EP1367164A2 - Knitting machine, paricularly warp knitting machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A warp knitting loom has numerous bars with power-driven (50) knitting needles. The drive system (50) has a number of individual drives (51M, 51S), with two or more groups (I, II, III) of associated control units (61M, 51S, 51). The first group (I) is the leading group and the following groups (II, III) are subordinate. Within each group one control unit (51M) is the lead unit, and the subsequent control units (51S) are subordinate. The drive system (50) has a main shaft (20) with a position-sender (30) linked to the lead control unit (51M) in the first lead control (I). The groups (I, II, III) are arranged in a ring circuit with a group signal circuit (55). The first group (I) is linked to the others (II, III) by the group circuit (55), which is linked by the next (II) and subsequent (III) group. The last group (III) is linked to the first (I) by a return cable (56). The shaft position sender signals sent via the group cable (55) have priority.

Description

The invention relates to a knitting machine, in particular Warp knitting machine, with a variety of bars that Wear knitting tools, and a drive assembly for Drive the parallel bars, which have several individual drives Controls.

In knitting machines, especially warp knitting machines, a large number of threads are processed at the same time. For this purpose, the knitting tools must be in a predetermined Sequence of movements are moved relative to each other. The knitting tools are, for example around knitting needles, slide boards, tee-off boards and laying needles. The individual knitting tools are each arranged in groups on bars so that all Knitting tools of a group in one cycle of the machine perform a similar movement. this is also valid in so-called jacquard controls, in which case a counter movement for individual needles or groups of needles is superimposed.

The movements of the bars can vary widely his. There are bars that go up and down or from the front to be moved backwards while other ingots, in particular the laying bars with the laying needles, also from right to left, i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the machine be moved. During the first type of movement can be realized via a main shaft that with Tappets or eccentrics interact, you have in the Past for the reciprocating movement of the Laying bars predominantly pattern discs or pattern chains used which is in sync with the Movement of the main shaft have been driven. This Sample discs or sample chains press the laying bars against the force of a return spring in a predetermined Direction so that, synchronized with the movements of the other bars, the laying needles perform a transverse movement can. However, this drive solution has the Disadvantage that you only have a limited number of bars can drive. The sample discs or sample chains need a certain width to drive power to be able to transmit at all. Accordingly you can only have a certain number of sample discs or place sample chains side by side. This limits the number of thread guides that are independent can be controlled from each other. Furthermore the variety of patterns is limited. With reasonable effort only patterns with a maximum length are possible. Changing a pattern is relatively complex.

In recent years, therefore, there have been individual bars provided with individual drives. These single drives can be controlled by controls. The drives could, for example, as linear drives, however also be designed as rotary drives. With such Drives it is at least partially possible to enlarge the variety of patterns and to switch from Simplify patterns.

One problem, however, is that you have the movements of the individual bars match each other very precisely must to avoid a collision between knitting tools to avoid. As a result, the individual Drives, more precisely their controls, with each other must synchronize. The synchronization works relatively few drives usually without problems. at a larger number of drives, for example however, synchronization is more than ten drives difficult, which may include, among other things Runtime effects in the machine from drive to drive or from control to control.

The invention is based, the performance to be able to increase the machine.

This task is the beginning of a knitting machine mentioned type solved in that the controls in at least two groups are divided, each Have at least two controls, one of which Group as lead group and the remaining at least a group is formed as a follow-up group, with within each group has a controller as a master controller and the remaining at least one control as a sequential control is trained.

