TW201839201A - A lever actuator for circular knitting machines, a circular knitting machine and a method for moving the needles of a circular knitting machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A lever actuator for circular knitting machines comprises a first array of levers and a second array of levers. Each array of levers comprises a plurality of levers arranged consecutively along a common axis. The second array of levers and the first array of levers are arranged consecutively one after the other along the common axis. The first array of levers is configured for engaging with teeth of selectors of the circular knitting machine if the relative rotation of a needle-holding cylinder with respect to actuating cams of this circular knitting machine occurs in a first sense of rotation (CCW). The second array of levers is configured for engaging with the teeth of the selectors if the relative rotation of a needle-holding cylinder with respect to the actuating cams occurs in a second sense of rotation (CW) opposite to the first sense of rotation (CCW).

Description

Lever actuator of circular knitting machine, circular knitting machine and method for moving knitting needles of circular knitting machine

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a lever actuator of a circular knitting machine, a circular knitting machine, and a method for moving a knitting needle of a circular knitting machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a moving mechanism for a needle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the structure of an element that activates a knitting needle by converting the relative rotational movement between the knitting needle holding element and the actuation cam into a given axial motion of the knitting needle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is known, circular knitting machines include a needle holding element (knitting cylinder and / or plate) on which one or more series of knitting needles are arranged along a circular path (circular needle bed), And a device for easily controlling the movement of the knitting needle for the formation of the knitted fabric. The device for controlling the knitting needles for holding the knitting needles in the cylinder includes an actuating cam arranged around the cylinder itself, and an actuating member configured to operatively connect the cam to the knitting needles. These actuating parts, also defined as "flat parts", are inserted into the grooves of the knitting needles, below them, and have footrests that are configured to cooperate with the paths defined by the cams ( butts).

It is known to assemble cams and the paths defined by them, so that the axial movement of the knitting needles can be made inactive, stuffed and dropped.

For example, the published documents EP 1 620 590 and EP 1 620 591 issued to the same applicant disclose a circular knitting machine equipped with a cylinder with an axial groove. The knitting needles of the plurality of knitting needles are accommodated in one of the axial grooves, and the actuating member also placed in the axial grooves is caused by interaction with the knitting needles during the rotation of the cylinder. Its actuation. The actuating part of each knitting needle comprises: a primary knitting needle connected to each knitting needle, which can oscillate radially in the groove to selectively engage its own foot rest on a path defined by the actuating cam A punch with an upper part, which can be engaged with the lower end of the secondary knitting needle, which can also be engaged with the respective paths defined by the actuating cam, a selector which can be in a radial plane Oscillation, thereby engaging into the respective path defined by the actuation cam, and which can be activated by a selection device, wherein the selector has an upper portion which can engage a lower portion against the punch. It can be noted that the path of the oscillating selector has a raised length, which lifts the selector and punch together with the knitting needles as far as the throw-off point (drop weave) of a knitted loop, and a The length is further raised by which the needles are lifted to a small extent and the loops weaving are not thrown onto the needle bar (stuffing traces). The rising length of the stuffing texture is set upstream of the rising length of the falling texture. In order to generate a dropped knitting weave, the knitting needle selector is held or guided into the operating position by the selection device, so as to first increase the length by stuffing the weave and then raise the length by the falling weave and its foot rest. (butt) for joining. The selector engaged with the raised length of the stuffing weave is a lifting punch, which is subsequently lowered, thereby causing the secondary knitting needle to be momentarily switched into the non-operating position. The further lifting caused by the selector engaged with the raised length of the dropped weave causes the knitting needles to be lifted as far as the throw point of the knitted loop. To produce a stuffed weave, the selector is engaged only to the raised length of the stuffed weave. In this example, there is no further lift.

The public document IT 1203500 series discloses a machine for a knitting or hosiery item including a lifting cam. The lifting cam defines two paths of a foot support for an elastic interface. The elastic interface acts in turn. Knitting needle and a knitting needle. These two paths are: a first path for performing a normal knitted texture, and a second path for performing a stuffing texture that is parallel and descending relative to the first path. Each of these paths includes an elevated length, a substantially horizontal length, and a settling length. When performing a normal weave weave (drop weave), the footrest of the elastic interface is engaged with the first (upper) path. The knitting needle is lifted to a height where the previously formed loop falls on the shaft of the knitting needle. When performing stuffing, the footrest of the elastic interface follows the second (bottom) path. The knitting needles are lifted to a level where the previously formed loop does not fall on the rod.

Summary In the structure of the circular knitting machine as disclosed above, the applicant has recognized some shortcomings.

First of all, the applicant has noticed that the known machines as described above have large axial and circumferential dimensions, and these known machines cannot be made with a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter because it is impossible to use them Known actuating components for knitting needles are characterized by allowing all movements required for knitting.

The applicant has further noted that in known solutions, particularly examples of knitting machines that hold cylinders with needles with small diameters, such as less than 10 inches (about 250 mm), due to insufficient space around the cylinders Accommodating all the required actuating parts, it is not possible to introduce a large number of yarn feeds.

The dimensions of known machines have a negative effect on coherent inertias, which limits the speed of rotation and therefore the speed of knitting.

The applicant has further noted that known machines as described above have a limited number of possible knitting needle movements, which limits production flexibility.

In particular, the applicant has noticed that in known machines, the structure of the cams to allow alternative generation of stuffing or drop textures develops along the periphery of the cam shell, such as occupying a lot of space. This involves restrictions on the movement assigned to the knitting needles and / or restrictions on the number of yarn feeds for a predetermined diameter of the knitting needle holding cylinder.

The applicant has noticed that if the circular knitting machine has an alternating oscillating rotation, that is, if it works by oscillating (clockwise and counterclockwise) the cam barrel around a central or rotational axis relative to the cam shell And weaving fabric, these defects will be exacerbated.

In particular, the applicant has noticed that the solutions of documents EP 1 620 590 and EP 1 620 591 result in that when the stuffing texture is performed, the footrest of the oscillating selector must necessarily be after the height of the stuffing texture but after Before the raised length of the drop weave is separated from the respective path (that is, retracted into the cylinder barrel) so as not to pass through the raised length of the fall weave. This means that the space for selecting the device must be obtained between the two raised lengths, and therefore the peripheral development of the cam is increased. In the case of machines with alternating motion, this space is required on both sides of the cam triangle that defines the raised length of the drop weave.

Under these circumstances, one of the different aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention is to propose a circular knitting machine that will achieve the same weaving characteristics or even more weaving characteristics than previous techniques, It has a small size and allows fabrics of relatively small diameter, for example below 165 mm.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a circular knitting machine and a method for moving knitting needles, which allow to increase a plurality of movements that can be assigned to knitting needles, thereby achieving higher production flexibility, that is, by manufacturing Different characteristics of different types of fabrics.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a circular knitting machine and a method for moving knitting needles. When the diameter of the knitting needle holding element is the same, it allows to increase the yarn feeding point or feeding compared to the prior art. The number given will be defined later.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a circular knitting machine characterized by a simple and reasonable structure.

Another object of the present invention is to generate alternative solutions to previous techniques for implementing circular knitting machines and / or open up new design possibilities.

It is also an object of the present invention to obtain a predetermined purpose for a circular knitting machine having an alternating oscillation action.

Basically based on one or more of the accompanying claims and according to the following aspects and / or embodiments, different combinations may be combined with the above claims, and a circular knitting machine and a Ways to achieve these and other possible goals presented more clearly as described below.

In the scope of this description and the accompanying patent applications, the terms "upper", "lower", "above" and "below" refer to the positioning of the machine during normal operation, where The central axis of rotation is in a vertical position and the cylinder needles point upwards.

In the scope of this description and the accompanying patent applications, the terms "axial", "circumferential / peripheral", and "radial" refer to the central axis.

Some aspects of the invention are listed below.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a circular knitting machine including: a base member; a knitting needle holding cylinder mounted on the base member and having a plurality of numbers arranged around a central axis of the knitting needle holding cylinder; Longitudinal grooves; a plurality of knitting needles, each of which is housed in a respective longitudinal groove; at least one yarn feeder, operatively coupled to the knitting needles; an actuating cam, which is disposed in the knitting needle holding cylinder Around the cylinder and movable around the central axis relative to the knitting needle holding cylinder for causing or allowing knitting needles to move along the longitudinal grooves so that weaving marks can be formed by the knitting needles; a drive chain for each Knitting needles are inserted into the respective longitudinal grooves, are positioned below the respective knitting needles, and are operatively placed between the respective knitting needles and the actuating cams.

In one aspect, the drive chain includes: a primary knitting needle, which is arranged below the knitting needle and preferably slidably arranged in each longitudinal groove.

In one aspect, the drive chain includes: a selector disposed below the secondary knitting needle, having at least one respective foot rest radially movable between an operating position and a non-operating position, in the operating position It is extracted so as to be engaged with the respective selector paths defined by the selector cams, and is retracted in the non-operational position so as not to be engaged with the selector paths. Preferably, the selector is at least partially slidably disposed in the respective longitudinal groove.

In one aspect, the machine comprises: at least one selection device, which acts on the selector under control for switching the latter into an operating position or a non-operating position or holding it therein.

In one aspect, the driving chain includes: a punch, which is disposed between the secondary knitting needle and the selector, wherein a lower part of the punch is engaged with the selector and an upper part of the punch is engaged with the secondary knitting needle Wherein, the punching member has a respective footrest, and the respective footrest can be engaged with the respective punching member path defined by the punching cam. Preferably, the slidability of the punches is arranged in the respective longitudinal grooves.

In one aspect, please refer to the fact that the drive chain rotates relative to the actuating cam about the central axis in a sense of rotation. The punch path includes a stuffing weave rise and a drop weave rise for each yarn feed And the entrance of the rising of the drop weave is peripheral to the entrance of the rising of the filling weave.

In one aspect, the selector path includes a single track that defines a first ascent and a second ascent for each yarn feed piece to be placed one after the other.

In one aspect, the first rise is peripheral before the second rise.

In one aspect, the first ascent is "operably linked" until the drop weave rises, and the second ascent is operatively linked until the padding weave rises.

The "operational connection" of the first ascent to the drop weave and the second ascent to the stuffing weave means that the first ascent and the respective fall ascension are close to the central axis and are arranged in a The same straight line on the cylindrical surface on which the cam rests, and this also applies to the second ascent and the respective padding weave ascent. In other words, when a knitting needle and each drive chain are close to the first ascent, the system is also close to the individual drop weaving. When a knitting needle and each drive chain are close to the second rise, the system is also close to the rise of each stuffing weave. Therefore, when the selector of a catenary is engaged on the first ascent, the punches of the same catenary are engaged or about to be engaged on the rising of the drop texture; and when the selector of a catenary is engaged on the second ascent , The punches of the same catenary are joined or about to join the padding weave.

The applicant has found that the present invention is able to solve the problem related to the limitation of the knitting needle movement caused by the size of the machine, and thereby achieve the intended purpose.

In particular, the applicant has found that the present invention allows the knitting needles to be moved to produce stuffing or drop texture, while limiting the peripheral development of the cams dedicated to these movements.

This feature enables the knitting needle movement to be the same, which enables the knitting needle to have more movement and / or reduces the axial and peripheral development of the cylinder and cam compared to previous techniques. This makes it possible to manufacture fabrics with smaller diameters and / or several distinct characteristics, and / or to reduce the inertia of the cylinder and thus increase the working speed.

In fact, as will be better understood from the following detailed description, the selector path-where the second ascent (operably coupled to the padding weave rises) follows (i.e. placed downstream) the first ascent (operably coupled to the drop weave) (The track rises)-and the punch path-in which the stuffing weave rise follows the drop weave rise-the specific shape allows for forced knitting needles to perform stuffing and fall in a restricted peripheral space and in a simpler and faster way Weave.

Further aspects of the invention are listed below.

In one aspect, the entrance of the rising of the drop weave is immediately followed by (ie, placed immediately upstream) the entrance of the rising of the stuffing weave. By moving forward with respect to the cam, each knitting needle and each drive chain first encounters the entrance of the falling weave, and then the entrance of the filling weave. "Immediately before" means no further entry or path between the two aforementioned entrances for the punch foot rest.

In one aspect, an exit where the drop weave rises is immediately followed by (ie, placed immediately upstream) to fill an exit where the weave rises. "Immediately before" means no further exit or path between the two aforementioned exits for the punch foot rest.

In one aspect, the yarn feeder follows (i.e., is placed downstream) the respective maximum height points of the filling weave rise and the drop weave rise.

In one aspect, the rising of the stuffing weave and the rising of the falling weave develop in parallel or substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, but not necessarily, the rising of the drop weave and the rising of the stuffing weave have the same slope.

In one aspect, the rising entrance of the drop weave and the rising entrance of the stuffing weave are branched off from a basic path. Preferably, the basic path is placed at a constant axial height, that is, it is a circle.

In one aspect, a maximum height of the drop weave rise is higher than a maximum height of the fill weave rise.

