EP1612311B1 - Knitting machine with at least one striping device - Google Patents

Abstract

The circular knitter has at least one carrier with the knitting needles (2,3) and a lock with at least one knitting point (71) to move selected needles into a yarn catch position. A yarn change assembly feeds selected yarns to the activated needles with at least two yarn change units (73,74) to lay selected yarns (78,79) at the needles in the knitting position.

Description

The invention relates to a knitting machine of the type specified in the preamble of claim 1 and a suitable driver.

In most known knitting machines of this type, the thread changing devices with a certain number of z. B. four thread fingers provided, so that at each of a knitting point and a yarn changing device knitting system optionally one of four threads can be inserted into the knitting tools (eg. DE 27 10 045 A1 . DE 28 05 779 A1 . DE 31 29 724 C2 . DE 195 11 949 A1 ). Sometimes, however, there is a trend towards fabrics with striped patterns that can be made from more than the predetermined number, ie, for example, five or more threads per system. It has therefore already been proposed to provide thread changing devices with five or more selectable thread fingers. A resulting problem, however, is that the thread fingers and the associated parts must be made much thinner than before, if the Fadenwechselvortichtungen should have the same overall width as the Vorbandensein of only four thread fingers. As a result, there is increased wear and lower reliability. On the other hand, if the yarn fingers and the associated parts are manufactured with the usual width, then this results in a correspondingly increased width of the knitting systems. This is undesirable because this z. B. the number of accommodated on the circumference of a circular knitting machine knitting systems is reduced. This in turn requires not only a redesign of the knitting machine over a knitting machine whose thread changing devices are equipped for only four threads, but also leads to a knitting machine with reduced performance. The latter is particularly undesirable if the ring function is temporarily not or not fully required, which could be quite necessary because of the constantly changing requirements of fashion.

Thread changing devices with more than four thread fingers are therefore previously used only in Knitting Knitting machines, in which the number of arranged at the beginning of the needle cylinder knitting systems is relatively small (eg
EP 1 136 608 A2 ). Moreover, the thread fingers present here do not all serve for the production of striped patterns but for the purpose of being able to produce the different areas of a stocking (eg heel, toe, calf etc.) with different colors, fader materials and / or weave patterns.

Therefore, the technical problem underlying the present invention, the circular knitting machine of the type described and their thread exchange devices form so that at substantially the same design as before, optionally materials can be made with Ringelmustern of more threads than possible with the existing thread changing devices is without a redesign of the knitting machine is required. The arrangement should preferably also be made so that the knitting machine can be operated when not using some or all of the yarn changing devices with comparatively high performance.

To solve this problem serve the characterizing features of claims 1 and 13th

The invention is based essentially on the idea in a knitting machine a plurality of yarn changing devices in each case two or more yarn changing devices to a common striping apparatus and this combined with an associated knitting point to a common knitting system. With particular advantage, the arrangement is z. B. made so that, as previously provided at a plurality of knitting a per thread changing device and if necessary, at least one knitting is made ineffective to assign to her adjacent knitting two or more thread changing devices. This makes it possible, on the one hand, as required Ringelmuster with z. B. produce four or more threads. On the other hand, an already existing, provided with thread changing devices knitting machine can be converted as needed to stripers with more threads than the number of per thread changing device can be fed threads.

Further advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

• Fig. 1 einen Vertikalschnitt durch eine bekannte, mit einer Fadenwechselvorrichtung versehene Rundstrickmaschine;
• Fig. 2 eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Rundstrickmaschine nach Fig. 1;
• Fig. 3 die Vorderansicht einer Fadenwechselvorrichtung der Rundstrickmaschine nach Fig. 1 und 2;
• Fig. 4 eine Seitenansicht der Fadenwechselvorrichtung nach Fig. 3;
• Fig. 5 bis 9 einen Fadenfinger der Fadenwechselvorrichtung nach Fig. 3 und 4 bei geöffneter bzw. geschlossener Fadenklemme in je einer vergrößerten Vorderansicht, Seitenansicht und Hinteransicht sowie in einem Querschnitt;
• Fig. 10 und 11 je eine Seitenansicht der Fadenwechselvorrichtung entsprechend Fig. 4, jedoch in anderen Betriebsstellungen;
• Fig. 12 eine Vorderansicht von radial außen her auf Teile der Rundstrickmaschine nach Fig. 1, jedoch mit einem erfindungsgemäßen, aus zwei Fadenwechselvorrichtungen nach Fig. 3 bis 11 zusammengesetzten Ringelapparat zu Beginn eines Fadenwechsels;
• Fig. 13 bis 15 einen Mitnehmer des Ringelapparats nach Fig. 12 in je einer perspektivischen Ansicht von vorn bzw. hinten sowie in einer Draufsicht;
• Fig. 16 den erfindungsgemäßen Ringelapparat in einer der Fig. 12 entsprechenden Ansicht, jedoch in einer anderen Betriebsstellung;
• Fig. 17 eine Ansicht von links auf den Ringelapparat nach Fig. 16;
• Fig. 18 den erfindungsgemäßen Ringelapparat in einer der Fig. 12 entsprechenden Ansicht, jedoch in einer weiteren Betriebsstellung;
• Fig. 19 einen Schnitt längs der Linie XIX - XIX der Fig. 18;
• Fig. 20 die in Fig. 18 gezeigte Betriebsstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Ringelapparats, jedoch radial von der Maschinenmitte her betrachtet;
• Fig. 21 und 22 den Fig. 18 und 19 entsprechende Ansichten des erfindungsgemäßen Ringelapparats kurz vor dem Einlegen eines Fadens in einen Fadenführer;
• Fig. 23 eine vergrößerte Draufsicht auf die in Fig. 21 dargestellten Teile des erfmdungsgemäßen Ringelapparats;
• Fig. 24 den erfindungsgemäßen Ringelapparat in einer der Fig. 12 entsprechenden Ansicht, jedoch in einer weiteren Betriebsstellung;
• Fig. 25 einen vergrößerten Teilschnitt längs der Linie XXV - XXV der Fig. 24;
• Fig. 26 eine der Fig. 15 entsprechende Draufsicht auf den Mitnehmer beim Auflaufen auf ein Öffnungsorgan; und
• Fig. 27 den erfindungsgemäßen Ringelapparat in einer der Fig. 12 entsprechenden Ansicht, jedoch nach Beendigung eines Fadenwechsels.

