Indian Patents. 253701:NEEDLE BED WITH COOLING CHANNEL

Title of Invention	NEEDLE BED WITH COOLING CHANNEL
Abstract	A needle bed (1) of a knitting machine has a segmented configuration. The segments (5, 6) border against each other via the abutment surfaces (10, 8). Extending from at least one of the boundary surfaces (10, 8) are cooling channels that are provided, e.g., in the segment (6). The adjacent segment (5) covers these cooling channels, thereby closing said cooling channels.

Full Text	14 December 2006 GROZ P 203 EP abet Keyword: Cooling Channel Groz-Beckert KG, Parkweg 2, 72458 Albstadt, Germany Needle Bed With Cooling Channel The invention relates to a needle bed for a knitting machine. Knitting machines comprise needle beds, for example, in the form of knitting cylinders, dials or also in the form of flat needle beds. It may become necessary to cool needle beds. To achieve this, document DE 40 24 101 C2 suggests to machine a groove on the inside circumferential area of a needle cylinder, said groove being sealed by an annular lid. Connectors on the lid allow the feeding and discharging of cooling water. Cylinders of knitting machines may reach a relatively large diameter. In this case, the annular lid will also have - 1 - a correspondingly large diameter. Regardless of occurring temperature fluctuations or other influences, said lid must form a permanent seal with the knitting cylinder. Furthermore, it has been known from document DE 39 38 685 C2 to provide a cooling pipe on the knitting cylinder in order to cool the knitting cylinder, said cooling pipe extending in coils, or also meandering, around the inside circumference of the knitting cylinder and being partially set into said knitting cylinder. Furthermore, this literature reference discloses a knitting cylinder having a hollow space with a rectangular cross-section extending in circumferential direction, said hollow space being connected - on the inside circumference of the knitting cylinder - to feed and discharge lines. Considering this, it is the object of the invention to disclose a possibility with which cooling can be achieved on a needle bed. This object is to be achieved by a solution that can be implemented in the simplest-possible manner and that functions in a reliable manner. This object is achieved with the needle bed in accordance with Claim 1: The needle bed in accordance with the invention consists of a minimum of two segments that border each other on abutment surfaces. The segments are preferably connected to each other. For example, they are cemented to each other on the abutment surface or they are also braced against each other by appropriate means, such as, for example, by screws. - 2 - The abutment surface preferably extends transversely to the needle tricks that are provided in the needle bed. For cooling the needle bed, at least one of said needle bed's segments has one or more cooling channels. In so doing, at least one cooling channel adjoins the abutment surface of one of the segments. This provides the possibility of a simple manufacture. For example, the cooling channel may be designed as a groove which is open toward the abutment surface. This groove, and thus the cooling channel, are closed by the adjacent segment which bridges the groove with a flat, or even contoured, abutment surface, thus closing said groove. If the needle bed is a knitting cylinder, its segments are preferably single-part or multiple-part rings that are arranged so that their abutment surfaces adjoin each other in axial direction. If the needle bed is a dial, its segments are preferably single-part or multiple-part rings that are arranged so that their abutment surfaces adjoin each other in radial direction. In both cases, the cooling channels adjoin the abutment surfaces. Consequently, a segment closes the cooling channel of the next adjacent segment. Separate lids, closing means and the like are not required. Thus the cooling channels do not require any additional design space. In addition, an effective cooling of the individual segments and thus the entire needle bed is achieved because the coolant may circulate directly in the cooling channel of the segment and thus in the needle bed. There are no boundary surfaces that limit the transfer of heat, for example, between the pipe and the segment body, as is the case in prior art. - 3 - The annular segments are dimensionally stable, relatively solid elements which, in any event, are precision- machined. Consequently, sealing the cooling channels on the abutment surfaces does not represent any technical difficulties. Basically, the cooling channel may continuously extend around the entire circumference of a segment. Preferably, however, the cooling channel is divided into individual sections, each extending only over a specific angular range of, e.g., 20°, 45°, 60°, on an abutment surface and then changing to