In one aspect, the axial extension of the drop weave is longer than the axial extension of the fill weave.

In one aspect, the perimeter extension of the rising drop texture is longer than the perimeter extension of the filling texture rise.

In one aspect, the rising length of the drop weave is longer than the rising length of the stuffing weave.

In one aspect, the rising of the stuffing texture and the rising of the falling texture are merged into the other after the respective maximum height points (ie, downstream).

In one aspect, the stuffing weave rise is part of a stuffing texture punch path, and the drop weave is rising part of a fall texture punching path.

In one aspect, the stuffing texture punch path and the dropping texture punch path are merged after the respective stuffing texture rises and the drop texture rises (ie, downstream).

In one aspect, the drop-texture punch path has a substantially horizontal height that is placed after the drop-texture is raised (i.e., downstream).

In one aspect, the drop weave path has a drop weave drop that connects a substantially horizontal length to an exit of the padding weave.

In one aspect, the path of the punches coupled to each yarn feeder is symmetrical with respect to the yarn feeder.

In one aspect, the punch path includes a stuffing weave and drop weave rise of a first pair, and a stuffing weave and drop rise of a second pair coupled to one of the yarn feeders.

In one aspect, the rising pairs of the first pair and the second pair are symmetrically disposed with respect to the yarn feeding member.

In one aspect, the stuffing weave and drop weaving of the first and second pairs are merged into a central region of the punch path aligned with the respective yarn feeders.

In one aspect, a single track has at least one wavy segment with peaks and valleys attached. In one aspect, the wavy segment includes a first rise and a second rise.

In one aspect, the first rising axial extension is substantially the same as the second rising axial extension.

In one aspect, the first rising peripheral extension is substantially the same as the second rising peripheral extension.

In one aspect, the first rise and the second rise are basically developed in parallel with one another.

In one aspect, the drop weave rise is peripherally offset from the respective first rise.

In one aspect, the padding texture rise is peripherally offset relative to the respective second rise.

In one aspect, the first rise is a peripheral shift earlier than the rise of the respective drop texture.

In one aspect, a maximum height of the first ascent is peripherally preceded by an entrance for each ascending drop texture.

In one aspect, the second rise is a peripheral shift earlier than the rise of the respective packing weaves.

In one aspect, a second ascending basal system precedes an entrance of each ascending weave.

In one aspect, a maximum height of the second ascent is a peripheral height that precedes a maximum of the ascent of each padding texture.

In one aspect, the entry point of the foot rest of the selector in the wavy segment is defined on the valley of the wavy segment.

In one aspect, the wavy segment system includes a first fall, wherein the first fall connects the first rise to the second rise.

In one aspect, the wavy segment includes a second fall that follows (ie, is placed downstream) a second rise. The footrest of the selector can thus be slid in a single track passing in a single track of the first ascent, the first ascent, the second ascent, and the second ascent.

In one aspect, the entry points of the footrests of the selectors in the wavy segment are defined on a first rising base and on a second rising base.

In one aspect, one of the first entry points of the foot rest of the selector in the wavy segment is defined on a first rising base.

In one aspect, a second entry point of one of the selector's foot rests in the wavy segment is defined on a second rising base.

In one aspect, a single track system has a disengagement area for each yarn feeder and is configured to enable each foot rest to run out of the single track radially. As a result, the foot rest of the axially moving element of the selector runs out of the single track and into the longitudinal groove of the needle-holding cylinder barrel for receiving the driving chain.

In one aspect, the yarn feeders are disposed on the respective separation areas.

In one aspect, the detached area follows (ie, is placed downstream) a second descent.

In one aspect, the detached area has at least one exit ramp defined by a chamfered portion and extending from a bottom surface of the single track to a radially outer surface. The footrest of the selector runs forward to the exit slope in the exit area, slides on the slope, and then moves radially inward.

In one aspect, the disengagement area is symmetrical with respect to the respective yarn feeders.

In one aspect, the escape zone has two exit ramps placed at opposite ends thereof.

In one aspect, the single track includes a wavy segment disposed on both sides of the departure area.

In one aspect, the machine includes at least two yarn feeders.

In one aspect, a single track includes a disengagement area connected to each yarn feeder and at least two wavy segments, each of which is placed peripherally behind the other and placed in two disengagement areas between.

In one aspect, the wavy segments are symmetrical with respect to an axial straight line in an intermediate position between two yarn feeders that are peripherally located one behind the other.

In one aspect, the wavy segment includes a central protrusion that is preferably symmetrical about a straight line in the middle axis.

In one aspect, the wavy segment includes two lateral protrusions disposed on the sides of the central protrusion, and each side of the central protrusion has one.

In one aspect, the system has two valleys, each valley being defined between the central protrusion and each side protrusion.

In one aspect, the central protrusion has two sides. Please refer to it. The drive chain rotates about the central axis relative to the actuating cam in a counterclockwise direction. The first of the two sides defines the first ascent and the two sides. The second one defines the first descent, wherein the first descent and the first descent are working for a first yarn feeder.

In one aspect, please refer to that the drive chain rotates about the central axis relative to the actuating cam with a clockwise rotation meaning, the second one on the two sides defines the first rise and the first one on the two sides defines the first fall, The first ascent and the first ascent work for a second yarn feeder adjacent to the first yarn feeder.

In one aspect, please refer to the clockwise rotation of the drive chain relative to the actuating cam around the central axis. One of the two side protrusions defines a second ascent and a second ascent, where the second The ascent and second descent work for the first yarn feeder.

In one aspect, please refer to that the drive chain rotates relative to the actuating cam about the central axis in a counterclockwise sense, and the other of the two side protrusions defines a second ascent and a second ascent. The two ascents and the second ascents work for a second yarn feeder adjacent to the first yarn feeder.

With respect to the movement of the knitting needle and the driving chain which slide relative to the cam by rotating the cylinder in a predetermined rotational sense by means of a needle-holding cylinder, the wavy section system placed between two successive yarn feeders works to It is used for yarn feeders that follow wave-like sections (that is, downstream). By reversing the meaning of the rotation and therefore the direction of movement of the knitting needles and drive chain relative to the cam, the same wavy segment system works for another yarn feeder.

In one aspect, the at least one selection device is placed between two consecutive yarn feeders.

In one aspect, the machine includes at least two yarn feeders and at least two selection devices, each of which is placed between two consecutive yarn feeders.

In one aspect, the at least one selection device is placed on a respective wavy segment.

In one aspect, the selection device includes two actuators that are peripherally placed next to the other.

In one aspect, two actuators are placed between two successive yarn feeders.

In one aspect, each of the actuators is placed on a respective valley (or depression) defined by a wavy segment, preferably between the central protrusion and each side protrusion.

In one aspect, the actuator is a magnetic or piezoelectric type.

In one aspect, the actuator is a lever type.

In one aspect, the actuator includes a plurality of levers.

In one aspect, the levers can be moved between a first position and a second position under control. Preferably, the levers can be vertically moved between a raised position and a lowered position under control.

In one aspect, the actuator system includes a plurality of levers, each of which oscillates around a horizontal winding under control.

In one aspect, the lever actuator includes a lever of a first array and a lever of a second array.

In one aspect, the levers of each array include a plurality of levers arranged one after the other along one common axis, preferably overlapping and aligned along one vertical axis.

In one aspect, the levers of the second array and the levers of the first array are arranged one after the other along the common axis, preferably the levers of the second array axially overlap the first Array of levers.

In one aspect, the lever array of the first array is configured to operate if the relative rotation of the knitting needle holding cylinder relative to the actuating cam occurs in a first rotation meaning, preferably in a counterclockwise sense, that is, engaged in Tooth of selector of circular knitting machine.

In one aspect, the lever array of the second array is configured such that if the relative rotation of the knitting needle holding cylinder relative to the actuating cam is in a second rotation meaning that is opposite to the first rotation meaning, it preferably occurs in a clockwise meaning Then, the teeth that are engaged with the selector are operated.

In one aspect, please refer to a plane of symmetry in which a common axis is provided. The lever of the lever of the first array is asymmetrical to the lever of the lever of the second array.

In one aspect, the levers are asymmetric with respect to a vertical axis.

In one aspect, the leverage of the leverage of the first array is asymmetrical to the leverage of the leverage of the second array.

In one aspect, the levers of the levers of the first array are all movable together.

In one aspect, the levers of the levers of the first array are movable around respective axes orthogonal to the common axis, preferably around respective horizontal axes.

In one aspect, the levers of the levers of the second array are all movable together.

In one aspect, the levers of the levers of the second array are movable around respective axes orthogonal to the common axis, preferably around respective horizontal axes.

In one aspect, the levers of the first array and the levers of the second array can move independently of one another.

In one aspect, the lever of the lever of the first array can be moved independently of the lever of the lever of the second array.

In one aspect, the levers of the levers of the first array have respective first engaging surfaces for the teeth of the selector.

In one aspect, the levers of the levers of the second array have respective second engaging surfaces for the teeth of the selector.

In one aspect, the first joint surface and the second joint surface are inclined in opposite directions.

In one aspect, the first joint surface is disposed in a first common plane inclined with respect to the plane of symmetry, or in a first plane inclined with respect to the plane of symmetry.

In one aspect, the second joint surface is disposed in a second common plane inclined with respect to the plane of symmetry, or in a second plane inclined with respect to the plane of symmetry.

In one aspect, the first joint surface and the second joint surface are inclined toward opposite sides of the plane of symmetry.

In a separate aspect, the invention relates to a lever actuator for a circular knitting machine according to one or more of the previous aspects, wherein the actuator can be used in the machine described and requested herein , And preferably in other circular machines with alternating rotation.

In an independent aspect, the present invention also relates to a circular knitting machine preferably having an alternating rotation action, which comprises at least an actuator according to one or more of the previous aspects.

In an independent aspect, the present invention also relates to a circular knitting machine preferably having alternate rotating actions, including: a needle-holding cylinder having a plurality of longitudinal directions arranged around a central axis of the needle-holding cylinder Groove; a plurality of knitting needles, each of which is accommodated in a respective longitudinal groove; at least one yarn feeding member, which is operatively connected to the knitting needles; an actuating cam, which is configured to hold the cylinder around the knitting needles for configuration And can be moved relative to the knitting needle holding cylinder around the central axis to cause or allow knitting needle movement along the longitudinal knitting needles so that weaving marks can be formed by the knitting needles; a drive chain for each knitting The needles are inserted into the respective longitudinal grooves, are positioned below the respective knitting needles and are operatively placed between the respective knitting needles and the actuating cams; wherein the driving chain includes: a selector, which is arranged in the knitting Below the needle, there is at least one individual foot rest, which is radially movable between an operating position and a non-operating position, in which it is extracted for engagement with the selector cam Defined individual selector paths in non-operational positions It is retracted so as not to engage the selector paths.

In one aspect, the machine includes: at least one selection device that acts on the selector under control for the latter to be switched into the operating position or the non-operational position or held therein; wherein the selection device includes a basis At least the actuator of one of the previous aspects.

In one aspect, the lever system of the first array of each of the two actuators is configured such that if the relative rotation of the knitting needle holding cylinder relative to the actuating cam is in a first rotation sense, preferably in a counterclockwise sense Occurs when engaged with the teeth of the selector.

In one aspect, the lever system of the second array of each of the two actuators is configured such that if the knitting needle-holding cylinder rotates relative to the actuating cam in a second rotation meaning that is opposite to the first rotation meaning , That is, occurs in a clockwise sense and engages the teeth of the selector.

The applicant has found that an actuator system according to the invention incorporating a lever operating in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise sense allows further reductions in machine size because only a small space is required between the two yarn feeders An actuator acting on the selector is installed.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for moving a knitting needle for a circular knitting machine, wherein the circular knitting machine is made according to one or more of the above aspects and / or incidental claims.

In one aspect, the method includes: causing a relative rotation between the needle holding cylinder and the actuating cam

In one aspect, the method includes: engaging a selector's foot rest into a first entry point defined on a base of the first rise; by the relative rotation and each foot rest on the first rise A subsequent sliding of the selector lifts the selector; an axial push made by the selector lifts the punch until the foot rest of the punch engages the drop weave and rises; by the relative rotation and each A subsequent sliding of the foot rest on the rising of the drop weave to further lift the punch, thereby raising the knitting needle and generating a drop weave; wherein the punch is removed from the selector when it is lifted; where the punch When the piece is lifted and slides on the rising of the drop texture, the footrest of the selector moves in a single track that also passes the second rising.

In one aspect, the method includes: engaging a selector's foot rest into a second entry point defined on a base of the second ascent; by the relative rotation and individual foot rests on the second ascent A subsequent sliding of the selector lifts the selector; an axial push made by the selector lifts the punch until the foot rest of the punch engages the padding weave and rises; by the relative rotation and separately A subsequent sliding of the foot rest on the rising of the stuffing weave causes the punch to be further lifted, thereby raising the needle and producing a stuffing weave.

In one aspect, after passing the second ascent, the selector's foot rest goes through a second descent and runs into a disengagement area.

