Slide needle

Abstract

A slide needle, comprising a needle body, which has a needle hook with two spaced-apart lateral hook surfaces. A slide is movably arranged on the needle body between an initial position (I) and a stitch knock-over position (II). The slide has two slide blades. A hook hole on a free blade end of the slide blades is formed by inner hole surfaces. In the stitch knock-over position (II), each inner hole surface lies against an associated lateral hook surface of the needle hook at a contact location and the contact area between the slide and the needle hook is reduced in a height direction (H).

Claims

1. A slide needle (20) comprising: a needle body (21 having a shank (22) extending in a longitudinal direction (L), said shank having a needle hook (24) on its end that is configured for stitch formation; wherein the needle hook (24) includes a hook tip (25) and a hook end section (27) having two lateral hook surfaces (28) that are arranged in a transverse direction (Q) at a distance from each other, wherein the transverse direction (Q) is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction (L); a slide (30) that is supported by the needle body (21) so as to be movable toward and away from the needle hook (24); wherein the slide (30) comprises two slide blades (31) each with an upper side (34) having a stitch support surface (33); wherein the two slide blades (31) have free blade ends (32) each with an inner opening surface (41) that, together, delimit a hook opening (40) that is open toward the needle hook (24) in the longitudinal direction (L); wherein the needle hook (24), in a stitch knock-over position (II), engages in the hook opening (40), wherein, between each of the inner opening surfaces (41) and the respectively associated lateral hook surfaces (28), a gap (43) is formed, said gap having, in the transverse direction (Q), a gap width (BS) that changes in a height direction (H), wherein the height direction (H) is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) and transversely to the transverse direction (Q); and each of the inner opening surfaces (41) in the stitch knock-over position (II) abut against the respectively associated lateral hook surfaces (28) establishing a contact that is greater in the longitudinal direction (L) than in the height direction (H).

2. The slide needle as in claim 1, wherein the hook opening (40) has, in the transverse direction (Q), an opening width (BA) that changes along the height direction (H).

3. The slide needle as in claim 2, wherein the opening width (BA) of the hook opening (40) increases along the height direction (H) downwardly from the upper side (34) toward the shank (22).

4. The slide needle as in claim 1 wherein the two lateral hook surfaces (28) are oriented parallel to each other.

5. The slide needle as in claim 1, wherein the hook end section (27) has, between the two lateral hook surfaces (28) in the transverse direction (Q), a hook width (BH) that changes along the height direction (H).

6. The slide needle as in claim 5, wherein the hook width (BH) decreases along the height direction (H) in the direction toward an inner hook region (26).

7. The slide needle as in claim 1, wherein the stitch support surface (33) terminates on the free blade end (32) of a respective slide blade (31) in an end flank (35) extending in an inclined manner or transversely to the stitch support surface (33).

8. The slide needle as in claim 7, wherein the respective free blade ends (32) of the two slide blades (31) abut against each other adjoining the adjacent end flanks (35) in an initial position (I) different from the stitch knock-over position (II) in which the slide (30) is not in contact with the needle hook (24).

9. The slide needle as in claim 1, wherein the stitch support surface (33) is delimited on the end opposite the free blade end (32) by a support flank (37) extending transversely or obliquely to the stitch support surface (33).

10. The slide needle as in claim 1, wherein the slide blades (31) have a wall thickness in a region of the hook opening (40) that is smaller, at least in sections, than at points where the slide blades (31) do not adjoin the hook opening (40).

11. The slide needle as in claim 1, wherein the hook opening (40) is formed by deformation of the two slide blades (31).

12. The slide needle as in claim 1, wherein the hook opening (40) is formed by material-ablating machining of the slide blades (31).

13. The slide needle as in one of the previous claims, wherein each of the inner opening surfaces (41) in the stitch knock-over position (H) abut linearly against the respectively associated lateral hook surface (28) at a single contact location (42).

14. The slide needle as in claim 1, wherein the lateral hook surfaces (28) are planar surfaces.

15. The slide needle as in claim 1, wherein a dimension of the contact in the stitch knock-over position (II) is greater in the longitudinal direction (L) than in the height direction (H) by at least a factor of 5.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 a schematic diagram of two slide needles in a position for stitch formation in a not illustrated textile machine;

(2) FIG. 2 a partial view, in side elevation, of an exemplary embodiment in a slide needle;

(3) FIG. 3 a perspective illustration of the exemplary embodiment of the slide needle as in FIG. 2;

(4) FIG. 4 a partial view, in side elevation, of the slide of the slide needle as in FIGS. 2 and 3;

(5) FIG. 5 a plan view of the slide as in FIG. 4 in height direction on the stitch bearing surface of the slide;

(6) FIG. 6 a perspective partial illustration, looking at the hook opening of the slide as in FIGS. 4 and 5;

