USOO8046884B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,046,884 B2

Dillo (45) Date of Patent: Nov. 1, 2011
(54) DRIVE AND GUIDE DEVICE IN ANEEDLE 2,845,687 A * 8, 1958 Howard .......................... 28, 114
LOOM 3,132,406 A 5/1964 Smith, II
3,409,959 A * 1 1/1968 Barboni ........................ 264,119
3,681,823 A * 8, 1972 Dilo ................................ 28, 109
(75) Inventor: Johann Philipp Dilo, Eberbach (DE) 3,703,752 A * 1 1/1972 Schulte ........................... 28, 109
3,877,121 A 4, 1975 Obenaus
(73) Assignee: Oskar Dilo Maschinenfabrik KG (DE) 4,241,479 A 12, 1980 Dillo
5,548,881 A 8/1996 Ludwig
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 5,732,453 A * 3/1998 Dilo et al. ....................... 28, 114
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 6,389,665 B1* 5/2002 Fuchs et al. ..................... 28, 114
2002/0162203 A1* 1 1/2002 Legletal. ....................... 28, 114
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. 2006/0048356 A1* 3/2006 Leger .............................. 28,113
2009/01 19894 A1* 5/2009 Reutter et al. .................. 28, 114
(21) Appl. No.: 12/844,433 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(22) Filed: Jul. 27, 2010 DE 1020060O8485 A1 8, 2007

(65) Prior Publication Data * cited by examiner

US 2011 FOO35914 A1 Feb. 17, 2011 Primary Examiner — Amy Vanatta
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Jansson Shupe & Munger
(30) Foreign Application Priority Data Ltd.
Aug. 14, 2009 (EP) ..................................... O9167924 (57) ABSTRACT
(51) Int. Cl. The drive and guide device for a needle bar of a needle loom
D04H 8/00 (2006.01) having a machine stand includes a first crankshaft rotatably
(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................ 28/107; 28/114 Supported in the machine stand; a needle bar Supported in the
(58) Field of Classification Search .................... 28/107, machine stand; a first connecting rod Supported on a first cam
28/114, 115, 108-113; 112/80.42, 80.41, of the first crankshaft and connected to the needle bar; and a
112/80.4 guide device for guiding the needlebar along a path extending
See application file for complete search history. perpendicular to the needle-punching support surface. The
first connecting rod and/or the guide device comprises a leaf
(56) References Cited spring, which is rigidly connected to the needle bar to trans
mit a drive or guide force. As a result, lubrication points on
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS elements of the needle loom which move from place to place
202,252 A * 4, 1878 Field ............................... 28,113 are eliminated.
1907,292 A * 5/1933 Gladish . 112.80.15
2,004,709 A * 6/1935 Phillips ........................... 28, 107 21 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
U.S. Patent Nov. 1, 2011 Sheet 1 of 2 US 8,046,884 B2

4 3 2 1 2 3 4
U.S. Patent Nov. 1, 2011 Sheet 2 of 2 US 8,046,884 B2
 US 8,046,884 B2
1. 2
DRIVE AND GUIDE DEVICE IN ANEEDLE A preferred embodiment of the drive and guide device for
LOOM a needle bar in a needle loom includes a machine stand and
has a first crankshaft rotatably Supported in the machine stand
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED and a needle bar Supported in the machine stand movable at
APPLICATION least up and down. The drive and guide device also includes a
first connecting rod Supported on a first cam of the first crank
This application claims priority based on European patent shaft connected to the needle bar and a guide device for
application EP 09 167924.1, filed Aug. 14, 2009. guiding the needle bar along a path extending Substantially
perpendicular to a needle-punching Support Surface. The first
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 10 connecting rod and the guide device includes a leaf spring
which is rigidly connected to the needlebar to transmit a drive
The invention relates to a drive and guide device for a or guide force. The first connecting rod can be rigidly con
needle bar in a needle loom. nected to the needlebar and forms a rigid unit with it, whereas
the guide device comprises a guiding leaf spring, which is
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 15 rigidly anchored in the machine stand, and which extends on
a level which is approximately the same as that of the needle
bar in the needle loom.
