EP2952616B1 - Method for producing a flat or three-dimensional knitted fabric - Google Patents

Description

To change the elastic properties of a knitted fabric, it is known to insert weft and / or warp yarns during the knitting process, which additional yarns may consist of either an elastic yarn material or a relatively inelastic yarn material, depending on whether the elasticity of the fabric is horizontal and horizontal / or vertical direction should be increased or decreased.

The introduction of additional thread material in the form of weft or warp threads, however, restricts the shaping of the knitted fabric, in particular in the case of three-dimensional knitted fabrics, and the possible types of weave. In addition, weft and warp threads usually also change the appearance of the knitted fabric, especially if the weft or warp threads are inserted only in certain areas of the knitted fabric.

The formation of hollow bodies on a flat knitting machine using spooling techniques are known from US 5,178,237 DE 39 37 406 C2 and the EP 874 076 A2 known. The production of hollow bodies by means Mesh splitting and transfer techniques have also been described previously.

The US 2004/172981 A1 describes the making of intarsia fields in a tubular knitted fabric using inlay yarn guides. These are moved back into the intarsia field at the end of a knitting process and their thread is caught by an empty needle. The tuck loin is then knitted in the adjacent intarsia field.

The DE 196 36 208 A1 describes the production of a multi-layered knitted and warp-knitted fabric to adjust the cross-elasticity of the knitted fabric. The knits know while having mesh openings.

In the EP 0 408 977 A1 is the increase in the stability of a knitted fabric by looping the mesh legs of stitches described with the stitch-forming thread.

The US 2009/325746 A1 discloses the production of a ball carcass in which the spatial structure is achieved by varying the mesh size. The necessary stability is achieved by the thread material used. By using a thread material with high tensile strength is also in the in the WO 2014/013790 A1 revealed knitted shoe upper increases stability.

The US 3,457,737 A describes a stocking produced on a circular knitting machine, in which additional threads can be knitted in individual areas to increase the dimensional stability.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process with which flat or spatial knitted fabrics, in particular for carcasses for balls, shoe uppers or heel regions of socks with a high dimensional stability without the disadvantages resulting from the use of weft or warp threads, can be produced.

The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1.

At each fixing point of the thread run is interrupted in the fabric. Along the imaginary connecting lines between the fixing points, therefore, the knit less elastic than in the other areas. By means of a corresponding distribution of the fixing points in a mesh or lattice structure over the knitted fabric or a part of the knitted fabric, the desired dimensional stability can thereby be achieved. The denser the fixing points, the more stable the knitted fabric becomes. The dimensional stability is achieved in the method according to the invention solely by the arrangement of the fixing points in the fabric and by the strength of the thread material used.

The mesh or grid structure of the fixation points can preferably be formed such that each fixation point has at least two adjacent fixation points. As a result, it is possible to produce closed net or grid structures which produce the desired dimensional or spatial dimensional stability of the knitted fabric.

Between the fixing points, the fabric can be made in any binding. The bond can be chosen so that the dimensional stability properties are supported. With the bond, however, other properties such as surface finish, absorbency or the like and the appearance of the knit can be influenced.

The fabric can be produced with the help of one or more yarn guides. The number of thread guides can be made dependent on which knitting technique the fixing points are generated and how the bond between the fixing points is selected.

According to the method of the invention, the fixing points are produced by reversing the knitting direction within a course and forming a few stitches in the opposite direction before knitting again in the original knitting direction beyond the reversing point, and after reversing the knitting direction at least with the first one the reversal point following needle no stitch is formed. In this way it is possible to generate a fixing point at any point within a course.

In this case, inserted into the at least first needle after the reversal point a tuck, the mesh of this needle or needles umgehängt on the opposite needle bed, this needle or needles are floated or looped around to create the fixation point.

The stitches additionally formed by the production of a fixing point in the vertical repeat of the knitted fabric can be compensated again in the course of the knitting process.

In particular, in the case of regularly shaped knitted fabrics, it is advantageous if the fixing points are distributed homogeneously over at least one areal or spatial area of the knitted fabric in such a way that the knitted fabric obtains the desired dimensional stability in the course direction and in the wale direction.

The fixing points in the wale direction of the knitted fabric can also be formed offset from one another. In addition, it is possible to form a plurality of fixing points within a row of stitches and / or to form the fixing points in a starting and / or final knitting row of the knitted fabric.

Should additional measures be necessary to increase the dimensional stability of the knitted fabric or to change the elasticity in wale and / or course direction, warp and / or weft threads can be inserted into the fabric at least in some areas.

Furthermore, the invention relates to carcasses for balls, shoe uppers and heel areas of socks with the features of claim 12.

