JP3360031B2 - Knitting machine control method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a knitting machine having a plurality of actuators for driving a knitting needle and a plurality of actuators for driving a yarn feeder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A knitting machine having a plurality of knitting needles and a plurality of yarn feeders generally has an actuator such as a linear motor, a servomotor, a pulse motor or the like for each knitting needle and each yarn feeder. In this kind of knitting machine, the knitting needle driving actuator is driven based on a predetermined position control pattern (wave pattern) registered in advance in the knitting machine, and the yarn feeder driving actuator is in the order registered in the knitting machine in advance. Are sequentially driven in synchronism with.

In the position control pattern, the horizontal axis represents the running position of the yarn feeder, and the vertical axis represents the advance / retreat position of the knitting needle. The position control pattern differs depending on the type of knitting, such as flat knitting, rubber knitting, tack knitting, transfer knitting, and the pattern length of the position control pattern also differs depending on the type of knitting and the size of the stitch to be formed. Therefore, the position control pattern is set in advance for each knitting needle and each course according to the type of knitting and the size of the stitch. Each yarn feeder is driven to start running and then stop running for each course during knitting.

[0004] Each yarn feeder is driven so that the yarn feeder that has started moving before the start of movement of the yarn feeder (starting yarn feeder) has traveled a predetermined distance before starting to run. Thereby, the interval (running interval) between the first yarn feeder that starts moving first and the second yarn feeder that starts moving subsequently
Is maintained at a predetermined value.

As one of the techniques for controlling the knitting machine as described above, the running interval between the first yarn feeder and the second yarn feeder is determined for all the courses in all the position control patterns registered in the knitting machine. There is one that controls a constant value equal to the maximum pattern length (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 1-12555).

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the running interval is controlled to a common value for all the courses, so that the running interval of the yarn feeder becomes unnecessarily large on the course with a short pattern length, and as a result, the knitting is correspondingly increased. The time gets longer.

In a knitting machine, generally, the knitting time can be shortened by increasing the knitting speed by increasing the moving speed of the knitting needle and the yarn feeder. But,
By doing so, knitting errors are more likely to occur, and the quality of the knitted fabric deteriorates.

[0008]

Therefore, in a knitting machine, it is important to shorten the knitting time without increasing the knitting speed.

[0009]

According to the control method of the knitting machine of the present invention, for each movement of the yarn feeder, a plurality of yarn feeders used for a first yarn feeder or a succeeding yarn feeder subsequent to the movement from the start of the movement to the next stop. Determining the maximum pattern length with the maximum pattern length among the position control patterns, and controlling the running interval between the leading yarn feeder and the subsequent yarn feeder based on the determined maximum pattern length. Features.

In some courses, the maximum pattern length among a plurality of position control patterns used during one run of the yarn feeder is larger than the maximum pattern length among all the position control patterns registered in the knitting machine. Small cases exist. From a plurality of position control patterns used during one run, the maximum pattern length is obtained at an appropriate time for each movement of the yarn feeder, and the leading and trailing yarn fillers are determined based on the determined maximum pattern length. Is controlled, the knitting time is reduced as compared with the case where the control is performed at a constant value for all the courses.

As described above, according to the present invention, the knitting time is reduced without increasing the knitting speed.

The running interval is determined based on the maximum pattern length of the latter half of the plurality of position control patterns used between the start of the movement of the yarn feeder and the next stop of the yarn feeder for the preceding yarn feeder, and the maximum length of the yarn feeder for the latter yarn feeder. It is possible to control the sum of the plurality of position control patterns used between the start of the movement of the yarn end and the next stop with the maximum pattern length of the first half part. Thereby, the knitting time can be reduced most.

However, the running interval is determined by the maximum pattern length of the latter half of the plurality of position control patterns used from the start of the movement of the yarn feeder to the next stop of the yarn feeder, and a predetermined value. Or the maximum pattern length of the first half of the plurality of the position control patterns used between the start of the movement of the yarn feeder and the next stop for the yarn feeder of the later yarn, and a preset value. It may be controlled to the sum with the value.