the opposite side of the annular segment. In this manner, high mechanical stability is combined with high cooling efficiency. In order to feed the coolant, in particular cooling oil or cooling water, to the cooling channel and in order to discharge coolant therefrom, preferably two or more connectors are provided. These are preferably aligned parallel to the needle tricks of the needle bed and extend, starting from the segment in which the cooling channel is provided, through the adjacent segment into an outer frontal connector. In the case of a knitting cylinder, said latter connector is preferably provided on the lower annular front surface. In the case of dials, the connectors are preferably located on the outside circumferential surface of the largest annular segment. Additional details of embodiments in accordance with the invention are the subject matter of the drawings, the description or of the claims. The description is restricted to essential aspects of the invention and miscellaneous situations. Additional details can be learned from the - 4 - drawings which are to be used for supplemental reference. The drawings show exemplary embodiments of the invention. They are not true to scale and are restricted to the illustration of a few details that are required for understanding. They show in Figure 1 a perspective, cut open and schematic view of a knitting cylinder; Figure 2 a perspective view, vertically in section, of a segment of the knitting cylinder in accordance with Figure 1; Figure 3 a plan view of the segment in accordance with Figure 2; Figure 4 a perspective view, vertically in section, of a modified embodiment of the invention in the form of a dial; Figure 5 a more detailed, yet still more simplified view, vertically in section, of a knitting cylinder and a dial; and, Figure 6 a perspective view of a segment of the dial in accordance with Figure 4. - 5 - Figure 1 shows a needle bed 1 configured as a knitting cylinder 2 of a circular knitting machine. On its outside circumferential surface, the knitting cylinder 2 has needle tricks 4 that are preferably parallel with respect to each other and with respect to the rotational axis 3 of the knitting cylinder 2. The rotational axis 3 and the needle tricks 4 usually extend in vertical direction. The knitting cylinder 2 consists of a minimum of two, however preferably more, annular segments 5, 6, 7 that are arranged so as to be coaxial with the rotational axis 3 and adjoin each other in axial direction. The segments 5, 6, 7 are preferably configured continuously over the entire circumference and, to this extent, consist of one piece. However, if needed, they may be assembled of sections that extend only over a part of the total circumference. The segment 6 is located between the segments 5 and 7. Said segment 6 has two abutment surfaces 8, 9 facing in opposite axial directions, said abutment surfaces being shown as flat annular surfaces in Figure 1. The rotational axis 3 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the abutment surfaces 8, 9 may be located. However, said abutment surfaces may also be positioned on a cone that is concentric with respect to the rotational axis 3, or they may be contoured. The segment 5 has an abutment surface 10 which is configured complementary to the abutment surface 8 and abuts against said abutment surface. The segment 7 has an abutment surface 11 that is configured complementary to the abutment surface 9 and abuts against said abutment surface. The needle tricks 4 extend along the outside beyond the segments 5, 6, - 6 - 7. They may have continuous or discontinuous needle trick flanks. The radial thickness of the individual segments 5, 6, 7 may have the same or, as shown, may have different dimensions. Preferably, the segment 6 located between the segments 5 and 7 has the greatest radial thickness. The segment 6 is preferably positioned in the axial position, in which the knitting tools seated in the needle tricks 4 come into engagement with the knitting lock during operation. The knitting lock is arranged like a ring around the needle cylinder 2. The knitting tools held in the needle tricks, in particular in the region of the segment 6, comprise appropriate means configured as feet that interact with the knitting lock. One or more segments 5, 6, 7 are provided with cooling channels 12. Referring to the present exemplary embodiment, the segment 6 is provided with a cooling channel 12 which can be supplied with coolant via the connectors 13, 14 (Figure 3) . The cooling channel 12 adjoins at least one of the flat surfaces 8, 9. As is obvious from Figure 2, referring to the present exemplary embodiment, said cooling channel adjoins the abutment surface 8, as well as the abutment surface 9. Said cooling channel is configured in the form of grooves 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 that alternately extend from the