A cylinder structure for a double-sided circular knitting machine

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of textile machinery technology, and provides a needle cylinder structure for a double-sided circular knitting machine. The structure includes a needle cylinder body, an upper needle plate with at least two first annular mounting grooves along the needle's movement path, and first annular mounting grooves at both the needle tip contact point and the knitted clearance contact point of the upper needle plate. The lower needle cylinder has at least two second annular mounting grooves along the needle's movement path, and second annular mounting grooves at both the needle tip contact point and the knitted clearance contact point of the lower needle cylinder. The surface of the ceramic ring installed in each of the first and second annular mounting grooves is higher than the groove opening plane of each of the first and second annular mounting grooves. This utility model solves the problem of high production and usage costs in existing double-sided circular knitting machine needle cylinder structures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of textile machinery technology, and in particular to a needle cylinder structure for a double-sided knitting circular weft knitting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Circular knitting machines are core equipment in the knitting industry. During high-speed operation, the sinker groove (also known as the settling plate groove) on the top of the cylinder and the needle groove on the outer wall must withstand continuous high-speed reciprocating friction from the sinker and the needles, which easily leads to wear on the cylinder's base material. Once the cylinder base material is worn, it directly causes serious quality problems such as yarn snagging, fabric holes, or stripes. Therefore, the industry commonly adopts a technical solution of adding wear-resistant rings or plates along the wear path. This involves bonding high-hardness wear-resistant parts (such as ceramic plates) as vulnerable components, sacrificing some protection for the expensive cylinder body. For example, Chinese patent document CN202610374632.7 discloses an anti-wear structure for the cylinder of a circular knitting machine and its installation method. The structure includes a cylinder body, a first annular mounting groove on the movement path of the sinker plate, and a second annular mounting groove on the movement path of the knitting needle. Several ceramic guide arc plates are arranged circumferentially within both the first and second mounting grooves. Each ceramic guide arc plate has a seamless working end and a slotted telescopic end opposite to the seamless working end. While this design uses independent wear-resistant rings for the sinker plate and knitting needle paths, the wear-resistant rings employ a gapped telescopic joint structure. If the telescopic joint happens to rub against the movement path of the knitting needle or sinker plate, the sinker plate or knitting needle may become stuck in the telescopic joint, causing damage and requiring machine downtime for maintenance, resulting in high production and operating costs. Furthermore, this structure only provides a limited extension of the service life of the sinker plate, knitting needle, and cylinder. During operation, the needle contact points and knitting clearance contact points of the knitting needles continuously rub against the upper needle plate or lower needle cylinder, resulting in wear and tear on the upper needle plate or lower needle cylinder over long-term use. After slight wear occurs at the needle contact points and knitting clearance contact points, maintenance can often only be performed by adjusting the knitting needle running trajectory until it can no longer be adjusted and is scrapped. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, in view of the above problems, this utility model proposes a needle cylinder structure for a double-sided circular knitting machine that effectively protects the needle cylinder and extends the service life of the knitting needles.

[0004] To solve this technical problem, the present invention adopts the following solution: a needle cylinder structure for a double-sided circular knitting machine, comprising a needle cylinder body, the needle cylinder body comprising an upper needle plate and a lower needle cylinder, the upper needle plate having at least two first annular mounting grooves on the needle movement path, and the upper needle plate having first annular mounting grooves at both the needle tip contact point and the knitting clearance contact point of the needle, the lower needle cylinder having at least two second annular mounting grooves on the needle movement path, and the lower needle cylinder having second annular mounting grooves at both the needle tip contact point and the knitting clearance contact point of the needle, multiple ceramic arc pieces are arranged circumferentially in each of the first and second annular mounting grooves, and the multiple ceramic arc pieces are connected and spliced ​​together to form a ceramic ring, the two ends of the ceramic arc pieces are inclined cut surfaces that can cooperate with each other, and the inclined cut surfaces of the ceramic arc pieces are perpendicular to the bottom of the first or second annular mounting groove, the surface of the ceramic ring installed in each of the first and second annular mounting grooves is higher than the groove opening plane of each of the first and second annular mounting grooves.

[0005] Preferably, each of the first annular mounting grooves and each of the second annular mounting grooves has a downwardly recessed polyurethane groove at the center of its bottom.

[0006] More preferably, the cross-section of the polymer groove is V-shaped or dovetail-shaped.

[0007] Preferably, the upper needle plate is further provided with at least one first annular mounting groove between the needle contact point of the knitting needle and the contact point of the knitting clearance.

