EP1793023A1 - Knitting machine with air jet - Google Patents

Abstract

An industrial knitting assembly (1) has an air feed unit (21) to an air duct (18) that discharges to a void between the cambox mantle (12) and the knitting cylinder (3). Further claimed is a knitting assembly in which the same arrangement is employed feeding air between a ribbed disc and the cambox to commensurate rib needles or lifting hooks. The knitting assembly is a circular knitting machine in which the needle bed (2) is positioned around a knitting cylinder (3). The cambox mantle (12) is formed by a circular group of segmented sections (13), each one sealed (29) against the next. A motor powers a blower fan delivering air via a hose (36).

Description

The invention relates to a knitting machine whose knitting tools air is supplied.

Knitting machines usually have a larger number of knitting tools, which are reciprocated by suitable drive means to form a yarn from supplied yarns. Dust and thread residues, so-called fluff, can accumulate on the knitting tools, which can disturb the knitting process.

From the U.S. Patent 5,737,942 is a circular knitting machine with a needle cylinder known on its outside having a plurality of needle channels. In these sit longitudinally displaceable latch needles, which are each provided with a foot. The feet of the latch needles protrude from the needle channels and communicate with a knit cam sheath, which is formed from a variety of knitting locks. Upon rotation of the needle cylinder, the feet of the needles follow the contour of the individual knitting locks, so that the hooks of the needles are moved up and down correspondingly.

The camshaft casing is externally provided with an annular housing, which is supplied by a blower with filtered air. This enclosure forms with the upper edge of the needle cylinder and / or a plate disc a substantially annular channel through which air is directed onto the moving working parts e.g. in the form of hooks of the needles is blown.

To generate the purifying air jet here an enclosure of the entire knitwear sheath is required, making access to the knitting locks difficult. If adjustments are to be made to the knitting locks, the enclosure must first be at least partially removed to allow access to the respective knitting lock. Moreover, with the known concept, only the hooks of the knitting tools, i. their working parts blown off. A further cleaning effect is not achieved.

On this basis, it is an object of the invention to provide a knitting machine that overcomes these disadvantages.

This object is achieved with the knitting machine according to claim 1:

The knitting machine according to the invention has an air conveying device which conveys air into an air guiding space formed between the knitting cam jacket and the needle bed. The needle bed can be, for example, the round knitting cylinder of a circular knitting machine or else its dial. In these cases, the needle bed (knitting cylinder or dial) is moved while the knitting cam jacket is stationary.

The air guide space may be formed by a more or less large gap, which is found between the knitting cam jacket and the needle bed. In addition, the needle channels contribute significantly to the flow cross sections of the air duct. Even if the otherwise existing gap between the needle bed and the knitting cam is reduced to almost zero, considerable amounts of air can still flow through the needle channels, which are not completely filled by the knitting tools. Furthermore, the knitting tools can be provided with air ducts to reduce the flow resistance of the air in the needle channels. Finally, considerable flow cross sections are found in the knitting locks, which contribute to the air duct.

The air duct between the needle bed and the knitting cam jacket allows a targeted forwarding of the air flow to the working parts of the knitting tools, i. for example, to the hooks and tongues of the respective needles. This is achieved without sacrificing the knitting castle coat. It is granted unrestricted external access to the knitting locks, without air ducts or the like would have to be removed.

In addition, the guidance of the cleaning air flow in the existing between the cam lock shell and the needle bed space allows not only the cleaning of the working parts the knitting tools, but also the cleaning of the knitting tools and needle guide channels. In particular, abrasion and dust entering or forming in the region of the knitting buckles may be removed from the needle channels and the knitting cam. Thus, the air guide concept according to the invention contributes to the improvement of the operational safety and reduction of the wear of the knitting machine. In particular, the lock area and the needle bed, ie the needle cylinder, can be kept free of abrasive particles.

The concept according to the invention can also be used for other knitting tools, for example blanks, wrapping needles, slider needles or the like. In all these cases, the intended for blowing off the knitting tools air flow as completely as possible by the between-knit. Board lock and the cylinder or needle bed existing space out. Ideally, this applies to the entire cleaning air flow.

