CN111826788B

CN111826788B - Circular knitting machine

Info

Publication number: CN111826788B
Application number: CN202010085154.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: L·毛里齐奥; A·毛罗
Original assignee: Santoni SpA
Current assignee: Santoni SpA
Priority date: 2019-04-16
Filing date: 2020-02-10
Publication date: 2024-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-10
Also published as: CN111826788A; WO2020212817A1; IT201900005896A1; TW202041734A; EP3956510B1; EP3956510A1

Abstract

A circular knitting machine, comprising: a plurality of sinkers of a first type housed in the radial grooves and able to cooperate with the needles to make coils of a first type; a plurality of sinkers of a second type, housed in the radial grooves and able to cooperate with the needles to make coils of a second type. The first selector jacks are operatively associated with the sinkers of the first type, each of the first selector jacks being swingable in a radial plane between a rest position and a working position; wherein in the active position the first selector jack acts indirectly on the respective sinker of the first type, so that the butt of the sinker of the first type is offset from the trajectory of the first guide. The second selector jacks are operatively associated with the sinkers of the second type, each of the second selector jacks being swingable in a radial plane between a rest position and a working position; wherein in the active position the second selector jack acts indirectly on the respective sinker of the second type to deviate the butt of the sinker of the second type from the trajectory of the second guide.

Description

Circular knitting machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a circular knitting machine for manufacturing knitted fabric. In particular, the invention relates to the structure of the elements that enable the manufacture of said knitted fabric by cooperation with different sinkers and needles. More particularly, the invention relates to the individual selection of said elements which are able to produce a specific stitch in the knitted fabric by cooperation with only some of the needles, while the adjacent needles produce other stitches. Preferably, the present invention relates to a circular knitting machine (intarsia or diamond machine) for manufacturing a fabric with an intarsia pattern.

Background

As is known, circular knitting machines comprise needle-holding elements (needle-holding cylinder and/or needle-holding plate) on which one or more continuous needles are arranged along a circular path (circular knitting head) and means for easily controlling the movement of the needles to form the knitted fabric. The knockover sinkers are arranged in radial seats formed in an annular body (sinker seat) surrounding the needle-holding cylinder and said sinkers cooperate with the needles to produce knitted fabric.

In making a particular design with circular knitting machines, it is currently known to make mesh knitted fabrics by a particular movement of some suitable forming sinker and/or to make loop stitches by a particular movement of other suitable forming sinker. The shaped sinker is generally different from the traditional knockover sinker used for making plain knitted fabrics.

Document GB449404 discloses, by way of example, a circular knitting machine provided with sinkers between the needles and on which an expanded loop (INTERSTITCH RING) is formed. At least one of the sinkers comprises a protruding side portion configured to movably extend a loop of the coil onto an adjacent needle, thereby forming an opening in the knitted fabric.

Document GB377794 discloses a circular knitting machine equipped with a spreading device with a pair of blades arranged on either side of a sinker, and configured for spreading the stitch and arranging it on one or two adjacent needles

Document GB410831 discloses a circular knitting machine comprising sinkers provided with an upper hook or a pair of hooks placed on the sides of a conventional sinker. The hooks are configured and moved to shift the stitch lines on a pair of adjacent needles and create a mesh fabric in the fabric. When the hook has to be operated, the selector jack moves the sinker in which the hook is integrated. The selector jack comprises a swing arm provided with a abutment interacting with a plurality of cams belonging to the actuation means.

It is further known that prior art MI2003a001995 discloses a device for selecting sinkers comprising selector jacks (radial grooves for each receiving a sinker) which oscillate in a radial plane with respect to the sinker seat in order to switch between an active position and a non-active position and vice versa. The selector jacks are connected with respective sinkers arranged in respective radial grooves, so as to cause different actuation of the sinkers depending on whether the selector jacks are in the inactive or active position. Furthermore, a selector is provided which faces the sinker seat transversely and acts on the selector on command to switch it from the inactive position to the active position. When the selector is in the inactive position, the selector does not interfere, actuating the sinkers by pushing only the cams so that they cooperate with the needles to perform plain stitches or other stitches than terry stitches. When the selector jack is switched to the active position, the sinker is pushed more towards the axis of the sinker seat than the movement produced by the mere pushing of the triangle, so as to cooperate with the needle to produce the terry loop.

For example, prior art MI2003a001995 discloses a device for selecting sinkers comprising selector jacks (radial grooves for each housing a sinker) which oscillate in a radial plane with respect to the sinker seat in order to switch between an active position and an inactive position and vice versa. The selector jacks are connected with respective sinkers arranged in respective radial grooves, so as to cause different actuation of the sinkers depending on whether the selector jacks are in the inactive or active position. Further, a selector is provided which faces the sinker mount laterally and engages with the selector on command to switch it from the non-operating position to the operating position. When the selector is in the inactive position, the selector does not interfere, simply by pushing the cam to actuate the sinker, and the sinker follows the first path so as to cooperate with the needle to perform a plain stitch or other stitch than a terry stitch. When the selector is switched to the working position, the same sinker is pushed towards the axis of the sinker seat, thus fitting and following a different path defined by the pushing cams. Such different paths cause the knockover sinkers to move radially in advance towards said central axis, with respect to the movement caused by the first path, so as to cooperate with the needle to make a terry loop.

In EP1620590, for example, to the same applicant, a circular knitting machine (intarsia machine) for manufacturing fabric with an intarsia pattern is disclosed. Intarsia is a knitting technique that enables patterns to be obtained using yarns of different colors in the same knitting layer. Intarsia techniques are commonly used to create color patterns. As regards carpentry techniques of the same name, it appears that different colours and materials are pieced together like a puzzle. Unlike other multicolor knitting techniques, only the "activated" color is provided on a given stitch, and the yarn does not move on the opposite side of the cloth. When the color of a given row changes, the old yarn will be suspended.

Disclosure of Invention

In the frame of a circular knitting machine as described above, the applicant has found that there are some drawbacks.

First, the applicant has observed that some known knitting machines cannot individually select the stitches involved in making the mesh fabric or terry stitch, or more generally the stitch method different from that of plain fabric, because these elements are guided by cams and necessarily perform all the same movements during each revolution of the machine. As a result, the number, arrangement and other characteristics of the mesh fabric and or loop loops to be manufactured are preset and difficult to change.

The applicant has observed that in the above solution, the control of the elements designed for the manufacture of mesh fabric (sinkers with protruding sides in GB449404, a pair of blades in GB377794, sinkers with hooks in GB 410831), i.e. configured to selectively determine if and when these elements should be tampered with, is put into a complex mechanism that is difficult to configure (rollers in GB449404, dawson wheels and cams in GB377794, needle selection cams in GB 410831).

The applicant has observed that the known knitting machines, for example described in MI2003a001995, exhibit little flexibility, since the movement of the mechanism designed for the production of the terry loop (nose) must be firmly linked to the movement of the knockover sinkers, in particular of the jaw of the knockover sinkers. As a result, the formation of loop coils/loops of a particular shape/length is limited because the radial travel of the loop nose is limited by structural constraints acting on the sinker jaw, or conversely, the formation of plain stitch coils is limited because the radial travel of the jaw is limited by structural constraints acting on the sinker loop nose.

More generally, the applicant has observed that the known circular knitting machines do not allow to manufacture complex needle fabrics, i.e. areas where terry loops, mesh fabric and other possible types of loops than plain needle fabric are present at the same time, and that these areas cannot be arranged as desired.

The applicant has also observed that the known circular knitting machines cannot be quickly set and/or reconfigured to produce complex fabrics that differ from each other.

Under these circumstances, among other objects and/or embodiments, it is an object of the present invention to propose a circular knitting machine that is capable of manufacturing open-mesh needle fabric with very different characteristics.

Another object of the invention is to propose a circular knitting machine which is able to produce knitted fabric, for example with a mesh fabric area or a terry loop area or other types, and which can be easily configured according to the characteristics and the position of the fabric to be obtained.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a circular knitting machine which is capable of manufacturing complex needle fabrics and which is compact and relatively simple from a structural point of view, and which is relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circular knitting machine that is capable of manufacturing the complex needle fabric in a relatively short manufacturing time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circular knitting machine configured as an intarsia machine (intarsia machine or diamond machine) for manufacturing a fabric having an intarsia pattern, which is also capable of manufacturing a complex knitted fabric according to the above object.