(7) FIG. 7 a perspective partial illustration, looking obliquely from the front onto the blade ends, of the slide as in FIGS. 4 through 6;

(8) FIG. 8 a perspective partial illustration of a second exemplary embodiment of a slide needle with a modified slide;

(9) FIG. 9 a plan view, in height direction, onto the stitch bearing surface of the slide of the slide needle as in FIG. 8;

(10) FIG. 10 a perspective partial illustration, looking onto the hook opening, of the slides as in FIG. 9;

(11) FIG. 11 a perspective partial illustration, looking obliquely from the front onto the blade ends, of the slides as in FIGS. 9 and 10;

(12) FIG. 12 a sectional view of a prior-art slide needle in the machine knock-over position in the region of the needle hook;

(13) FIG. 13 a sectional view of an inventive embodiment of the slide needle in the machine knock-over position in the region of the needle hook;

(14) FIG. 14 a sectional view of a needle hook having a modified hook shape;

(15) FIG. 15 a perspective illustration of an inventive slide needle in accordance with all embodiment shapes in the machine knock-over position; and

(16) FIG. 16 a plan view onto the stitch bearing surfaces on the upper side of the slide of the slide needle as in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) The invention relates to a slide needle 20 having a needle body 21. The needle body 21 has a shank 22, at whichpreferably at least in sectionsa flat base surface 23 is provided. The shank 22 extends in longitudinal direction L. The height direction H is usually perpendicular to the flat section (or to one of the planar sections) of the base surface 23. The base surface 23 is provided on a narrow side of the slide needle 20. The slide needle 20 is disposed to be arranged in a groove in a stitch-forming textile machine, for example a knitting machine. In so doing, the base surface 23 is supported by the groove base or by a support arranged in the groove of the textile machine. The drawing does not show the textile machine itself. FIG. 1 shows two slide needles 20 such as may be arranged in a textile machine. During the knitting process, the slide needles 20 are being moved back and forth in the groove.

(18) At a stitch-forming end of the slide needle 20, the shank 22 transitions into a needle hook 24. The needle hook 24 extends in an arcuate manner up to the needle tip 25 that is arranged at a distance from the base surface 23 in height direction H. The height direction H is oriented at a right angle with respect to the base surface 23 of the needle body 21. On its inside, the arcuate needle hook 24 delimits an inner hook region 26.

(19) Adjoining its hook tip 25, the needle hook 24 has a hook end section 27 on which two spaced-apart lateral hook surfaces 28 are formed in transverse direction Q. The transverse direction Q is oriented at a right angle relative to a longitudinal center plane through the slide needle 20. The transverse direction Q, the height direction H and the longitudinal direction L are oriented so as to be at right angles with respect to each other.

(20) The two lateral hook surfaces 28 may be configured as planar surfaces as is the case in the exemplary embodiment (compare, in particular, FIGS. 13 and 14). The two lateral hook surfaces 28 may be oriented parallel to height direction H (FIG. 13). Alternatively, it is possible for the two lateral hook surfaces 28 to extend obliquely in height direction H. In so doing, the hook width BH of the hook end section 27 is not constant in height direction H. The needle hook 24 may taper in the region of the hook end section 27 toward the inner hook region 26 (FIG. 14). In this case, the cross-sectional contour of the hook end section 27 is approximately trapezoidal, wherein the side facing the inner hook region 26 and the side facing away from the inner hook region 26 are configured in a convex manner and are connected by the preferably flat or planar lateral hook surfaces 28.

(21) The needle body 21 has a slide groove 29, in which a slide 30 can be moved toward the needle hook 24 or away from the needle hook 24, and is preferably arranged so it may be slid back and forth and/or be pivotable. The exact course of movement of the slide 30 during its movement inside the slide groove 29 depends on the course of the slide groove 29 or the contour of the underside of the slide 30 associated with the groove 29. The movement need not be linear.

(22) The slide 30 of the slide needle 20 can be moved between and initial position I (FIGS. 2, 3 and 8) and a stitch knock-over position II (FIGS. 15 and 16) relative to the needle body 21. It is also possible to move the slide 30 beyond the stitch knock-over position II, as is shown, for example, in FIG. 1.

(23) As an alternative to the preferred embodiment, it is also possible that instead of the slide groove 29 in the needle body 21, a groove can be provided in the slide 30 where a projection of the needle body 21 comes into engagement. It is also possible to provide other guide means for the movable support of the slide 30 on the needle body 21, different from the preferred embodiments illustrated here.

(24) In the initial position I, the slide 30 is not in contact with the needle hook 24. The inner hook region 26 delimited by the needle nook 24 is thus not completely closed. In the stitch knock-over position, the slide 30 is in abutment with the hook 24, so that the inner hook region 26 is closed by the slide 30.

