U.S. patent application number 16/241490 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-09 for tufting machine drive system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Card-Monroe Corp.. Invention is credited to Daryl L. Gibson, Ricky E. Mathews, Marshall Allen Neely.
Application Number | 20190136429 16/241490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51983670 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-09 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190136429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neely; Marshall Allen ; et
al. |
May 9, 2019 |
TUFTING MACHINE DRIVE SYSTEM
Abstract
A tufting machine has a needle bar for carrying a plurality of
needles for reciprocating into and out of a base material. A
sliding needle bar shift mechanism may shift the needle bar
laterally according to a pattern. The needle bar is mounted for
reciprocation and for lateral movement relative to the direction of
reciprocation by a drive system including a first directional drive
component having a foot secured to a respective push rod of the
tufting machine and a second directional drive component connected
to the shift mechanism. The first and second drive components will
connect to the needle bar through linear bearings or bushings so
that the motion of the needle bar in multiple different directions
is controlled while permitting greater machine operating and needle
bar shifting speeds.
Inventors: |
Neely; Marshall Allen;
(Soddy Daisy, TN) ; Mathews; Ricky E.; (Sale
Creek, TN) ; Gibson; Daryl L.; (Dayton, TN) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Card-Monroe Corp. |
Chattanooga |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51983670 |
Appl. No.: |
16/241490 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16022233 |
Jun 28, 2018 |
10190246 |
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16241490 |
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14445231 |
Jul 29, 2014 |
10011932 |
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16022233 |
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14289069 |
May 28, 2014 |
9260810 |
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14445231 |
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61828412 |
May 29, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D05C 15/12 20130101;
D05C 15/10 20130101; D05C 15/30 20130101; D05C 15/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D05C 15/12 20060101
D05C015/12; D05C 15/20 20060101 D05C015/20; D05C 15/10 20060101
D05C015/10; D05C 15/30 20060101 D05C015/30 |
Claims
1. A tufting machine for forming tufted articles, comprising:
backing feed rolls feeding a backing material through the tufting
machine; at least one needle bar having a plurality of needles
carrying a series of yarns; a first directional drive component for
reciprocating the at least one needle bar in a first direction
whereupon the needles are moved into and out of the backing
material for forming tufts of yarns in the backing material, the
first drive component comprising one or more push rods, and a
series of needle bar support brackets coupled to the push rods and
including linear motion bearing guides configured to slidably
receive a guide track mounted to the at least one needle bar as the
at least one needle bar is moved in a second direction; and a
second directional drive component for controlling movement of the
at least one needle bar in the second direction, the second
directional drive component including at least one shift mechanism
connected to the at least one needle bar by at least one guide arm
coupled to the at least one needle bar and engaging a linear
bearing assembly bracket having linear motion bearings and a
channel through which the at least one guide arm is received during
the reciprocating movement of the at least one needle bar in its
first direction, while the at least one needle bar is moved in its
second direction substantially transverse to the first direction by
the at least one shift mechanism.
2. The tufting machine of claim 1, wherein the second directional
drive component further comprises at least one drive rod connected
to the at least one shift mechanism, and a series of supports
mounted to a frame of the tufting machine and each having a linear
bearing assembly for slidably supporting the at least one drive rod
along the frame.
3. The tufting machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one needle
bar comprises a pair of needle bars and the at least one shift
mechanism comprises a pair of shift mechanisms for shifting the
needle bars in their second direction independently of each
other.
4. The tufting machine of claim 1, wherein the linear motion
bearing guides and the at least one linear bearing assembly bracket
comprise reciprocating linear bearings.
5. The tufting machine of claim 1, wherein the needle bar support
brackets each comprise a body having an upper body section with an
opening through which one of the push rods is received, and a lower
body section coupled to the upper body section by a series of
fasteners.
6. The tufting machine of claim 5, wherein one or more stackable
shims are received between the upper and lower body sections for
adjustment of a needle stroke or penetration depth through the
backing.
7. The tufting machine of claim 6, wherein the one or more
stackable shims received between the upper and lower body sections
are visible along at least a portion of the needle support brackets
to enable visual detection of the shims between the upper and lower
body sections.
8. The tufting machine of claim 5, wherein the lower body sections
of the needle bar support brackets have an expanded configuration
so as to project outwardly from the upper body sections.
9. The tufting machine of claim 5, wherein the fasteners coupling
the upper and lower body sections together comprise one or more
shoulder bolts received through the first and second body sections
and each having a shoulder for limiting vertical movement of the
body sections, and one or more clamping bolts extended through the
upper and lower body sections adjacent corners thereof to help
distribute a thrust force transmitted by the push rods across the
body of each support bracket.
10. A tufting machine, comprising: a pair of needle bars each
having a plurality of needles carrying a series of yarns, wherein
the needle bars are moveable in a first direction for reciprocating
the needles into and out of a backing moving therebelow for forming
tufts of yarns in the backing, and are moveable in a second
direction for shifting the needles transversely with respect to the
movement of the backing; and a drive system for guiding movement of
the needle bars in the first and second directions, the drive
system having a first directional drive component comprising a
series of push rods coupled to needle bars and connected to a main
drive for driving the needle bars in a reciprocating motion along
the first direction, and a second directional drive component
comprising at least one shift mechanism operable for shifting at
least a portion of the needles in the second direction; wherein the
drive system further includes a series of needle bar support
brackets coupling the push rods to the needle bars and each
comprising a first body section in which a push rod is received, a
second body section adjustably coupled to the first section, and
one or more linear motion bearing guides mounted to the second body
section, with a pair of channels having linear motion bearings
defined therealong, and wherein guide tracks mounted to each of the
needle bars are slideably received within the channels for guiding
shifting movement of the needles in the second direction across the
backing material.
11. The tufting machine of claim 10, further comprising a series of
shoulder bolts received through the first and second body sections
and each having a shoulder for limiting vertical movement of the
body sections.
12. The tufting machine of claim 10 further comprising clamping
bolts extended through at least a portion of the first and second
body sections adjacent each corner thereof to help distribute a
thrust force from the push rods across the body of each support
bracket.
13. The tufting machine of claim 12, further comprising a series of
additional fasteners located along the needle bar support brackets
between corners thereof, the additional fasteners extending through
one or more shims received between the body sections.