The invention will be explained in more detail below in connection with the accompanying drawings of an embodiment. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a vertical section through a known, provided with a yarn changing device circular knitting machine;
• Fig. 2 a schematic plan view of the circular knitting machine according to Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 3 the front view of a yarn changing device of the circular knitting machine Fig. 1 and 2 ;
• Fig. 4 a side view of the yarn changing device according to Fig. 3 ;
• Fig. 5 to 9 a thread finger of the thread changing device after Fig. 3 and 4 with open or closed thread clamp in an enlarged front view, side view and rear view and in a cross section;
• Fig. 10 and 11 depending on a side view of the yarn changing device accordingly Fig. 4 but in other operating positions;
• Fig. 12 a front view of radially outward on parts of the circular knitting machine Fig. 1 , but with an inventive, from two thread changing devices after Fig. 3 to 11 composite stripper at the beginning of a yarn change;
• Fig. 13 to 15 a driver of the Ringelapparats after Fig. 12 in a respective perspective view from the front or rear and in a plan view;
• Fig. 16 the stripper invention in one of Fig. 12 view, but in a different position;
• Fig. 17 a view from the left on the Ringelapparat after Fig. 16 ;
• Fig. 18 the stripper invention in one of Fig. 12 corresponding view, but in a further operational position;
• Fig. 19 a section along the line XIX - XIX the Fig. 18 ;
• Fig. 20 in the Fig. 18 shown operating position of the invention Ringelapparats, but viewed radially from the machine center ago;
• FIGS. 21 and 22 the Fig. 18 and 19 corresponding views of the invention Ringelapparats shortly before inserting a thread in a yarn guide;
• Fig. 23 an enlarged plan view of the in Fig. 21 parts of the inventive Ringelapparats shown;
• Fig. 24 the stripper invention in one of Fig. 12 corresponding view, but in a further operational position;
• Fig. 25 an enlarged partial section along the line XXV - XXV of Fig. 24 ;
• Fig. 26 one of the Fig. 15 corresponding plan view of the driver when running on an opening member; and
• Fig. 27 the stripper invention in one of Fig. 12 appropriate View, but after finishing a thread change.

The invention will now be described with reference to an exemplary embodiment currently considered to be the best. H. described in more detail in a circular knitting machine operating according to the so-called relative technique.

The circular knitting machine contains for this purpose, such as Fig. 1 shows a support 1 in the form of a needle cylinder which is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis of rotation and provided with knitting tools in the form of latch needles 2 and 3 sinkers, which are arranged both radially displaceable and axially movable up and down. The movements of the knitting tools 2, 3 are controlled in a known manner with locks, which are fixed to a stationary mounted in a machine frame lock shell 4. In addition, the carrier 1 is supported on a support ring 5 which is rotatably mounted on a base plate 6 and can be set in rotation by means of a gear 8 fixed to a drive shaft 7.

In an above the support 1 located part of the frame, an annular holder 9 is fixedly mounted, on which by means of bearings 1 coaxial with the carrier support ring 10 is rotatably supported by a likewise fixed to the drive shaft 7 gear 11 synchronously to the carrier 1 in Turns can be offset.

On the holder 9 at least one, but preferably a plurality of thread changing devices 12 are fixedly mounted, each having at least two, preferably four thread fingers 14, of which at least one thread 15, which is subtracted from a supply spool, not shown, and by an inlet eye 16th is fed, can insert into a yarn guide 17 so that this thread from the yarn guide 17, the hook of the knitting tools 2 is submitted.

Fig. 2 shows schematically especially the support ring 10 and the gear 11, wherein a rotation axis for the support ring 10 and the non-visible support 1 by the reference numeral 18 is indicated. In Fig. 2 Dashed lines indicated parts are accordingly Fig. 1 arranged below the support ring 10. In this case, for the sake of simplicity, only two thread changing devices 12 are shown, which are distributed around the axis of rotation 18 at a small distance around. The thread changing devices 12 form in a conventional manner, each with a knitting point at which the knitting tools 2, 3 can be moved in thread-receiving positions to accommodate the threads 15, depending on a knitting system. Of course, fewer thread changing devices 12 could be present as knitting.