These and other possible objects, which will become more fully apparent from the following description, are essentially achieved by a circular knitting machine for manufacturing needle fabric according to any one or more of the following aspects and/or embodiments, possibly in various combinations with the above-described aspects.

In this description and in the technical solutions of the application, the words "upper", "lower", "above" and "below" relate to the positioning of the knitting machine during normal operation, with the centre axis of rotation of the knitting machine in a vertical position and with the cylinder needle head facing upwards.

In the present description and in the technical solutions of the application, the words "axial", "circumferential", "radial" are associated with said central axis.

Some aspects of the invention are listed below.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a circular knitting machine for manufacturing knitted fabric.

The circular knitting machine of the present invention comprises:

-a needle-holding cylinder having a plurality of longitudinal grooves arranged around a central axis of the needle-holding cylinder;

-a plurality of needles, each needle being housed in a respective longitudinal slot;

-at least one yarn feeding system operatively associated with the needle;

-a sinker seat arranged around the needle-holding cylinder and having a plurality of radial grooves;

At least one guide ring operatively associated with the sinker seat, wherein the sinker seat is rotatable relative to the guide ring and about the central axis.

In one aspect, the circular knitting machine of the present invention includes:

A plurality of sinkers of a first type accommodated in a radial recess and radially movable therein; each sinker of the first type is configured to cooperate with a needle to produce a coil of the first type; each sinker of the first type comprises a butt which is engaged with a first guide in the guide ring and moves around the central axis; wherein the first guide is configured to radially move the first type of sinker when the sinker mount is rotated relative to the guide ring and about the central axis;

a plurality of sinkers of a second type accommodated in the radial recess and radially movable therein; each sinker of the second type is configured to cooperate with a needle to produce a coil of the second type; each sinker of the second type comprises a butt which is engaged with the second guide of the guide ring and moves around the central axis; wherein the second guide is configured to radially move the second type of sinker when the sinker mount is rotated relative to the guide ring and about the central axis

In one aspect, the circular knitting machine of the present invention includes:

A plurality of first selector jacks operatively associated with the sinkers of the first type, wherein each of the first selector jacks is movable, preferably oscillating, in a radial plane between a rest position and a working position; wherein in the active position the first selector jack acts directly or indirectly on the respective sinker of the first type, so that the butt of the sinker of the first type is deflected from the trajectory of the first guide.

A plurality of second selector jacks operatively associated with the sinkers of the second type, wherein each second selector jack is movable, preferably swingable, in a radial plane between a rest position and a working position; wherein in the operating position the second selector jack acts directly or indirectly on the respective sinker of the second type to deviate the butt of the sinker of the second type from the trajectory of the second guide.

In one aspect, the circular knitting machine includes:

at least one selector which faces laterally the sinker seat, the selector being fixed relative to the guide ring, the selector being engageable under control with the first and/or second selector, and the selector being configured to switch the first and/or second selector from the rest position to the operating position.

The applicant has found that the present invention is able to solve the above-mentioned problems associated with the prior art, thus obtaining the intended purpose.

The applicant has first found that the present invention enables the manufacture of highly complex needle fabrics in a relatively short time.

The applicant has also found that the present invention is capable of manufacturing complex needle fabrics of various types and having very different characteristics.

In fact, the invention enables the desired shaped sinkers to be selected precisely for the production of the knitting area, by activating or deactivating the respective selector jack.

In particular, the knitting machine of the invention allows to activate the selector jack acting on the sinkers with different functions, so as to produce knitting areas with different characteristics, such as, but not necessarily, areas of mesh fabric knitting and areas with terry loops.

The applicant has also found that the knitting machine according to the invention is highly flexible in that it allows to act on the selector to switch from the type of fabric to be knitted to another type in a quick and relatively simple manner.

Other aspects of the invention are set out below.

In one aspect, the circular knitting machine is an intarsia knitting machine, i.e., a knitting machine (an intarsia machine or a diamond machine) configured to produce a fabric having an intarsia pattern.

In one aspect, the circular knitting machine comprises at least two yarn feeding systems, preferably four yarn feeding systems. Each yarn feeding system is configured for working with a respective set of needles arranged along an arc of a circle, which is achieved by an alternating rotational movement of the needles about the central axis.

In one aspect, the at least two yarn feeding systems cooperate by rotating in two directions to form each knitting course.

In one aspect, at least one motor is operatively connected to the needle holder cylinder and the sinker mount to rotate them about the central axis.

In one aspect, cams and/or other types of devices are arranged around the needle-holding syringe to convert rotational movement of the needle-holding syringe into axial movement of the needle.

In one aspect, the knitting machine includes a plurality of needle selectors, preferably each disposed on the yarn feeding system.

In one aspect, the first type of sinker alternates with the second type of sinker about the central axis.

In one aspect, a first type of sinker is received in a corresponding first one of the plurality of radial grooves and a second type of sinker is received in a corresponding second one of the plurality of radial grooves.

In one aspect, the first grooves alternate with the second grooves about the central axis.

In one aspect, the first type of sinker or the second type of sinker is a knockover sinker, each sinker having a jaw configured for engagement with a needle in the manufacture of plain fabric.

In one aspect, the first type of sinker or the second type of sinker is a loop sinker, each having a loop tab nose configured to mate with a needle in making a loop of hair.

In one aspect, the first type of sinker or the second type of sinker is a transfer sinker, each transfer sinker having a laterally offset tab configured for engagement with a needle in the manufacture of a mesh fabric.

In one aspect, the first type of sinker or the second type of sinker is a loop/terry sinker, each loop/terry sinker having a jaw configured for cooperation with a needle to produce a plain knit fabric and a nose disposed above the jaw configured for cooperation with a needle to produce a terry loop.

In one aspect, the second type of sinker is a loop-moving sinker, each loop-moving sinker having a laterally-biased tab and being configured for cooperation with a needle to produce a mesh fabric, and the first type of sinker is a loop/pile sinker, each loop/pile sinker having a jaw configured for cooperation with a needle to produce a plain fabric and a nose disposed above the jaw, the nose configured for cooperation with a needle to produce a pile loop.

In one aspect, the second type of sinker is a transfer sinker, each transfer sinker having a laterally offset tab and configured for cooperation with a needle to produce a mesh fabric, and the first type of sinker is a loop sinker, each loop sinker having a loop tab for cooperation with a needle to produce a loop coil.

In one aspect, the knitting machine further includes a plurality of primary knockover sinkers that are linked to and guided by the first guide, wherein the primary knockover sinkers are not linked to neither the first selector nor the second selector.

In one aspect, each secondary recess receives a primary knockover sinker flanked by at least one transfer sinker, preferably a right-side transfer sinker and a left-side transfer sinker, wherein the at least one transfer sinker, preferably the right-side and left-side transfer sinkers, are operatively linked with at least one secondary selector jack.

In one aspect, each first recess receives a knockover/terry sinker, the knockover/terry sinker first selector being operatively linked.

In one aspect, each first recess receives a primary knockover sinker flanked by loop sinkers, wherein the loop sinkers are operatively linked with the first selector.

In one aspect, the knitting machine can include a plurality of nth type sinkers (e.g., "n" is 3 to 6) received in and radially movable within the radial grooves. Each sinker of the nth type is configured to cooperate with the needle to prepare a coil of the nth type. Each sinker of the n-th type includes a butt which is fitted with the n-th guide in the guide ring and formed around the central axis; wherein the nth guide is configured to radially move the nth type of sinker when the sinker mount is rotated relative to the guide ring and rotates about the central axis.

In one aspect, the illustrated knitting machine may include a plurality of nth selector jacks operatively associated with the nth type of sinker, wherein each nth selector jack is movable, preferably swingable, within a radial plane between a rest position and a working position. Wherein in the operating position the nth selector jack acts directly or indirectly on the corresponding sinker of the nth type, so that the butt of the sinker of the nth type is offset from the trajectory of the nth guide.

