KR102607933B1 - Loop forming method, device, and system components - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a loop forming process comprising the following actions: At least two system components (11, 12) are positioned relative to the needle plate (14) in a first direction (y) corresponding to its longitudinal direction. Moving in a groove (16) of the needle plate, the system components (11, 12) are in contact with the yarn (23) to form loops with their loop forming means (20, 24), and at least one A spacer (10) is arranged between two adjacent system components (11, 12) moving in grooves (16), whereby this spacer (10) extends the width of the grooves (16) of the needle plate (14). contributes to the adjustment of the distance 21 between the loop forming means 20, 24 of two adjacent system components 11, 12 in the second direction x corresponding to the direction of one spacer (10) stops the loop forming process, at least one spacer (10) moves with the first system component of the two adjacent system components (11, 12), and at least one spacer (10) stops the loop forming process. The spacer (10) is at least temporarily movable within the section (41) of the longitudinal (y) extension of the groove (16), the spacer (10) and the second system component (12) are in mechanical contact with each other, and /Or the spacer (10) is in mechanical contact with a second spacer (10) which moves together with the first system component (12) of the two adjacent system components (11, 12). Equivalent devices and respective system components are also disclosed and claimed.

Description

Loop forming method, device, and system components

The present invention relates to loop forming methods, devices, and system components.

Various types of knitting machines are widely known. Circular knitting machines, flat knitting machines and warp knitting machines are among the most important types of these knitting machines.

A knitting machine typically includes at least one needle bed to support a knitting tool. The needle plates of a circular knitting machine are often referred to as "cylinders" because of their cylindrical shape. The "needle plate" impression herein refers to any kind of device that supports a knitting tool, whether a flat knitting machine, a circular knitting machine, or anything else.

Knitting tools are, for example, needles, sinkers, etc. Knitting tools are parts of a knitting machine that are directly involved in the loop forming process and thereby come into contact with the yarn. Other knitting tools hold, lead, or hold the yarn. In this specification, all knitting tools are referred to as “system components.”

One type of special system component is the slider needle. Bulletin DE 698 03 142 T2 shows slider needle. The profile of each slider is U-shaped in a plane perpendicular to the movement of the sliders. As a result, the two legs of the U-shaped slider partially surround the shank of the needle on which each slider moves. It can also be said that any leg of the sliders is partially arranged between the needle shank of the needle on which each slider slides and an adjacent needle or adjacent needle shank. During the knitting process, there is relative movement between the needle shank and the slider. Thereby, the slider temporarily closes the opening for the thread inside the hook or carries the loop along the needle shank. In this way, the slider comes into regular contact with the thread.

During knitting, various types of system components operating on different types of knitting machines have relative movements with respect to at least one type of needle plate. This relative movement in the channels of the needle plate creates several problems that are unique to most modern knitting machines.

There is high friction load between the system component and the needle plate or sticking of the system component in the channels. Friction causes wear on system components and needle plates and generates unnecessary heat in the knitting machine.

Publication DE 10 2013 104 189 A1 discusses the problem of sticking of sinkers in the channel caused by non-longitudinal components of the action of the butt of the sinkers. This publication proposes using two sinkers of different lengths in one common groove to solve this problem.

Publication EP 0 672 770 A1 shows a flat knitting machine for knitting tubular knitted fabrics. One of the knitting machines shown uses two needles in one common groove. The needles have transport elements as blades. The publication mentions that the spacer can prevent interference between needles caused by transport elements. The spacer itself and its mode of operation are not described in further detail.

Publication DE 33 11 361 A1 shows a knitting machine comprising needles and sinkers for forming loops moving in the same longitudinal direction. The knitting machine includes a first cylinder disposed in a lower region of the knitting machine where needles are supported in channels. The needles used have very long shanks, so that the hook is always upwards and far outside the needle cylinder. On top of the needle cylinder, there is an additional cylinder to support the sinkers, which are short compared to the needles. The long shanks of the above-described needles are on top of the thick walls of the channels of the cylinder for the sinkers, and therefore between the sinkers. The means for forming loops of needles and sinkers (hook, holding-down-edge and knock-over-edge) usually extend from the area of the knitting machine where the loops are formed. This area is located above the cylinder of the sinker. The needles and sinkers are guided at least partially separately in the channels, thus reducing friction compared to an arrangement in which the needles and sinkers are guided separately in common channels.

Application DE 197 40 985 A1 shows flat sides of the knitting needles or depressions in the walls of the channels of the needle plate. The recesses are provided only in certain areas of the sides of the knitting needles and not along the entire length of the sides of the needles. As a result of these measures, the surface area of the contact surfaces of the elements of the knitting process is reduced. Therefore, the energy consumption and heat generation of the knitting machine are reduced.

Application EP1860219A1 shows a knitting needle with a relatively thin shank. Some of the drawings in this publication show cross-sectional views in which the needles are arranged obliquely or diagonally to the needle grooves so that only one of the two upper edges and the opposite lower edge of the cross-section of the needles touch the needle groove. The surface area of the contact surfaces is once again reduced, thus reducing the energy consumption of the system. Therefore, heat generation is also reduced.

There are other patent publications showing knitting machines in which the sides of the shanks of adjacent needles are in contact with each other ("side-by-side needles"):

DE610511 B discloses two very similar types of needles. Both types include a thick (across the width of the needle) and stable posterior portion that supports the needle butts. The difference between the two needle types is that the first group has a longer posterior portion than the other types.

The anterior portions of both types of needles that support the hook are relatively thin. The anterior portion has the same length.