14. The tufting machine of claim 10, further comprising a series of
stackable shims received between the first and second body sections
in a position to enable visual detection of the shims between the
first and second body sections.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present patent application is a Continuation of
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/022,233 filed Jun.
28, 2018, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 14/445,231, filed
Jul. 29, 2014, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/289,069, filed May 28, 2014, now U.S. Pat.
No. 9,260,810 which is a formalization of previously filed, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/828,412, filed May 29,
2013 by the inventors named in the present application. This patent
application claims the benefit of the filing date of this cited
Provisional Patent Application according to the statutes and rules
governing provisional patent applications, particularly 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(a)(i) and 37 C.F.R. .sctn. 1.78(a)(4) and (a)(5).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to machine drive
systems in which operative elements are designed to be driven or
reciprocated in multiple, different directions. In particular, the
present invention is directed to a drive system for tufting
machines for use in guiding and controlling movement of operative
elements thereof, such as controlling the motion of one or more
needle bars of a tufting machine in multiple directions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional tufting machines used for the formation of
tufted articles such as carpets can include one or more needle bars
that carry a plurality of needles arranged in spaced series
therealong. Each needle bar typically is driven in a vertically
reciprocating manner by a plurality of push rods, which are linked
to and thus driven by rotation of a main driveshaft of the tufting
machine, so as to reciprocate the needles into and out of a
breaking material. The needles carry a series of yarns into the
backing material and are engaged by a series of loopers or hooks to
form tufts of yarns in the backing material. The needle bar or
needle bars further can be shifted laterally with respect to the
backing material moving therebelow to provide desired patterning
effects and reduce the effects of yarn streaking.
[0004] The mounting of a needle bar or needle bars for
reciprocation while permitting transverse or lateral shifting
movement typically has been accomplished by connection of the
needle bar(s) to the push rods by brackets or feet through which
the needle bar(s) are slidably received. As a result, as the push
rods reciprocate the needle bar(s) vertically, the needle bar(s)
further can be shifted or slid laterally though the support feet,
which have included ball bearings or bushings in order to
facilitate the sliding movement of the needle bar. For example,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,662,291 and 4,501,212 illustrate prior sliding
needle bar drive systems.
[0005] The use of such ball bearings or bushings, however, often is
limited in terms of the loads they can support, especially at
higher machine operating speeds, and further can be subject to
increased or more rapid wearing at such increased operating speeds.
Advances in production capacity of tufting machines are highly
desirable and thus are in demand by the producers or manufacturers
of tufted articles such as carpets, as the faster and more
efficiently the tufting machines can be run, the more savings in
terms of labor and other operational costs can be realized.
Currently, conventional tufting machines can be run at upwards of
approximately 750 to over 1,300 rpm, and in some cases, in excess
of approximately 2,000 rpm. However, at such higher
reciprocation/operational speeds, it becomes difficult to
accurately control shifting of the needle bars, and the drive
systems further can be subjected to increased vibrational forces as
well as increased heat and wear due to the effects of the friction
between the hardened shafts and ball bearings/bushings
traditionally used for guiding the shift rods and push rods of such
needle bar drive systems.
[0006] Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for an
improved tufting machine drive system that enables
multi-directional movement of operative elements of a tufting
machine, such as the reciprocation and lateral shifting or sliding
movement of a needle bar of a tufting machine, which addresses the
foregoing and other related and unrelated problems in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly described, the present invention generally relates
to a drive system for controlling and facilitating the
multi-directional movement of various driven operative elements of
a tufting machine. For example, the present invention can be used
for the driving of one or more needle bars of a tufting machine
wherein each needle bar can be vertically reciprocated while
additionally being capable of lateral shifting or sliding movement.
The drive system can provide enhanced rigidity and dimensional
stability to the needle bar(s) during reciprocating and shifting
movements to enable tighter control and improved precision of
multi-directional movements of the needle bar. As a result, the
tufting machine can be run at increased operational speeds so as to
provide increased production capacity, while at the same time
reducing incidence of excessive wear of the drive system components
at such increased operating speeds. The principles of the present
invention further can be applied to the driving of other operative
elements of the tufting machine, in addition to the driving of one
or more shifting or slidable needle bars.
[0008] The drive system can be mounted on a tufting machine having
a frame defining a tufting area or zone through which a backing
material is fed, and at least one needle bar. A tufting machine
main driveshaft mounted will be linked to the needle bar in a
driving relationship therewith. A series of needles will be mounted
in spaced series along the length of the needle bar, or needle bars
if more than one is used, with the needles typically being arranged
at a desired gauge or preset spacing, and with a series of yarns
being fed to each of the needles as the needles are reciprocated
into and out of the backing material, a series of gauge elements
such as loop pile loopers, cut pile hooks, LCL loopers, cut loop
clips, knives, various other gauge parts and/or combinations
thereof, will engage the needles to form the tufts of yarns in the
backing material.
[0009] In one example embodiment, in a tufting machine having at
least one shifting needle bar, the drive system can comprise a
first, vertically reciprocating directional drive component or
section for driving the needle bar in a first direction, (e.g.
along a vertically reciprocating stroke or motion) and a second
moving the needle bar in a second direction, (e.g. along a
transverse motion lateral or sliding motion) directional drive
component or section for control different movements of the needle
bar in multiple different directions. The first directional drive
component generally will include a series of needle bar support
brackets or feet which receive a series of push rods and which are
slidably connected to and support the needle bar. The push rods
further generally will be connected to and driven off of the main
driveshaft of the tufting machine to drive the needle bar along a
desired stroke wherein the needles are reciprocated into and out of
the backing.
[0010] Each of the support brackets can include an elongated guide
channel through which the needle bar, or a guide member mounted to
the needle bar, can be received. In one example embodiment, each
support bracket can include an elongated body having an
approximately centrally located upper portion that receives a
proximal end of the push rod in a clamped engagement therewith, and
a lower portion having a linear motion bearing bracket mounted to
the bottom or lower surface of the upper body portion, in which a
linear bearing guide or raceway mechanism, including an elongated
guide track, is slidably received. The linear motion bearing
bracket generally will include at least one linear motion bearing
assembly, which can have one or more sets/series of linear
bearings, typically ball bearings although roller bearings or other
linear bearings also can be used, located along one or both sides
of the linear motion bearing guide for guiding and controlling the
linear sliding motion of the guide track therethrough. The guide
track can be attached at one or more locations to the needle bar so
as to securely couple the needle bar to the push rods while
facilitating lateral movement of the needle bar with respect to the
push rods.