In one aspect, the footrest of the selector walks past the disengagement area until it engages an exit ramp, where the exit ramp causes each footrest to run radially out of a single track. The foot rests approach the axis of rotation radially and run back into the respective grooves of the needle-holding cylinder used to receive the drive chain.

In one aspect, if the knitting needle-holding cylinder rotates in a counterclockwise direction relative to the actuating cam, the foot rest of the selector is slid on the first side of the central protrusion to lift the punch until the punch The foot rest is engaged with the falling weave of the first yarn feeder, or the foot rest of the selector is slid on the first side of one of the side protrusions to lift the punch until the punch The footrest engages into the stuffing weave of the first yarn feeder until it rises.

In one aspect, if the knitting needle holding cylinder rotates in a clockwise direction relative to the actuating cam, the foot rest of the selector is slid on the second side of the central protrusion to lift the punch until the punch The foot rest is engaged with the drop weaving of the second yarn feeder, or the foot rest of the selector is slid on the second side of one of the other side protrusions to lift the punch until the punch The foot rest of the piece engages until the stuffing weave of the second yarn feed piece rises.

In one aspect, the method includes: acting on the selector by a selection device to move individual footrests or holding them in an operating position or a non-operating position.

In one aspect, if the relative rotation of the knitting needle-holding cylinder with respect to the actuating cam occurs in a first rotation meaning, preferably counterclockwise, the lever of the first array of at least the actuator is engaged with the tooth of the selector .

In one aspect, if the relative rotation of the knitting needle-holding cylinder with respect to the actuating cam occurs in a second rotation meaning that is opposite to the first rotation meaning, that is, preferably occurs clockwise, the second array of at least one actuator The lever is engaged with the teeth of the selector.

In one aspect, if the needle-holding cylinder is rotated in a first sense of rotation relative to the actuating cam, preferably counterclockwise, a first actuator acts on the selector for engaging the foot rest into the first An entry point and a drop weave on a yarn feeder, and a second actuator acting on the selector for engaging a footrest that was not previously engaged by the first actuator into the second entrance Point and create a stuffing weave on the yarn feeder.

In one aspect, if the knitting needle holding cylinder is rotated in a first rotation, preferably counterclockwise, relative to the actuation cam, a lever of a first array of one of the first actuators acts on the selector to The footrest is engaged into the first entry point and a drop weave is generated on a yarn feeder, and the lever of the second array of one of the second actuators is acted on the selector for the footrest to be engaged. A second entry point also creates a stuffing weave on the yarn feeder.

In one aspect, if the knitting needle holding cylinder is rotated in a second rotation, preferably clockwise, relative to the actuating cam, the second actuator acts on the selector for engaging the foot rest into the first An entry point and a drop weave on a different adjacent yarn feeder, and the first actuator acts on the selector for engaging a footrest that was not previously engaged by the second actuator The second entry point also creates a stuffing weave on the different adjacent yarn feeders.

In one aspect, if the knitting needle holding cylinder is rotated in a second rotation, preferably clockwise, relative to the actuating cam, a second array of one of the second actuators acts on the selector to The footrest is engaged into the first entry point and a drop weave is produced on a different adjacent yarn feeder, and a lever of a second array of one of the first actuators acts on the selector for The footrest engages the second entry point and creates a stuffing weave on the different adjacent yarn feeders.

In one aspect, the secondary knitting needle has a foot rest, wherein the foot rest is radially movable between an operating position and a non-operating position, in which it is extracted for engagement with the cam of the secondary knitting needle. Each of the defined secondary knitting needle paths causes the needles to start and the formation of the knitting track, and is retracted in a non-operation position so as not to be engaged with the secondary knitting needle paths.

In one aspect, the drive chain includes a starting element that is slidably disposed in each longitudinal groove between the secondary knitting needle and the selector, wherein the starting element may be relative to the punch and relative to the secondary The knitting needles are longitudinally moved and operatively engaged with the secondary knitting needles, so that the foot rests of the secondary knitting needles are switched to respective operating positions and held therein.

In particular, the applicant has found that the actuating element which is free to move relative to the punch and the secondary knitting needle allows to decide where and when the radial extraction / insertion should take place, regardless of the axial direction of the punch and / or selector Why the location is the same.

In other words, the punch is pushed up on the secondary knitting needles and needles without causing the radial movement of the secondary knitting needles to switch from a non-operational position to an operating position, because the switching is caused by the starting element .

And, for example, the knitting needle can be moved to a higher lever in a non-operating position to perform "flipping dial picking" without moving the lower components, that is, in particular the selector and / or the punch.

The solution of the invention can control the extraction of the foot support of the secondary knitting needle regardless of the axial position of the punch and / or the selector, which is particularly effective during the formation of the texture. `` Texture formation '' refers to the period during which a needle is used to pick up a new yarn and come down-caused by a drop in the needle-from an old weave (formerly formed) under the needle head running above the heat and creating a weave Work steps until fully formed.

In one aspect of the present invention, the foot rest of the secondary knitting needle is switched into the operating position and held therein during the lowering step of the knitting needle, and particularly during the step of lowering the knitting needle corresponding to the formation of the knitting trace.

In one aspect, the secondary knitting needle, the punch, the selector and the activating element are flat portions. The drive chain is also called a "catenary" and is composed of the above-mentioned flat portion slidably inserted into the longitudinal groove.

In one aspect, the drive chain is configured to decouple an axial movement of the knitting needles and / or secondary knitting needles from an axial movement of the punch and / or the activating element and / or the selector.

In one aspect, the drive chain is configured to decouple an axial movement of the activation element from an axial movement of the punch and / or knitting needle and / or selector.

In one aspect, the drive chain is configured to decouple the axial movement of the punch and / or the selector from the activation / deactivation of the radial movement of the foot support of the secondary knitting needle.

In one aspect, the secondary knitting needle and the knitting needle are made into one piece.

In a different aspect, the secondary knitting needle and the knitting needle end are separate elements.

In one aspect, an upper end of the secondary knitting needle is preferably bound to the knitting needle with a two-sided and / or hinge restraint.

In one aspect, the secondary knitting needle includes a support portion that carries a respective foot rest.

In one aspect, the activating element is operatively engaged with the support portion.

In one aspect, the support portion is elastically movable between a first configuration corresponding to the operating position of the footrest and a second configuration corresponding to the non-operational position of the footrest.

The applicant has found that the elastic actuation system allows a more effective and safer path than known movements obtained with oscillating stiffening elements and / or by turning the whole and / or secondary knitting needles. Move the foot support of the secondary needle to the ground (inactive needle).

In one aspect, the support portion is in a non-operating position of the footrest and applies an elastic restoring force to the footrest.

In one aspect, in the non-operating position of the footrest, the elastic force holds the support portion and the respective footrests inside the respective grooves.

The applicant has found that the elastic restoring force ensures a radially retracted non-operating position in a safe and effective manner.

In one aspect, the starting element is adapted to switch the footrest into a respective operating position and to hold it against the elastic force.

In other words, when the footrest is not engaged or stressed by the actuating element, it is left in a non-operational position by means of elastic restoring force and is actively moved to the operating position by the actuating element.

In one aspect, the support portion includes an elastic flexible arm extending in a direction, preferably with a protrusion facing the activating element. The elastic force is given by the elastic flexible arm.

In one aspect, the elastic flexible arm is disposed in the groove.

In one aspect, the elastic flexible arm extends substantially parallel to an axial direction.

In one aspect, the secondary knitting needle system includes a main body portion, and the elastic flexible arm extends from the main body portion and protrudes.

In one aspect, the support portion includes a lower portion disposed on a distal end of the elastic flexible arm, wherein the lower portion is a footrest carrying a secondary knitting needle.

In one aspect, the secondary knitting needle system includes a retaining element, and the retaining element is placed at a radially outer position relative to the lower portion, thereby limiting the radial stroke of the foot rest of the secondary knitting needle.

In one aspect, the retaining element is defined by an axial extension of the secondary knitting needle, which develops from the main body portion and is preferably substantially parallel to the elastic flexible arm.

When resting, the elasticity of the elastic flexible arm of the secondary knitting needle holds the radially movable footrest in a non-operation position, thereby making the needle inoperable. The foot rest of the secondary knitting needle must be activated to form a weave with the knitting needle. Therefore, the foot rest is not free but is actively held inside or outside the groove.

In one aspect, the secondary knitting needle includes an auxiliary foot rest.

In one aspect, the auxiliary footrest system extends radially from the main body portion of the secondary knitting needle.

In one aspect, the auxiliary secondary knitting cams define auxiliary secondary knitting needle paths, and the auxiliary foot support of the secondary knitting needles can be engaged into the auxiliary secondary knitting needle paths.

In one aspect, the secondary knitting needle has an abutment surface directed axially toward the punch.

In one aspect, the abutment surface is placed close to an upper end of the secondary knitting needle.

In one aspect, the punching member extends at least partially parallel with respect to the starting element and the secondary knitting needle system and in a radially inner position.

In one aspect, the punches rest against a bottom surface of each groove.

In one aspect, the starting element and the secondary knitting needles stop radially against the punch.

In one aspect, the punch includes an elongated upper portion that is preferably shaped as a bar, and a lower portion or foot located below the lower end of the elongated portion.

In one aspect, the activation element and the secondary knitting needles rest radially against the elongated portion.

In one aspect, in the second configuration of the support portion, the support portion is a radial portion and at least partially rests against the punch, preferably the elongated portion.

In one aspect, the lower portion of the punch has an abutment surface directed toward the activating element.

In one aspect, an upper part of the punch, preferably a distal end of the elongated upper part, can preferably engage an abutment surface against the secondary knitting needle by a single axial rest.

In the framework of the present invention, the term "unilateral axial rest" refers to a mechanical coupling or restraint between two elements, in which an axial thrust of a first element on a second element, together with the first element facing A movement of the second element causes a corresponding movement of the second element (which is integral with the first element), and a movement of the first element away from the second element causes a separation between the two elements, wherein the second element Removed; and vice versa. In other words, this restraint is held by a contact between the two elements when the first element is moved to the second element, and canceled when the first element moves in the opposite direction relative to the second element, In this example, there is a separation between the two elements.

In one aspect, the lower part of the punch, preferably a bearing surface pointing at the selector, can preferably engage a bearing surface against the selector by a single axial rest.

In one aspect, the foot rest of the punch extends radially from the lower portion of the punch.

In one aspect, the activating element has an upper end preferably provided with an inclined surface. The upper end, preferably the inclined surface, cooperates with the lower portion of the support portion, so that the foot rest of the secondary knitting needle can be switched to the respective operation position against the elastic force exerted by the support portion.

In one aspect, the inclined surface is directed radially outward.

In one aspect, the lower portion of the support portion has an inclined surface that faces the upper end of the activation element and is configured to cooperate with the inclined surface of the activation element.

In one aspect, the activating element has a seat configured to receive at least a portion of the lower portion and hold the foot rest of the secondary knitting needle in a respective operating position and / or push axially Hold the secondary knitting needle.

In one aspect, the seat is located at the upper end of the activating element and preferably assumes an opposite shape to the lower portion of the support portion.

In one aspect, the seat develops from the inclined surface of the activation element in a continuous manner.

In one aspect, the actuating element has a lower end, and the lower end can preferably engage a bearing surface of the punching member by a unilateral axial rest.

In one aspect, the activating element has a separate foot rest.

In one aspect, the actuating element cam defines a path of the actuating element, and a footrest of the actuating element can engage the path of the actuating element.

In one aspect, the footrest of the activating element extends radially from an axially intermediate region of the activating element.

In one aspect, the selector includes an axially moving element slidably disposed in each longitudinal groove.

In one aspect, the axially moving elements of the selector carry respective footrests.

In one aspect, the selector has an auxiliary foot rest.

In one aspect, the selector's axially moving elements carry respective auxiliary footrests.

In one aspect, the auxiliary actuation selector cams define auxiliary selector paths, and the auxiliary footrests of the selectors can engage into the auxiliary selector paths.

In one aspect, the selector includes an axial static element that can be engaged by the selection device, wherein the axial static element is operatively engaged by the axially moving element, so that the individual foot rests and the auxiliary foot rests, if any, are radial. Ground is moved between operating and non-operating positions.

In one aspect, the axial static element is oscillated by the effect of the selection device.

In one aspect, the axially moving element oscillates by the effect of an auxiliary static element.

In one aspect, the axial static element includes a plurality of teeth pointing radially outwardly, which can be selectively engaged by a selection device.

In one aspect, there is no axial static element, and the selection device, preferably a magnetic type, acts directly on the axially moving element.

In one aspect, the auxiliary foot rest of the secondary knitting needle, the foot rest of the punching member, and the foot rest of the starting element are axially moved and radially static.

In one aspect, the foot rest of the selector and the auxiliary foot rest of the selector are moved axially and also radially.

In one aspect, the maximum stroke of the secondary knitting needle and the needle when the footrest is moved to the non-operating position in the radial direction is longer than the maximum stroke of the punch.

