GB1246265A - Improvements in racked programming control means - Google Patents

Abstract

1,246,265. Knitting machines. WILLIAM COTTON Ltd. 25 Nov., 1968 [6 Dec., 1967], No. 55518/67. Heading D1C. [Also in Division G3] A programme control device comprises a main rotary rack mechanism for stepping on a punched chart and a plurality of auxiliary rotary ratchet devices, which are operated selectively for rendering the main rack mechanism inoperative for predetermined periods. As shown a punched chart is stepped on by a ratchet wheel 1 actuated by a pawl 2 on a lever 20, pivoted at 7, connected to a rod 8 operated by a cam follower lever 8a engaging a cam 8b on a main shaft 6g of a straight bar knitting machine. The chart is read by a feeler 3 having pins co-operating with the holes, intermittently applied to the chart by a lever 4 rocked, at times required for every course, by a cam follower 6e engaging a cam 6f on the shaft 6g. Also pivoted at 7 are discs such as that having notches 13a, to which are secured ratchet wheels such as 15. The wheel 15 is actuated by a pawl 17 carried by a pivot 19 on the lever 20. The numbers of teeth on the ratchet wheels and the notches in the discs are so determined that at no time can more than one control point of each disc be in register during a revolution thereof. A required repeat for a number of courses is indicated when a particular hole in the chart registers with the feeler 3. The next operation of the crank 6 lowers the feeler 3 to allow clockwise movement of a lever 35 permitting anti-clockwise movement of a latch 28 so that a hook 28a engages a peg 30. During this operation a peg 6h of the crank 6 has been moving in a slot 34a of a link 34 and finally rocks a lever 32 to pull the engaged latch 28. The latch 28 through a member 21, causes the pawl 17 to engage and turn the ratchet wheel 15, on operation of the cam 8b. As the disc turns a projection 9c of a lever 9 is pushed clear of the notch 13a causing a peg 11 to move the main pawl 2 clear of the ratchet wheel 1. The programming chart is held stationary while the notched disc is racked step-by-step by the pawl 17 and the cam 8b until the required number of courses is completed when the next notch is engaged by the arm 9c. The pawl 2 is then pulled back into engagement with the main ratchet wheel 1, which is thereupon racked by the cam 8b for stepping the programme chart. The programming chart is used in a programme control system of the type wherein feelers movably co-operate with punch holes in the chart to selectively actuate electric control switches.