To Fig. 3 and 4 Each thread changing device 12 includes an elongated, substantially parallelepipedic and formed of two parallel side plates 19 and 20 housing, wherein the side plate 19 in Fig. 4 is omitted to give the view inside the case. The side plates 19 and 20 have in a lower, front part a cutout 21 and in an upper, front part lugs 22 and 23, which serve to attach the yarn changing device 12 to the holder 9. A longitudinal axis 24 ( Fig. 3 ) of the housing is vertical, that is arranged parallel to the displacement direction of the knitting tools 2 and preferably parallel to the axis of rotation of the carrier 1.

A arranged between the side plates 19, 20 bolts 25 serves for the pivotable mounting of plate-shaped, one-armed pivoting levers 26 of the yarn fingers 14. The pivot lever 26 are by springs 27 in a Fig. 4 apparent basic position biased. Each pivot lever 26 is pivotally connected to an associated selector lever 28 which is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 24 and above the pivot lever 26 and with its upper end in a basic position, but especially in a still to be explained working position, up out of the housing the thread changing device 12 protrudes. Each selector lever 28 is under the bias of a spring 29, which transversely to the longitudinal direction and with respect to the circular knitting machine after Fig. 1 and 2 seeks to pivot radially inward.

On a further pin, a gear 30 is rotatably mounted, which is with two parallel toothed racks 31 and 32 in engagement. In this case, the rack 31 on in Fig. 4 left edge of a designed as a control slide 33 and the rack 32 mounted on the right edge of a slider 34. The upper end of the slider 33 protrudes upward in a basic position out of the housing of the yarn changing device 12. Both slides 33, 34 are guided with slots on bolts 35 movable. With the lower end of the slider 33, the one end of a shutter 36 is pivotally connected, while the slider 34 is preferably connected at its lower end fixedly connected to an opener 37. The shutter 36 is normally biased radially outwardly against a stop 47a by a spring 38, but may be pivoted radially inwardly clockwise and counter to the force of the spring 38 until it contacts a stop 47b. The spring 38 also holds in a basic position the slider 33 in his in Fig. 4 the uppermost position, the slide 34, however, in his in Fig. 4 lowest position. The parts 30 to 35 form a joint operation of the shutter 36 and opener 37 serving deflection gear.

The shutter 36 expediently consists of an over the entire width of the housing and transversely extending plate, which is provided with a projected by the pivoting levers 26 opening. Accordingly, the opener 37 suitably consists of an angle section, one leg of which is formed as a transversely and over all pivot lever 26 extended bar.

To Fig. 5 to 9 each thread finger 14 contains a rectilinear, rod-shaped finger body 39, with its in Fig. 5 to 9 upper end is attached to the associated pivot lever 26. At each finger body 39, a guide body 40 is slidably guided. At the lower end, the finger body 39 has a U-shaped recess 41, through which the thread 15 (FIG. Fig. 1 . 6 and 9 ) and whose lower boundary can be used as the cutting edge 42 (FIG. Fig. 5 ) is trained. The guide body 40 carries on one side of the finger body 39 a cooperating with the cutting edge 42 cutting element 43 and on the opposite side an elastic against In addition, the guide body 40 on the side of the cutting element 43 associated with the opener 37 (FIG. Fig. 4 ) cooperating projection 45 and on its side facing the clamping element 44 on a cooperating with the shutter 36 projection 46.

Moreover, it is understood that the thread changing device 12 after Fig. 3 to 9 in juxtaposition so many thread fingers 14 and selector 28 has how different threads 15 should be fed. In the exemplary embodiment four Fadenfmger 14 and selector lever 28 are provided.

At the upper end of the housing of the thread changing device is a guide body 48 ( Fig. 4 ), in which four control pins 49 are guided parallel to the longitudinal axis 24 with sliding fit. In addition, the guide body 48 is used for sliding bearing of the upper part of the slider 33. The control pins 49 are based on one each of four associated Vorwählhebeln 50, which are pivotally mounted on a further bolt 51 and in Fig. 4 substantially horizontally, ie extend perpendicular to the selector levers 28. By acting on their rear ends springs 52, the preselector 50 are biased in a basic position in a clockwise direction and held in abutment with the lower, protruding from the guide body 48 ends of the associated control pins 49, the upper ends protrude upwardly from the guide body 48. The Vorwählhebel 50 are in their normal position with their front faces on locking pins 53, which are attached to the associated selector levers 28 and project laterally from this.

In the lower part of the housing after Fig. 3 and 4 is between and parallel to the side plates 19 and 20, a number of guide discs 54 which cover the cutouts 21 partially. These guide discs 54 serve the lateral, largely wobble-free guidance of the thread fingers 14 in their pivoting movements and can be additionally provided with lower recesses 55, in which insert the processed straight from the circular knitting yarns 15.

In particular Fig. 1 and 2 show, on the rotatable support ring 10, a dial 56 is mounted, which has a number of Fadenfmger 14 and control pins 49 corresponding number of control magnets 57 which are arranged offset in the radial direction corresponding to the control pins 49. The control magnets 57 are z. B. designed as solenoids and each provided with a horizontally and radially back and forth push rod 58 which is pivotally connected to a lever 59 which projects through a recess in a region arranged below the support ring 10 area where a control cam 60 carries and in a middle part is pivotally mounted by means of a fastened to the support ring 10 bolt 61. The control cam 60 is characterized in the radial direction z. B. with extended plunger 58 above and in the area of action of an associated control pin 49 and retracted plunger 58 outside the range of action of the associated control pin 49 is arranged. As a result, when the support ring 10 rotates together with the carrier 1, it moves in the direction of an arrow v (FIG. Fig. 2 ) only those control cams 60 in the area of action associated control pins 49, which were selected by appropriate control of the control magnets 57.