With this configuration, it is possible to have a large one Operate a large number of controls synchronously with one another. At least two hierarchy levels are used on the one hand, the level of the controls as such, which are grouped together. In such a group there is a controller that has a control function and therefore as a control system or master control, and the rest Controls that follow this master control and therefore referred to as sequence control or slave control becomes. The sequence controls are relative in this way easy to synchronize with the master control. you can on the other hand a certain number of controls put in a group so that runtime effects or other time delays in passing of a synchronous signal could occur, not a relevant one Play more role. The second hierarchy level forms the division into groups. Even with the groups there is a master, the lead group, and an or several slaves, namely the following groups. You can now synchronize the follow-up groups to the lead group. The transmission of the corresponding synchronization signals from the lead group to the follow-up group because it is a limited number of groups act, too relatively easily possible. So you create one tree-like structure in which the individual branches, i.e. the groups, with correspondingly synchronized signals can be supplied. Can in the individual branches then corresponding synchronization processes between the groups take place so the controls don't only in a group, but also the group to each other are synchronized. In other words, the controls are arranged in the form of a matrix, the matrix in the simplest case 2-dimensional, i.e. with lines (Controls in a group) and columns (groups one below the other), but also built up in 3 or more dimensions can be. For example also star-shaped arrangements conceivable that the described advantages with it bring.

The drive arrangement preferably has one with a Main shaft encoder provided main shaft that over a Gearbox drives at least one bar directly. This Barre then usually only performs one movement in one Plane perpendicular to the direction of offset of the thread guides out. In the simplest case, the transmission can be used as a crank transmission be trained. The main shaft encoder determined the rotational position of the main shaft. This is at the same time information about the position or position of the bars that have the gear with the Main shaft are connected. From this information can one can then directly or indirectly derive a signal that serves to synchronize all controls.

It is preferred that the main shaft encoder with the The control group of the control group is connected. So it is only a single line between the main shaft encoder and the receiver of the signal the main shaft encoder receives. This is the master control the lead group. This control of the control group The signal is then "distributed" to all others Follow-up groups, in whose control systems it depends and can be processed further. The master controls everyone individual group then guide the synchronizing signal the sequencing continues. For example, if you five groups with eight drives each and you do that Passes synchronous signal in cycles, then you need until the last sequential control is reached, eleven bars, namely four bars to reach the fifth group and there seven bars to achieve the eighth sequential control, as opposed to 39 bars that you would need if all controls are connected in series, so to speak would. A similar consideration arises if all sequencing controls the information at the same time or received almost all of the information but have to evaluate for the section, that affects them themselves. So you come according to the invention with shorter "telegrams". This allows the Increase the amount of information that can be transferred or you can extend the cycle times so that others Movements of the bars are possible.

The groups are preferably interconnected in a ring. This is a safeguard that is reliable Allows transfer of information.

It is particularly preferred that the lead group with connected to the following groups via a group reporting line is forwarded from follow-up group to follow-up group is, the last following group over a Group feedback line connected to the lead group is. This is a simple way of checking whether everyone Follow-up groups the necessary synchronous information have received. If this is in a predetermined Time is not the case, the machine can be stopped at a time when there are no collisions appeared. Of course, from the second Follow-up group via the group reporting line too Feedback information flows. The ring-shaped connection the lead group and the follow-up groups leave this without further ado.

It is particularly preferred here that the group reporting line Signals from the main shaft encoder with the highest occurring Priority forwards. The signals from Main shaft encoders are the only signals for the Synchronization of the individual groups with each other are necessary. It is therefore sufficient to only use these signals or these signals with the highest occurring priority pass. This keeps the cycle times in communication between the individual groups briefly and enables a high level of security in signal transmission. You can also use the group reporting lines for use other signals, such as auxiliary or interference signals, as long as this line is free.

It is also preferred that the controls of a group are interconnected in a ring. Basically applies here the same as for the interconnection of the individual Groups. Due to the ring-shaped connection a high level of security when transmitting signals from the master control to the sequential controls to reach.

The master control with the sequence controls is preferably connected via a signaling line, that of sequence control is forwarded to sequence control, whereby the last sequence control via a feedback line is connected to the master control. Here too then the master control will recognize whether the appropriate Control signals until the last sequential control are or not. If it doesn't, then the machine can be stopped.