The knitting castle coat usually consists of knitting locks or lock segments, which are arranged on a lock carrier plate. In the case of a circular knitting machine this lock carrier plate is annular, wherein it may consist of juxtaposed individual segments. The lock segments close to each other with their narrow sides. In a preferred embodiment sealing means are arranged between the lock segments to seal the lock segments against each other. This measure reduces air losses. Furthermore, a suitable cover between the upper edge of the lock segment and the sinker ring can close this air outlet opening in order to guide the cleaning air flow losslessly into the stitch-forming area. However, it may be provided to provide targeted air outlets, from which a partial flow of the purifying air flow exit. This measure can be used to specifically lead out abrasion arising in the region of the knitting cam from the knitting cam sheath without the abrasion reaching the working parts of the knitting tools. For this purpose, it may already be sufficient to dispense with sealing means between two or more lock segments.

The air conveying device is preferably a fan, which acts on the air guiding space with accelerated air. The fan may be formed as a separate unit that sucks in ambient air, filters it and delivers it to the air duct of the knitting machine. In this case, the air conveyor has a separate drive from the knitting machine drive. This solution has the advantage that the air flow rate can be adjusted independently of the operating speed of the knitting machine.

Alternatively, the blower can also be integrated into the knitting machine, which in many cases is desirable because of the increased simplicity. The blower is then formed by at least one, meaningfully but usually several, air blades, which are distributed for example around the circumference of the needle cylinder of a circular knitting machine. The air blades are arranged below (ie at the side remote from the working parts of the knitting tools) of the segments of the knit cam cover and serve to promote sucked air through the air duct up to the working parts of the knitting tools. The air flows through the space between the knitting locks and the needle cylinder, whereby this gap is kept clean. The air can be sucked in through a channel which extends below the lock carrier plate. The suction channel may be provided with a filter to the sucked air To clean before it is blown in particular in the lock area.

Extended embodiments of the invention can be distinguished by a cleaning device which is provided to the filter connected to the suction channel, e.g. to cleanse from time to time. The cleaning device may be formed, for example, by a separate blower, which acts on the suction channel with an air flow when it is turned on. The filters are thereby operated in the opposite direction, whereby outside adhering dust is blown off.

In addition, it is considered advantageous to use the filter in the form of individual, e.g. in the form of a ring outside of the lock carrier plate arranged segments form, which are individually interchangeable.

Additionally or alternatively, a lubricating fluid can be added to the air flow in order to supply lubricant to the knitting tools and / or the lock. The lubricant supply can be continuous or, if desired, only temporary. For this purpose, a lubricating device can be provided, which, for example, before it reaches the knitting lock, admits lubricant to the air flow. A targeted control of the lubricating device lubricant metering is possible.

Fig. 1

eine Strickmaschine in ausschnittsweiser schematisierter vertikal geschnittener Darstellung mit internem Gebläse.

Fig. 2

eine Strickmaschine in ausschnittsweiser schematisierter vertikal geschnittener Darstellung mit externem Gebläse.

Fig. 3

die Strickmaschine nach Figur 1 mit Reinigungseinrichtung und

Fig. 4

die Strickmaschine nach Figur 2 mit Schmiervorrichtung.

Further advantageous details of embodiments of the invention are the subject of the drawing, the description or claims. In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated. Show it:

Fig. 1

a knitting machine in fragmentary schematic vertical cut representation with internal blower.

Fig. 2

a knitting machine in fragmentary schematized vertical cut representation with external blower.

Fig. 3

the knitting machine of Figure 1 with cleaning device and

Fig. 4

the knitting machine of Figure 2 with lubricating device.

1 shows a knitting machine 1 is illustrated, which is exemplified as a circular knitting machine. Its needle bed 2 has the shape of a knitting cylinder 3, which on its outside with vertical, i. is provided parallel to its axis of rotation extending needle channels 4. In the needle channels 4 knitting tools 5, for example in the form of the illustrated latch needle 6 are arranged and along the respective needle channel 4 slidably. The latch needle 6 has at its end a protruding from the needle channel 4 hooks 7, which is associated with a pivotally mounted tongue 8. The shaft of the latch needle 6 extends into the needle channel 4 and is provided with a foot 9 which serves to drive the latch needle 6.