[0014]

1 and 2, a control device 10 of a flat knitting machine includes a plurality of yarn feeder driving devices 14 for reciprocating a yarn feeder 12, and a plurality of knitting needles for reciprocating a knitting needle 16. A driving device 18, a plurality of yarn feeder control circuits 20, a plurality of knitting needle control circuits 22, a main control circuit 24;
And

Each yarn feeder driving device 14 corresponds to the yarn feeder 12, and reciprocates the corresponding yarn feeder 12.
For this reason, the knitting machine is provided with the same number of yarn feeder driving devices 14 as the number of the yarn feeders 12 provided in the flat knitting machine. Each yarn feeder control circuit 20 is commonly connected to a plurality of yarn feeder driving devices 14.

Each knitting needle driving device 18 corresponds to the knitting needle 16 and reciprocates the corresponding knitting needle 16.
Therefore, the same number of knitting needle driving devices 18 as the number of knitting needles 16 provided in the flat knitting machine are provided in the knitting machine. Each knitting needle control circuit 22 is commonly connected to a plurality of knitting needle driving devices 18.

Each yarn feeder 12 is attached to an endless belt 28 wrapped around a plurality of pulleys 26. The endless belt 28 is reciprocated in the left-right direction by being moved by an actuator 30. The actuator 30 is a rotary electric motor such as a servomotor, and its displacement (rotation amount) is detected by a rotary position sensor 32 such as a rotary encoder. The position sensor 32 outputs a pulse signal every time the actuator 30 rotates by a predetermined angle.

Each knitting needle 16 is reciprocated by a linearly movable actuator 34 such as a linear motor.
The displacement (movement) of the actuator 34 is detected by a linear position sensor 36 such as a linear encoder. The position sensor 36 outputs a pulse signal every time the mover of the actuator 34 moves by a predetermined amount.

The actuator 30 may be of a linear movement type such as a linear motor. Alternatively, a rotary actuator such as a servomotor may be used as the actuator 34.

Each yarn feeder driving device 14 receives a control signal S1 output from the yarn feeder control circuit 20 by a signal generator 38, and outputs a drive signal S2 from the signal generator 38 to a driver 40. The control signal S1 is a signal that specifies the pulse width (ie, duty ratio) of the drive signal S2.

Each signal generator 38 outputs to the driver 40 a PWM signal obtained by pulse-width-modulating a pulse signal of a constant frequency with a control signal S1 as a drive signal S2. Thus, the driver 40 energizes the actuator 30 for a time corresponding to the pulse width every time the drive signal S2 is input.

Each of the yarn feeder driving devices 14 receives a pulse signal from the position sensor 32 in the up / down counter 42, periodically reads the count value of the counter 42, and temporarily stores it in the storage device 44.

The data stored in the storage device 44 is stored in the control circuit 2 as the current position S4 of the corresponding actuator 30.
Read to zero periodically. The counter 42 counts the pulse signal from the position sensor 32 in the up state when the actuator 30 is rotating forward, and counts the pulse signal in the down state when the actuator 30 is rotating backward. The content stored in the storage device 44 may be updated each time the counter 42 advances.

Each knitting needle driving device 18 is different from the yarn feeder driving device 14 in that it drives a linearly movable actuator 34.
Except for the differences, the configuration is the same as that of the yarn feeder driving device 14 and the operation is the same. Accordingly, each of the knitting needle driving devices 18 receives a control signal from the control circuit 22 and outputs a PWM signal obtained by modulating a pulse width of a pulse signal having a constant frequency as a driving signal, and an actuator 34 which receives the driving signal and outputs a PWM signal. , An up / down counter that counts pulse signals from the position sensor 36, and a storage device that stores the count value of the counter as the current position of the knitting needle.

Each control circuit 20 temporarily stores a comparison operation unit 46 for generating a control signal S1 and a plurality of target positions S5 corresponding to each yarn feeder driving device 14 supplied from the main control circuit 24. And a vessel 48.