In one aspect, the maximum stroke of the secondary knitting needle and the needle when the radial movement of the foot rest is in the operating position is greater than the maximum stroke of the secondary knitting needle and the needle when the radial movement of the foot rest is in the non-operation position Shorter.

In one aspect, the maximum stroke of the punch is longer than the maximum stroke of the radial moving element of the selector.

In one aspect, the maximum stroke of the knitting needle and the knitting needle when the radial movement of the foot rest is in the non-operating position is about three times the maximum stroke of the axial moving element of the selector.

In one aspect, the maximum stroke of the knitting needle and the knitting needle when the radial movement of the foot rest is in the non-operating position is about 1.2 times the maximum stroke of the punch.

In one aspect, the needle-holding cylinder has a reference diameter of less than about 200 mm, preferably less than about 100 mm. "Reference diameter" refers to the diameter measured on the bottom surface of the axial groove defined on the outer surface of the cylinder, in which the knitting needle is slidably accommodated. In the technical field of circular knitting machines, the bottom surface of the groove is called "low background"; the reference diameter is therefore defined relative to this "low background".

In one aspect, the circular knitting machine has a number of yarn feeding points (feeding pieces), and the number of yarn feeding points is greater than one, or preferably greater than two, or preferably four or more.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for moving a knitting needle of a circular knitting machine, wherein preferably, the machine is based on one or more of the above aspects and / or according to the attached claims and And / or one or more of the embodiments.

The method for moving the knitting needles of a circular knitting machine includes moving a foot rest of a primary knitting needle engaged with a respective knitting needle to a operative position and a non-operational position (non-active knitting needles). ), In the operating position, it is extracted so as to engage with the respective secondary needle path defined by the secondary needle cam and cause the needle to start and weave formation. In the non-operation position, it is retracted to prevent disengagement. In the path of the secondary knitting needles; the radial movement of the foot support of the secondary knitting needles is caused by a relative axial movement between the secondary knitting needles and the starting element positioned axially below the secondary knitting needles; wherein the relative axis The directional motion system presents, at least in some steps, an axial movement of a selector and / or a punch which is arranged under the needle and is operatively activated by a selection device acting on the selector under control. Disconnected / Independent.

In one aspect, during the relative axial movement between the secondary knitting needle and the activating element, an upper end, preferably an inclined surface, of the activating element cooperates with a supporting portion of a foot rest of the secondary knitting needle.

In one aspect, a substantially radial elastic force acts on a support portion of a footrest of the secondary knitting needle to hold the footrest in a non-operating position.

In one aspect, the upper end of the activating element acts against the elastic force during the movement from the non-operation to the operation position.

In one aspect, during the movement from the non-operating to the operating position, an upper end of the starting element is inserted between a needle-holding cylinder and a support portion of the foot rest of the secondary needle (in particular, its Inserted between an upper part of the foot rest and a support part of the foot rest of the secondary knitting needle).

In one aspect, the elastic force restores the foot rest from operating to non-operating position.

In one aspect, in the step of radially moving the foot support of the secondary knitting needle, the foot support is held during the step of lowering the knitting needle, and particularly during the step of lowering one of the knitting needles corresponding to the formation of the weave. Switch into this operating position and hold it in place.

In one aspect, the punch pushes the activation element axially upward until a foot rest of the activation element engages the cam of the activation element, and then the punch disengages from the activation element.

In one aspect, a punch cam of the punching member engaged therein guides the punching member axially upward or downward.

In one aspect, an auxiliary sub-knitting cam in which an auxiliary foot support of the secondary knitting needle is engaged axially guides the sub-knitting needle axially, and a cam of the starting element in which a foot support of the starting element engages therein Start the element until the upper end of the start element is inserted between the knitting needle holding cylinder and the supporting part of the foot rest of the secondary knitting needle.

In one aspect, an auxiliary foot support of the secondary knitting needle engages an auxiliary secondary knitting needle actuating cam to guide the secondary knitting needle axially upwards, and the starting element cam guides the starting element downward until the upper end of the starting element starts from The lower part of the foot support of the secondary knitting needle is taken out.

In one aspect, the punch is pushed directly against the secondary knitting needle to guide it upward.

In one aspect, the selector, preferably an axial moving element of the selector, pushes the punch upwards axially until a foot of the punch engages the punch cam, and then disengages from the punch.

In one aspect, the selector foot rest engages the actuating selector cam therein, and / or the auxiliary foot rest engagement of the selector actuating selector cam engages the selection axially up or down. Device.

In one aspect, an axial static element of the selector is pushed radially on the axial moving element of the selector, thereby causing it to oscillate and cause the diameter of the respective footrest and the auxiliary footrest if present.向 运动。 To exercise.

In one aspect, a selection device acts against the axial static element of the selector to oscillate and push it radially against the axially moving element.

In one aspect, the maximum axial stroke of an axially moving element of the selector is less than the maximum axial stroke of the knitting needle and / or the secondary knitting needle and / or less than the maximum axial stroke of the starting element and / or less than the impact Maximum axial stroke of the part.

Further features and advantages will become clearer from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a circular knitting machine and a method for moving knitting needles according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 1 generally represents a knitting head of a circular knitting machine according to the present invention.

The circular knitting machine system includes a base member, which is not shown because it is of a known type. It constitutes the supporting structure of the circular knitting machine, and the knitting head 1 is mounted on the base member.

The knitting head 1 is equipped with a knitting needle holding cylinder 2, a plurality of knitting needles 3 mounted on the knitting needle holding cylinder 2, and a control part for easily selectively activating the knitting needles 3 so as to generate a fabric .

The knitting needle holding cylinder 2 is usually mounted on the base member in a vertical position, wherein the knitting needles 3 are arranged vertically and protrude beyond an upper edge of the cylinder 2.

For example, the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 has a reference diameter of about 100 mm and a height of about 450 mm.

As shown in FIG. 1, the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 has a plurality of longitudinal grooves 4 obtained on a radially outer surface of the cylinder 2. The longitudinal groove 4 is arranged around a central axis "X-X" (vertical) of the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 and is developed parallel to the central axis "X-X". Each of the longitudinal grooves 4 houses a respective knitting needle 3 and a respective driving chain 5 or "dangling chain", which includes a plurality of flat portions. The actuating cam "C" is configured as a knitting needle holding a casing around the cylinder barrel 2 and is arranged to face the radial outer surface of the cylinder barrel 2 and therefore the longitudinal groove 4 and the drive chain 5. These actuating cams "C" are defined by plates and / or grooves disposed on an inner surface of the casing.

For clarity, the length of these actuating cams “C” has been shown in FIG. 1 to develop in a plane and beside a drive chain 5 coupled to one of the knitting needles 3.

In the embodiment shown, the casing of the actuating cam "C" is basically static, and the needle-holding cylinder 2 (in a continuous or alternating action in both directions) rotates around the central axis "XX", thereby A relative rotation action is generated between the drive chain 5 and the actuation cam "C".

As described in further detail below, the drive chain 5 is operatively coupled to the actuating cam "C" to convert the relative rotational movement into an axial movement of the knitting needle 3 along the longitudinal groove 4, thereby enabling the The stitch 3 is formed as a weave. The actuating cam "C" defines a path extending around the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 and is engaged / can be engaged by a footrest belonging to the drive chain 5. Therefore, each drive chain 5 is operatively placed between the respective knitting needles 3 and the actuating cam "C".

A suitable device (not shown) feeds the yarn for knitting at one or more yarn feeding points (referred to as feeders) that are usually arranged above the needle-holding cylinder 2. For example, the circular knitting machine shown has four yarn feed points.

Reference will now be made to a single drive chain 5 coupled to a respective knitting needle 3, as shown in Figs. 1, 2a and 2b. The relative positions of the different components are described with reference to the drive chain 5, where the respective knitting needles 3 are correctly installed in the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 in a vertical position.

The knitting needle 3 is arranged on an upper edge of the knitting needle holding cylinder 2, and the driving chain 5 is developed below the knitting needle 3 to reach a base close to the knitting needle holding cylinder 2.

As can be seen more clearly in Figures 2a and 2b, the drive chain 5 includes: a primary knitting needle 6, which is arranged immediately below the knitting needle 3, a punch 7, which is partially arranged below the secondary knitting needle 6, and an activating element 8. It is located radially next to the punch 7 and is placed below the secondary knitting needle 6. A selector 9 is positioned below the punch 7.

The knitting needle 3 has a foot 10 shaped as a hook. When the knitting needle 3 is correctly positioned in the longitudinal groove 4, the foot 10 is oriented radially outwards.

The secondary knitting needle 6 has a main body portion 11. An upper end 12 of the main body portion 11 has a seat 13 and a protrusion 14 just below the seat 13. The protrusion 14 is provided with an upper surface 15 that develops from the seat 13 in a continuous manner, and is provided with an opposite lower abutment surface 16. When the secondary knitting needle 6 is correctly positioned in the longitudinal groove 4, the seat 13 and the protrusion 14 face radially inward of the groove 4.

The knitting needle 3 is firmly connected to the secondary knitting needle 6 by inserting the foot 10 into the seat 13. The connection between the foot 10 and the seat 13 is a two-sided type, that is, the knitting needles 3 and the secondary knitting needles 6 move integrally along the longitudinal groove 4. Since the knitting needles 3 and the secondary knitting needles 6 are integral with each other in their vertical and axial movement systems, one may oscillate slightly to the other when connected to each other. The connection system between the foot 10 and the seat 13 constitutes a hinge . This hinge moves along a longitudinal groove 4 based on the axial movement of the knitting needles 3 and the secondary knitting needles 6 which are integral with each other. The foot 10 can be easily connected to or disconnected from the seat 13, thereby making it easier to assemble or disassemble the two components.

In a different embodiment not shown, the secondary knitting needle and the knitting needle are made as one piece.

An elastic flexible arm 17 extends and protrudes from the main body portion 11 and faces axially downward, that is, toward the activating element 8. A lower portion 18 placed at a distal end of the elastic flexible arm 17 carries a radially movable footrest 19 carrying the secondary knitting needle 6. The lower portion 18 is terminated by a projection 20 which is smooth and / or provided with an inclined surface. The elastic flexible arm 17 and the lower portion 18 constitute an elastic moving support portion for radially moving the footrest 19.

An axial extension 21 is developed downward from the main body portion 11 and parallel to the central axis "X-X". The axial extension 21 is located at a radially outer position relative to the flexible arm 17 and is substantially parallel to the flexible arm 17. The length of the axial extension 21 is shorter than the overall length of the support portions 17 and 18, so that the radially moving foot rest 19 is still located below one end of the axial extension 21. As will be clearer below, this axial extension 21 constitutes a retaining element for a radial stroke of the foot rest 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6. In fact, the elastic flexibility of the elastic flexible arm 17 allows the lower portion 18 and the foot rest 19 to move between a operative position and a non-operative position along a substantially radial path when they are subjected to external stress. The footrest 19 is extracted from the longitudinal groove 4 in the operating position, and the footrest 19 is retracted into the longitudinal groove 4 in the non-operational position. In the extraction position, the lower part 18 rests against the axial extension 21. In both positions, the elastic flexible arm 17 is provided in the groove 4 (except for the footrest 19 only, which rises radially from the groove 4 in the extraction position).

The support portions 17 and 18 as a whole are elastically movable between a first configuration corresponding to the operating position of the footrest 19 and a second configuration corresponding to the non-operational position of the footrest 19.

The secondary knitting needle 6 further includes one auxiliary footrest 22 extending radially from the main body portion 11 of the secondary knitting needle 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary leg rest 22 is connected to the main body portion 11 at a portion of the axial extension 21.

The punching member 7 includes an elongated upper portion 23 defined as a bar, and a lower portion 24 or a foot lower than the lower end of the elongated portion 23. The lower part 24 carries a respective foot support 25 which develops in a radial direction, and has an abutment surface 26 facing upward, that is, towards the secondary knitting needle 6 and above the starting element 8, and facing downward, that is, toward the selector. 9 is abutted against the surface 27.

The punching member 7 is arranged to abut a bottom surface of the longitudinal groove 4 and its radial position is static. Like the positions of the respective footrests 25, the punching member 7 can slide axially in the groove 4.

The main body portion 11 of the secondary knitting needle 6 is disposed in a radially outer position relative to one of the elongated upper portions 23 of the punch 7 and always rests radially against the elongated upper portions 23. The protrusion 14 of the secondary knitting needle 6 is arranged to abut the bottom surface of the longitudinal groove 4, and a distal end 28 of one of the elongated upper portions 23 of the punch 7 is still disposed below the protrusion 14 and facing the protrusion 14. Lower abutment surface 16.

The distal end 28 can engage the abutment surface 16 of the secondary knitting needle 6 by axial rest on one side.