Furthermore, it shows in particular Fig. 2 three switching curves 63, 64 and 65, which are attached to the underside of the support ring 10. Here, in the direction of rotation (arrow v ) leading, but behind the dialing device 56 running past the front end of the switching cam 63 the selector levers 28 ( Fig. 4 ), the subsequently starting switching curve 64 the slider 33 and the last switching curve 65 also associated with the selector levers 28. Finally, in Fig. 2 schematically shown on the support ring 10 fixed Einreifer 66, which serves in a conventional manner to the 15 presented by a selected Fadenfmger thread 15 above a web 17a of the yarn guide 17 (FIG. Fig. 3 ) and securely engage in a slot 17b of the thread guide 17 formed behind the web 17a. In particular Fig. 1 shows, the Einreifer 66 is attached to a connected to the support ring 10 arm 67 and held tightly above and behind the hooks of the knitting tools 2.

The mode of action of the described circular knitting machine will be described below of the Fig. 1 to 11 explained in more detail, wherein additionally provided with the letter "a" parts associated with a newly inserted thread 15a and additionally provided with the letter "b" parts a just processed, old thread 15b.

In Fig. 3 and 4 It is assumed that of the total of four threads, the thread 15b is entangled and inserted into the hooks of the knitting tools 2. Therefore, the thread 15b is according to Fig. 4 (see also Fig. 6 ) in the open recess 41 of a concealed Fadenfmgers 14 and in the recess 55 of the associated guide rail 54. All other threads take the same clamped position as the thread 15 a in Fig. 4 a (see also Fig. 9 ).

If a thread change z. B. take place on the thread 15a, the associated control magnet 57 is the first time the circulation of the support ring 57 ( Fig. 1 ) and thereby arranged with him coupled control cam 60 above the associated control pin 49. This has the further rotation of the support ring 10 with the result that the control pin 49 is gradually pressed by the control cam 60 down and the associated preselector 50 is pivoted counterclockwise and lifted with its end face from the locking pin 53 of the associated selector lever 28. As a result, the spring 29 now pivots the selector lever 28 in a counterclockwise direction into a working position, so that its upper end in the region of the switching cam 63 (FIG. Fig. 2 and 10 ) is arranged. The selection of the thread 23 is thereby prepared.

Fig. 10 also shows that upon further rotation of the support ring 10, the switching cam 63 acts with a downwardly rising portion on the in-position selector lever 28a and pushes it down. As a result, the actual thread change is initiated, on the one hand via the pivot lever 26a of the associated Fadenfmger 14a in Fig. 4 pivoted clockwise into a working position and on the other hand, the preselector lever 50a and with it the control pin 49a is returned after reaching the end of the control cam 60 by the spring 52a in the normal position. The pivoting of the thread finger 14a results in the lower end of the associated finger body 39a being related to the knitting tools 2 radially outwardly located basic position is pivoted into a radially behind the back and directly over the hook of the knitting tools 2 working position. Therefore, in Fig. 10 now also the old thread 15b leading finger body 39b visible. By the pivoting of the pivot lever 26a, the shutter 36 is simultaneously lifted from the stop 47a and applied to the stop 47b. In this position, the lower free end of the shutter 36 is directly opposite the projection 46b of the guide body 40b. In addition, the Fadenfmger 14 a is substantially vertical and arranged so that the opener 37 is disposed immediately below its projection 45 a. The Einreifer 66 is already arranged immediately in front of the thread 15a.

Upon further rotation of the support ring 10 of the Einreifer 66 detects held by the thread finger 14a and newly submitted thread 15a and pushes him with a sloping curve 66a deeper into the V-shaped slot 17b of the thread guide 17 (FIG. Fig. 3 ) so that it, like the thread 15b, is caught by the hooks of the raised knitting tools 2. As a result, both threads 15a and 15b are entangled simultaneously in the area of a so-called change point.

Upon further rotation of the support ring 10, the switching curve 64 gradually comes into the region of the upper end of the slide 33 (FIG. Fig. 11 ), so that this pressed together with the shutter 36 by a sloping portion of the switching cam 64 down and at the same time the slider 34 is pulled with the opener 37 upwards. As a result, on the one hand, the old thread 15b is cut and clamped (cf. Fig. 9 ). On the other hand, the clamped end of the new thread 15a is released by the opener 37. As a result, the thread change is completed, and it is only the new thread 15 a entangled. By appropriate dimensioning of the distances of the shutter 36 and the opener 37 of the associated projections 46b and 45a, the exact times can be set at which the respective thread is cut, clamped or released.

Upon further rotation of the support ring 10 is now after Fig. 2 first the end of Switching curve 64 reaches, whereby under the action of the spring 38, the slide 33 and 34 to their normal position Fig. 4 be moved back and at the same time the shutter 36 is pivoted back from the stop 47b to the stop 47a. Subsequently, the end of the switching curve 63 ( Fig. 2 ), so that under the action of the spring 27a of the pivot lever 26a and the selector lever 28a in the basic position to Fig. 4 be swung back.