abutment surface 8 and from the abutment surface 9. The edge of each groove is fully enclosed by the abutment surface 8 or 9. The grooves 15 through 20 form a circular arc around the rotational axis 3. Their number can be decided as needed. However, it may be greater or smaller, as shown by Figures 2 and 3. The grooves of the two different sides are connected to each other by bores 21, 22 (Figure 3) and, thus form a - 7 - chain that extends from the connector 13 to the connector 14 and thus essentially encompasses the entire circumference of the segment 6. The abutment surfaces 8, 9, 10, 11 are preferably sealing surfaces that can be sealed relative to each other by an adhesive, by another sealing agent or simply by a tight fit, or even by sealing elements (e.g., O-rings). In so doing, the abutment surface 10 seals the grooves 15, 16, 17 provided in the upper side of the segment 6 (Figure 2). As opposed to this, the abutment surface 11 seals the lower grooves 18, 19, 20 (Figure 2). The cooling channels are defined between the two adjacent segments 5, 6 and 6, 7, respectively. In the present exemplary embodiment, they are configured as groove-like pockets in the segment 6 and are simply closed by the adjacent segments 5, 7. However, it is also possible to provide grooves in the segments 5, 7, said grooves adjoining the corresponding abutment surfaces 10, 11. The connectors 13, 14 are preferably configured as bores that project from the segment 6 in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 3 and in alignment with bores which are provided in the adjacent segment 7. Connectors may be provided on the underside of the segment 7, said connectors permitting a rotation of the knitting cylinder 2. The function of the so-far described knitting cylinder 2 in a circular knitting machine is like the function of a conventional knitting cylinder. However, its segment 6 is cooled by a coolant, for example, cooling water or cooling oil. By cooling the segments 6, the segments 5, 7 are also slightly cooled. A heat exchange can take place via the abutment surfaces 8, 9, 10, 11. In addition, the coolant - 8 - contacts not only the segment 6 but also the segments 5, 7 by way of their abutment surfaces 10, 11. In particular, heat occurring in the region of the needle lock is removed by the coolant which flows through the segment 6. Embodiments in accordance with the invention, where the grooves 15 through 20 are provided in different segments 6, 7, 5 are also possible. These grooves 15 through 20 are then appropriately connected to bores 21, 22, whereby, e.g., the bore 21 extends from the segment 6 via its abutment surface 8 into the segment 5 via its abutment surface 10. This may analogously apply to the bore 22, which also connects the grooves 15 through 20 and extends, e.g., from the segment 6 via its abutment surface 9, up to and into the segment 7 via its abutment surface 11. Additional embodiments in accordance with the invention are provided. Figure 4 shows the needle bed 1 configured as a dial 23 that consists of annular segments 24, 25. Like the segments 5, 6, 7, the segments 24, 25 are connected so that they are not counter-rotational and are arranged concentrically to the rotational axis 3. The segments 24, 25 have the abutment surfaces 26 and 27, each being formed on the inside and outside circumferential sides of the segments 24, 25 and being positioned in pairs in contact with each other. The needle tricks 28 are provided on the upper side of the thusly formed dial 23 and extend radially with respect to the rotational axis 3. As in the previously described exemplary embodiment, again one or more cooling channels 29, 29' are provided, said - 9 - channels extending at least through one of the segments 24, 25. The cooling channel 29 may again be divided into individual grooves 29, 29' configured as pockets, said pockets alternately bordering against, the abutment surface 26 and the abutment surface 27 of the segments 24 and 25. The connection between the individual cooling channel sections can be achieved by connection orifices 39 between the cooling channel sections of the segment 24 and the cooling channel sections of the segment 25. The number of connection orifices 39 is a function of the number of channel sections. Two channel sections that are located in the segments 24, 25 are connected to one connection orifice 39. Connectors that are not shown in greater detail permit the supply and discharge of coolant. If desired, this principle may also be applied to the knitting cylinder in accordance with Figure 1. Figure 6 shows the segment 25 of the dial 23. In so doing, the segment 25 has a fully surrounding cooling channel 29. Arranged around the segment 25, is the segment 24 (not shown). In so doing, the segment 24 does not have a cooling channel 29. The abutment surface 26 of said segment 24 abuts against the abutment surface 27 