US2635443A - Warp knitting machine - Google Patents

Description

April 21, 1953 F. LAMBACH 2,635,443

WARP KNITTING MACHINE Filed June 29, 1950 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR, FRITZ LAMBACH ATTORNEY 3 4 2 4 t H m S H .y M C Y 2 a T m. M m m M R S V A O 7 W. L W n A w m F m ww M. w m Q w m G mm N m .n my w L n m6 m N I F K mm w P. WI. m & N g m Q WWI Q\ W %m, x m 1 RN l I Mm 2 w ,w l o 1 mi 1 & I I mm m s w WE am 9 em MN m 1 9 %& mu 11 m N g m .w NR NW\ n d P e w A m w. v

April 21, 1953 F. LAMBACH WARP KNITTING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 29, 1950 m MA B NM m. W.

2 .H R F ATTORNEY April 21, 1953 F. LAMBACH WARP KNITTING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 29, 1950 INVENTOR.

FRITZ LAMBACH ATTORNEY April 21, 1953 F. LAMBACH WARP KNITTING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet "5 Filed June 29, 1950 FIG. 7.

FIG; IO. 35/ 362a 366a INVENTOR FRITZ LAMBACH a i i i q ATTORNEY April 21, 1953 F. LAMBACH WARP KNITTING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed June 29, 1950 I N V EN TOR. FRITZ LAM BAC H ATTORN EY April 21, 1953 F. LAMBACH WARP KNITTING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed June 29, 1950 awe IN VEN TOR. FRITZ LAMBACH ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 21, 1953 2,635,443 WARP KNITTING MACHINE Fritz Lambach, Tenafly, N. J assignor to Robert Reiner, Inc., Weehawken, N. J.

Application June 29, 1950, Serial No. 171,051

31 Claims.

The present invention relates to knitting machines, and more particularly to warp knitting machines having a plurality of guide bars, each carrying a row of warp guides.

In order to be able to thread warp yar through the eyelets of warp guides carried by the rear guide bar, it is necessary to lift a guide bar or guide bars arranged in front of said rear guide bar.

An object of the present invention is to provide a warp knitting machine equipped with an apparatus for lifting the front guide bar or guide bars, which may be readily operated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a warp knitting machine, wherein the mechanism for lifting the front Warp guide bar or guide bars may be operated from any place along the machine, so that for example in case of warp yarn breakage the attendant may oper-' ate the lifting mechanism from a position'in front of the location of the Warp yarn breakage, wherever said location may be.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a warp knitting machine equipped with safety devices preventing an operation of the main motor of the machine when the liftable guide bar or guide bars are in an elevated position and preventing a not intended lifting of the guide bar or guide bars when the main motor is running.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an eflicient electrical system for the displacing of the liftable guide bar or guide bars of the warp knitting machine.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an electrical system for the control of the main motor of the warp knitting machine and of the electrical means for displacing the liftable guide bar or guide bars, which electrical system includes safety means preventing an operation of the main motor when the guide bar or guide bars are lifted and preventing an operation of the electrical means for lifting of the guide bar or guide bars when the main motor is running.

Another object of the present invention is to improve on the art of warp knitting machines as now ordinarily made.

Other objects and structural details of the in vention will be apparent from the following de scription when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatical side elevational view of a warp knitting machine according to the invention, the side wall of the machine being broken away,

Fig. 2 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of the lifting mechanism of a guide bar, said view being taken along line-22 of Fig. 3, and some parts being broken away,

Fig. 3 is agfront elevational view illustrating a portion of the lifting mechanism of a guide bar.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view corresponding to the sectional view shown in Fig. 2, wherein, however, the liftable guide bar is in its elevated position,

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 6 illustrates a wiring diagram of an electrical system for controlling the main motor and the electrical means for lifting the liftable guide bar of the warp knitting machine shown in Fig. 1,

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of another embodiment of a war knitting machine according to the invention illustrating the drives of two separate lifting mechanisms,

Figs. 8-10 are sectional views of a switch for controlling the electrical drives of the warp knitting machine according to Fig. 7,

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the upper portion of the lifting mechanisms of the warp knitting machine shown in Fig. '7, said machine having two liftable guide bars, and

Fig. 12 illustrates a wiring diagram of an electrical system for the control of the main motor and the electrical devices for lifting the guide bars of the warp knitting machine shown in Figs. '7 and 11.

The drawings illustrate only those parts of a warp knitting machine which are necessary for the understanding of the invention. 1

Referring now to the embodiment of a warp knitting machine shown in Figs. 1-5, 20 generally indicates the frame of a warp knitting machine having a main electro-motor 22 secured to the frame in any suitable manner. The main cam shaft 24, journalled in the frame 28 of the machine, may be driven by the electro-motor 22 through the medium of a belt drive generally indicated by 26. A cam 28 keyed to the main cam shaft 24 cooperates with a cam follower 30 securedto a shaft 32 journalled in the frame 2% of the machine. An arm 34 secured to the rockable shaft 32 is in pivotal connection with one end of a link 36, the other end of which is pivoted at 38 with an arm 48 secured to a rockable guide bar shaft 42 journalled in bearings of the frame 20.

As shown in Figs. 1-5, a series of brackets generally indicated by 44 are fixedly secured in spaced relation to each other to said rockable guide bar shaft 42. Each bracket 44 has a rear downward extension 46 and a front downward extension 48.

In a manner known per se a rear guide bar 50 extending longitudinally of the machine and carrying a row of warp guides 52 is secured to a series of spaced holders generally indicated by 54, only one holder being shown in the drawings. Each holder 54 has a pair of bars 56 slidably engaged with hook-like portions 58 of one of the downward extensions 46 of the spaced brackets 44. Said slidable engagement of the holders 54 with the hook-like portions of the downward extensions of the brackets 44 permits reciprocating displacements of the guide bar 50 in the longitudinal direction of the machine in dependence on a control by a pattern wheel (not shown). As best shown in Fig. 2, the end 60 of each hooklike portion 58 is bent in such a way that it prevents the bars 56 of the holder 54 from an upward movement. In other words, the rear guide bar 50 cannot be lifted relative to the downward extensions 46 of the brackets 44.