[0008] Preferably, the lower needle cylinder is further provided with at least one second annular mounting groove between the needle tip contact point of the knitting needle and the contact point of the knitting clearance.

[0009] Preferably, the groove width of the first and second annular mounting grooves at the needle contact point of the knitting needle is 3mm-5mm, and the groove width of the first and second annular mounting grooves at the contact point of the knitting clearance is 11mm-15mm.

[0010] By adopting the aforementioned technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model sets multiple annular mounting grooves on the needle movement path of the upper needle plate and the lower needle cylinder, and installs ceramic rings made of ceramic arc pieces in each annular mounting groove, with the surface of the ceramic rings being higher than the groove opening plane. This ensures that the needles only contact the surface of the ceramic rings during movement, avoiding direct contact between the needles at the needle tip contact point and the needle cylinder body substrate. This prevents the needle cylinder body from being worn by friction caused by the movement of the needles, thus extending the service life of the needle cylinder. Furthermore, the needles only rub against multiple ceramic rings, allowing for rapid heat dissipation and rapid removal of heat generated by the high-speed movement of the needles, reducing needle wear and effectively extending the service life of the needles. This prevents the needles from wearing against the needle cylinder substrate and jointly extends the service life of both the needle cylinder and the needles, reducing downtime maintenance costs and production costs. The ceramic arc sheet features an inclined cut at both ends, perpendicular to the bottom of the mounting groove. This creates an inclined seam when adjacent ceramic arc sheets are joined, preventing gaps from appearing in the needle's movement path. Compared to traditional vertical end-face joining, the inclined cut structure increases the contact area between adjacent ceramic arc sheets. Furthermore, when the ceramic ring expands due to heat, stress is dispersed along the inclined cut, effectively preventing stress concentration that could lead to cracking of the ceramic arc sheet or peeling of the adhesive layer. This invention also incorporates a downward-recessed adhesive groove (V-shaped or dovetail-shaped) in the center of the bottom of the annular mounting groove. During adhesive application, excess adhesive flows into the adhesive groove for storage, increasing the bonding surface area. This prevents adhesive overflow from affecting the installation accuracy of the ceramic arc sheet and increases the contact area between the adhesive and the mounting groove wall, thus improving the bonding strength of the ceramic arc sheet. This invention provides comprehensive protection for the main contact and friction points along the needle's movement path by setting a first annular mounting groove and a second annular mounting groove at the needle contact points and the knitted clearance contact points on both the upper needle plate and the lower needle cylinder, and adding an additional annular mounting groove between them as needed. This further improves the wear resistance and service life of the needle cylinder. Based on the friction characteristics of different contact points, this invention sets annular mounting grooves of different widths (3mm-5mm at the needle contact point and 11mm-15mm at the knitted clearance contact point), ensuring effective wear protection at each contact point while avoiding unnecessary material waste and processing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model installed on a double-sided circular knitting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram at point A; Figure 3 This is a top view of the ceramic ring according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 yes Figure 3A magnified structural diagram at point B; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ceramic arc sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the upper needle plate according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the syringe according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified structural diagram at point C; Among them, 1. upper needle plate, 2. lower needle cylinder, 3. ceramic arc plate, 11. first annular mounting groove, 21. second annular mounting groove, 31. inclined cut surface, 111. first polyurethane groove, 211. second polyurethane groove. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0013] refer to Figures 1-8The preferred needle cylinder structure of this utility model for a double-sided circular knitting machine includes a needle cylinder body, which comprises an upper needle plate 1 and a lower needle cylinder 2. The upper needle plate 1 has three first annular mounting grooves 11 along the needle movement path, and each of these grooves is located at the needle tip contact point and the knitting clearance contact point. An additional first annular mounting groove 11 is located between the needle tip contact point and the knitting clearance contact point. The lower needle cylinder 2 has three second annular mounting grooves 21 along the needle movement path, and each of these grooves is located at the needle tip contact point and the knitting clearance contact point. An additional second annular mounting groove 21 is located between the needle tip contact point and the knitting clearance contact point. Each of the first annular mounting grooves 11 and each of the second annular mounting grooves 21... Multiple ceramic arc pieces 3 are arranged circumferentially within the groove 21, and these ceramic arc pieces 3 are connected and spliced ​​together to form a ceramic ring. The two ends of the ceramic arc pieces 3 are inclined cut surfaces 31 that can cooperate with each other. The ceramic arc pieces 3 are inserted vertically into each of the first annular mounting grooves 11 and each of the second annular mounting grooves 21, and the inclined cut surfaces 31 of the ceramic arc pieces 3 are perpendicular to the bottom of the first annular mounting groove 11 or the second annular mounting groove 21. The surface of the ceramic ring installed in each of the first annular mounting grooves 11 and each of the second annular mounting grooves 21 is higher than the groove opening plane of each of the first annular mounting grooves 11 and each of the second annular mounting grooves 21. Each of the first annular mounting grooves 111 and each of the second annular mounting grooves 21 has a downwardly recessed first polypropylene groove 111 and a second polypropylene groove 211 in the middle of the bottom of the groove. The cross-section of the first polypropylene groove 111 and the second polypropylene groove 211 is V-shaped. The first annular mounting groove 11 and the second annular mounting groove 21 have a groove width of 3mm at the needle contact point of the knitting needle, and the first annular mounting groove 11 and the second annular mounting groove 21 have a groove width of 11mm at the contact point of the knitting clearance.