While the knitting cylinder 3 is rotating in operation, an annular lock support plate 10 surrounding it outside is held stationary. The lock carrier plate 10 carries on its substantially flat upper side 11 a knitting cam jacket 12, which consists of a number of locks or lock segments 13. The knit camshell 12 thus comprises the knitting cylinder 3 annular. His lock segments 13 define at least one, but preferably a plurality of cam curves 14 in the form of cam surfaces, which cooperate with the feet 9 of the latch needles 6 to move them targeted, when the knitting cylinder 3 rotates. The lock segments 13 are held by suitable fastening means 15, for example in the form of bolts 16 and dowel pins 17 on the lock carrier plate 10.

Between the needle cylinder 3 and the cam lock shell 12, an air guiding space 18 is formed. To this belongs a gap 19 which is formed between the outer contour of the knitting cylinder 3 and the cam lock shell 12. In addition, belong to this air duct 18, the needle channels 4, as far as they are not occupied or blocked by the knitting tools 5, and free and cavities of the lock segments 13th

To the air guide chamber 18, an air conveyor 20 is connected, which is formed in the embodiment of Figure 1 by at least one, preferably and reasonably but a plurality of air blades 21. The air blades 21 are approximately on by means of fastening screws 22, for example. Height of the lock carrier plate 10 screwed to the outer periphery of the knitting cylinder 3. They are arranged in the manner of a wreath and thus form a fan. For example, the air blades 21 are arranged obliquely to the axis of rotation of the knitting cylinder 3, so that they form an axial fan.

The lock carrier plate 10 defines with a recess together with the lock segments 13 an annular blower chamber 23 in which the air blades 21 run. The blower chamber 23 is provided via at least one, but preferably a whole number of air passage openings 24, which open at the bottom of the lock carrier plate 10. The air passage openings 24 serve as intake openings. They can be provided directly with an air filter. In the illustrated in Figure 1 embodiment, however, an annular cover plate 25 is provided, which is preferably held at a distance parallel to the underside of the lock carrier plate 10 and defines with this a slit-shaped radially extending suction channel 26. This opens at the outer periphery of the lock carrier plate 10. There to suck in air at low speed and thereby to clean it, an air filter 27 is provided on the preferably funnel-shaped widening inlet of the intake duct 26. This is preferably segmented, that is, it consists of a coronary juxtaposition of individual z. As rectangular or square filter segments that can be replaced individually.

The individual lock segments 13 of the knit cam jacket 12 close with their substantially flat narrow sides 28 to each other. Radially extending gaps can thereby remain between the individual lock segments 13, through which part of the air flow generated by the air conveyor 20 escapes. This may be desired in the individual case in order to promote abrasion occurring in the area of the camshaft jacket 12 to the outside. In general, however, the efficiency of the blower formed by the air blades 21 is limited, so that a sealing of the lock segments against each other is desired. For this purpose, a suitable sealing means 29, for example in the form of a rubber band 30 serve, starting from the upper side 11, starting approximately to the upper end of each lock segment 13 extends. It can, as indicated by dashed lines in Figure 1 (31), extend to the knitting cylinder 3 out to form the smallest possible air outlet for the cleaning air flow. Otherwise, the rubber cord 30 is preferably approximately parallel to the knitting cylinder 3. Instead of the rubber cord 30, other suitable sealing means, such as lip seals, sealant or rubber profiles to be clamped from the outside between the lock segments can be provided.

To direct the air flow targeted to the working part 7 of a knitting tool 5, 32 sealing means 44 may be provided between the lock shell 12 and the sinker ring.

These sealing means are for example in the form of suitable covers 45, eg cover plates, formed. They may be formed as a ring of several parts or segments and either on the lock segments 13 or the sinker ring 32nd be attached in a known manner. A seal between the sinker ring 32 and lock segments 13 is ensured by suitable sealing means to prevent the escape of the air flow at this gap.

