Laser-structured textile tool

Abstract

Textile tool (1) structured according to a method for manufacturing a textile tool (1) in which a metallic tool blank is provided in a laser processing device (2) and the laser processing device (2) structures the tool blank on a tool surface (3) by means of interference of at least two laser beams (4, 5), wherein the at least two laser beams (4, 5) have pulse durations of at most 15 ps at least temporarily and wherein a tool profile (6) with at least one depression (7) is produced by the structuring on the tool surface (13).

Description

Laser-structured textile tool

[0001] The invention relates to a textile tool. Textile tools are tools used in textile machines, such as knitting machines, warp knitting machines, sewing machines, weaving machines, tufting machines, or finishing machines for the production of nonwovens. Such textile tools include, for example, knitting needles, warp knitting needles, warp knitting modules, sinkers, sewing needles (especially sewing machine needles), felting needles, healds, heald frames, reeds, carding wires, tufting needles, or tufting modules.

[0002] As textile machinery has evolved, operating speeds have steadily increased in recent years. This has also increased the demands placed on the textile tools used in these machines. On the one hand, they must withstand greater mechanical stress, while on the other, energy consumption in textile machines must be reduced by reducing weight and friction.

[0003] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a textile tool that is suitable for use in high-speed textile machines and at the same time enables energy-saving operation of such textile machines.

[0004] The problem is solved by a textile tool having the features of claim 1.

[0005] The textile tool according to the invention is structured according to a method for producing the same, in that a metallic tool blank is provided in a laser processing device and the laser processing device structures the tool blank on a tool surface by means of interference of at least two laser beams, wherein the at least two laser beams at least temporarily have pulse durations of at most 15 ps and wherein the structuring on the tool surface produces a tool profile with at least one depression. In this way, very fine structures in the micrometer and nanometer range can be created in the surface of the textile tool in a reproducible manner, resulting in advantageous friction behavior. The depressions in the surface of the textile tools are also suitable for absorbing lubricants typically used in textile machines and distributing them during operation of the textile tool, for example in the groove of a textile machine, so that a continuous lubricating film is formed on the surfaces subject to friction between the textile tool and the textile machine. This effect also makes it possible to significantly reduce the energy required to operate textile machines with textile tools according to the invention. Advantageous effects can be achieved if the tool surface on the side surfaces of the textile tool or on a drive foot of the textile tool is structured in the manner described above.It is just as advantageous, however, if the tongue or the axis of the tongue on latch needles, for example, are machined in this way. Surprisingly, it has also been shown that when the previously described structured surface wears, wear particles are formed so small that they can be absorbed in the remaining depressions in the structured surface. Abrasive wear can thus be significantly reduced and energy-efficient operation of textile machines over a very long service life can be ensured. Usually, a running-in phase is required in which new textile tools adapt to the textile machine in which they are used through surface wear. The energy consumption of the textile machine is increased as a result. With the textile tool according to the invention, it has been shown that the running-in phase is significantly shortened and the energy consumption of the textile machine is therefore also reduced.

[0006] Further advantages arise if the at least one depression is produced with a dimension, in particular with a depth compared to an unstructured region of the tool surface (3), of between 10 nm and 50 pm, in particular between 100 nm and 15 pm. In this way, even lower friction forces arise during operation of the textile tool. As a result, the power requirement for operating the textile machine is reduced. It is particularly advantageous if the depression has a depth of between 200 nm and 5 pm. In this range, it has surprisingly been shown that when the textile tool is used in the groove of a textile machine, a very uniform lubricating film can be formed between the textile tool and the walls of the groove. This surprisingly significantly reduces the power requirement of the textile machine.

[0007] Advantageously, at least two recesses with essentially identical dimensions, in particular with essentially identical depths, are created. This creates a very uniform structure. Surprisingly, this can also improve the uniformity of the lubricating film.

[0008] Further advantages arise when at least one group of depressions is created in a periodic pattern on the tool surface. This measure can also improve the uniformity of the lubricating film between the textile tool and the textile machine.

