Textile tool and method for producing the textile tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a textile tool (1) having hooks for use in textile machines. In order for the textile tool (1) to be suitable for use in high-speed textile machines and for processing yarns that are difficult to process, and at the same time offering a long service life and cost-effective producibility, the cross-sectional area (X(s)) of the hook (3) increases along a section coordinate (s) starting from the hook tip (5) and decreases again once a maximum cross-sectional area (Xmax) has been reached.

Description

Groz-Beckert KG Parkweg 2 72458 Albstadt September 22, 2025 Textile tool and process for manufacturing the textile tool

[0001] The present invention relates to a textile tool with a hook for use in textile machines, such as knitting needles for knitting machines or warp knitting needles for warp knitting machines. Such textile tools with hooks have been known for well over 100 years in a wide variety of embodiments and using a wide variety of manufacturing processes. For example, sewing and knitting needles, such as those from CH398860A, are known in which the hook is formed by "cutting," i.e., by separating manufacturing processes. Similarly, lace needles, for example from US2436371, are known in which the hook is formed by punching from a strip of sheet metal. However, the subject of the present invention is a textile tool with a hook in which the hook is typically formed by forming. It has been shown that a formed hook has better mechanical properties than a hook that is manufactured by machining or casting.Furthermore, the hook can be manufactured particularly cheaply by forming.

[0002] A corresponding textile tool and the associated manufacturing process are shown, for example, in DE3900162C1. The textile tool is manufactured by forming a blank, whereby the hook of the textile tool is formed from a substantially straight section of the blank by forging.

[0003] Increased operating speeds of textile machines and the use of difficult-to-process yarns, which place particular stress on textile tools during operation, such as highly abrasive yarns or yarns with hard spots, have led to higher demands on the load-bearing capacity of the hooks of textile tools in recent years. To address this, EP3617357A2 discloses the use of a "transition section" of the hook with increased material thickness to prevent undesired bending of the knitting needle and thus an expansion of the catch area (or hook interior). The increased material thickness therefore stiffens the hook. This publication does not provide information on the cross-sectional area of ​​the hook. Since the contour of the Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT Since the hook cross-section can typically change along the centerline of textile tools, increasing the material thickness, even with a constant or reduced cross-sectional area, is only possible by modifying the contour. It has been shown that when using textile tools of the type described above, particularly in the production of very fine textiles, irregularities due to expanded loops in the finished fabric can occur. It has also been shown that stiffening the hook can lead to premature hook failure in some applications.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a textile tool with a hook and an associated method for manufacturing the textile tool, wherein the textile tool is suitable for use in high-speed textile machines and for processing difficult-to-process materials, while at the same time offering a long service life and cost-effective manufacture.

[0005] The problem is solved by a textile tool according to claim 1 and a method for manufacturing the textile tool according to claim 8. The textile tool according to the invention, which is suitable for use in textile machines, has a shank and a hook, the shank extending substantially in a longitudinal direction. The hook connects to the shank longitudinally towards a front end of the textile tool and terminates with a hook point. The hook is formed by reshaping an initially straight blank section adjoining the shank and forms a hook area that extends longitudinally from the hook point to the front end of the textile tool. To solve the problem of the invention, the cross-sectional area X(s) of the hook increases along a linear coordinate s starting from the hook point and, after reaching a maximum cross-sectional area X, max again. The line-of-sight coordinate runs along a centerline extending through the middle of the textile tool. The cross-sectional area of ​​the hook at a specific line-of-sight coordinate is the area of ​​the hook's cross-section in a section plane that extends perpendicular to the centerline at the location of the line-of-sight coordinate. This means that the normal vector of the section plane is tangent to the centerline at the location of the line-of-sight coordinate. The cross-sectional area changes along the centerline and is accordingly described as a function X(s) that depends on the line-of-sight coordinate. According to the above definition, the hook lies entirely within the hook area. In the sense of the Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT In the present patent application, all cross-sectional areas of the textile tool that lie outside the hook area are not considered cross-sectional areas of the hook. This means that the cross-sectional area X(s) of the hook decreases again within the hook area after reaching the maximum cross-sectional area Xmax. Thus, a reduced cross-sectional area results in the region between the maximum cross-sectional area and the shank of the textile tool. This measure allows the textile tool according to the invention to process even difficult-to-work yarns (e.g., yarns with knots, yarns with irregularities, or multifilament yarns) very effectively.The combination of the maximum cross-sectional area in the bending area with a subsequent decreasing cross-sectional area towards the shank is also advantageous because, on the one hand, it achieves great stability in the bending area, while at the same time providing more space in the opening of the hook for processing yarns with increased space requirements, such as multifilament yarns.