of the segment 25 and thus forms the bottom of the cooling channel 29 that is only provided in the segment 25. In order to achieve a favorable circulation of the coolant, the cooling channel comprises a separating means 39 in the form of a strip between the connector 13 and the connector 14. As a result of this, it is ensured that the coolant, which is introduced through the connector 14 into the segment 25, first flows around along the circumference of the segment 25 and is subsequently discharged through the connector 13. Consequently, the best- possible cooling action is achieved. - 10 - It is also possible - in addition to the circumferential cooling channel 29 in the segment 25 - for the segment 24 to have a circumferential cooling channel 29', said latter cooling channel being arranged opposite the cooling channel 29 of the segment 25 (not drawn). In this case, the cooling channel 29' also contains a separating means 39. Such circumferential cooling channels can also be implemented in the knitting cylinder. Figure 5 shows the interaction of the knitting cylinder 2 and the dial 23 that support the appropriate knitting tools 30, 31. As is obvious, in particular the knitting tools 31 may have feet 34 through 37 at various locations, whereby, in order to cool the knitting cylinder 2, a cooling in the region of the central segment 6 is sufficient. As is further obvious from Figure 5, the segments may be sealed relative to each other, this being potentially achieved by appropriate annular grooves 39. A needle bed 1 of a knitting machine has a segmented configuration. The segments 5, 6 border against each other via the abutment surfaces 10, 8. Extending from at least one of the boundary surfaces 10, 8 are cooling channels that are provided, e.g., in the segment 6. The adjacent segment 5 covers these cooling channels, thereby closing said cooling channels. - 11 - Referenee Numbers: 1 Needle bed 2 Knitting cylinder 3 Rotational axis 4 Needle tricks 5 Segment 6 Segment 7 Segment 8 Abutment surface 9 Abutment surface 10 Abutment surface 11 Abutment surface 12 Cooling channel 13 Connector 14 Connector 15-20 Grooves 21 Bore 22 Bore 2 3 Dial 24 Segment 25 Segment 2 6 Abutment surfaces 27 Abutment surfaces 28 Needle trick 2 9 Cooling channel 30 Knitting tool 31 Knitting tool 32 through 37 feet 38 Annular groove 39 Separating strip / separating means - 12 - Patent Claims: 1. Needle bed (1) for a knitting machine, said needle bed consisting of a minimum of two segments (5, 6) that border each other on their abutment surfaces (8, 10), whereby, in at least one of the segments (6), at least one cooling channel (12) is provided, said cooling channel adjoining the abutment surface (8) of one segment (6) and being closed by the other segment (5). 2. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the needle bed (1) is a knitting cylinder (2) with segments (5, 6) having an annular shape. 3. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the needle bed (1) is a dial (2) with segments (5, 6) having an annular shape.. 4. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the cooling channel (12) extends, at least in sections, along the abutment surface (8). 5. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 2 or 3, and 4, characterized in that the cooling channel (12, 29) extends around the entire annular segment (5, 6, 7, 24, 25) . 6. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the segment (5) has, on two sides facing away from - 13 - each other, abutment surfaces (8, 9) that border the other segments (5, 7). - 14 - 7. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 6, characterized in that each of the two sides facing away from each other adjoins cooling channel sections in the form of grooves (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) . 8. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 7, characterized in that the cooling channel sections (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) are connected to each other. 9. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 6, characterized in that the cooling channel (12) is provided so as to alternately extend along the one abutment surface and along the other abutment surface (8, 9). 10. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the cooling channel (12) is configured so as to be fluid-tight. 11. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the connectors (13, 14) lead to the cooling channel (12), said connectors extending at least through an adjacent segment (7). A needle bed (1) of a knitting machine has a segmented configuration. The segments (5, 6) border against each other via the abutment surfaces (10, 8). Extending from at least one of the boundary surfaces (10, 8) are cooling channels that are provided, e.g., in the segment (6). The adjacent segment (5) covers these cooling channels, thereby closing said cooling channels.