As shown in Figs. l-4 a front guide bar 62 carrying a row of warp guides 64 and extending longitudinally of the machine is secured in a manner known per se to a series of spaced holders 66, only one being shown in said Figs. 1-4. Each holder 66 has a pair of hook-like portions 10 of one of the downward extensions 48 of the spaced brackets 44. The slidable engagement of the holders 66 with the downward extensions 48 of the spaced brackets 44 permits reciprocating movements of the guide bar 62 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the machine in dependence on the control 'by the pattern wheel (not shown).

As best shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the hook-like portions I of the downward extension 48 of each bracket 44 are open at the top, so that the holder 66 together with the front guide bar 62 attached thereto may be lifted to a certain extent.

For the performance of such a lifting of the front guide bar 62 relative to the bracket 44 and the rear guide bar 50 the following mechanism is arranged in the machine:

A lifting element 12 arranged adjacent the front downward extension of each bracket 44 is provided with two longitudinal slots I4 slidably engaged with bolts I6 inserted into bores I8 of the front downward extension 48 of the bracket 44. Each lifting element I2 has a lifting hook 80 which may come into engagement with the upper bar 68 of the holder 66, when the lifting element I2 is elevated in a manner to be described hereinafter. When the front guide bar 62 is in its lower operating position shown in Fig. 2, the engaging surface 82 of the lifting hook 80 is at a distance from the lower edge of the upper bar 68 of the holder 66. Furthermore, when said lifting element 12 is in its lower position shown in Fig. 2, a lug 84 projecting therefrom is in engagement with the upper edge of the upper bar 68 so as to prevent an undesired lifting of the holder 66 during a reciprocating movement of the front guide bar 62 during the operation of the machine.

As best shown in Figs. 2, 4 and each lifting element carries a roller 86 in engagement with a recess 68 of an arm 90 keyed to a rockable lifter shaft 92 extending longitudinally of the machine and being journalled in bearings 94 (see Fig. 5) of the spaced brackets 44. An arm 96 is keyed to said lifter shaft 92 at a suitable place. The left-hand end of the arm 96 (as viewed in Figs. 1, 2 and 4) is provided with a. slot 98 for pivotal and slidable engagement with the upper end of a-connecting rod I00. The lower end of said connecting rod I00 is pivoted to the arm I02 of a lever generally indicated by I04 (see Fig. l) and keyed to a shaft I06 journalled in suitable bearings of the frame 20 of the machine. The other arm I08 of said lever I04 is arranged for cooperation with the abutting surfaces H0 and H2 of a stop II4 secured to the frame 20 of the machine. A lug H6 carried by the arm I08 of the lever I04 is arranged for cooperation with a spring-loaded plunger of a safety switch II8 mounted on the structure of the stop H4 and electrically connected with the main motor 22.

A sprocket gear I20 keyed to the rockable shaft I06 is operatively connected by means of a chain I22 with a sprocket gear I24 keyed to the shaft I26 of a reversible torque motor I28. The reversible torque motor I28 mounted on the frame 20 of the machine may be operated by means of a shipper rod I30 extending longitudinally of the machine and being journalled for manual rocking movements in suitable bearings of the frame of the machine. The shipper rod I30 acts through an arm I32 on the plunger of a torque motor selector switch I 34 electrically connected in a manner to be described hereinafter with the reversible torque motor I28. Preferably, means (not shown) are provided for holding the shipper rod I30 in a set position.

A second shipper rod I36 extending longitudinally of the machine and being journalled in the frame 20 of the latter is arranged for actuating through an arm I 38 selectively on a starter switch I40 and a stop switch I42 electrically connected with the main motor 22 of the machine in a manner to be described hereinafter.

Figs. 1. 2 and 3 illustrate the lifting mechanisms 26, 04, I00, 96, 90, 12 and the front guide bar 62 in a position ready for operation of the machine. The warp yarns I44 supplied by the lower warp beam or beams I46 are threaded through the eyelets of the warp guides 52 carried by the rear guide bar 50. The warp yarn I48 supplied by the upper warp beam or beams I50 are threaded through the eyelets of the warp guides 64 carried by the front guide bar 62. When upon actuation of the starter switch I40 by the shipper rod I 36 the main motor 22 is energized, the guide bar shaft 42 is oscillated through the drive 26, 28, 30, 34, 36, 40, whereby the bracket 44 carrying the warp guides 50 and 62 are likewise oscillated. Said oscillating movement of the brackets 44 results in an oscillating movement of the arm 96 relative to the connecting rod I00, which is taken up by the slot arranged in said arm 96.

Now, when upon stoppage of the main motor 22 by an actuation of the stop switch I42 by means of the shipper rod I36 the machine is stopped, the reversible torque motor I20 may be caused by an actuation of the torque motor selector switch or actuating switch I34 by means of the shipper rod I30 to rotate in counterclockwise direction (arrow A shown in Fig. 1). Said rotation in counterclockwise direction will result in a downward movement of the connecting rod I00 in the direction of the arrow B, until the arm I08 abuts against the surface II2 of the stop III. The torque motor I28 remaining under current holds said arm I08 against said abutment I I2; at the same time the lug I I6 opens the safety switch II8 whereby in a manner to be described hereinafter, the circuit of the main motor 22 is interrupted.

Said downward movement of the connecting rod I00 in the direction of the arrow B causes a rocking of the lifter through the medium of the arm 96' in counterclockwise direction (arrow shown in Figs. 2 and 4), whereby each arm 90 associated with a lifter element 12 is moved upwardly from the position shown in Fig. 2 into the position shown in Fig. 4. Said upward movement of the arms 90 results in an upward movement of the associated lifter elements 12 from the position shown in Fig. 2 into the position shown in Fig. 4. As soon as the surface 82 of the lifting hook 80 arranged on each lifter element 12 comes into engagement with the up-.

the front guide bar 62 may be lowered again,

For this purpose the torque motor selector switch I34 is actuated by the shipper rod I30 in such a manner that it causes the reversible torque motor M8 to rotate in clockwise direction (arrow D) shown in Fig. 1, whereby the connecting rod )0 is lifted in the direction of the arrow E until the arm I08 of the lever I04 abuts against the surface H0 of the stop H4. The torque motor 128 remaining under current holds said arm I08 against said abutment H0. At the same time the spring loaded plunger of the safety switch H8 following the lug H6 carried by the arm 08 causes the closing of said safety switch H8 arranged in the circuit of the main motor 22. When the connecting rod I00 is lifted in the direction of the arrow E, the lifter rod 92 is rocked in clockwise direction (arrow F shown in Figs. 2 and 4), so that the arms 93 carried by said lifter shaft 92 are returned from the position shown in Fig. 4 into the position shown in Fig. 2. Said downward movement .of the arms 90, in turn, results in a downward movement of the lifter element 72 from theposition shown in Fig. 4 into the position shown in Fig. 2, whereby likewise the front guide bar 62 carrying the warp guides 34 is returned from its upper inoperative position shown in Fig. 4 into its lower operative position shown in Fig. 2. A spring-loaded bolt I52 (Figs. 2 and 4) carried by each bracket 44 cooperates with a lug 1 54 of the associated lifter element 12 so as to push same downwardly, if a compensation for the play caused by the slot 98 receiving the upper end. of.

the connecting rod I08 should become necessary.