A pattern control is preferably provided associated with each group. In the pattern control, which, for example, as a pattern control device can be formed, the data are stored as the individual knitting tools when forming a Pattern should behave. For example, the pattern control contain the sequence of steps that the lay needles towards the knitting needles (e.g. two needle divisions to the left, one needle division to the left right, two needle divisions to the left, three needle divisions to the right, etc.). This pattern control can can be specified individually for each individual bar. The pattern control usually contains a memory, which can be reloaded if a different pattern to be worked. This is the change of Patterns possible relatively easily.

Each controller preferably has a curve generator on. The curve generator uses the data to determine the come from the sample control, the concrete drive course, accelerations in acceleration phases, Delays in braking phases and stoppages in between or movement sections. The curve generator is then the element that ultimately drives the individual controls.

Each drive is preferably based on its control coupled. The control system monitors whether the Drive has fulfilled the task assigned to it. The Control therefore forms a control loop with the drive.

A group preferably has max. 16 controls on. This number is still manageable. If much more Controls to be supplied will simply be one accordingly larger number of groups used. A optimal configuration, however, will ensure that the number of controls per group essentially is equal to.

Preferably there are more than 20 bars with a corresponding one Number of drives provided. With more than 20 bars can be relatively complicated patterns generate, the control of 20 individual drives however relatively complicated. With the double master-slave control through master control and sequential controls as well as a lead group and follow-up groups however, safely control the many drives.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht eines Arbeitsbereichs einer Kettenwirkmaschine,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Ansicht einer Musterlegebarre und

Fig. 3

eine schematische Ansicht einer Verschaltung von Antriebssteuerungen.

The invention is described below with reference to a preferred embodiment in connection with the drawing. Show here:

Fig. 1

1 shows a schematic view of a working area of a warp knitting machine,

Fig. 2

a schematic view of a sample bar and

Fig. 3

a schematic view of an interconnection of drive controls.

A warp knitting machine 1 has a work area 2 on, to the knitting needles 3 with sliders 4, a piercing comb 5 and a tee comb 6 belong. The knitted fabric 7 will removed via a take-off roller 8.

A laying bar 9 feeds basic threads, a laying bar 10 supplies picot threads. There are six bars after 10 Bar supports 11-16, each with four to twelve sample bars included in the form of laying tapes. On the parallel bars 11-16 are followed by two jacquard laying bars 17, 18 and another laying bar 19 for basic threads.

The bar supports 11-16 are arranged in pairs and lie against each other with their back walls.

A main shaft 20 is shown schematically the cam bearing the cutting comb 6 via cams 21, 22 23 or the slider bar carrying the knitting needles 3 24 control. Between the bar 23 or the slide bar 24 and the cam 21, 22 can also tappet 25, 26 may be provided.

The main shaft 20 is connected via a crank mechanism 27 the comb bar 28 connected to the comb 5 wearing. The latter three bars 23, 24, 28 lead Movements parallel to the drawing plane, i.e. based 1 from bottom to top or from right to left or vice versa. The parallel bars 11-16, the jacquard bars 17, 18 and the basic thread bars 9, 10, 19 move the needles attached to them 31 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, based on the representation 1.

A main shaft encoder 30 interacts with the main shaft 20, which is only shown schematically. The Main shaft encoder 30 continuously provides information about the Rotational position of the main shaft 20 and thus over the current Position of the comb 6, the knitting needles 3 and the comb 5. The main shaft 20 thus forms the leading axis of the machine, so to speak, as below is explained, i.e. it specifies synchronous signals. you can also be another instead of the main shaft 20 Use the leading axis, for example if the Main shaft for the mechanical drive of the bars is not more is needed. In this case, a clock can be used as a leading axis.

A bar 32, which carries the slider 4, can also in a manner not shown with the main shaft 20 be coupled. But it is also possible to use this barre 32 to be equipped with its own drive.