Finally, the switching circuit 65 ( Fig. 2 ) in the region of the upper end of the selector lever 28 a and pivots this, which is not shown, in the transverse direction and against the pressure of the spring 29 a back to the normal position Fig. 4 , wherein its locking pin 53 engages behind the end face of the associated Vorwählhebels 50, so that the initial state of all parts is restored.

Circular knitting machines and thread changing devices based on the Fig. 1 to 11 described type and its mode of action are those skilled in particular from the publications DE 33 11 361 C2 . DE 33 48 030 C2 and DE 195 11 949 A1 are hereby incorporated into the subject matter of the present disclosure to avoid further description by reference.

Starting from the described circular knitting machine according to the invention, it is proposed to combine at least two thread changing devices into a striping apparatus, as described below with reference to FIG Fig. 12 to 27 is explained in more detail.

Fig. 12 shows first in a schematic development of the outer jacket of the needle cylinder of a circular knitting machine, a plurality of knitting tools 2 and 3 in the form of z. B. latch needles and arranged therebetween, z. B. according to the relative technique working boards. In addition, a knitting point 71 is indicated, at which the knitting tools 2 and 3 are first moved with lock parts, not shown, first in a certain position for receiving thread. In this case, the knitting tools 2 are raised in a known manner and the knitting tools 3 are pivoted radially inwardly, whereupon the knitting tools 2 and 3 then for mesh formation at the relative technique is given conventional, opposite movement in the axial direction.

Reference numeral 72 also denotes a so-called change point, within which at least some knitting tools 2 are omitted, and which serves to perform a yarn exchange, as will become apparent from the following description. Further shows Fig. 12 two in a knitting direction adjacent thread changing devices 73, 74 of the type described, wherein the direction indicated by an arrow v knitting direction here is understood that direction in which the carrier or needle cylinder 1 is rotated during the knitting process. The yarn changing device 73 first reached in the knitting direction by the changing point 72 will hereinafter be referred to as the first, while the other yarn changing device 74 will be referred to as the second yarn changing device. According to the invention, the arrangement as a whole is such that the knitting points 71 brought into the thread take-up position knitting tools 2, 3 optionally threads of the first and / or second thread changing device 73, 74 process, so that the two thread changing devices 73, 74 one of the Knit point 71 associated Ringelapparat and together with the knitting point 71 form a knitting system of the circular knitting machine. At the first thread changing device 73, in contrast to the usual technique no active knitting point is present.

Fig. 12 also shows you one Fig. 1 The second yarn changing device 74 is located immediately in front of the yarn guide 17, ie substantially at the knitting point 71, while the first yarn changing device 73 in the knitting direction in front of the Knitting point 71 and expediently also completely in front of the second thread changing device 14 is arranged.

The thread changing devices 73, 74 are in Fig. 12 to 27 each indicated only roughly schematically. They are analogous to the thread changing devices 12 after Fig. 1 to 11 formed and therefore in particular with four, the thread fingers 14 corresponding thread fingers 76a to 76d and 77a to 77d provided. There is one each Thread fingers, z. B. 76d and 77d, unused, ie without thread, while the remaining thread fingers serve to feed one thread 78a to 78c and 79a to 79c. The purpose of the unused yarn fingers 76d, 77d is explained below.

Finally shows Fig. 12 a position of the circular knitting machine shortly before a possible thread change. This can be seen that the change point 72 is here just before the first thread changing device 73. At the time shown, the thread finger 77c leads its thickly shown thread 79c to the knitting tools 2, 3, which is why its schematically indicated, accordingly Fig. 5 to 9 trained clamping element 80c is opened while all other threads 78, 79 are clamped. In the area of the change point 72 also the Einreifer 66 is visible (see also Fig. 2 ).

The according to Fig. 1 In the back of the knitting tools or knitting needles 2 arranged Einreifer 66 is according to Fig. 13 to 15 connected to a driver 81, which serves to transport from the first thread changing device 73 presented threads 78 to the yarn guide 17. In the embodiment, the driver 81 is formed as a self-acting thread clamp, which is made of a multiply bent spring wire or spring band. The Einreifer 66 is how Fig. 1 shows, arranged within a circle formed by the knitting tools 2, and the driver 81 is located on the side facing away from the back of the knitting tools 2 side of the Einreifers 66. The driver 81 has in particular a free, a clamping member 81 a forming end ( Fig. 15 ), which forms a V-shaped insertion gap 82 with an inner wall 66b of the Einreifers 66 and resiliently abuts with a rear portion to form a clamping gap 83 on the wall 66b of the Einreifers 66. Incidentally, the Einreifer 66 and with it the driver 81 moves in a space between the knitting tools 2, 3 and the thread changing devices 73 and 74th

For example, explained below by way of example change from the thread 79c of the second thread changing device 74 on the also shown thick thread 78c of the first Thread changing device 73 ( Fig. 16 ) is first the yarn finger 76c in the off Fig. 10 and 17 pivoted apparent working position by timely the associated control magnet 57 of the dialing machine 56 ( Fig. 1 ) is pressed. It is in Fig. 17 omitted to avoid confusion of the thread guide 17 and the old, still processed to mesh thread 79c shown to its inlet eye 16. Due to the pivoting of the thread finger 76c, the still clamped thread 78c is now located with a section 78d extending between its inlet eye 16 and the thread finger 76c (FIG. Fig. 17 ) radially to the needle cylinder axis, that is, this section 78d extends at a certain height above the knitting tools 2, 3 across the circle formed by these, where it also lies in the range of the Einreifers 66 and the driver 81. These have meanwhile moved closer together with the change point 72 closer to the first thread changing device 73 ( Fig. 16 ).