The needle bar of a needle loom must be guided during its In a another preferred embodiment, one end of a first con
movement in the machine stand in a direction perpendicular necting leaf spring is attached to the end of the first connect
or essentially perpendicular to the needle-punching Support ing rod facing away from the cam. This connecting spring
surface. The guide devices provided for this purpose, whether comprises a second end, which is rigidly attached to the
these be rails or rods, lead to problems with heat, lubrication, needlebar, and the guide device includes a second crankshaft,
and sealing. Wear must be avoided as much as possible, which is on approximately the same level as the needle bar in
because otherwise the punching accuracy during operation the machine stand and which has at least one second cam, on
Suffers. This is disadvantageous especially at high needle 25 which a second connecting rod is Supported, the end of this
punching densities. second rod facing away from the second cam is rigidly con
A guide device for the needle bar in a needle loom contain nected to the needle bar.
ing at least one pair of rocker arms, which are arranged on In an additional preferred embodiment, the first connecting
opposite sides of the needle bar, is known from U.S. Pat. No. rod is rigidly connected to the needlebar to form a single rigid
4.241,479 A. One end of each of these arms is hinged to the 30 unit, and the guide device comprises a second crankshaft,
needlebar, while a support device is present on the other end, which is on approximately the same level as the needle bar in
which supports the rocker arm in question on the machine the machine stand and which has at least one second cam, on
stand so that it is free to rock. For this purpose, a first bearing which a second connecting rod is Supported. One end of a
Surface is formed on the machine stand for each rocker arm; second connecting leaf spring is rigidly attached to the end of
this first bearing Surface faces a second bearing Surface on the 35 this second rod which faces away from the second cam, while
end of the rocker arm. The bearing Surface on the machine the other end of the second connecting leaf spring is rigidly
stand is designed in the manner of an involute gear recess, into connected to the needlebar. With an arrangement Such as this,
which a tooth designed in complementary fashion on the a motion component in a direction parallel to the needle
opposite end of the associated rocker arm engages, the tooth punching Support Surface can be Superimposed on the move
thus being free to rock in the gear recess. In this way, the 40 ment of the needle bar in the direction perpendicular to the
needle bar can be guided along a straight path, wherein the base. During a punch, this parallel component follows the
elements participating in its guidance perform exclusively movement of the nonwoven web being processed on the
rolling movements. needle loom.
A needle loom in which the lateral guidance of the needle In further preferred embodiments of the invention, a first
bar during its up and down stroke is provided by a symmetri 45 connecting rod, which gives the needle bar the motion com
cally designed four-bar linkage, which is hinged to the needle ponent in a direction perpendicular to the needle-punching
bar or its carrier and to the machine stand, is known from DE Support Surface, is connected to the needle bar by a connect
10 2006 008485 A1. The dimensions of the four-bar linkage ing leaf spring, which is rigidly connected at one end to the
are chosen in such a way that the Ball's point which it forms connecting rod, and at the other end to the needle bar. In
and which lies on the needle bar describes a straight path 50 comparison to a guiding leaf spring, which guides the needle
within the stroke range of the needle bar. bar during its punching movement, this connecting leaf
Although the two previously described designs avoid the spring is relatively short, which prevents it from buckling out
sliding type of guides, which are Vulnerable to wear, they are to the side during the punching movement.
relatively complicated mechanically. The two designs con A connection between the connecting rod and the needle
tain pivot bearings on the needle bar, which must be lubri 55 bar can also be realized for the second connecting rod, by
cated, and the latter design also has an additional number of which a motion component parallel to the needle-punching
non-stationary pivot bearings, which increases the difficulty support surface is transmitted to the needle bar. Here too, the
of lubrication even more, because the lubricant must be sup connecting leaf spring should be short enough to prevent it
plied to these non-stationary pivot bearings continuously for from buckling during operation.
as long as they are in operation. 60 The invention can also be used in needle looms which
comprise two needle bars arranged parallel to each other,
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION which are driven by first crankshafts individually assigned to
them. Each needle bar can be guided individually from the
It is an object of the present invention to provide a drive and side by a guiding leaf spring or by a second crankshaft with a
guide device for a needle bar in a needle loom, which is 65 second connecting rod and possibly a connecting leaf spring.