(25) The slide 30 consists of two separate slide blades 31. Both slide blades 31 have essentially the same configuration. The slide 30 is configured symmetrically relative to a longitudinal center plane through the slide needle 20.

(26) Each slide blade 31 has a free blade end 32. This free blade end 32 is associated with the needle hook 24, and the slide blades 31 contact the blade end 32 on the needle hook 24 in stitch knock-over position II.

(27) Adjoining the blade end 32, each slide blade 31 has a stitch bearing surface 33. The stitch bearing surface 33 is provided by the narrow side of the slide blade 31 on the upper side 34 of the slide 30. The stitch bearing surface 33 extends in longitudinal direction L. The stitch bearing surface 33 may be oriented at a right angle relative to the height direction H or extend obliquely relative to the transverse direction Q.

(28) The stitch bearing surface 33 is delimited on both side in longitudinal direction L. On the blade end 32 the stitch bearing surface of a slide blade 31 continues in an end flank 35 that extends obliquely inclined in height direction H and, at the same time, in longitudinal direction L. This end flank 35 is provided on an end projection 36 of the slide blade that extends up to a maximum M (e.g., FIGS. 4, 5 and 11). The maximum M represents a local maximum in a front region of the slide blade 31. In the height direction H, the maximum M is at a greater distance from the shank 22 than the end flank 35 and the stitch bearing surface 33 of the slide blade 31. In the region of the maximum M, the end projection 36 of the slide blade 31 is rounded.

(29) On the side opposite the end projection 36 or the end flank 35, the stitch bearing surface 33 of each slide 31 is delimited by a support flank 37 that extends obliquely or transversely with respect to the stitch bearing surface 33. Consequently at least one stitch can be held on the stitch bearing surface 33 of the slide 30 between the end flank 35 of the end projection 36, on the one hand, and the support flank 37, on the other hand, during stitch formation.

(30) A hook opening 40 is formed on the blade ends 32 between the two slide blades 31. The hook opening 40 is delimited by respectively one inner opening surface 41 on one of the two slide blades 31. The two inner opening surfaces 41 are at a distance opposite each other in transverse direction Q. The distance between these two inner opening surfaces 41 in transverse direction Q represents the opening width BA of the hook opening 40 (FIGS. 3 and 8).

(31) In the stitch knock-over position II, each inner opening surface 41 is in contact with a respectively associate lateral hook surface 28 at a contact point 42. In so doing, a gap 43 is formed between the inner opening surface 41 and the associate lateral hook surface 28. Therefore, in stitch knock-over position II, respectively one gap 43 exists on both sides of the needle hook 24. These gaps 43 are illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

(32) In cross-section through the slide needle 20 and through the hook end section 27, the gap 43 is wedge-shaped or approximately triangular. In transverse direction Z, the gap 43 has a gap width BS. This gap width BS is shown, for example in FIGS. 13 and 14, at a point in height direction H. In accordance with the example, the gap width BS is not constant in height direction and decreases, viewed from the inner hook region 26, up to the contact point 42.

(33) At the contact point 42 there is no planar but rather a linear contact due to the gap 43. Viewed in longitudinal direction L, the contact area is greater by a multiple than in height direction H. Therefore, the contact area at the contact point 42 in the stitch knock-over position II is greater in longitudinal direction L than in height direction H by at least the factor 5 to 10.

(34) In order to achieve this gap 43 that changes its gap width BS in height direction H in the stitch knock-over position II, there are suggested two options according to the invention as illustrated by FIGS. 13 and 14. In one embodiment the hook width BH of the hook end section 27 changes in height direction H. In this exemplary embodiment, the two inner opening surfaces 41 are preferably arranged so as to be approximately parallel to each other, so that the opening width BH does not change in height direction in the region of the hook opening 40, in which the needle hook 24 in stitch knock-over position II engages in the hook opening 40. This basic solution is shown in FIG. 13.

(35) Considering another inventive embodiment option, the hook width BH of the hook end section 27 may be constant in height direction H. In this exemplary embodiment, the opening width BA changes in height direction H at least in the region of the hook opening 40, in which the hook opening 40 comes into engagement. Also as a result of this, in stitch knock-over position II, a gap 43 is formed, said gap having a gap width BS that increases away from the contact point 42. As a result of this, the inner opening surfaces 41 lie against each other in a linear manner at the contact point 42 on the associated later hook surfaces 48.

(36) The two solutions according to the invention as illustrated by FIGS. 13 and 14 may also be combined with each other. A cap 43 may also be formed in that the inner opening surfaces 41, due to the slide needle 20, extend inclined at a different angle than the two lateral hook surfaces 28, relative to a longitudinal center plane. Also in this case a gap 43 is formed, as has been described in conjunction with the examples of FIGS. 13 and 14.

(37) This reduced contact area between the slide 30, or between the two slide blades, and the lateral hook surfaces 28 in stitch knock-over position II has the result that any friction can be reduced in the case of a relative movement between the slide 30 and the needle hook 24.