[0014] Preferably, the height of the ceramic ring surface installed in each of the first annular mounting grooves 11 and each of the second annular mounting grooves 21 above the groove opening plane is 0.02mm-0.15mm, more preferably 0.05mm-0.10mm. In this embodiment, the ceramic ring surface at the needle contact point is 0.05mm above the groove opening plane, and the ceramic ring surface at the contact point of the knitting clearance is 0.08mm above the groove opening plane.

[0015] The method for installing the ceramic ring in the cylinder structure of the above-mentioned double-sided knitting circular knitting machine includes the following steps: S1. Produce multiple identical ceramic arc pieces 3 evenly divided along 360°, arrange and insert each ceramic arc piece 3 into each first annular mounting groove 11 and splice them into a ceramic ring in each first annular mounting groove 11, and cut off the excess material of the last ceramic arc piece 3 according to the length requirement along the plane parallel to the inclined cut surface 31.

[0016] In step S1, multiple ceramic arc pieces 3 of the same size are first manufactured according to the circumference of the annular mounting groove and the predetermined number of ceramic arc pieces 3. Each ceramic arc piece 3 is evenly divided along 360°, meaning that the central angle occupied by each ceramic arc piece 3 is equal. The ceramic arc pieces 3 are arranged and inserted into the corresponding annular mounting grooves in sequence, with adjacent ceramic arc pieces 3 being joined together by inclined cut surfaces 31. During the insertion process, due to processing errors and cumulative tolerances, the last ceramic arc piece 3 often cannot be directly inserted or the joint between it and the first ceramic arc piece 3 is too small. At this time, the last ceramic arc piece 3 is removed, and the excess material is trimmed along a surface parallel to its inclined cut surface 31 according to the actual required length. After trimming, the last ceramic arc piece 3 is reinserted into the mounting groove, forming a complete ceramic ring with other ceramic arc pieces 3, and the joints are uniform and tight. Dry assembly is performed without applying adhesive, allowing for free adjustment and trimming of each ceramic arc piece 3 until the splicing accuracy of the entire ceramic ring meets the requirements. This effectively avoids the problem of the last piece failing to be installed due to accumulated errors, which is common in traditional installation methods.

[0017] S2. Adhesive installation steps: Take out the ceramic arc pieces 3 from each of the first annular mounting grooves 11 in step S1, apply adhesive to the inner wall of each of the first annular mounting grooves 11; then transfer each ceramic arc piece 3 to the corresponding first annular mounting groove 11 in sequence according to the order in step S1 to complete the adhesive installation of the ceramic arc pieces 3.

[0018] After the trial assembly in step S1 is successful, each ceramic arc piece 3 is removed from the mounting groove and marked according to the arrangement order during the trial assembly. Then, adhesive is evenly applied to the inner wall of each annular mounting groove. The adhesive can be a high-strength epoxy resin adhesive, a ceramic-specific adhesive, or other adhesives with good bonding and temperature resistance. After applying the adhesive, each ceramic arc piece 3 is transferred back to its corresponding annular mounting groove according to the order determined in step S1, and gently pressed to ensure it adheres tightly to the groove wall. After the adhesive cures, each ceramic arc piece 3 is firmly bonded to the annular mounting groove, forming a complete ceramic ring. Since precise trial assembly and adjustments have been completed in step S1, step S2 only requires bonding and installation according to the predetermined order, eliminating the need for on-site adjustments and greatly improving installation efficiency and success rate.

[0019] When the ceramic ring wears out after a period of use, it can be disassembled and replaced by reversing the above installation process: first, remove the adhesive layer of the old ceramic arc plate 3, and then install the new ceramic arc plate 3 according to steps S1 and S2.