[0006] Further advantages arise when the maximum cross-sectional area X maThe cross-sectional area (Xred) of the hook is 10% to 100% larger, but preferably 15% to 50% larger, than the reduced cross-sectional area (Xred) of the hook, which is formed in the hook area extending from the maximum cross-sectional area towards the shank. Such a significant reduction in cross-section towards the shank can considerably increase the hook's service life because, due to its significantly lower stiffness, it is able to deform elastically in the event of irregularities in the yarn (e.g., hard spots) and thus adapt to these irregularities. This can reduce the frequency of hook breakages, even on particularly high-speed textile machines.

[0007] It is particularly advantageous if the maximum cross-sectional area X maThe cross-sectional area of ​​the hook tip is 1% to 100% larger, but preferably 10% to 25% larger, than the cross-sectional area in a hook tip section located directly before the bend in the hook, extending from the hook tip towards the shank. Advantageously, the cross-sectional area at this point is the largest within the hook tip section. The bend in the hook is the area of ​​the hook where the centerline has a curvature. It has been shown that a good hook service life is achieved in the aforementioned selection range, even when processing abrasive yarns. At the same time, the hook in the aforementioned selection range still exhibits sufficiently low stiffness to adapt to irregularities in the yarn through elastic deformation. Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT

[0008] Further advantages arise when the hook's cross-section has a substantially round, oval, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, and / or polygonal contour. The hook's cross-section can also have other different contours. Particularly advantageous are substantially oval and / or rectangular cross-sections that have a greater height in a cross-sectional height direction perpendicular to the centerline and perpendicular to a width direction than their width in the width direction. The width direction is the direction in which the textile tools are arranged side by side in a textile machine. With such a contour, the hook has very advantageous elastic properties that facilitate the processing of yarns with hard spots. If the cross-sectional contour has edges, these edges can be rounded to prevent, for example, damage to the hook from sharp edges during operation.For example, in the case of a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section, the four edges of the contour can be rounded. Even with rounded edges, such a contour is still considered a rectangular or trapezoidal contour within the meaning of the present patent application. The contour of the cross-section can change along the line coordinate in the hook area. The hook can therefore have several cross-sections with differently shaped contours. Combinations of the aforementioned contours are thus also possible.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous if the hook's cross-section has a substantially rectangular, square, or teardrop-shaped contour in the hook tip section and a substantially oval or round contour in the area of ​​the hook's bend. A square or rectangular contour in the hook tip section can surprisingly significantly reduce wear in this area of ​​the hook. This considerably extends the service life of the textile tool. A teardrop-shaped contour in the hook tip section is especially beneficial for textile tools with a slider. The teardrop-shaped contour provides better guidance for the slider when the hook closes. This allows the textile tool to be operated at higher speeds without excessive wear. In this way, both productivity and the service life of the textile tool can be increased.In the area of ​​its bend, the cross-section of the hook preferably has a round or oval contour. In combination with a square, rectangular, or teardrop-shaped contour in the hook tip section, the service life of the textile tool can surprisingly be improved significantly. Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT

[0010] A particularly long service life of the textile tool when processing abrasive yarns can be achieved by maximizing the cross-sectional area X. ma x lies in the hook bend. The hook bend is the section of the hook where the center line is curved. When processing abrasive yarns, particularly high wear occurs in the area of ​​the hook bend. Due to the large cross-sectional area, the hook does not fail in this area even if an abrasive yarn has already worn away a significant amount of hook material during operation.

[0011] Further advantages arise when the cross-section of the hook has the maximum cross-sectional area X ma x has an essentially oval contour. This oval contour reduces material abrasion during the processing of abrasive yarns. Combined with the increased cross-sectional area, this extends the service life of the textile tool.