In the needle plate shown by this publication, a segment of each thin front portion of the needles is guided in a respective slot of the needle plate. Long needles surround groups of short needles. The end segments of the posterior part of the long needles are further guided by the respective slots. The sides of the thicker posterior portion segments of adjacent needles contact each other. DE610511 B aims to reduce the cost of grinding common long needle channels of the needle plate: these long channels are replaced by the above-mentioned slots that cover only relatively small segments of the needles' length. However, this publication does not teach a knitting device suitable for the needs of modern knitting processes: if the knitting beds presented in DE610511 B are subjected to modern knitting speeds, the needles will bend. Therefore, the needle may be excessively worn or the needle may become stuck in each slot.

Application WO2012055591 A1 shows a knitting machine configured for the following purposes: high gauge, low manufacturing cost, and low energy consumption. This publication shows a group of two needles that are in contact with each other during the knitting process (side-by-side needles): the rear part of these needles is located in a joint needle channel, so that the lateral segments of these needles are in contact with each other. . In its anterior part, this needle channel bifurcates, so that the anterior parts of the two needles of the needle plate are spaced apart from each other. As a result, the front portion of each needle bends while moving along its length. This fact causes wear and energy consumption. Moreover, it is not easy to bend needles with thick shanks.

International patent application WO2013041380A1 shows a knitting machine with an improved actuating cam for the form of side-by-side needles shown in WO2012055591 A1 above. Knitting machines can be manufactured at low cost and produce high quality fabrics. However, the teachings of the gazette have the same disadvantages as mentioned above.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method and device for forming loops with reduced energy consumption and heat generation in a knitting machine.

The object is achieved with a method according to claim 1, a device according to claim 3, and a system component according to claim 14.

In most loop-forming processes involving the present invention, multiple needles will be used to form each loop. Typically, hundreds or more needles are involved in a typical loop forming process. One feature of the loop forming process of the present invention lies in at least one groove having at least two system components. One groove can have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more system components. As used herein, the phrase “system component” refers to textile tools equipped with loop forming means, such as hooks or latches, that are in contact with the yarn (or referred to as yarn) and are active in the loop forming process. Therefore, the loop forming means is preferably involved in the formation of the loop at least for a period of time during the loop forming process. Typically, these system components are referred to as needles or sinkers.

The method of the invention uses so-called spacers or spacing means to adjust the distance between the loop forming means of two adjacent system components that move or are received in one groove. Therefore, the word "spacer" is a functional expression denoting not only an additional part, but also an integral part, preferably made in one piece together with the shank of the respective system component.

However, spacers do not participate in or keep away from the loop forming process. In most cases, the distance between the loop forming means of two adjacent system components is the distance in the second direction (x) corresponding to the width direction of the grooves. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that where flat knitting machines are concerned, this second direction may have a completely linear character. However, the movements of the system parts of a circular knitting machine can be described in terms of cylindrical coordinates (r, ϕ, z). Therefore, the width direction of the grooves of the channels has a circular component (ϕ). However, the width direction of the grooves of all knitting machine types will be indicated herein by "x".

As already mentioned, the space between the loop forming means of two adjacent system components is such that there are no loop forming means belonging to or actuated by the same groove or system components of the same needle plate. As a result, the distance adjusted by the spacers or by means of spacers is the width or extension in the second direction (x) of the free space between the loop forming means of two adjacent system components of one needle plate. Loop-forming means moving or received in the same groove (or expressed in a broader sense) and actuated by parts of the system components accommodated in the same (first) needle plate do not interfere with this space. On the other hand, other differently oriented grooves or more broadly different loop forming means of the second needle plate may interfere with the space and cooperate with the pouf forming means of the first needle plate to form loops. Example: A first needle plate accommodates knitting needles. The second needle plate accommodates sinkers that interfere with this space to suppress previously formed loops so that the needles can form new loops.

However, the distance adjusted by the spacer does not have the same groove or system components of the same needle plate, so the above definition still applies. Typically, the grooves of the first and second needle plates need to have different orientations so that the second needle plate or its system components of grooves can cooperate in the manner described above. Therefore, another definition of "distance" of the space defined by this distance may be to say that no loop forming means is present in this space or area of the loop forming zone reached by loop forming means moving in the same direction.

The spacer described above moves with at least one of the two adjacent system components. “Move together” means that there is no relative velocity between the spacer and each at least one system component. Although it is possible to actively move the spacer in this way, it is also possible to connect these two elements (spacer and system component) together in some way so that they will not move relative to each other. Each connection can transmit power between the spacer and system components. Most advantageously, the connection can sustain the amount of power required for movement of the spacer or each system component. Each connection can be made in a number of ways, and the connection can be adjusted to sustain different amounts of power. Another definition for this point could be that the spacer is relocatable or immovable with respect to the system component to which it is connected. Spacers may also be part of and integral with the system components.