The comparison arithmetic unit 46 reads the target position S5 of the predetermined yarn feeder driving device 14 from the plurality of target positions S5 stored in the corresponding storage device 48 and stores the target position S5 of the predetermined yarn feeder driving device 14. The current position S4 stored in the memory 44 is read, and the read target position S5 and current position S5 are read.
4 and a duty ratio corresponding to the difference between the two is calculated, and a control signal S1 indicating the duty ratio is supplied to the corresponding signal generator 38 of the yarn feeder driving device 14.
These processes are executed periodically for each yarn feeder.
The data in the storage unit 48 indicates that the target position S5 is the main control circuit 2
4 is updated each time it is supplied.

Each control circuit 22 has the same configuration as the control circuit 20, and operates in the same manner. Therefore, like the control circuit 20, each control circuit 22 temporarily stores a target position for the knitting needle driving device 18 supplied from the main control circuit 24, and stores the target position stored in the storage device. A comparison calculator that generates a control signal using the position and the current position stored in the storage of the corresponding knitting needle driving device 18.

The main control circuit 24 reads the knitting data written on the floppy disk 52 by controlling the knitting machine control unit 50 for controlling the entire flat knitting machine.
Disk drive 54 for inputting to the knitting machine control unit 50
Control operation unit 56 for transferring various data to and from
And a storage unit 58 in which a plurality of position control patterns are stored.

The knitting data includes a code for specifying a position control pattern (wave pattern) for each knitting needle and each course, and a code for specifying a yarn feeder used for knitting and a moving direction thereof for each course. The data shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 can be used as the knitting data. Those data are stored as binary codes.

The knitting data shown in FIG. 3 is a table in which a yarn feeder number (carrier number) for specifying a yarn feeder to be used and a pattern number (WP number) for specifying a position control pattern (WP) are tabulated for each course. Carrier number and WP number data for each course).

The knitting data shown in FIG. 4 is data in which the pattern length is divided into a first half part α and a second half part β and tabulated for each pattern number (WP number) (the length of the first half and the second half for each WP number). Is).

The data shown in FIG. 5 has a pattern length (WP
(Length) is divided into a first half α and a second half β, and is tabulated data for each yarn feeder (carrier number) (length data of the first half α and the second half β for each carrier number).

FIG. 6 shows data (carrier number and WP number for each course and knitting needle) in which the number of the yarn feeder used (carrier number) and the number of the position control pattern (WP number) are tabulated for each course and knitting needle. Data).

Examples of the first half α and the second half β in FIGS. 3 to 6 are shown in FIGS. The length relationship between the first half α and the second half β can be as follows.

Α5> α2> α9> α1> α3> α4

Β3> β4> β9> β1> β5> β2

The position control pattern is, for example, shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the vertical axis represents the knitting needle position where the position of the tooth gap is zero, that is, the amount of movement of the knitting needle, and
The horizontal distance from the yarn feeder when the position 2 is the origin can be represented as a diagram with the horizontal axis.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a general knit pattern, in which a knitting needle waiting at a standby position, that is, at an origin position PA1, is advanced to a position PA2 where it is retracted from the knitting yarn, and then the knitting yarn is locked. The position is moved backward to the position PA3, then to the position PA4 where a stitch is formed, and then to the position PA5 so as to return to the origin position PA1.

In the knit pattern shown in FIG.
Is the pattern length of the first half of the knit pattern, and indicates the horizontal distance between the knitting needle and the yarn feeder when the knitting needle starts to advance from the position PA1 toward the position PA2.
The symbol βn is the pattern length of the latter half of the knit pattern, and indicates the horizontal distance between the knitting needle and the yarn feeder when the knitting needle returns from the position PA4 to the position PA5. αn
+ Βn represents the entire length of the knit pattern.

The difference between the position PA4 and the position PA5 indicates a stitch, but βn differs depending on the size of the stitch, even for the same knit pattern. Also, from the position PA1 to the position PA
If the moving speed and acceleration of the knitting needle are different between the two, αn will be different. Therefore, WP numbers are assigned to all position control patterns having different conditions such as the size of the knitting, the moving speed of the knitting needle, the acceleration of the knitting needle, and the like, in addition to the type of knitting.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a general knit pattern 60 by a solid line, and show a tack pattern 62 in the case of tack and a welt pattern 64 in the case of welt not forming a loop in the general knit pattern 60. Is shown by a broken line. The tack pattern 62 does not advance the knitting needle to the position PA2 in FIG.
This indicates that the pattern is the same as the knit pattern 60. The welt pattern 64 indicates that the knitting needle is not moved from the origin position PA1.