Depending on the design of the knitting machine 1, other devices may be provided, such as a sinker ring 32, which rotates with the knitting cylinder 3 and carries the cooperating with the knitting tools 5 boards 33, which serve the stitch formation. Passages 34 are provided between the sinker ring 32 and the knitting cylinder 3 through which the air conveyed by the blower can pass to the hooks 7.

The knitting machine 1 described so far operates as follows:

In operation, the lock carrier plate 10 and the knitting cam sheath 12 remain stationary, while the knitting cylinder 3 and the optionally present sinker ring 32 with the knitting tools 5 and the boards 33 rotate. The knitting tools 5 and the sinkers 3 each perform a vertical or horizontal reciprocating motion. The air blades 21 run around with the knitting cylinder 3 and therefore cause due to their geometric shape, the outer edge inclined to the running direction of the knitting tool 5, the generation of an upwardly directed in Figure 1, ie on the knitting cam jacket 12 to air flow. This passes through the air guide space 18 between the knitting cam jacket 12 and the knitting cylinder 3 and thus ultimately reaches the working area of the knitting tools 5. The air flow cleans both the space present between the cam lock shell 12 and the knitting cylinder 3 and the knitting tools 5 by removing dust, Fragments of filaments, thread remnants and the like from the Needle channels 4 and blown off the knitting tools 5. The air required for this purpose draws in the blower formed by the air blades 21 via the intake duct 26 through the air filter 27.

The embodiment of the knitting machine 1 described so far may be subject to modifications. For example, the lock carrier plate 10 may be formed by a number of juxtaposed individual segments. Each segment of the lock carrier plate 10 can be just as large in the circumferential direction as a lock segment 13. Each segment of the lock carrier plate 10 can then be provided with an individual air filter.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a separate blower 35 can be provided which conveys air into the intake duct 26 via a hose 36. In this case, the blower otherwise formed by the air blades 21 can be omitted. The air guide chamber 18 is again acted upon via a fan, here via the blower 35, with an air flow which is conveyed to the knitting tools 5 independently of the rotational speed and the direction of rotation of the knitting cylinder 3. The air filter 27 is disposed on the blower 35. Incidentally, the description given on the embodiment according to FIG. 1 applies correspondingly on the basis of the already introduced reference symbols.

FIG. 3 illustrates a further modification of the knitting machine according to the invention according to FIG. 1. The blower for generating the air flow for the air guiding space 18, in turn, also forms the air blades 21. The function corresponds to the extent of the knitting machine 1 of Figure 1. In addition, however, an at least briefly operable fan 37 is provided, which may be connected via one or more openings of the cover plate 25 to the intake passage 26 can. The blower 37 is normally inactive. When activated, it creates a slight overpressure in the intake passage 26 which causes air to be blown out through the air cleaner 27. This air flow can be used to clean the filter 27, if necessary. The blower 37 may be part of the knitting machine 1, or there also be connected, for example, in the form of a manually to be worn by machine to machine or to be driven blower. When not in use, the opening 38, via which the blower 37 is connected, be closed.

Alternatively, it is possible to suck the filter 27 outside with a suction device to remove loosely-mounted dust or Flus. The blower 37 forms a cleaning device 39 for the filter 27.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the knitting machine 1, which is based on the embodiment according to FIG. In addition, a lubricating device 40 is provided, which is adapted to enter with the flowing through the air guide chamber 18 air flow lubricant in the knitting machine 1. This can be done continuously or only as needed from time to time. Lubrication device 40 includes a pump 41 for pumping lubricant, a supply of lubricant 42, and at least one dispenser or nozzle 43 for conveying lubricant into the intake passage 26 or to another suitable location, that of the air flow generated by the blower 37 roams. For example, a plurality of nozzles 43 may be arranged distributed around the circumference of the knitting cylinder 3. If necessary, the nozzles can be activated simultaneously or serially one after another and deliver lubricant in each case over a longer or shorter period of time. Preferably, the lubricant is atomized into small droplets, which can be effected by suitable design of the nozzle 43.