[0009] Advantageously, the group of depressions in the periodic pattern on the tool surface is produced with a lateral period between 10 nm and 50 pm, in particular between 100 nm and 15 pm, in at least one direction along the tool surface. A lateral period between 200 nm and 5 pm is particularly preferred. Surprisingly, very low power requirements of textile machines with textile tools according to the invention have been shown in this range. Depressions produced in one direction along the tool surface are linear or elongated depressions. The lateral period describes the offset between adjacent depressions in a lateral direction perpendicular to the direction of production or the main extension direction of the depressions.The recesses are advantageously created in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the textile tool, where the direction of movement is the direction in which the textile tool primarily moves during operation in a textile machine. This gives the textile tool direction-dependent friction properties that are adapted for use in textile machines and thus reduce the energy consumption of the textile machine.

[0010] Further advantages arise when at least one group of recesses on the tool surface is created with a linear profile and / or with a rectangular, preferably square, basic shape and / or with a circular basic shape. These basic shapes have been shown to significantly reduce friction compared to irregularly or unevenly shaped recesses.

[0011] Advantageously, at least two first depressions, in particular a first group of depressions, with a first lateral period between 10 nm and 50 pm, in particular between 100 nm and 15 pm, and at least two second depressions, in particular a second group of depressions, with a second lateral period , with the second lateral period being smaller than the first lateral period. Even with such a structure, the friction between the textile tool and the textile machine can be further reduced. However, it is particularly advantageous if the first lateral period and / or the second lateral period is between 200 nm and 5 pm.

[0012] Further advantages arise when the area of ​​the second depressions, in particular the second group of depressions, at least partially overlaps the area of ​​the first depressions, in particular the first group of depressions. This prevents the friction properties of the surface from significantly changing locally, and a more uniform friction behavior between the textile machine and the textile tool can be achieved.

[0013] Advantageously, the production of the first depressions, in particular the first group of depressions, and the production of the second depressions, in particular the second group of depressions, take place in a single work step or in separate work steps.

[0014] It is particularly advantageous if the first depressions, in particular the first group of depressions, are created by interference of the at least two laser beams, while the second depressions, in particular the second group of depressions, are created by interference of at least two laser beams and / or by a single laser beam. The depressions can thus be produced particularly precisely and uniformly. Surprisingly, it has been shown that this can achieve a particularly significant reduction in frictional forces when using textile tools in textile machines.

[0015] Further advantages arise when the tool blank is coated before and / or the textile tool after structuring. A coating with titanium nitride or a chromium-containing coating is particularly preferred.

[0016] Further advantages arise if the textile tool has at least one component made of a hard metal, which has a plurality of hard material particles and a binder matrix, and / or at least one component made of a thermally treated tool steel.

[0017] Advantageously, the textile tool has at least partially on the tool surface a hard material layer, preferably a carbon layer, especially preferably has a tetrahedral, hydrogen-free carbon layer. This gives the surface of the textile tool particularly advantageous friction properties.