During the further movement of the driver 81 in the direction of the arrow v , the transverse thread section 78d gradually enters the introduction gap 82 (FIG. Fig. 15 ) and then into the nip 83, in which it is clamped, held and taken in the further movement of the driver 81, such as Fig. 18 to 20 demonstrate. The change point 72, the Einreifer 66 and the driver 81 are here already in a middle position between the two thread changing devices 73 and 74th

The basis of the Fig. 2 According to the invention, the switching curve 64 described is designed such that at the time when the thread section 78d (FIG. Fig. 17 ) has been reliably detected by the driver 81, on the slider 33 ( Fig. 4 ) And thus also on the shutter 36 and the opener 37 acts. This action takes place exactly as if a knitting point were also provided in the area of the first thread changing device 73. A the clamping element 44 (eg. Fig. 6 ) corresponding clamping element 84c ( Fig. 18 ) of the yarn finger 76c is therefore used to release a still-clamped end 78e (FIG. Fig. 20 ) of the new thread 78c, such as Fig. 18 shows, while the corresponding clamping elements of the unselected thread fingers 76a and 76b in the Clamping remain. The yarn 78c can therefore be unwound during further transport of the driver 81 free of an associated supply reel.

In the further course ( Fig. 21 to 23 ) coming from the first thread changing device 73 section of the thread 78c is getting longer and closer by the driver 81 closer to the yarn guide 17 arranged in the region of the knitting point 71. In this case, in addition, the lower edge 66a of the Einreifers 66 is now effective ( Fig. 21 ), which ensures that the thread 78c is guided above the web 17a of the yarn guide 17 and then inserted into its slot 17b. This function is essentially the same as if a thread coming from the second thread changing device 74 were newly inserted into the knitting tools 2, 3 ( Fig. 10 . 11 ). The only difference is that the thread 78c is no longer in the clamping element 84c of its thread finger 76c, but from the driver 81 in the off Fig. 10 and 11 apparent position is held stretched across the circle of knitting tools 2.

After the introduction of the thread 78c into the slot 17b of the thread guide 17, the change point 72 has also reached the thread guide 17 or the knitting point 71 ( Fig. 24 ). Therefore, in addition to the old thread 79c, the new thread 78c is now inserted into the knitting tools 2, 3 present in the region of the change point 72 and moving at the knitting point 71 into the thread take-up position, and preferably processed into stitches by these.

Since in the described thread changing devices 12 ( Fig. 1 to 11 ) always one of the four threads 15 the knitting tools 2, 3 is offered, would have in the case of the inventive arrangement with the result that the second thread changing device 74 also a thread would be fed, if actually a thread (eg 78c) only should be supplied from the first thread changing device 73. In order to avoid this, in the thread changing device 74, the thread finger 77d and, correspondingly, in the thread changing device 73, the thread finger 76d without thread (FIG. Fig. 12 ) and thus without function. In the case described, therefore, before the Change point 72 reaches the second thread changing device 74, 77d selected by means of the associated control magnet 57 of the dialer 56 of the yarn fingers. This has the consequence that, on the one hand, the thread finger 77d, when the second thread changing device 74 of the change point 72 and the switching cam 64 (FIG. Fig. 2 ), performs an idle stroke, on the other hand, the yarn 79c guided by the yarn finger 77c is cut and clamped. After the change point 72 has passed the thread changing device 74, therefore, of the knitting tools 2, 3 present in it, a still resulting end 79e (FIG. Fig. 25 ) of the old thread 79c.

After the new thread 78c is securely inserted into at least one, preferably several knitting tools 2, 3 of the change point 72, it finally has to be released by the catch 81. Since the driver 81 is an elastically formed thread clamp, the thread end 78e is in principle, upon further transport of the change point 72 in the direction of the arrow v automatically from the nip 83 ( Fig. 15 ) pulled out. However, the thread end is 78e, as Fig. 24 can recognize, in the slot 17b of the yarn guide 17 relatively strongly deflected, which is why in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention in the knitting direction behind the yarn guide 17 for opening the driver 81 specific opening member 85 is arranged (eg. Fig. 21 . 25 ). The opening member 85 contains z. B. a substantially parallel to the knitting tools 2 arranged opening pin 85 a, which is arranged in the region of action of the insertion gap 82 of the driver 81. Therefore, when the cam 81 approaches the opening member 85, the opening pin 85a automatically enters the insertion nip 82 and shortly thereafter into the subsequent nip 83, whereby the clamp 81a is elastically pushed away from the associated wall 66b of the pulser 66 and the thread 78c is free is given. This not only facilitates the extraction of the thread 78c from the driver 81, but also ensures a gentle, without great tensile stress treatment of the thread 78c when changing the thread. In the presence of multiple knitting systems, such an opening member 85 is provided on each knitting system, which accordingly Fig. 27 appropriate to the associated Thread guide 17 is attached.