simple technically and which makes do with a reduced num It is also possible, however, for both needle bars to be guided
ber of lubrication points. by a single guiding leaf spring or by a single second crank
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shaft with a second connecting rod and possibly a connecting FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention similar to
leaf spring, provided that the needle bars are coupled to each that of FIG. 3 with an elastic connection between the needle
other. If the first crankshafts rotate in opposite directions, a bar and the connecting rod producing the punching move
single coupling leaf spring is Sufficient to couple the needle ment;
bars together. If the first crankshafts rotate in the same direc FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodi
tion, two coupling leaf springs arranged one above the other ment of the connections of a guiding leaf spring;
a certain distance apart are provided between the two needle FIG. 8 shows an embodiment similar to FIG. 1, including a
bars, these springs being connected rigidly to the needle bars second drive, which gives the needlebara motion component
to prevent the needle bars from tipping toward each other perpendicular to the punching motion, with an elastic con
uncontrollably. 10 nection between the needle bar and the connecting rod of the
To minimize the flexing of the connecting leaf spring and to second drive;
increase its service life, the guiding leaf spring should be as FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention similar to
long as possible. If in fact the guiding leaf spring is long, FIG. 6 with a second drive which is connected to the needle
however, there is the danger that, during operation, the mov bar:
ing needlebar will cause it to oscillate and possibly to flutter. 15 FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a guard surrounding the
To avoid such undesirable action, the guiding leaf spring may leaf spring to prevent the leaf spring from fluttering; and
be surrounded by a stiff guard which prevents the leaf spring FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the circled area in FIG. 10.
from oscillating. A guard of this type can consist of two rails,
which are parallel to each other and which rest on the narrow DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
sides of the guiding leaf spring, the rails being connected to
each other by several pairs of bars arranged a certain distance In the following, specific embodiments of the invention
apart. The bars of each pair form a gap between them, through shown in the drawings are described in detail. The diagrams
which the guiding leaf spring extends. The rails can be pro in the drawings are limited for the sake of clarity to the parts
vided at their ends with buffers of plastic or rubber, because of a needle loom essential to the explanation of the invention.
the ends of the rails can come into contact with the parts of the 25 FIG. 1 shows a portion of the needle loom including a
machine adjacent to them. The buffers dampen the noise needle bar 1, which carries on its bottom surface a needle
which may develop during operation. board 3 equipped with needles 2. A needle-punching Support
The needle bar of a needle loom is put in motion by at least Surface 4 is set up opposite the needles. Needle-punching
two connecting rods. In the case of very large working widths, Support Surface 4 serves to Support the web of material (not
it is also possible for more than two connecting rods to be 30 shown) to be needled. Such web of material may be a non
used. These connecting rods are set in motion by a corre woven web or the like which, during the operation of the
sponding number of cams on the associated crankshaft. The needle loom, is transported through the needle loom trans
same applies to the guide devices. It should be appreciated versely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the needle
that while the invention is explained on the basis of only a bar 1.
single connecting rod and one guide device, this should not be 35 One end of a rigid first connecting rod 5 is rigidly con
understood as a numerical limitation. nected to the side of the needle bar 1 facing away from the
needles2. The other end of the connecting rod is Supported on
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS a first cam 6 of a first crankshaft 7. The first crankshaft 7 is
supported rotatably in a machine stand 8 of the needle loom,
In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily 40 which also carries the needle-punching Support Surface 4.
understood, a more detailed description of the invention To guide the needle bar 1 up and down with respect to the
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to spe needle-punching Support Surface 4 during operation, one end
cific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended draw of a flexible guiding leaf spring 9 is rigidly attached to the
ings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical needle bar. The other end of this guiding leaf spring 9 is
embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be 45 attached rigidly to the machine stand. 8.
considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be During operation, the needle bar 1 is set into up-and-down
described and explained with additional specificity and detail motion with respect to the needle-punching Support Surface 4
through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: by the first crankshaft 7, operating by way of the first cam 6
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive and guide device and the first connecting rod 5. As needle bar 1 executes this
according to the invention based on the example of a needle 50 motion, it is guided by the elastic guiding leaf spring 9, which
loom with one needle bar; bends elastically over its entire length but especially near the
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a drive and guide device points where it is clamped to the needle bar 1 and to the
according to the invention based on the example of a needle machine stand 8. Due to the stiffness of the first connecting
loom with two needle bars; rod 5 and its rigid connection to the needle bar 1 and due to
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodi 55 restricting the needle bar 1 from sideways movement—a
ment of a drive and guide device according to the invention limitation which holds the bar in a position almost always
based on the example of a needle loom with two needle bars: directly below the first crankshaft 7 the needle bar 1
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a drive and guide device executes a tipping movement around its longitudinal axis,
according to the invention based on the example of a needle which also leads to elastic flexing of the guiding leaf spring 9.
loom in which a single needle bar has a first drive, which 60 To minimize this tipping movement, the first connecting rod
produces the actual punching action, and a second drive, 5 should be as long as possible, that is, long in relation to the
which can move the needle bar horizontally: stroke of the needle bar 1. To minimize the bending stress of
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a drive and guide device the guiding leaf spring 9, it should be as long as possible, that
according to the invention based on the example of a needle is, comparatively long in relation to the stroke of the needle
loom in which each of the two needle bars has its own first 65 bar.
drive, which produces the actual punching action, and a sec FIG.2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention in
ond drive, which can move the needlebars horizontally: which the invention is realized in a needle loom comprising
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two needle bars 1, which are arranged next to each other and machine stand (not shown), acting by way of a second cam13.
which operate independently. Assigned to each needlebar 1 is The second crankshaft 14 is arranged on approximately the
its own punching drive, consisting of first crankshaft 7, oper same level as the needlebar 1. The second connecting rod 12
ating by way of first cam 6 and first connecting rod 5. Each and the needlebar together form a rigid unit. A rotation of the
needle bar 1, furthermore, is rigidly connected to one end of 5 second crankshaft 14 at the same speed as that of the first
an individual guiding leaf spring 9, the other end of which is crankshaft 7 is able Superimpose a motion component ori
rigidly clamped in the machine stand 8. The two arrange ented parallel to the needle-punching Support Surface onto the
ments are mirror images of each other. Their behavior during punching motion of the needle bar oriented essentially per
operation is completely comparable to that already explained pendicular to the base (not shown). During the time that the
above on the basis of the example of FIG. 1. 10 needles 2 remain in the web to be processed, this parallel
FIG.3 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a component proceeds in the same direction as that of the web
needle loom with two needlebars 1, each of which has its own through the needle loom. Although it is true that, during this
needle-punching drive, consisting of crankshaft 7, operating movement, the needle bar 1 also tips slightly around its lon
by way of cam 6 and connecting rod 5, in a manner com gitudinal axis as a result of the rigid connection between the
pletely comparable to the embodiment of FIG. 2. For the sake 15 second connecting rod 12 and the needle bar 1, nevertheless,
of clarity, the needle-punching Support Surface 4 and most of if the second connecting rod 12 is long enough, the tipping
the machine stand 8 are not shown. The only part of the angle is so Small that it does not produce any noticeable
machine stand 8 shown is the point where, when one end of a disadvantageous effect in the processed web of material. A
guiding leaf spring 9 is clamped, the other end is rigidly “long connecting rod in this context means long with respect
connected to one of the needle bars 1, in the present case the to the stroke of the needle bar 1. The previously mentioned
needle bar 1 shown on the left hand side of the drawing. The tipping movements of the needle bar 1 are absorbed by the
two needle bars 1 are connected to each other on their facing elastic connecting leaf spring 11, which flexes under the
sides by an elastic coupling leaf spring 10, which is rigidly effect of the tipping movements.
attached to the two needle bars 1. In a manner fully comparable to that shown in FIGS. 1 and
During operation, the rotation of the first crankshaft 7 leads 25 4, FIG. 5 shows the application of the features explained on
to a rising and falling movement of the needle bars 1. In the basis of the example of FIG. 4 to a needle loom with two
addition, due to the rigid connection of the stiff first connect needle bars 1 arranged next to each other. Each needle bar 1
ing rod 5 to the needle bars 1 and the limitation on the has its own first drive for the needle-punching movement,
movement of the bars by the guiding leaf spring 9 and the consisting of a first crankshaft 7, a first cam 6, a first connect
coupling leaf spring 10, needle bars 1 are tipped around their 30 ing rod 5, and a connecting leaf spring 11. In addition, each
longitudinal axes, i.e., to the right and to the left in the draw needle bar 1 has a second drive for the horizontal motion
ing. The lateral guidance of the needlebar 1 shown on the left component oriented parallel to the needle-punching support
in the drawing is provided by the guiding leaf spring 9 Surface 4 (not shown). The second drive consists of a rigid
attached to it, which behaves in the same way as guiding leaf second connecting rod 12, rigidly attached to the needlebar 1,
springs 9 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the 35 and a second cam 13 on a second crankshaft 14, which is
lateral guidance of needle bar 1 shown on the right in the mounted on approximately the same level as the needlebar 1.