In one aspect, the guide ring includes a circular track extending about a central axis.

In one aspect, the first selector blade is a flat element, preferably made of metal.

In one aspect, the first selector blade has a base configured to oscillate about a tangent line tangential to a horizontal circumference centered on the central axis.

In one aspect, the first selector jack has a support portion at a distance from the base, the support portion being directed towards the central axis and configured for acting directly or indirectly on the first type of sinker.

In one aspect, the first selector has at least one tooth directed radially outwardly, i.e. in a direction away from the central axis, and is configured to interact with the selector.

In one aspect, the second selector blade is a flat element, preferably made of metal.

In one aspect, the second selector blade has a base configured to oscillate about a tangent to a horizontal circumference centered on the central axis.

In one aspect, the second selector jack has a support portion at a distance from the base, the support portion being directed towards the central axis and configured for acting directly or indirectly on the second type of sinker.

In one aspect, the second selector has at least one radially outwardly directed tooth, i.e. in a direction away from the central axis, and is configured to interact with the selector.

In one aspect, the first selector is the same or substantially the same as the second selector.

In one aspect, the first selector jack is slidably engaged in a circular track of the guide ring and moves about the central axis such that the first selector jack rotates with the first type of sinker and the second type of sinker.

In one aspect, the second selector is slidably engaged in a circular track of the guide ring and moves about the central axis such that the second selector rotates with the first type of sinker and the second type of sinker, preferably in the same circular track as the first selector.

In one aspect, each of the first selector jacks and each of the second selector jacks has a base with a circular profile, the base being configured to oscillate in a circular trajectory and to oscillate about an axis tangential to a horizontal circumference (the center of the horizontal circumference being on a central axis (X-X)), and each of the first selector jacks and each of the second selector jacks has a support portion that is spaced from the base by a distance.

In one aspect, the knitting machine comprises a plurality of first pushers, each first pusher being associated with a respective one of said first selector jacks and with at least one respective sinker of said first type.

In one aspect, in the working position, the first selector jack rests on a first push tab and the first push tab is configured to push at least one sinker of the first type.

In one aspect, the first push tab is a flat element, preferably made of metal.

In one aspect, the knitting machine includes a plurality of second pushers, each second pusher being associated with a respective second selector jack and at least one respective sinker of the second type.

In one aspect, in the working position, the second selector jack abuts the second push tab and the second push tab is configured to push at least one sinker of the second type.

In one aspect, the second push tab is a flat element, preferably made of metal.

In one aspect, the first tab is the same or substantially the same as the second tab.

In one aspect, the guide ring includes a third guide extending about the central axis and defining a plurality of trajectories.

In one aspect, each first pusher has a butt that is or can be engaged with a third guide in the guide ring that extends about the central axis and defines a plurality of tracks.

In one aspect, each first pusher is received in one of the radial grooves together with a corresponding sinker of the first type. The support portion of each first selector jack faces the radially outer end of the first pusher.

In one aspect, each second pusher has a butt that is or can be engaged with a third guide in the guide ring that extends about the central axis and defines a plurality of tracks.

In one aspect, each second pusher is received in one of the radial grooves together with a corresponding second type of sinker. The support portion of each second selector jack faces the radially outer end of the second pusher.

The use of first and second pushers allows the selector to act indirectly on the sinker, wherein the first and second pushers are operatively located between the first selector or the second selector and the first type of sinker or the second type of sinker.

In one aspect, each of the first and/or second pushers comprises a horizontal plate with the butt positioned on a radially outer end of the horizontal plate.

In one aspect, the butts of the first and/or second pushers are flat and extend vertically from the horizontal plate.

In one aspect, the butt of each first and/or second pushers is directed upwardly.

In one aspect, each first and/or second pusher has an abutment surface facing the central axis, the abutment surface being configured for abutment against a respective sinker of the first and/or second type.

In one aspect, the at least one selector includes at least one selector blade movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the needle selecting blade is separated from the first needle selecting blade and the second needle selecting blade by a certain distance; in the second position, when the sinker seat rotates with respect to the guide ring and rotates about said central axis (X-X), the selector blade triggers the first selector and/or the second selector to move in front of the selector, so as to move said first selector and/or second selector from the rest position to the working position.

In one aspect, the needle selector is of the magnetic or piezoelectric type.

In one aspect, the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a knitted fabric using a knitting machine according to one or more of the preceding aspects.

In one aspect, the first type of sinker is a knockover/terry sinker, each knockover/terry sinker having a jaw configured to cooperate with a needle to produce a plain knit fabric and a nose disposed above the jaw configured to cooperate with a needle to produce a terry loop; the second type of sinker is a transfer sinker, each having a laterally offset tab configured to cooperate with a needle to produce a mesh fabric; and the method for manufacturing the knitted fabric comprises the following steps: the first selector and the second selector are held in a rest position while the sinker seat rotates relative to the guide ring and rotates about the central axis to move the knockover/terry sinker along the second trajectory and the first trajectory of the first guide, thereby causing the nose to manufacture plain fabric by cooperation with the needle and the transfer sinker to remain in a rest position along the radially outer trajectory of the second guide.

In one aspect, the first and second pushers move along a radially outer track of the third guide when the first and second selector are in the rest position; wherein the first pushers are radially spaced from the respective knockover/terry sinker; wherein the second pushing piece is separated from the corresponding mesh knockover sinker by a certain distance in the radial direction.

In one aspect, the method comprises: the at least one selector is caused to act with at least one of the selector jacks such that at least one second selector jack in the operating position is caused to move in at least one rotating portion of the sinker seat about the central axis, wherein the first selector jack is held in a stationary position such that the at least one transfer sinker associated with the at least one second selector jack is caused to move on a radially inner trajectory of the second guide and such that the projection laterally offset to one side is caused to move in at least one rotating portion of the sinker seat about the central axis, thereby causing a mesh fabric to be manufactured in the fabric by engagement with the at least one needle.

In one aspect, the second pushers associated with the second selector jacks are radially pushed by the respective second selector jacks toward the central axis, thereby entering the radially inner trajectory of the third guide and pushing the at least one transfer sinker on the radially inner trajectory of the second guide.

In one aspect, the method comprises: the at least one selector is caused to act with the at least one first selector so as to move the at least one first selector in the operating position over at least one portion of the sinker mount that rotates about the central axis, wherein the second selector is held in a stationary position so as to move the at least one knockover/terry sinker in linkage with the at least one first selector over a second trajectory of the first guide so that the terry nose of the knockover/terry sinker produces a terry loop by cooperation with the at least one needle.

Further features and advantages will be apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a circular knitting machine for manufacturing a needle fabric and a method for manufacturing a needle fabric according to the invention.

Drawings

The following description will proceed with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and therefore are not limiting, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a part of a circular knitting machine according to the invention, with some parts removed to better show the other parts;

Figure 2 shows a part of figure 1 with other parts removed in order to better illustrate other elements of the knitting machine as in the previous figures;

Figure 3 shows a different partial section of the part of figure 1;

fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the assembly of elements belonging to the knitting machine of the previous figures, which can be seen in fig. 3;

figure 5 shows the assembly of figure 4 with the elements linked to each other;

figures 6 and 7 show variants of the elements in figures 4 and 5;

figure 8 shows a different partial section of the part of figure 1;

Fig. 9 shows an exploded view of the different assemblies of elements of the knitting machine of the previous figures, visible in fig. 8;

Figure 10 shows the assembly of figure 9 with the elements linked to each other;

fig. 11 shows a schematic plan view of a portion of the knitting machine of the previous figures, including a guide ring; and

Fig. 12 to 16 show the parts of fig. 11, in which the various operating steps of the knitting machine of the invention are indicated in a schematic way.

Detailed Description

With reference to the mentioned figures, the numeral 1 indicates as a whole a part of the knitting head of the circular knitting machine of the invention. The circular knitting machine shown is a knitting machine (intarsia or diamond machine) configured to produce a fabric with an intarsia pattern. The circular knitting machine comprises a base that constitutes the support structure of the machine, which is not shown because it is of a known type. The knitting head 1 is mounted on a substrate.