It is further possible to add the lubricant of the conveyed air in the blower 37. The consistency of the lubricant must be chosen so that the risk of oiling the tube 36 is largely excluded. It is also possible to put the lubricant supply closer to the needle channels 4 or the knit cam jacket 12, which can be achieved by laying the nozzle 43 in the vicinity of the lock segments 13.

The lubricating device 40 can also be combined with the knitting machine according to FIG. 1 or FIG. In these cases, the nozzle 43, for example, as already in the embodiment of Figure 4, be arranged so that it sprays into the air passage opening 24.

The knitting machine 1 according to the invention has an air conveying device 21, 35, 37, which serves to convey air into an air guiding space 18, which is formed between the knitting cam jacket 12 and the knitting cylinder 3. Through this air ducting cleaning air is fed directly to the knitting tools 5, without thereby an outer housing of the knit cam jacket would be required. In the same way, the air between a dial and the associated lock here to corresponding Rippnadeln or boards are performed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

knitting machine

2

needle bed

3

knitting cylinder

4

needle channels

5

Knitting tools

6

latch needle

7

Hook, working part

8th

tongue

9

foot

10

Lock carrier plate

11

top

12

Knitting cam housing

13

Knitting lock, lock segment

14

cam curves

15

fastener

16

bolt

17

dowel pins

18

Air space

19

gap

20

Air conveyor

21

air blades

22

screw

23

fan chamber

24

Air passage openings

25

cover

26

intake port

27

air filter

28

narrow sides

29

sealant

30

rubber cord

31

Dashed (rubber cord)

32

platinum ring

33

boards

34

channels

35

fan

36

tube

37

fan

38

opening

39

cleaning device

40

lubricator

41

pump

42

lubricant reservoir

43

jet

44

sealant

45

cover

Claims (19)

Knitting Machine (1)
with a needle bed (2) having a number of channels (4) for receiving knitting tools (5),
with a number of knitting tools (5) which are arranged longitudinally displaceably in the channels (4) for the needle beds (2) and have a working part (7),
with a cam lock shell (12) arranged to drive the knitting tools (5) and adjacent to the needle bed (2) such that at least one air guiding space (18) is defined between the needle bed (2) and the cam lock shell (12);
with an air conveying device (21, 35, 37) which is connected to the air guiding space (18) in order to guide an air flow therethrough to the working part (7). Knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the needle bed (2) is formed by a knitting cylinder (3) of a circular knitting machine. Knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the needle bed (2) is formed by a dial of a circular knitting machine. Knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the knitting tool (5) is a knitting needle (6). Knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the knitting tool (5) is a circuit board (33). Knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the knitting cam jacket (12) consists of lock segments (13) which are arranged sealed against each other. Knitting machine according to claim 6, characterized in that between the lock segments (13) sealing means (29) are arranged. Knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the air conveying device (21, 35, 37) is a fan. Knitting machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the blower (37) is provided with its own drive means. Knitting machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the fan (35, 37) is formed as a separate unit, which is connected to the knitting machine (1) via at least one air hose (36). Knitting machine according to claim 1 and 8, characterized in that the air conveying device (20) comprises at least one air scoop (21) which is connected to the knitting cylinder (3) of the knitting machine (1). Knitting machine according to claim 1 and 8, characterized in that the air conveying device (20) comprises at least one air scoop (21) which is connected to the dial (32) of the knitting machine (1). Knitting machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a plurality of air blades (21) are provided which form an air blade ring. Knitting machine according to claim 1, 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the air conveying device (20) with a suction channel (26) is in communication, which passes through a part of the knitting machine (1). Knitting machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the suction channel (26) below a the cam lock shell (12) bearing lock carrier plate (10) is formed. Knitting machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the suction channel (26) extends in the radial direction to the knitting cylinder (3). Knitting machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the suction channel (26) is provided at its input with a filter (27). Knitting machine according to claim 17, characterized in that the filter (27) is associated with a cleaning device (39). Knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a lubricating device (40) is provided to supply lubricant to the air flow.

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