FIG. 9 also shows a knitting yarn 70, a yarn feeder 72 for supplying the knitting yarn 70, a guide 74 for guiding the yarn feeder 72, a plurality of teeth 76, and a plurality of knitting needles N1 to N.
16 is shown. The yarn feeder 72 is moved rightward or leftward from the origin position (movement reference position) at the left end or right end of the knitting machine.

The position control patterns shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 show the positions of the knitting needles N1 to N16 when the yarn feeder 72 is moved rightward from the left end. On the other hand, the position control patterns of FIGS. 7 and 8 show the relationship between the position of the yarn feeder and the movement locus of the knitting needle to be moved when the yarn feeder is moved from the right end to the left.

Each position control pattern includes a position of the yarn feeder for each fixed distance within a fixed range narrower than the movable range of the yarn feeder (for example, the position of the yarn feeder for each distance from the base end position of the fixed range, or within the fixed range. At a certain distance from the knitting needle).

With the above arrangement, the capacity of the storage unit required for storing the position control pattern may be smaller than when storing the position control pattern as a continuous curve. Further, each position control pattern can be commonly used by many knitting needles.

The knitting machine control unit 50 controls the disk drive 5
The knitting data supplied from 4 is stored in an internal memory, and a driving device other than the yarn feeder driving device 14 and the knitting needle driving device 18 is controlled based on the knitting data. The knitting machine control unit 50 also reads knitting data including a position control pattern for each yarn feeder and each knitting needle for each course and supplies the knitting data to the control calculator 56.

The control arithmetic unit 56 reads a position control pattern corresponding to each knitting needle for each course based on the knitting data supplied from the knitting machine control unit 50, and calculates a yarn feeder position X (distance from the origin position). Then, a target position of the knitting needle is obtained from the calculated yarn feeder position X and the read position control pattern, and the obtained target position is supplied to a memory of a predetermined knitting needle control circuit 22. These processes are executed periodically (for example, every 1 msec) for each course and each knitting needle.

As a result, the data in the memory of the control circuit 22 is periodically updated. Thereafter, a new duty ratio is calculated by the comparator, and the new control signal corresponds to the new control signal. Corresponding to the driving device 1
8 and the new drive signal is supplied to the driver of the corresponding drive device 18. Thereby, each knitting needle is moved forward and backward in synchronization with the movement of the yarn feeder.

The control calculator 56 also controls the position of the yarn feeder. For this reason, the control computing unit 56 determines the elapsed time from the start of the movement of the yarn feeder and the set speed of the yarn feeder (for example,
The product is calculated as the target position of the yarn feeder, and the calculated target position is supplied to the storage unit 48 of the control circuit 20. The comparison operation unit 46 of the control circuit 20 includes the driving device 1
The duty ratio is calculated by comparing with the current position of the yarn feeder (yarn position X) input to the storage device 44 of No. 4 and a control signal corresponding to the calculated duty ratio is output to the driving device 14. This process is also performed periodically (for example, every 1 msec) for each course and each yarn feeder.

As a result, each time the above processing is executed, a new drive signal is supplied from each control circuit 20 to the corresponding drive device 14, and the corresponding yarn feeder is reciprocated.

The running interval of the yarn feeder is the maximum of the plurality of the position control patterns used from the start to the next stop of the leading yarn filler and the succeeding yarn filler following the leading yarn filler. A method for calculating the target position of the knitting needle in the control calculator 56, including determining the pattern length and controlling the running interval between the leading yarn feeder and the later yarn feeder based on the determined maximum pattern length, is described. The case of the knitting needle N16 will be described as a representative.

As shown in FIG. 10, each position control pattern is set as a knitting needle position with respect to a yarn feeder position for each fixed distance ΔXS (for example, 1 mm) within a fixed range X0 to XT narrower than the movable range of the yarn feeder. In the case of the knitting needle N16, the knitting needle N16
Is assumed to be XN16, and when the distance between the yarn feeder and the knitting needle N16 becomes L0, the knitting needle N16 starts to move. The target position of the knitting needle N16 is determined by the control calculator 56. It is calculated and output as follows.