The knitting head 1 is equipped with a needle-holding cylinder 2 on which a plurality of needles 3 are mounted, and the knitting head 1 has a control device (not shown) that facilitates selective actuation of the needles 3 for the production of fabric. The needle-holding cylinder 2 is usually mounted on a base in a vertical position, wherein the needles 3 are arranged vertically and protrude at the upper edge of the needle-holding cylinder 2.

As is known, the needle-holding cylinder 2 has a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed on the radially outer surface of the needle-holding cylinder 2. The longitudinal grooves are arranged around (perpendicular to) and parallel to the central axis "X-X" of the needle-holding cylinder 2. Each longitudinal slot accommodates a respective needle 3 and a respective drive chain comprising a plurality of flat portions. The push triangle is arranged as a housing around the needle holder cylinder 2 and faces the radially outer surface of the needle holder cylinder 2 and thus the longitudinal groove and the drive chain. These pushing cams are defined by plates and/or grooves, for example, arranged on the inner surface of the housing.

In one embodiment, the housing of the pushing triangle is essentially stationary, while the needle-holding cylinder 2 is rotated about the central axis "X-X" (with continuous or alternating movement in both directions) by a suitable motor, thereby creating a relative rotational movement between the drive chain and the pushing triangle and transforming the rotational movement of the needle-holding cylinder 2 into an axial movement of the needle 3 for manufacturing a needle fabric by said needle 3.

The machine further comprises a sinker seat 4, which sinker seat 4 is arranged around the needle-holding cylinder 2 and has a plurality of first grooves 5 and second grooves 6, which radial grooves 5 and second grooves 6 are on the radially inner edge of the sinker seat 4, i.e. towards the central axis "X-X". The first grooves 5 and the second grooves 6 alternate in the circumferential direction of the sinker seat 4, i.e. two second grooves 6 are on the side of each first groove 5 and two first grooves 5 are on the side of each second groove 6. The sinker mount 4 is moved in rotation about the central axis "X-X" together with the needle holder cylinder 2, for example by the same motor.

Suitable means (not shown) feed the yarn to be knitted on one or more yarn feed systems (called yarn feed systems) generally arranged above the needle-holding cylinder 2. The circular knitting machine shown comprises four yarn feeding systems, each configured for working with a respective group of needles 3 arranged along a group of circular arcs (for example 90 ° arcs), by means of an alternating rotary movement of the needles 3 about a central axis "X-X". The four yarn feeding systems cooperate by rotating in both directions to form each knitting course.

Each second radial groove 6 accommodates an assembly of a plurality of metal flat portions, the first metal assembly being radially slidable in the respective second radial groove 6 and sliding with respect to each other. The assembly is better shown in fig. 4 and 5 and comprises a knockover/terry sinker 7, a right-hand terry sinker 8, a left-hand terry sinker 9, two pushers 10 (one in linkage with the right-hand terry sinker 8 and the other in linkage with the right-hand terry sinker 9), and a selector 11 for each of the pushers 10.

The knockover/terry sinker 7 comprises a body in the form of a horizontal plate 12 and a vertical flat upright formed from the horizontal plate 12. The horizontal plates are oriented along the second grooves 6, i.e. in radial direction. A pin 13 having a shape known per se is arranged at the upper end of the vertical flat upright and the jaw 13 faces the central axis "X-X" when the assembly is correctly mounted on the knitting machine. The knockover/terry sinker 7 further comprises a flat butt 14 extending vertically upward from the horizontal plate 12, and the butt 14 is located at a distance from the radially outer end (with respect to the central axis "X-X") of the horizontal plate 12. The knockover/terry sinker 7 is composed of a single flat metal part (such as a cut piece).

Right-side ring sinker 8 includes a main body in the shape of a horizontal plate 15 and a vertical flat upright extending from horizontal plate 15. The projection 16 is arranged at the upper end of the flat upright. When the assembly is properly mounted on the knitting machine, the projection 16 extends like an arm towards the central axis "X-X" and is laterally offset to one side with respect to the rest plane of the respective body. The right-side ring sinker 8 further includes a flat butt 17 extending vertically upward from the horizontal plate 15, and is placed near the radially outer end (with respect to the central axis "X-X") of the horizontal plate 15. Right-hand ring sinker 8 is composed of a single flat metal part, for example a cut, punched and/or bent part.

Left side ring sinker 9 includes the same elements as right side ring sinker 8. The respective projections 16 are identical or corresponding in structure except that they are offset/displaced to the other side relative to their bodies. Thus, right-side and left-side ring sinkers 8 and 9, respectively, have protrusions 16 laterally displaced in opposite directions with respect to their bodies and with respect to the knockover/terry sinker 7 located therebetween.

When the assembly is properly mounted in the respective second recess 6, the right-side and left-side ring sinkers 8, 9 are arranged on both sides of the respective knockover/terry sinker 7 (fig. 5). The right-side and left-side ring sinkers 8, 9 have respective projections 16, which projections 16 are directed towards both sides of the knockover/terry sinker 7, are laterally offset to one side and are located above the jaw 13 of the respective knockover/terry sinker 7. Furthermore, the butt 14 of the knockover/terry sinker 7 is located radially between the projection 16 and the butt 17 of the respective transfer sinker 8, 9.

The two second pushers 10 of the assembly are identical. Each second pusher 10 comprises a horizontal plate 18 and a flat heel 19. The butt 19 is placed at the radially outer end of the horizontal plate 18 with respect to the central axis "X-X", and extends vertically upward. The second pusher 10 also has an abutment surface 20 facing the central axis "X-X", which abutment surface 20 is configured for abutment against the respective transfer sinker 8, 9. The abutment surface 20 of the second pusher 10 is placed in proximity of the butt 19 of said second pusher 10, i.e. close to said radially outer end of the horizontal plate 18. More specifically, a portion of the pusher plate, located in the vicinity of said radially outer end, extends vertically upwards and defines an abutment surface 20 and a corresponding butt 19. The second pusher 10 is also composed of a single flat metal part, such as a cut part.

When the assembly is properly mounted in the respective second recess 6 (fig. 5), the horizontal plate 18 of each pusher 10 is located below and in contact with the plate 15 of the respective transfer sinker 8, 9, with the abutment surface facing the radially outer end of the respective transfer sinker 8, 9. The knockover/terry sinker 7 is placed between the right-side and left-side ring sinkers 8 and 9.

Each of the two second selector jacks 11 is a metallic, substantially flat element. When properly installed in a knitting machine, the element is disposed primarily vertically. The second selector jack 11 has a circular contoured seat 21 and is configured for rocking about an axis tangential to a horizontal circumference (the center of which is on the central axis "X-X"). The second selector jack 11 is placed on a radial plane and vibrated. The second selector jack 11 also has a support 22 at a distance from the base 21, which support 22 is directed towards the central axis "X-X" and is configured for acting indirectly on the respective transfer sinker 8, 9 through the respective second pusher 10. The second selector 11 also has teeth 23, which teeth 23 are located on the edge of the flat element which is radially opposite and radially outwards, i.e. on the opposite side of the central axis "X-X", from the support 22.

The support 22 has a circular protrusion shaped and dimensioned to abut against the radially outer end of the horizontal plate 18 of the corresponding second pusher 10 of the assembly.

Each second selector jack 11 oscillates in a radial plane between a rest position and an operating position. In the rest position, the support portion 22 of the second selector jack 11 is located in a radially outer position and is not in contact with the respective second push jack 10. In the operating position, the second selector 11 rotates towards the central axis "X-X", the support 22 of the second selector 11 being in a radially internal position and being configured for abutting and pushing the respective second push tab 10 towards the central axis "X-X". The second pusher 10 is in turn configured for pushing the transfer sinkers 8, 9.