The electric control system for the main motor 22 and the torque motor or auxiliary motortl23 arranged for lifting and lowering the front guide bar 62 is illustrated in Fig. 6.

A prime circuit, for instance a polyphase circuit 300 is provided that is interconnected to a network 302 fed by an electric source (not shown). The prime circuit 333 has terminals for interconnection to the main motor 22, and has a spring-loaded main switch 334 for connection and disconnection of said main motor. The torque motor l28 admits also of interconnection to the prime circuit 300, at one polarity for operation in one direction to lift the front guide bar 62, and at another polarity for operation in the opposite direction to lower said front guide bar 62. For this purpose, there are provided in the prime circuit 300 a springloaded first or lifting, switch 306 and a'spring loaded second or lowering switch 308. 7 o v Each of the switches 304,306 and 308 of the prime circuit 333 is provided with a solenoid, the main switch304 having a solenoid 3), the lifting switch 306 having a solenoid 3l2 and the lowering switch 308 having a solenoid,3l4.

The connections between the prime circuit 300 and the terminals associated with the blades of the lifting switch 303 and lowering switch 308 are so arranged, as best shown inFig. 6, that both switches are biased by springs into lower, open position and actuate the reversible torque motor i2ii in the assigned direction of rotation for lifting or lowering the front guide bar 62 by the raising of a switch into upper, closing position under impulse of solenoid action of the solenoids 3l2 and 3 l 4, respectively.

The main switch 33 is normally held by its spring in open position to de-energize the main motor 22, and is closed by means of energization of its solenoid 358. A starter circuit, generally indicated at 396, is interconnected to two of the phase leads of the prime circuit 300, and is interconnected in series to the coil of the solenoid MG, and also to the spring-loaded safety switch H8, to the spring-loaded stop switch M2, and to the spring-loaded starter switch I40. The safety switch H3 and the stop switch M2 are normally held by their springs in closed position, while the starter switch MB is normally held by its spring in open position. The starter circuit 3H6 also includes a holding circuit 318 that cooperates with a shunt member 320 of the main switch 304 that moves therewith, and which acts to bridge the starter switch MB after the main switch 334 has been actuated.

There is provided a spring-loaded control switch 322 that carries a solenoid 324, and the coil of said solenoid 324 is interconnected in series in a control circuit 326 that is arranged in parallel with the solenoid 3 Iii of the main switch 334 and thereby in parallel with a portion of the starter circuit 3 i 3. Therefore when current flows through the starter circuit 3H5, it will also energize the control circuit 326, and thus the solenoids 3N! and 324 of the main switch 334 and the control switch 322, respectively, will operate simultaneously to raise and lower (with respect of Fig. 6) these two switches simultaneously.

The control switch or safety switch 322 having two blades 334 and 33B is normally pressed by a spring 332 into the position shown in Fig. 6, wherein its blade 33% bridges terminals in a line of a lifting circuit 323 interconnected in series to the coil of the solenoid 3I2 of the lifting switch 336 and to two leads of the polyphase prime cirouit 333. The terminals 321, 329 in said lifting circuit 323 may be bridged by the torque motor selector switch 535 when the latter is brought by a rocking movement of the shipper rod 133 in clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 6) from its lower position shown in Fig. 6 into its upper end position. As will be readily understood, only if the machine is at a standstill, and, consequently, the control switch or safety switch 322 is inits pre-setting position shown in Fig. 6 wherein it closes the lifting circuit by its blade 334, a movement of the selector switch E34 into its upper upon a start or the main motor 2'2 and energize. tion of the solenoid '324 of the control switch 322 the latter is raised from its lore-setting position shown in Fig. 6 into its holding position, wherein its blade 334 interrupts the lifting circuit 328 and its bla'de 336 closes a holding circuit 338 connected to a lowering circuit 330 to be described hereinafter, the lifting switch 306 cannot be closed by a movement of the torque motor selector switch or actuating switch I34 from the position shown in Fig. 6 into its alternate position wherein it bridges the terminals 327, 329 of the lifting circuit 328.

In the position shown in Fig. 6, the blade of the selector switch I34 bridges the terminals 33I 333 01' the lowering circuit 330 interconnected in series to the coil of the solenoid 3 I4 of the lowering switch 308 and to the same two leads of the prime circuit 300 as the lifting circuit 328 (same lines being common to both circuits) Thu's,'when the machine is at a standstill and, consequently, the control switch 322 is in the position shown in Fig. 6, the lowering circuit 330 is closed when the selector switch I34 is in its lower position shown in said Fig. 6, whereby the solenoid 3I4 of the lowering switch 308 is energized, thereby closing the latter for an energiz'ation of the reversible torque motor I28 to lower the front guide bar 62, until the arm I08 (Fig. 1) of the lever I04 abuts against the abutment I I of the stop I I4, whereupon the torque motor holds said guide bar 62 in its lower operative position.

Upon a start of the motor 22, the solenoid 324 of the control switch or safety switch 322 is energized and the latter is brought from its lower pre-settin'g position shown in Fig. 6 into its upper holding position wherein it interrupts the lifting circuit 328 at 334 and closes the holding circuit 338 by its blade 336 as mentioned above. Therefore, if during the operation of the machine the selector switch I34 should cause a disconnection of the terminals 33I, 333 by an unintentional movement of the shipper rod I30 in clockwise direction, the holding circuit 338 closed b the blade 336 of the control switch 322 and connected with the lowering circuit 338 will permeate the holding down action of the torque motor I28 on the front guide bar 62 against the abutment IIO of the stop I I4.