drawings is provided by the elastic coupling leaf spring 10. The arrangements are mirror images of each other. The way
If the two first crankshafts 7 turn in the same direction, the they function is the same as that described above in relation to
coupling leaf spring 10 flexes into the shape of an “S”, that is, the embodiment of FIG. 4.
it bends in two opposite directions, because the needlebars tip 40 FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention
in the same direction. If the two first crankshafts 7 turn in which is comparable to that of FIG.3 with respect to function
opposite directions, the coupling leaf spring 10 bulges out in but which requires that the first crankshafts 7 turn in the same
only one direction, that is, first in the upward direction and direction. It also differs in design from the embodiment in
thenina downward direction, which means that it is subject to FIG.3 in that each of the first connecting rods 5 are connected
less bending stress than that present in the first-mentioned 45 to the needlebar 1 by way of an elastic connecting leaf spring
operational variant. Counter-rotating operation of the first 11—similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5. Another
crankshafts 7 is preferred as it is easier to balance the inertia difference versus the embodiment of FIG. 3 is that the guid
within the needle loom. ance of the needle bar 1 shown on the right in FIG. 6 is
FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention, which provided by two elastic coupling leaf springs 10, which are
differs from the previously described embodiments primarily 50 arranged one above the other a certain distance apart, and
in that the unit consisting of first connecting rod 5, which is each of which is rigidly connected to the needle bars 1. Two
moved by first cam 6 of first crankshaft 7, and the needlebar coupling leaf springs 10 are required as a result of the elastic
1 is not rigid. Instead, an elastic connecting leaf spring 11 is connection between first connecting rods 5 and needle bar 1.
inserted between the free end of the connecting rod 5 and the In this embodiment, a certain freedom of movement is
needle bar 1. The connecting leaf spring 11 is rigidly con 55 restrained which cannot be limited sufficiently by only a
nected at one end to the first connecting rod 5 and at the other single coupling leaf spring according to the example of FIG.
to the needle bar 1. Connecting leaf spring 11 transmits the 3.
thrust forces for punching coming from the crankshaft 7 and In the preferred embodiments described on the basis of
is relatively short so that it does not buckle to the side under FIGS. 1-3 and 6, both ends of the guiding leaf spring 9 are
the effect of the thrust forces mentioned. 60 clamped rigidly in position, one end on the needle bar 1 and
The lateral guidance of the needle bar 1 can in this case be the other on the machine stand 8, and in the bent states, i.e.,
accomplished by a guiding leaf spring 9 of the type shown in when the needlebar is in its upper and lower end positions, the
FIG.1. This variant is not shown in the example of FIG.4, but spring assumes a slightly “S”-like shape. According to the
will be understood to be possible by one skilled in the art. variant shown partially in FIG. 7, the bending stress of the
FIG. 4 shows, in contrast, a variant for the lateral guidance 65 guiding leaf spring 9 can be reduced by Supporting one end in
of the needle bar 1 by means of a second connecting rod 12. a pivot bearing 15. Preferably pivot bearing 15 is lubricated
which is moved by a second crankshaft 14 supported in the for life, that is, a bearing which requires little or no mainte
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7 8
nance. In this case, the guiding leaf spring 9 shows only a shown), located in the area between the coupling leaf springs
simple form of flexure in the end positions of the needlebar 1, 10. It is also contemplated that the interior area between the
and its overall bending stress is reduced in comparison with two needle bars 1 could be filled in completely by a wall of
that present in the previously described exemplary embodi sheet metal, for example, to increase the stiffness.