[0018] Further advantages arise if at least one recess with a width of 100 pm to 500 pm is formed at its widest point into the tool surface of the textile tool by forming (for example by embossing, pressing or forging) or machining (for example by grinding or milling), wherein the recess and the depressions in the tool profile created by structuring advantageously overlap. The width of the recess is its dimension perpendicular to its main direction of extension, wherein the main direction of extension of the recess is the direction in which the recess has its largest dimension. The recess is advantageously an elongated channel or a groove in the tool surface. The recess is preferably formed into the tool surface before structuring.Due to the greatly different dimensions of the recess and the depressions created by the structuring, both the recess and the depressions can contribute to improved lubricant transport. Surprisingly, it has been shown that lubricant transport can be significantly improved in this way through the synergistic interaction of the recess and the depressions. The energy consumption of textile machines with such textile tools can be significantly reduced as a result. The recess preferably has a width of 150 pm to 350 pm. Advantageously, the recess has a depth of 10 pm to 50 pm, where the depth is the dimension by which the recess protrudes into the tool surface. Further advantages arise when several recesses are arranged next to one another at a distance of 100 pm to 300 pm.The recess does not have to extend across the entire tool surface, but can also be a pocket-like recess with a closed contour in the tool surface. For example, the recess can have a rectangular, square, round, or oval contour. Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a textile tool (1) according to the invention in the form of a knitting needle. Fig. 2 Figure 2 shows a textile tool (1) according to the invention in the form of a sewing machine needle. Fig. 3 Figure 3 shows an alternative producible tool profile 6 with recesses (7) with a rectangular basic shape (10). Fig. 4 Figure 4 shows an alternative producible tool profile 6 with recesses (7) with a square basic shape (11). Fig. 5 Figure 5 shows an alternative producible tool profile 6 with recesses (7) with a circular basic shape (10). Fig. 6 Figure 6 shows an alternative producible tool profile 6 with a first group (13) of recesses (7) and a second group (13) of recesses (7). Fig. 7 Figure 7 shows an alternative textile tool (1) according to the invention in the form of a knitting needle with recesses (15). Fig. 8 Figure 8 shows the section AA through the textile tool (1) from Fig. 7.

[0019] Figure 1 shows a textile tool 1 according to the invention in the form of a knitting needle, as typically used in circular knitting machines or flat knitting machines. The tool surface 3 of the textile tool 1 is processed with a laser processing device 2 comprising a first laser beam 4 and a second laser beam 5. The interference of the laser beams 4, 5 was used for processing to create a particularly fine structure. The resulting structure is referred to as the tool profile 6. The tool profile 6 is shown in detail in an enlarged scale in Figure 1. It has linear depressions 7 with a uniform lateral period 8.

[0020] Figure 2 shows a textile tool 2 according to the invention in the form of a sewing machine needle. The tool surface 3 was processed by a laser processing device 3 (not shown in Figure 2) in the same way as the knitting needle in Figure 1. The tool surface 6 is thus similar to that in Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 3 shows an alternative producible tool profile 6 with recesses 7 with a rectangular basic shape 10.

[0022] Figure 4 shows an alternative producible tool profile 6 with recesses 7 with a square basic shape 11.

[0023] Figure 5 shows an alternative producible tool profile 6 with recesses 7 with a circular basic shape 10.

[0024] Figure 6 shows an alternative producible tool profile 6 with a first group 13 of recesses 7 and a second group 13 of recesses 7. The recesses 7 of the first group 13 have a rectangular basic shape 10, while the Recesses 7 of the second group 14 have a square basic shape. The area of ​​the first group 13 and the area of ​​the second group 14 overlap. This allows a uniform change in the surface properties across the entire tool surface 3. This is particularly advantageous for a uniform formation of the lubricating film between a textile machine and a textile tool 1 according to the invention.

[0025] Figure 7 shows an alternative textile tool 1 in the form of a knitting needle 1 with a tool surface 3 into which six recesses 15, 115, 215 are formed by forming. The recesses 15, 115, 215 overlap with tool profiles 6 produced by a laser processing device (not shown). To better distinguish the tool profiles 6 and the recesses 15, 115, 215 in Figure 7, the recesses 15, 115, 215 are shown with a wider line width than the tool profiles 6. The tool profiles 6 and the recesses 15, 115, 215 are manufactured in an overlapping manner. This means that the structures of the tool profiles 6 and the recesses 15, 115, 215 overlap. Two recesses 15 are introduced in a height direction y perpendicular to the direction of movement x of the textile tool 1 into the tool surface 3 continuously over the entire height of the textile tool in the height direction y.The direction of movement x corresponds to the main direction of movement of the textile tool 1 when used in a textile machine. In the case of the knitting needle shown, the direction of movement x corresponds to the main direction of extension of the knitting needle, which is often also referred to as the longitudinal direction of the knitting needle. At another point on the tool surface 3, two oval recesses 115 are made, which also overlap with a tool profile 6. At yet another point on the tool surface 3, rectangular recesses 215 are formed in the tool surface 3. The embodiment shown in Fig. 7 serves as an example to illustrate differently shaped recesses 15, 115, 215. All of the shapes of the recesses 15, 115, 215 shown can be used individually or in various combinations with one another in textile tools 1 according to the invention.

[0026] To illustrate the structure created on the tool surface 3, the section AA from Fig. 7 through the recesses 15 and the tool profile 6 is shown in an enlarged view in Figure 8. The two recesses 15 have an equal width 16 and are arranged next to each other in the direction of movement x and are separated by the Distance 18 from each other. The recesses 15 are let into the tool surface 3 by the depth 17 and in this way form groove-shaped or channel-like incisions in the tool surface 3. The tool profile 6 produced by laser structuring has a multiplicity of linear depressions 7 and overlaps with the recesses 15. Due to the significantly finer structure of the depressions 7, several depressions 7 are arranged in each recess 15. The structure produced combines the advantages of the comparatively coarse recesses 15 with the fine depressions 7 of the tool profile 6. With such a structure, a surprisingly good lubricating film can be built up, which leads to a greatly reduced energy consumption when the textile tool 1 is used in textile machines.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Textile tool (1) structured according to a method for producing a textile tool (1), in which a metallic tool blank is provided in a laser processing device (2) and the laser processing device (2) structures the tool blank on a tool surface (3) by means of interference of at least two laser beams (4, 5), wherein the at least two laser beams (4, 5) have pulse durations of at most 15 ps at least at times and wherein a tool profile (6) with at least one depression (7) is produced on the tool surface (13) by the structuring.

2. Textile tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one depression (7) is produced with a dimension, in particular with a depth compared to an unstructured area of ​​the tool surface (3), between 10 nm and 50 pm, in particular between 100 nm and 15 pm.

3. Textile tool (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least two recesses (7) are produced with substantially identical dimensions, in particular with substantially identical depths.

4. Textile tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one group of depressions (7) is produced in a periodic pattern on the tool surface (3).

5. Textile tool (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the group of depressions (7) in the periodic pattern on the tool surface (3) is produced with a lateral period (8) between 10 nm and 50 pm, in particular between 100 nm and 15 pm, in at least one direction along the tool surface (3).

6. Textile tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one group of depressions (7) on the tool surface (3) is produced with a linear course (9) and / or with a rectangular (10), preferably square basic shape (11) and / or with a circular basic shape (12).

7. Textile tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least two first depressions (7), in particular a first group of depressions (7), are produced with a first lateral period (8) between 10 nm and 50 pm, in particular between 100 nm and 15 pm, and at least two second depressions (7), in particular a second group of depressions (7), are produced with a second lateral period (8), wherein in particular the second lateral period (8) is smaller than the first lateral period (8).

8. Textile tool (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the area of ​​the second depressions (7), in particular of the second group of depressions (7), at least partially overlaps the area of ​​the first depressions (7), in particular of the first group of depressions (7).

9. Textile tool (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the production of the first depressions (7), in particular of the first group of depressions (7), and the production of the second depressions (7), in particular of the second group of depressions (7), in a single work step or in separate work steps.

10. Textile tool (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first depressions (7), in particular the first group of depressions (7), are produced by means of interference of the at least two laser beams (4, 5), wherein the second depressions (7), in particular the second group of depressions (7), are produced by means of interference of at least two laser beams (4, 5) and / or by means of a single laser beam (4, 5).

11. Textile tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the tool blank is coated before and / or the textile tool (1) is coated after structuring.

12. Textile tool (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the textile tool (1) has at least one component made of a hard metal, which has a plurality of hard material particles and a binder matrix, and / or at least one component made of a thermally treated tool steel.

13. Textile tool (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the textile tool (1) has at least in some regions on the tool surface (3) a hard material layer, preferably a carbon layer, particularly preferably a tetrahedral, hydrogen-free carbon layer.

14. Textile tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a recess (15, 115, 215) with a width (16) of 100 pm to 500 pm at its widest point is formed into the tool surface (3) by forming or machining of the textile tool (1).

Images