When the selector switch I 34 is in its lower position shown in Fig. 6 wherein it bridges the terminals 33I, 333 of the lowering circuit 330 and disconnects the terminals 321, 329 of the lifting circuit 323, the lowering switch 308 is in its active or closing position for lowering of the guide bar or holding same down by the torque motor I 28, while the lifting switch 306 is in its inactive open position.

When the selector switch I 34 is in its alternate upper position wherein it bridges the terminals 321, 329 of the lifting circuit 328 and disconnects the terminals 33I 333 of the lowering circuit 330, the lifting switch 306 is in its active or closing position for lifting the guide bar by the torque motor I28, while the lowering switch 308 is in its inactive position, provided, however, that the machine is at a standstill and the control switch 322 is in its presetting position shown in Fig. 6. If the machine is running and the control switch 322 is in its holding position wherein it interrupts the lifting circuit 328 at 334 and closes the holding circuit 338 at 336, a movement of the selector switch I34 into said alternate position has no influence on the lifting switch 306 which remains in its inactive open position while the lowering switch 308 is held in its active closing position.

As will be understood from above, the control system includes three safety features: Firstly, the safety switch II8 prevents an operation of the warp knitting machine by the main electromotor 22 when the front guide bar 62 is in its raised inoperative .position. Secondly, the control switch or safety switch 322 prevents a lifting of the front guide bar 62 when the main motor 22 drives the machine. Thirdly, the control switch or safety switch 322 causes a holding down of the front guide bar 62 if, for any reason whatsoever, at the beginning of the machine operation by pressing the starter switch I40 the selector switch I34 is not exactly in its lower closing position shown in Fig. 6, or if, during machine operation the shipper rod I30 is unintentionally rocked causing a slight displacement of the selector switch I34 out of said lower position shown in Fig, 6.

The operation of the warp knitting machine according to Figs. 1-5 equipped with a control system shown in Fig. 6 is as follows:

Assume, the warp yarns are properly threaded and the front guide bar 62 is in its lower operative position shown in Figs. 1-3.

The operator will momentarily rock the shipper rod I36 actuating the starter switch I40 whereby the starter circuit 3 I6 and the control circuit 826 will conduct current, thereby energizing the solenoids 3I0 and 324 of the main switch 304 and of the control switch 322, respectively. The holding circuit 3I8 of the starter circuit 3I6 will permeate this condition (until it is interrupted by the operator pressing the stop switch I42). In this condition, the knitting implements I60 of the machine will be driven by the main motor 22 for the manufacture of fabric NH, and the comtrol switch 322 will be in its holding position wherein the lifting circuit 328 is interrupted at 334 and the holding circuit 338 is closed 'at 336 so that the lowering switch 308 is held in its closing position and the torque motor I23 is held in energized condition for holding the front guide bar 62 in its lower operative position, even if an unintentional rocking of the shipper rod I30 by the operator occurs which results in a disconnection of the terminals 33I, 333 by the selector switch I34.

When a warp yarn breakage occurs, the operator stops the main motor 22 by rocking the shipper rod I36 in the opposite direction causin an actuation of the stop switch I42. Now, the control switch 322, due to the deenergization of its solenoid 324, is in its pro-setting position shown in Fig. 6. In this .pre-setting position, the lifting circuit 328 is pre-set for completion by the selector switch I34 in one position thereof.

Now, when the operator, standing in front of the place of warp yarn breakage, rocks the shipper rod I 30 for moving the selector switch I34 into the position wherein it bridges the terminals 321, 323 so as to close the lifting circuit 328, the lifting switch 306 is brought into its upper closing position for energizing the reversible torque motor I28 so as to rotate in the direction of the arrow A for lifting the front guide bar 62 into its inoperative position. At the same time the safety switch H8 is automatically opened, so that the main motor 22 cannot be started by an erroneous rocking of the shipper rod I36 actuating the starter switch I40. The torque motor holds the front guide bar 62 in its inoperative raised position permitting repair of a broken warp yarn and threading thereof through an eyelet of a original position for returning the selector switch I34 into the position shown in Fig, 6, wherein it bridges the terminals 33L 333 for closing the lowering circuit 330. Thus, the lowering switch 308 is brought into its upper closing position for energizing the reversible torque motor 128 so as to rotate in the direction of the arrow D for lowering the front guide bar 02 into its operative position and thereafter holding same in said operative position. At the same time, the springloaded safety switch H8 is automatically closed, so that the starter circuit 318 is 'again completed for a restarting of the main motor 22 by closing the starter switch I40 as described above.

It may be noted that owing to the arrangement of the torque motor I28 controlled by the shipper rod I30 extending from end to end of the machine the operator may cause the lifting and lowering of the front guide bar 62 without leaving his position in front of the place where the warp yarn breakage occurred. The lifting and lowering of the guide bar 62 requires merely a rocking of the shipper rod I30 which may be reached at any place.

According to the embodiments shown in Figs. 7-11 the warp knitting machine is equipped with three guide bars 50a, 62a and IBM extending lon- 'gitudinally of the machine. Again a series of spaced brackets 44a. is secured to the rockable guide bar shaft 52a, each bracket having three downward extensions 46a, 48a and Nita. The holder 54a carrying the rear guide bar 50a is slidably engaged with the downward extensions 46a of the brackets 44a in the manner as described above in connection with the holder 54 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-5. Therefore, the holder 54a and the rear guide bar 50a cannot be lifted. The holder 66a carrying the intermediate guide bar 62a is slidably engaged with the downward extensions 48aof the brackets 44a and the holder [66a carrying the front guide bar IBM is slidably engaged with the downward extensions [64a of the brackets 44a in the manner as described above in connection with the holder 66 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-5. Therefore, the holder 66a with the intermediate guide bar 62a as well as the holder I660 with the front guide bar 52a are liftable.