mentS. 5 It can be seen from the examples shown and explained
FIG. 8 shows another preferred embodiment of the inven above that the concept of the rigid connection between con
tion. This is similar to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 to necting rods and needlebars and the use of elastic leafsprings
the extent that the needle-punching drive of the needle bar 1 for guidance and also in the drive of the needle bars can be
consists of a first crankshaft 7, which is connected to the implemented in any desired way as long as it is ensured that at
needlebar 1 by way of a first cam 6 and a first connecting rod 10 least one elastic leaf spring is used either to guide the needle
5 rotatably supported thereon. The connecting rod 5 and the bar or as part of the needle-punching drive. As a result of the
needle bar 1, similar to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, invention, the need for lubrication is completely eliminated at
form a rigid unit. For the guidance of the needle bar 1 during least on the needle bar, which considerably reduces the effort
its punching movement, a second crankshaft 14 is provided, required to lubricate the interior of the machine, as there is no
which is rotatably Supported in the machine stand (not shown) 15 need to introduce lubricant to the moving parts of the
on approximately the same level as the needle bar 1. The machine.
second crankshaft 14 has a second cam13, on which a second As has been explained above, it is desirable that the guide
connecting rod 12 is rotatably Supported. The second con element, whether it be a second connecting rod with a second
necting rod 12 has a free end, which is connected to the needle connecting leaf spring or a guiding leaf spring, be as long as
bar 1 by a second elastic connecting leaf spring 16. The 20 possible in relation to the stroke of the needlebar. If the guide
second connecting leaf spring 16 has ends, one of which is element is a guiding leaf spring 9, it can easily, because of its
rigidly connected to the needlebar 1, the other to the free end length, start to oscillate under the effect of the up-and-down
of the second connecting rod 12. With this design, a motion movement of the needlebar 1. To suppress Such natural oscil
component oriented parallel to the needle-punching Support lations, a guard 17, which is shown in FIG. 10 and a detail of
surface (not shown in FIG. 8) can be superimposed on the 25 which is shown on a larger scale in FIG. 11, is provided
punching movement of the needlebar in a manner completely according to an elaboration of the invention.
comparable to the example of FIG. 4. Such parallel move According to FIG. 10, the preferred embodiment with a
ment again follows the forward movement of the web being guard 17 for a guiding leaf spring 9 consists of two stiff rails
processed in the needle loom during the time that the needles 18, which are arranged parallel to each other and which are
2 remain in the web. The second connecting leaf spring 16 30 connected to each other by several pairs of rods 19. The
makes it possible for the needle bar to execute the tipping connecting rods 19 of one pair form a gap, through which the
movements versus the needle-punching support surface guiding leaf spring 9 extends, and the longitudinal edges of
which occur during operation as a result of the cams 6 and 13 the spring rest on the rails 18. If the rails 18 are flat, at least
acting by way of the connecting rods 5 and 12. Again, the three pairs of connecting rods 19 must be present, as shown in
connecting rods 5 and 12 should be long in relation to the 35 FIG. 10, to suppress the natural oscillations of the guiding leaf
stroke of the needle bar 1 to minimize Such tipping move spring 9. If the stroke frequency of the needle bar 1 arrives in
mentS. a range in which the guiding leaf spring 9 could be caused to
The exemplary embodiment of FIG.9 shows a needle loom oscillate harmonically, the number of pairs of connecting rods
with two needle bars arranged next to each other, which are 19 will have to be increased correspondingly.
connected to each other by two elastic coupling leaf springs 40 Alternatively, the rails 18 could have a C-shaped cross
10. To this extent and also with respect to the needle-punching section, wherein the side pieces of the rails face each other. If
drives of the needle bars, this embodiment is the similar to the guiding leaf springs 9 are embedded in Soft plastic or
that of FIG. 6. The embodiment of FIG.9 differs from that of rubber provided in the groove between the side pieces of a rail
FIG. 6 in that it adds a second drive to the two needle bars 1, 18, the connecting rods 19 can then under certain conditions
namely, a drive which gives the needle bars 1 a motion com- 45 be omitted entirely. The leaf spring in this case has sufficient
ponent parallel to the needle-punching Support Surface (not freedom to flex in the groove and yet is still securely sup
shown), as described on the basis of the example of FIG. 8. ported.