Full Text

14 December 2006
GROZ P 203 EP abet
Keyword: Cooling Channel
Groz-Beckert KG, Parkweg 2, 72458 Albstadt, Germany
Needle Bed With Cooling Channel
The invention relates to a needle bed for a knitting
machine.
Knitting machines comprise needle beds, for example, in
the form of knitting cylinders, dials or also in the form of
flat needle beds. It may become necessary to cool needle
beds. To achieve this, document DE 40 24 101 C2 suggests to
machine a groove on the inside circumferential area of a
needle cylinder, said groove being sealed by an annular lid.
Connectors on the lid allow the feeding and discharging of
cooling water.
Cylinders of knitting machines may reach a relatively
large diameter. In this case, the annular lid will also have
- 1 -

a correspondingly large diameter. Regardless of occurring
temperature fluctuations or other influences, said lid must
form a permanent seal with the knitting cylinder.
Furthermore, it has been known from document DE 39 38
685 C2 to provide a cooling pipe on the knitting cylinder in
order to cool the knitting cylinder, said cooling pipe
extending in coils, or also meandering, around the inside
circumference of the knitting cylinder and being partially
set into said knitting cylinder.
Furthermore, this literature reference discloses a
knitting cylinder having a hollow space with a rectangular
cross-section extending in circumferential direction, said
hollow space being connected - on the inside circumference of
the knitting cylinder - to feed and discharge lines.
Considering this, it is the object of the invention to
disclose a possibility with which cooling can be achieved on
a needle bed. This object is to be achieved by a solution
that can be implemented in the simplest-possible manner and
that functions in a reliable manner.
This object is achieved with the needle bed in
accordance with Claim 1:
The needle bed in accordance with the invention consists
of a minimum of two segments that border each other on
abutment surfaces. The segments are preferably connected to
each other. For example, they are cemented to each other on
the abutment surface or they are also braced against each
other by appropriate means, such as, for example, by screws.
- 2 -

The abutment surface preferably extends transversely to the
needle tricks that are provided in the needle bed.
For cooling the needle bed, at least one of said needle
bed's segments has one or more cooling channels. In so doing,
at least one cooling channel adjoins the abutment surface of
one of the segments. This provides the possibility of a
simple manufacture. For example, the cooling channel may be
designed as a groove which is open toward the abutment
surface. This groove, and thus the cooling channel, are
closed by the adjacent segment which bridges the groove with
a flat, or even contoured, abutment surface, thus closing
said groove.
If the needle bed is a knitting cylinder, its segments
are preferably single-part or multiple-part rings that are
arranged so that their abutment surfaces adjoin each other in
axial direction. If the needle bed is a dial, its segments
are preferably single-part or multiple-part rings that are
arranged so that their abutment surfaces adjoin each other in
radial direction. In both cases, the cooling channels adjoin
the abutment surfaces. Consequently, a segment closes the
cooling channel of the next adjacent segment. Separate lids,
closing means and the like are not required. Thus the cooling
channels do not require any additional design space. In
addition, an effective cooling of the individual segments and
thus the entire needle bed is achieved because the coolant
may circulate directly in the cooling channel of the segment
and thus in the needle bed. There are no boundary surfaces
that limit the transfer of heat, for example, between the
pipe and the segment body, as is the case in prior art.
- 3 -

The annular segments are dimensionally stable,
relatively solid elements which, in any event, are precision-
machined. Consequently, sealing the cooling channels on the
abutment surfaces does not represent any technical
difficulties.
Basically, the cooling channel may continuously extend
around the entire circumference of a segment. Preferably,
however, the cooling channel is divided into individual
sections, each extending only over a specific angular range
of, e.g., 20°, 45°, 60°, on an abutment surface and then
changing to the opposite side of the annular segment. In this
manner, high mechanical stability is combined with high
cooling efficiency.
In order to feed the coolant, in particular cooling oil
or cooling water, to the cooling channel and in order to
discharge coolant therefrom, preferably two or more
connectors are provided. These are preferably aligned
parallel to the needle tricks of the needle bed and extend,
starting from the segment in which the cooling channel is
provided, through the adjacent segment into an outer frontal
connector. In the case of a knitting cylinder, said latter
connector is preferably provided on the lower annular front
surface. In the case of dials, the connectors are preferably
located on the outside circumferential surface of the largest
annular segment.
Additional details of embodiments in accordance with the
invention are the subject matter of the drawings, the
description or of the claims. The description is restricted
to essential aspects of the invention and miscellaneous
situations. Additional details can be learned from the
- 4 -