The elastic action exerted by the elastic flexible arm 17 pushes the lower portion 18 radially toward the elongated upper portion 23. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1, 2 a and 2 b, the elastic flexible arm 17 holds the lower portion 18 against the elongated upper portion 23. In other words, the support portions 17 and 18 exert an elastic restoring force on the foot support 19 in the non-operation position of the foot rest 19, and in the non-operation position, the elastic force applies the support portions 17, 18 and the respective feet. The bracket 19 is buckled inside the groove 4.

Furthermore, the starting element 8 rests radially against the elongated upper portion 23 and is placed axially between the secondary knitting needle 6 and the lower portion 24 of the punch 7.

The starting element 8 has an upper end provided with an inclined surface 29 which faces radially outward and axially upwards, that is, towards the secondary knitting needle 6. In other words, the inclined surface 29 gradually approaches a positive elevation toward the distal end 28 of the secondary knitting needle 6.

The inclined surface 29 cooperates with the protrusions 20 of the support portions 17 and 18 so that the footrest 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 is switched into the respective operation positions against the elastic force exerted by the support portions 17 and 18. The coupling between the inclined surface 29 and the projection 20 constitutes a flat cam from a cinematic perspective, wherein an elevation of the inclined surface 29 causes the footrest 19 to face the outside of the cylinder (that is, outside the groove 4). A radial rotation of the switch is used to switch it into the respective operating position.

The starting element 8 further has a seat 30 obtained on a radially outer edge of the starting element 8 and is close to the inclined surface 29. This seat 30 develops in a continuous manner from the inclined surface 29 of the activation element 8. The seat 30 has a shape opposite to that of the lower portion 18 of the supporting portions 17, 18, thereby accommodating the lower portion 18 and holding the footrest 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 in the respective operating positions against the elastic force exerted by the arm 17. / Or push axially against the secondary knitting needles 6.

The starting element 8 has a lower end 31, and the lower end 31 can be engaged with the abutment surface 26 of the punch 7 by a single-side axial rest.

A respective footrest 32 that develops in a radial direction is located in an axial middle region of the starting element 8. The actuating element 8 rests radially against the elongated upper portion 23 and is free to slide axially relative to the elongated upper portion 23. The foot rest 32 of the starting element 8 is statically moved in the radial direction and moved in the axial direction.

The selector 9 includes an axially moving element 33 slidably disposed in each longitudinal groove below the punch 7 and an axially static element 34 that can be engaged by a selection device 200, such as a selection with a piezoelectric lever Device. The axial static element 34 is located in a radially outer position relative to the axial static element 33 and has a plurality of radial teeth 35 arranged side by side like a comb.

An upper end of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 has a respective abutment surface 36 which points upward and faces the lower abutment surface 27 of the punch 7. These abutment surfaces 27, 36 can be axially moved by a single side. The rest is joined by one against the other.

The lower part of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 carries a respective footrest 37 and a respective auxiliary footrest 38 extending radially outward. The auxiliary footrest 38 is positioned axially relative to the footrest 37.

A radially inner edge of the axially-moving element 33 and / or a bottom surface of the groove for the edge to rest partially against the edge are determined to allow the axially-moving element 33 to oscillate.

Moreover, the axial static element 34 can be oscillated by the effect of the selection device 200. The selection device 200 shown in Figs. 5a, 5b, and 7 has a plurality of elements (e.g., a plurality of levers with piezoelectric actuation attached), which selectively engage the radial teeth 35 of the axial static element 34 and cause the axial direction The static element 34 itself acts against the rotation of the axially moving element 33.

A radially inner edge of the axially static element 34 and / or a radially outer edge of the axially moving element 33 are fixed to allow the two elements to make a relative oscillation.

In particular, the thrust of the axial static element 34 on the axially moving element 33 allows the axially moving element 33 to oscillate between an operating position and a non-operating position. In the operating position, the foot rest 37 and the auxiliary foot The bracket 38 is extracted from the groove 4, and the footrest 37 and the auxiliary footrest 38 are retracted into the groove 4 in the non-operating position.

In a different embodiment of the selector 9 shown in Fig. 2c, there are no axial static elements. The axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 includes an elastic flexible extension 33a. The elastic flexible extension 33a extends downward in a radial position relative to the foot rest 37 and the auxiliary foot rest 38 and is arranged to contact the A bottom surface of the trench 4. A static contrast cam 33b is placed in a radially outer position relative to the axially moving element 33 and rests against an axially intermediate ridge of the axially moving element 33. A static magnetic actuator 33c is placed on an upper end of the axially moving member 33. The force of the magnetic actuator 33c, together with the elastic force exerted by the elastic flexible extension 33a, and the action of the comparison cam 33b cause oscillation of the axially moving element 33. The magnetic actuator 33c may be selectively actuated, thereby causing the axial movement element 33 included in the selector, which is part of a drive chain coupled to a given knitting needle, to oscillate when appropriate.

It can be noticed that the footrest 37 and the auxiliary footrest 38 of the selector 9 are moved in the axial and radial directions; the auxiliary footrest 22 of the secondary knitting needle 6, the footrest 25 of the punch 7 and the footrest of the starting element 8. The 32 series moves in the axial direction and is static in the radial direction; the foot rest 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 moves in the axial direction and the radial direction.

Radial static foot rests 22, 25, 32 are always provided outside the longitudinal grooves 4. The radially movable footrests 19, 37, 38 are retracted into the longitudinal grooves when located in the respective non-operational positions, and are disposed outside the longitudinal grooves 4 when located in the respective operating positions.

The actuation cam "C" is configured to receive and engage radial static foot rests 22, 25, 32 and radial moving foot rests 19, 37, 38.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the actuating cam "C" includes a secondary knitting cam 39, which is axially placed on the secondary knitting needle 6 and is configured to receive and engage the radial movement of the secondary knitting needle 6. Foot rest 19. The secondary knitting needle 39 defines a secondary knitting path through which the radially movable footrest 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 can engage. The radially moving footrest 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 in the operating position is extracted from the groove 4 so as to engage with the secondary knitting needle path and cause the needle 3 to start and weave formation. The radially moving foot rest 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 in the non-operating position is retracted so as not to engage the path of the secondary knitting needle.

The actuating cam "C" includes a selector cam 40, which is placed on a base of the needle-holding cylinder 2 and assembled with a foot rest 37 for receiving and engaging the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9. . The selector cam 40 defines a selector path in which the footrest 37 of the axially movable element 33 can engage. The footrests 37 of the selectors 9 in the operating position are extracted from the grooves 4 to engage the selector paths. The footrests 37 of the selectors 9 in the non-operating position are retracted so as not to engage the selector paths.

The actuating cam "C" includes a punch cam 41, which is axially placed on the lower portion 24 of the punch 7 and is assembled to receive and engage the footrest 25 of the punch 7. The punch cam 41 defines a punch path in which the radial static foot rest 25 of the punch 7 can engage. It can be noted that the punch path defined by the punch cam 41 includes a basic path at a constant axial height, that is, a peripheral edge, and a path with a variable axial height as it rises and falls. The foot support 25 of the punching member 7 engages the punching cam 41 of the punching member 7 and is thus configured to guide the punching member 7 axially upward or downward.

The actuating cam "C" includes a starting element cam 42 which is axially placed just above the punch cam 41 and on the starting element 8 and is assembled to receive and engage the footrest 32 of the starting element 8. The starting element cam 42 defines a starting element path in which the radial static footrest 32 of the starting element 8 can engage. It can be noted that the starting element path defined by the starting element cam 42 includes a basic path at a constant axial height, that is, a peripheral edge, and a path having a variable axial height as it rises and falls.

The actuation cam "C" includes an auxiliary secondary needle cam 43 which is axially placed just above the secondary needle cam 39 and on the secondary needle 6 and is configured to receive and engage the secondary needle 6 Auxiliary foot rest 22. The auxiliary secondary knitting needle 43 defines the auxiliary secondary knitting needle path through which the auxiliary radial static footrest 22 of the secondary knitting needle 6 can be engaged. It can be noted that the auxiliary sub-knitting path defined by the auxiliary sub-knitting cam 43 includes a basic path at a constant axial height, that is, a peripheral edge, and has a variable axial height as it rises and falls. Its path. At least part of the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43 is radially movable because it can be guided to a non-operational position on the inside of the casing, and therefore cannot be engaged by the foot rest 22 of the secondary static knitting needle 6 that is radially static.

As shown in Figures 4a-4d, the auxiliary secondary needle cam is shown with a dashed line when it is in a non-operating position on the inside of the case, and it is true when in operation, that is, when a bottom surface relative to the case is extracted and protruded. Line display.

The actuation cam "C" includes an auxiliary selector cam 44 that is placed just above the selector cam 40 and is configured to receive and engage an auxiliary footrest 38 of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9. The auxiliary selector cam 44 defines an auxiliary selector path in which the auxiliary footrest 38 of the axially movable element 33 can engage. The auxiliary footrests 38 of the selector 9 in the operating position are extracted to engage the auxiliary selector paths. The auxiliary footrest 38 of the selector 9 in the non-operating position can be retracted so as not to engage the auxiliary selector path. It can be noted that the auxiliary selector path defined by the auxiliary selector cam 44 includes a basic path at a constant axial height, that is, a peripheral edge, and has a variable axial height as it rises and / or descends Its path. The footrest 37 of the selector 9 engages the selector cam 40 therein, and / or the auxiliary footrest 38 of the selector 9 engages the auxiliary selector actuation cam 44 which guides the selector 9 axially up or down. .

It can be noted from FIG. 1 that each of the paths has a respective first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth axial extensions h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6. The "axial extension" of a path is the distance measured parallel to the central axis "X-X" between the two points farthest from a path. In other words, the axial extensions are when the foot rests 19, 22, 25, 32, 38, 37 are guided by respective cams 39, 43, 41, 42, 44, 40 and / or guided in respective paths The maximum axial length that can be traveled.

The maximum strokes of the secondary knitting needles 6 and 3 correspond to the fifth axial extension h5. The maximum stroke of the secondary knitting needles 6 and 3 can be limited by the radial movement of the foot rest 19 in the operating position and corresponds to the first axial extension h1 in this example. The maximum stroke of the starting element 8 corresponds to the fourth axial extension h4. The maximum stroke of the punch 7 corresponds to the third axial extension h3. The maximum stroke of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 corresponds to the second and sixth axial extensions h2, h6.

It can be noticed from FIG. 1 that the maximum stroke (fifth axial extension h5) of the secondary knitting needles 6 and 3 when the footrest 19 is moved to the non-operating position in the radial direction is larger than the maximum stroke of the punch 7 ( The third axial extension h3) is longer, which in turn is longer than the maximum stroke (second and sixth axial extensions h2, h6) of the axial moving element 33 of the selector 9. For example, when the radial movement of the foot rest 19 is in the non-operating position, the maximum stroke of the secondary knitting needles 6 and 3 is about 1.2 times the stroke of the punch 7 and the maximum of the axial moving element 33 of the selector 9 The trip is about three times.

In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum stroke (first axial extension h1) of the knitting needle 6 and the knitting needle 3 when the radial movement of the footrest 19 is located in the operating position is compared with the radial movement of the footrest 19 When in the non-operation position, the maximum strokes of the secondary knitting needles 6 and 3 (the fifth axial extension h5) are shorter. For example, the fifth axial extension h5 is about twice the first axial extension h1.

The maximum stroke of the starting element 8 (fourth axial extension h4) is compared with the maximum stroke of the second knitting needle 6 and the needle 3 when the radial movement of the foot rest 19 is in the non-operation position (fifth axial extension h5 ) Is shorter and longer than the maximum stroke of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9. For example, the fourth axial extension h4 is about twice the second and sixth axial extensions h2, h6 and about 2/3 of the fifth axial extension h5.

The drive chain 5 is therefore arranged so that the axial movement of the knitting needles 3 and / or the secondary knitting needles 6 is decoupled from the axial movement of the punch 7 and / or the selector 9; the axial movement of the starting element 8 can be practical The ground is decoupled from the axial movement of the punch 7 and / or the knitting needle 3 and / or the secondary knitting needle 6 and / or the selector 9.

In addition, the drive chain 5 is assembled to enable the axial movement of the punch 7 and / or the selector 9 to activate / deactivate the radial movement of the secondary knitting needle 6 of the footrest 19 (in an inoperative position or inactive weaving). Switching between needle and operating position) is decoupled.

The drive chain described and constituting the object of the present invention can be configured in cooperation with the actuating cam "C" and the selection device 200 according to a plurality of configurations such as those shown in Figs. 3a-3i and 3l-3t.

In Fig. 3a, the foot rests 37 are retracted into the respective longitudinal grooves 4 or disengaged from the respective selector cams 40. The axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 is located at the lowest axial position, the punch 7 rests on the axially moving element 33 and its foot rest 25 follows a basic path at a constant axial height of the punch cam 41. Moreover, the foot rest 32 of the starting element 8 follows a basic path at a constant axial height of the starting element cam 42. The auxiliary footrest 22 of the secondary knitting needle 6 follows a basic path at a constant axial height of the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43. The starting element 8 is axially far away from the secondary knitting needle 6, and the foot support 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 is located in the non-operation position, and is separated from the respective secondary knitting cam 39. The distal end 28 of the punch 7 is far from the lower abutment surface 16 of the protrusion 14. The height of the knitting needle 3 is determined by the axial position of the auxiliary footrest 22.