The second drive comprises a second crankshaft 13, Sup Because the ends of the guard 17 can come in contact with
ported in the machine Stand on approximately the same level adjacent machine parts, the ends of the rails 18 are preferably
as the needlebar 1, this crankshaft carrying a second cam14, 50 provided with buffers 20 of rubber or plastic to dampen the
on which a second connecting rod 12 is rotatably supported. noise which would otherwise occur during operation.
The free end is connected to one of the needlebars 1, namely, Reference throughout this specification to “one embodi
to the needlebar 1 shown on the left in the drawing, by means ment.” “an embodiment.” “a preferred embodiment,” “alter
of a second connecting leaf spring 16. The second connecting nate embodiment’ or similar language means that a particular
leaf spring 16 has two ends, one of which is rigidly connected 55 feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection
to the second connecting rod 12, the other to the previously with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment
mentioned needlebar 1. The second connecting leaf spring 16 of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in
99 & 99 &
makes it possible for the left needle bar 1 to execute the one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in a preferred
tipping movements versus the needle-punching Support Sur embodiment,” “in an alternate embodiment, and similar lan
face which occur during operation as a result of the cams 6 60 guage throughout this specification may, but do not necessar
and 13 acting by way of the connecting rods 5 and 12, whereas ily, all refer to the same embodiment.
the coupling leaf springs 10 make it possible for the two Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and char
needle bars 1 to move with respect to each other. Again, the acteristics of the invention may be combined in any Suitable
connecting rods 5 and 12 should be long in relation to the manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the
stroke of the needle bar 1 to minimize the previously men- 65 relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced
tioned tipping movements. To increase the stiffness, the without one or more of the specific features or advantages of
needlebars 1 could be connected here by a diagonal strut (not a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional fea
 US 8,046,884 B2
9 10
tures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodi which guiding leaf spring is anchored on the machine
ments that may not be present in all embodiments of the stand and rigidly connected to one of the two needle
invention. bars.
While the present invention has been described in connec 6. The drive and guide device of claim 1 comprising:
tion with certain exemplary, alternate or specific embodi two needlebars, which are supported parallel to each other
ments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to in the machine stand and which are moved synchro
the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended nously by two first crankshafts via two first connecting
to cover various modifications, alternatives, modifications rods;
and equivalent arrangements as will be apparent to those wherein the two first crankshafts are set up to be driven in
skilled in the art. Any Such changes, modifications, alterna 10
the same direction;
tives, modifications, equivalents and the like may be made wherein each of the two first connecting rods comprises an
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. end facing away from the first cam, to which end one end
What is claimed is: of a first connecting leaf spring is rigidly attached, a
1. A drive and guide device for a needle bar in a needle 15 second end of the first connecting leaf spring being
loom having a machine stand, the drive and guide device rigidly attached to one of the two needle bars:
comprising: wherein the two needle bars are connected to each other by
a first crankshaft rotatably supported in the machine stand; two coupling leaf springs, which are arranged one above
a needle bar supported in the machine stand to be movable the other a certain distance apart and which are rigidly
at least up and down; attached to the needle bars; and
a first connecting rod Supported on a first cam of the first wherein the guide device comprises a guiding leaf spring,
crankshaft and connected to the needle bar, and which extends substantially on a same level as the two
a guide device for guiding the needle bar along a path needle bars, which is anchored at a first end on the
extending Substantially perpendicular to a needle machine stand, and which is rigidly connected at a sec
punching Support Surface, wherein at least one of the 25 ond end to one of the two needle bars.