[0012] The features of the textile tool according to the invention described above can be combined with each other in all possible combinations in different embodiments of the teaching according to the invention.

[0013] The textile tool according to the invention can advantageously be manufactured from a blank state of the textile tool in a process with the following described process steps. First, a straight blank section of the textile tool adjoining the shaft is machined such that the cross-sectional area Y(s) of the blank section increases along the path coordinate s starting from the end of the blank section and within the blank section starting from a maximum cross-sectional area Y maxThe cross-sectional area of ​​the blank section decreases again. The hook is then formed by reshaping the straight blank section. After the hook is formed, the end of the blank section becomes the hook point. Due to the preceding processing of the straight blank section with the described change in cross-sectional area Y(s), a cross-sectional area X(s) of the hook can be determined simply by forming the hook from the blank section. This area increases along the line coordinate s from the hook point and reaches its maximum cross-sectional area X. max The cross-sectional area of ​​the hook decreases again. However, the cross-sectional area can change slightly during the forming of the hook. Therefore, the profile of the cross-sectional area Y(s) of the blank section along the line coordinate s is not necessarily the same as the profile of the cross-sectional area X(s) of the formed part. Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT Hook. The straight blank section has an essentially straight center line. When forming the hook, the center line then acquires a curved section in the hook area.

[0014] Further advantages arise when the cross-sectional areas Y(s) of the straight blank section are processed by forming with at least one forming tool, by machining processes, and / or by subtractive manufacturing processes. The desired shape of the cross-sectional areas Y(s) of the straight blank section can be produced particularly well and cost-effectively in this way. Furthermore, forming with at least one forming tool allows the straight blank section to be produced with excellent mechanical properties, ensuring a long service life for the manufactured textile tool.

[0015] The blank section can be particularly advantageously processed by forming with at least one forming tool and at least one counter-die matching that tool. The forming tool and the counter-die are tools that interact during the forming of the blank section in such a way that the desired shape of the blank section with the previously described cross-sectional areas Y(s) is achieved. For this purpose, the at least one forming tool and the at least one counter-die can preferably enclose a cavity together that essentially corresponds to the desired shape of the blank section. The forming is then carried out by die forming. Particularly advantageous mechanical properties can be achieved by cold forming. Furthermore, production by cold forming is more cost-effective and less energy-intensive.

[0016] Further advantages arise when the forming of the blank section is carried out in at least two forming steps. A forming step is characterized by a tool movement of the forming tool that is performed independently of other forming steps. In this way, cross-sectional areas Y(s) can be generated that exhibit even greater surface area differences along the blank section. The textile tool can thus be even better adapted to the stresses under operating conditions. The service life of the manufactured textile tool can therefore be improved. Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a textile tool (1) in a blank state (12). Fig. 2 Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of a straight blank section (8) Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT of the textile tool (1) in the blank state (12). Fig. 3 Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the blank section (8) after its cross-sectional areas have been machined along a line coordinate (s). Fig. 4 Figure 4 shows a textile tool (1) according to the invention with a reshaped hook (3). Fig. 5 Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the hook area (6) of the textile tool (1) shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 Figure 6 shows the cross-sections AA, BB and CC of a first embodiment of the hook area (6) shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 Figure 7 shows the cross-sections AA, BB and CC of an alternative embodiment of the hook area (6) shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 8 Figure 8 shows the cross-sections AA, BB and CC of a further alternative embodiment of the hook area (6) shown in Fig. 5.

[0017] Figure 1 shows a textile tool 1 in a blank state 12. In this state, the textile tool 1 comprises a straight blank section 8, which extends longitudinally L to a shaft 2 and whose end 9 forms the termination of the textile tool 1.

[0018] Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the straight blank section 8 of the textile tool 1 in the blank state 12. Starting from the end 9 of the straight blank section 8, a line coordinate s runs along a center line 7 extending centrally through the textile tool 1. The center line 7 is shown as a dashed line in Fig. 2. The straight blank section 8 has a constant cross-sectional area Y(s) along the line coordinate s, which is illustrated by the sections GG and HH shown to the right of the textile tool 1 in Fig. 2.