The spacer and each first system component moving therewith move at least temporarily within a section of the groove where the spacer and the second of the two adjacent components are in mechanical contact with each other. Most advantageously, the length of the section or sections in which the spacer and the second of the two adjacent components and/or the spacer of the second system component are in mechanical contact with each other is 70, 80, 90 or more of the length of the system component. It is 95%. There is an additional advantage if the spacers and system components are the only components moving in the groove on each section of the groove. Another approach is to provide aspects of a system component with a plurality of spots or regions that adjust the distance between the system components (for the purposes of this specification, the plurality of spots or regions are referred to as “spacers”) ). This group consists of at least two of at least three members, more preferably of three members. Therefore, these spots are “raised” with respect to the side in the x-direction. In this case, the distance between two spots having the greatest distance (in y-direction) of the plurality of spots on one side is at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 95 of the length of the system component. % is beneficial. Embodiments having spots or areas of the kind described above on one system component should have smooth and/or even sides on the adjacent side of another adjacent system component. It is advantageous if the thickness of the spacer (or of course the area of the plurality of spots or regions) is much or slightly greater than the thickness of the respective knitted component. Thickness herein means the extension of the spacer in the x-direction. Additional advantages arise if the extension of the spacer in the z-direction (height of the spacer) is at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90% of the height of the shaft of the system component. Most advantageously, the height of the spacer (or group of spots or regions) and the shaft of the system component to which the spacer is secured are the same. It is advantageous if the two adjacent system components are knitting needles. It is particularly advantageous for the knitting device and the knitting process if two adjacent system components have butts that slide through the same cam tracks during the knitting process. It is also advantageous if spots or areas are welded to the shaft. If the spacer consists of a group of spots or regions, the distance between the start of the first spot or region and the end of the last spot or region in the y-direction is at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or The case of 95% (again the length in the y-direction) is also beneficial.

Another approach is to provide individual spots or both areas to adjacent system components. In this case, the spots or areas are located on different segments of the longitudinal extension of the two system components, or so that the system components can still move relative to each other when the sides touch each other or are in mechanical contact with each other. The areas have even sides.

In another embodiment, two spacers are positioned between two adjacent system components. The first spacer is connected to the first of the two system components and the second spacer is connected to the second of the two system components. In this case, the spacers may be in mechanical contact with each other. However, depending on the location and shape of the spacers, at least one spacer may also be in mechanical contact with other spacers and/or other system components to which it is not connected.

Needle plates having a plurality of grooves parallel to each other are advantageous. In most cases, “temporarily” means at least for a period of time during the loop formation process.

Typically, the distance between the loop forming means of two adjacent system components of one groove should be related to the gauge of the respective knitting machine. This should be at least half the width of the loop-forming means of the system components, and more preferably the entire width of these loop-forming means. In most modern knitting machines, the system components perform cyclical movements in the longitudinal direction caused by the relative movement of each needle plate with respect to cam holders: insertion into grooves of the needle plate. The installed system components and spacers have butts. These butts protrude from the needle plate. The above-mentioned relative movement of the needle plate with respect to the cam holder forces the butts to move along the cam track formed by the cam. This movement provides the force for movement of the system components and spacers in their respective grooves. Circular knitting machines are typically equipped with cam holders fixed to the machine frame. Flat knitting machines often use cam holders, which are parts of the carriage that move relative to the needle plate. In both cases there is relative movement between the cam holders and the needle plates.

It is beneficial if the loop-forming means of the adjacent system components of one needle plate perform their movements and, therefore, reach their extremes in the longitudinal direction with a certain delay. Once again, this delay corresponds to the mechanical distance of the loop forming means of these two adjacent system components. Most advantageously, this distance, and therefore the respective delay, is related to the gauge. Therefore, the distance between the loop-forming means of two adjacent system components adjusted by the spacer should be within the range between half the width of the loop-forming means of the system component and its full width.

As used herein, the term “first speed (vk)” refers to the relative speed between the needle plate and the machine frame carrying the cams. The system components of the needle plate usually move periodically in the longitudinal direction (y). This movement is similar to a harmonic function, in which system components reach minimum and maximum (extreme values) of their longitudinal positions during this movement. It is beneficial when two adjacent system components reach extremes with a delay in time. In a good performing embodiment, this delay should be greater than or equal to half the first quotient. The first quotient is the quotient of the first speed and the distance in the second direction between the loop forming means of two adjacent system components. Particularly in fast loop forming methods, it is advantageous if the delay is equal to the quotient. It can be said that a highly preferred embodiment has equal distances between the cam track extremes of adjacent system components, so that the entire loop forming device has the same pitch (see below).

Another characteristic is the distance between the loop forming means in the x-direction, which is adjusted by the at least one spacer: it is in the same range or approximately the same range as the width of the shanks of the needle component. The range can start from 0.7 times the width of the shank. However, a factor of 0.9 or 1, respectively, is beneficial.

An embodiment in which two system components have only one spacer in fixed connection with one of the two adjacent system components has the following advantages: at least one specially shaped spacer connected to or comprising a spacer; The system component may be a “first system component,” while the “at least one” second system component may be a “standard needle,” referred to as a needle that may belong to the state of the art. The thickness of specially shaped needles may be 2 or 1.5 times the thickness of a “standard” needle.

If there are two spacers between two adjacent system components of one groove, the distance can be made in different ways by the two spacers.

It is advantageous if the distance in the second direction between the loop forming means of at least two system components is equal to at least one distance between the loop forming means of two other adjacent system components of the needle plate in the second direction; Thereby, these two different system components are separated by the fixed wall of the groove of the needle plate. This means that all distances between the loop forming means of adjacent system components of the needle plate can be the same. Although the distance is mainly adjusted by spacers or fixed walls of the grooves, there may be other parts of the needle plate or system components that contribute to the distance.

System components connected to the spacer may be manufactured from the same piece as the spacer. A “spacer” may also be a bend (or multiple bends) in the shank of a system component to which it is connected. As used herein, a “bend” is any kind of deviation from the even extension of the shank along its length. Typically, a shank with such bends will exhibit a meandering or zigzag pattern in the x-y plane. In other words, each bend may include part of the shank of the system component to which it is connected. This part is eccentric in the x-direction relative to the even extension of the shank of the system component.