The switching of the second selector 11 from the rest position to the operating position is caused by selecting a second set of blades of the selector 24 (fig. 2,3 and 8) acting on the teeth 23 of the second selector 11, the specific structure of which will be described in more detail below. In the embodiment shown by way of example, there are four needle selectors 24 which are fixed relative to the housing and are arranged around the sinker seat 4 at the same angular distance (90 ° from each other). In particular, each of said needle selectors 24 is located on the yarn feeding system.

Likewise, the knockover/terry sinker 7 is pushed by a respective first pusher 10 'and a respective first selector 11', which are entirely similar to the second pusher 10 and the second selector 11. Accordingly, like elements are labeled with like reference numerals with an apostrophe.

The first selector jack 11' has a base 21' and a support 22' at a distance from the base 21', which is directed towards the central axis "X-X" and is configured for acting indirectly on the respective knockover/terry sinker 7 through the respective first pusher 10 '.

The first selector 11' also has teeth 23', which teeth 23' are located on the edge of the flat element, radially opposite and radially outwards of the support 22', i.e. the teeth 23 are located on the opposite side of the support 22' with respect to the central axis "X-X". The support 22' has a rounded protrusion configured for abutment against the radially outer end of the corresponding horizontal plate 18' of the first pusher 10 '.

Each first pusher 10 'also has a respective butt 19' and a respective abutment surface 20', said abutment surface 20' being configured for abutment against a respective knockover/terry sinker 7.

The knockover/loop sinker 7 is also provided with a loop tab nose 31 for producing a loop of loops in cooperation with the needle 3.

It can be seen that the position of the teeth 23' of the first selector 11' is different from the position of one of the teeth 23 of the two second selector 11, so that the selector 24 can grasp either the teeth 23 or the teeth 23', depending on whether the assembly is to punch a hole in the fabric or to make a loop of terry loop, respectively.

The knockover/terry sinker 7 is a sinker of the first type which is configured to cooperate with a needle for the manufacture of plain knitted fabric or, when interacting with the first selector 11 'and the first pusher 10', for the manufacture of terry loops.

The transfer sinkers 8, 9 are sinkers of a second type, which are configured so that, upon interaction with the second selector jack 11 and the second pusher 10, they cooperate with the needles to produce knitted stitches of a second type, i.e. mesh fabric stitches.

Each first groove 5 accommodates a respective assembly, also made up of a plurality of metallic flat parts, which can slide radially in the respective first groove 5 and relative to each other. The assembly, better shown in fig. 9 and 10, comprises auxiliary knockover/terry sinker 25, first pusher 26 and first selector 27.

The knockover/terry sinker 25 includes a body in the shape of a horizontal plate 28 and a vertical flat upright formed from the horizontal plate 28. The horizontal plates 28 are oriented in line with the first grooves 5, i.e. in the radial direction. The jaw 29, having a shape known per se, is arranged at the upper end of the vertical flat upright and when the assembly is correctly mounted on the knitting machine, the jaw 29 is directed towards the central axis "X-X". The knockover sinker 25 further includes a flat butt 30 extending vertically upward from the horizontal plate 28, and the butt 30 is located at a distance from the radially outer end (with respect to the central axis "X-X") of the horizontal plate 28. The knockover/loop sinker 25 further includes a loop-piece nose 31 located above the jaw 29, and the loop-piece nose 31 is configured for use in manufacturing a loop of loops in cooperation with the needle 3. The knockover/terry sinker 25 is substantially identical to said knockover/terry sinker 7. The knockover/terry sinker 25 is comprised of a single flat metal component (e.g., a cut piece).

The first push tab 26 of the assembly is substantially identical to each of the first and second push tabs 10 and 10' of the first assembly. The first push plate 26 includes a horizontal plate 32 and a flat butt 33, and the butt 33 is located at a radially outer end of the horizontal plate 32 with respect to the central axis "X-X" and extends vertically upward. The first pushers 26 also have an abutment surface 34 facing the central axis "X-X", which abutment surface 34 is configured for abutment against a corresponding knockover/terry sinker 25. The abutment surface 34 of the first push plate 26 is placed in the vicinity of the heel 33 of said first push plate 26, i.e. in the vicinity of said radially outer end of the horizontal plate 32. More specifically, a portion of the first push tab 26, adjacent to said radially outer end, extends vertically upwards and defines an abutment surface 34 and a corresponding butt 33. The first push tab 26 is also comprised of a single flat metal component, such as a cut part.

When the above-described assembly is properly mounted in the respective first recess 5 (fig. 8), the horizontal plate 32 of each first pusher 26 is respectively located below and in contact with the plate 28 of the respective knockover/terry sinker 25, and the abutment surface 34 faces the radially outer end of the respective knockover/terry sinker 25.

The first selector jack 27 of this assembly is similar to the second selector jack 11 and the first selector jack 11' of the first assembly. The first selector jack 27 is a metallic flat element that expands mainly vertically when properly installed in the knitting machine. The first selector jack 27 has a base 35 with a circular profile and is configured for oscillation about an axis tangential to a horizontal circumference (centered on the central axis "X-X"). The first selector jack 27 is placed and oscillated in a radial plane. The first selector jack 27 also has a support 36 at a distance from the base 35, which support 36 is directed towards the central axis "X-X" and is configured for acting indirectly on the respective knockover/terry sinker 25 through the respective first pusher 26. The first selector jack 27 also has teeth 37, which teeth 37 are located on the edge of the flat element which is radially opposite and radially outward of the support 36, i.e. on the opposite side of the central axis "X-X". The support 36 has a rounded protrusion configured for abutment against the radially outer end of each horizontal plate 32 of the first push plate 26.

The first selector jack 27 swings in a radial plane between a rest position and an operating position. In the rest position, the support 36 of the first selector jack 27 is in a radially outer position and is not in contact with the respective first push tab 26. In the operating position, the first selector jack 27 rotates towards the central axis "X-X". The support 36 of the first selector jack 27 is located at a radially inner position and is configured to abut against and push the first push tab 26. The first push tab 26 is configured for pushing the knockover/terry sinker 25. The switching of the first selector jack 27 from the rest position to the active position is caused by the first group of blades of the same selector 24 as described above.

The knockover/terry sinker 25 is a first type of sinker configured to cooperate with a needle for making plain knitted fabric, or when interacting with the first selector 27 'and the first pusher 26', for making knitted loops, as described above, i.e. terry loops.

Thus, in the embodiment of fig. 1 and 2, the sinkers 7, 25 of the first type and the sinkers 8, 9 of the second type are alternately arranged around the central axis "X-X". The first recess 5 accommodates a first type of sinker 25 and the second recess 6 accommodates a first type of sinker 7 and a second type of sinkers 8, 9.

In a variant of the embodiment shown in fig. 6 and 7, the knockover sinker 7' (which is not taken as the main sinker) does not have a nose 31 for producing a loop of hair and is not interlocked with the respective first pusher 10' and the respective first selector 11 '. Furthermore, the assembly is provided with only one second selector jack 11, which second selector jack 11 acts simultaneously or almost simultaneously on the radially outer ends of the horizontal plates 18 of the two second pushers 10.

The knockover sinker 7' of the variant of the assembly of figures 6 and 7 is operatively separated from the second selector jack 11 and from the second pusher 10 in linkage with the transfer sinkers 8, 9. That is, the second selector jack 11 and the second pusher 10 do not interact with the knockover sinker 7' because they do not cause/control its movement. In this variant of fig. 6 and 7, the use of the knockover/looped sinker 25 of another assembly (of the type shown in fig. 9 and 10) (together with the tab nose 31) allows the production of looped loops, while the use of the knockover sinker 7', as a variant (shown in fig. 6 and 7), does not.

In the embodiment of fig. 6 and 7, the first recess 5 accommodates a first type of sinker 25, while the second recess 6 accommodates a second type of sinker 8, 9 and a main knockover sinker 7'. They are both separate from the first and second selector jacks.

In other embodiments, not shown, the first type of sinker and the second type of sinker may be different from a structural and geometric point of view, and they may be arranged in different ways. For example, the first type of sinker is received in a corresponding first recess, the second type of sinker is received in a corresponding second recess, and the first and second recesses alternate around the central axis.

In other embodiments, not shown, there may also be more than two sinkers associated with the respective selector jacks.