The described yarn change from a yarn of the second yarn changing device 74 to a yarn of the first yarn changing device 73 is thus completed ( Fig. 27 ).

Should by a thread such. B. 79c of the second thread changing device 74 to another thread such. B. 79a same thread changing device 74 are changed, then the procedure is as above based on the Fig. 1 to 11 has been described. The Einreifer 66 facilitates it with its lower edge 66a, the insertion of the new thread 79a in the slot 17b of the thread guide 17, while the driver 81 does not interfere with such a change, even if he should detect the new thread 79a in the manner described above briefly ,

When changing a thread such. B. 78c of the first thread changing device 73 to another thread such. B. 78a same thread changing device 73 is in principle also proceeded as above with reference to Fig. 1 to 11 is described. In contrast, the new thread 78a is not immediately inserted into the knitting tools 2, 3 of the exchange point 72, but first detected by the driver 81, of this accordingly Fig. 12 to 27 and the above description transported to the knitting point 71 and inserted there only in the knitting tools 2, 3 of the change point 72. In order to avoid that the old thread 78c is already cut and clamped before the new thread 78a is inserted into the first knitting tools 2, 3 of the change point 72, which could lead to errors in the knit, the switching cam 64 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) and the lever ratios of the deflection gear 30 to 35 ( Fig. 4 ) changed as follows. The switching curve 64 is according to Fig. 2 provided with a leading cam part 64a, which the slider 33 ( Fig. 11 ) first only slightly and just so much depresses that a clamping element 84a ( Fig. 24 ) of the thread 78a leading to the new thread 78a is opened as soon as the thread 78a lies securely in the catch 81. However, the leverage ratios are chosen so that the clamping and cutting function by means of the old thread 78c leading Fadenfingers 76c is not performed at this time. In contrast, a trailing curve part 64b of the switching curve 64 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) is formed so that a complete depression of the slider 33 and thus a cutting and clamping process in which the old thread 78c leading yarn finger 76c is only effected when the change point 72 reaches the knitting point 71 and at least one knitting tool 2 the new thread 78a sure has recorded. This ensures that the old thread 78c can be processed with the desired thread tension until it has been detected by at least one of the knitting tools 2, 3 of the change point 72 and preferably processed into a stitch. The thus somewhat longer thread end 78e of the old thread 78c can be accepted.

Finally, by a thread such. B. 78c of the first thread changing device 73 on a thread such. B. 79b of the second thread changing device 74, the procedure is as follows. With the aid of the dialing apparatus 56, first the thread finger 76d of the first thread changing device 73 which does not guide the thread and then the thread finger 77b which guides the thread 79b of the second thread changing device 74 are selected. The choice of Fadenfmgers 76d has no consequences, since its clamping element is opened at best, if it was not already open. Because of the design of the switching cam 64 described with reference to the previous example, the clamping element 84c (FIG. Fig. 24 ) of the yarn finger 76c has not yet been actuated, so that the old yarn 78c is further inserted into the knitting tools 2, 3. If the changing point 72 then reaches the knitting point 71, the thread finger 77b for the new thread 79b is pivoted into the working position on the one hand by the switching curves 63 and 64 and, on the other hand, an associated clamping element 80b (FIG. Fig. 24 ) open. This will be based on the Fig. 1 to 11 described manner, the new thread 79b the knitting tools 2, 3 in the area of change point 72 offered. Finally, at this time, the cam portion 64b has reached, as described above, the first thread changing device 73, so that now the old thread 78c is cut and clamped by the clamping member 84c.

By the invention it is possible, at the same knitting point 71 optionally the threads 78, 79 of two adjacent thread changing devices 73, 74 to process. Because of the basis of the Fig. 1 to 11 described design of the thread changing devices 73, 74 can thus be made with six instead of four colors only striped pattern. If at least one third thread changing device is arranged in the knitting direction in front of the first thread changing device 73, nine or more threads can be appropriately selected for ringing. This selection option is limited at best by the length of the thread ends, which are carried along by the fabric after cutting and clamping of the respective old thread, in particular by the delay of the cutting and clamping function brought about by means of the described switching curve 64 and are also obtained if the thread changes are made only between threads of the second or a third thread changing device 74.

If, instead of the yarn changing devices described, those are used which likewise supply four yarns but can be made ineffective by creating an empty yarn finger (eg 76d, 77d), eight different yarns can already be selected for ringing with two yarn changing devices , It is clear that instead of the yarn changing devices described, those with two, three or more than four yarn fingers can be used.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the circular knitting machine is designed so that at each yarn changing device 73, 74, a knitting point 71 is present, which can be brought by replacement of cams, with the aid of a switch or otherwise optionally in a continuous position or in such a position in that the knitting tools 2, 3 are moved analogously to the knitting point 71 into the thread take-up position. The circular knitting machine can then, as desired, analogous to Fig. 1 to 11 with maximum power and few bobbins or analogous to Fig. 12 to 27 be operated with reduced power, but with a larger number of bobbins. When not in use the thread changing devices, the circular knitting machine will then be able to work with as many knitting systems, as the number of existing thread changing devices corresponds.

Finally, it could be decided individually for each knitting system, whether it should be assigned to one, only one or more than one thread changing device.