(38) The relative movement between the slide 30 and the needle hook 24 is usually not exactly linear in longitudinal direction L, but this movement comprises a movement component in height direction H. During the movement of the slide 30 into the stitch knock-over position II, it is possibledue to friction occurring between the hook 24 and the slide blades 31for deviations in the relative position to occur. In so doing, the height difference x between the ridge and the highest point of the needle hook 24, respectively, and between the blade end 32 and, in particular the maximum M on the end projection 34, is of particular importance (see FIG. 12). This height difference x is instrumental for widening a stitch 45. Due to a planar contact between the slide blades 31 and the lateral hook surfaces 28in prior art (FIG. 12)changes in the height difference x repeatedly occur during the stitch formation process. As a result of this, an irregular stitch pattern is formed, this being disadvantageous in view of quality, and needle stripe effects may occur.

(39) In accordance with the invention such variations are at least minimized. Due to the decreasing contact area in the region of the contact points 42, the friction decreases between the hook 24 and the slide blades 31 during a relative movement. It has been found that, as a result of this, a more precise positioning in height direction H of the slide blades 31 relative to the hook end section 27 can be achieved, and the height difference x can be repeatedly adjusted highly accurately to a desired value. Differences in stitch size are reduced or do not occur, and a high-quality stitch pattern is formed.

(40) Referring to the preferred exemplary embodiments illustrated here, the blade ends 32 of the two slide blades 31 are preferably in contact with each other at the end flanks 35. As an alternative to these shown preferred embodiments, it is also possible that, at least in sections, a gap exists between the two slide blades 31 in the region of the stitch bearing surface 33 or in the region of the end flanks 32.

(41) Referring to the exemplary embodiment of the slide needle 20 or the slide 30 shown by FIGS. 2 to 7, the hook opening 40 is obtained by a deformation process of the two slide blades 31. Material-ablating or cutting machining of the slide blades 31 can thus be omitted in forming the hook opening 40. To form the hook opening 40, the slide blades 31 extend away from each other, so that the hook opening 40 is formed displaying the opening width BA increasing from the upper side 34 downward in height direction H. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be possible to produce the hook opening 40 by means of material-ablating or cutting machining of the slide blades 31.

(42) In another exemplary embodiment of the slide needle 20 or the slide 30 in accordance with FIGS. 8 to 11, the hook opening 40 or the change of its opening width BA is accomplished by a change of the wall thickness of the slide blades 31 on the sections having the inner opening surfaces 41. The wall thickness which has been reduced for widening the hook opening 41 can be seen, in particular, in FIGS. 8 and 10. This wall thickness of the slide blades 31 changing in height direction H adjoining the inner opening surfaces 41 can be achieved by forming or by material-ablating or cutting machining.

(43) It is also possible to reconfigure the hook opening 40 having a opening width BA extending in height direction by a combination of reduced wall thickness and sections of the slide blades 31 which are bent outward or reshaped relative to the longitudinal center plane in the region of the opening surfaces 41.

(44) The invention relates to a slide needle 20, comprising a needle body 21, which has a needle hook 24. The needle hook has two lateral hook surfaces 28 arranged at a distance from each other in a transverse direction). A slide 30 is movably arranged on the needle body. The slide 30 has no contact with the needle hook 24 in an initial position I. The slide 30 lies against the needle hook 24 in a stitch knock-over position II. The slide 30 has two slide blades 31. These slide blades have a stitch bearing surface 33 for accommodating at least one stitch 45. A hook opening 40 open toward the hook tip 25 is present on a free blade end 32 of the slide blades. Inner opening surfaces 41 are arranged at a distance from each other in a transverse direction Q and thereby form the hook opening 40. In the stitch knock-over position (II), each inner opening surface 41 lies against an associated lateral hook surface 28 of the needle hook 24 at a contact point 42. A gap is formed 43 adjacent to the contact point 42 in a height direction H. The gap 43 has a gap width BS in the transverse direction Q that increases with distance from the contact point 42 in the height direction H. Thus, contact with the contact area between the slide 30 and the needle hook 24 that is smaller in the height direction H is achieved in the stitch knock-over position II.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(45) 20 Slide needle 21 Needle body 22 Shank 23 Base surface 24 Needle hook 25 Hook tip 26 Inner hook region 27 Hook end section 28 Lateral hook surface 29 Slide groove 30 Slide 31 Slide blade 32 Blade end 33 Stitch bearing surface 34 Upper side of the slide blade 35 End flank 36 End projection 37 Support flank 40 Hook opening 41 Inner opening surface 42 Contact point 43 Gap 45 Stitch BA Opening width BH Hook width BS Gap width H Height direction L Longitudinal direction M Maximum Q Transverse direction X Height difference