In the case described, it is beneficial if there are sides of the system components of these system components that are oriented evenly towards adjacent system components and parallel to the next fixing wall of the groove of the respective needle plate. These sides may also be parallel to the sides of neighboring shanks.

Instead of being integral with the shank, the spacer may consist of an additional part connected to the system components in a mating process. In this case, it is easier to provide the spacer with material that is not present in the system components. Example: The shanks of the system components may be relatively conventional, meaning they may be punched metal parts. The additional portions may have graphite sides that will reduce friction with adjacent system components of each spacer. There are other matching processes that may benefit herein. The phrase “material” means that different elements and mixtures of elements can be used to manufacture the system components and the respective spacers. Additionally and alternatively, this phrase can mean that the spacer and respective system components are manufactured by different manufacturing methods. These methods may include the use of plastic or other synthetic materials to form all spacers or parts of the system components.

System components that may be usefully used herein include a butt having a width less than the maximum coupled extension of the spacer(s) and a shank to which each system component is fixedly connected in the same second direction (x). . The maximum mating extension is the maximum distance of the sides of the spacer and each system component oriented in opposite directions. The butt of the system component extends in a third direction corresponding to the height direction of the shank and overtowering the shank. Moreover, the butt has its extensions in two different directions. Preferred butts have a front portion with a width less than the width of its middle portion. That is, butts can also be wedge enhancements.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention but provide non-limiting examples. Most of the individual features shown can be used to their advantage to improve the invention in its broadest form.

Another aspect of the invention is the shape and symmetry of the system units used. In the language of this specification, the term “system unit” means a member or group of elements that move together during the loop forming process. Herein, a system unit consisting of one system component, such as a spacer and a needle, is disclosed. There are other system units consisting of two spacers positioned on two sides of the system component that move with the spacers. What is interesting is that the system units, consisting of a spacer on one side of the system component, are asymmetrical with respect to a line of symmetry that is parallel to the sides of the system component and passes through the center of the hook of this system component. Standard system components are symmetrical about the lines of symmetry described above. System units consisting of two spacers fixedly arranged on the sides of each system component may also be symmetrical with respect to the line of symmetry. As mentioned in the paragraph above, this has the advantage of providing this system unit with a butt having a width less than the width of the system unit. Therefore, it can be said that many embodiments of the invention have symmetrical system units, or at least one system unit with two spacers (one on each side of the system component).

It has the additional advantage of shaping the end section of the butt in the direction of the hook and/or the end of the butt in the direction of the rear part of the system component or system unit as a wedge, wherein the width of the butt extends at least on one side of the extension of the butt. It decreases in the direction of the end.

It is advantageous if at least one or even any of the two system components is equipped with one functional group of loop forming means. That is, only the loop forming means of one system component participates in the simultaneous formation of one loop in the same period. After this period, the loop forming means typically begin forming new loops. Example: The hook and latch of one (latch) knitting needle form this functional group. The same applies for the hook and slider on one (slider) knitting needle. Sinkers are usually equipped with so-called different edges (suppressing edges, robbing edges, etc.), which participate only for a certain period of time and in the formation of one loop per sinker. Warp knitting modules that are used to form several loops and that contain a plurality of needles, always forming a plurality of loops simultaneously, do not fall within the above definition of more advantageous system components. It can be much more beneficial to have only one loop forming means per system component. Loop forming processes and devices for loop forming benefit if two adjacent system components can move (or, in the case of the process, move) relative to each other.

Additionally, it is also advantageous if two adjacent system components participate in the same knitting process for the same period of time (a device is considered for knitting by at least two adjacent system components for the same period of time). This means that knitting devices with different knitting components used for knitting different types of knitwear at different times, such as the device shown in EP 0 672 770 A1, do not fall within the above definition. It is also instructive that the phrase "the spacer adjusts the distance between the loop forming means" means that there are no additional means of spacing between the system components. However, the person skilled in the art will understand that there are additionally small gaps between the system components that are filled with air or sliding means such as oil (or both). It is also advantageous if the spacer actually determines the said distance between the loop forming means of two adjacent system components. That is, there are limits to the flexibility of the spacer: thin blades, as used in transport elements (see again EP 0 672 770 A1), are not very useful in this context. Useful spacers are not transport elements (typically transport elements participate in the transport of the loop between two different system components, typically two different needle plates). It is also advantageous if the device of the invention does not have a fixed wall between two adjacent system components. The same applies for movable elements such as movable spacers: it is advantageous if such elements are not disposed between at least two adjacent system components of the invention (the space between two adjacent system components is free of such elements). can do).

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first needle plate equipped with first and second system components, each equipped with spacers having the same width.
Figure 2 shows one of the system components equipped with the first needle plate shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of first and second system components in the groove of the first needle plate;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second needle plate equipped with first and second system components. The first system components are equipped with spacers that adjust the overall distance between the loop forming means of two adjacent system components in one groove.
Figure 5 shows a pair of two needles, a first needle with a spacer and a second needle without a spacer, expelled from one groove of a second needle plate;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second needle plate with a pair of system components.
Figure 7 shows a pair of needles consisting of two needles each with a spacer, which is essentially an additional part;
Figure 8 shows the passage of a cam with two butts of system components;
Figure 9 shows a first symbolic arrangement of cams;
Figure 10 is a top view of the third needle plate.
Figure 11 is a top view of a fourth needle plate with system components of the first and second types with bends in its shanks;
Figure 12 is a top view of the fifth needle plate.
Figure 13 shows a second symbolic arrangement;
Figure 14 is a top view of the first groove equipped with system elements.
Figure 15 is a top view of the second groove equipped with system elements
Figure 16 is a top view of the third groove equipped with system elements.