drawings which are to be used for supplemental reference. The
drawings show exemplary embodiments of the invention. They
are not true to scale and are restricted to the illustration
of a few details that are required for understanding. They
show in
Figure 1 a perspective, cut open and schematic view of
a knitting cylinder;
Figure 2 a perspective view, vertically in section, of
a segment of the knitting cylinder in accordance with Figure
1;
Figure 3 a plan view of the segment in accordance with
Figure 2;
Figure 4 a perspective view, vertically in section, of
a modified embodiment of the invention in the form of a dial;
Figure 5 a more detailed, yet still more simplified
view, vertically in section, of a knitting cylinder and a
dial; and,
Figure 6 a perspective view of a segment of the dial in
accordance with Figure 4.
- 5 -

Figure 1 shows a needle bed 1 configured as a knitting
cylinder 2 of a circular knitting machine. On its outside
circumferential surface, the knitting cylinder 2 has needle
tricks 4 that are preferably parallel with respect to each
other and with respect to the rotational axis 3 of the
knitting cylinder 2. The rotational axis 3 and the needle
tricks 4 usually extend in vertical direction.
The knitting cylinder 2 consists of a minimum of two,
however preferably more, annular segments 5, 6, 7 that are
arranged so as to be coaxial with the rotational axis 3 and
adjoin each other in axial direction. The segments 5, 6, 7
are preferably configured continuously over the entire
circumference and, to this extent, consist of one piece.
However, if needed, they may be assembled of sections that
extend only over a part of the total circumference.
The segment 6 is located between the segments 5 and 7.
Said segment 6 has two abutment surfaces 8, 9 facing in
opposite axial directions, said abutment surfaces being shown
as flat annular surfaces in Figure 1. The rotational axis 3
extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which
the abutment surfaces 8, 9 may be located. However, said
abutment surfaces may also be positioned on a cone that is
concentric with respect to the rotational axis 3, or they may
be contoured.
The segment 5 has an abutment surface 10 which is
configured complementary to the abutment surface 8 and abuts
against said abutment surface. The segment 7 has an abutment
surface 11 that is configured complementary to the abutment
surface 9 and abuts against said abutment surface. The needle
tricks 4 extend along the outside beyond the segments 5, 6,
- 6 -

7. They may have continuous or discontinuous needle trick
flanks. The radial thickness of the individual segments 5, 6,
7 may have the same or, as shown, may have different
dimensions. Preferably, the segment 6 located between the
segments 5 and 7 has the greatest radial thickness. The
segment 6 is preferably positioned in the axial position, in
which the knitting tools seated in the needle tricks 4 come
into engagement with the knitting lock during operation. The
knitting lock is arranged like a ring around the needle
cylinder 2. The knitting tools held in the needle tricks, in
particular in the region of the segment 6, comprise
appropriate means configured as feet that interact with the
knitting lock.
One or more segments 5, 6, 7 are provided with cooling
channels 12. Referring to the present exemplary embodiment,
the segment 6 is provided with a cooling channel 12 which can
be supplied with coolant via the connectors 13, 14 (Figure
3) .
The cooling channel 12 adjoins at least one of the flat
surfaces 8, 9. As is obvious from Figure 2, referring to the
present exemplary embodiment, said cooling channel adjoins
the abutment surface 8, as well as the abutment surface 9.
Said cooling channel is configured in the form of grooves 15,
16, 17, 18, 19, 20 that alternately extend from the abutment
surface 8 and from the abutment surface 9. The edge of each
groove is fully enclosed by the abutment surface 8 or 9. The
grooves 15 through 20 form a circular arc around the
rotational axis 3. Their number can be decided as needed.
However, it may be greater or smaller, as shown by Figures 2
and 3. The grooves of the two different sides are connected
to each other by bores 21, 22 (Figure 3) and, thus form a
- 7 -