[0011] In other embodiments, such as where the tufting machine
includes multiple shiftable needle bars, a series of spaced guide
tracks, each mounted along one of the needle bars, can engage
corresponding linear motion bearing guides mounted to each needle
support bracket or foot. The guide tracks can be mounted to their
needle bars by support plates. The support plates can extend along
the needle bars, and can include channels, recesses, or slots in
which the guide tracks are received. These channels or slots can be
arranged along upper and/or side surfaces of the support plates
depending on the size or configuration of the needle bars.
[0012] In a further embodiment, the upper portions of the support
brackets can be mounted to the clamp bolts or similar fasteners
that can be located at or adjacent the corners of the support
brackets, and shoulder bolts adapted to limit vertical travel or
movement between the upper and lower portions of the support
brackets, including upon removal of the clamp bolts. Shims can be
received within gaps defined between the upper and lower portions
of the body of each support bracket. In one embodiment, the shims
can include stackable bodies, which can be visually detected from a
front or side portion of the support brackets to provide a visual
indication as to the size, type and/or number of shims used, as
well as whether the installed shims are straight. The push rods
also can be provided with replaceable end portions that can be
used, in addition to or in place of the shims, to facilitate
adjustment of the length of the push rods, and thus adjust the
stroke or depth of penetration of the needles into and out of the
backing, without requiring replacement of the entire push rods.
[0013] The second directional drive component of the drive system
of the present invention will link the needle bar to a shifting
mechanism for controlling the lateral shifting or stepping of the
one or more needle bars across the tufting zone and transverse to
the direction of movement of the backing material therethrough to
form desired tufting patterns. The second directional drive
component of the drive system can include a single drive rod, or
alternatively, a pair of drive rods or bars spaced apart a distance
sufficient to enable passage of the push rods and/or at least a
portion of the connecting arms that connect the needle bars to the
drive rod(s) of the second directional drive component
therebetween. Each of the connecting arms can include a base that
mounts to the needle bar, and an upper portion, which can include
guide tracks or rails mounted thereto, or which can be configured
with guide channels or grooves therealong. The guide tracks each
are received within guides or shift control brackets having linear
motion bearing assemblies mounted and extending therealong. The
engagement and movement of the tracks along the linear motion
bearing assemblies of the shift control brackets guides and
controls the vertical movement of the connecting arms as the needle
bar is reciprocated by operation of the push rods, to resist
torsion or twisting and provide a substantially straight-line
movement thereof. Additionally, the drive rod, or spaced drive rods
if used, further can have a series of linear bearing motion guides
that engage one or more guide tracks mounted to the frame of the
tufting machine to provide additional support and rigidity to the
needle bar, during its multi-directional movements to promote
greater dimensional stability of the tufted fabrics being
formed.
[0014] Various features, objects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a
review of the following detailed description of the invention, when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an example tufting
machine, with parts broken away, incorporating the tufting machine
drive system according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a
tufting machine drive system according to the principles of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3A is a perspective illustration of one embodiment of
the connection between a push rod and support bracket of the first
directional drive component of the drive system of FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0018] FIG. 3B is a perspective illustration showing the linear
bearing guide connection between a shift control rod and a needle
bar shift support arm for the second directional drive component of
the drive system of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 3C is a perspective illustration showing one of the
shift control support brackets engaging a linear guide track
mounted to the frame of the tufting machine in accordance with the
drive system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0020] FIGS. 4A-4B are perspective illustrations of another
embodiment of the drive system according to the principles of the
present invention, illustrating the connection of a shift mechanism
to a needle bar.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the embodiment of the
drive system of FIGS. 4A-4B.
[0022] FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective illustrations of the needle
bar support brackets for connecting the push rods of the tufting
machine to the needle bar.
[0023] FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional view of the needle bar
support bracket of FIG. 6A for connecting the push rods to the
needle bar.
[0024] FIG. 7A is a side elevational view of the drive system as
shown in FIGS. 4A-5, illustrating the connection of the needle bar
to the drive rod(s) of the second directional drive component.
[0025] FIG. 7B is a side elevational view of the drive system as
shown in FIGS. 4A-5, illustrating an alternative embodiment or
configuration of the needle support brackets connecting the needle
bar to the drive rod(s) of the second directional drive
component.
[0026] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the drive system as shown
in FIGS. 4A-5 illustrating an additional or alternative embodiment
of the needle bar support brackets.
[0027] FIG. 8B is a perspective illustration of the needle bar
support bracket with linear bearing guides of FIG. 8A for
connection of dual shiftable needle bars to the drive system such
as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5.
[0028] FIG. 8C is a partial cross-sectional view of the needle bar
support bracket of FIG. 8B for the connection of dual shiftable
needle bars to the tufting machine drive system in accordance with
the principles of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the drive system as shown
in FIGS. 4A-5, illustrating a further additional or alternative
embodiment of the needle bar support brackets.
[0030] FIG. 9B is a perspective illustration of the needle bar
support bracket with linear bearing guides of FIG. 9A for
connection of dual shiftable needle bars to the drive system such
as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5.
[0031] FIG. 9C is a partial cross-sectional view of the needle bar
support bracket of FIG. 9B for the connection of dual shiftable
needle bars to the tufting machine drive system in accordance with
the principles of the present invention.