Figure 1 shows a needle plate 14 with grooves 16 defined by fixed walls 15. In the groove 16 of the first embodiment of the needle plate 14 there are two system components 11 and 12. The power for the movement of the system components is transmitted to the system components 11 and 12 by the butts 17. Each system component 11, 12 is provided with loop forming means. In the case shown in FIG. 1 , the system components 11 and 12 are latch needles, and therefore the loop forming means are hooks 20 and latches 24 extending in the loop forming area 19 . 2 and 3 relate to the needle plate 14 and its system components 11 and 12. Figure 2 shows system components 11 of the type used in the needle plate 14 of Figure 1. As mentioned above, the system component 11 is a needle having a butt 17 and a shank 39. The system component 11 also has a spacer 10 that is movably connected. In the case shown, the spacer 10 and shank 39 of the system component 11 are integral. FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the needle plate 14 of FIG. 1 in cross-sectional view. In Figure 3 the distance 21 is clearly shown, which is also the distance between the loop forming means 20, 24 of two adjacent loop forming elements 11, 12 of one groove 16. Line 40 symbolizes a limit between spacer 10 and shank 39, which does not exist in practice since these two members in the first embodiment are one piece. In a first embodiment, the first and second system components 11 , 12 each have one spacer 10 . These spacers 10 have the same width, so that each spacer adjusts half the distance 21. As mentioned above, these spaces are integral with the shanks 39 of the system components 11 and 12 to which the spacers are fixedly connected.

4, 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the needle plate and its respective system components. The only significant difference between the first and second embodiments shown here is that in the second embodiment, two adjacent system components 11, 12 of one groove 16 are connected to the first of the two system components. 1 It is provided with one spacer (10) fixedly connected to the system component (11). This means that the total distance 21 between the loop forming means 20 , 24 of the two system components 11 , 12 is adjusted by means of only one spacer 10 . These spacers 10 are once again integral with the system components to which they are connected. It can be easily seen that in both embodiments shown so far, there is a segment 41 of longitudinal extension of grooves 16 in which the spacer 10 is received or moves. Any segment of the longitudinal extension of the grooves is symbolized by a bracket 41 . In a first embodiment, two spacers 10 contact each other when the system components 11 , 12 move in the groove 16 . In a second embodiment, only the first system component 11 is provided with spacers 10 , which are in contact with the second system component 12 even when moving and when the knitting machine is not working. The segment 41 of the groove 16 to which these conditions apply (where the spacer 10 touches the adjacent system component 11) is very long (more than 90% of the length of the system component).

Figure 7 shows a pair of system components 11, 12 very similar to the pairs of system components 11, 12 received in the groove 16 of the first embodiment: two system components 11, 12 is fixedly connected to each spacer 10. Unlike the needles of the first embodiment, the needles shown in FIG. 7 are not integral with each spacer 10. Accordingly, this spacer 10 is an additional part 38 that is coupled to the shank 39 of the respective system component. Therefore, this spacer 10 is an additional part 38 of each system component 11 with several welding points 42. , 12) is an additional part 38 that matches with the shank 39. Therefore, line 40 has a very physical significance since it represents the limit between the two members 11, 10 or 12, 10 in FIG. 7. In most cases, joining or connecting very similar materials may be weld points or weld lines. The solder points or lines may register similar or at least slightly different materials such as different metals. In other cases, very different materials may be used to match other connections, such as splints or adhesives. One possibility is to manufacture the shanks 39 of the system components 11, 12, perhaps made of metal, and to use materials with very low friction and/or self-lubricating properties, such as graphite or Teflon, for the spacers 10. .

Embodiments of the system component shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 (first embodiment) and the system component shown in FIG. 7 are a combination of the spacer 10 and the shaft 39 in the second direction (x). They commonly have a butt with a smaller width than the (maximum) extension. The same applies to the first system components 11 according to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. In contrast to the embodiment shown immediately below the system components of FIGS. 1 to 7 , this has a smaller width in all sections of the overall longitudinal extension 45 .

Figure 8 shows the two butts 17 of the system components 11, 12 passing through the passage 35 of the cam 18. The reason for the butts 17 passing through the passage 35 is that the system has the butts 17 between the cam holder and the cams on one side and the needle plate 14 (not shown in Figure 8) on the other side. is the relative movement (vk) between the components (11, 12). Cam 18 is not fully shown in Figure 8. However, limitations 48 of passageway 35 are shown. These are surrounded by hatching symbolizing parts of FIG. 8 . 8 the viewer can see the two butts 17 through the passageway 35 (the cam holder is transparent for the viewer), so that the invisible parts of the system component shanks (the parts covered by the cam) are dotted. It must be shown. Both butts 17 have an extension 45 in the first direction y. The width 46 of the butts 17 in the end sections 43 is smaller than their width 47 in the middle section 49 . This definition does not include end sections of leading edge butts with rounded edges or any other way chamfered edges. The features described above (different widths in different sections, see above) are beneficial with respect to any embodiment of the invention. However, it is even more advantageous for embodiments in which the respective system components 11, 12 are equipped with butts having a maximum width in the second direction x greater than the extension of the loop forming means 20, 24. . In this case, it is advantageous to have end sections 43 of the butt 17 with a width equal to that of the loop forming means 20, 24. It is even more advantageous if there are sections in the middle with a width equal to the maximum width (in x-direction) of the combined system components and spacers. In most cases, the end sections will have somewhat wedge-shaped ends. The end sections of butt 17 may be rounded.