The linkage 90a, 96a, la connected with the lifting elements lZa associated with the holders 66a correspond to the linkage 90, 96, I00 described above in connection with the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-5. As shown in Fig. 7, the lower end of the connecting rod 100a is pivoted to the arm mm of a double-armed lever l04a secured to a shaft Mia. The other arm 100a of the double-armed lever l04a cooperates with abutments HM and H20. of a stop 4a, secured to the frame 20a of the machine. A lug IIBa carried by the arm l08a cooperates with a safety switch I68a mounted on the stop ll la and electrically connected with the main motor 22a driving the knitting implements of the warp knitting machine. The linkage 100a, 90a, 96a may be actuated by means of a reversible torque motor 110a connected with the shaft 10611 through a chain drive H2 11. The spring-loaded safety switch "58a is automatically opened when the linkage 1001; is actuated for lifting the intermediate -guide bar 82o with its warp guides 6411 into the, elevated inoperative position 62a, 64a shown in dash-and-dot lines in Fig. 11; on the other hand the spring-loaded safety switch ISBa is automatically closed as soon as the lug llBa returns into the position shown in Fig. 7, and, consequently, the intermediate guide bar 62a. is again in its lower operative position shown in fulllines in Fig. 11.

As shown in Fig. 11, each lifting element 114a associated with a liftable holder 58a carrying the front guide bar Him is pivotally connected with the lower end of a link ll6a the upper end of which is pivoted to an arm IlB-a secured to a lifter-shaft la journalled in bearings of the brackets 44a. An arm [82a fixedly secured to said lifter shaft IBM is pivotally and slidably engaged at IBM with the upper end of a connecting rod 18601.. As shown in Fig. '7 the lower end of said connecting rod 36a is pivotally connected with the arm i88a of a double-armed lever l90a secured to a shaft l92a journalled in the frame 20a. The other arm [94a of said lever 190a is arranged for cooperation with abutments l96a and [98a of a stop 200a. mounted on the frame of the machine. A lug 202a. arranged for cooperation with the spring-loaded plunger of a'safety switch M811 is carried by the arm 194a of the lever l90a. The safety switch 1 I80. mounted on the stop 200a is electrically connected with the main motor 22a. A sprocket gear 204a. keyed to the shaft 1920!, may be rotated in counterclockwise and clockwise direction by means of a reversible torque motor IZBm mounted on the.

frame of the machine and connected. with said sprocket gear 204a. by means of a chain 206a.

As will be readily understood, when the torque motor [23a is switched on for rotation in counterclockwise direction (arrow G in Fig. 7), the connecting rod l86a. is moved downwardly in the direction of the arrow H with the results, that the arm 118a, the lifting elements IMa, the holder I660. and the front guide bar I620. with the warp guides 208a mounted thereon are elevated into the lifted positions I'IBa, I'Maf, l60a', 162a and 208a, respectively. The downward movement of the connecting rod 186a is limited by an abutment of the arm l94a against the surface l98a of the stop 200a. The torque motor IZBa holds the guide bar [62a in its inoperative elevated position l62a/ as long as it is energized for rotation in the direction of the arrow G. The lug 202a holds the safety switch 812. in open position.

When thereafter the torque motor l28a is en-' ergized for rotation in clockwise direction (arrow K shown in Fig. 7), the connecting rod I86a is lifted in the direction of the arrow L until the arm I940. abuts against the surface I96a of the stop 200a, whereby the front guide bar |62a is returned into its operative position shown in full lines in Fig. 11. As long as the torque motor 128a. is energized for rotation in the direction of the arrow K it holds the front guide'bar [66a in its lower inoperative position. Upon return of the arm Ma and the lug 202a. mounted there,- on into the lower position shown in Fig. 7, the spring-loaded safety switch I I8a is automatically closed.

As will be described hereinafter the operation of the torque motors I231 and a actuating the linkages for lifting and lowering the front guide bar l62a and intermediate guide bar B Za is controlled by a torque motor selector switch e a tue ne sw h We, h h u n ma be actuated by a manual rocking of a Shipper rod a. extending longitudinally of the machine. A second shipper rod [36a extending longitudinally of the machine is arranged for actuation of a starter switch 142a electrically connected with the main motor 22a for starting and stopping the operation of the latter. The electrical control system used in conjunction with a warp knitting machine having three guide bars according to the embodiment of Figs. 7-11 is as follows:

Both torque motors or auxiliary motors l28a and Illla are controlled by the single three-way selector switch I34a.

Similar to the previously described embodiment there is again provided a prime circuit 300a interconnected to a network 302a, a main switch Illa that actuates the main motor 22a; there is again a starter circuit 3160. that has, however, in series not only one safety switch, but two spring-loaded safety switches 8a and 1580., operated respectively, by the levers l90a and Illa (Fig. 7) of the lifting mechanisms connected with the torque motors IZBa and IHla (Figs. '7 and 12). The spring-loaded starter switch I la and the spring-loaded stop switch 2a are arranged in the starter circuit SIM, and there is also provided a holding circuit 3l8a cooperating with a shunt member 320a of the main switch 304a to hold the starter circuit 3l6a closed. A control switch 322a is again energizable by a control circuit 326a that is arranged in parallel with the coil of the main switch solenoid 3l0a.

A control switch or safety switch 322a has a solenoid 324a in series with the control circuit 326a and is provided with a tension-spring 332a, and three blades, a lower blade 334a, a middle blade 336a and an upper blade 331a. Each of the torque motors is provided with a lifting switch and with a lowering switch, for interconnection of each torque motor, at selectively alternate running directions, to the prime circuit "0a. The torque motor l28a associated with the front guide bar IBM is provided with a lifting switch 306a and a lowering switch 308a having solenoids 312a and 3|4a respectively; and the torque motor I'Hla associated with the intermediate guide bar 62a is provided with a lifting switch 301a having a solenoid 3 [3a, and alowering switch 309a having a solenoid 3 I 5a.

A lifting circuit 328a and a lowering circuit 380a are again provided and are interconnected to the switches of both torque motors, and the selector switch l34a is so arranged in the circuits that it can alternately switch to lifting and lowering of the liftable guide bars. On lifting, the torque motor l28a is operated first, so that the front guide bar |52a is lifted first, whereas on lowering, the torque motor I 28a and consequently the guide bar 52a are operated last.

A holding circuit 338a again is provided to hold the lowering circuit 330a closed when the machine is running and the control switch 322a is in its holding position wherein its middle blade 336a closes said holding circuit 338a and its upper blade 331a bridges the terminals 340a and 342a of the lowering circuit 330a, so that upon an unintentional disconnection of the terminals Illa, 333a and 344a and Ba of the lowering circuit 330a by the selector switch [34a the lowering circuit 330a remains closed and the front and intermediate guide bars 211 and 62a are held in their operative positions by the torque motors I2Ba and 110a. Furthermore, when said control switch 322a is in said holding position, it intermpts the lifting circuit 328a at 334a to pre- 12 vent guide bar lifting while the machine is runnmg.