[0032] It will be understood that the drawings accompanying the
present disclosure, which are included to provide a further
understanding of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various
aspects, features, advantages and benefits of the present
disclosure and invention, and together with the following detailed
description, serve to explain the principles of the present
invention. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand
that in practice, various features of the drawings discussed herein
are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various
features and elements shown or illustrated in the drawings and/or
discussed in the following detailed description may be expanded,
reduced, or moved to an exploded position, in order to more clearly
illustrate the principles and embodiments of the present invention
as set forth in this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals
indicate like parts throughout the several views, the present
invention is directed to a drive system for the control of driven
operative elements of various types of machines, and in particular
the driving of operative elements or components of a tufting
machine. In various example embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-9C,
the drive system 10/100 of the present invention is directed to a
system for controlling multi-directional motion of a needle bar 11,
or pair of needle bars 11/11', of a tufting machine T (FIG. 1),
including reciprocation of the needle bar(s) in a first direction,
i.e., a vertical direction, and further as the needle bar(s) is
moved in at least one additional or secondary direction (i.e., a
lateral or shifting direction) that is different from the first
direction of movement of the needle bar. The drive system is
designed to provide enhanced rigidity and stability to the needle
bar as the needle bar is reciprocated/moved in multiple, different
directions for forming a patterned tufted article in a backing
material B passing therebeneath. The drive system enables tighter
control and/or accuracy of the motion of the needle bar in its
multiple directions of movement, even at increased production
speeds, so as to facilitate formation of patterned tufted articles
with enhanced dimensional stability, and with the incidents of
excessive wear on the elements of the drive system due to such
increased operational speeds being minimized.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the tufting
machine T in which the drive system 10 of the present invention is
used, includes a frame 12 defining a tufting area or zone 13
through which a backing material B is fed, as indicated by arrow
14. A main driveshaft 16 will be mounted along an upper portion or
head of the frame 12, extending laterally thereacross. In one
example embodiment, the driveshaft 16 further can extend through
and be engaged by a series of needle stroke drive assemblies 17,
arranged in spaced series therealong, and will be driven by one or
more drive motors 18, such as a variable speed reversible
servomotor or other, similar drive motor. For example, a motor 18
can be mounted to the frame 12 at one end thereof, as shown in FIG.
1, and/or another motor can be mounted along the opposite end of
the frame with the motor(s) being directly coupled or linked to the
main drive shaft 16, or otherwise connected or linked thereto such
as by a drive belt or chain.
[0035] As also indicated in FIG. 1, each of the needle stroke
drives 17 further can include a gear 19 mounted along and driven by
the driveshaft 16, and which is engaged by a belt 21 that drives
one or more gears and/or a stroke cam 22. A linkage 23 is connected
to the stroke cam 22 so as to be driven in a vertically
reciprocating manner as the main driveshaft is rotated by operation
of its drive motor. Each linkage 23 of each needle stroke drive 17
further generally can be connected to a push rod 26, at an upper,
first or distal end 27 thereof. As further indicated in FIGS. 1 and
2, each of the push rods will be linked to the needle bar 11, with
each push rod 26 being received and/or extensible through a bushing
or guide, such as indicated at 28, for guiding the push rods along
their vertically stroked, reciprocal movement, for driving the
needle bars in their first direction of movement.
[0036] As further indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the needle bar 11
will be provided with a series of spaced needles 30. The needles 30
typically will be arranged at positions or locations spaced along
the length of the needle bar 11, extending across the tufting area
13, and with the spacing of the needles typically being arranged
according to a desired spacing or gauge, such as 1/8, 1/10, 1/16,
5/32, or other gauges or spacings. Only a portion of the needles
are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for clarity. In addition, those skilled
in the art will understand that while a single needle bar is shown
in the figures, the drive system 10 according to the principles of
the present invention can be used for controlling the differing
directional movements of more than one needle bar, i.e., a pair of
needle bars, and that the needles mounted therealong can be
arranged at varying spacings and/or further can be staggered with
respect to one another along a single needle or along more than one
needle bar.
[0037] As also illustrated in FIG. 1, the needles will carry a
series of yarns Y into the backing material B, which typically will
be fed through the tufting machine by a series of backing feed
rolls 33, whereupon a series of gauge elements 31 will engage
corresponding ones of the needles as the needles penetrate the
backing material to form tufts 32 of yarns in the backing material
B. The gauge elements 31 are generally schematically illustrated in
FIG. 1, and can include loop pile loopers, cut pile hooks, level
cut loop loopers, cut/loop clips, knives and/or a variety of other
types of gauge parts, as will be understood by those skilled in the
art, as well as various combinations thereof.
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the drive system 10 according
to the principles of the present invention can comprise multiple
drive components or portions for controlling the multiple different
directional movements of the needle bar 11. For example, the drive
system 10 can include a first directional drive component 35 (FIG.
2) for driving the needle bar in a first direction, i.e.
controlling the vertical reciprocation of the needle bar in the
direction of arrows 36/36' by the operation of the push rods of the
tufting machine, and a second directional drive component 37 for
driving the needle bar in a second direction, i.e., controlling the
lateral or transverse shifting or sliding movement of the needle
bar 11 with respect to the path of movement 14 of the backing
material B through the tufting zone as indicated by arrows 38/38'
in FIG. 2.
[0039] Each of the first and second directional drive components 35
and 37 of the drive system 10 further can be supported from the
tufting machine and can be coupled to the needle bar by linear
motion bearing guide assemblies 39. Such linear motion bearing
guide assemblies 39 each can include a recirculating linear bearing
mechanism having a set or plurality of bearings 39A (FIGS. 3A-3C)
arranged in series along a guide or linear motion bracket,
typically along both sides thereof. For example, the linear motion
bearing assemblies typically can include a series of ball bearings
that can be connected at a desired spacing such as by an elongated
chain, cord or other connector, or can be arranged in substantially
edge-to-edge contact within a cage received with their guide. Other
types of bearings, such as roller bearings or other linear bearings
also can be used depending on the components being driven and/or
the rates at which such elements are driven. The linear bearing
guide assemblies provide increased areas of contact during the
movement of the operative elements of the needle bar drive system,
i.e., providing a greater number of contact points between the
operative, driven elements as they are moved with respect to one
another. The linear motion bearings thus can help provide greater
control of the movement of such elements while also reducing
friction and thus the wearing of the drive system components so as
to increase their operational life. Other types of linear bearing
or rolling element assemblies, including non-reciprocating linear
bearing assemblies, etc., for controlling the movement(s) of the
needle bar in desired direction also can be used.