A guide ring 38 (see fig. 11) consisting of one or more parts is operatively associated with the sinker seat 4. The guide ring 38 is coaxial with the central axis "X-X" and is fixed to the housing, i.e. the sinker seat 4 is rotatable about the central axis "X-X" with respect to the guide ring 38. Thus, the selector 24 is fixed relative to the guide ring 38 and faces laterally the sinker seat 4. In the embodiment shown, the guide ring 38 is partly below the sinker seat 4 and partly above the sinker seat 4 and has a plurality of guides extending around the central axis "X-X" and configured for engagement with the metal parts of the respective assemblies described above. These guides are, for example, grooves delimited by triangles.

The butt 14 of the knockover/terry sinker 7 and the butt 30 of the knockover/terry sinker 25 are fitted into the first guide 39 in the upper portion of the guide ring 38. When the sinker seat 4 rotates with respect to the guide ring 38 and about the central axis "X-X", the first guide 39 moves the knockover/terry sinker 7 and the knockover/terry sinker 25 radially along the respective second radial grooves 6 and the respective first radial grooves 5.

As shown in fig. 11 to 16, some portions of the first guide 39 have radial widths substantially corresponding to the butts 14, 30 of the knockover/terry sinker 7 and the knockover/terry sinker 25, and these portions alternate with other wider portions. The larger portion provides or defines a respective radially outer path and a respective radially inner path (with respect to the central axis "X-X") for the butt 14, 30 and thus for the respective knockover/terry sinker 7 and knockover/terry sinker 25. As a result, the first guide 39 defines a first track 40 and a second track 41. The first track 40 comprises the radially outer path for a part of the wider portion and the radially inner path for the remaining part of the wider portion. The second track 41 comprises said radially inner paths for all said wider portions (fig. 12, 13 and 16). Two of the wider portions are located upstream and downstream of each yarn feed system and each needle selector 24.

The butt 17 of the transfer sinkers 8, 9 of each assembly is engaged with a second guide 42, which second guide 42 is also obtained in the upper part of the guide ring 38. The second guide 42 is located radially outward with respect to the first guide 39, and that is, the second guide 42 surrounds the first guide 39. The second guide 42 comprises a substantially circular radially outer track 43, a substantially circular radially inner path 44 and a plurality of paths of connections 45 between the radially outer track 43 and the radially inner track 44. (FIG. 11)

The heels 19, 19 'of the first and second pushers 10, 10', 26 are fitted into a third guide 46, which is also obtained in the upper part of the guide ring 38. The third guide 46 also surrounds the central axis "X-X" and defines a plurality of tracks. In particular, the third guide 46 defines a radially outer track 47 and a plurality of radially inner tracks 48 placed one after the other about the central axis "X-X". The radially outer track 47 of the third guide 46 is radially further outward with respect to the second guide 42, i.e. it surrounds the second guide 42. Each radially inner track 48 is arcuate and has opposite ends connected to radially outer tracks 47 of third guide 46. Each radially inner track 48 is offset from the radially outer track 47 of the third guide 46, is closer to the central axis "X-X", then is further from the central axis "X-X" again, and then is again connected to the radially outer track 47 of the third guide 46. The radially inner tracks 48 overlap the second guide 42, i.e. they define a part of the connecting portion 45 of one second guide 42. In the embodiment shown, there are eight radially inner tracks 48. The radially inner track 48 is located upstream and downstream of each of the four yarn feed systems and each needle selector 24.

All the bases 21, 21', 35 of the first and second selector jacks 11, 11' are accommodated in a circular track 49 around the central axis "X-X" to slide therein. A circular track 49 is formed in the lower part of the guide ring 38 and defines a circular track outside the radially outer track 47 of the third guide 46, i.e. the circular track 49 surrounds the radially outer track 47.

Each needle selector 24, known per se, is of the magnetic or piezoelectric type and comprises a plurality of blades 50, arranged one above the other and movable together between a first position (for example a raised position) and a second position (for example a lowered position).

In the first position, a distance exists between the blade and the teeth 23, 23', 37 of the first and second selector jacks 11, 11', 27 such that the blade does not interfere with said teeth 23, 23', 37 when the first and second selector jacks 11, 11', 27 are in the rest position. In particular, in the first position, the teeth 23, 23', 37 are located between the blades 50.

In the second position, when the sinker seat 4 rotates with respect to the guide ring 38 and rotates about the central axis "X-X", the blade 50 triggers the movement of: the teeth 23 of the second selector 11 associated with the transfer sinkers 8, 9, and/or the teeth 23 'of the first selector 11' associated with the knockover/terry sinker 7, and/or 37 in the first selector 27, moving in front of the selector 24. This brings the selector jack 11, 11', 27 from the rest position to the operating position.

An electronic control unit (not shown) is operatively connected to the one or more motors to cause rotation of the needle holder cylinder 2 and sinker mount 4. The electronic control unit is also operatively connected to the selector 24 and to other actuation units (if any) of the knitting machine. The electronic control unit is configured/programmed to command one or more motors as well as the selector 24 and other actuation units (if any) of the knitting machine. In particular, the electronic control unit is configured/programmed to selectively move the blade 50 of the selector 24 to move the first and second selector jacks 11, 11', 27 individually from the rest position to the operating position.

In use, according to one or more methods of the present invention, to manufacture plain fabric (fig. 12 and 13), the blades of selector 24 are maintained in the first position as needle holder cylinder 2 is rotated relative to the housing and sinker mount 4 is rotated relative to guide ring 38 and about central axis "X-X". In this first position the blade does not trigger the teeth 23 of the first and second selector jacks 11, 11', 27. Thus, they are all in their respective rest positions.

The heels 19, 19 'of the first and second pushers 10, 10', 26 move along the radially outer track 47 of the third guide 46.

The butt 17 of the transfer sinkers 8, 9 of each respective assembly moves along the radially outer track 43 of the second guide 42. Thus, the projection 16 of each transfer sinker 8, 9 is kept in a radial position. At a distance from the central axis "X-X", i.e. in a retracted or rest position, in which they do not interact with the yarns constituting the loops.

Accordingly, the butt 14 of the knockover/pile sinker 7 and the butt 30 of the knockover/pile sinker 25 move along a portion of the first locus 40 and a portion of the second locus 41 of the first guide member 39, thereby causing radial movement of the knockover/pile sinker 7 and the knockover/pile sinker 25. The knockover/terry sinker 7 and knockover/terry sinker 25 are moved forward and backward in the respective radial directions so that the jaws 13, 29 cooperate with the needle 3 to produce a plain stitch (fig. 12 and 13). This mode of operation is achieved when the sinker seat 4 is rotated in a clockwise direction (as shown in fig. 12) or in a counter-clockwise direction (as shown in fig. 13).

To manufacture mesh fabrics in the fabric (fig. 14 and 15), the control unit commands the needle selector 24 (controlled by software) to move the blade 50 from the first position to the second position and then back, depending on the programmed angle of the needle holder cylinder 2 and sinker mount 4. Thereby to a specific selector jack 11 of the transfer sinker 8, 9 of a specific assembly.

The control unit further commands the means for controlling the needle 3 (controlled by software) to move said needle 3 and to make them cooperate appropriately with:

In the manufacture of plain weave needle fabric, in cooperation with the modified knockover/terry sinker 7 of the assembly (fig. 6 and 7):

in the manufacture of the mesh fabric, with the transfer sinkers 8, 9; and

When making the loop fabric, it cooperates with the knockover/loop sinker 7 (fig. 4) and the loop sheet nose 31, and the knockover/loop sinker 25 (fig. 9 and 10) and the loop sheet nose 31.