In FIG. 3b, the selection device 200 acts on the axial static element 34 and causes it to rotate and thus cause the axial moving element 33 to rotate, so that the footrest 37 and the auxiliary footrest 38 are extracted from the longitudinal groove 4 and joined Into the selector cam 40 and the auxiliary selector cam 44. The other components are located in the position of Fig. 3a.

In FIG. 3c, the footrest 37 of the axially moving element 33 is pushed axially upward by the selector cam 40 and pushed against the punching member 7, which in turn pushes against the secondary knitting needle 6. As a result, when the foot support 25 of the punch 7 and the auxiliary foot support 22 of the secondary knitting needle 6 find respective paths at a variable axial height and run into it, the punch 7 and the secondary knitting needle 6 together with the knitting needle The 3 series started to rise. The starting element 8 is axially static because it is axially disconnected from the others.

In FIG. 3d, the punch 7, the secondary knitting needle 6, and the knitting needle 3 are moved upward by the pushing force exerted by the punch cam 41 and / or the selector cam 40. The punch 7 pushes directly against the secondary knitting needle 6 to guide it upward. The starting element 8 is axially static.

In FIG. 3e, the punch 7, the secondary knitting needle 6, and the knitting needle 3 are supported by the punch cam 41, and the axial moving element 33 is guided downward by the selector 40 and disconnected from the punch 7.

In FIG. 3f, the punch cam 41 pushes the punch 7 upward, and the punch 7 except for raising the secondary knitting needle 6 and the knitting needle 3, contacts the starting element 8 and pushes it upward. As a result, when the footrest 32 of the starting element 8 finds a path at a variable axial height of the starting element cam 42, it is engaged therein and can be raised by it, and then the punch 7 can be disengaged from the starting element 8. At the same time, the axially moving element 33 is axially far from the punch 7.

In Fig. 3g, the secondary knitting needle 6 along with the knitting needle 3 and the punch 7 are axially static, and the starting element cam 42 will raise the starting element 8 which is approaching the secondary knitting needle 6 without engaging it.

In FIG. 3h, the punch cam 41 guides the punch 7, the secondary knitting needle 6, and the knitting needle 3 upward, and moves the secondary knitting needle 6 away from the starting element 8.

In FIG. 3i, the punch 7, the secondary knitting needle 6, and the knitting needle 3 are axially static, and the starting element 8 is moved upward by the starting element cam 42.

In FIG. 31, the punch cam 41 and the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43 guide the punch 7, the secondary knitting needle 6, and the knitting needle 3 axially downward. The starting element cam 41 also guides the starting element 8 downward.

In FIG. 3m, the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43 guides the punch 7, the secondary knitting needle 6, and the knitting needle 3 axially downward, and the activating element cam 42 pushes the activating element 8 upward until the inclined surface 29 is axially inserted into the projection Up to the bottom of the member 20, the elastic force exerted by the supporting portions 17, 18 places itself radially between the punching member 7 and the protruding member 20.

In FIG. 3n, the punch cam 41 and the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43 guide the punch 7, the secondary knitting needle 6, and the knitting needle 3 downward, and the starting element terminates its stroke and is axially static, in which the protrusion 20 is The foot rests 19 positioned in the seat 30 and the secondary knitting needles 6 are in respective operating positions.

In FIG. 3o, the foot support 19 and the auxiliary foot support 22 of the secondary knitting needle 6 are all engaged by the respective secondary knitting cam 39 and the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43 and are also axially integrated with the starting element 8 downward. mobile. The punch 7 is far from the secondary knitting needle 6 and is moved downward by the punch cam 41.

It can be noticed in FIGS. 3e-3o that the axially moving element 33 is always far away from the punch 7.

In FIG. 3p, the footrest 19 and the auxiliary footrest 22 of the secondary knitting needle 6 are engaged by the respective secondary knitting cam 39 and the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43 and are also axially integrated with the starting element 8 downward. mobile. The punch 7 rests against the selector 9.

In Fig. 3q, the secondary knitting needles 6 and 3 are guided upward by the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43, and the starting element 8 is guided downward by the starting element cam 42 and separated from the secondary knitting needle 6, so that the feet of the secondary knitting needle 6 The bracket 19 is switched back to the non-operational state by the elastic force of the elastic flexible arm 17. Then, the substantially radial elastic force acts on the supporting portion 18 of the footrest 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 to hold the footrest 19 in the non-operation position.

In FIG. 3r, the punch cam 41 and the starting element cam 42 respectively guide the punch 7 and the starting element 8 downward, and the knitting needles 3 and the secondary knitting needles 6 remain static in a floating knitting needle position.

In Fig. 3s, the knitting needles and the secondary knitting needles 6 are pushed upward, and the starting element 8 is located in a static axial position and the punch 7 is guided against the starting element 8 by the punch cam 41.

FIG. 3t shows the picking position of the knitting needles 3, in which the knitting needles 3 and the secondary knitting needles 6 are pushed up by the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43 and away from the punch 7 and the starting element 8.

It can be noticed in FIGS. 3r and 3s that the axially moving element 33 is axially far from the punch 7.

By combining the configurations disclosed above into a predetermined sequence by means of a structure of an actuating cam, the knitting needles 3 are moved to perform a required knitting operation.

For example only, Fig. 4a-4d shows part of the working sequence. The meaning of the rotation of the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 relative to the casing of the actuating cam "C" is indicated by the arrow "CCW" (the first rotation of the knitting needle 3 and the drive chain 5 relative to the actuating cam "C" or counterclockwise Meaning of rotation). The length of the path of the footrest engaged in the respective cam has been indicated by a vertical bar, and the length of the path of the footrest out of the respective cam has been indicated by a horizontal dotted line. The path of the terminal end of the knitting needle 3 is not shown, but this path is always parallel to the path of the foot rest 22 of the second knitting needle 6 for the knitting needle 3 as a whole to be connected during the vertical movement.

Fig. 4a shows the steps of the retracted knitting needle 3. The vertical lines 3b, 3d, and 3g represent three positions of the knitting needle 3 and the drive chain 5 having a configuration corresponding to Figs. 3b, 3d, and 3g. When referring to Figure 4a from right to left, this means that the footrest 37 of the selector 9 is activated and engaged with the selector cam 40 raised upward by 100, and pushes the punch 7 and the secondary knitting needle 6 upward. And the knitting needle 3, the footrest 25 of the punch 7 is engaged and follows the rising 101 of the punch cam 41 (the filling weave rises). The auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43 is located in the non-operation position. The radial movement foot rest 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 is located in the non-operation position. The knitting needle 3 is guided into the position of FIG. 3 g by the punch cam 41, and at the same time, the punch 7 is disconnected from the selector 9.

Fig. 4b shows the steps of the dropped knitting needle 3. The vertical lines 3b, 3c, 3e, 3i, and 3h represent five positions of the knitting needle 3 and the drive chain 5 having configurations corresponding to Figs. 3b, 3c, 3e, 3i, and 3h. When referring to Figure 4b from right to left, this refers to the foot rest of the punch 7 again raised by the selector 9 (Figures 3b and 3c) and cooperating with the punch cam 41 (dropping the weave 102 up). 25 Guide the knitting needle 3 into the position of Fig. 3i.

Fig. 4c shows the steps of the knitting needle 3 at the picking height. The vertical line 3t represents the position of the knitting needle 3 and the drive chain 5 having a configuration corresponding to FIG. 3t. This means that when viewing FIG. 4c from right to left, one of the auxiliary sub-knitting cams 43 is guided into the respective operating position, and the auxiliary foot rest 22 of the sub-knitting needle 6 is engaged with a rising 103 of the cam until the The needle 3 is guided into the position of FIG. 3 t while the punch 7, the actuating element 8 and the selector 9 are held in the lower axial position.

Fig. 4d shows the step of lowering the knitting needle 3. The vertical lines 3b, 3c, 3e, 3h, 3i, 3l, 3m, 3n, 3o, 3p, 3q represent those corresponding to Fig. 3b, 3c, 3e, 3h, 3i, 3l, 3m, 3n, 3o, 3p, 3q Eleven positions of the configured knitting needles 3 and drive chain 5. This means that when viewing FIG. 4d from right to left, some of the auxiliary secondary needle cams 43 are guided into the respective operating positions. The knitting needles 3 and 6 are first operated by the auxiliary footrest 22 operated in cooperation with the lowering 104, 105 defined by the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43, and then also guided into their operating positions (picture and vertical line 3m). , 3n, 3o) and the radial movement of the foot rest 19 engaged in the lowering 106 are guided downward.

The above is an example of the method for moving the knitting needles of the circular knitting machine, which is the purpose of the present invention, which more generally includes moving the foot holder 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 to the operating position and the non-operating position. (Non-active knitting needles), in the operating position, it is extracted so as to engage with the respective first path defined by the secondary knitting cam 39 and cause the knitting needles 3 to start and weave formation. In the non-operational position ( Inactive knitting needles) to retract them so as not to engage the secondary knitting needle path. The radial movement of the foot support 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 is caused by the relative axial movement between the secondary knitting needle 6 and the starting element 8 axially located below the secondary knitting needle 6, and the relative axial motion is at least at In some steps, it is disconnected from / independent of the axial movement of the punch 7 and also the selector 9.

Reference is now made to Figures 5a and 5b to indicate other features related to the shape of the actuation cam "C". The cam portion of Figs. 5a and 5b shows the development on the plane of a half of the actuating cam "C". The other half is the same as that shown in Figs. 5a and 5b. Two yarn feeders 110 with one peripherally located behind the other are schematically shown in Figs. 5a and 5b. This part therefore corresponds to two of the four yarn feeders 110 of the machine 1.

Each yarn feeder 110 is a cam phase that is symmetrical with respect to the yarn feeder 110, that is, symmetrical with respect to a symmetrical axis "Y" parallel to the central axis "X" and passing through the yarn feeder 110 coupling. Moreover, the cam is also symmetrical with respect to a mid-axis straight line "Z" placed between the two yarn feeders 110. This symmetry allows the machine 1 to work in both rotations and also in an oscillating mode.

The parts of the secondary knitting cam 39, the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43, the starting element cam 42, the punch cam 41, the selector cam 40, and the auxiliary selector cam 44 between the two successive symmetry axes "Y" are representative of The first module that repeats (four times in the example shown) the overall peripheral development of the casing of the actuating cam "C".

The part of the secondary knitting cam 39, the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43, the starting element cam 42, the punch cam 41, the selector cam 40, and the auxiliary selector cam 44 between two consecutive central and axial straight lines "Z" It represents the second module that repeats (four times in the example shown) the overall peripheral development of the casing of the actuating cam "C".

The cam portion between two successive symmetry axes "Y" is symmetrical with respect to the mid-axis straight line "Z" placed between the two symmetry axes "Y". The cam portion between the two middle axial straight lines "Z" is symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry "Y" placed between the two middle axial straight lines "Z". Figures 5a and 5b show two second modules placed side by side, or a first central module with two first halves placed next to it.

Referring to a single second module, the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43 (symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry "Y") includes a central triangular cam 111 and two side cams 112 placed on opposite sides of the central cam 111. The central triangular cam 111 and the side cams 112 define respective lowerings 113 and 114, and their functions are to lower the foot rest 22 of the secondary knitting needle 6. Fig. 4d shows that when the foot support 22 of the secondary knitting needle 6 moves in a central direction relative to the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43, one of the skew sides of the central triangular cam 111 and only one side cam 112 are lowered. The other skewed side of the central triangular cam 111 and the other cam 112 operate when the movement of the foot rest 22 of the secondary knitting needle 6 relative to the auxiliary secondary knitting cam 43 occurs in the opposite direction.

The secondary knitting cam 39 includes two drops 106 arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry "Y" (its function is shown in Fig. 4d). Here, the two descents 106 are again determined as an alternative operation based on the meaning of rotation.

The starting element path defined by the starting element cam 42 includes the basic path at a constant axial height, and two symmetries (relative to the axis of symmetry "Y") are raised to it. Each pair includes a rising 115 and a falling 116 for one of the activation elements 8. The two pairs of ascents merge into a central region 117, which defines a respective substantially horizontal length.

The punching path defined by the punching cam 41 has a first and a second pair of ascents, and the first and a second pair of ascents are symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry "Y" and move downward and upward toward The symmetry axis "Y" is merged.

The ascent of each pair includes the above-mentioned drop weave 102 and the stuffing weave 101. The stuffing weave and drop weave rise of the first pair and the stuffing weave and drop weave rise of the second pair are connected to the respective yarn feeders 110 and symmetrical with respect to the yarn feeder 110.

The two pairs are based on the meaning of rotation as an alternative operation ascending. Because it is symmetrical, only one of the two pairs will be described below, which operates when the drive chain 5 rotates counterclockwise, meaning "CCW" rotates about the central axis "XX" relative to the actuating cam "C" .