[0040] In one embodiment of the drive system 10 illustrated in
FIGS. 2-3C, the first directional drive component 35 (i.e., the
vertical reciprocating drive component) of the drive system 10
generally will include a series of push rod connector assemblies
40. Each of the push rod connector assemblies 40 will include a
support foot or needle bar support bracket 41.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the needle bar support brackets
or feet 41 can have an upper body portion 42 that can be formed in
multiple sections, or can have a construction similar to a
conventional support foot, and in which a second, lower or proximal
end 43 of a push rod 26 is received in clamping engagement therein,
such as by engagement between body sections 42A-42B, secured
together by fasteners 42C as indicated in FIG. 3A. The upper body
portion 42 of each support foot 41 further will be mounted to a
linear motion bearing bracket 44, which can have a substantially U-
or C-shaped construction with downwardly projecting guide arms or
side sections 46. A channel or passage 47 is defined within the
linear motion bearing bracket 44 between the projecting arms 46,
which, in one embodiment, can include one or more linear bearing
cages having a series of bearings 39A contained therein, and which
generally can be arranged on one or more sides of this channel 47.
A guide track 48 having guide channels 49 formed along the sides
thereof will be received within the channel 47, with the guide
channels 49 of the track 48 accordingly being engaged at multiple
points therealong by the linear motion bearings of the linear
motion bearing bracket 44 so as to be slidable in the direction of
arrows 38 and 38' as indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3A. The guide track
48 further can be mounted to a pair of clamp members or brackets
51, here shown mounted at the opposite ends of the guide track so
as to couple or connect the needle bar to the guide tracks, and
thus to the needle support brackets and push rods. These brackets
or clamp members 51 engage and support the needle bar as the needle
bar is shifted or moved in the direction of arrows 38/38' by the
sliding movement of the guide tracks along the linear motion
bearing brackets 44, while at the same time carrying the needle bar
along its vertically reciprocatable movement (shown by arrows
36/36' in FIG. 2) with the operation of the push rods 26.
[0042] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 3B, the
second directional drive component 37 of the drive system 10 can
include a drive rod or shaft 55 mounted below or along an under
head portion of the tufting machine frame 12, and typically can be
mounted along one side (i.e., an upstream or downstream side) of
the tufting zone so as to be spaced behind or in front of the push
rods 26 to avoid interference therewith. The driveshaft 55 will be
connected to a shift mechanism 56 (FIG. 1), typically including a
bracket or other connector 57 that connects one end of the drive
rod 55 to a distal end of a driveshaft 58 of the shift mechanism
56, as indicated in FIG. 2.
[0043] The shift mechanism 56 can include a variety of needle bar
shifters, for example, including a SmartStep.TM. shift mechanism
such as produced by Card-Monroe Corp. and as disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,979,344, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference. Other, alternative shift mechanisms, including various
servo-driven shifters, mechanical cams and other shift mechanisms
as will be understood by those skilled in the art, also can be
used.
[0044] The drive rod 55 of the second directional drive component
37 will be linked to the needle bar 11 by a series of connecting
arm assemblies 60, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B. Each of the
connecting arm assemblies generally can include a base or bottom
portion 61 that is attached to a portion of the needle bar, such as
by a series of fasteners, and an upwardly projecting guide arm 62,
which can be integrally formed with or mounted to the base 61. The
guide arm 62 can have a series of guide tracks or channels 63
formed along one or both sides thereof, and will be received within
a linear motion bearing bracket 64, which linear motion bearing
bracket can have a similar construction as discussed above,
including a pair of arms 66 defining a guide channel 67
therebetween, and with one or more bearing assemblies, which can
include a series of s or bearings mounted within a cage or guide,
located therealong. The track 63 of each guide arm 62 will be
engaged by the bearing assemblies of the linear motion bearing
bracket 64 to facilitate and control the movement of the guide arm
therethrough.
[0045] The needle bar thus will be securely connected to the drive
rod 55 so as to translate the lateral shifting movement from the
shift mechanism to the needle bar in a controlled manner, while at
the same time enabling the needle bar to be reciprocated vertically
with the guide arm 62 of each connecting arm assembly 60 being able
to freely move in a vertical direction while maintaining a
substantially rigid connection between the needle bar and drive rod
55. The linear motion bearing brackets 64 of each of the connecting
arm assemblies 60 thus facilitate such vertical movement, while at
the same time maintaining dimensional stability and rigidity of its
connection to the needle bar as the needle bar is shifted laterally
and helping to reduce or minimize vibrational movement of the
needle bar during operation of the tufting machine at increased
machine speeds.
[0046] In addition, as indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3C, the drive rod
55 of the second directional drive component 37 of the drive system
10 further will be connected to a lower or under head portion 77 of
the tufting machine frame 12 by a series of shift rod support
assemblies 70. Each shift rod support assembly can include a linear
motion bearing bracket 71 mounted to a flange or similar support 72
that attaches to the drive rod 55, as shown in FIG. 3C. The linear
motion bearing bracket 71 of each shift rod support assembly 70 can
include a series of upwardly projecting, spaced arms 73 defining a
guide channel 74 therebetween and which receives a guide track 76
mounted to the under head portion 77 of the tufting machine frame
12. The guide track 76 generally will be engaged by one or more
bearing assemblies mounted along one or both of the arms 73 of the
linear motion bearing bracket 71 so as to enable sliding movement
of the drive rod 55 of the second directional drive component of
the drive system 10, while at the same time, the increased areas of
contact between the tufting machine frame 12 and drive rod 55
enabled by the shift rod support assemblies 70 helps provide
additional support and rigidity for the drive rod 55 during
shifting to substantially avoid or prevent undue or undesired
movement in directions other than the direction of its linear
shifting motion.
[0047] FIGS. 4A-7B illustrate an additional embodiment 100 of the
drive system according to the principles of the present invention,
which incorporates an improved needle bar support connection for
connecting the push rods to the needle bar, as well as a different
shifter connection between the shift mechanism and needle bar
likewise designed to provide further increased rigidity and
precision in the connection and thus the lateral shifting movement
of the needle bar 11. It also will be understood by those skilled
in the art that while the present embodiment is illustrated for use
with a single needle bar, multiple needle bars also can be
controlled by the drive system 100 according to the present
embodiment of the invention.