When making the mesh fabric, the selected second selector 11 or selection pins 11 are moved to the active position, while the selector of the transfer sinkers 8, 9 of the unselected assembly, the first selector 11' of all the knockover/terry sinkers 7 and the first selector 27 of the knockover/terry sinkers 25 are not activated and remain in their rest positions. For simplicity, with reference to a single second selector 11, said second selector 11 pushes the respective two second pushers 10 towards the central axis "X-X" so that the heels 19 of the second pushers 10 deviate into the radially internal trajectory 48 of the third guide 46, the third guide 46 being immediately below the selector 24. And the second pusher 10 pushes the transfer sinkers 8, 9 in turn along the trajectory 48. The butts 17 of the right-side and left-side ring sinkers 8, 9 move along one of the connecting portions 45 of the second guide 42 and enter the radially inner trajectory 44 of the second guide 42 and rotate along a predetermined angle thereof. This rotation is in a counter-clockwise direction (fig. 14) for the sinker mount 4 and the needle holder cylinder 2.

During this movement, the needle 3 is held in the low position and then in the forward position, starting first from the yarn feed system at the loop, and then the right-hand and left-hand ring sinkers 8, 9 are moved radially along the central axis "X-X".

Thus, the second pusher 10 returns to the radially outer track 47 of the third guide 46 by moving with the radially inner track 48 of said third guide 46 and pushes the second selector 11 back to the rest position. When a pair of transfer sinkers 8 and 9 reach the yarn feeding system at the stitch making place, an elongated expansion stitch (mesh fabric) is formed with it, since the elongated expansion stitch is loaded onto the projection 16 instead of the jaw 13 of the respective knockover/terry sinker 7.

During the continued rotation of the sinker seat 4 and the needle-holding cylinder 2 in the clockwise direction (fig. 15), the butt 17 of the transfer sinkers 8, 9 moves along a portion of the radially inner trajectory 44 of the second guide 42 and then deviates again on the radially outer trajectory 45 of the second guide 42 by the moving cam 51. During this travel, the transfer sinkers 8, 9 move radially away from the central axis "X-X" and then hold them in this position, while the needle 3 is lifted to the extracted looper position to hook the yarn on the projection 16.

To make a terry loop on the fabric (fig. 16), the control unit commands the selector 24 to move the blade 50 from the first position to the second position and then back, depending on the programmed angle of the needle holder cylinder 2 and sinker mount 4. To act on a particular first selector 11' of the knockover/terry sinker 7 of a particular assembly and/or a particular first selector 27 of a particular assembly. The second selector jack of the transfer sinkers 8, 9, the first selector jack 11' of the other knockover/terry sinkers 7 and the first selector jack 27 of the other assemblies are not gripped and held in their rest positions.

For simplicity, reference is made to a single first selector jack 27, said first selector jack 27 pushing the respective first pushers 26 towards the central axis "X-X" so that the heels 33 of the first pushers 26 deviate in the radially internal trajectory 48 of the third guide 46, the third guide 46 being immediately below the selector 24. And the pushers 26 in turn radially push the corresponding knockover/terry sinker 25 along the trajectory 48. When the knockover/loop sinker 25 is located in one of the widest portions of the first guide 39, a radial pushing force is applied and moves the knockover/loop sinker 25 from the first locus 40 onto the second locus 41 of the first guide 39. That is, when the plain stitch is manufactured as described above, the knockover/loop sinker 25 advances radially into the triangle of only the first guide 39. Thus, the nose 31 of the knockover/loop sinker 25 cooperates with a pair of needles 3 (in a manner known per se and not further described here) to form a loop of loops. This mode of operation can be achieved when the sinker seat 4 is rotated in a clockwise direction (as shown in fig. 16) or in a counter-clockwise direction.

The present invention has important advantages from a structural and functional point of view.

In fact, by programming the control unit of the command selector, it is possible to easily work the first selector and/or the second selector as required, thus producing complex fabrics with the most different characteristics, such as mesh fabrics and/or terry needle fabrics.

The simultaneous looper/terry sinker, for the production of plain knitted fabric or terry loop, and the transfer sinker for the production of mesh fabric, have the possibility of alternate movement for the production of plain, terry and mesh knitted fabric with high flexibility and high flexibility on the same knitting machine.

The knitting machine of the invention also allows for the high speed production of mesh fabrics and/or terry loops and other types of patterns and loops, thereby significantly reducing the production time of more complex and cumbersome tubular needle fabrics.

The control elements of the knockover/terry sinkers 25 and 7 placed beside the transfer sinkers 8, 9 make the sinkers very close to each other, thus making the knitting machine compact. In fact, since the selector 11, 11', 27 does not act directly on the transfer sinkers 8, 9 and the knockover/terry sinkers 7, 25, but by deviating the trajectory of the first and second pushers 10, 10', 26, which in turn push the transfer sinkers 8, 9 and the knockover/terry sinkers 7, 25, the first and second selector 11, 11', 27 and the selector 24 can be kept at a radial distance from the needle 3 and the area where the coil is formed, and the transfer sinkers 8, 9 and the knockover/terry sinkers 7, 25 can be moved close to each other in the circumferential direction.

From a constructional point of view, such a knitting machine is relatively simple and therefore easy to maintain.

In addition, since many elements are similar or identical (e.g., first and second pushers, first and second selector jacks, knockover/terry sinkers, left and right side loop sinkers), their manufacturing costs can be kept low, thereby positively affecting the overall manufacturing costs of the knitting machine.

Claims

1. A circular knitting machine, comprising:

-a needle-holding cylinder (2) having a plurality of longitudinal grooves arranged around a central axis (X-X) of the needle-holding cylinder (2);

-a plurality of needles (3), each needle (3) being housed in a respective longitudinal slot;

-at least one yarn feeding system operatively associated with the needle (3);

-a sinker seat (4) arranged around the needle-holding cylinder (2) and having a plurality of radial grooves (5, 6);

-at least one guide ring (38) operatively associated with the sinker seat (4), wherein the sinker seat (4) is rotatable with respect to the guide ring (38) about a central axis (X-X);

-a plurality of sinkers (7, 25) of a first type, housed in radial grooves (5, 6) and able to move radially in said radial grooves (5, 6); each sinker of the first type (7, 25) is configured to cooperate with a needle (3) to produce a coil of the first type; each sinker of the first type (7, 25) comprises a butt (14, 30), said butt (14, 30) being fitted with a first guide (39) in a guide ring (38) and surrounding a central axis (X)

-X) formation; wherein the first guide (39) is configured for radially displacing only the sinkers (7, 25) of the first type when the sinker seat (4) is rotated relative to the guide ring (38) and about the central axis (X-X);

-a plurality of sinkers (8, 9) of a second type, housed in radial grooves (5, 6) and able to move radially in said radial grooves (5, 6); each sinker of the second type (8, 9) is configured to cooperate with a needle (3) to produce a coil of the second type; each sinker (8, 9) of the second type comprises a butt (17), said butt (17) being engaged with a second guide (42) of the guide ring (38) and being formed around a central axis (X-X); wherein the second guide (42) is configured to move radially only the second type of sinkers (8, 9) when the sinker mount (4) is rotated relative to the guide ring (38) and rotates about the central axis (X-X);

-a plurality of first selector jacks (11 ', 27) operatively associated with the sinkers (7, 25) of the first type, wherein each first selector jack (11', 27) is movable between a rest position and a working position in a radial plane with respect to the sinker seat (4); wherein in the operating position the first selector jack (11', 27) acts directly or indirectly on the respective sinker (7, 25) of the first type, so that the butt (14, 30) of the sinker (7, 25) of the first type is deflected from the trajectory of the first guide (39);

-a plurality of second selector jacks (11) operatively associated with the sinkers (8, 9) of the second type, wherein each second selector jack (11) is movable between a rest position and a working position in a radial plane with respect to the sinker seat (4); wherein, in the operating position, the second selector jack (11) acts directly or indirectly on the respective sinker (8, 9) of the second type to deviate the butt (17) of the sinker (8, 9) of the second type from the trajectory of the second guide (42);

-at least one selector (24) facing laterally to the sinker seat (4), said selector (24) being fixed with respect to the guide ring (38), which selector (24) can be brought into control with the first and/or second selector jack (11 ', 27, 11) to switch the first and/or second selector jack (11', 27, 11) from the rest position to the working position.

2. Circular knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first selector jack (11', 27) is identical or substantially identical to the second selector jack (11).

