GB1061735A - Improvements in or relating to patterning devices for circular knitting machines - Google Patents

Abstract

1,061,735. Knitting machines. FRANZ MORAT G.m.b.H. April 16, 1964. No. 7871/ 64. Heading D1C. In a circular knitting machine needles 2 are adapted to be selected and moved into a knitting position by means of jacks 1 on a pattern wheel 10 at the or each knitting station rotating in synchronism with the cylinder. The jacks 1 slide in radial channels and are moved outwardly to engage under butts 2' of the needles by compressed air supplied to chambers 12 through a bore 5 in a stationary plate 15 by a tubule 7 controlled by a electromagnet 8 in accordance with the desired pattern. The wheel 10 is rotated by teeth 4 engaging between the needle butts and its axis is inclined to that of the cylinder so that the jacks, after engaging under the needle butts, also lift the selected needles into knitting position as the wheel rotates. The compressed air may only effect a brief initial movement of the lacks, the remaining movement being effected by a stationary cam (19), Figs. 6 and 7 (not shown), on plate (15), a second cam (20) being provided to retract the jacks subsequently. Alternatively the retraction of the jacks could be effected by air pressure under control of electro-magnetic means. Needles not selected may be moved if desired by a further cam into a tuck position so that tuck loops can be incorporated in the pattern. Instead of the axis X-X of the pattern wheel 10 being inclined it may be parallel as at (Z-Z), Fig. 2 (not shown), to the cylinder axis, the jacks (1a) being moved vertically to both select and actuate the needles to knitting position and the wheel being driven through gearing from the cylinder. In another arrangement, Fig. 3 (not shown), the pattern wheel is constituted by the lower part of the needle cylinder itself, the jacks (1b operating in the extended tricks for the needles (2b) and the air chambers behind the jacks being formed by a co-operating annular cam ring. In a machine having a rotary dial (28), Fig. 4 (not shown), carrying rib needles (27) to be selected, the pattern wheel may be arranged above the dial with its axis (Zc-Zc) at right angles to the cylinder axis, the jacks (1c) acting on the butts (27') of the rib needles and the wheel being driven by suitable gearing from the cylinder.