[0019] Figures 3 and 4 show the textile tool 1 before and after forming the blank section 8 into the hook 3. As can be seen in Figure 3, the straight blank section 8 is first processed such that the cross-sectional area Y(s) of the blank section 8 increases along the line coordinate s starting from the end 9 of the blank section 8 until it reaches a maximum cross-sectional area Y. ma x of blank section 8 is reached, in order to then within blank section 8 again Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT to decrease. The profile of the cross-sectional area Y(s) of blank section 8 is illustrated by sections DD, EE, and FF, which follow one another in the sequence above, starting from the end 9 of blank section 8 along the line coordinate s. Along the line coordinate s from the end 9 of blank section 8 towards the shaft 2, blank section 8 initially has a small cross-sectional area Y(si) at section DD at the line coordinate si, which increases continuously until the maximum cross-sectional area Y is reached at section EE at the line coordinate S2. ma x = Y(s2) is reached. In the further course, the cross-sectional area decreases again, so that the blank section 8 in section EE has a smaller cross-section Y(ss) at the point of the line coordinate S3.

[0020] Figure 4 shows the textile tool 1 after a hook 3 has been formed by reshaping the blank section 8. The end 9 of the blank section 8 forms the hook point 5 of the hook 3. The area in the longitudinal direction L from the hook point 5 to the front end 4 of the textile tool 1 is the hook area 6.

[0021] Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of this hook area 6 to illustrate the features of the hook 3 according to the invention. Due to the bend 11 of the hook 3, the center line 7 in the hook area 6 also has a curved path. For the following considerations, it is assumed that the distance coordinate s extends from the hook tip 5 along this now curved center line 7.

[0022] Figure 6 shows the three sections AA, BB, and CC through the hook 3 from Figure 5, which are traversed in the aforementioned order, starting from the hook tip 5. The position of each section is indicated by dashed lines in the enlarged view of the hook area 6 in Figure 5. The cutting planes of the sections are oriented such that their normal vector is tangent to the center line 7. The cutting plane thus corresponds to the plane spanned by the cross-sectional height direction H and the cross-sectional width direction B. The cross-sectional area X(s) of the hook 3 has a circular contour in all three sections, but the size of the cross-sectional area X(s) differs. In section AA, which lies at the line coordinate si (s=si) in the hook tip section 10, the hook 3 has a comparatively small cross-sectional area X(si).However, as the path continues along the line coordinate, the cross-sectional area X(s) increases until it reaches its maximum cross-sectional area X. ma x of hook 3 in section BB at the line coordinate S2 is reached. Starting from this maximum cross-sectional area X max Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT The cross-sectional area decreases again in the direction of the shaft 2, as can be seen from the section CC shown with the reduced cross-sectional area X. re d is shown at the line coordinate S3.

[0023] Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the textile tool 1 shown in Figures 5 and 6. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the size and shape of the cross-sectional areas X(s). The representation in Figure 5 is therefore unchanged for this embodiment, which is why this embodiment is described exclusively with reference to sections AA, BB, and CC shown in Figure 7, which correspond to the sections drawn in Figure 5. In section AA at the line coordinate si, which lies in the hook tip section 10, the cross-sectional area X(si) has a teardrop-shaped contour that increases in width from top to bottom in the vertical direction H. Due to the smaller width in the upper region of the cross-sectional area X(si), a slider used to close the hook 3 can be guided more effectively on this hook tip section 10.This is particularly advantageous due to the increased flexibility of the hook 3 of the textile tools 1 according to the invention and, despite this flexibility, enables the use of sliders in conjunction with the textile tools 1 according to the invention. In the further course along the line coordinate s, the cross-sectional area X(s) increases and changes its shape, so that the maximum cross-sectional area X. ma x is reached at the line coordinate S2 in bend 11 of hook 3 and has an oval contour here. Therefore, X(s2) = X ma The oval contour is oriented such that the cross-sectional area X(s2) has a greater height in the vertical direction H than its width in the horizontal direction B. This ensures that the textile tool 1 achieves a very long service life, even when processing highly abrasive yarn. The cross-sectional area X(s) then decreases again towards the shaft 2 until, at the line coordinate S3, the reduced cross-sectional area X red = X(ss) is achieved with a round cross-section.