In the following, embodiments of the inventive method will be described in detail with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung der Abwicklung eines kugelförmigen Gestricks;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung der Abwicklung eines gestrickten Schuhoberteils;

Fig. 3

eine Fadenlaufdarstellung der Herstellung eines Fixierpunkts innerhalb eines Gestricks nach einer ersten Verfahrensvariante;

Fig. 4

eine Fadenlaufdarstellung der Herstellung eines Fixierpunkts innerhalb eines Gestricks nach einer zweiten Verfahrensvariante;

Fig. 5

eine Fadenlaufdarstellung der Herstellung eines Fixierpunkts innerhalb eines Gestricks nach einer dritten Verfahrensvariante;

Fig. 6

eine Draufsicht auf ein kugelförmiges Gestrick, das eine Karkasse für einen Ball bildet.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of the development of a spherical knitted fabric;

Fig. 2

a schematic representation of the development of a knitted shoe upper part;

Fig. 3

a yarn guide representation of the production of a fixing point within a knitted fabric according to a first method variant;

Fig. 4

a yarn guide representation of the production of a fixing point within a knitted fabric according to a second variant of the method;

Fig. 5

a yarn guide representation of the production of a fixing point within a knitted fabric according to a third method variant;

Fig. 6

a plan view of a spherical knit, which forms a carcass for a ball.

Fig. 1 shows the development of the surface of a spherical knit 100. In order to obtain the spherical shape in the manufacturing process in predetermined areas 1a - e, 2a - e do not take all needles of one or more rows of knitting in the knitting process, while in the other areas with all needles on the entire knit width stitches are formed (spooling technique). Upon resumption of stitch formation in areas 1a-e and 2a-e, the sections of the fabric are pulled together, creating a knitted fabric.

The turning points 3a, 4a of a yarn guide, not shown here, with which the fabric is formed, starting from a center line M of the knit, distributed homogeneously over the entire height and width of the knitted fabric, whereby a uniform yarn load in the connecting portions 5a, 6a of individual segments is guaranteed. In addition to these turning points, fixing points 7a, 8a are incorporated within the knitted fabric.

These fixing points can also be distributed homogeneously over the entire knitting area and form a depending on the Stability requirements on the fabric area differently shaped grid or network structure.

Next, the formation of openings in the fabric is possible. In Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a development of a knit fabric for a shoe upper 10 shown, which was produced as a spatial knitted piece.

For simplified illustration, only the outer contour of the shoe upper 10 and the areas into which fixing points 7a, 8a have been introduced are shown here. In the example shown, the fixing points 7a, 8a as well as in Fig. 1 arranged homogeneously distributed about a center line M. The fixing points 7a, 8a are introduced here in areas of the shoe upper, which are exposed to increased stress when wearing the finished shoe. This is the area of the heel, toes and ankle, in which the elements for securing the shoe are attached to the human foot.

Fig. 3 shows a knitting sequence for producing a fixing point within a knitted fabric. The carriage direction is represented by arrows on the left edge of the yarn guide. The preparation of the fixing point happens inside the knitted fabric, that is, there were already some, not shown here rows of stitches formed by a thread guide, also not shown, before row R1 on a row of stitches on the needles A - H of the front needle bed in the carriage direction to the right is knitted. The needle H forms the turning point of a thread guide, not shown here.

In row R2, a carriage reversal of the flat knitting machine to the left and the formation of stitches on the needles G - C of the front Needle bed. The needle H is floated. Thereafter, row R3 is reversed from left to right and stitches are formed on the needles C - K of the front needle bed. In this case, a fixing point FP1 is generated on the needle H of the front needle bed.

Subsequently, in row R4, after a carriage reversal from right to left, a row of stitches is formed on the needles K-A of the front needle bed.

Im in Fig. 3 In the series R2 shown, five meshes G - C were formed. However, the number of stitches to be formed after the turning point of the yarn guide is variable and can be adapted to the respective knitting situation.

In a variant of the method Fig. 3 can in row R2 in the needles G and / or H a tuck looper be inserted.

Through the formation of the stitches G - C more stitches have been formed in this area than on the other needles. These additional stitches are gradually reduced in the further knitting process. Fig. 4 shows a knitting sequence of another method variant for producing a fixing point within a knitted fabric.

In row R1, the knitting of a course of stitches on the needles A - H of the front needle bed takes place in the carriage direction to the right. The needle H forms the turning point of the thread guide.

In row U1, the stitch located on needle G of the front needle bed is transferred to the needle g of the opposing needle bed, before in row R2 after a carriage reversal from the right to the left stitches are formed on the needles H - C of the front needle bed. The needle G is floated.