The drop weave 102 and the stuffing weave 101 are bifurcated from the basic path at a constant axial height. One develops in parallel with the other and merges into a yarn feeder 110. Aligned central area 119.

In more detail, the drop weave 102 is a part of the path of the drop weave developed from the basic path. It is raised by the drop weave 102 and has a substantially horizontal length of 120. Then (i.e., placed immediately downstream) the drop weave 102 rises and a subsequent drop weave 121 falls.

The stuffing texture rise 101 is a part of the stuffing texture punch path developed from one of the basic paths, and is raised by the stuffing texture rise 102 and merges with the drop texture drop 121 on the central area 119. The stuffing weave rise 101 and the drop weave rise 102 are merged into the other after the respective maximum height points (ie downstream), so that the yarn feeder 110 follows (that is, placed downstream) ) Fill the respective maximum height points of the texture weave 101 and drop texture weave 102.

Please refer to the drive chain 5 that rotates counterclockwise with the meaning of "CCW" (from right to left in Figure 5a) relative to the actuating cam "C". The entrance of the drop weave 102 rises peripherally before the stuffing weave An entrance of the trail rises 101, and there is no further entrance or path for the foot rest 25 of the punching member 7 between the two aforementioned entrances. Furthermore, an exit of the drop weave 102 rises immediately before an exit of the stuffing weave rise 101, and there is no further path for the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 between the two exits.

A maximum height of the drop weave 102, an axial extension, a peripheral extension, and an overall length are larger than the respective dimensions of the padding weave 101.

The falling texture punch path is set above the stuffing texture punch path, and the two paths are merged into one with the other to generate a central region 119.

The single-module auxiliary selector cam 44 includes a triangular cam 122 that is symmetrical with respect to the respective symmetry axis "Y". The triangular cam 122 defines two drops of alternative operation depending on the meaning of the rotation of the machine 1, as shown in Fig. 4b or 4d. The auxiliary selector cam 44 further includes a circular contour 123 (straight in the planar development of FIG. 5a).

The selector path 40 includes a single track 124. In the second module under consideration, the single track 124 has a connection with the yarn feeder 110 and presents with respect to the yarn feeder 110 and relative to the axis of symmetry "Y". Symmetric separation area 125. The single track 124 further includes two wavy segmented sections (with peaks and valleys), each of which is disposed on one of both sides of the separation area 125 and is also symmetrical with respect to the yarn feeder 110.

Please consider the first module between the two symmetry axes "Y". The two wavy segment portions constitute a wavy segment 126 placed between two successive disengagement areas 125. This wavy segment 126 is symmetrical with respect to the straight line "Z" in the axial direction.

The wavy segment 126 includes a central protrusion 127 symmetrical with respect to a straight line “Z” in the middle and axial directions, and two side protrusions 128 arranged on the sides of the central protrusion 127. A respective valley (or depression) is defined between the central protrusion 127 and each side protrusion 128.

The middle protrusion 127 and the side protrusion 128 have skewed sides or sections, which perform different functions and are symmetrical with respect to the actuating cam "C" according to the meaning of the rotation of the knitting needles 3 and the drive chain 5.

Please refer to the meaning that the drive chain 5 rotates counterclockwise "CCW" (from right to left in Figure 5a) around the central axis "XX" to rotate relative to the actuating cam "C". (A one on the right in FIG. 5a) defines a first rise 129, and the first one (one on the right in FIG. 5a) that follows both sides of the side projection 128 defines a second rise 100 . The first rise 129 is peripherally ahead of the second rise 100, and the two rises 129, 100 are defined by a second one on either side of the central protrusion 127 (the left one in Figure 5a). The first drop 131 is connected. A second descent 132 defined by a second one on either side of the side protrusion 128 (the left one in FIG. 5 a) is connected to the disengagement area 125. The first rise 129, the first fall 131, the second rise 100, and the second fall 132 just described work on a first yarn feeder 110 that follows it (that is, placed downstream).

The undulating segment has a substantially constant axial width, so that an axial extension of the first ascent 129 is substantially the same as an axial extension of the second ascent 100. Moreover, the peripheral extension of the first ascent 129 is basically the same as the peripheral extension of the second ascent 100, and the first ascent and the second ascent 129, 100 are basically made with one parallel to the other development of.

The first ascent 129 is operatively coupled to the drop weave 102 and the second ascent 100 is operatively coupled to the padding weave 101.

In particular, the first rises 129 are peripherally offset relative to the respective drop texture rises 102, so that a maximum height perimeter of the first rise 129 precedes the entrances of the respective drop texture rises 102. It can be noticed that the axial straight line "Z" passing through the maximum height of the first ascent 129 is set just before the entrance of each of the falling weave ascents 102.

The second ascending 100 is prematurely peripherally offset relative to the respective ascending weave 101, so that a basal periphery of the second ascending 100 precedes the entrance of each ascending weave 101, and one The maximum height is a maximum height at which the perimeter precedes the rising 101 of the respective packing weave.

When the machine 1 is operated in the opposite rotation meaning, that is, the second rotation meaning or clockwise "CW" (shown in Fig. 5b), the second one on both sides of the central protrusion 127 (the one on the left of Fig. 5b) The first rise 129 is defined and the first of the two sides (the one on the right of FIG. 5 b) is the first decline 131. The other of the side protrusions 128 defines a second ascent 100 (second side) and a second ascension 132 (first side). The first ascent and the first ascent, the second ascent, and the second ascent are working on a second yarn feeder 110 and stuffed with the pair of drop weaves 102 and immediately after placement (i.e., downstream). The weave goes up 101 cooperation.

More generally, the wavy section 126 placed between two consecutive yarn feeders 110 is determined by the meaning of rotation. For the two yarn feeders that follow (ie, stay downstream) the wavy section 126 Give one of the pieces 110 a job. By reversing the meaning of rotation, the same wavy segment 126 works for another yarn feeder 110.

The escape area 125 has two exit ramps 133 placed on opposite ends thereof. Each exit ramp 133 extends between a bottom surface of a single track 124 and a radially outer surface as a connection. This slope 133 is more clearly shown in FIG. 6.

Figures 5a and 5b further show schematically a selection device 200 arranged between two successive yarn feeders 110 or on a respective wavy section 126. The selection device 200 includes two actuators 201 and 202. The actuators 201 and 202 are arranged side by side and are located in a valley (or depression) defined by the wavy section 126, which is located at the central protrusion. 127 and each side protrusion 128.

Each of the actuators 201 and 202 shown is a piezoelectric type having a lever.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the actuators 201 and 202 include a first array of levers 203 and a second array of levers 204 protruding from a front surface of the actuators 201 and 202. When the actuators 201 and 202 are mounted on the machine 1 in the operating position, they hold the cylinder 2 and the radial teeth 35 of the selector 9 facing the knitting needles. The levers 203, 204 of each array include a plurality of levers 205, 206 that are overlapped and aligned along a respective common vertical axis "KK", and the lever 204 of the second array axially overlaps the lever 203 of the first array . Preferably, the levers 203, 204 of the two arrays are arranged along the same common vertical axis "K-K" and placed one above the other.

As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 8, each of the levers 205 and 206 has an asymmetric shape with respect to a symmetrical plane “W-W” in which the common vertical axis “K-K” is provided. The lever 205 of the first array 203 is asymmetric with respect to the lever 206 of the second array 204.

Each of the levers 205, 206 is a first raised position and a second lowered position around a respective horizontal axis orthogonal to a common axis by a piezoelectric control member managed by a control unit of the machine 1. Oscillate between. By this oscillation, the teeth of the levers 205, 206 are both raised and / or lowered (arrow "F" in FIG. 7) and interact with a respective tooth 35 of the selector 9 to cause the oscillation of the axial static element 34, And as a result, the axial movement element 33 oscillates.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the levers 205 and 206 of the levers 203 and 204 of the first and second arrays have respective first and second engaging surfaces 401 and 402 that are configured to contact the teeth 35 of the selector 9. .

In the illustrated embodiment, the first joint surface 401 is disposed in a first common plane inclined with respect to the plane of symmetry "WW", and the second joint surface 402 is disposed in an inclined plane with respect to the plane of symmetry "WW" In the second common plane, the first common plane, the second common plane, and the symmetry plane "WW" intersect on an intersection line parallel to the common vertical axis "KK". As a result, the first joint surface 401 and the second joint surface 402 are inclined toward the opposite sides of the plane of symmetry "W-W".

In other embodiments not shown, the first engaging surface 401 is disposed in a plurality of first inclined planes and the second engaging surface 402 is disposed in a plurality of second inclined planes. The first and second planes are inclined toward the opposite side of the plane of symmetry "W-W" and define a different angle from the plane of symmetry "W-W".

In the illustrated embodiment, the levers 205 of the levers 203 of the first array can be moved around the respective horizontal axes together, and the levers 206 of the levers 204 of the second array can be moved around the respective horizontal axes together, and the two arrays Can move independently.

As will be understood from the following description, the lever 203 of the first array is configured to operate if the relative rotation of the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 relative to the actuating cam "C" occurs in a counterclockwise sense "CCW", that is, for engagement On the tooth 35 of the selector 9 of the machine 1, and the lever 204 of the second array is configured to operate if the relative rotation of the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 with respect to the actuating cam "C" occurs in a clockwise sense "CW" That is, the teeth 35 of the selector 9 for engaging with the machine 1.

Attached to and in accordance with the method for moving the knitting needles 3 according to the present invention, in order to generate a falling weave with the movement of the knitting needles 3 and the drive chain 5 shown in FIG. 4b, a selector 9 with radial teeth 35 is provided. The axial static element 34 moves in a counterclockwise direction meaning "CCW" before the first and second actuators 201, 202.

The lever 203 of the first array of the first actuator 201 acts on the axial static element 34 so as to cause the oscillation of the axially moving element 33 and is placed in the corrugated section at the base of the first rise 129 Engagement of the footrest 37 in a first entry point 300 of a single track 124 in a valley (or depression) (FIGS. 4b and 5a). The relative rotation between the actuating cam "C" and the needle-holding cylinder 2 causes the footrest 37 to slide in a single track 124 and on the first ascent 129. The axial movement element 33 of the selector 9 is lifted upward and pushes the punch 7 upwards until the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 engages the drop weave 102 to rise (FIGS. 4b and 5a).

The punch 7 is further raised and slides on the drop weave 102 by the respective foot rests 25 as far as the respective maximum height points placed on the substantially horizontal length 120, and moves axially from the selector 9 33 is disconnected, and the knitting needle 3 is raised to generate a drop weave. Then, the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 passes through the drop weave drop 121 and the central area 119 and descends again to pass another pair of rise 101 (which works as a drop in this step) (Figure 4b) .

When the punch 7 is lifted and slides on the drop weave 102 and slides down again, the footrest 37 of the axial movement element 33 of the selector 9 moves along a single track 124, and the single track 124 sequentially moves Pass the first drop 131, the second rise 100, and the second drop 132 and run into the escape area 125 (FIG. 4b). During continuous movement, the footrest 37 of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 encounters the exit slope 133, which pushes the footrest 37 radially inward and releases it from the single track 124 (FIG. 4b). The footrest 37 of the selector 8 runs out of the single track 124 and then enters each groove of the knitting needle holding cylinder 2.

In order to generate a stuffing weave with the movement of the knitting needles 3 and the drive chain 5 shown in FIG. 4a, the lever 203 of the first array of the second actuator 202 acts on the axial static element 34 for causing axial movement The oscillation of the element 33 and the engagement of the footrest 37 in a second entry point 301 of a single track 124 placed in a valley (or depression) of a corrugated section at the base of the second ascent 100 (Figs. 4a and 4a) 5a).

The relative rotation between the actuating cam "C" and the needle-holding cylinder 2 causes the footrest 37 to slide on the second ascent 100, and the axial movement element 33 of the selector 9 is lifted upward and pushed upward Punching piece 7 until the foot rest 25 of the punching piece 7 engages in the filling weave 101 (Figs. 4a and 5a).

The punch 7 is further raised by sliding on the stuffing weave rise 101 with the respective foot rests 25, reaching the respective maximum height points placed on the central area 119, and lifting the knitting needles 3 to generate the stuffing weave. Then, the footrest 25 of the punch 7 passes through the central region 119 and comes down again to pass through another pair of rising 101 (which works as a descent in this step) (Fig. 4a).

When the punch 7 is lifted and slides on the filling weave 101 and then slides down again, the footrest 37 of the axial movement element 33 of the selector 9 moves along a single track 124, and the single track 124 passes sequentially The second descent 132 and run into the disengagement area 125 (FIG. 4a), so that the exit ramp 133 is engaged later, and the exit ramp 133 pushes the footrest 37 radially inward and disengages it from the single track 124 (FIG. 4a). The footrest 37 of the selector 9 runs out of the single track 124 and then runs into the respective grooves of the needle-holding cylinder 2.