[0048] As generally illustrated in FIGS. 4A-7B, the drive system
100 will include first and second directional drive components 101
and 102. The first drive component 101 generally will control the
vertical reciprocation of the needle bar 11 and will include a
series of needle bar support assemblies 103, each of which receives
the proximal end of a push rod 26 therein. In one embodiment, as
illustrated in FIG. 6A, each needle bar support assembly 103
generally can include a support bracket or foot 104 having an
elongated body 106 in which an opening 107 is formed for receiving
the proximal end 43 of the push rod 26 therein. A flange 108
generally can be mounted within the opening 107 for receiving the
proximal end in an engaged, secured arrangement within the support
foot 104.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 6C, the body 106 of each support foot
104 can include a first or upper section 106A and a second or lower
section 106B, one or both of which can be formed from aluminum or
other, similar lightweight high strength metal composite or plastic
material, to enable in a reduction in weight thereof. The upper and
lower sections of the body can be secured together by a series of
fasteners, which can include clamping bolts 105A that engage and
substantially tightly secure the body sections together, with the
flange 108 of the push rod 26 being clamped between the body
sections as indicated in FIG. 6C; and a series of shoulder bolts
105B. The clamping bolts 105A, or other, similar fasteners
generally can be mounted along or adjacent the peripheral edges of
the body 106 of each support foot 104. For example, in one
embodiment, the clamping bolts will be located adjacent the corners
of the body 106 so as to secure the body sections 106A/106B
together at spaced locations about the periphery of the support
foot body to help spread or distribute the thrust force created by
the push rods 26 as the push rods are moved along their
reciprocating stroke or vertical movement for driving the stroke of
the needle bar, along or across a wider area of the support foot
body. The arrangement of the clamping bolts also can help provide
enhanced clamping and stabilization of the push rod support foot,
and thus the connection of the push rod to the needle bar, by
providing enhanced resistance to axial twisting or torsion of the
needle bar and/or support foot due to movement of the backing
material as the needles are being reciprocated into and out of the
backing material.
[0050] As further illustrated in FIG. 6C, a series of shoulder
bolts 105B also can be mounted on opposite sides of the push rod 26
as shown in FIG. 6C, including, for example, a pair of shoulder
bolts to help guide and/or ensure substantially smooth vertical
movement of the shoulder bolts therethrough. Each of the shoulder
bolts generally can include an elongated body having upper and
lower or first and second portions 109A and 109B, with a shoulder
109C defined therebetween. The shoulder bolts can help secure the
body sections together, while further providing a limit or stop
that can be used to limit the vertical travel or movement of the
upper and lower body sections when the clamp bolts are removed. The
shoulder bolts further can help provide spacing or gap 110 defined
between the upper and lower sections of the body 106 of each
support bracket or foot 104, if needed, for receipt of a series of
shims 111 between the body sections for adjustment of the needle
stroke or depth of penetration into the backing. It also will be
understood that additional shoulder bolts further can be mounted at
various locations along the body of each support foot as needed or
desired.
[0051] Each of the shims 111 generally can have a substantially U-,
C- or horseshoe shape or configuration with expanded leg or body
portions 111A that are received within the gaps 110 defined between
the upper and lower body sections 106A and 106B, and which can
provide for increased contact area of the shims therebetween. Each
of the shims further can be provided in desired or standard
thickness increments or sizes, for example, in thickness of
approximately 0.005'', although greater or lesser size shims also
can be used, with the body portions or sections of each of the
shims also generally being readily stackable. The shims can be
inserted within the gap 110 defined between the body sections of
each of the support feet 104 as needed to incrementally adjust the
position of the needle bar with respect to the proximal ends 43 of
the push rods 26, in order to adjust the length of the stroke or
depth of penetration of the backing without requiring a removal of
the entire push rods to substitute greater or lesser length push
rods. The rear body section or portion 111B of each of the shims
additionally can be formed as a tab and/or can be provided with a
specified thickness or other indicator that is readily visible from
a side or front portion of the support foot after assembly of the
support foot, as indicated in FIG. 6C. Thus, a technician or
operator can easily determine what type or thickness shims 111 are
being used, as well as the number of shims being used after
assembly of the needle bar drive system for operation of the
tufting machine by a visual inspection rather than having to
disassemble the support foot. The arrangement of the shims between
the sections of the body of each support foot 104 further can
enable the operator or technician to readily detect whether the
shims are installed straight or are misaligned between the body
sections.
[0052] Still further, the push rods 26 can be provided with a
replaceable push rod end or foot, as indicated at 43A in FIG. 6C,
to enable further adjustment of the length of each push rod. Such a
replaceable push rod end 43A can comprise a sleeve or body section
or extension piece received within the proximal end 43 of each
pusher rod 26 being mounted thereto such as by fasteners or other
connections, and which can be formed in varying lengths or sizes.
The replaceable push rod ends can enable further extension of the
length of the push rods, and thus the needle bar stroke, as needed,
such as where it is impractical or undesirable to use multiple
shims for adjustment of the push rod length, without requiring
replacement of the entire push rod.
[0053] FIG. 7B illustrates a further alternative configuration or
embodiment of the needle bar support brackets or feet 104, in which
the body 106 thereof can be formed as a substantially unitary
structure with a cut-out portion or recess 115A. The flanges 108 of
the support rods 26 can be received within the recess, and can be
engaged and secured to the body 106 by a clamp block 115B. The
clamp block 115B will fit into the recess, with the flange or end
of a push rod engaged between the clamp block and the support foot
body. Fasteners can secure the clamp block in its engaged position
to secure the push rod to the support foot.
[0054] In addition, each support foot 104 generally can include one
or more linear motion bearing brackets 112 mounted to the lower
section 106B of the body, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-7A.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7B, two or more linear motion
bearing brackets 112 can be used, for example, being mounted
adjacent the upstream and downstream ends of their support feet.