Another advantage of the invention is that the various parts of the at least two thread changing devices 73, 74 formed Ringelapparats are also subsequently attached to a knitting machine and can be manufactured and delivered in the form of a retrofit kit. This is especially true when already a circular knitting machine with thread changing devices after Fig. 1 to 11 is present and only on striped patterns with more than four colors to be converted.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiment, which can be modified in many ways. This applies in particular to the various parts of the thread changing devices, in particular the closer 36 and opener 37 and the cutting and clamping elements 43 and 44. Furthermore, differently designed reversing gear and thread changing devices can be provided, the cutting and clamping elements operated by means other than the Umlenkgetrieben described become. It is also possible, the openers and / or closer z. B. with the help of slots, adjusting screws, eccentrics od. Like. To be mounted adjustable to thereby adjust the times at which they are to be active, can. Furthermore, it is understood that instead of the control magnets 57, other, in particular, mechanical pattern devices can be provided. In addition, the invention is not limited to the circular knitting machine described, but can be applied in an analogous modification in flat knitting machines with stationary needle beds and back and forth movable cam carriage or in circular knitting machines with stationary needle cylinders and rotating lock shells. The knitting direction is analogous to the arrow v in Fig. 12 In this case, the direction in which the lock carriages or lock skirts are moved would be the direction in each case. Furthermore, it would be analogous to known circular knitting machines (cf. DE 195 11 949 A1 ) possible to realize the invention on both a needle cylinder and a dial having Rundrenderkickmaschine and thereby the Einreifer 66 and to fix the driver 81 on at least one bearing plate used in a groove of the dial. Furthermore, it is clear that the driver 81 is indeed a preferred embodiment, but can also be designed differently by z. B. manufactured as a separate component and regardless of Einreifer 66 and mounted or formed so that the clamping process does not run automatically, but similarly as when opening by the opening member 85 by means of an additional, possibly also controllable means is effected. Further, it is possible to bring at the knitting points 71 always all or only selected knitting tools 2, 3 in a thread receiving position and to use other than the knitting tools shown, in particular z. Finally, it is understood that the various features can be applied in combinations other than those shown and described.

Claims (14)

1. Circular knitting machine containing: at least one support (1) provided with movable knitting tools (2, 3) and a cam (4) with a plurality of knitting points (71) arranged to move selected knitting tools (2, 3) into a thread pick-up position and respectively having an associated thread changing device (73 or 74) for the formation of striping attachments, which has at least two respective thread fingers (22), which are movable back and forth between a base position and a working position to perform thread changes, to feed selected threads to the knitting tools (2, 3) brought into the thread pick-up positions, characterised in that at least one knitting point (71) can be combined selectively with a striping attachment, which is formed from a first thread changing device (74) associated with this knitting point (71), or with a striping attachment, which is formed from the associated first thread changing device (74) and at least one section thread changing device (73) leading directly in knitting direction, selectively to form a joint knitting system by rendering the knitting point (71), which is associated with the leading second thread changing device (73), inactive and by being able to selectively insert threads (78, 79) fed by the first and the second thread changing device (73, 74) into the knitting tools (2, 3) brought into the thread pick-up position at the knitting point (71).
2. Knitting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the support (1) is disposed to be rotatable around a rotational axis (18) and the cam (4) and the thread changing devices (73, 74) are arranged to be stationary on the periphery of the support (1).
3. Knitting machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a driver (81), by means of which threads (78) fed by the second thread changing device (73) can be transferred to the knitting point (71), is associated with the thread changing devices (73, 74).
4. Knitting machine according to claim 3, characterised in that the driver (81) is fastened to a support ring (10), which is disposed to be rotatable around the rotational axis (18) with the support (1).
5. Knitting machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the driver (81) contains a thread clamp intended for taking up at least the threads (78) fed by the second thread changing device (73).
6. Knitting machine according to claim 5, characterised in that the thread clamp contains an elastic clamping member (81a), which automatically clamps the threads (78).
7. Knitting machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that an opening member (85) intended to open the thread clamp is arranged in the region of the knitting point (71).
8. Knitting machine according to claim 7, characterised in that the opening member (85) is arranged to be stationary.
9. Knitting machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the thread changing devices (73, 74) have thread fingers (76, 77) actively connected to a respective selector lever, cutting and clamping elements (80c, 84c) associated with the thread fingers (76, 77) and also openers and closers for operating the cutting and clamping elements (80c, 84c), and that a selector device (56) intended for selection of the selector levers and at least one shifting cam (64) intended for operation of the openers and closers are provided.
10. Knitting machine according to claim 11, characterised in that the openers and closers can be operated by a respective deflection gear (30 to 35), which can be controlled by the shifting cam (64).
11. Knitting machine according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterised in that a thread guide (17) is provided at the knitting point (71) and the driver (81) is configured on an insertion means (66) intended to insert the selected threads (78, 79) into the thread guide (17).
12. Knitting machine according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that it is configured as a circular border knitting machine and has a needle cylinder and a dial with grooves intended to receive knitting tools (2, 3), and that the driver (81) is fastened to at least one support sinker inserted into one of the grooves.
13. Driver for a circular knitting machine according to claim 3 with striping attachments, characterised in that it contains a thread clamp intended for taking up at least the threads (78) fed by the second thread changing device (73).
14. Driver according to claim 13, characterised in that the thread clamp contains an elastic clamping member (81a), which automatically clamps the threads (78).

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