Figure 10 provides a top view of the needle plate 14 equipped with system components 11, 12 having the same butts shown in more detail in Figure 8. Once again, the pair of system components 11 , 12 is received in a groove 16 defined by the fastening walls 15 . The butts of the different system components are arranged with respect to each other as if passing through passages 35 of the cam 18 such as those shown in FIG. 9 .

Figure 9 shows two cams 18. The second cam is disposed above the first cam. Each cam 18 has a passage 35 and a maximum 37. Figure 13 also shows two cams arranged on top of each other. The maximum 37 of the two cams 18 are displaced or shifted in the second direction x with respect to each other. This shift 50 is a very advantageous possibility to adjust the delay between adjacent system components, so that adjacent system components are driven by different groups of cams 18, whereby each group has one Defines the cam track. Typically, the cams are fixed to a cam holder. Circular knitting machines typically have a cam holder fixed to the machine frame. Flat knitting machines often have a carriage that performs relative movement with respect to the needle plate. In most cases, the “distance” 50 will be a straight line distance on flat knitting machines and a distance containing a circular component on circular knitting machines. If this measure is used with regard to needles with butts 17 having a width in the second direction (x) equal to or approximately equal to the combined joint width of spacer 10 and system components 11,12 There are additional benefits.

Figure 11 shows once again a top view of the third needle plate 14 in which a pair of system components 11, 12 moves within one groove 16. The grooves 16 are once again defined by fixed walls 15 . It is necessary to emphasize that the invention also has its advantages with respect to needle plates accommodating 3, 4, 5, 6 or more system components. The first system components 11 and the second system components 12 have their butts 17 at different longitudinal (y) positions. Therefore, the first and second system components 11, 12 move along different cam tracks. Most interestingly, the spacers 10 of the embodiment shown in Figure 11 are bends 51 of the shanks of the respective system components 11, 12. The bends 51 of the first system components 11 contact the shanks 39 of the second system components 12 and vice versa. Therefore, no bend 51 or spacer 10 (which is identical in this embodiment) touches the surface of another spacer, and all spacers touch the sides of other system components.

Figure 12 shows a top view of the fifth needle plate 14. Needle plates of the type shown in Figure 12 are often used in circular knitting machines. In the case of a circular knitting machine, the needle plate 14 will also be referred to as a so-called needle cylinder. 12 shows an example of a loop forming process occurring in loop forming zone 19. The needles 11, 12, especially the hooks 20 and latches 24, participate in the loop forming process and are therefore in contact with the yarn. Additionally, the sinkers 25 are in contact with the yarn 23. The extension of the loop 33 in the x-direction is symbolized by brackets 33. Figure 12 also shows some details of the needles 11, 12 and the needle plate 14, which are well known to those skilled in the art: latches 24 pivot in toothed slots 26. During the loop forming process, the latches 24 rotate around the pivot 27 such that the interior of the hook 20 is opened and closed for the yarn 23 by the latches 24. During the loop forming process, the needles move essentially in the direction (y) of the shanks or grooves 16 of the needle plate 14. The sinkers 25 essentially move in the height direction z of the shanks of the needles 11, 12. The needle plate 14 is provided with slots 28 that look like teeth in the view provided by FIG. 12. Slots 28 guide the movement of the sinker 25. The differences between sinkers 25 and spacers 10 can be summarized as follows:

Spacers 10 move together with system components 11 and 12. The spacers are mated to the system components by splints 44, symbolized by dashed lines 44. The spacers 10 are also devoid of loop forming means such as hooks 20 and latches 24 and do not participate in the loop forming process. Moreover, spacers essentially define the distance between two neighboring or adjacent system components 11, 12 and their loop forming components 20, 24. In most cases, the sinkers 25 and the respective system components 11, 12 still have a certain distance, so that the distance between these system components 11, 12 is equal to this distance and that of the sinker 25. It is the sum of the widths. In the areas of the loop forming zone 19 located between the loop forming means 20, 24 of the system components 20, 24 of the first needle plate 14, there are either part of the loop forming means of this needle plate or or there is no loop forming means actuated thereby. The loop forming means of the sinkers 25 are the parts of the sinkers that move in the grooves of the other needle plates. The grooves of the individual needle plates 14 are typically parallel to each other.

Most advantageously, the fastening walls 15 and/or shanks 39 of the system components 11 , 12 and/or spacers 10 have an exact width corresponding to the gauge of each needle plate 14. . In some advantageous embodiments, the fastening walls 15 and/or shanks 39 of the system components 11 , 12 and/or spacers 10 are (almost) identical.

The passage partially covers the distance 21 between the loop forming means 11, 12 of one groove. In case the system component is provided with several loop forming means (such as hooks 20 and latches 24), the width of these loop forming means is equal to its widest extension in the second direction (x). It can be said to be advantageous: as a result, the latch needles in FIG. 12 are provided with loop forming means having a width equal to the width of the hooks 20 since they are wider than the latches 24 .

On the other hand, Figure 12 also provides another possibility for defining the distance between adjacent loop forming means: reference numeral 52 (see pointer 52) defines the distance between the centers of the hooks 20 of two adjacent system components. indicates. This distance 52 is equal to the distance of two adjacent loops formed by each hook. Those skilled in the art sometimes refer to this distance as "pitch" (pitch expresses this distance in millimeters, while gauge refers to the number of needles per inch). In most loop forming methods and most loop forming devices, this pitch is even (all system components of one needle plate have the same distance relative to each other). Otherwise, knits produced by such knitting machines will be perceived by consumers as uneven. In the context of the present invention, it can be said that the spacer adjusts or helps adjust the pitch between adjacent needles or system components.