chain that extends from the connector 13 to the connector 14
and thus essentially encompasses the entire circumference of
the segment 6.
The abutment surfaces 8, 9, 10, 11 are preferably
sealing surfaces that can be sealed relative to each other by
an adhesive, by another sealing agent or simply by a tight
fit, or even by sealing elements (e.g., O-rings). In so
doing, the abutment surface 10 seals the grooves 15, 16, 17
provided in the upper side of the segment 6 (Figure 2). As
opposed to this, the abutment surface 11 seals the lower
grooves 18, 19, 20 (Figure 2). The cooling channels are
defined between the two adjacent segments 5, 6 and 6, 7,
respectively. In the present exemplary embodiment, they are
configured as groove-like pockets in the segment 6 and are
simply closed by the adjacent segments 5, 7. However, it is
also possible to provide grooves in the segments 5, 7, said
grooves adjoining the corresponding abutment surfaces 10, 11.
The connectors 13, 14 are preferably configured as bores
that project from the segment 6 in a direction parallel to
the rotational axis 3 and in alignment with bores which are
provided in the adjacent segment 7. Connectors may be
provided on the underside of the segment 7, said connectors
permitting a rotation of the knitting cylinder 2.
The function of the so-far described knitting cylinder 2
in a circular knitting machine is like the function of a
conventional knitting cylinder. However, its segment 6 is
cooled by a coolant, for example, cooling water or cooling
oil. By cooling the segments 6, the segments 5, 7 are also
slightly cooled. A heat exchange can take place via the
abutment surfaces 8, 9, 10, 11. In addition, the coolant
- 8 -

contacts not only the segment 6 but also the segments 5, 7 by
way of their abutment surfaces 10, 11.
In particular, heat occurring in the region of the
needle lock is removed by the coolant which flows through the
segment 6.
Embodiments in accordance with the invention, where the
grooves 15 through 20 are provided in different segments 6,
7, 5 are also possible. These grooves 15 through 20 are then
appropriately connected to bores 21, 22, whereby, e.g., the
bore 21 extends from the segment 6 via its abutment surface 8
into the segment 5 via its abutment surface 10. This may
analogously apply to the bore 22, which also connects the
grooves 15 through 20 and extends, e.g., from the segment 6
via its abutment surface 9, up to and into the segment 7 via
its abutment surface 11.
Additional embodiments in accordance with the invention
are provided. Figure 4 shows the needle bed 1 configured as a
dial 23 that consists of annular segments 24, 25. Like the
segments 5, 6, 7, the segments 24, 25 are connected so that
they are not counter-rotational and are arranged
concentrically to the rotational axis 3. The segments 24, 25
have the abutment surfaces 26 and 27, each being formed on
the inside and outside circumferential sides of the segments
24, 25 and being positioned in pairs in contact with each
other. The needle tricks 28 are provided on the upper side of
the thusly formed dial 23 and extend radially with respect to
the rotational axis 3.
As in the previously described exemplary embodiment,
again one or more cooling channels 29, 29' are provided, said
- 9 -

channels extending at least through one of the segments 24,
25. The cooling channel 29 may again be divided into
individual grooves 29, 29' configured as pockets, said
pockets alternately bordering against, the abutment surface 26
and the abutment surface 27 of the segments 24 and 25. The
connection between the individual cooling channel sections
can be achieved by connection orifices 39 between the cooling
channel sections of the segment 24 and the cooling channel
sections of the segment 25. The number of connection orifices
39 is a function of the number of channel sections. Two
channel sections that are located in the segments 24, 25 are
connected to one connection orifice 39. Connectors that are
not shown in greater detail permit the supply and discharge
of coolant. If desired, this principle may also be applied to
the knitting cylinder in accordance with Figure 1.
Figure 6 shows the segment 25 of the dial 23. In so
doing, the segment 25 has a fully surrounding cooling channel
29. Arranged around the segment 25, is the segment 24 (not
shown). In so doing, the segment 24 does not have a cooling
channel 29. The abutment surface 26 of said segment 24 abuts
against the abutment surface 27 of the segment 25 and thus
forms the bottom of the cooling channel 29 that is only
provided in the segment 25. In order to achieve a favorable
circulation of the coolant, the cooling channel comprises a
separating means 39 in the form of a strip between the
connector 13 and the connector 14. As a result of this, it is
ensured that the coolant, which is introduced through the
connector 14 into the segment 25, first flows around along
the circumference of the segment 25 and is subsequently
discharged through the connector 13. Consequently, the best-
possible cooling action is achieved.
- 10 -