On the other hand, when the machine is at a standstill and the control switch 322a is in its pre-setting position shown in Fig. 12, its lower blade 334a closes the lifting circuit 328a, while its middle blade 336a interrupts the holding circuit 338a and its upper blade 331a interrupts the lowering circuit 330a.

As in the previous embodiment, the switches for the torque motors are so arranged in the prime circuit 30011 as shown in Fig. 12. that the motors are connected at one polarity during lifting switch operation, to operate in the guide bar lifting direction, and at changed polarity during lowering switch operation to operate in an opposite direction for guide bar lowering.

A first bridge 362a of the selector switch I340 is arranged for cooperation with the terminals 3am and 333a of the lowering circuit 330a for the lowering switch 308a of the first torque motor I 28a and for cooperation with terminals 821a, 32911 of the lifting circuit 328a for the lifting switch 306a of the same torque motor Ilia A second bridge 366a oi said selector switch 1340 is arranged for cooperation with the terminals 344a and 346a of the lowering circuit 330a for the lowering switch 309a of the second torque motor llfla and for cooperation with terminal: 352a, 354a of the lifting circuit 32841 for the lifting switch 301a of the same torque motor a.

As shown in Figs. 7-12, the selector switch I341: comprises an arm 356a that is mounted about midway of its length on the shipper rod a, and is rockable by the shipper rod in opposite directions. An adjustable screw 358a is mounted near one end of the arm, and another screw 880a is mounted near the other end of the arm.

The first bridge 362a of the selector switch ifla is movably arranged opposite one of the arm ends and is arranged to interconnect the terminals 33 la and 333a in one position (see Fig. 8 and to interconnect the terminals 321a and 329a in the second position, (see Fig. 9 and is pressed to- Wards said second position by a spring 364a.

The second bridge 365a of the selector switch |34a is movably arranged opposite the other end of the arm 356a, and is arranged to interconnect in one position the terminal 344a with the terminal 346a (see Fig. 8), and to interconnect the terminal 352a with the terminal 3541: in its second position (see Fig. 10), and is pressed into said first position by a spring 368a. Each bridge carries a projection for operation by a screw of the arm 358a, the bridge 362a being operated by the screw 358a, and the bridge 366a being operated by the screw 369a.

Thus, when the arm 356a is in the position shown in Fig. 8, the terminals 33|a and 333a are interconnected by the bridge 362a under the action of the screw 358a, whereby the lowering switch 308a of the torque motor l28a is actuated for lowering the front guide bar 152a into its operative position or holding same in the latter respectively. In this position, the other screw 360a releases the second bridge 366a and the latter is pressed by the spring 368a to make contact with the terminals 344a and 346a, to close the lowering switch 309a of the torque motor I'Hla for lowering the intermediate guide bar 62a into its operative position, or holding same in the latter respectively. This may be termed the first position.

A second position is shown in Fig. 10, where the arm 356a is rocked so that both bridges are released by the screws and are both under action of the springs 364a and 368a, respectively. In this second position, when the control switch 322a is in its pre-setting position (shown in Fig. 12), the lifting switch 368a of the torque motor 128a is operated for lifting of the front guide bar 552a, and the lowering switch 309a of the other torque motor ilta is still operated for holding the intermediate guide bar 62a in its operative position.

In a third position, illustrated in Fig. 10, the arm 35511 is rocked in position for operation of the bridge 36% by the screw 360a against the power of the spring 368a, and the bridge 35211 is' under action of the spring 33412. This connects both lifting switches 308a and 399a to the electric source, when the control switch 322a is in its presetting position of Fig. 12, and the front guide bar 32a as well as the intermediate guide bar 62a are thus lifted.

The shipper rod l3ila may be held in each of said three positions shown in Figs. 8-10 by means of a suitable device. For example, the shipper rod I30a may be rigidly connected with an index disc having three recesses for cooperation with a spring-loaded holding member capable of engagement with one recess or another.

The operation of a warp knitting machine according to Figs. 7-11 equipped with an electric control system shown in Fig. 12 is as follows:

Assume, the warp yarns are properly threaded and the front guide bar 52a as well as the intermediate guide bar 62a are in their lower operative position shown in full lines in Fig. 11.

Upon actuation of the starter switch Mile, the main motor 22a drives the knitting implements IBM of the machine. At the same time the control switch or safety switch 322a is brought into its holding position wherein its blade 334a interrupts the lifting circuit 328a and its blades 335a and 337a close the holding circuit 338a and the lowering circuit 330a respectively.

When a warp yarn threaded through an eyelet of a Warp guide B ta carried by the intermediate guide bar 62a breaks, the operator stops the main motor 22a by an actuation of the stop switch I420, by means of a rocking of the shipper rod l36a, whereby the control switch 322a will also be returned into its pre-setting position shown in Fig. 12. In said pre-setting position the lifting circuit 323a is pre-set for completion by the selector switch [3%. Now, when the operator rocks the second shipper rod E3011 from the position shown in Fig. 8 into the position shown in Fig. 9, the torque motor selector switch l34a completes the lifting circuit for the lifting switch 306a causing an operation of the torque motor [28a for rotation in counterclockwise direction (arrow G), while the lowering switch 309a. for the torque motor 110a remains closed. Therefore, only the front guide bar 162a is lifted into the inoperative raised position l62a, while the intermediate guide bar 62a remains in its operative position. Upon lifting of 'the front guide bar 162a the warp guides 64a carried by the intermediate guide bar 62a become accessible for rethreading of the broken warp yarn.

After repair of the broken warp yarn the shipper rod 136a is returned from the position shown in Fig. 9 into the position shown in Fig. 8, whereby the torque motor selector switch l34a interrupting the lifting circuit 328a for the lifting switch 386a and closing the lowering circuit 338a for the lowering switch 308a causes a lowering of the front guide bar 162a into its lower opera-- 14 tive position, so that the machine is ready for re-starting.