Figure 14 provides a top view of the first groove 16 of the needle plate 14 equipped with the system components 11, 12. Each of the system components 11, 12 is fixedly connected to the spacer 10 by a welding point 42. Therefore, it can also be said that the system component 11 and the fixedly connected spacer 10 form a system unit 54 . The same applies to other system components 12 and the respective spacers 10 .

Line 53 is a line of symmetry oriented in the longitudinal direction y parallel to the side of the shank 39 of the needles and intersecting the center of the hook 20 of the needles. Figure 14 shows that the system component 11 is symmetrical with respect to the line of symmetry 53. The figure also shows that the system units 54 moving together during the loop forming process are not symmetrical with respect to the line 53 . As for the system component 12 , the same applies to its spacer 10 and to the unit 54 formed by the two mentioned elements. 15 shows a device provided with one spacer 10 providing the total distance between two system components 11, 12 and the loop forming means 20, 24 of two adjacent system components 11, 12. shows a slightly different and superior groove. Each spacer 10 is fixedly connected to the system component 11 by a plurality of welding points 53 (only one welding point is shown in FIG. 15 ), so that the system components 11 and The spacers 10 once again form a system unit 54 that moves together during the loop forming process. The system components 11 are symmetrical about the line of symmetry 53 . The unit 54 formed by the system components 11 and the spacer 10 is once again not symmetrical about the line 53 mentioned above. System components 12 may be standard needles symmetrical with another line 53 cutting each system component into two halves. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 are generally oriented with respect to a line of symmetry 53 that is parallel to the side of each system component 11, 12 and intersects the center of the hook 20. It is shown that it has system units that are not symmetrical. In this respect, Figure 16 shows an exceptional embodiment of a further groove 16 defined by the bottom and the fixed wall 15 of the groove 55. A system component 11 disposed in the middle of the groove and surrounded by two other system components 12 is fixedly connected with two spacers 10, whereby each spacer 10 is connected to a system component It is placed on one of two different sides of (11). Therefore, the system components 11 and the two spacers 10 to which they are connected form another system unit 54 . This system unit 54 is symmetrical about the line of symmetry 53 . The same applies for other system components 12, which may be stand-up needles. This can be said that the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 16 can be equipped with system units (elements forming a unit that move together during the loop forming process) that are symmetrical with respect to the line of symmetry 53 . As mentioned above, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 have at least one system unit that is not symmetrical with respect to the line of symmetry 53 . This feature is generally advantageous to embodiments of the invention.

Figures 14, 15 and 16 illustrate further features of the present invention. The grooves 16 are wider (larger in direction x) than the leading edge needle plate 14. Needle plates suitable for the present invention have a pitch greater than pitch 52 that is greater than 0.7 times the pitch 52 or even greater than 1.5 times the pitch 52 . The grooves with the pitch can have a length that is 95, 90, 85, 80, 70 or 60% of the length of the system component. Each groove is easy to clean, and overall the new device's oil consumption is less than that of most state-of-the-art devices. Wide grooves or channels are inexpensive and easy to grind (especially if small pitches are required).

10: spacer/element
11: first needle/element/system component
12: Second needle/element/system component
14: Needle plate
15: Fixed wall defining two grooves of the needle plate
16: Channel for guiding grooves/elements
17: Butt of elements
18 : Cams
19: Loop forming area
20: hook
21: Distance between needles 11 and 12
22: Yarn/thread
24: latch
25: Sinker
26: serrated slot
27: Rotating part of latch
28: Needle plate teeth
33: Bracket indicating an extension of the loop
35: Passage for butts (17) on cam (18)
37: maximum of passage 37 (in y-direction)
38: Additional part
39: shank
40: thick line symbolizing the restriction between spacer and shank
41: Segment of the longitudinal extension of the grooves/bracket indicating this segment
42: welding point
43: End section of butt (in first direction (y))
44: splints, dotted lines indicating these splints
45: Extension of butt in first direction (y)
46: First width of butt (end section)
47: Second width of butt (middle section)
48: Restriction of passage (35)
49: Middle section of butt
50: Distance between the extremes of two cams of different contractions
51: Bend portion of shank of each system component
52: Distance between the centers of two adjacent hooks or pitches
53: Line of symmetry
54: System unit containing system components and the spacer(s) to which they are connected
55: bottom of groove
x: Width direction of the shank of the elements/grooves
y: longitudinal direction of the shank of the elements/grooves
z: Height direction of the shank of the elements/grooves
vk: first speed/speed of needle plate, relative speed cam holder/needle plate

Claims (15)