Each of the linear motion bearing brackets 112 can have a similar
construction as discussed above, and typically will engage a guide
rail or track 113 which can be clamped to the needle bar, such as
by fasteners, as indicated in FIGS. 6A and 6C, or alternatively can
be mounted to a support plate or plates secured along the needle
bar. Thus, the guide track will be supported and stabilized along
its length along the needle bar, with the movement of the guide
tracks in a transverse direction through the linear motion bearing
guide brackets 112 thus providing enhanced support and control
during shifting of the needle bar 11 in the direction of arrows
38/38', to enable smoother, substantially more accurate
straight-line shifting movements and to reduce or minimize undue
wear on the drive system components during such movements, as
discussed above. As also indicated in FIGS. 6A-7A, the travel of
each support foot 104 along the needle bar during shifting of the
needle bar thereunder also can be limited by stops 114 adjacent the
ends of the guide rails or tracks 113.
[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-5, 6B and 7A-7B, in the present
embodiment 100 of the drive system, the second directional drive
component 102, which controls the lateral or transverse movement of
the needle bar during a shifting or stepping motion, can include a
pair of spaced drive rods or bars 116. The drive rods 116 generally
will be connected together at spaced locations therealong by
support plates 117 and 118, as indicated in FIGS. 5 and 7A-7B,
which will engage the drive rods therebetween and thus rigidly link
and support the spaced drive rods 116 for controlling the lateral
shifting movement thereof. The drive rods 116 further typically
will be spaced by a distance sufficient to enable the push rods 26
connected to the needle bar support assemblies 103 to pass
therebetween, as indicated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, while still enabling
shifting movement of the needle bar without engaging or otherwise
interfering with the reciprocating operation of the pusher
rods.
[0056] As indicated in FIGS. 4A-5, the driveshaft 58 of the shift
mechanism 56 generally can be pivotally connected to a first
connecting plate 119 at one end thereof, and with the end of at
least one of the drive rods 116 engaging the connecting plate 119
such as by the connecting plate being received within a channel 121
of one of the drive rods and secured thereto via fasteners, as
shown in FIG. 4B. As a result, the drive rods 116 are engaged and
stably held/connected to the drive shaft 58 of the shift mechanism
56 in a manner sufficient to retard undue movement of the drive
rods in directions other than their linear direction of movement in
response to the shifting motion imparted by the shift mechanism of
the tufting machine.
[0057] A series of connecting arm assemblies 125 (FIGS. 4A, 5 and
7A) also will be mounted at spaced locations along the length of
the needle bar and will connect the needle bar 11 to the drive rods
116 of the second directional drive component 102. In one
embodiment, each of the connecting arm assemblies 125 generally can
include a substantially T-shaped body 126 having a base 127 (FIGS.
5 and 7A-7B) that can be mounted to or can engage the needle bar in
clamped engagement therewith, as indicated at 128, and an
upstanding or upwardly projecting section 129. This upstanding
section 129 can include one or more guide tracks 131 mounted
thereto and which extends along a desired portion of the length of
the upstanding section. The guide tracks 131 can be received within
a linear motion bearing guide or bracket 132, having a series of
linear motion bearing assemblies mounted therein and which will
engage guide channels or grooves 133 of the guide tracks to
facilitate the linear movement of the guide tracks, and thus the
connecting arm assemblies mounted therealong, as the needle bar is
reciprocated vertically by operation of the pusher rods.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, the linear motion bearing bracket or
guide 132 of each connecting arm assembly generally will be mounted
to a lower support plate 117 of the drive rods 116 of the second
directional drive component 102. Accordingly, as the drive rods 116
are moved in their lateral shifting direction, the connecting arm
assemblies, and in turn the needle bar, will be carried along their
lateral or shifting movement in a direction transverse to the
movement of the backing material through the tufting machine. The
support plates 117 and 118 further each can include an opening 134
(FIG. 4B) aligned with the connecting arm assemblies 125, which
openings will be configured to enable the upper sections 129 of the
connecting arm assemblies to pass therethrough as the needle bar is
reciprocated vertically. Thus, the bodies of the connecting arm
assemblies can be reciprocated vertically in a stabilized,
controlled movement, without interference from or otherwise
affecting the lateral/transverse shifting of the needle bar by the
drive rods 116.
[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6B and 7A-7B, the upper support
plates 118 for the drive rods 116 of the second directional drive
component 102 can be mounted directly to the under head portion 77
(FIG. 1) of the tufting machine frame 12 for supporting the drive
rods directly from the tufting machine frame. This arrangement also
can provide enhanced rigidity and support, as well as protection
against increased vibrational forces due to increased machine
operating speeds, which further can help improve accuracy of the
shifting movement of the needle bar while also providing for
increased longevity of the drive system components. The upper
support plates can include spaced guide tracks 136 (FIG. 5), which
will correspondingly be engaged by linear motion bearing brackets
137 that can be mounted to the lower support plates 117, or which
can be mounted directly to the drive rods 116 for guiding the
linear shifting motion of the drive rods, and thus the shifting
motion of the needle bar.
[0060] FIGS. 8A-9C illustrate additional embodiments of the needle
support brackets or feet shown at 204 in FIGS. 8A-8C and at 304 in
FIGS. 9A-9C, for the needle bar support assemblies for enabling the
sliding connection of each of the needle bar support assemblies of
the drive system 10/100 of the present disclosure to a pair of
sliding needle bars 11. As previously noted, the drive system of
the present disclosure can be used in a tufting machine having
single or dual shiftable needle bars, such as, for example, an
Omnigraph.TM. tufting machine as manufactured by Card-Monroe Corp.,
or other, similar types of tufting machines having multiple
shifting needle bars for guiding and controlling the movement of
the needle bar or bars in multiple directions. The drive system
according to the principles of the present invention thus can be
variously configured as needed to enable the sliding or transverse
shifting movement of the multiple needle bars, including movement
in different directions, as the needle bars are reciprocated toward
and away from a backing material passing therebeneath, so as to
enable enhanced precision and control of the shifting needle bars,
and therefore enhanced control of the positioning of the needles by
such shifting movements, as the needle bar or bars are reciprocated
at speeds as needed to achieve desired enhanced production
rates.