[0020] This utility model's installation method employs a two-step process: first, dry trial assembly, then adhesive bonding. This involves trial assembly of all ceramic arc pieces within the mounting groove. During this process, the last ceramic arc piece can be precisely adjusted in length to ensure the splicing accuracy of the entire ceramic ring. After successful trial assembly, the ceramic arc pieces are removed, adhesive is applied, and they are installed sequentially according to their original order. This effectively avoids the problem of the last piece failing to fit due to accumulated errors in traditional installation methods, eliminates the risk of discarding the syringe due to installation failure, and significantly improves the installation success rate and production efficiency.

[0021] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: During the operation of a double-sided circular knitting machine, the upper needles on the upper needle plate 1 and the lower needles on the lower needle cylinder 2 reciprocate at high speed along their respective needle grooves. During the movement, the needle tips and the knitting gaps of the needles come into contact with and rub against the ceramic rings at corresponding positions on the upper needle plate 1 and the lower needle cylinder 2.

[0022] Because this invention features an annular mounting groove along the needle movement path of the upper needle plate 1 and the lower needle cylinder 2, and a ceramic ring composed of ceramic arc pieces 3 is installed within this groove with its surface higher than the groove opening plane, the needles directly contact and rub against the smooth surface of the ceramic ring during movement, without contacting the base material of the needle cylinder body. The ceramic material possesses high hardness and high wear resistance, enabling it to withstand long-term high-speed friction of the needles without significant wear. Even as the ceramic ring surface gradually wears down, its initial higher position above the groove opening plane allows it to maintain effective protection for a period. When the ceramic ring wears to a certain extent, it can be replaced according to the installation method of this invention, while the base material of the needle cylinder body remains intact, thus significantly extending the overall service life of the needle cylinder.

[0023] Meanwhile, the inclined cut surfaces 31 at both ends of the ceramic arc plate 3 make the splice seam between adjacent ceramic arc plates 3 inclined. When the ceramic ring expands due to heat generated during equipment operation, the expansion stress is dispersed and transmitted along the direction of the inclined cut surface 31; when the knitting needle vibrates at high speed, the inclined splice seam can also effectively prevent the knitting needle from getting stuck in the seam, ensuring the stability and reliability of equipment operation.

[0024] In the above embodiments, the height of the ceramic ring surface above the groove opening plane of the first or second annular mounting groove is preferably 0.02mm-0.15mm, the groove width of the first and second annular mounting grooves at the needle contact point of the knitting needle is preferably 3mm-5mm, and the groove width of the first and second annular mounting grooves at the contact point of the knitting clearance is preferably 11mm-15mm.

[0025] Although the present invention has been specifically shown and described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims, and all such changes shall be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A needle cylinder structure for a double-sided circular knitting machine, comprising a needle cylinder body, wherein the needle cylinder body includes an upper needle plate and a lower needle cylinder, characterized in that: The upper needle plate has at least two first annular mounting grooves on the needle movement path, and the upper needle plate has first annular mounting grooves at both the needle contact point and the knitting clearance contact point of the needle. The lower needle cylinder has at least two second annular mounting grooves on the needle movement path, and the lower needle cylinder has second annular mounting grooves at both the needle contact point and the knitting clearance contact point of the needle. Multiple ceramic arc pieces are arranged circumferentially in each first annular mounting groove and each second annular mounting groove, and the multiple ceramic arc pieces are connected and spliced ​​to form a ceramic ring. The two ends of the ceramic arc pieces are inclined cut surfaces that can cooperate with each other, and the inclined cut surfaces of the ceramic arc pieces are perpendicular to the bottom of the first annular mounting groove or the second annular mounting groove. The surface of the ceramic ring installed in each first annular mounting groove and each second annular mounting groove is higher than the groove opening plane of each first annular mounting groove and each second annular mounting groove.

2. The cylinder structure of a double-sided circular knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the first and second annular mounting grooves has a downwardly recessed polyurethane groove at the center of its bottom.

3. The cylinder structure of a double-sided circular knitting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross-section of the polymer groove is V-shaped or dovetail-shaped.

4. The cylinder structure of a double-sided circular knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper needle plate is provided with at least one first annular mounting groove between the needle contact point of the knitting needle and the contact point of the knitting clearance.

5. The cylinder structure of a double-sided circular knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower needle cylinder is provided with at least one second annular mounting groove between the needle contact point of the knitting needle and the contact point of the knitting clearance.

6. The cylinder structure of a double-sided circular knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first and second annular mounting grooves have a groove width of 3mm-5mm at the needle contact point of the knitting needle, and the first and second annular mounting grooves have a groove width of 11mm-15mm at the contact point of the knitting clearance.

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