At least two system components (11, 12) move in one groove (16) of the needle plate (14) in a first direction (y) corresponding to its longitudinal direction,
The system components (11, 12) contact the yarns (23) to form loops with their loop forming means (20, 24),
At least one spacer (10) is arranged between two adjacent system components (11, 12) moving in the groove (16),
ㆍ This spacer 10 is provided by the loop forming means ( In the loop forming process, the at least one spacer (10) contributes to the adjustment of the distance (21) between 20, 24, thereby stopping the loop forming process,
The at least one spacer (10) moves with a first of the two adjacent system components (11, 12),
The at least one spacer (10) is at least temporarily movable within the section (41) of the longitudinal (y) extension of the groove (16),
The spacer (10) and a second of the two adjacent system components (12) are in mechanical contact with each other and/or the spacer (10) is in mechanical contact with the two adjacent system components (11, 12). A loop forming process characterized by mechanical contact with a second spacer (10) moving with a second system component (12). The method according to claim 1, wherein the needle plate (14) moves at a first speed (vk) relative to the cam holder of the knitting machine, so that the butts (17) of the system components (11, 12) move relative to the cam holder of the knitting machine. passing through cams (18) connected to, whereby the butts (17) receive forces for the movement of the system components (11, 12),
The system components (11, 12) perform periodic movements in their longitudinal direction (y), and the system components (11, 12) reach minimum and maximum during these movements,
The loop forming means (20, 24) of the first and second system components (11, 12) of the two adjacent system components has a minimum and maximum (37) of its movements greater than half of the first quotient. or arrives with a time delay equal to the first share,
Thereby, the first quotient is a quotient of the distance 21 in the second direction (x) and the first velocity (vk) between the loop forming means of the two adjacent system components. Formation process. ㆍNeedle plate,
ㆍ A plurality of system components (11, 12) including loop forming means (20, 24) and participating in loop formation for at least a certain period of time during the loop forming process,
The needle plate 14 is provided with a plurality of grooves 16 having extensions in a first direction (y) corresponding to the longitudinal direction (y) of the system components 11 and 12, thereby , wherein the system components (11, 12) are movably arranged in the grooves (16), each groove receiving at least two system components (11, 12). elements (11, 12), and
- The loop forming means of two adjacent system components 11, 12 of one groove 16 in a second direction 24) Loop forming device comprising at least one spacer (10) contributing to adjustment of the distance (21) between
The at least one spacer (10) is positioned at the position of the longitudinal extension (y) of the system components (11, 12) at least temporarily received by a section of the groove (16) during the loop forming process. It is fixedly connected to the first system component 11 of the two adjacent system components 11 and 12, and the spacer 10 is connected to the second system component of the two adjacent system components 11 and 12. mechanically contacting the fixedly connected second spacer 10, or
The at least one spacer (10) is positioned at the position of the longitudinal extension (y) of the system components (11, 12) at least temporarily received by a section of the groove (16) during the loop forming process. It is fixedly connected to the first system component 11 of the adjacent system components 11 and 12, and the spacer 10 and the second system component of the two adjacent system components 11 and 12 ( 12) is a loop forming device characterized in that it mechanically contacts each other. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein one of the two system components (11, 12) is provided with a spacer (10) which is fixedly connected to the one of the two adjacent system components (11, 12). A loop forming device. 5. The system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the two system components (11, 12) have two spacers (10), wherein the first spacer (10) is the first of the two adjacent system components. A loop forming device, characterized in that it is fixedly connected to the component (11), and the second spacer (10) is fixedly connected to the second system component (12) of the two adjacent system components. 5. The distance according to claim 3 or 4 in the second direction (x) between the loop forming means (20, 24) of the two system components (11, 12) of one groove (16). (21) is equal to at least one distance between the loop forming means of two other adjacent system components of the needle plate 14 in the second direction (x), whereby the two other system components A loop forming device, characterized in that (11, 12) are separated by a fixed wall (15) of the groove (16) of the needle plate (14). 5. The second direction according to claim 3 or 4, adjusted by the at least one spacer (10) between the loop forming means (20, 24) of the two system components (11, 12). Loop forming device, characterized in that the distance in x) is equal to the width of the shank (39) in the second direction (x) of at least one of the two adjacent system components (11, 12). 5. Loop forming device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one spacer (10) is integral with the system component (11, 12) to which the at least one spacer (10) is fixedly connected. . 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one spacer (10) is formed at a curved portion (51) of the shank (39) of at least one of the two adjacent system components (11, 12) to which the spacer is fixedly connected. A loop forming device characterized in that. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the at least one spacer (10) is a bend (51) of the shank (39) of one of the two adjacent system components (11, 12) to which the spacer is fixedly connected. ,
At least one part of the side of this bend 51 directed towards other adjacent system components 11 , 12 is positioned on the fixed wall 15 of the groove 16 in which the respective system component 11 , 12 is received. A loop forming device characterized in that it is parallel to the surface of. 5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one spacer (10) is an additional part (38) connected by a mating process to one of the two adjacent system components (11, 12) to which the spacer is fixedly connected. A loop forming device characterized in that. 12. Loop forming device according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one additional part (38) comprises material not included in the system components (11, 12). 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the connection between the additional part and the system component (11, 12) to which the spacer (10) is connected is:
ㆍ Splice and/or
ㆍwelding point 42 and/or
ㆍSolder points and/or
A loop forming device comprising at least one of the splints (44). According to clause 3 or 4,
Each of the plurality of system components 11 and 12,
A shank (39) for sliding in the needle groove (16) of the needle plate (14) extending in the first longitudinal direction (y) and having a width in the second direction (x),
· Loop forming means (20, 24) disposed on one longitudinal end of the shank (39),
- A butt ( 17),
ㆍ Comprising a spacer (10) fixedly disposed on the shank (39) of the system components (11, 12),
The width of the butt 17 in the second direction (x) is greater than or equal to the width of the butt 17 in the first longitudinal direction (y) at least one position of the extension portion 45 of the butt 17 in the first longitudinal direction (y). A loop forming device, characterized in that it is smaller than the maximum combined extension of the shank (39) and the spacer (10). According to clause 14,
- the butt (17) has a first width (46) in the second direction (x) at an end section (43) of its extension (45) in the first longitudinal direction (y),
- the butt has a second width (47) in the second direction (x) in at least one middle section (49) of its extension (45) in the first longitudinal direction,
- Loop forming device, characterized in that the second width (47) is larger than the first width (46).

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