At the start of knitting of a new course, the control arithmetic unit 56 first reads out a position control pattern corresponding to each knitting needle relating to the course from the knitting data. afterwards,
For example, for the position control pattern corresponding to the knitting needle N16, the yarn feeder position corresponding to the origin (X0) of the horizontal axis in the read-out position control pattern for the knitting needle N16, that is, the offset amount, is obtained, and the coordinate of the horizontal axis in the position control pattern is obtained. The value X0 is set to the coordinate value (XN16−
After the correction to L0-X1), the knitting needle origin position PA1 is output as the target position until the yarn feeder position calculated as described above becomes (XN16-L0). Note that L0-
X1 may be set to α.

When the yarn feeder position exceeds (XN16-L0), the control calculator 56 outputs a value larger than PA1 as a target value in order to advance the knitting needle N16 to the position PA2. After that, the control calculator 56 outputs a predetermined target position for the knitting needle according to the calculated yarn feeder position and the position control pattern after correcting the horizontal axis coordinate value.

Next, a method of calculating the interval (running interval) between two yarn feeders running adjacent to each other in time will be described for the n-th course.

At the start of knitting of the n-th course, the knitting machine control unit 5
0 reads WP numbers # 1, # 2, # 5 and # 9 of the position control pattern used in the n-th course from the data shown in FIG.

Next, the knitting machine control section 50 reads the corresponding second half length data β1, β2, β5 and β9 from the data shown in FIG. 4 based on the read WP number, and replaces the longest data β9 among them. The maximum value βmax in the latter half of the position control pattern for the n-th course is set.

Next, the knitting machine control section 50 reads out the WP numbers # 1, # 3 and # 4 of the position control pattern used in the next course (the (n + 1) th course) from the data shown in FIG.

Next, the knitting machine control section 50 reads the corresponding first half length data α1, α3 and α4 from the data shown in FIG. 4 based on the read WP number, and reads the longest data α3 among them into the (n + 1) th data. The maximum value αmax in the first half of the use position control pattern is set.

Next, the knitting machine controller 50 sets βmax +
By performing an operation of αmax (that is, β9 + α3), β
9 + α3 is the running interval between the yarn feeder for the n-th course and the yarn feeder for the (n + 1) -th course.

Next, the knitting machine controller 50 starts running the yarn feeder for the n-th course. At this time, α in FIG.
The knitting needle within the range of No. 1 is advanced to a position along the position control pattern shown in FIG. 7, and then the running of the n-th course yarn feeder is started.

In the n-th course, each knitting needle is moved forward and backward in synchronization with the movement of the yarn feeder for the n-th course according to the position control pattern of the number shown in FIG.

Next, the knitting machine controller 50 similarly calculates the running interval β3 + α2 between the (n + 1) th course yarn feeder and the (n + 2) th course yarn feeder.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the knitting machine controller 50 starts running the (n + 1) th course yarn feeder when the running distance of the nth course yarn feeder becomes β9 + α3. A predetermined signal for maintaining the interval is output to the control calculator 56. Thus, the yarn feeder for the (n + 1) th course is controlled to move backward from the yarn feeder for the nth course by the interval β9 + α3.

Thereafter, the knitting machine controller 50 calculates the sum of the maximum pattern length of the second half of the position control pattern for the first yarn feeder and the maximum pattern length of the first half of the position control pattern for the second yarn feeder as the running interval. The above operation of outputting a predetermined signal for maintaining the obtained traveling interval to the control arithmetic unit is executed for every course to be knitted.

In the above-described embodiment, during knitting that does not involve running of the yarn feeder, such as when transferring or wiping, control is performed assuming that the yarn feeder is running. Specifically, the control calculator 56 calculates the current position of the virtual yarn feeder from the elapsed time from the start of the movement of the virtual yarn feeder and the set speed of the virtual yarn feeder, and calculates the calculated current position and position control. Find the target position of the knitting needle from the pattern,
The obtained target position is output to the corresponding memory of the control circuit 22.