In row U2, the loop hung in row U1 on the back needle bed is backed onto its original needle G of the front needle bed. Subsequently, in the row R3, after a carriage reversal from left to right, stitches are formed on the needles C - K of the front needle bed. At this time, a fixing point FP1 is formed on the needle G of the front needle bed.

Following the carriage reversal from right to left, the formation of a complete row of stitches corresponding to row R4 takes place Fig. 3 ,

In Fig. 5 is shown another knitting sequence for producing a variant of a fixing point within the knitted fabric using two yarn guides.

In row R1, the knitting of a row of stitches on the needles A - H of the front needle bed takes place in the carriage direction to the right with a first thread guide FF.1. The needle H forms the turning point of the thread guide. After a carriage reversal from right to left takes place in row R2 inserting a tuck into the needle H, as well as forming stitches on the needles G-E of the front needle bed with the first thread guide FF.1.

Subsequently, stitches are formed in rows R3 on the needles P-F of the front needle bed with a second thread guide FF.2. This results in a first fixation point FP1 on the needle H by knitting the inserted in row R2 Fanghenkels.

In row R4, following a carriage reversal, the insertion of a catching hook into the needle F and the forming of stitches on the needles G-J with a second thread guide FF.2 takes place before rows 5 on the needles E - | of the front needle bed are formed with the first thread guide FF.1. In this case, a second fixation point FP2 is formed on the needle F by knitting the inserted in the row R4 Fanghenkels.

By way of example, two fixing points FP1, FP2 have been formed here, which are connected to each other by a first imaginary line NST.
There may be further fixation points in the horizontal and vertical directions with one or more of the in the Figures 3 - 5 described method to form the desired network structure through the imaginary connecting lines between the fixing points.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a plan view 100 'on a spherical knit 10', which can be used for example as a carcass for a ball. Here, a plurality of fixing points are illustrated, which in certain regions of the knitted fabric 10 'form net-like structures 1-7 in various constellations.

For the sake of clarity, only some structures 1-7 are shown in various exemplary forms with the corresponding imaginary connecting lines between the fixing points. However, structures can be formed in all conceivable compositions of fixing points in all regions of the knitted fabric 10 ', in accordance with the respective requirements with regard to the extensibility of the knitted fabric.

Claims (12)

1. Method for producing a flat or spatial knitted fabric (10, 10', 100) with fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) inserted into the same for stabilising the shape of the knitted fabric (10, 10', 100), wherein the fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) are distributed in a mesh or grid form across at least one part of the knitted fabric (10, 10', 100) and each fixing point (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) is formed through omitting a stitch in the height pattern of the knitted fabric, characterised in that the fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) are produced through reversing the knitting direction during a stitch course and forming some stitches in the opposite knitting direction before knitting continues in the original knitting direction and stitches are knitted over and above the reversing point, wherein no stitches are formed or the second needle following the reversal point is floated or a tuck stitch is inserted into this needle following reversal of the knitting direction at least with the first needle following the point of reversal.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the mesh or grid structure of the fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) is designed in such a way that each fixing point (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) has at least two adjacent fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a).
3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the knitted fabric (10, 10', 100) is produced between the fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) with any binding.
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the knitted fabric (10, 10', 100) is produced with the aid of one or more thread guides (FF.1, FF.2).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a tuck stitch is inserted into the at least one needle following the reversal point, the stitch of this needle or needles is transferred to the opposite needle bed, and this needle or these needles is/are floated or entwined.
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the additional stitches formed through the production of a fixing point (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) in the height pattern of the knitted fabric (10, 10', 100) are compensated for during the continued knitting process.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) are homogeneously distributed across at least one flat or spatial area of the knitted fabric (10, 10', 100) in such a way that the knitted fabric (10, 10', 100) is given the desired dimensional stability in a stitch course direction and in a stitch wale direction.
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) are formed offset from each other in the stitch wale direction of the knitted fabric (10, 10', 100).
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that several fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) are formed within one machine row.
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) are also formed in a starting and/or final knitting course of the knitted fabric.
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that warp and/or weft stitches are inserted into the knitted fabric (10, 10', 100) at least in some areas.
12. Carcasses for balls, shoe uppers or heel areas for socks, with a flat or spatial knitted fabric, produced according to a method according to one of the claims 1 to 11, including mesh- or grid-shaped fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) distributed across at least one area, wherein the fixing points (FP1, FP2, 7a, 8a) are produced through reversing the knitting direction during a stitch course and forming some stitches in the opposite knitting direction before knitting continues in the original knitting direction and stitches are knitted over and above the reversing point, wherein no stitches are formed or the second needle following the reversal point is floated or a tuck stitch is inserted into this needle following reversal of the knitting direction at least with the first needle following the point of reversal.

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