TW202204710A - Sinker for a knitting machine, knitting machine that uses said sinker, and method for producing a knit stitch with said sinker - Google Patents

Abstract

The sinker (1) for a knitting machine has a body with a variable configuration comprising a first shaped plate (2) and a second shaped plate (3) which are coplanar and movable independently from each other, wherein the first plate (2) has a first heel (4) for taking up movement and at least a first knit stitch knock-over surface (5) and the second plate (3) has a second heel (6) for taking up movement and at least a second knit stitch knock-over surface (7), wherein the first and the second plate (2, 3) have the same maximum thickness and at least one portion (2a, 3a) with a reduced thickness, wherein the first and the second plate (2, 3) intersect in the portion thereof with a reduced thickness (2a, 3a), and wherein the sum of the value of the reduced thickness of the first and second plates (2, 3) is not greater than the value of the maximum thickness of the first and second plates (2, 3).

Description

Sinker for knitting machine, knitting machine using sinker, and method for making knitting stitch with sinker

The present invention relates to a special structure of sinkers for knitting machines, a knitting machine (in particular, but not only a circular inlay knitting machine with alternating needle cylinder movements), a knitting machine for A method of making a knitting stitch having the sinker, and a patterned loop knitted article produced by a knitting machine using the sinker.

A preferred but non-exclusive field of application concerns the production of shoe uppers, in particular, but not necessarily on multi-feed circular lay-up machines with cylinders actuated in alternating action.

As is well known, a sinker is a member in the form of a shaped plate that facilitates the formation of knitting stitches to be combined with the needles.

The use of circular knitting machines of the type described above is known, but may have the disadvantage of limiting the number of models of uppers that can be produced, especially if such circular knitting machines have small diameters.

Therefore, the technical task of the present invention is to be able to produce a wide range of models of knitted articles also with knitting machines of limited size.

Within the scope of this technical task, it is an object of the present invention to provide sinkers structured in such a way, which also utilizes a knitting machine of limited size, to produce a knitted article with different smooth knitted zones joined together (It may also have an optional thickened knitting area therein, specifically, but not necessarily an optional loop knitting area).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sinker that can be used in a multi-feed circular layup knitting machine having a small diameter and cylinders actuated in alternating action to create an upper, especially a pattern terry upper.

The technical task and this and other objects are achieved by a sinker of a knitting machine, characterized in that it has a body of variable configuration comprising a first shaping plate and a second shaping plate, the first The shaping plate and the second shaping plate are coplanar and structurally independent and movable relative to each other, wherein the first plate has a first heel and at least a first knitting stitch knock-out surface for movement, and the second plate has a second heel for movement and at least one second knit stitch knockout surface, wherein the first plate and the second plate have the same maximum thickness and at least a portion of a reduced thickness, wherein the first plate and the second plate intersect at a portion thereof having a reduced thickness, and wherein the sum of the reduced thickness values of the first plate and the second plate is not greater than the first plate and the second plate the value of the maximum thickness.

In one embodiment, the portions of the first plate and the second plate having a reduced thickness may have the same thickness.

In one embodiment, at least one between the first plate and the second plate has a selection heel.

In one embodiment, at least one between the first plate and the second plate has a resting surface for the knitting stitch.

In one embodiment, the first plate and the second plate have conjugate linear guide portions.

In another embodiment, the first plate and the second plate are mutually restricted by the possibility of relative rotational movement or combined linear and rotational movement.

In one embodiment, at least one between the first plate and the second plate has a flexible finger for releasable engagement with a retaining element in a reference position.

In one embodiment, the first plate and the second plate are metal plates produced by chemical photo-engraving of a flat sheet.

The present invention also discloses a knitting machine equipped with such a sinker.

In one embodiment, the knitting machine is circular, the needle cylinder and the crown are coaxially and firmly connected with alternating rotational movements, and a cover is mounted over the crown with radial lines, It is oscillating relative to the crown body about the shafting of the crown body, the cover body has a first track, wherein the first track for performing the radial movement of the first plate follows the track radial line engagement; and a second rail, wherein the second track for carrying out the radial movement of the second plate is engaged along the same radial line, and at least between the first rail and the second rail One has alternative paths.

These paths can also be selected individually for the sinkers.

In one embodiment, at least one between the first rail and the second rail has a cam for selecting the path that interacts with the at least one selection track.

The invention also discloses a procedure for producing a knitting stitch using such a circular underlay knitting machine, wherein the sinker operates on at least two yarns and is programmed by the first or second plate Selective advancement of needles toward the barrel to form a smooth knit stitch on either the first knockout surface or the second knockout surface, and the movement of needles toward the barrel by the first plate and the second plate Synchronized advancement to form a loop knit stitch on the first knockout surface and the second knockout surface.

Referring to the preceding figures, there is shown a sinker 1 that can be used in a knitting machine.

Reference will be made below to a circular lay-up knitting machine comprising a rotary needle bed consisting of: a cylinder 20 with axial grooves for guiding the needles around it; a crown 21, 22, 30 , which has radial threads in which sinkers 1 slide; and four yarn feeders, on each of which at least one yarn guide (striper) is mounted for the formation of knitting Yarn is fed to the needles, wherein each yarn feeder includes a cam system for actuating the needles in the knitting stitch, loop stitch, or drop stitch position.

The field of application obviously also extends to circular or linear knitting machines with a double needle bed and one or more yarn feeders.

Mounting the crowns 21, 22, 30 on the head of the barrel 20 and containing the crown element 21 outside the barrel, the crown element 22 inside the barrel, and locked in position by means of a specific bracket 31 30 of the lower ring.

The crowns 21, 22, 30 for the sinker 1 are coaxially and firmly connected to the cylinder 20 by alternating rotation.

The sinkers 1 are radially slidable, one for each thread in the crowns 21, 22, and as is well known, each cooperates with a corresponding needle for the formation and release of the knitting stitch.

The cover body 23 of the sinker 1 is installed above the crown bodies 21 , 22 and 30 .

The cover body 23 is oscillated relative to the crown bodies 21 , 22 , 30 , around the rotation axis of the crown bodies 21 , 22 , 30 and the needle cylinder 20 .

Alternate oscillation of the cover 23 relative to the crowns 21 , 22 , 30 , as we shall see, to cause the radial movement of the sinker 1 to and from the barrel 20 close to the working position, depending on whether or not the barrel 20 is one of the rotational directions or in its opposite direction.

The sinker 1 has a body with a variable configuration, the variable configuration includes a first fixed plate (2) and a second fixed plate (3), the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate The shaping plates are coplanar and move independently of each other.

The first plate 2 has a first heel 4 for movement and at least one first knitting stitch knock-out surface 5 .

The second plate 3 has a second heel 6 for movement and at least one second knitting stitch knock-out surface 7 .

The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 each have the same maximum thickness and at least a portion 2a and 3a each have a reduced thickness.

The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 intersect at their portions 2a, 3a having a reduced thickness.

The sum of the reduced thickness values of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3 is not greater than the value of the maximum thickness of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3 .

The maximum thickness of the sinker 1 is equal to the maximum thickness of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3 .

The portions 2a, 3a of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3 with reduced thickness may have the same thickness.

At least one between the first board 2 and the second board 3 (specifically, the second board 3 ) has a selection heel 8 .

In certain cases, the first plate 2 does not have a selection heel, because as we shall see, in preferred applications it is always selected, while the second sinker 3 may or may not be selected.

In other applications, it is not excluded that the first board 2 may also include a selection heel.

At least one between the first plate 2 and the second plate 3 has a rest surface 9 for the knitting stitch.

In the case shown, only the first plate 2 has a resting surface 9 for the knitting stitch, but in other applications it is not excluded that the second plate 3 may also comprise a resting surface per knitting stitch.

By selective movement of the first plate 2 relative to the needle, the resulting knitted stitch can be moved from the first knockout surface 5 to the rest surface 9, with its tension at least partially released.

The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 may have conjugated portions 10, 11 that act as a guide for linear sliding relative to each other.

The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 further have peripheral edges which extend longitudinally in a radial direction and slidingly engage the specific walls 27 of the crowns 21, 22, 30, which ensure a radial direction Upper guide sinker 1.

At least the optional plate 3 has a flexible finger 24 with a terminal end 25 for releasable engagement with a retaining element 26 in the deselected condition.

As we shall see, the retaining element 26 derived from the recess in the ring 30 ensures that there is no undesired selection of the second plate 3 .

In addition to the engaging and braking functions, the flexible fingers 24 also have the function of sliding and guiding the plate 3 in the radial line of the crown body of the sinker.

The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 are advantageously metal plates produced by chemical photo-engraving of flat sheets.

This procedure makes it possible to obtain sinkers with very precise profiles and very small thicknesses, especially in areas with reduced thicknesses.

The cover body 23 has a first rail 28 in which the first heel 4 for carrying out the radial movement of the first plate 2 engages along the radial line of the crown body; and a second rail 29 in which the second rail 29 is used for carrying out the radial movement of the first plate 2 The radially displaced second and 6 of the plate 3 engage along the same radial line.

At least one rail between the first rail 28 and the second rail 29 has a selectable path.

In the case shown, only the second rail 29 has two selectable paths 29a, 29b.

The second rail 29 with selectable paths 29a, 29b has cams 32 for selectable paths.

There are two selection cams 32 , each operating in each direction of oscillation of the cover 23 .

The two selection cams 32 are adapted to selectively interact with the second heel for the movement 6 contained by the second plate 3 during the oscillation of the cover in one direction or the other.

The cover body 23 is moved in two oscillating directions by a pneumatic piston 34 which actuates a swing rod 35 operatively connected to the cover body 23 .

For selecting one of the two paths 29a or 29b of the second rail 29, the selection and 8 of the second plate 3 interact with a selector device 36 of the conventional type provided for each of the four yarn feeders.

The jacquard device 36 has a group of independently oscillating selector rods 37, each of which can be engaged with the selector and 8 of the second plate 3 of the corresponding sinker 1 positioned in the radial line of the crowns 21, 22, 30 .

The successive sinkers 1 in the crowns 21, 22, 30 differ from each other in position and height (which form a diagonal line, as shown in Fig. 1 ) on the second plate 3 and 8, in order to achieve the settling Electronic needle selection of slice 1.

The four swing bars 37 intended to actuate the second plate 3 of the four consecutive sinkers 1 are shown by way of example.

The first rail 28 has a single path comprising a section shaped like a cam 28', which has a variable radial distance from the axis of the cover body 23, and a section shaped like a circumferential arc 28'', which Take the axis of the cover body 23 as the center of the circle.

The first plate 2 remains radially stationary when the first heel 4 for movement passes the arc 28'' and is displaced radially when the first heel 4 for movement passes the cam 28' .

The first path 29a of the second rail 29 comprises a section shaped like a cam 29a' having a variable radial distance from the axis of the cover body 23; and a section shaped like a circumferential arc 29a'' with the cover body The axis of 23 is the center of the circle.

The second plate 3 remains radially stationary when the second heel 6 for movement passes the arc 29a'' and is displaced radially when the second heel 6 for movement passes the cam 29a' .

The second path 29b of the second rail 29 only includes a section shaped like a circumferential arc 29b', which is centered on the axis of the cover body 23 .

The second plate 3 remains radially stationary while the second heel 6 for movement passes through the arc 29b'.

The swing lever 37 has a rest position and a working position.

In the rest position, the swing lever 37 does not move the selector heel 8 . In this case, the second heel 6 for moving remains in the second path 29b of the rail 29, wherein the second plate 3 is not selected.

In the working position, the pivot lever 37 is slightly displaced by the selector lever 8 . In this new situation, the fixed cam 32, when it intercepts the second heel 6 for movement, deflects the second heel 29a towards the first path 29a of the rail 29 with the second plate 3 selected.

Advantageously, the use of the sinker 1 can easily form a knitting stitch or a loop knitting stitch with two yarns A and B, so that a knitted article can be produced on the above-mentioned knitting machine, which is in particular, but Not just a patterned terry upper.

In fact, during the manufacture of the same flat knit with two yarns A and B, the sinker 1 can selectively form a smooth knit stitch or a loop knit stitch.

The formation of a smooth knit stitch with two yarns A and B is carried out in the following manner.

The lid body 23 is oscillated in one direction relative to the crown bodies 21 , 22 and 30 .

The jacquard needles 36 are programmed so as not to actuate the selector lever 37 which remains in the rest position.

The second plate 3 is thus unselected and remains radially stationary, since the second heel 6 for movement passes through the second path 29b. The maintenance of the second plate 3 in the unselected state is ensured by the engagement of the terminal ends 25 of the flexible fingers 24 with the retaining elements 26 .

Due to the sliding of the cam 28' along the first rail 28 for the first and for the movement 4, the first plate 2 in contrast performs a radial movement of the reciprocating needle cylinder 20.

The smooth knit stitch is created with two yarns A and B on the first knockout surface 5 and then moved to a resting position on the resting surface 9, which is positioned at a relative position by the movement of the first plate 2. low level.

The formation of the loop knit stitch with two yarns A and B is carried out in the following manner.

The lid body 23 is oscillated in one direction relative to the crown bodies 21 , 22 and 30 .

The jacquard needles 36 are programmed to actuate a selector lever 37 into the working position.

The second plate 3 is thus selected and, upon disengagement from the holding element 26, carries out the reciprocation of the needle cylinder 20 due to the sliding of the second cam 29a' for the movement 6 along the second path 29a of the second rail 29. radial movement.

The first plate 2, which is always selected, also performs the radial movement of the reciprocating needle cylinder 20 due to the sliding of the first and the cam 28' along the first rail 28 for the movement 4.

The radial movement of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3 is synchronized because the cam 29a' and the cam 28' are aligned at the same angular position.

The loop knit stitch is created with yarn A on the first knockout surface 5 and a second yarn B on the second knockout surface 7 .

Once this work has been completed, the second plate 3 is automatically deselected, suspending its re-selection in the next course formed by the knitted fabric or on the return course or on other yarn feeders.

Advantageously, during the process of yarn feeding, the formation of smooth or loop knit stitches takes place both in clockwise and counterclockwise directions on all the yarn feed ports preset by the circular lay-up machine.

Advantageously, the sinker 1 goes into a single thread of the crown 21, 22, 30, but with the possibility to let the two plates 2, 3 slide independently in the formation of the knit, and this helps to increase the upper or is a model of another knitted article that can be produced with a circular lay-up machine with a small diameter.

The sinkers conceived for producing knitting stitches in a knitting machine are therefore susceptible to many adjustments and variations, all within the scope of the inventive concept; moreover, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

The materials and dimensions used may be any in practice according to the needs and conditions of the art.

1: sinker 2: the first shape plate; the first plate 3: the second shaping plate; the second plate; the second sinker; the plate 2a, 3a: Parts 4: first heel; move 5: The first knitting stitch dropout surface; the first dropout surface 5c-5c: Line 6: second heel; move 6c-6c: Line 7: The second knitting stitch drop surface; the second drop surface 8: Choose to follow 9: Parking Surface 10, 11: Conjugate part; Conjugate linear guide part 20: syringe; cylinder 21, 22, 30: crown body 21, 22: Crown elements 23: Cover 24: Flexible finger 25: Terminal 26: Holding element 27: Wall 28: The first track 28': Cam 28'': Arc 29: second track; track 29a: first path; path 29a': Cam 29a'': arc 29b: second path; path 29b': arc 30: Ring 31: specific bracket 32: Cam 34: Pneumatic piston 35: Swing bar 36: Jacquard device; Jacquard comb 37: Selection lever A, B: Yarn

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the description of the preferred but not exclusive sinker embodiments, the knitting machine and method for producing knitting stitches according to the present invention are shown by way of non-limiting example in additional in the diagram, where: [Fig. 1] is a top perspective view showing the crown body of the sinker of the four-feeder circular laying machine; [Fig. 2] is a bottom perspective view showing the cover body of the crown body of the sinker of Fig. 1; [Fig. 3] is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the crown of the sinker of Fig. 1, wherein the sinker is in a position to form a smooth knitting stitch; [Fig. 4] A vertical cross-sectional view showing the crown body of the sinker of Fig. 1, wherein the sinker is in a position to form a loop knitting stitch; [Fig. 5a] shows a side elevational view of the sinker tied in position to form a smooth knit stitch; [Fig. 5b] is a perspective view showing the sinker of Fig. 5a; [Fig. 5c] shows a section of the sinker along the line 5c-5c of Fig. 5b; [Fig. 6a] shows a side elevational view of a sinker tied in place to form loop knit stitches; [Fig. 6b] is a perspective view showing the sinker of Fig. 6a; [Fig. 6c] shows a cross section of the sinker along the line 6c-6c of Fig. 6b.

1: sinker

2: the first shape plate; the first plate

3: the second shaping plate; the second plate; the second sinker; the plate

4: first heel; move

6: second heel; move

28: The first track

28': Cam

28": Arc

29: Second track

29': Rail

29a: first path; path

29a': Cam

29a": arc

29b: second path; path

29b': arc

32: Cam

Claims (13)

A sinker (1) for a knitting machine, characterized in that it has a body with a variable configuration, the variable configuration comprising a first shaping plate (2) and a second shaping plate (3) ), the first shaping plate and the second shaping plate are coplanar with each other and can move independently of each other, wherein the first plate (2) has a first heel (4) and at least a first plate for moving Knit stitch drop surface (5), and the second plate (3) has a second heel (6) for movement and at least one second knit stitch drop surface (7), wherein the first The plate and the second plate (2, 3) have the same maximum thickness and have at least one portion (2a, 3a) of a reduced thickness, wherein the first plate and the second plate (2, 3) have The portion (2a, 3a) of a reduced thickness intersects, and wherein the sum of the values of the reduced thickness of the first plate and the second plate (2, 3) is not greater than the first plate and the second plate (2, 3) the value of this maximum thickness. A sinker (1) for a knitting machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein its maximum thickness is equal to the maximum thickness of the first and second plates (2, 3). A sinker (1) for a knitting machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portions (2a, 3a) of the first plate and the second plate (2, 3) having a reduced thickness have the same thickness . A sinker (1) for a knitting machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one between the first plate and the second plate (2, 3) has a selection heel (8). A sinker (1) for a knitting machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one between the first and second plates (2, 3) has a A resting surface (9). A sinker (1) for a knitting machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second plates (2, 3) have conjugated linear guide portions (10, 11). A sinker (1) for a knitting machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one selectable plate (3) has a flexible finger (24) for use in a deselected condition Releasable engagement with a retaining element (26). A sinker (1) for a knitting machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second plates (2, 3) are metal plates produced by chemical photo-engraving of flat sheets. A knitting machine, characterized in that it comprises at least one sinker (1) according to any of the preceding claims. A circular inlay knitting machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the needle cylinder (20) and the crown (21, 22, 30) are coaxially and firmly connected and have an alternating rotational movement, wherein A cover body (23) is installed above the crown body (21, 22, 30) with radial lines, and the cover body is relative to the crown body (21, 22, 30), around the crown body (21, 22) , 30) the shafting is oscillating, the cover (23) has a first rail (28) in which the first heel (4) for carrying out the radial movement of the first plate (2) meshing along the radial line; and a second rail (29) in which the second heel (6) for carrying out the radial movement of the second plate (3) meshes along the same radial line, and Wherein at least one between the first rail and the second rail (28, 29) has a selectable path (29a, 29b). Circular lay-up knitting machine as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first and second rails (28, 29) has the selection for interacting with the at least one selection and (8). Cam (32) of path (29a, 29b). A process for producing a knitting stitch using a circular underlay knitting machine as claimed in any one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the sinker operates on at least two yarns (A, B) and is tied Programmed by selective advancement of the first plate or the second plate (2 or 3) towards the barrel (20) to be on the first or second knock-off surface (5 or 7) A smooth knitting stitch is selectively formed on the first plate and the second plate (2, 3) is advanced towards the needle cylinder (20) by synchronizing the first and second knockout surfaces. A loop knitting stitch is formed on the knockout surfaces (5, 7). A patterned terry upper made by a process according to one of the preceding claims.

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