3. Circular knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first selector jack (11', 27) and the second selector jack (11) are slidingly engaged in a circular track (49) formed around the central axis (X-X) in the guide ring (38) so as to rotate with the sinkers (7, 25) of the first type and the sinkers (8, 9) of the second type, respectively.

4. A circular knitting machine according to claim 3, characterized in that each of the first selector jack (11 ', 27) and each of the second selector jacks (11) has a seat (21 ', 35, 21) with a circular profile, said seat being configured for swinging in a circular track (49) and about an axis tangential to a horizontal circumference centered on a central axis (X-X), and each of the first selector jacks (11 ', 27) and each of the second selector jacks (11) has a support (22 ', 36, 22) at a distance from the seat (21 ', 35, 21).

5. The circular knitting machine of any of claims 1 to 4, comprising a plurality of first pushers (10 ', 26), each first pusher (10 ', 26) being associated with a respective first selector jack (11 ', 27) and with at least one respective sinker (7, 25) of the first type; wherein in the working position the first selector jack (11 ', 27) rests on a first pusher (10 ', 26) and the first pusher (10 ', 26) is configured to push at least one sinker (7, 25) of the first type.

6. The circular knitting machine according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the first pushers (10 ', 26) has a butt (19 ', 33), which butt (19 ', 33) is or can be engaged with a third guide (46) in the guide ring (38), which extends around the central axis (X-X) and sets a plurality of trajectories.

7. Circular knitting machine according to claim 5, characterized in that each first pusher (10 ', 26) is housed in one of the radial grooves (5, 6) together with a respective sinker (7, 25) of the first type, the support (22', 36) of each first selector jack (11 ', 27) facing the radially outer end of the first pusher (10', 26).

8. The circular knitting machine of claim 5, comprising a plurality of second pushers (10), each second pusher (10) being associated with a respective second selector jack (11) and with at least one respective sinker of the second type (8, 9); wherein in the working position the second selector jack (11) rests against the second pusher (10) and the second pusher (10) is configured to push at least one sinker (8, 9) of said second type.

9. Circular knitting machine according to claim 8, characterized in that each second pusher (10) has a butt (19), which butt (19) is fitted or can be fitted with a third guide (46) in the guide ring (38), which third guide rotates around the central axis (X-X) and defines a plurality of trajectories.

10. Circular knitting machine according to claim 8, characterized in that each second pusher (10) is housed in one of the radial grooves (6) together with a respective sinker (8, 9) of the second type, and that the support (22) of the respective second selector jack (11) faces the radially outer end of the second pusher (10).

11. The circular knitting machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the first pushers (10', 26) are identical or substantially identical to the second pushers (10).

12. Circular knitting machine according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sinkers (7, 25) of the first type alternate with the sinkers (8, 9) of the second type around the central axis (X-X).

13. The circular knitting machine according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sinkers (25) of the first type are housed in respective first grooves (5) of the plurality of radial grooves and the sinkers (8, 9) of the second type are housed in respective second grooves (6) of the plurality of radial grooves.

14. The circular knitting machine according to any of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one needle selector (24) comprises at least one needle selection blade (50), the needle selection blade (50) being movable between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the selector blade (50) is kept at a distance from the first selector blade (11', 27) and the second selector blade (11); in the second position, the selector blade (50) triggers the first selector blade (11 ', 27) and/or the second selector blade (11) to move said first selector blade (11', 27) and/or the second selector blade (11) from the rest position to the working position when the sinker seat (4) rotates with respect to the guide ring (38) and rotates about said central axis (X-X).

15. Circular knitting machine according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sinkers (7, 25) of the first type and the sinkers (8, 9) of the second type are selected from the group comprising: knockover sinkers, each having a jaw (13) configured to cooperate with a needle (3) to produce plain fabric; loop sinkers, each having a loop nose (31) configured for cooperation with a needle (3) to produce a loop of hair; transfer sinkers (8, 9), each having a laterally offset tab (16) configured to cooperate with a needle (3) to produce a mesh fabric; the knockover/terry sinker (7, 25) each has a jaw (13, 29) and a terry loop (31) disposed above the jaw (13, 29), the jaw (13, 29) being configured to cooperate with the needle (3) to produce plain knitted fabric, the terry loop (31) being configured to cooperate with the needle (3) to produce terry loops.

16. A method of manufacturing a needle fabric using the circular knitting machine according to any of claims 1 to 15,

Wherein the first type of sinker (7, 25) is a knockover/terry sinker, each knockover/terry sinker having a jaw (13, 29) and a terry loop (31) disposed above the jaw (13, 29), the jaw (13, 29) being configured to cooperate with a needle (3) to produce plain fabric, the terry loop (31) being configured to cooperate with the needle (3) to produce a terry loop;

wherein the second type of sinkers (8, 9) are transfer sinkers, each having a laterally offset protrusion (16) configured to cooperate with the needle (3) to make a mesh;

wherein the method comprises the following steps: -holding the first selector jack (11', 27) and the second selector jack (11) in a rest position while the sinker seat (4) rotates with respect to the guide ring (38) and rotates about the central axis (X-X) to move the knockover/terry sinkers (7, 25) along the second trajectory (41) and the first trajectory (40) of the first guide (39) to make plain fabric by the jaw (13, 29) in cooperation with the needle (3) and to hold the transfer sinkers (8, 9) in a rest position along the radially outer trajectory (43) of the second guide (42);

Wherein the first pushers (10 ', 26) and the second pushers (10) move along a radially outer trajectory (47) of the third guide (46) when said first selector jack (11', 27) and said second selector jack (11) are in a rest position; wherein the first pushers (10', 26) are radially distanced from the respective knockover/terry sinker (7, 25); wherein the second pushers (10) are radially at a distance from the respective transfer sinkers (8, 9).

17. A method of manufacturing a knitted fabric using the circular knitting machine according to any of claims 1 to 15,

Wherein the first type of sinker (7, 25) is a knockover/terry sinker, each knockover/terry sinker having a jaw (13, 29) and a terry loop (31) disposed above the jaw (13, 29), the jaw (13, 29) being configured to cooperate with a needle (3) to produce a plain fabric, the terry loop (31) being configured to cooperate with the needle (3) to produce a terry loop;

wherein the second type of sinkers (8, 9) are transfer sinkers, each having a protrusion (16) laterally shifted to one side, configured to cooperate with the needles (3) to manufacture mesh fabric;

Wherein the method comprises the following steps:

-causing said at least one selector (24) to act on at least one of said second selector jack (11) so as to cause at least one second selector jack (11) in the working position to move in at least one rotating portion of the sinker seat (4) about the central axis (X-X), while the first selector jack (11', 27) remains in the rest position so as to cause at least one of said transfer sinkers (8, 9) in linkage with said at least one second selector jack (11) to move on an inner trajectory (44) of the second guide (42) and to cause a laterally-biased projection (16) to move in at least one rotating portion of the sinker seat (4) about the central axis (X-X), wherein meshes are made in the fabric by cooperation with at least one needle (3);

wherein a second pusher (10) associated with said second selector jack (11) is radially pushed by the respective second selector jack (11) towards the central axis (X-X), reaches the respective radially inner trajectory (48) of the third guide (46), and pushes said at least one transfer sinker (8, 9) into the respective radially inner trajectory (48) of the third guide (46).

18. A method of manufacturing a needle fabric using the circular knitting machine according to any of claims 1 to 15,

wherein the second type of sinkers (8, 9) are transfer sinkers, each having a laterally offset tab (16) configured to cooperate with the needle (3) to make a mesh fabric;

Wherein the method comprises the following steps: -causing said at least one selector (24) to act on at least one of said first selector blades (11 ', 27) so as to move the at least one first selector blade (11 ', 27) to an operating position for at least one rotating portion of the sinker seat (4) about the central axis (X-X), wherein the second selector blade (11) is held in a rest position so as to move said at least one knockover/loop sinker (7, 25) in linkage with said at least one first selector blade (11 ', 27) on the second trajectory (41) of the first guide (39) so that the loop nose (31) of the knockover/loop sinker (7, 25) produces a loop coil by cooperation with the at least one needle (3).