The basic thread bars 9, 10, 19 and the jacquard bars 17, 18 have drives with which these bars 9, 10, 17-19 are movable perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. each this ingot has a single drive, so that there are already five individual drives that are controlled Need to become.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the bar carrier 11, with several groups 33, 34 of needles 35, the can also be called thread guides. each other corresponding thread guides 35 of each group 33, 34 are driven together, i.e. they can be relative to a bar carrier 36 in an offset direction 37, which is indicated by a double arrow and in Fig. 1 is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing to be moved. Means not shown may exist be with which the bar carrier 36 also in the offset direction 37 is movable.

The thread guides 35 are driven via tension elements 38, which are designed as wire or wire rope. each Traction element is by means of a drive motor 39 driven, with both ends of the tension element 38 with With the help of tensioning devices 40, 41 are tensioned. On the end at which the drive 39 is not arranged, the tensioning element is guided over a deflection roller 42.

The clamping elements 40, 41 can be used as compressed air cylinders be formed with the same cross-sectional area which acts a pressure P. The tension elements 38 are therefore in both directions loaded with the same force, so that the drive 39 only for the movement of the thread guide 35 necessary force. Alternatively you can omit the tensioning elements on one side.

The bar carrier 11 has eight tension elements 38, of each of which must be controlled individually. At six Bar carriers must therefore control 48 tension elements 38 be, so that a corresponding number of drives 39 must be controlled. Together with the drives of the Bars 9, 10 and 17-19 must therefore in the present embodiment 53 drives are controlled so that the individual laying needles 31, the thread guide 35, the Knitting needles 3, the slider 4, the comb 5 and the Tee comb 6 are controlled so that they are collision-free interact with each other.

A drive control 50 is provided for this task, which is shown schematically in Fig. 3.

It can be seen that the individual drives 39 each cooperate with a controller 51. in this connection the controller 51 has a sensor 52 which detects the Position of the drive 39 is monitored and sent to the control 51 reports back. The controller 51 thus forms with the Drive 39 together a control loop.

For the following explanation, all drives marked with an M. This does not necessarily mean that the drives must all be identical. The drives for the thread guides in the bar carriers 11-16 are arranged, are the same be trained. The drives of the basic thread bars 9, 10, 19 and the jacquard bar 17, 18 will be different must be dimensioned.

It can be seen that the controls 51 of the drives M are initially grouped together, what by dashed lines are identified. The dashed Lines delimit groups I-III. In every group I-III there is a 51M controller that is thick by one is marked in black frame and as master control or "Master" is trained.

Each master control 51M supplies via an alarm line 53 the subsequent controls 51S, which act as sequential controls or "slave". A feedback line 54 is provided with which the last Control 51 of each group with the master control 51M is connected. So everyone is in a group Controls 51M, 51S, 51 connected in a ring, whereby the master controller can control 51M whether their signals arrived at all sequencers 51S, 51 are.

The individual groups are in turn connected in parallel, i.e. their master controls 51M are over one Group message line 55 connected to each other, wherein a group feedback line 56 is provided which the control system 51M of the last group III with the Master controller 51M of the first group I connects. The The first group I is accordingly designed as a lead group. Groups II and III form follow-up groups.

The individual controls are in the form of a matrix arranged, other arrangements also possible are.

The main shaft encoder 30 is only with the master control 51M of lead group I. The information of the Main shaft encoder 30, i.e. the leading axis information, are sent to the control systems via the group signaling line 55 51M of the follow-up groups II, III passed on with the highest occurring priority. It is not necessary that over the group reporting line 55 further information is transmitted. As long as the group reporting line 55 is free, however, not through the leading axis information in all cases it can also be used for forwarding of help information.

The control controller 51M of control group I can, however be provided with a further input 58 through which Control data of a general machine control can be transmitted, for example PLC data.

