In addition, the following applies:

The distance A from the hook tip 5 to the surface 25 of the end face 19 of the tongue slot 11 is greater than or equal to the distance B from the hook tip 5 to the end of the tongue spoon 8. The support of the tongue spoon is then ensured exclusively by the impression 37. This creates a particularly flexible latch needle.

The embodiment of the latch needle 1 according to the FIGS. 7 and 8 is largely consistent with the embodiment of the latch needle 1 according to FIGS. 5 and 6 match. Based on the same reference numerals, therefore, the above description applies accordingly. In addition, the following applies:

The tongue slot 11 has a considerably increased length compared to the embodiment described above. The tongue 6 can therefore be guided in its reserve II much closer to the shaft 3 zoom than in the embodiment described above. The tongue spring 29 is in turn so long that it bridges the tongue slot 11 in its entire length. However, the flats 34, 35 are arranged so that they both keep the tongue 6 slightly away from their reserve II or closed position I in a stable position. For this purpose, the tongue spring 29 is provided, for example, at one of the flat 34 spaced point 36 in addition with a kink, which comes into contact with the back 26, just before the spoon 8 comes to the impression 37 to the design ..

Due to the particularly long tongue slot 11 results in relatively flexible cheeks 14, 15 (cheek 15 cut away in FIGS. 7 and 8 - therefore invisible) which can lead to improved dynamic properties of the latch needle 1.

Also with the tongue needle 1 after the FIGS. 7 and 8 The result is an improved cleaning action due to the tongue slot 11 which widens toward the needle back 12 and in particular through the surfaces 22, 25 oriented at right angles to the needle back 12, which are immediately adjacent to the tongue 6. By contrast, the tendency to accumulate dirt on the end surfaces 18, 19 is greatly reduced.

A novel latch needle has a latching slot 11 which has both on its front end face 18 and on its rear end face 19 a respective facet or face 22, 25, which are preferably oriented parallel to each other and at right angles to the longitudinal direction L of the shank. The surfaces are thereby aligned so that the opening or closing tongue 6 pushes any dirt past the surfaces concerned through the tongue slot 11 and prevents the accumulation and compaction of dirt pads on said surfaces. Expressed in general terms, the tongue slot 11 thus does not have any surface area, in particular in the region of its end faces 18, 19, which faces the opening or closing tongue 6.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

latch needle

2

needle body

3

shaft

4

hook

5

hook tip

6

tongue

7

tongue bearing

8th

spoon

9

foot

10

transfer spring

11

latch slot

12

needle back

13

Needle top

14, 15

cheek

16

latch hole

17

spigot

18, 19

end surfaces

21, 22

area

23

inside

24, 25

area

26

move

27

deepening

28

ground

29

latch spring

32, 30

recess

31, 33

The End

34, 35

flats

36

Job

37

shape impression

38

narrowing

I

closed position

II

reserve

FROM

distance

L

Stem longitudinally

N

normal direction

Claims (11)

1. Latch needle (1) for textile machines,
   with a needle blade (3), which has a needle upper side (13) and a needle back (12) and in which a sawslot (11) is configured,
   with a latch (6) disposed in the sawslot (11) to pivot between a closing position (I) and a return position (II), wherein:

   • the length of the sawslot (11) to be measured in the longitudinal direction (L) of the blade decreases inwardly from the needle back (12) and

   • the sawslot (11) is delimited in the longitudinal direction (L) of the blade by an end face (18) arranged between the latch bearing (7) and the hook (4),

   characterised in that the end face (18) is divided into a plane surface (22), which adjoins the needle upper side (13), is oriented substantially at right angles to the longitudinal direction (L) of the blade and directed away from the needle upper side (13), and an arched surface (21) adjoining the needle back (12).
2. Latch needle according to claim 1, characterised in that the distance (A) of the surface (25) from the hook point (5) is at least as large as the distance (B) from the hook point (5) to the end of the latch spoon (8) when the latch is located in return position.
3. Latch needle according to claim 1, characterised in that the distance (A) of the surface (25) from the hook point (5) is greater than the distance (B) from the hook point (5) to the end of the latch spoon (8) when the latch is located in return position.
4. Latch needle according to claim 1, characterised in that adjoining the needle upper side (13) the sawslot (11) is delimited in the longitudinal direction (L) of the blade by two parallel surfaces (22, 25).
5. Latch needle according to claim 1, characterised in that the sawslot (11) is freely passable in the direction of the needle back (12).
6. Latch needle according to claim 1, characterised in that a latch spring (29) is arranged in the sawslot (11).
7. Latch needle according to claim 4, characterised in that the surfaces (21, 24) adjoining the plane surfaces (22, 25) are both arched.
8. Latch needle according to claim 1, characterised in that the sawslot (11) is open towards the needle back (12).
9. Latch needle according to claim 1, characterised in that at least in closing position (I) or at least in return position (II) the latch (6) touches the surface (22, 25) adjoining the needle upper side (13) and oriented at right angles to the longitudinal direction (L) of the blade.
10. Latch needle according to claim 1, characterised in that the sawslot (11) is delimited on parallel flanks.
11. Latch needle according to claim 1, characterised in that a shaped imprint (37) in the form of a plastically deformed sawslot wall region serving as a latch stopper is arranged in the sawslot (11).

Images