If a warp yarn threaded through the eyelet 52a carried by the rear guide bar 58a should break, the operator at first brings the shipper rod 130a from the position shown in Figs. 7 and 8 into the position shown in Fig. 9, and thereafter into the position shown in Fig. 10, whereby the torque motor selector switch l34a completes at first the lifting circuit for the lifting switch 306a, causing a lifting of the front guide bar l62a by the torque motor I28a into its raised inoperative position l62a', and completes thereafter the lifting circuit for the lifting switch 301a causing a lifting of the intermediate guide bar 62a. by the torque motor a into its raised inoperative position 62a', so that the warp guides 52a carried by the rear guide bar 50a become accessible. After the performance of the necessary repairs and the re-threading of the warp yarn or warp yarns through the eyelet or eyelets of a warp guide or warp guides carried by the rear guide bar 59a, the shipper rod I301; is returned from the position shown in Fig. 10 through the position shown in Fig. 9 into the position shown in Fig. 8, whereby at first the intermediate guide bar 62a and thereafter the front guide bar |62a are returned into their lower operative positions, and the machine is ready for restarting. As the lowering circuits for the lowering switch 398a and for the lowering switch 389a are closed by the selector switch I34a in the position of Fig. 8, the front guide bar lE2a as well as the intermediate guide bar 62a are held in their lower operative positions by the torque motors H811 and llfla respectively.

The control system shown in Fig. l2also includes three safety features: Firstly, the safety switches 8a and lfifia prevent an operation of the warp knitting machine by the motor 22a when either the front guide bar l62a or the front guide bar liiZa and the intermediate guide bar 62a are in raised inoperative position. Secondly the control switch or safety switch 322a prevents a lifting of the guide bars 62a and H521: when the main motor 22a drives the machine. Thirdly, the control switch or safety switch 3220!. causes a holding down of the front guide bar [62a and the intermediate guide bar 62a when at the start of the machine the selector switch 134a is not exactly in the position shown in Fig. 8 or when the machine is running and the shipper rod lEtia associated with the selector switch l34a is unintentionally rocked.

It is understood that the described lifting of the guide bar or guide bars of a warp knitting machine by the mechanisms and arrangements accordin to the invention may also be used for threading all of the warp yarns of the warp beams when the machine shall be made ready for operation.

I have described preferred embodiments of my invention, but it is understood that this disclosure is for the purpose of illustration and that various omissions or changes in shape, proportion and arrangement of parts, as well as the substitution of equivalent elements for those herein shown and described may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

For example, instead of a reversible torque motor, a non-reversible torque motor could be used for actuating the lifting mechanism of a guide bar; in such a case, the guide bar would be lifted by an energization of the torque motor,

while upon de-energization of the torque motor the lowering of the guide bar would take place by the action of its own weight, perhaps assisted by the action of a return spring connected with an element of the lifting mechanism.

Furthermore, instead of a torque motor another suitable electrical device could be used for actuating the lifting mechanism of a uide bar, for example another type of an electromotor, or an electromagnetic device.

If desired, the electric control system may also be modified, for example one or the other safety device could be omitted.

Moreover, if desired, the electric means for actuating the lifting mechanism of a guide bar could be replaced by non-electrical power means. For example, a hydraulic or mechanical drive, which may be rendered active or inactive by an actuating element readily accessible from any place in front of the warp knitting machine could be used; in such a case, preferably, the actuating element is in the shape of a rod or bar extending longitudinally of the machine and being arranged for causing or stopping an operation of the hydraulic or mechanical drive.

What I claim is:

1. In a warp knitting machine the combination of: a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being slidably mounted on its associated brackets for lifting movement from a lower operative end position into an upper inoperative end position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same from one end position into the other one, and controllable power means associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter.

2. In a warp knitting machine the combination of: a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being slidably mounted on its associated brackets for lifting movement from a lower operative end position into an upper inoperative end position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same from one end position into the other one, controllable power means associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter, and a manually operable actuating element extendin longitudinally of the machine, said actuating element being associated with said power means for controlling the operation of the latter.

3. In a warp knitting machine the combination of: a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, and controllable power means associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter, said power means being operable for lifting: and lowering said guide bar, and said power means being operable for holding said guide bar in its lower operative position by the force of the output generated by said power means.

4. In a warp knitting machine the combination of: a main drive for operating the machine, a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, controllable power means associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter, and a safety device responsive to the position of said liftable guide bar and included in said main drive for disabling the latter when said liftable guide bar is in its inoperative position.

5. In a warp knitting machine the combination of: a main drive for operating the machine, a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, 2. plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, controllable power means associated with said lifting means for actuating the latter, a first safety device responsive to the position of said liftable guide bar and associated with said main drive for rendering the latter inoperative when said liftable guide bar is in its inoperative position, and a second safety device responsive to the operation of said main drive and associated with said power means for preventing the latter from actuating the lifting mechanism for a lifting of said guide bar when said main drive is in operation for driving the machine.

6. In a warp knitting machine the combination of: a main drive for operating the machine, a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, 9. plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, controllable power means associated with said lifting means for actuating the latter, said power means being operable for lifting and lowering said guide bar and for holding same in its lower operative position, and a safety device responsive to the operation of said main drive and associated with said power means for operating same to hold said guide bar in its operative position when said main drive is in operation for driving themachine.

7'. In a. warp knitting machine the combination of: a main drive for operating the machine, a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality' of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism associated with said iiftable guide bar for displacing same, controllable power means associated with said lifting means for actuating the latter, said power means being operable for lifting and lowering said guide bar and for holding the latter in its operative position, settable conditioning means associated with said power means for controlling the operation of the latter, and a safety device responsive to the operation of said main drive and associated with said conditioning means for retaining same in a conditioning position for an operaton of said power means to hold said guide bar in its lower operative position when said main drive is in operation for driving the machine.

8. In a warp knitting machine the combination of: a main drive for operating the machine, a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position,,a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, controllable power means associated with said lifting means for actuating the latter, said power means being operable-for lifting and lowering said guide bar and for holding the latter in its operative position, settable conditioning means associated with said power means for controlling the operation of the latter, a first safety device responsive to the position of said liftable guide bar and associated with said main drive for rendering the latter inoperative when said liftable guide bar is in its inoperative position, a second safety device responsive to the operation of said main drive and associated with said conditioning means for preventing a conditioning position thereof for an operation of said power means causing a lifting of said guide bar when said main drive is in operation for driving the machine, and a third safety device responsive to the operation of said main drive and associated with said conditioning means for retaining same in a conditioning positon for an operaton of said power means to hold said guide bar in its lower operative position when said main drive is in operation for driving the machine.