It is also possible - in addition to the
circumferential cooling channel 29 in the segment 25 - for
the segment 24 to have a circumferential cooling channel 29',
said latter cooling channel being arranged opposite the
cooling channel 29 of the segment 25 (not drawn). In this
case, the cooling channel 29' also contains a separating
means 39. Such circumferential cooling channels can also be
implemented in the knitting cylinder.
Figure 5 shows the interaction of the knitting cylinder
2 and the dial 23 that support the appropriate knitting tools
30, 31. As is obvious, in particular the knitting tools 31
may have feet 34 through 37 at various locations, whereby, in
order to cool the knitting cylinder 2, a cooling in the
region of the central segment 6 is sufficient. As is further
obvious from Figure 5, the segments may be sealed relative to
each other, this being potentially achieved by appropriate
annular grooves 39.
A needle bed 1 of a knitting machine has a segmented
configuration. The segments 5, 6 border against each other
via the abutment surfaces 10, 8. Extending from at least one
of the boundary surfaces 10, 8 are cooling channels that are
provided, e.g., in the segment 6. The adjacent segment 5
covers these cooling channels, thereby closing said cooling
channels.
- 11 -

Referenee Numbers:
1 Needle bed
2 Knitting cylinder
3 Rotational axis
4 Needle tricks
5 Segment
6 Segment
7 Segment
8 Abutment surface
9 Abutment surface
10 Abutment surface
11 Abutment surface
12 Cooling channel
13 Connector
14 Connector
15-20 Grooves
21 Bore
22 Bore
2 3 Dial
24 Segment
25 Segment
2 6 Abutment surfaces
27 Abutment surfaces
28 Needle trick
2 9 Cooling channel
30 Knitting tool
31 Knitting tool
32 through 37 feet

38 Annular groove
39 Separating strip / separating means
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Patent Claims:
1. Needle bed (1) for a knitting machine, said needle bed
consisting of
a minimum of two segments (5, 6) that border each other
on their abutment surfaces (8, 10),
whereby, in at least one of the segments (6), at least
one cooling channel (12) is provided, said cooling
channel adjoining the abutment surface (8) of one
segment (6) and being closed by the other segment (5).
2. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in
that the needle bed (1) is a knitting cylinder (2) with
segments (5, 6) having an annular shape.
3. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in
that the needle bed (1) is a dial (2) with segments (5,
6) having an annular shape..
4. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in
that the cooling channel (12) extends, at least in
sections, along the abutment surface (8).
5. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 2 or 3, and 4,
characterized in that the cooling channel (12, 29)
extends around the entire annular segment (5, 6, 7, 24,
25) .
6. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in
that the segment (5) has, on two sides facing away from
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each other, abutment surfaces (8, 9) that border the
other segments (5, 7).
- 14 -
7. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 6, characterized in
that each of the two sides facing away from each other
adjoins cooling channel sections in the form of grooves
(15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) .
8. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 7, characterized in
that the cooling channel sections (15, 16, 17, 18, 19,
20) are connected to each other.
9. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 6, characterized in
that the cooling channel (12) is provided so as to
alternately extend along the one abutment surface and
along the other abutment surface (8, 9).
10. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in
that the cooling channel (12) is configured so as to be
fluid-tight.
11. Needle bed in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in
that the connectors (13, 14) lead to the cooling channel
(12), said connectors extending at least through an
adjacent segment (7).

A needle bed (1) of a knitting machine has a segmented
configuration. The segments (5, 6) border against each other
via the abutment surfaces (10, 8). Extending from at least
one of the boundary surfaces (10, 8) are cooling channels
that are provided, e.g., in the segment (6). The adjacent
segment (5) covers these cooling channels, thereby closing
said cooling channels.

NEEDLE BED WITH COOLING CHANNEL

Documents:

Inventors:

PCT Conventions: