TWI770143B - 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 of a circular knitting machine includes a first array of levers and a second array of levers. Each array of lever systems includes a plurality of levers arranged in succession along a common axis. The levers of the second array and the levers of the first array are arranged in succession along the common axis with one behind the other. The first array of levers is configured to engage the teeth of the selector of the circular knitting machine if the relative rotation of a needle holding cylinder with respect to the actuating cam of the circular knitting machine occurs in a first rotational sense (CCW) . The second array of levers is configured to engage the selector if relative rotation of a needle holding cylinder with respect to the actuating cam occurs in a second rotational sense (CW) opposite the first rotational sense (CCW). tooth.

Description

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

Field of 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 movement mechanisms for knitting needles. More particularly, the invention relates to the construction of elements that actuate the knitting needles by converting the relative rotational movement between the knitting needle holding element and the actuating cam into a given axial movement of the knitting needles.

Background of the Invention

As is known, circular knitting machines comprise a needle holding element (needle cylinder and/or plate) on which one or more series of needles are arranged along a circular path (circular needle bed), and A device that can easily control the movement of knitting needles for the formation of knitted fabrics. The means for controlling the needles of the needle holding cylinders comprise actuating cams arranged around the cylinders themselves, and actuating members configured to operatively connect the cams to the needles. These actuating parts, also defined as "flat parts", are inserted into the grooves of the knitting needles, below them, and have a set of Butts cooperating with the paths delineated by the cams.

It is known to assemble cams and the paths defined by them to allow the axial movement of the needles to be inactive, to pack and to drop the weave.

For example, publications EP 1 620 590 and EP 1 620 591 issued to the same applicant disclose a circular knitting machine equipped with a cylinder provided with axial grooves. Each knitting needle of the plurality of knitting needles is housed in one of the axial grooves, and the actuating member, which is also placed in the axial groove, interacts with the knitting needles during the rotation of the cylinder thereby causing its actuation. The actuating member of each needle consists of a primary needle connected to the respective needle which can oscillate radially in the groove to selectively engage its own footrest in the path defined by the actuating cam , a punch having an upper portion that can engage the lower end of the secondary needle, which can also engage the respective paths defined by the actuating cams, a selector that can engage in a radial plane Oscillation, whereby it engages into the respective paths defined by the actuating cams and which can be activated by means of selection means, wherein the selector has an upper part which can engage against a lower part of the punch. It can be noted that the path of the oscillating selector has a raised length that lifts the selector and punch together with the needles as far as the throwing point (drop stitch) of a knitted loop, and a The length is further raised, whereby the needles are lifted to a small extent and the knitted loops are not thrown onto the needle bars (stuffing the stitches). The padding weave rise is positioned upstream of the drop weave rise. In order to produce a drop knitting stitch, the needle selector is held or guided into the operating position by means of a selection device so as to raise the length first with the padded stitch and then with the drop stitch with its footrest (butt) for joining. Selector system that engages with the raised length of the padding weave The lifting punch, which is then lowered, thus causes the secondary needle to switch instantaneously into a non-operating position. Further lift caused by the selector engaged with the drop stitch lift length causes the needles to be lifted as far as the throw-away point of the loop being knitted. To create a stuffer weave, the selector is only engaged to the stuffer weave raised length. In this instance, there is no further lift.

Publication IT 1203500 discloses a machine for knitting or hosiery projects comprising a lift cam which defines two paths for a footrest for an elastic interface which in turn acts on a Knitting needle and a knitting needle. The two paths are: a first path for performing a normal woven weave, and a second path parallel and descending with respect to the first path for performing a stuffing weave. Each of the paths includes an elevated length, a substantially horizontal length, and a settling length. The foot rest of the elastic interface engages the first (upper) path when performing a normal knit stitch (drop stitch). The needle is lifted to a height that causes the previously formed loop to drop onto the needle's stem. The foot rest of the elastic interface follows the second (lower) path when performing the padded weave. The needle is lifted to a height such that the previously formed loop does not fall onto the rod.

summary

In the architecture of the circular knitting machine as disclosed above, the applicant has recognized that there are some drawbacks.

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

Applicants have further noted that in known solutions, particularly in the case of knitting machines with needle-holding cylinders of small diameter such as less than 10 inches (about 250 mm), since there is not enough space around the cylinder All required actuation components are accommodated, so it is not possible to introduce a large number of yarn feeds.

It is known that the size of the machine has a negative effect on the coherent inertias, which limit the rotational speed and thus the weaving speed.

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

In particular, the applicant has noted that in known machines, the structure of the cams to allow the alternative generation of tamping or drop weave is developed along the circumference of the cam housing such as taking up a lot of space. This involves limitations on the movements to be assigned to the needles, and/or limitations on the number of yarn feeds of a predetermined diameter for the needle holding cylinders.

The applicant has noticed that if the circular knitting machine has an alternating oscillating rotation, i.e. if it works by oscillating the cylinder about a central axis or axis of rotation relative to the cam casing (clockwise and counterclockwise) and woven fabric, these defects will be exacerbated.

In particular, the applicant has noted that the solutions of documents EP 1 620 590 and EP 1 620 591 result in the footrest of the oscillating selector necessarily following the raised length of the padding weave when performing the padding weave but Disengage the respective path (ie, retract into the cylinder) prior to the drop stitch rise length, thereby not traversing the drop stitch rise length. This means that space for the selection device must be obtained between the two raised lengths, thus increasing the peripheral development of the cam. In the example of a machine with alternating action, this space is required on both sides of the cam triangle used to define the raised length of the dropped weave.

Under these circumstances, one of the various aspects and/or embodiments of the present invention aims to provide a circular knitting machine that will achieve the same or even more knitting characteristics than the prior art, Has a small size and allows the manufacture of relatively small diameter fabrics, eg below 165mm.

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

Another object of the present invention is to propose a circular knitting machine and a method for moving knitting needles, which allow an increase in yarn feeding points or feeding points compared to the prior art under the same diameter of the knitting needle holding elements 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 rational structure.

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

An object of the present invention is also to achieve the intended purpose for a circular knitting machine with alternating oscillating action.

Basically in accordance with one or more of the accompanying claims and in various combinations according to the following aspects and/or embodiments, possibly also in combination with the above claims, by a circular knitting machine and a machine for moving knitting needles. methods to achieve these and other possible objectives presented more clearly as described below.

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

In this description and the scope of the accompanying claims, the terms "axial", "circumferential", "radial" refer to this central axis.

Some aspects of the invention are listed below.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a circular knitting machine comprising: a base member; a needle holding cylinder mounted to the base member and having a plurality of knitting needle holding cylinders disposed around a central axis of the needle holding cylinder a plurality of longitudinal grooves; a plurality of knitting needles, each of which is received in a respective longitudinal groove; at least one yarn feeder operatively linked to the knitting needles; an actuating cam arranged in the knitting needle holding cylinder around the cylinder and movable relative to the needle-holding cylinder about a central axis for causing or allowing movement of the needles along longitudinal grooves whereby stitches can be formed by the needles; a drive chain for each Knitting needles are inserted into respective longitudinal grooves, positioned below and operatively placed between respective knitting needles and the actuating cams.

In one aspect, the drive chain includes: a primary needle, It is arranged below the knitting needle and is arranged in the respective longitudinal grooves for better slidability.

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 in which it is extracted to engage the respective selector paths defined by the selector cam, and retracted in the inoperative position to disengage the selector paths. Preferably, the selectors are at least partially slidably disposed in the respective longitudinal grooves.

In one aspect, the machine comprises: at least one selection device acting on the selector under control for switching the latter into an operative or non-operative position or retaining it therein.

In one aspect, the drive chain includes: a punch disposed between the secondary knitting needle and the selector, wherein a lower portion of the punch engages the selector and an upper portion of the punch engages the secondary needle , wherein the punching piece has a respective foot rest which can be engaged with the respective punching piece path defined by the punching piece cam. Preferably, the punching pieces are slidably arranged in the respective longitudinal grooves.

In one aspect, please refer to, the drive chain rotates in a rotational sense about the central axis relative to the actuating cam, and the punch path includes a stuffing weave rise and a drop weave rise for each yarn feed , and a rising entrance of the drop weave is peripherally preceded by a rising entrance of the stuffing weave.

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

In one aspect, the first rise peripherally precedes the second rise.

In one aspect, the first rise is "operatively linked" to the drop woven fabric rise, and the second rise is operatively linked to the stuffing woven fabric rise.

The "operational coupling" of the first rise to the drop woven rise and the second rise to the stuffed woven rise means that the first rise and the respective drop woven rise are approximately parallel 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 rise and the respective padding weave rise. In other words, when a knitting needle and the respective drive chain are close to the first rise, they are also close to the respective drop stitches. When a knitting needle and the respective drive chain are close to the second rise, they are also close to the respective padding weave rise. Therefore, when the selector of a catenary is engaged in the first rise, the punch of the same catenary is engaged or about to be engaged in the drop fabric rise; and when the selector of a catenary is engaged in the second rise , the punching parts of the same catenary are joined or about to join the padding weave rise.

Applicants have found that the present invention solves the problem of limitations in needle movement due to machine size, and thereby achieves its intended purpose.

In particular, Applicants have discovered that the present invention enables the movement of the needles to create tamper or drop stitches while limiting the peripheral development of the cams dedicated to these movements.

This feature allows more needle movement and/or reduced axial and peripheral development of cylinders and cams compared to the prior art, given the same needle movement achieved. This makes it possible to produce fabrics with smaller diameters and/or several distinct characteristics, and/or reduce the inertia of the cylinder and Therefore, the working speed is increased.

In fact, as will become more apparent from the following detailed description, the selector path - in which the second rise (operably linked to the stuffing weave rise) follows (ie is placed downstream) the first rise (operably linked to the drop weave) The specific shape of the stitch rise) - and the punching path - in which the packing stitch rise follows the drop stitch rise - allows the needle to be forced to perform packing and dropping in a restricted peripheral space and in a simpler and faster manner weave.

Further aspects of the present invention are listed below.

In one aspect, an inlet of the drop weave rise is immediately preceding (ie, placed immediately upstream) an inlet of the fill weave rise. By going forward relative to the cam, each needle and respective drive chain first encounter the rising entrance of the drop stitch and then the rising entrance of the filling stitch. "Immediately preceded by" means that there is no further entry or path for the stamping footrest between the two aforementioned entries.

In one aspect, an outlet of the drop weave rise is immediately preceding (ie, placed immediately upstream of) an outlet of the fill weave rise. "Immediately preceded by" means that there is no further exit or path for the stamping footrest between the two aforementioned exits.

In one aspect, the yarn feeder follows (ie, is placed downstream) at the respective maximum height points of the padding weave rise and the drop weave rise.

In one aspect, the padding weave rise and the drop weave rise develop in parallel or substantially parallel with one to the other. Preferably, but not necessarily, the drop weave rise and the stuffer weave rise have the same slope.

In one aspect, the drop-weave ascending entrance and the stuffing-weave ascending entrance are bifurcated from a base path. Preferably, the base path is placed at a constant axial height, ie it is a circle.

In one aspect, a maximum height of drop fabric rise is higher than a maximum height of padded fabric rise.

In one aspect, an axial extension of the drop fabric rise is longer than an axial extension of the stuffing fabric rise.

In one aspect, the drop stitch raised peripheral extension is longer than the padded woven raised peripheral extension.

In one aspect, a length of rise of the drop woven fabric is longer than a length of rise of the padded woven fabric.

In one aspect, the stuffing weave rise and the drop weave rise are merged one into the other after the respective point of maximum height (ie, downstream).

In one aspect, the pad weave rise is part of a pad weave punch path and the drop weave punch is part of a drop weave punch path.

In one aspect, the caulk weave punch paths and the drop woven punch paths are merged after (ie, downstream) the respective caulk weave rise and drop weave rise.

In one aspect, the drop weave punch path has a substantially horizontal height placed after (ie, downstream) the drop weave rise.

In one aspect, the drop weave punch path has a drop weave drop that provides a substantially horizontal length and packing. An outlet where the weave rises is connected.

In one aspect, the punch path attached to each yarn feed is symmetrical with respect to the yarn feed.

In one aspect, the punch path includes a first pair of stuffing weave and drop weave rises, and a second pair of stuffing weave and drop weaves coupled to one of each yarn feeder.

In one aspect, the risers of the first and second pairs are arranged symmetrically with respect to the yarn feeder.

In one aspect, the first and second pairs of tuck and drop weave rises are incorporated into a central region of the punch path that is aligned with the respective yarn feed.

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

In one aspect, an axial extension of the first rise is substantially the same as an axial extension of the second rise.

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

In one aspect, the first rise and the second rise develop substantially parallel to the other.

In one aspect, the drop weave rises are circumferentially offset relative to the respective first rises.

In one aspect, the padding weave rises are circumferentially offset relative to the respective second rises.

In one aspect, the first risers are circumferentially offset early relative to the respective drop weave rises.

In one aspect, a maximum height of the first rise is peripherally preceded by an entrance of the respective drop fabric rise.

In one aspect, the second risers are circumferentially offset early relative to the respective packing weave rises.

In one aspect, a substrate of the second rise is peripherally preceded by an entrance of the rise of the respective padding weave.

In one aspect, a maximum height of the second rise is peripherally preceding a maximum height of the rise of the respective padding weave.

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

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

In one aspect, the wavy segment includes a second drop that follows (ie, is placed downstream) the second rise. The foot rest of the selector can thus slide in a single track running through the first ascent, the first descent, the second ascent and the second descent in a continuous manner.

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

In one aspect, a first entry point of the footrest of the selector in the wavy segment is defined on a base of the first rise.

In one aspect, the footrest of the selector in the wave segment is A second entry point is defined on a second raised substrate.

In one aspect, the single track has a breakaway area for each yarn feed and is configured to enable the respective footrest to run radially out of the single track. As a result, the footrests of the axially moving elements of the selector run out of the single track and into the longitudinal grooves for accommodating the needle holding cylinders of the drive chain.

In one aspect, the yarn feeds are disposed on respective breakaway areas.

In one aspect, the breakaway region follows (ie, is placed downstream) the second drop.

In one aspect, the breakaway region has at least one exit ramp defined by a chamfered portion and extending between a bottom surface and a radially outer surface of the single track. The foot rest of the selector runs forward in the exit area as far as the exit ramp, slides on the ramp, and then moves radially inward.

In one aspect, the breakaway regions are symmetrical with respect to the respective yarn feeds.

In one aspect, the breakaway region 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 breakaway region.

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

In one aspect, the single track includes a breakaway region associated with each yarn feeder and at least two undulating The affinities are placed between the two detachment areas after the other.

In one aspect, the undulating segment is symmetrical with respect to a median axial line in an intermediate position between two yarn feeds located circumferentially one behind the other.

In one aspect, the wavy segment includes a central protrusion that is preferably symmetrical with respect to the mid-axis line.

In one aspect, the wavy segment includes two side ledges disposed on sides of the central ledge, one for each side of the central ledge.

In one aspect, there are two valleys, each valley being defined between the central ledge and each side ledge.

In one aspect, the central protrusion has two sides, wherein, please refer to, the drive chain rotates relative to the actuating cam about the central axis in a counterclockwise sense, the first of the two sides defines the first rise and the two sides. The second of which defines the first drop, wherein the first rise and the first drop work for a first yarn feeder.

In one aspect, please refer to, the drive chain rotates in a clockwise sense relative to the actuating cam about the central axis, the second of the two sides defines the first rise and the first of the two sides defines the first fall, Wherein the first ascending and first descending are operated for a second yarn feeding member adjacent to the first yarn feeding member.

In one aspect, please refer to, the drive chain rotates in a clockwise sense relative to the actuating cam about the central axis, one of the two lateral protrusions defines a second rise and a second fall, wherein the second The ascending and second descending systems work for the first yarn feeder.

In one aspect, please refer to, the drive chain rotates in a counterclockwise sense relative to the actuating cam about the central axis, the other of the two lateral protrusions defines a second rise and a second fall, wherein the first The two ascenders and the second descenders work for the second yarn feeder adjacent to the first yarn feeder.

With respect to the movement of the knitting needles and the drive chain, which are rotated in a predetermined rotational sense by means of the knitting needle holding cylinders and slide with respect to the cams, the corrugated segments, which are placed between the two successive yarn feeds, work to Yarn feed for following the wavy segment (ie arranged downstream). By reversing the sense of rotation and thus the direction of movement of the needles and drive chain relative to the cam, the same wave-like segment works for the other yarn feeder.

In one aspect, the at least one selection device is placed between two successive yarn feeds.

In one aspect, the machine includes at least two yarn feeds and at least two selection devices, each positioned between two successive yarn feeds.

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 with one peripherally placed next to the other.

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

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

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

In one aspect, the actuator is of the lever type.

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

In one aspect, each lever can be controlled to move between a first position and a second position, preferably each lever can be controlled to move vertically between a raised position and a lowered position.

In one aspect, the actuator system includes a plurality of levers, each oscillating under control about a horizontal winding.

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

In one aspect, each array of lever systems includes a plurality of levers arranged in succession along a common axis with one behind the other, preferably overlapping and aligned along a vertical axis.

In one aspect, the levers of the second array and the lever trains of the first array are arranged in succession along the common axis with one behind the other, preferably the lever trains of the second array axially overlap the first array. Array of levers.

In one aspect, the levers of the first array are configured to operate, ie engage in, if relative rotation of the needle holding cylinder relative to the actuating cam occurs in a first rotational sense, preferably in a counterclockwise sense. Selector teeth for circular knitting machines.

In one aspect, the lever system of the second array is configured such that the relative rotation of the needle holding cylinder relative to the actuating cam occurs in a second rotational sense opposite to the first rotational sense, preferably in a clockwise sense then operate, That is, it is engaged with the teeth of the selector.

In one aspect, referring to a plane of symmetry in which there is a common axis, the levers of the first array of levers are asymmetric with respect to the levers of the second array of levers.

In one aspect, each lever is asymmetrical with respect to a vertical axis.

In one aspect, the levers of the first array of levers are asymmetrical relative to the levers of the second array of levers.

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

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

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

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

In one aspect, the levers of the first array and the lever trains of the second array can move one independently of the other.

In one aspect, the levers of the first array of levers are movable independently of the levers of the second array of levers.

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

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

In one aspect, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are sloped in opposite directions.

In one aspect, the first engagement 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 engagement surface is disposed in a second common plane that is inclined relative to the plane of symmetry, or a second plane that is inclined relative to the plane of symmetry.

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

In an independent aspect, the present invention relates to a lever actuator for a circular knitting machine according to one or more of the preceding aspects, wherein the actuator can be used in the machines described and claimed herein , and preferably other circular machines with alternating rotating action.

In an independent aspect, the present invention also relates to a circular knitting machine, preferably with alternating rotational action, comprising at least one actuator according to one or more of the preceding aspects.

In an independent aspect, the present invention also relates to a circular knitting machine, preferably with alternating rotating action, comprising: a needle holding cylinder having a plurality of longitudinal directions arranged around a central axis of the needle holding cylinder a groove; a plurality of knitting needles, each housed in a respective longitudinal groove; at least one yarn feeder operatively linked to the knitting needle; an actuating cam held around the knitting needle cylinders arranged and movable about a central axis relative to the needle-retaining cylinders for causing or permitting needle movement along longitudinal knitting needles whereby stitches can be formed by the knitting needles; a drive chain, for each knitting needle to be inserted into the respective longitudinal groove, positioned below the respective knitting needle and operatively placed between the respective knitting needle and the actuating cams; wherein the drive chain comprises: a selector, It is arranged below the knitting needle and has at least one respective foot rest, which is radially movable between an operating position and a non-operating position, and in the operating position it is extracted to be engaged with The respective selector paths defined by the selector cams are retracted in the inoperative position 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 switching the latter into the operating position or the non-operating position or latching therein; wherein the selection device includes according to One of the previous aspects is at least an actuator.

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 needle holding cylinder relative to the actuating cam is in the first rotational sense, preferably in the counterclockwise sense When it occurs, it engages the teeth of the selector.

In one aspect, the lever trains of the second array of each of the two actuators are configured such that if the relative rotation of the needle holding cylinder relative to the actuating cam is in a second rotational sense opposite to the first rotational sense , that is, in a clockwise sense then engages the teeth of the selector.

Applicants have found that integrating clockwise and counter-clockwise meanings The actuator system according to the invention, which defines the levers operated by both, allows a further reduction in machine size, since only a small space is required between the two yarn feeds to accommodate the actuator acting on the selector.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for moving a knitting needle of a circular knitting machine, wherein the circular knitting machine is made according to one or more of the above-mentioned aspects and/or the appended 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 the footrest of the selector into a first entry point defined on a base of the first rise; on the first rise by the relative rotation and the respective footrest A subsequent slide of the selector lifts the selector; an axial push by the selector lifts the punch upward until the foot rest of the punch engages the drop trace and rises; by the relative rotation and each A subsequent slide of the foot rest on the drop stitch rise further lifts the punch, thereby raising the needles and creating a drop stitch; wherein the punch is away from the selector while being lifted; wherein the punch As the piece is lifted and slid on the drop fabric rise, the foot rest of the selector moves in a single track that also travels through the second rise.

In one aspect, the method includes: engaging a footrest of the selector into a second entry point defined on a base of the second rise; The selector is lifted by this relative rotation and a subsequent sliding of the respective footrest on the second rise; the punch is lifted by an axial push by the selector upwards until the footrest of the punch engages Enter the stuffing weave until it rises; through the relative rotation and a subsequent sliding of the respective foot support on the stuffing weave ascent, the punch is further lifted, thereby lifting the knitting needle and producing a stuffing weave.

In one aspect, after walking the second ascent, the footrest of the selector walks through a second descent and runs into a disengagement zone.

In one aspect, the footrest of the selector travels through the disengagement area until it engages an exit ramp that causes the respective footrest to run radially out of a single track. The foot rests approach radially the axis of rotation and run back into respective grooves for accommodating the needle holding cylinders of the drive chain.

In one aspect, if the needle holding cylinder rotates in a counterclockwise sense relative to the actuating cam, the foot rest of the selector slides on the first side of the central protrusion to lift the punch until the punch. The footrest engages into the drop weave associated with a first yarn feed until it rises, or the footrest of the selector slides on one of the first sides of one of the side projections to lift the punch until the punch The foot rest engages into the padding weave associated with the first yarn feeder until it rises.

In one aspect, if the needle holding cylinder rotates in a clockwise sense relative to the actuating cam, the foot rest of the selector slides on the second side of the central protrusion to lift the punch until the punch. The foot rest engages the drop stitch about a second yarn feeder until the stitch rises, or the selector foot The tie is slid on the second side of the other one of the side projections to lift the punch until the footrest of the punch engages the tamping weave associated with the second yarn feed and rises.

In one aspect, the method includes acting on the selector with the selection device to move or hold the respective footrest in an operative position or a non-operative position.

In one aspect, the levers of the first array of the at least one actuator are engaged with the teeth of the selector if the relative rotation of the needle holding cylinder relative to the actuating cam occurs in a first rotational sense, preferably counterclockwise. .

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

In one aspect, if the needle holding cylinder occurs in a first rotational sense, preferably counterclockwise, relative to the actuating cam, a first actuator acts on the selector for engaging the footrest into the an entry point and create a drop weave on a yarn feed and a second actuator acting on the selector for engaging a footrest previously not engaged by the first actuator into the second entry point and create a stuffing weave on the yarn feed.

In one aspect, if the needle holding cylinder rotates in a first rotational sense relative to the actuating cam, preferably counterclockwise, the levers of a first array of the first actuator act on the selector to for engaging the footrest into the first entry point and creating a drop stitch on a yarn feed, and a second array of levers of a second actuator acts on the selector for engaging the footrest in A second entry point and creates a stuffing weave on the yarn feed.

In one aspect, if the needle-retaining cylinder rotates in a second rotational sense, preferably clockwise, relative to the actuating cam, the second actuator acts on the selector for engaging the footrest into the first. an entry point and produce a drop weave on a different adjacent yarn feed, with the first actuator acting on the selector for engaging the footrest previously not engaged by the second actuator A second entry point and creates a stuffing weave on the different adjacent yarn feeds.

In one aspect, if the needle holding cylinder rotates in a second rotational sense, preferably clockwise, relative to the actuating cam, a second array of levers of the second actuator acts on the selector to For engaging the footrest into the first entry point and creating a drop stitch on a different adjacent yarn feed, a lever system of a second array of first actuators acts on the selector for moving the The footrest engages into the second entry point and creates a stuffing weave on the differently adjacent yarn feed.

In one aspect, the secondary needle has a footrest, wherein the footrest is radially movable between an operative position and a non-operative position in which it is extracted for engagement with the secondary needle cam. The individual secondary needle paths that are defined and cause needle activation and stitch formation are retracted in the inoperative position so as not to engage the secondary needle paths.

In one aspect, the drive train includes an actuating element slidably disposed in the respective longitudinal groove between the secondary needle and the selector, wherein the actuating element can be relative to the punch and relative to the secondary. The knitting needles are longitudinally moved and operatively engaged with the secondary knitting needles, whereby the footrests of the secondary knitting needles are switched into and retained in respective operating positions.

In particular, the applicant has found that the actuation element, which is freely movable relative to the punch and the secondary needle, allows to decide where and when the radial extraction/insertion should take place, irrespective of the axial direction of the punch and/or selector Whatever the location.

In other words, the punching piece pushes up on the secondary knitting needle and the knitting needle, instead of causing the radial movement of the secondary knitting needle every time the footrest switches from the non-operating position to the operating position, because the switching is caused by the actuating element .

And, for example, the needles can be moved to a higher lever in a non-operating position to allow "flipping dial picking" without moving the underlying elements, ie in particular selectors and/or punches.

The solution of the present invention controls the extraction of the footrest of the secondary needle irrespective of the axial position of the punch and/or the selector, and is particularly effective during stitch formation. "Weave formation" means the period during which the needles pick up a new yarn and come down until - due to the drop of the needles - the old weave (previously formed) from the underside of the needles runs over the heat causing the weave Work steps until fully formed.

In one aspect of the invention, the foot rest of the secondary needle is switched into this operating position and held therein during needle lowering, and in particular during a needle lowering step corresponding to stitch formation.

In one aspect, the secondary needle, punch, selector and activation element are flat parts. The drive chain is also known as a "catenary" and consists of the above-mentioned flattened parts that are slidably inserted into longitudinal grooves.

In one aspect, the drive chain is configured so that the knitting needles and/or secondary An axial movement of the knitting needle presents a decoupling of an axial movement of the punch and/or the activation element and/or the selector.

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

In one aspect, the drive train is configured to decouple the axial movement of the punch and/or selector from the activation/deactivation of the radially moving footrest of the secondary needle.

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

In a different aspect, the secondary needles and needle ends are separate elements.

In one aspect, an upper end of the secondary knitting needle is preferably joined to the knitting needle by a side and/or hinge restraint.

In one aspect, the secondary needle includes a support portion that carries the respective footrest.

In one aspect, the activation element is operably 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-operating position of the footrest.

Applicants have found that the elastic actuation system allows for a more efficient and safer way of diagnosing the movement than known movements obtained with oscillating stiffness elements and/or by rotating integral and/or secondary needles. Move the foot rest of the secondary needle (inactive needle) towards the ground.

In one aspect, the support portion is tethered to the footrest in its inoperative position to exert an elastic restoring force on the footrest.

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

Applicants have discovered that the elastic restoring force ensures the radially retracted inoperative position in a safe and effective manner.

In one aspect, the actuating element switches the footrests into respective operating positions against the elastic force and holds them therein.

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

In one aspect, the support portion includes an elastically flexible arm extending toward, preferably protruding, toward the actuating element. The elastic force is imparted by the elastic flexible arms.

In one aspect, the resiliently flexible arms are disposed in the grooves.

In one aspect, the resiliently flexible arms extend substantially parallel to an axial direction.

In one aspect, the secondary knitting needle system includes a main body portion from which the elastically flexible arms extend and protrude.

In one aspect, the support portion includes a lower portion positioned at a distal end of the resiliently flexible arm, wherein the lower portion is a footrest that carries the secondary needle.

In one aspect, the secondary knitting needle train includes a retaining element that is placed in a radially outward position relative to the lower portion, thereby constraining the secondary knitting element. The radial stroke of the foot rest of the needle.

In one aspect, the retaining element is defined by an axial extension of the secondary needle that develops from the body portion and is preferably substantially parallel to the resiliently flexible arms.

At rest, the elastic system of the elastically flexible arms of the secondary needle retains the radially moving footrest in the inoperative position, thereby rendering the needle inoperable. The foot rest of the secondary needle must be activated in order to form the stitch by the needle. Therefore, the footrest is not free but actively clipped on the inside or outside of the groove.

In one aspect, the secondary needle includes an auxiliary footrest.

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

In one aspect, the auxiliary secondary needle cam system defines the auxiliary secondary needle paths, and the auxiliary foot rests of the secondary needles can engage into the auxiliary secondary needle paths.

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

In one aspect, the abutment surface is positioned proximate an upper end of the secondary needle.

In one aspect, the punch extends at least partially parallel and at a radially inward position relative to the activation element and the secondary knitting needles.

In one aspect, the punch rests against a bottom surface of the respective groove.

In one aspect, the activating element and secondary needle rest radially against the punch.

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

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

In one aspect, in the second configuration of the support portion, the support portion rests radially and at least partially against the punch, preferably against the elongate portion of the punch.

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

In one aspect, an upper portion of the punch, preferably a distal end of the elongate upper portion, can engage against an abutment surface of the secondary needle, preferably by a unilateral axial rest.

In the framework of the present invention, the term "one-sided axial rest" refers to a mechanical coupling or restraint between two elements, wherein an axial thrust of a first element on a second element, together with the direction of the first element toward A movement of the second element results in a corresponding movement of the second element (integral with the first element), and a movement of the first element away from the second element results in a separation between the two elements, wherein the second element is not be taken down; and vice versa. In other words, the restraint is held by a contact between the two elements when the first element is moved towards the second element, and is cancelled when the first element is moved in the opposite direction relative to the second element, In this example, a separation is present between the two elements.

In one aspect, a lower portion of the punch, preferably an abutment surface directed toward the selector, is preferably engageable by a one-sided axial rest against an abutment surface of the selector.

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

In one aspect, the activation element has an upper end preferably provided with an inclined surface. The upper end, preferably the inclined surface, cooperates with the lower part of the support part, whereby the footrests of the secondary needles are switched into respective operating positions against the elastic force exerted by the support part.

In one aspect, the sloped surfaces are directed radially outward.

In one aspect, the lower portion of the support portion has an inclined surface facing the upper end of the actuating element and configured to cooperate with the inclined surface of the actuating element.

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

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

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

In one aspect, the actuating element has a lower end that can engage against an abutment surface of the punch, preferably by a unilateral axial rest.

In one aspect, the activation element has a respective footrest.

In one aspect, the activation element cam system defines activation element paths, and the footrest of the activation element can engage into the activation element paths.

In one aspect, the foot rest of the activation element extends radially from an axially intermediate region of the activation element.

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

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

In one aspect, the selector has an auxiliary footrest.

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

In one aspect, the auxiliary actuation selector cam system defines auxiliary selector paths, and the auxiliary footrests of the selectors can engage into the auxiliary selector paths.

In one aspect, the selector includes an axially static element engageable by the selection device, wherein the axially static element is operatively engaged by the axially moving element, thereby radially aligning the respective footrest and, if present, the auxiliary footrest. move 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 the auxiliary static element.

In one aspect, the axial static element includes a plurality of teeth directed radially outwards that are selectively engageable by a selection device.

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

In one aspect, the auxiliary footrest of the secondary needle, the footrest of the punch and the footrest of the activation element are axially movable and radially static.

In one aspect, the footrest of the selector and the auxiliary footrest of the selector move axially and also move radially.

In one aspect, the secondary needle and the maximum stroke of the needle when the radially moving footrest is in the inoperative position is longer than the maximum stroke of the punch.

In one aspect, the maximum stroke of the secondary needle and the needle when the radially moving footrest is in the operating position is compared to the maximum stroke of the secondary knitting needle and the knitting needle when the radially moving footrest is in the non-operating position Shorter.

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

In one aspect, the maximum travel of the secondary needle and the needle when the radially moving footrest is in the inoperative position is about three times the maximum travel of the axially moving element of the selector.

In one aspect, the maximum stroke of the secondary needle and the needle when the radially moving footrest is in the inoperative 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" means the diameter measured on the bottom surface of the axial groove defined on the outer surface of the cylinder in which the needles are slidably received. 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 feed points (feeders), the number of yarn feed points being 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 the needles of a circular knitting machine, wherein preferably the machine is in accordance with one or more of the above-mentioned aspects and/or in accordance with the accompanying claims and and/or one or more of the embodiments.

The method for moving knitting needles of a circular knitting machine comprises: radially moving a footrest of a primary knitting needle engaged with a respective knitting needle between an operating position and a non-operating position (non-active knitting needles) ), in the operative position it is withdrawn to engage the respective secondary needle paths defined by the secondary needle cams and cause needle activation and stitch formation, and in the inoperative position it is retracted to disengage In these secondary needle paths; wherein the radial movement of the footrest of the secondary needle is caused by a relative axial movement between the secondary needle and the actuating element located axially below the secondary needle; wherein the relative axis Toward movement is present at least in some steps for an axial movement of a selector and/or a punch that is disposed under the needles and that is operatively activated by a selection device acting on the selector under control Disconnected/Independent.

In one aspect, during relative axial movement between the secondary needle and the activation element, an upper end, preferably an inclined surface, of the activation element cooperates with a support portion of the footrest of the secondary needle.

In one aspect, a substantially radial elastic system acts on a support portion of the footrest of the secondary needle to retain the footrest in the inoperative position.

In one aspect, the upper end of the actuating element acts against the spring force during movement from the inoperative to the operative position.

In one aspect, during movement from the inoperative to the operative position, an upper end of the actuating element is inserted between a needle holding cylinder and a support portion of the footrest of the secondary needle (in particular, it is inserted between an upper portion of the footrest and a support portion of the footrest of the secondary needle).

In one aspect, the elastic system restores the footrest from the operative to the non-operative position.

In one aspect, in the step of radially moving the footrest of the secondary needle, the footrest is tied during the lowering of the needle, and in particular during the step of lowering the needle corresponding to stitch formation. Switch into this operating position and hold it.

In one aspect, the punch pushes the actuating element axially upward until a footrest of the actuating element engages the actuating element cam, and then the punch disengages the actuating element.

In one aspect, a footrest of the punching member engages the punching member cam system to guide the punching member axially up or down.

In one aspect, a secondary needle cam for engaging an auxiliary footrest of the secondary needle therein guides the secondary needle axially downward, and an actuating element cam for engaging a footrest of the activating element guides the secondary needle upwardly The actuating element is activated until the upper end of the actuating element is inserted between the needle holding cylinder and the supporting portion of the footrest of the secondary needle.

In one aspect, a secondary needle actuating cam system for engaging an auxiliary footrest of a secondary needle therein guides the secondary needle axially upwardly, activating The element cam then guides the activating element downward until the upper end of the activating element is removed from below the support portion of the footrest of the secondary needle.

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

In one aspect, the selector, preferably an axially moving element of the selector, pushes the punch axially upward until a footrest of the punch engages the punch cam, and then disengages the punch.

In one aspect, the footrest for the selector engages the actuating selector cam therein, and/or the auxiliary footrest for the selector engages the auxiliary actuating selector cam therein to guide the selection axially up or down device.

In one aspect, an axially static element of a selector pushes radially on an axially moving element of the selector, thereby causing it to oscillate and cause the diameter of the respective footrest and auxiliary footrest if present. to movement.

In one aspect, a selector means acts against the axially static element of the selector whereby it oscillates and radially pushes 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 needle and/or less than the maximum axial stroke of the activating element and/or less than the maximum axial stroke of the activating element. the maximum axial travel 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.

1: Braid head

2: Knitting 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: Secondary knitting needle

7: Punching

8: start element

9: selector

10 foot

11: Main body

12: The upper end of the main body

13,30: Seats

14: Protrusion

15: Top surface

16,27: Lower abutment surface

17: Elastic flexible arm/flexible arm/support part

18: Lower part/support part

19,37: Radial movement footrest/footrest

20: Projection

21: Axial extension

22: Radial static footrest/auxiliary footrest/footrest

23: Long upper part

24: The lower part

25, 32: Radial Static Footrest / Footrest

26: Upper abutment surface

28: Remote

29: Sloping Surfaces

31: Bottom

33: Axial moving element

33a: Elastic flexible extensions

33b: Static Contrast Cam

33c: Static Magnetic Actuators

34: Axial static element

35: Radial teeth

36: Against the surface

38: Radial move footrest/footrest/auxiliary footrest

40: Selector Cam

41: Punching cam

42: Start element cam

43: Auxiliary secondary needle cam

44: Auxiliary selector cam

100: Second Ascent

101: Padding weave rise

102: Drop Weave Rising

106, 113, 114: drop

110: Yarn feeder

111: Central triangular cam

112: Side Cam

115: up and up

116: Down Rise

117, 119: Central area

120: Basically horizontal length

121: Drop Weave Drop

122: Triangle Cam

123: Circular outline

124: Single Track

125: Leaving the zone

126: Wave Segmentation

127: Central protrusion

128: Lateral protrusions

129: First Ascent

131: First drop

132: Second drop

133: Exit Ramp

200: Select Device

201: Actuator

202: Second Actuator

203: Lever of the first array

204: Lever of the second array

205, 206: Leverage

300: First entry point

301: Second entry point

401: First bonding surface

402: Second bonding surface

K-K: common vertical axis

C: Actuating Cam

CCW: first rotation meaning/counterclockwise rotation meaning

CW: 2nd 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: Symmetry plane

X-X: Central axis

Y: Symmetry axis

Z: A straight line in the middle axis

This description will hereinafter be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes, in which: Figure 1 shows an enlarged portion of a needle-holding cylinder of a circular knitting machine according to the present invention, in which a knitted knitting machine can be seen A drive chain of needles, coupled to a length of the actuating cam developed in a plane; Figures 2a and 2b show respective enlarged sections of the drive chain coupled to a knitting needle; Figure 2c shows the A variation of an element; Figures 3a-3i and 3l-3t show a series of possible configurations of a drive train; Figures 4a-4d show a length of the actuating cam developed in a plane, where the respective path is defined by The drive chain follows; Fig. 5a shows an enlarged part of the actuating cam when operating in the sense of a counterclockwise rotation; Fig. 5b shows the part of Fig. 5a when the cam is operating in the sense of a clockwise rotation; Fig. 6 shows the part of Fig. 5a and a perspective view of a detail of the cam of 5b; FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an actuator used in a machine as in the previous figures; FIG. 8 shows a top view of the actuator of FIG. 7 .

Detailed Description

With reference to the drawings, the numeral 1 fully represents a knitting head of a circular knitting machine according to the present invention.

Circular knitting machines consist of a base piece, not of a known type, It is shown that it constitutes the support structure of the circular knitting machine, and the knitting head 1 is mounted on the base.

The knitting head 1 is equipped with a needle holding cylinder 2, is equipped with a plurality of knitting needles 3 mounted on the needle holding cylinder 2, and is equipped with a control member that facilitates the selective actuation of the needles 3 so as to be able to produce a fabric .

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

For example, the 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 needle holding cylinder 2 has a plurality of longitudinal grooves 4 obtained on a radially outer surface of the cylinder 2 . The longitudinal grooves 4 are arranged around a central axis "X-X" (vertical) of the needle holding cylinder 2 and develop parallel to the central axis "X-X". Each longitudinal groove 4 accommodates a respective knitting needle 3 and a respective drive chain 5 or "catenary" comprising a plurality of flat sections. The actuating cam "C" is configured as a casing around the needle holding cylinder 2 and is arranged to face the radially outer surface of the cylinder 2 and thus the longitudinal groove 4 and the drive chain 5 . The actuating cams "C" are defined by plates and/or grooves disposed on an inner surface of the housing.

For the sake of clarity, in FIG. 1 the length of these actuating cams "C" has been shown as developing in the plane and beside the drive chain 5 which is coupled to one of the needles 3 .

In the embodiment shown, the housing of the actuating cam "C" is substantially static, the needle holding cylinder 2 (in a continuous line in both directions) Or alternate action) rotates around the central axis "X-X", thereby generating a relative rotational action between the drive chain 5 and the actuating cam "C".

As described in further detail below, the drive chain 5 is operatively coupled to the actuating cam "C" to convert this relative rotational action into an axial movement of the knitting needles 3 along the longitudinal grooves 4, whereby the Needle 3 is used for weave formation. The actuating cam "C" defines a path extending around the needle holding cylinder 2 , which is/can be engaged by the foot rest belonging to the drive chain 5 . Thus, each drive chain 5 is operatively placed between the respective knitting needle 3 and the actuating cam "C".

Appropriate means, not shown, feed the yarn for knitting at one or more yarn feed points (called feeds) usually arranged above the needle holding cylinder 2 . For example, the illustrated circular knitting machine has four yarn feed points.

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

The knitting needle 3 is arranged on an upper edge of the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 , and the drive chain 5 is developed under the knitting needle 3 as far as a base close to the knitting needle holding cylinder 2 .

2a and 2b, the drive chain 5 comprises: a primary knitting needle 6, which is arranged immediately below the knitting needle 3, a punch 7, which is partly arranged below the secondary knitting needle 6, an actuating element 8 , which is located radially beside the punch 7 and placed below the secondary needle 6 , a selector 9 , which is positioned below the punch 7 .

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

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

The needle 3 is firmly connected to the secondary needle 6 by inserting the foot 10 into the seat 13 . The connection between the foot 10 and the seat 13 is two-sided, that is, the knitting needle 3 and the secondary knitting needle 6 move integrally along the longitudinal groove 4 . The connection between the foot 10 and the seat 13 constitutes a kind of hinge since the knitting needle 3 and the secondary knitting needle 6 are integral with each other in their vertical axial motions, but one can oscillate slightly with respect to the other when connected to each other. . This hinge moves along a longitudinal groove 4 on the basis of the axial movement of the knitting needle 3 and the secondary knitting needle 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 elements.

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

An elastically flexible arm 17 extends and protrudes from the main body portion 11 and faces axially downward, ie towards the actuating element 8 . A lower portion 18 placed at a distal end of the resiliently flexible arm 17 carries a radially moving footrest 19 of the secondary needle 6 . The lower part 18 ends with a projection 20 which is rounded and/or provided with an inclined surface. The elastically flexible arm 17 and the lower portion 18 constitute an elastically movable supporting portion for radially moving the footrest 19 .

An axial extension 21 develops downward from the main body portion 11 and parallel to the central axis "X-X". This axial extension 21 is located at a radially outer position with respect to the flexible arm 17 and is substantially parallel to the flexible arm 17 . The length of the axial extension 21 is less than the overall length of the support parts 17, 18, so that the radially movable footrest 19 is still located below one end of the axial extension 21. As will be clearer below, this axial extension 21 constitutes one of the retaining elements for a radial stroke of the footrest 19 of the secondary needle 6 . In fact, the elastic flexibility of the elastically flexible arms 17 allows the lower part 18 and the footrest 19 to move between an operative position and a non-operative position along a substantially radial path when they are externally stressed , in the operative position the footrest 19 is extracted from the longitudinal groove 4 and in the non-operative position the footrest 19 is retracted into the longitudinal groove 4 . In the extraction position, the lower part 18 rests against the axial extension 21 . In both positions, the resiliently flexible arms 17 are disposed in the grooves 4 (except only the foot rest 19, which is raised radially from the grooves 4 in the extraction position).

The supporting parts 17 , 18 as a whole are thus elastically movable between a first configuration corresponding to the operating position of the footrest 19 and a second configuration corresponding to the non-operating position of the footrest 19 .

The secondary needle 6 further comprises an auxiliary foot rest 22 extending radially from the main body portion 11 of the secondary needle 6 . In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary foot rest 22 is connected to the main body portion 11 at a portion of the axial extension 21 .

The punch 7 includes an elongated upper portion 23 shaped to form a bar, and a lower portion 24 or foot located at the lower end of the elongated portion 23 . The lower part 24 carries a respective foot rest 25 that develops radially and has an upper abutment surface 26 facing upward, ie towards the secondary needle 6 and towards the actuating element 8, and a The abutment surface 27 faces downwards, ie towards below the selector 9 .

The punch 7 is arranged against a bottom surface of the longitudinal groove 4 and its radial position is static, like the position of the respective footrest 25 , in which the punch 7 can then slide axially.

The main body 11 of the secondary needle 6 is arranged in a radially outer position relative to the elongated upper part 23 of the punch 7 and always rests radially against this elongated upper part 23 . The protrusion 14 of the secondary needle 6 is arranged against the bottom surface of the longitudinal groove 4, and a distal end 28 of the elongated upper part 23 of the punch 7 is still arranged below the protrusion 14 and faces the edge of the protrusion 14. The lower abutment surface 16 .

The distal end 28 can engage against the abutment surface 16 of the secondary needle 6 by means of a unilateral axial rest.

The elastic action exerted by the elastically flexible arms 17 pushes the lower portion 18 radially towards the elongated upper portion 23 . In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 , 2a and 2b , the resiliently flexible arms 17 snap the lower portion 18 against the elongated upper portion 23 . In other words, the support portions 17, 18 exert an elastic restoring force on the foot rest 19 in the non-operating position of the foot rest 19, and in the non-operating position, the elastic force forces the supporting portions 17, 18 and the respective feet The holder 19 is fastened to the inner side of the groove 4 .

Also, the activation element 8 rests radially against the elongated upper part 23 and is placed axially between the secondary needle 6 and the lower part 24 of the punch 7 .

The actuating element 8 has an upper end provided with an inclined surface 29 which faces radially outwards and axially upwards, ie towards the secondary needle 6 . In other words, the inclined surface 29 progressively tends to rise towards the distal end 28 of the secondary needle 6 .

The inclined surface 29 is connected to the projections 20 of the support parts 17, 18 Co-operation, whereby the footrest 19 of the secondary needle 6 is switched into the respective operating position against the elastic force exerted by the support parts 17 , 18 . The coupling between the inclined surface 29 and the projection 20 constitutes a flat cam from a cinematic point of view, wherein a rise of the inclined surface 29 causes the footrest 19 to face the outside of the cylinder (ie, to the outside of the groove 4) a radial rotation of the , whereby it is switched into its respective operating position.

The activation element 8 further has a seat 30 obtained on a radially outer edge of the activation element 8 , close to the inclined surface 29 . This seat 30 develops in a continuous manner from the inclined surface 29 of the actuating element 8 . The seat 30 is of the opposite shape to the lower part 18 of the support parts 17, 18, thereby accommodating the lower part 18 and holding the footrest 19 of the secondary needle 6 in the respective operating position against the elastic force exerted by the arm 17 and /or push against the secondary needle 6 axially.

The actuating element 8 has a lower end 31 which can engage against the abutment surface 26 of the punch 7 by means of a one-sided axial rest.

A respective footrest 32 , which develops in a radial direction, is located in an axially intermediate region of the actuating element 8 . The actuating element 8 rests radially against the upper elongated portion 23 and is free to slide axially relative thereto. The foot rest 32 of the actuating element 8 is radially static and axially movable.

The selector 9 comprises an axially movable element 33 slidably arranged in respective longitudinal grooves under the punch 7, and an axially static element 34 which can be engaged by a selection device 200, such as a selector 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 axial moving element 33 of the selector 9 has a The respective abutment surfaces 36 of the lower abutment surfaces 27 pointing upwards and facing the punch 7, these abutment surfaces 27, 36 can engage one against the other by means of a unilateral axial rest.

The lower portion of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 carries a respective footrest 37 and a respective auxiliary footrest 38 extending radially outwards. The auxiliary footrest 38 is located in an axial position above the footrest 37 .

A radially inner edge of the axially moving element 33, and/or a bottom surface of the groove against which the edge partially rests, is bound so as to allow an oscillation of the axially moving element 33.

Also, the axial static element 34 may oscillate by the effect of the selection device 200 . The selection device 200 shown in Figures 5a, 5b and 7 has elements (eg levers with piezoelectric actuation) that selectively engage the radial teeth 35 of the axial static element 34 and cause the axial The static element 34 itself in turn 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 movable element 33 is bound so as to allow a relative oscillation of the two elements.

In particular, the thrust of the axially static element 34 on the axially movable element 33 allows the axially movable element 33 to oscillate between an operative position in which the foot rest 37 and the auxiliary foot The rest 38 is extracted from the groove 4 into which the foot rest 37 and the auxiliary foot rest 38 are retracted in the inoperative position.

In a different embodiment of the selector 9 shown in Figure 2c, there are no axial static elements. Axial moving element 33 of selector 9 An elastically flexible extension 33a is included. The elastically flexible extension 33a extends downward at a radially inner position relative to the footrest 37 and the auxiliary footrest 38 and is arranged to contact a bottom surface of the groove 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 at an upper end of the axially moving member 33 . The force of the magnetic actuator 33c, together with the elastic force exerted by the elastically flexible extension 33a, and together with the action of the contrasting cam 33b, cause the axially moving element 33 to oscillate. The magnetic actuator 33c can be selectively actuated to cause oscillation of the axially moving element 33 included in the selector, which is part of the drive chain coupled to a given needle, when appropriate.

It can be noticed that the footrest 37 and the auxiliary footrest 38 of the selector 9 move both axially and radially; the auxiliary footrest 22 of the secondary knitting needle 6, the footrest 25 of the punch 7 and the footrest of the activation element 8 32 is movable in the axial direction and static in the radial direction; the foot rest 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 is movable in the axial direction and the radial direction.

The radial static feet 22 , 25 , 32 are always arranged outside the longitudinal groove 4 . The radially moving footrests 19, 37, 38 are retracted into the longitudinal grooves when in the respective non-operating position and are arranged outside the longitudinal groove 4 when in the respective operating position.

The actuating cam "C" is configured to receive and engage the radial static footrests 22 , 25 , 32 and the radially moving footrests 19 , 37 , 38 .

As can be seen in Figure 1, the actuating cam "C" comprises a secondary needle cam 39 which is placed axially on the secondary needle 6 and is configured to receive and engage the radial movement of the secondary needle 6 Footrest 19. The secondary needle 39 defines a secondary needle path into which the radially movable footrest 19 of the secondary needle 6 engages. The radially moving foot rests 19 of the secondary needles 6 in the operating position are extracted from the grooves 4 to engage these secondary needle paths and cause activation of the needles 3 and stitch formation. The radially moving foot rest 19 of the secondary needles 6 in the inoperative position is retracted so as not to engage the secondary needle paths.

The actuating cam "C" comprises the selector cam 40 which is placed on a base of the needle holding cylinder 2 and is configured to receive and engage the footrest 37 of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 . The selector cam 40 defines a selector path into which the footrest 37 of the axially movable element 33 engages. The foot rest 37 of the selector 9 in the operating position is extracted from the groove 4 to engage the selector paths. The foot rest 37 of the selector 9 in the inoperative position is retracted so as not to engage the selector paths.

The actuating cam "C" includes a punch cam 41 which is placed axially on the lower portion 24 of the punch 7 and is configured to receive and engage the footrest 25 of the punch 7 . The punch cam 41 defines a punch path into which the radial static foot rest 25 of the punch 7 engages. It can be noted that the punch path defined by the punch cam 41 includes a base path at a constant axial height, ie at a periphery, and a path with a variable axial height as it ascends and descends. The punch cam 41 in which the foot rest 25 of the punch supply 7 engages is thus configured to guide the punch 7 axially upwards or downwards.

The actuating cam "C" includes the actuating element cam 42 which is axially positioned just above the punch cam 41 and on the actuating element 8 and is configured to receive and engage the footrest 32 of the actuating element 8 . The activation element cam 42 defines an activation element path into which the radial static footrest 32 of the activation element 8 engages. It will be noted that the defined by the actuating element cam 42 The activation element path includes a base path at a constant axial height, ie, at a periphery, and a path with a variable axial height as it ascends and descends.

The actuating cam "C" includes an auxiliary secondary needle cam 43 which is positioned axially 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 needle 43 defines an auxiliary secondary needle path into which the auxiliary radial static footrest 22 of the secondary needle 6 can engage. It can be noted that the auxiliary sub-needle path defined by the auxiliary sub-needle cam 43 comprises a basic path at a constant axial height, i.e. at a peripheral edge, and a variable axial height as it ascends and descends the path. At least part of the auxiliary secondary needle cam 43 is radially displaceable since it can be guided to a non-operating position inside the housing and thus cannot be engaged by the foot rest 22 of the radially static secondary needle 6 .

As shown in Figures 4a-4d, the auxiliary secondary needle cam has been shown in phantom when in the non-operating position inside the housing, and in real when it is in operation, ie when it is extracted and protruded from a bottom surface of the housing line display.

The actuating cam "C" includes an auxiliary selector cam 44 which is placed just above the selector cam 40 and is configured to receive and engage the auxiliary footrest 38 of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 . Auxiliary selector cam 44 defines an auxiliary selector path into which auxiliary footrest 38 of axially moving element 33 engages. The auxiliary footrests 38 of the selector 9 in the operating position are extracted to engage these auxiliary selector paths. The auxiliary foot rest 38 of the selector 9 in the non-operating position is retractable so as not to engage the auxiliary selector paths. Note that by the auxiliary selector cam The auxiliary selector paths defined at 44 include a base path at a constant axial height, ie, at a perimeter, and paths with a variable axial height as it ascends and/or descends. The selector cam 40 in which the footrest 37 of the selector 9 engages, and/or the auxiliary selector actuating cam 44 in which the auxiliary footrest 38 of the selector 9 engages, guides the selector 9 axially up or down .

It can be noted from Figure 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 between the two most distant points of a path measured parallel to the central axis "X-X". In other words, the axial extension is when the foot rests 19, 22, 25, 32, 38, 37 are guided by respective cams 39, 43, 41, 42, 44, 40 and/or in respective paths The maximum axial length that can be traversed.

The maximum stroke of the secondary 6 and 3 needles corresponds to the fifth axial extension h5. The maximum stroke of the secondary needle 6 and of the needle 3 can be limited by the radially moving footrest 19 in the operating position and corresponds in this example to the first axial extension h1. The maximum stroke of the actuating 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 noted from FIG. 1 that the maximum stroke (fifth axial extension h5) of the secondary knitting needle 6 and the knitting needle 3 when the radially moving footrest 19 is in the non-operating position is compared to the maximum stroke of the punch 7 ( The third axial extension h3) is longer, the latter in turn being longer than the maximum stroke of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 (th The second and sixth axial extensions h2, h6) are longer. For example, the maximum stroke of the secondary knitting needle 6 and the knitting needle 3 when the radially moving footrest 19 is in the non-operating position is about 1.2 times the stroke of the punch 7 and the maximum stroke of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 about three times the trip.

In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum stroke (first axial extension h1 ) of the secondary knitting needle 6 and the knitting needle 3 when the radially moving footrest 19 is in the operating position is higher than when the radially moving footrest 19 is in the operating position. The maximum stroke (fifth axial extension h5) of the secondary knitting needle 6 and knitting needle 3 when in the non-operating position is shorter. For example, the fifth axial extension h5 is about twice as large as the first axial extension h1.

The maximum stroke of the actuating element 8 (the fourth axial extension h4 ) is compared to the maximum stroke of the secondary needle 6 and the knitting needle 3 (the fifth axial extension h5 ) when the radially moving footrest 19 is in the inoperative position. ) 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 as large as the second and sixth axial extensions h2, h6 and about 2/3 of the fifth axial extension h5.

The drive chain 5 is thus configured such that the axial movement of the knitting needle 3 and/or the secondary needle 6 presents a decoupling of the axial movement of the punch 7 and/or the selector 9; the axial movement of the actuating element 8 can be practically The ground presents a decoupling for 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 .

Also, the drive chain 5 is configured to enable the axial movement of the punch 7 and/or the selector 9 to activate/deactivate the footrest 19 for the radial movement of the secondary knitting needle 6 (in a non-operating position or non-active knitting). Switching between the needle and the operating position) presents decoupling.

The drive train described and constituting the object of the present invention may be Co-operation with actuating cam "C" and selection device 200 is configured according to a plurality of configurations such as those shown in Figures 3a-3i and 3l-3t.

In FIG. 3 a , 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 in the lowest axial position, the punch 7 rests on the axially moving element 33 and its foot rest 25 follows the basic path at a constant axial height of the punch cam 41 . Also, the foot rest 32 of the actuating element 8 follows its basic path at a constant axial height of the actuating element cam 42 . The auxiliary foot rest 22 of the secondary needle 6 follows its basic path at a constant axial height of the auxiliary secondary needle cam 43 . The actuating element 8 is axially remote from the secondary needles 6 and the foot rests 19 of the secondary needles 6 are in the inoperative position, disengaged from the respective secondary needle cams 39 . The distal end 28 of the punch 7 is remote 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 foot rest 22 .

In Figure 3b, the selection device 200 acts on the axial static element 34 and causes its rotation and thus 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 engaged into selector cam 40 and auxiliary selector cam 44 . Other elements are located at the locations of Figure 3a.

In FIG. 3 c , the foot rest 37 of the axially moving element 33 is pushed axially upwards by the selector cam 40 and against the punch 7 , which in turn pushes against the secondary needle 6 . As a result, when the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 and possibly the auxiliary foot rest 22 of the secondary needle 6 find their respective paths at a variable axial height, run into them, the punch 7 and the secondary needle 6 together with the knitting needle 3 series began to rise. The actuating element 8 is axially static because it is axially disconnected from the other.

In FIG. 3 d , the punch 7 , the secondary needle 6 and the knitting needle 3 move upward under the thrust exerted by the punch cam 41 and/or the selector cam 40 . The punching piece 7 directly pushes against the secondary knitting needle 6 to guide it upward. The actuating element 8 is axially static.

In FIG. 3 e , the punch 7 , the secondary needle 6 and the needle 3 are supported by the punch cam 41 , and the axially 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, in addition to raising the secondary knitting needle 6 and the knitting needle 3, becomes in contact with the actuating element 8 and pushes it upward. As a result, when the foot rest 32 of the actuating element 8 finds its way at a variable axial height of the actuating element cam 42 , it engages therein and can be lifted by it, and the punch 7 can then disengage the actuating element 8 . At the same time, the axial displacement element 33 is axially away from the punch 7 .

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

In FIG. 3h , the punch cam 41 guides the punch 7 , the secondary needle 6 and the knitting needle 3 upwards, so that the secondary needle 6 moves away from the actuating element 8 .

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

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

In Figure 3m, the auxiliary secondary needle cam 43 is tethered down Guide punch 7, secondary needle 6 and needle 3, the actuating element cam 42 pushes up the actuating element 8 until the inclined surface 29 is inserted axially under the projection 20, against the force exerted by the support parts 17, 18 The spring force places itself radially between the punch 7 and this projection 20 .

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

In FIG. 3o, the footrest 19 and the auxiliary footrest 22 of the secondary needle 6 are engaged by the respective secondary needle cam 39 and the auxiliary secondary needle cam 43 and are also axially integrally downward together with the actuating element 8 move. The punch 7 is away from the secondary needle 6 and is moved downward by the punch cam 41 .

It can be noted in FIGS. 3e-3o that the axial displacement element 33 is always remote from the punch 7 .

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

In Figure 3q, the secondary knitting needle 6 and the knitting needle 3 are guided upward by the auxiliary secondary knitting needle cam 43, and the starting element 8 is guided downward by the starting element cam 42 and disengaged from the secondary knitting needle 6, so that the foot of the secondary knitting needle 6 is guided upwards. The holder 19 is switched back to the non-operating state by the elastic force of the elastically flexible arm 17 . The essentially radial elastic system then acts on the support portion 18 of the footrest 19 of the secondary needle 6 to hold the footrest 19 in the inoperative position.

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

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

FIG. 3t shows the picking position of the knitting needle 3 , wherein the knitting needle 3 and the secondary knitting needle 6 are pushed up by the auxiliary secondary knitting needle cam 43 and away from the punching piece 7 and the starting element 8 .

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

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

For example only, Figures 4a-4d show part of the working sequence. The meaning of the rotation of the needle holding cylinder 2 relative to the housing of the actuating cam "C" is indicated by the arrow "CCW" (the first rotational meaning of the needle 3 and the drive chain 5 relative to the actuating cam "C" or counterclockwise rotation meaning) representation. The path lengths of the footrests engaged into the respective cams have been shown as vertical bars, and the path lengths of the footrests out of the respective cams have been shown as horizontal dashed lines. The path of the terminal end of the needle 3 is not shown, but this path is always parallel to the path of the foot rest 22 of the secondary needle 6 for the integral connection of the needle 3 during the vertical movement.

Figure 4a shows the steps of the retracted needle 3. Vertical lines 3b, 3d and 3g represent knitting needles 3 and drives having configurations corresponding to those of FIGS. 3b, 3d and 3g Three positions of the moving chain 5. This means that when viewing Fig. 4a from right to left, the foot rest 37 of the selector 9 is activated and engages with the selector cam 40 which is raised upward due to the rise 100, and pushes the punch 7 and the secondary knitting needle 6 upward. And the knitting needle 3, so that the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 becomes engaged and follows the rise 101 of the punch cam 41 (stuffing weave rise). The auxiliary secondary needle cam 43 is in the inoperative position. The radially moving foot rest 19 of the secondary needle 6 is in the inoperative position. The needle 3 is guided by the punch cam 41 into the position of FIG. 3g while the punch 7 is disconnected from the selector 9 .

Figure 4b shows the step of throwing away the needle 3. The vertical lines 3b, 3c, 3e, 3i and 3h represent the five positions of the knitting needle 3 and the drive chain 5 with the configuration corresponding to Figs. 3b, 3c, 3e, 3i and 3h. This refers to the footrest of the punch 7 which is first raised by the selector 9 (Figs. 3b and 3c) and cooperates with the punch cam 41 (drop weave rise 102) when looking at Fig. 4b from right to left 25 guides the needle 3 into the position of Fig. 3i.

Figure 4c shows the steps of the needle 3 at the pick-up level. The vertical line 3t represents the position of the knitting needle 3 and the drive chain 5 with the configuration corresponding to Fig. 3t. This means that when viewing Fig. 4c from right to left, one of the auxiliary secondary needle cams 43 is guided into the respective operating position and the auxiliary foot rest 22 of the secondary needle 6 engages a rise 103 of this cam until the knitting The needle 3 is guided into the position of Fig. 3t, while the punch 7, the actuating element 8 and the selector 9 remain in the lower axial position.

Figure 4d shows the step in which the needle 3 is lowered. Vertical lines 3b, 3c, 3e, 3h, 3i, 3l, 3m, 3n, 3o, 3p, 3q represent those with corresponding Eleven positions of the knitting needle 3 and the drive chain 5 of the configuration. This refers to viewing the diagram from right to left At 4d, part of the auxiliary secondary needle cam 43 is guided into the respective operating position. The knitting needle 3 and the secondary knitting needle 6 are firstly by the auxiliary footrest 22 operating in cooperation with the lowering 104, 105 defined by the auxiliary secondary needle cam 43, and then also by being guided into their operating position (schematic and vertical line 3m). , 3n, 3o) and the radially moving footrest 19 engaged in the lowering 106 is guided downwards.

The above describes an example of a method for moving the needles of a circular knitting machine, which is the object of the present invention, which more generally involves moving the foot rests 19 of the secondary needles 6 radially between an operating position and a non-operating position (inactive needles), in the operative position so that they are extracted to engage the respective first paths defined by the secondary needle cams 39 and cause the needles 3 to start and stitch formation, in the inoperative position ( Inactive needles) are retracted so as not to engage the secondary needle paths. The radial movement of the foot rest 19 of the secondary knitting needle 6 is caused by the relative axial movement between the secondary knitting needle 6 and the actuating element 8 located axially below the secondary knitting needle 6, and this relative axial movement is at least in Part of the step is disconnected/independent of the punch 7 and also the axial movement of the selector 9 .

Reference is now made to Figures 5a and 5b to point out other features regarding the shape of the actuating cam "C". The cam portion of Figures 5a and 5b shows the development in the plane of the half of the actuating cam "C". The other half is the same as that shown in Figures 5a and 5b. Two yarn feeders 110 with one circumferentially behind the other are shown schematically in Figures 5a and 5b. This part thus corresponds to two of the four yarn feeders 110 of the machine 1 .

Each yarn feeder 110 is associated with a cam which is symmetrical with respect to the yarn feeder 110, ie with respect to a symmetry axis "Y" parallel to the central axis "X" and passing through the yarn feeder 110. coupling. And, convex The wheel is also symmetrical with respect to a median axial line "Z" which is placed between the two yarn feeders 110. This symmetry allows the machine 1 to work in both rotational senses and also in an oscillatory mode.

Parts of secondary needle cam 39, auxiliary secondary needle cam 43, activation element cam 42, punch cam 41, selector cam 40, auxiliary selector cam 44 between two successive symmetry axes "Y" represent The first module is repeated (four times in the example shown) over the overall peripheral development of the housing of the actuating cam "C".

Parts of secondary needle cam 39, auxiliary secondary needle cam 43, activation element cam 42, punch cam 41, selector cam 40, auxiliary selector cam 44 between two successive mid-axial lines "Z" represents the second module repeated (four times in the example shown) in the overall peripheral development of the housing of the actuating cam "C".

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

Referring to a single second module, the auxiliary secondary needle cam 43 (symmetrical with respect to the symmetry axis "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 each side cam 112 are defined to descend respectively 113, 114, and its function is to lower the foot rest 22 of the secondary needle 6. Figure 4d shows the lowering of one of the skewed sides of the central triangular cam 111 and only one side cam 112 when the footrest 22 of the secondary needle 6 is moved in a central direction relative to the auxiliary secondary needle cam 43. The other skew side of the central triangular cam 111 and the other side cam 112 operate when the movement of the footrest 22 of the secondary needle 6 relative to the auxiliary secondary needle cam 43 occurs in the opposite direction.

The secondary needle cam 39 comprises two drops 106 (the function of which is shown in Fig. 4d) symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of symmetry "Y". Here again, the two drops 106 are alternative operations depending on the meaning of the rotation.

The activation element path defined by activation element cam 42 includes the basic path at a constant axial height, and two pairs of symmetry (with respect to the symmetry axis "Y") ascending. Each pair includes an upper rise 115 and a lower rise 116 for activating the element 8 . The two pairs of risers described above 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 rises, and the first and a second pair of rises are symmetrical with respect to the symmetry axis "Y" and move up and down toward The symmetry axis "Y" is merged.

Each pair of rises includes the drop weave rise 102 and the stuffing weave rise 101 described above. The first pair of tucking and drop weave rises and the second pair of tuft and drop woven rises are associated with and symmetrical with respect to the respective yarn feeder 110 .

The two pairs depend on the meaning of the rotation. The alternative operation is ascension. Due to its symmetry, only one of these two pairs will be described below, It operates when the drive chain 5 rotates in a counterclockwise sense "CCW" about the central axis "X-X" relative to the actuating cam "C".

The drop weave rise 102 and the stuffer weave rise 101 diverge from a base path at a constant axial height, one developing in parallel to the other and merging into a separate yarn feed 110 The aligned central area 119 is shown.

In more detail, the drop weave rise 102 is the portion of the drop weave punch path developed from the base path, raised by the drop weave rise 102, having a substantially horizontal length 120, which is tight. It then follows (ie is placed immediately downstream) a drop weave rise 102 and a subsequent drop weave drop 121 .

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

Referring to the drive chain 5 which rotates in the sense of counterclockwise rotation "CCW" (from right to left in Fig. 5a) relative to the actuating cam "C", an inlet of the drop weave rise 102 is peripherally preceded by the stuffing weave There is an entrance to the trace rise 101 and there is no further entrance or path for the footrest 25 of the punch 7 between the two said entrances. And, an outlet of the drop weave rise 102 immediately precedes an outlet of the stuffing weave rise 101, and at There is no further path for the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 between the two aforementioned outlets.

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

The drop weave punch path is disposed above the stuffer weave punch path, and the two paths merge into the other to create the central region 119 .

A single module of auxiliary selector cams 44 includes a triangular cam 122 that is symmetrical with respect to the respective axis of symmetry "Y". The triangular cam 122 defines two lowerings of alternative operation depending on the sense of rotation of the machine 1, as shown for example in Fig. 4b or 4d. The auxiliary selector cam 44 further comprises a circular profile 123 (linear in the planar development of Figure 5a).

The selector path 40 comprises a single track 124 which, in the second module under consideration, is associated with the yarn feeder 110 and has an orientation with respect to the yarn feeder 110 and with respect to the axis of symmetry "Y". Symmetrical breakaway region 125. The single track 124 further includes two undulating segmented portions (with peaks and valleys), each disposed on one of the two sides of the breakaway region 125 and also symmetrical with respect to the yarn feeder 110 .

Considering the first module between two symmetry axes "Y", the two wavy segments constitute a wavy segment 126 placed between two successive breakaway regions 125. The wavy segment 126 is symmetrical with respect to the mid-axial line "Z".

The wavy segment 126 includes a line "Z" relative to the mid-axis The central protrusion 127 is symmetrical, and two lateral protrusions 128 are 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 protrusions 127 and the lateral protrusions 128 have slanted sides or segments, which perform different functions and are symmetrical relative to the actuating cam "C" depending on the meaning of the rotation of the knitting needle 3 and the drive chain 5 .

Please refer to, the drive chain 5 rotates relative to the actuating cam "C" around the central axis "X-X" in the sense of counterclockwise rotation "CCW" (from right to left in Fig. 5a), the first The one (the one on the right in FIG. 5a ) defines a first rise 129 , and the first (the one on the right in FIG. 5a ) that follows both sides of the lateral protrusions 128 defines a second rise 100 . The first rise 129 peripherally precedes the second rise 100, and the two rises 129, 100 are defined by a second on either side of the central protrusion 127 (the one on the left in Figure 5a) The first drop 131 is connected. A second drop 132 defined by the second on either side of the side protrusion 128 (the left one in FIG. 5 a ) is connected to the breakaway area 125 . The first rise 129, the first fall 131, the second rise 100 and the second fall 132 just described work for a first yarn feed 110 following it (ie placed downstream).

The corrugated segments have a substantially constant axial width such that an axial extension of the first riser 129 is substantially the same as an axial extension of the second riser 100 . In addition, a peripheral extension of the first riser 129 is substantially the same as a peripheral extension of the second riser 100, and the first riser and the second riser 129, 100 are substantially parallel to the other. develop.

The first rise 129 is operatively linked to the drop woven rise 102 and the second rise 100 is operatively linked to the stuffed woven rise 101 .

In particular, the first rise 129 is circumferentially offset early relative to the respective drop woven rise 102 so that a maximum height of the first rise 129 circumferentially precedes the entrance of the respective drop woven rise 102 . It may be noted that the axial line "Z" through the maximum height of the first rise 129 is set just before the entrance of the respective drop woven rise 102.

The second rise 100 has an early peripheral offset relative to the respective tamping weave rise 101, such that a base circumference of the second rise 100 precedes the entrance of the respective tamping weave rise 101, and a The maximum height is a maximum height that peripherally precedes the rise 101 of the respective padding weave.

The second on either side of the central protrusion 127 (the one on the left in Figure 5b) when the machine 1 is operated in the opposite rotational sense, the second rotational sense or clockwise "CW" (shown in Figure 5b) A first rise 129 is defined and the first of the two sides (the one on the right in FIG. 5b ) is a first drop 131 . The other of the side protrusions 128 defines a second rise 100 (second side) and a second fall 132 (first side). The first rise and the first fall, the second rise and the second fall are for a second yarn feed 110 working with the pair of drop weave rises 102 and immediately after (ie downstream) packing Weave Up 101 Co-op.

More generally, the undulating segment 126 placed between two successive yarn feeds 110 is rotationally dependent for the two yarn feeds that follow (ie, reside downstream) of the undulating segment 126. one of the pieces 110 work. The same wave segment 126 works for another yarn feeder 110 by reversing the rotational meaning.

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

Figures 5a and 5b further schematically show a selection device 200 arranged between two successive yarn feeds 110 or on a respective corrugated section 126. The selection device 200 comprises two actuators 201, 202 placed peripherally juxtaposed and located in a respective valley (or depression) defined by the wavy segment 126, on the central protrusion 127 and each side protrusion 128.

The actuators 201, 202 shown are of the piezoelectric type with levers.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the actuators 201, 202 include a first array of levers 203 and a second array of levers 204 protruding from a front face of the actuators 201, 202. The actuators 201 , 202 are attached to the needle holding cylinder 2 and the radial teeth 35 of the selector 9 when they are mounted on the machine 1 in the operating position. Each array of levers 203, 204 includes a plurality of levers 205, 206 overlapping and aligned along a respective common vertical axis "K-K", with the second array of levers 204 axially overlapping the first array of levers 203 . Preferably, the two arrays of levers 203, 204 are arranged along the same common vertical axis "K-K" and are placed one above the other.

As can be seen more clearly in Figure 8, the levers 205, 206 are relative to each other A plane of symmetry "W-W" in which the common vertical axis "K-K" is located has an asymmetrical shape. The levers 205 of the first array 203 are asymmetric relative to the levers 206 of the second array 204 .

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

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

In the embodiment shown, the first engagement surface 401 is disposed in a first common plane inclined with respect to the plane of symmetry "W-W", and the second engagement surface 402 is disposed in a common plane inclined with respect to the plane of symmetry "W-W" In the second common plane, and the first common plane, the second common plane and the symmetry plane "W-W" intersect on a line of intersection parallel to the common vertical axis "K-K". As a result, the first engagement surface 401 and the second engagement surface 402 are inclined towards opposite sides of the symmetry plane "W-W".

In other embodiments not shown, the first engaging surfaces 401 are disposed in a plurality of first inclined planes and the second engaging surfaces 402 are disposed in a plurality of second inclined planes. The first and second planes are inclined towards opposite sides of the symmetry plane "W-W" and define different angles from the symmetry plane "W-W".

In the embodiment shown, the levers 205 of the levers 203 of the first array are all movable together about respective horizontal axes, and the levers 206 of the levers 204 of the second array are all movable together about respective horizontal axes, and the two arrays Can be moved independently.

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

Depending on and according to the method for moving the needles 3 according to the invention, in order to produce a drop stitch with the movement of the needles 3 and the drive chain 5 shown in Fig. 4b, the selector 9 provided with radial teeth 35 The axial static element 34 is moved in front of the first and second actuators 201 , 202 in a counterclockwise rotational sense "CCW".

The levers 203 of the first array of the first actuator 201 act on the axial static element 34 for causing oscillations of the axially moving element 33 and are placed at the base of the first rise 129 in the undulating segment 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 the single track 124 and on the first rise 129 . The axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 is lifted upwards and pushes the punch 7 upwards until the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 engages the drop weave rise 102 (Figures 4b and 5a).

The punch 7 is raised further and slides on the drop weave rise 102 by means of the respective foot rests 25 as far as the respective maximum height points placed on the substantially horizontal length 120 from the axial moving element of the selector 9 33 is disconnected, and the needle 3 is lifted to produce a dropped stitch. The foot rest 25 of the punch 7 then walks over the drop weave drop 121 and the central area 119 and goes down again to walk over another pair of rises 101 (which in this step work as a drop) (Fig. 4b) .

When the punch 7 is lifted and slid on the drop fabric rise 102 and then lowered again, the foot rest 37 of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 is moved along the single track 124, which runs sequentially Pass the first drop 131, the second rise 100, the second drop 132 and run into the breakaway zone 125 (Fig. 4b). During continued movement, the footrest 37 of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 encounters the exit ramp 133, which pushes the footrest 37 radially inward and out of the single track 124 (Fig. 4b). The foot rest 37 of the selector 8 runs out of the single track 124 and into the respective grooves of the needle holding cylinder 2 .

In order to produce a tamping stitch with the movement of the needle 3 and drive chain 5 shown in Figure 4a, the levers 203 of the first array of the second actuator 202 act on the axial static element 34 for causing axial movement Oscillation of element 33 and engagement of footrest 37 in a second entry point 301 of a single track 124 placed in a valley (or depression) of the wavy segment at the base of second rise 100 (Fig. 4a and 5a).

The relative rotation between the actuating cam "C" and the needle holding cylinder 2 causes the foot rest 37 to slide on the second rise 100, the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 being lifted and pushed upwards Punch piece 7 until the foot of punch piece 7 The tray 25 is engaged until the padding weave rise 101 (FIGS. 4a and 5a).

The punches 7 are raised further by sliding on the respective footrests 25 on the tamping stitch rises 101, as far as the respective maximum height points placed on the central area 119, and lift the needles 3 thereby producing the tamping stitch. Then, the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 goes over the central area 119 and goes down again to go over the other pair of ascents 101 (which in this step work as a descent) (Fig. 4a).

When the punch 7 is lifted and slid on the stuffing weave rise 101 and then down again, the foot rest 37 of the axially moving element 33 of the selector 9 is moved along a single track 124 which is sequentially traversed The second descends 132 and runs into the disengagement zone 125 (FIG. 4a) to later engage the exit ramp 133, which pushes the footrest 37 radially inward and out of the single track 124 (FIG. 4a). The foot rest 37 of the selector 9 runs out of the single track 124 and into the respective grooves of the needle holding cylinder 2 .

If the meaning of rotation is clockwise "CW" as shown in Fig. 5b, the levers 204 of the second array of the second actuator 202 act on the axial static element 34 for causing oscillation of the axial moving element 33 and footing The carriage 37 engages into a first entry point 300 placed at the base of the first riser 129 (thereby creating a drop weave) and the levers 204 of the second array of the first actuators 201 act on the shaft onto the static element 34 for causing oscillation of the axially moving element 33 and engagement of the footrest 37 into a second entry point 301 placed at the base of the second riser 100 (thereby creating a stuffing weave) (Fig. 5b).

It can be noted that when the meaning of rotation is reversed, the two sides of the central protrusion 127 have their function reversed (first side - first rise 129, second side - first One down 131; first side - first down 131, second side - first up 129).

More generally, the foot rest 37 of the selector 9 is on the first side of the central protrusion 127 if the needle holding cylinder 2 is rotated in the counterclockwise sense "CCW" relative to the actuating cam "C" (Fig. 5a) Slide up to lift the punch 7 until the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 engages into the drop stitch lift 102 with respect to a first yarn feeder 110 . As an alternative, the foot rest 37 of the selector 9 slides on a first side of one of the side projections 128, thereby lifting the punch 7 until the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 engages the relevant first yarn feeder The filling weave of 110 rises to 101 points. Also, the levers 203 of the first array of the first actuators 201 act on the selector 9 for engaging the foot rest 37 into the first entry point 300 and producing a drop on the first yarn feeder 110 Weave, and the levers 203 of the first array of the second actuators 202 act on the selector 9 for engaging the footrests 37 previously not engaged by the first actuator 201 into the second entry point 301 and A stuffing weave on the yarn feed 110 is created.

If the needle holding cylinder 2 is rotated in the clockwise sense "CW" relative to the actuating cam "C" (Fig. 5b), the foot rest 37 of the selector 9 slides on the second side of the central projection 127 for The punch 7 is lifted until the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 engages in the drop weave rise 102 associated with a second yarn feeder 110 . As an alternative, the foot rest 37 of the selector 9 slides on the second side of the other of the side projections 128, thereby lifting the punch 7 until the foot rest 25 of the punch 7 engages the relevant second yarn feed The stuffing weave of the piece 110 rises 101 until it reaches the middle. Also, the levers 204 of the second array of the first actuators 201 act on the selector 9 for engaging the foot rest 37 into the first entry point 301 and creating a different adjacent yarn feed 110 on the Padding the weave, and The levers 204 of the second array of one of the two actuators 202 act on the selector 9 for engaging the footrest 37 into the first entry point 300 and producing a drop on the differently adjacent yarn feeder 110 Fill the weave.

The present invention achieves important advantages.

First, the present invention allows overcoming the deficiencies of the prior art.

In particular, the present invention allows the creation of circular machines that operate only in a rotational sense, or in alternating oscillating motions, which are: dense in both axial and radial directions; can be made with small radial dimensions, even Tubular fabrics below 165mm; have less severe constraints on the needle movements obtained to make more complex fabrics; denser than known machines, but allow to obtain the same volume as a more bulky machine the number of knitting needle movements, or even more complex movements; with a higher (even double) number of "feeds", i.e. yarn feed points, relative to the prior art and the same cylinder diameter; "intarsia" designs, ie colored motifs with no floats in reverse; three-dimensional textile objects can be made without unnecessarily varying weave density and without adding routing sections with yarn cuts.

201: Actuator

202: Second Actuator

203: Lever of the first array

204: Lever of the second array

205, 206: Leverage

401: First bonding surface

402: Second bonding surface

K-K: common vertical axis

F: Arrow

Claims (14)

A lever actuator of a circular knitting machine, comprising: a first array of levers and a second array of levers, each array of levers including a plurality of levers arranged in series along a common axis; wherein the second array of levers The levers of the array and the levers of the first array are arranged in succession along the common axis with one behind the other; wherein the levers of the first array are arranged such that if a needle holding cylinder is relative to the circle The relative rotation of the actuating cam of the knitting machine takes place in a first rotational sense (CCW) engaging the teeth of the selector of the circular knitting machine; wherein the second array of levers is configured as if a needle holding cylinder Relative rotation with respect to the actuating cams occurs in a second rotational sense (CW) opposite the first rotational sense (CCW) engaging the selector teeth. The actuator of claim 1, wherein each lever is controlled to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the lever trains of the first array of levers are independent of the levers of the second array The lever moves. The actuator of claim 2, wherein the levers of the first array of levers are all movable together and the levers of the second array of levers are all movable together. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the levers of the first array of levers are movable about respective axes orthogonal to the common axis and the levers of the second array of levers are movable about the common axis Orthogonal respective axes for movement. 4. The actuator of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lever trains of the first array of levers have respective first engagement surfaces for the teeth of the selectors, and wherein the levers of the second array The lever system has respective second engagement surfaces for the selector teeth; wherein the first engagement surfaces and the second engagement surfaces are inclined in opposite directions. The actuator of claim 5, wherein reference is made to a plane of symmetry in which the common axis is provided, the levers of the first array of levers are asymmetrical with respect to the levers of the second array of levers. 6. The actuator of claim 6, wherein the first engagement surfaces are disposed in a first inclined common plane or in a plurality of first inclined planes relative to the symmetry plane, and wherein the second engagement surfaces are Arranged in a second inclined common plane or in a plurality of second inclined planes with respect to the symmetry plane. 6. The actuator of claim 6, wherein the first engagement surfaces and the second engagement surfaces are inclined toward opposite sides of the plane of symmetry. A circular knitting machine, comprising: a knitting needle holding cylinder, which has a plurality of longitudinal grooves arranged around a central axis of the knitting needle holding cylinder; a plurality of knitting needles, each of which is accommodated in a in longitudinal grooves; at least one yarn feeder operatively coupled to the needles; an actuating cam disposed around the needle-holding cylinder and relative to the needle-holding cylinder about the central axis movement of the barrel for causing or allowing the needles to move along the longitudinal grooves thereby enabling the stitches to be made by the needles forming; a drive chain for each knitting needle to be inserted into a respective longitudinal groove, positioned below the respective knitting needle and operatively placed between the respective knitting needle and the actuating cams; wherein the drive chain is Including: a selector disposed below the secondary knitting needle, having at least one respective foot rest that is radially movable between an operating position and a non-operating position, in which it is extracted for engagement with respective selector paths defined by selector cams, retracted in a non-operating position whereby they are not engaged with the selector paths; at least one selector device acting on the selector under control for The latter is switched into the operating position or the non-operating position or retained therein; wherein the selection means comprise at least an actuator according to any one of the preceding claims. 9. The circular knitting machine of claim 9, wherein the selection means comprises two actuators circumferentially placed one next to the other; wherein the first array of each of the two actuators The levers are configured to engage the teeth of the selectors if the relative rotation of the needle holding cylinder with respect to the actuating cams occurs in the first rotational sense (CCW); wherein the two actuators The second array of levers of each is configured such that if the relative rotation of the needle holding cylinder with respect to the actuating cams is in the second rotational sense (CW) opposite to the first rotational sense (CCW) ) occurs and engages the teeth of the selectors. The circular knitting machine of claim 9 or 10, which contains at least Two yarn feeds and at least two selection devices, each of which is placed between two subsequent yarn feeds. A circular knitting machine as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the circular knitting machine is of the type with alternating rotating action. A method for moving a knitting needle of a circular knitting machine, wherein the circular knitting machine is made according to any one or more of claims 9 to 12, the method comprising the steps of: causing the knitting needle to hold the cylinder and the a relative rotation between actuating cams; acting on the selectors by means of the selector means to move or hold the respective footrests in the operative position or the inoperative position; wherein if the weave Relative rotation of the needle holding cylinder with respect to the actuating cams occurs in the first rotational sense (CCW), the levers of the first array of the at least one actuator are engaged with the teeth of the selectors; wherein if the The relative rotation of the needle holding cylinder with respect to the actuating cams occurs in the second rotational sense (CW) opposite the first rotational sense (CCW), the lever system of the second array of the at least one actuator engage with the teeth of the selectors. The method of claim 13, when the circular knitting machine is made according to claim 10, wherein if the needle holding cylinder rotates in the first rotational sense (CCW) relative to the actuating cams, the first The levers of the first array of actuators act on the selectors for engaging the footrests into a first entry point and producing a thrown weave on a yarn feed, and the first The levers of the first array of two actuators act on the selectors for engaging the footrests into a second entry point and creating a tamping stitch on the yarn feed; wherein if the needle holding cylinder is in the second rotational sense (CW) relative to the actuating cams ) is rotated, the levers of the second array of the second actuator act on the selectors for engaging the footrests into the first entry point and feeding a different, adjacent yarn A throw-off weave is created on the piece, and the levers of the second array of the first actuator act on the selectors for engaging the footrests into the second entry point and at the different, A stuffing weave is created on adjacent yarn feeds.

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