first connecting rod and the guide device comprises a 7. The drive and guide device of claim 1 comprising:
leafspring which is rigidly connected to the needlebar to two needlebars, which are supported parallel to each other
transmit a drive or guide force. in the machine stand and which are moved synchro
2. The drive and guide device of claim 1 wherein the first nously by two first crankshafts via two first connecting
connecting rod is rigidly connected to the needle bar, and the 30 rods;
guide device comprises a guiding leaf spring arranged on wherein each of the two first connecting rods comprises an
substantially a same level as the needlebar, a first end of the end facing away from the first cam, to which end a first
guiding leaf spring being anchored on the machine stand, the end of a first connecting leaf spring is rigidly attached,
second end of the guiding leaf spring being rigidly connected which first connecting leaf spring has a second end,
to the needle bar. 35 which is rigidly attached to one of the two needle bars:
3. The drive and guide device of claim 1 wherein one end of wherein the two needle bars are connected to each other by
a first connecting leaf spring is rigidly connected to a lower two coupling leaf springs, which are arranged one above
end of the first connecting rod facing away from the first cam, the other a certain distance apart and which are rigidly
wherein a second end of the connecting leaf spring is rigidly connected to the needle bars; and
attached to the needle bar, and wherein the guide device 40 wherein the guide device comprises a second crankshaft,
comprises a second crankshaft, which is arranged in the which is arranged in the machine stand on Substantially
machine stand on Substantially a same level as the needlebar a same level as the two needlebars, which second crank
and which has a second cam, on which a second connecting shaft has a second cam, on which a rigid, second con
rod is Supported, the second connecting rod being rigidly necting rod is Supported, which second connecting rod
connected to the needle bar at an end facing away from the 45 has a first end facing away from the second cam, the first
second cam. end being rigidly connected to the needle bar.
4. The drive and guide device of claim 1 wherein the first 8. The drive and guide device of claim 2 wherein the
connecting rod is rigidly connected to the needle bar, and anchoring of the guiding leaf spring on the machine stand is
wherein the guide device comprises a second crankshaft, realized by a rigid connection.
which is arranged in the machine stand on Substantially a 50 9. The drive and guide device of claim 5 wherein the
same level as the needle bar and which has a second cam, on anchoring of the guiding leaf spring on the machine stand is
which a second connecting rod is Supported, the second con realized by a rigid connection.
necting rod having an end facing away from the second cam, 10. The drive and guide device of claim 6 wherein the
to which end a first end of a connecting leaf spring is rigidly anchoring of the guiding leaf spring on the machine stand is
attached, a second end of the connecting leaf spring being 55 realized by a rigid connection.
rigidly connected to the needle bar. 11. The drive and guide device of claim 2 wherein the
5. The drive and guide device of claim 1 comprising: anchoring of the guiding leaf spring on the machine stand is
two needlebars, which are supported parallel to each other realized by a pivot bearing.
in the machine stand and which are moved synchro 12. The drive and guide device of claim 5 wherein the
nously by two first crankshafts via two first connecting 60 anchoring of the guiding leaf spring on the machine stand is
rods; realized by a pivot bearing.
wherein the two first connecting rods are rigidly connected 13. The drive and guide device of claim 6 wherein the
to the two needle bars; anchoring of the guiding leaf spring on the machine stand is
wherein the two needlebars are connected to each other by realized by a pivot bearing.
a coupling leaf spring; and 65 14. The drive and guide device of claim 2 wherein the
wherein the guide device comprises a guiding leaf spring guiding leaf spring is Surrounded by a guard, which reduces
extending on Substantially a same level as the needlebar, the deflection.
 US 8,046,884 B2
11 12
15. The drive and guide device of claim 6 wherein the rods arranged a certain distance apart, wherein the rods of
guiding leaf spring is Surrounded by a guard, which reduces each pair form a gap, through which the guiding leaf spring
the deflection. extends.
16. The drive and guide device of claim 14 wherein the 18. The drive and guide device of claim 16 wherein the rails
guard comprises two rails, which are parallel to each other 5 have a slightly C-shaped cross section with concave surfaces
and which rest on narrow sides of the guiding leaf spring, facing each other.
which rails are connected to each other by several pairs of 19. The drive and guide device of claim 17 wherein the rails
rods arranged a certain distance apart, wherein the rods of have a slightly C-shaped cross section with concave surfaces
each pair form a gap, through which the guiding leaf spring facing each other.
extends. 10 20. The drive and guide device of claim 16 wherein the rails
have ends, to which buffers of plastic or rubber are attached.
17. The drive and guide device of claim 15 wherein the 21. The drive and guide device of claim 17 wherein the rails
guard comprises two rails, which are parallel to each other have ends, to which buffers of plastic or rubber are attached.
and which rest on narrow sides of the guiding leaf spring,
which rails are connected to each other by several pairs of k k k k k