If the meaning of rotation is “CW” clockwise as shown in FIG. 5b, the lever 204 of the second array of the second actuator 202 acts on the axial static element 34 to cause the oscillation of the axially moving element 33 and the foot The bracket 37 engages into a first entry point 300 (to create a drop weave) placed at one of the bases of the first rise 129, and the lever 204 of the second array of the first actuator 201 acts on the shaft To the static element 34 for causing the oscillation of the axial movement element 33 and the footrest 37 to engage into a second entry point 301 (which creates a stuffing texture) placed on one of the bases of the second ascent 100 (FIG. 5b).

It can be noticed that when the meaning of rotation is reversed, the two sides of the central protrusion 127 reverse its function (first side-first rise 129, second side-first fall 131; first side-first fall 131, second side-first rise 129).

More generally, if the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the actuating cam "C" ("CCW") (Fig. 5a), the footrest 37 of the selector 9 is on the first side of the central projection 127 Slide up to lift the punch 7 until the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 engages into the drop weave 102 of a first yarn feeder 110. As an alternative, the footrest 37 of the selector 9 slides on the first side of one of the side protrusions 128, thereby lifting the punch 7 until the footrest 25 of the punch 7 engages the relevant first yarn feeding member The stuffing texture of 110 rises to 101. Moreover, the lever 203 of the first array of the first actuator 201 acts on the selector 9 for engaging the footrest 37 into the first entry point 300 and generating a drop on the first yarn feeder 110 And the lever 203 of the first array of the second actuator 202 acts on the selector 9 for engaging the footrest 37 which was not previously engaged by the first actuator 201 into the second entry point 301 and A stuffing weave on the yarn feed 110 is produced.

If the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 rotates clockwise with respect to the actuating cam "C", meaning "CW" (Fig. 5b), the footrest 37 of the selector 9 slides on the second side of the central protrusion 127 for The punch 7 is lifted until the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 engages into the drop weave 102 of a second yarn feeder 110. As an alternative, the footrest 37 of the selector 9 slides on the second side of the other of the side protrusions 128, thereby lifting the punch 7 until the footrest 25 of the punch 7 engages the relevant second yarn feed The stuffing weave of piece 110 rises up to 101. In addition, the lever 204 of the second array of the first actuator 201 acts on the selector 9 for engaging the footrest 37 into the first entry point 301 and generating a different adjacent yarn feeder 110. The weave is stuffed, and the lever 204 of the second array of one of the second actuators 202 acts on the selector 9 for engaging the footrest 37 into the first entry point 300 and generating the different adjacent yarn feeds The drop on the piece 110 stuffed the texture.

The invention achieves important advantages.

First, the invention allows to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

In particular, the present invention allows the production of circular machines that operate only in a sense of rotation, or operate in alternating oscillations, which are: dense in both axial and radial directions; can be made with small radial dimensions, even Tubular fabrics below 165mm; less stringent restrictions on the knitting movements obtained to make more complex fabrics; denser than known machines, but allowing access to the same as larger machines The number of knitting needle movements, or even more complex movements; a higher (or even double) number of "feeders", that is, yarn feed points, compared to previous techniques and the same cylinder diameter; "Intarsia" design, that is, colored motifs without reverse floating yarn; three-dimensional textile objects can be made without unnecessarily changing the weaving density and without the need to add route sections with yarn cutting.

1‧‧‧ braided head

2‧‧‧ Needle holding cylinder

3‧‧‧ knitting needles

3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3l, 3m, 3n, 3o, 3p, 3q, 3t‧‧‧ vertical lines

4‧‧‧ longitudinal groove

5‧‧‧Drive Chain

6,39‧‧‧knitting needles

7‧‧‧ punch

8‧‧‧Starting components

9‧‧‧ selector

10 foot

11‧‧‧ main body

12‧‧‧ upper end of main body

13,30‧‧‧seats

14‧‧‧ protrusion

15‧‧‧ top surface

16,27‧‧‧ lower abutment surface

17‧‧‧ Elastic Flexible Arm

18,24‧‧‧Next

19,37,38‧‧‧ Radially moving footrest

20‧‧‧ Projection

21‧‧‧ axial extension

23‧‧‧ long upper part

22,25,32‧‧‧Radial static foot rest

25,32,37‧‧‧‧foot rest

26‧‧‧ on abutment surface

28‧‧‧ distal

29‧‧‧ inclined surface

31‧‧‧ lower end

33‧‧‧Axial moving element

33a‧‧‧ Elastic Flexible Extension

33b‧‧‧Static contrast cam

33c‧‧‧Static magnetic actuator

34‧‧‧Axial static element

35‧‧‧Radial teeth

36‧‧‧ abuts the surface

40‧‧‧ selector cam

41‧‧‧Punch cam

42‧‧‧Starting element cam

43‧‧‧ secondary needle cam

44‧‧‧Auxiliary selector cam

100‧‧‧ second rise

101‧‧‧ Filling texture rises

102‧‧‧ Drop Weave

106,113,114 ‧‧‧ decline

110‧‧‧ Yarn Feeder

111‧‧‧ Central triangular cam

112‧‧‧Side cam

115‧‧‧ up

116‧‧‧down

117,119‧‧‧central area

120‧‧‧ basically horizontal length

121‧‧‧ drop texture drop

122‧‧‧ triangle cam

123‧‧‧Circle outline

124‧‧‧ single track

125‧‧‧ departure zone

126‧‧‧wave segment

127‧‧‧ Central Projection

128‧‧‧ lateral protrusion

129‧‧‧First rise

131‧‧‧First decline

132‧‧‧ Second drop

133‧‧‧Exit slope

200‧‧‧Select device

201‧‧‧Actuator

202‧‧‧Second Actuator

203‧‧‧ Leverage of the first array

204‧‧‧ Leverage of the second array

205,206‧‧‧ Leverage

300‧‧‧ First entry point

301‧‧‧Second Entry Point

401‧‧‧first joining surface

402‧‧‧Second joint surface

K-K‧‧‧ common vertical axis

C‧‧‧actuating cam

CCW‧‧‧First rotation meaning / counterclockwise rotation meaning

CW‧‧‧Second rotation meaning / Clockwise rotation meaning

F‧‧‧ Arrow

h1‧‧‧First axial extension

h2‧‧‧Second axial extension

h3‧‧‧ third axial extension

h4‧‧‧ Fourth axial extension

h5‧‧‧ fifth axial extension

h6‧‧‧ Sixth axial extension

W-W‧‧‧symmetric plane

X-X‧‧‧central axis

Y‧‧‧ symmetry axis

Z‧‧‧ Mid-Axial straight line

This description will be made below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for indication purposes only and are therefore non-limiting purposes, in which: FIG. 1 shows an enlarged portion of a knitting needle holding cylinder of a circular knitting machine according to the present invention, in which a weaving can be seen A driving chain of a needle is coupled to a length of an actuating cam developed on a plane; Figures 2a and 2b show respective enlarged parts of a driving chain coupled to a knitting needle; Figure 2c shows a driving chain of the driving chain Variation of one element; Figures 3a-3i and 3l-3t show possible configurations of a series of drive chains; Figures 4a-4d show a length of an actuating cam developed on a plane, where the respective paths are defined by The drive chain complies; Figure 5a shows an enlarged part of the actuating cam when operating in a counterclockwise sense; Figure 5b shows a part of Figure 5a when the cam is operating in a clockwise sense; Figure 6 shows Figure 5a And 5b, a detailed perspective view of one of the cams; FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an actuator used in a previously illustrated machine; FIG. 8 shows a top view of the actuator of FIG.

Claims (14)

A lever actuator of a circular knitting machine includes: a first array of levers and a second array of levers, each array of levers including a plurality of levers successively arranged along a common axis; wherein the second The levers of the array and the levers of the first array are arranged one after the other along the common axis; wherein the levers of the first array are configured as if a knitting needle holds the cylinder relative to the circle The relative rotation of the actuating cam of the knitting machine occurs in a first rotation meaning (CCW) and is engaged with the teeth of the selector of the circular knitting machine; wherein the lever of the second array is configured as a needle holding cylinder The relative rotation with respect to the actuating cams occurs in a second rotation meaning (CW) opposite to the first rotation meaning (CCW) and then engages the teeth of the selectors. For example, the actuator of claim 1, wherein the levers can be moved between a first position and a second position under control, wherein the lever of the first array can be independent of the lever of the second array Lever moves. For example, the actuator of item 2 wherein the levers of the levers of the first array can be moved together and the levers of the levers of the second array can be moved together. The actuator of 2 or 3, wherein the levers of the levers of the first array can be moved about respective axes orthogonal to the common axis, and the levers of the levers of the second array can be positive about the common axis The intersecting axes move. The actuator of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the levers of the levers of the first array have respective first engaging surfaces for the teeth of the selectors, and wherein the levers of the levers of the second array Are respective second engaging surfaces for teeth of the selectors; wherein the first engaging surfaces and the second engaging surfaces are inclined in opposite directions. The actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein please refer to a plane of symmetry in which the common axis is provided. The lever of the lever of the first array is asymmetric with respect to the lever of the lever of the second array. As in the actuator of the foregoing claim, when it is attached to claim 5, wherein the first joint surfaces are disposed in a first inclined common plane or a plurality of first inclined planes with respect to the symmetry plane, And the second joint surfaces are disposed in a second inclined common plane or a plurality of second inclined planes relative to one of the symmetry planes. As in the foregoing claim or the actuator as claimed in claim 6, when it is attached to claim 5, wherein the first engaging surfaces and the second engaging surfaces are inclined toward opposite sides of the plane of symmetry. A circular knitting machine comprising: a knitting needle holding cylinder having a plurality of longitudinal grooves arranged around a central axis of the knitting needle holding cylinder; a plurality of knitting needles each housed in a In at least one yarn feeder, operatively connected to the knitting needles; an actuating cam, which is arranged around the knitting needle holding cylinder and can be positioned relative to the knitting needle holding cylinder about the central axis The cylinder is moved to cause or allow the knitting needles to move along the longitudinal grooves so that weaving marks can be formed by the knitting needles; a drive chain for each knitting needle to be inserted into the respective longitudinal groove Is located below the respective knitting needles and is operatively placed between the respective knitting needles and the actuating cams; wherein the drive chain includes: a selector arranged under the secondary knitting needles, having at least one each The footrest can be moved radially between an operating position and a non-operating position, in which the operating foot is extracted so as to engage with the respective selector path defined by the selector cam, and is used in the non-operating position. Its retraction so as not to engage the selector paths; At least one selection device, which acts on the selector under control, so that the latter can be switched into the operating position or the non-operational position or held therein; wherein the selection device includes at least the same according to any one of the preceding claims Actuator. If the circular knitting machine of claim 9, wherein the selection device includes two actuators placed peripherally next to the other; wherein each of the two actuators of the first array The lever is configured to engage the teeth of the selectors if the relative rotation of the knitting needle holding cylinder relative to the actuating cams occurs in the first rotation meaning (CCW); of which the two actuators Each of the second array of levers is configured such that if the relative rotation of the knitting needle holding cylinder relative to the actuating cams is in the second rotation meaning (CW) opposite to the first rotation meaning (CCW) ) Occurs to engage the teeth of these selectors. The circular knitting machine of claim 9 or 10, which comprises at least two yarn feeders and at least two selection devices, each of which is placed between two subsequent yarn feeders. A circular knitting machine of 10 or 11, wherein the circular knitting machine belongs to a type having an alternating rotation action. A method for moving the knitting needles of a circular knitting machine, wherein the circular knitting machine is preferably made according to any one or more of claims 9 to 12, the method comprising the following steps: causing the knitting needle to hold the cylinder and A relative rotation between the actuating cams; acting on the selectors by the selection device, thereby moving the respective footrests or holding them in the operating position or the non-operating position; wherein if The relative rotation of the knitting needle-holding cylinder with respect to the actuating cams occurs in the first sense of rotation (CCW), and the lever of the first array of the at least one actuator is engaged with the teeth of the selectors; If the relative rotation of the knitting needle holding cylinder with respect to the actuating cams occurs in the second rotation meaning (CW) opposite to the first rotation meaning (CCW), the at least one actuator of the second array The lever is engaged with the teeth of these selectors. As in the method of the preceding claim, when the circular knitting machine is made according to claim 10, wherein if the knitting needle holding cylinder is rotated in the first rotation meaning (CCW) relative to the actuating cams, the first The levers of the first array of actuators act on the selectors for engaging the foot rests into a first entry point and creating a throw-out weave on a yarn feeder, and the first The levers of the first array of two actuators act on the selectors for engaging the foot rests into a second entry point and creating a stuffing weave on the yarn feeder; if the weaving The needle-holding cylinder is rotated relative to the actuating cams in the second rotational sense (CW). The lever of the second array of the second actuator acts on the selectors for the feet. The bracket engages with the first entry point and generates discarded weaves on a different, adjacent yarn feeder, and the lever of the second array of the first actuator acts on the selectors For engaging the foot rests into the second entry point and creating a stuffing weave on the different, adjacent yarn feeders.