[0024] Figure 8 shows another alternative embodiment of the textile tool 1 shown in Figures 5 and 6. This embodiment is also described exclusively with reference to sections AA, BB, and CC shown in Figure 8, which correspond to the sections drawn in Figure 5. The embodiment shown in Figure 8 largely corresponds to the first embodiment shown in Figure 6. The contour of the cross-sectional area X(si) at the line coordinate si in the hook tip section 10 and the contour of the reduced Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT Cross-sectional area X re However, the values ​​at the line coordinate S3 are changed in this embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the cross-sectional area X(si) has a substantially rectangular contour with rounded edges instead of a circular contour. The reduced cross-sectional area Xre Instead of a circular contour, d has a contour with planar interfaces pointing in the width direction B. Surprisingly, the modified contours further increase the service life of the textile tool 1 according to the invention. Furthermore, the hook 3 of the textile tool 1 with changing cross-sectional contours can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively using the method described above. Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT

Claims

Groz-Beckert KG Parkweg 2 72458 Albstadt September 22, 2025 Patent claims 1. Textile tool (1) suitable for use in textile machines with the following features: • a shaft (2) extending substantially in a longitudinal direction (L), • a hook (3) which extends longitudinally (L) towards a front end (4) of the textile tool (1) to the shaft (2) and terminates with a hook point (5), • wherein the hook (3) is formed by reshaping an originally straight blank section (8) adjoining the shaft (2) by forming a bend (11). • and wherein the hook (3) forms a hook area (6) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) from the hook tip (5) to the front end (4) of the textile tool (1), characterized in that • the cross-sectional area (X(s)) of the hook (3) increases along a line coordinate (s) starting from the hook tip (5) and after reaching a maximum cross-sectional area (X ma x) decreases again • wherein the distance coordinate (s) runs along a center line (7) extending centrally through the textile tool (1).

2. Textile tool (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the maximum cross-sectional area (X) ma x) 10% to 100%, but preferably 15% to 50%, is larger than a reduced cross-sectional area (X re d) of the hook (3), which in the hook area (6) starting from the maximum cross-sectional area (X) max ) in the direction of the shaft (2). Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT 3. Textile tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the maximum cross-sectional area (X) max) 1% to 100%, but preferably 10% to 25%, is larger than the cross-sectional area in a hook tip section (10) that is located directly in front of the bend (11) of the hook (3) starting from the hook tip (5).

4. Textile tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the cross-section of the hook (3) has a substantially round, oval, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular and / or polygonal contour.

5. Textile tool (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the cross-section of the hook (3) in the hook tip section (10) has a substantially rectangular, square or teardrop-shaped contour and in the area of ​​the bend (11) of the hook (3) has a substantially oval or round contour.

6. Textile tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the maximum cross-sectional area (X) max) lies in the hook arc, where the hook arc is the section of the hook (3) in which the midline (7) is curved.

7. Textile tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the cross-section of the hook (3) has the maximum cross-sectional area (X) max ) has a substantially oval contour.

8. Method for manufacturing a textile tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the manufacturing from a blank state (12) is carried out with the following process steps in the specified order: • Machining of a blank section (8) of the textile tool (1) that is straight in its blank state (12) and adjoins the shaft (2), so that the Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT The cross-sectional area (Y(s)) of the blank section (8) increases along the line coordinate (s) starting from the end (9) of the blank section (8) and within the blank section (8) starting from a maximum cross-sectional area (Y) m ax) of the blank section (8) decreases again, • Forming the hook (3) by reshaping the straight blank section (8), • wherein the end (9) of the blank section (8) forms the hook point (5) after the hook (3) has been formed.

9. Method according to the preceding claim characterized in that the cross-sectional areas Y(s) of the straight blank section (8) are machined by forming with at least one forming tool, by machining processes and / or by separating manufacturing processes.

10. Method according to the preceding claim characterized in that the blank section (8) is processed by forming with the at least one forming tool and at least one counter-form suitable for the at least one forming tool.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the forming of the blank section (8) takes place in at least two forming steps. Groz-Beckert KG 1575-PCT

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