The pattern length of the first half and the pattern length of the second half of the position control patterns for transfer and sweeping are as follows:
Each of them is preset based on the virtual yarn feeder position in the position control pattern. Therefore, for example, the traveling interval between the virtual yarn feeder for the first transfer and the actual yarn feeder for the subsequent transfer is determined by the pattern length of the second half of the position control pattern for transfer and the position control pattern used by the actual yarn feeder for the next transfer. Is determined as the sum with the maximum pattern length of the first half of

In the case where a plurality of yarn feeders are moved without moving the knitting needle, such as when the yarn feeders are moved to the standby position, the running interval may be set to zero and the plural yarn feeders may be moved simultaneously. .

The running interval may be controlled to the sum of the maximum pattern length of the latter half of the position control pattern for the leading yarn feeder and a preset value, or the running yarn feeder for the later yarn feeder may be controlled. The position control pattern may be controlled to be the sum of the maximum pattern length in the first half and a preset value. In the former, instead of obtaining the maximum pattern length of the first half of the position control pattern for the later yarn feeder,
Since the set value is used, the set value is set to a value equal to or larger than the maximum pattern length of the first half of all the position control patterns used for knitting the knitted fabric. In the latter, the set value is used instead of obtaining the maximum pattern length of the latter half of the position control pattern for the advance yarn feeder, so the set value is the knitting of the knitted fabric. Is set to a value equal to or greater than the maximum pattern length of the latter half of all the position control patterns used.

The running interval between the first yarn feeder and the second yarn feeder may be obtained immediately before the start of movement of each yarn feeder for each course, or may be obtained in advance for all courses based on knitting data before knitting starts. You may leave. In the latter case, if the knitting data is changed during knitting, it is preferable to newly obtain a running interval for the changed course.

Instead of creating knitting data in which WP numbers to be used for each course are preliminarily compiled as shown in FIG. 3, WP numbers to be used in each course are set for each course based on knitting data shown in FIG. It may be specified.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the present invention is applicable not only to a device for controlling a knitting needle actuator while calculating a yarn feeder position, but also to JP-B 1-1-1.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 2855, the present invention can be applied to a device that controls a knitting needle actuator while detecting the position of a yarn feeder.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an electric circuit of a knitting machine provided with a control device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an electric circuit of the control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a part of a field code of a yarn feeder used in each course and a position control pattern.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pattern length for each position control pattern.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern length for each yarn feeder;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a yarn feeder plate for each course and a position control pattern for each knitting needle.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a position control pattern.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating a travel interval.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relationship between a knitting needle advance position and a yarn feeder moving position with respect to a position control pattern.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relationship between a knitting needle advance position and a yarn feeder moving position with respect to a position control pattern.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 control device 12 yarn feeder 16 knitting needle 30 actuator for yarn feeder 32, 36 position sensor 34 actuator for knitting needle

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Shoko Kitamura 5-18-18 Nomachi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture Inside Tsuda Koma Industries Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-5-93348 (JP, A) (JP, B2) JP 3-62821 (JP, B2) JP 63-23301 (JP, B2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) D04B 15/00-15 / 99

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of needle driving actuators connected for each knitting needle are driven based on a corresponding knitting needle position control pattern, and the plurality of yarn feeder driving actuators connected for each yarn feeder are connected to the knitting needle. In a method for controlling a knitting machine driven in synchronization with a driving actuator, a plurality of yarn feeders used for a preceding yarn feeder or a succeeding yarn feeder subsequent to the movement of the yarn feeder from the start of movement of the yarn feeder to the next stop for each movement of the yarn feeder. Determining the maximum pattern length in which the pattern length is maximum among the position control patterns, and controlling the running interval between the leading yarn feeder and the succeeding yarn feeder based on the determined maximum pattern length. , Knitting machine control method. 2. The running interval is defined as the sum of the maximum pattern length of the second half of the position control pattern for the leading yarn feeder and the maximum pattern length of the first half of the position control pattern for the subsequent yarn feeder. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the control is performed. 3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the running interval is controlled to a sum of a maximum pattern length of a latter half of the position control pattern for a leading yarn feeder and a preset value. 4. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the running interval is controlled to a sum of a maximum pattern length of a first half of the position control pattern for a later-described yarn feeder and a preset value.