[0061] In a first embodiment or alternative configuration of the
needle support brackets or feet 204, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, a
needle bar support bracket or foot 204 is shown having a similar
construction to the needle support brackets or feet 104 illustrated
in FIGS. 6A-6C. For example, the support foot 204 can include a
body 106 having first, upper and second, lower body sections 106A
and 106B, which are secured together by a series of clamping bolts
105A, shown mounted at the corners thereof, and shoulder bolts 105B
mounted on opposite sides of the support foot body. In the present
embodiment, the lower body portion or base 106B of the support foot
204 can have expanded size or configuration so as to project
outwardly from and/or overlap the sides of the upper body section
or top 106A, as indicated a 206 in FIGS. 8B and 8C. The lower body
section or base 106B generally can have an expanded width and/or
length sufficient to accommodate a pair of spaced guide tracks 113,
each of which is received within one of a pair of laterally spaced
linear motion bearing brackets 112A and 112B (FIG. 8C). The guide
tracks 113 further can be mounted to the needle bars 11/11' by
support plates 207. In one embodiment, the support plates 207 can
include slots or channels 208 along which the guide tracks 113 are
received and can be adjustably positioned, and can be secured
directly to the needle bars 11/11' by fasteners and/or by brackets
or other connectors.
[0062] The linear motion support brackets 112A and 112B generally
are shown in FIG. 8C as being mounted to the base or lower portion
106B of the support foot body 106 and will be laterally spaced
across the support body base. The spacing of the linear motion
bearing brackets 112A and 112B can be selected or set at a distance
sufficient to enable free sliding movement of the guide tracks 113,
shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C being mounted to their support plates or
brackets 207 that are attached to the needle bars, without
engagement or interference between the needle bars during their
transverse shifting movements. As further illustrated in FIGS. 8B
and 8C, the expanded body/base configuration of the support foot
204 further helps enable the operator to quickly and easily
visually inspect and detect the placement and number of shims 111
inserted between the upper and lower body sections 106A and 106B.
This configuration thus enables an operator to easily determine
whether the shims are properly aligned, as well as to determine the
number and thickness of the shims installed between the body
sections of the support foot 204.
[0063] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate still a further embodiment of a
needle bar support bracket or foot 304 of the needle bar support
assembly for use in the tufting machine drive system 10/100
according to the principles of the present invention. In the
present embodiment, the support foot 304 can include a body 106
having a first, upper portion or top 106A and a second, lower
portion or base 106B. The base or lower portion 106B of the support
foot body further can have an expanded width or configuration
similar to the body of the support foot 204 illustrated in FIGS.
8A-8C, with its base 106B projecting outwardly past the upper
portion 106 and including expanded, overlapping side sections or
portions 306 that extend outwardly and downwardly along the sides
of the body 106, as shown in FIG. 9C.
[0064] As additionally illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the body
sections 106A and 106B of the bodies 106 of the support feet 304
generally can be secured together using a series of clamping bolts
105A and shoulder bolts 105B. In the present embodiment, the
clamping bolts can be inserted through the body sections 106A/106B
adjacent the corner portions thereof so as to help transfer or
spread the thrust force being applied by the pusher rods on the
support foot, and additionally can include a further series or set
of clamping bolts 105A' that are mounted on opposite sides of the
push rod and support flange therefor as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C.
The additional clamping bolts 105A' can be provided to further help
support and spread the thrust force being applied by the push rods
against the support feet 304 along the side portions 306 through
which the guide tracks 113 are received. The additional clamping
bolts 105A' also can be inserted through the shims 111, as
indicated in FIG. 9C, to help secure the shims and maintain, and
potentially assist in guiding the shims into a proper alignment
between the body sections.
[0065] As further indicated in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the needle bars can
be mounted to a series of support brackets or plates 307 each of
which can have a reduced profile or size that does not
substantially overlap the sides of the needle bars, as, for
example, the support plates 207 shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 8B
and 8C. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C, the guide
tracks 113 for guiding the transverse sliding movement of the
needle bars 11 can be repositioned and/or reoriented so as to
extend along the sides of the support plates 307. The guide tracks
113 will be engaged by linear motion bearing brackets 112A/B, as
indicated in FIG. 9C, which are mounted along the overlapping side
portions 306 of the base or lower portion 106B of the body of each
support foot 304. The guide tracks 113 further are mounted to and
extend along the sides of the needle bar support plates 307, being
received through and engaged by the linear motion bearing brackets
112 mounted along the overlapping or projecting side portions 306
of the support foot 304 in the present embodiment.
[0066] The movement of the guide tracks along their linear motion
bearing guides 112 guides and controls the transverse shifting or
sliding movement of the needle bars 11 in the direction of arrows
38 and 38'. The present arrangement of the guide tracks being
reoriented along the sides of the needle bar support plates 307
further can provide a reduced profile while maintaining the needle
bars in a substantially closely spaced configuration as they are
shifted laterally and moved in a vertically reciprocating manner by
the operation of the push rods, which can further help prevent
twisting or undue lateral movement of the needle bars during
high-speed tufting operations.
[0067] The present invention accordingly is designed to provide a
drive system for driving various operative elements, including the
needle bar or needle bars of a tufting machine to provide enhanced
rigidity and support, and accordingly increased control of the
motion of the needle bar in its multiple directions of movement
including vertical reciprocation as well as lateral or transverse
shifting motion of the needle bar to provide for increased accuracy
and dimensional stability of tufted articles produced and for
prevention of excessive wear of gauge parts, while further enabling
increased machine operating speeds.
[0068] It also will be understood by those skilled in the art that
while various example embodiments of the drive system according to
the principles of the present invention have been discussed herein,
the constructions of such embodiments can be modified or changed as
needed, such as by reversing the mounting of the linear motion
bearing brackets and guide tracks to the various operative
components being controlled. For example, as opposed to having
guide tracks mounted to the under head portion of the tufting
machine frame or along support plates mounted thereto, such guide
tracks can be mounted to the supports for the drive rod of the
second directional drive component, and can be received within
linear motion bearing brackets that are mounted directly to the
under head portion of the tufting machine and/or support plate.
Various other modifications and combinations of the features
illustrated in the embodiments discussed above also can be
used.
[0069] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and
describes various embodiments. As various changes could be made in
the above construction without departing from the scope of the
disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Furthermore, this disclosure covers various modifications,
combinations, alterations, etc., of the above-described
embodiments, as well as various other combinations, modifications,
and environments, which are within the scope of the disclosure as
expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or
within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore,
certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be
selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and
non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.
* * * * *