A pattern controller 60 is with all master controls 51M connected. The pattern controller 60 contains data about the pattern to be worked, i.e. the positions of the individual knitting tools after each cycle of the knitting machine. In other words, the pattern controller 60 includes the information on how far the individual bars 9, 10, or 17-19 or the bars 11-16 and those in it included thread guide 35 at a clock to the left or have to be moved to the right. Here, the Pattern control already contain the information about in which of groups I, II, III the corresponding one Control 51M, 51S, 51 or the corresponding Drive 39 can be found, so that the pattern control 60th only the data belonging to a group I, II, III the corresponding master control 51M outputs. The control system 51M gives this corresponding data about the Message line 53 to the corresponding sequential controls 51S further.

Each controller contains a curve generator 61 which from the data originating from the pattern controller 60 Movement calculated by the individual bar or the thread guide must do that in the pattern control 60 realized patterns. in this connection plays the acceleration and deceleration behavior the individual bar or the thread guide with its tension elements a certain role, i.e. the curve generator 61 calculates acceleration and deceleration sections, Standstill sections and sections with constant Speed and controls the individual drives 39 corresponding.

It can now be provided that the entire drive control 50 exchanges their data in cycles. In a first Clock can, for example, the information from Main shaft encoder 30 to the master controller 51M Lead group I arrive. This information is in the next bar to the control system 51M of the next following group II passed on and in the third bar the Information about the main shaft information to the Master control 51M passed on to the next follow-up group III.

Alternatively, you can have the information for everyone Set up controls or groups like telegrams, whereby each group or control only the one assigned to it Identify and evaluate part of the telegram.

As soon as all groups I-III are supplied with this information are this information in the group be distributed, i.e. they are controlled by the control system 51M passed to the sequencers 51S, where the information about a sequential control at every cycle is passed on.

In parallel or subsequently, the pattern information get to the individual master controls 51M, which this then cyclically to the individual sequential controls 51S passes on.

In this way you need for the control of the individual drives 39 a certain time. This time but is shorter than having all the controls 51M, 51S would just switch in series.

Claims (13)

Knitting machine, in particular warp knitting machine, with a plurality of bars which carry knitting tools and a drive arrangement for driving the bars, which has a plurality of individual drives with controls, characterized in that the controls (51M, 51S, 51) are divided into at least two groups (I, II, III) are divided, each having at least two controls (51M, 51S), of which one group (I) is designed as a lead group and the remaining at least one group (II, III) is formed as a follow-up group, with each group (I -III) one controller is designed as a master controller (51M) and the remaining at least one controller is configured as a sequential controller (51S). Knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive arrangement (50) has a main shaft (20) provided with a main shaft transmitter (30), which directly drives at least one bar (23, 24, 28) via a gear (25-27). Knitting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the main shaft encoder (30) is connected to the master control (51M) of the master group (I). Knitting machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the groups (I-III) are interconnected in a ring. Knitting machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the leading group (I) is connected to the following groups (II, III) via a group reporting line (55) which is forwarded from following group (II) to following group (III), the last one Follower group (III) is connected to the lead group (I) via a group feedback line (56). Knitting machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the group signaling line (55) forwards signals from the main shaft transmitter (30) with the highest occurring priority. Knitting machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the controls (51M, 51S) of a group (I-III) are interconnected in a ring. Knitting machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the master control (51M) is connected to the sequence controls (51S) via a signaling line (53) which is forwarded from sequence control (51S) to sequence control (51S), the last sequence control (51) is connected to the master control (51M) via a feedback line (54). Knitting machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a pattern control (60) is provided which is connected to each group (I-III). Knitting machine according to claim 9, characterized in that each control (51M, 51S) has a curve generator (61). Knitting machine according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that each drive (39, M) is coupled back to its controller (51M, 51S). Knitting machine according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a group (I-III) max. 16 controls. Knitting machine according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that more than 20 bars (9-19) are provided with a corresponding number of drives.

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