9. In a warp knitting machine the combination of a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism asso-' ciated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, electric means associated with said lift ing mechanism for actuating the latter, switch meanselectrically connected with said electric means, and a rockable shipper rod extending lon-' gitudinally of the machine, said shipper rod being associated with said switch means for controlling same.

10. In a warp knitting machine the combination of: a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being slidably mounted on its associated brackets for lifting movement from a lower operative end position into an upper inoperative end position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same from one end position into the other one, a reversible 18' torque motor associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter so as to lift and lower said guide bar, and limiting means arranged for cooperation with said lifting mechanism for limiting end positions thereof against the action of said torque motor.

11. In a warp knitting machine the combination of: a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, an electric motor associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter, switch means electrically connected with said electric motor, and a rockable shipper rod extending longitudinally of the machine, said shipper rod being associated with said switch means for. controlling same.

12. In a warp knitting machine the combina-i tion of: a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of. spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft,- a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, a reversible torque motor associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter so as to lift and lower said guide bar, limiting means arranged for cooperation with said lifting mechanism for limiting end positions thereof against the action of said torque motor switch means electrically con-1 nected with said torque motor, and a rockable shipper rod extending longitudinally of the machine, said shipper rod being associated with said switch means for controlling same.

13. In a warp knitting machine the combina-- tion of a main electromotor for operating the machine, a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from' a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, electric means associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter, a safety switch, and a motor circuit including said main electromotor and said safety switch, said safety switch being responsive to the position of said liftable guide bar for interrupting said motor circuit when said liftable guide bar is in its inoperative position.

14. In a warp knitting machine as claimed in claim 13; said lifting mechanism being operatively associated with said safety switch for opening same when said guide bar is in its inoperative position.

15. In a warp knitting machine the combination of a main electromotor for operating the machine, a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, electric means associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter, a first switch electrically connected with said electric means and operable for connecting same with an electric source so as to cause a lifting of said guide bar, and a safety switch electrically connected with said first switch and responsive to the operation of said main electromotor for preventing said first switch from connectin said electric means with said electric source when said main electrcrnotor is in operation for driving the machine.

16. In a warp knitting machine the combination of; a main .electromotor for operating the machine, a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from :a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, electric means associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter, a first safety switch, a motor circuit including said main electromotor and said first safety switch, said first safety switch being responsive to the position of said liftable guide bar for interrupting said motor circuit when said liftable guide bar is in its inoperative position, a first switch electrically connected with said electric means and operable for connecting same with an electric source so as to cause a lifting of said guide bar, and a second safety switch electrically connected with said first switch and rwponsive to the operation of said main electromotor for preventing said first switch from connesting said electric means with said electric source when said main electrolnotor is in operation for driving the machine.

17. In a warp knitting machine the combination of a main electromotor for operating the machine, a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft, a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, .a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, a reversible auxiliary motor associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter, said reversible motor being operable in one direction of rotation for lifting said guide bar and being operable in the other direction of rotation for lowering said guide bar and for holding same in its operative position, a first switch electrically connected with said reversible auxiliary motor and operable for connecting same with an electric source so as to cause a lifting of said guide bar, a second switch electrically connected with said reversible auxiliary motor and operable for connecting same with said electric source so as to cause a. lowering of said guide bar and holding same in its operative position, and a safety switch responsive to the operation of said main electromotor and electrically connected with said second switch for holding same in connecting position when said main electromotor is in operation for driving the machine.

18. In a warp knitting machine the combination of: a main electromotor for operating the machine, a rockable guide bar shaft, a series of spaced brackets secured to said guide bar shaft; a plurality of guide bars extending longitudinally of the machine, said guide bars being suspended from said brackets, at least one of said guide bars being liftable relative to said brackets from a lower operative position into an upper inoperative position, a lifting mechanism associated with said liftable guide bar for displacing same, a reversible auxiliary motor associated with said lifting mechanism for actuating the latter, said reversible motor being operable in one direction of rotation for lifting said guide bar and being operable in the other direction of rotation for lowering said guide bar and for holding same in its operative position, a first switch electrically connected with said reversible auxiliary motor and operable for connecting same with an electric source so .as to cause a lifting of said guide bar, a second switch electrically connected with said reversible auxiliary motor and operable for connecting same with said electric source so as to cause a lowering of said guide bar and holding same in its operative position, a first safety switch, a motor circuit including said main electromotor and said first safety switch, said first safety switch being responsive to the position of said liftable guide bar for interrupting said motor circuit when said liftable guide bar is in its inoperative position, a second safety switch electrically connected with said first switch and responsive to the operation of said main electromotor for preventing said first switch from connecting said electric means with said electric source when said main motor is in operation for driving the machine, and a third safety switch responsive to the operation of said main electromotor and electrically connected with said second switch for holding same in connecting position when said main electromotor is in operation for driving the machine.

19.. In an electric control system, for use in connection with a warp knitting machine having at least one liftable guide bar, an electric main motor for machine operation and at least one electrical device operable for guide bar lifting operation, in combination with: an electric circuit comprising main motor actuating means. means for energizing said electrical device, and control means responsive to said actuating means for pro-setting said energizing means to restrain energization of said electrical device during main motor actuation.

20. In an electric control system, for use in connection with a warp knitting machine having at least one liftable guide bar, an electric main motor for machine operation and at least one electrical device operable in opposite direction for guide bar lifting and lowering, in combination with; an electric circuit comprising main motor actuating means, means for alternately oppositely energizing said electrical device, selecting means for said energizing means to select the direction of operation of said electrical device, and control means responsive to said actuating means for pre-setting said energizing means to restrain energization of said electrical device in one direction during main motor actuation.

21. In an electric control system, for use in connection with a warp knitting machine having .at least one liftable guide bar, an electric main motor for .machine operation and at least one electrical device operable in opposite directions for guide bar lifting and lowering, in combination with: an electric circuit comprising main motor actuating means, means for alternately oppositely energizing said electrical device, selecting mean for said energizing means to select the direction of operation of said electrical device, and control means responsive to said actuating means for pre-setting said energizing means to restrain energization of said electrical device in one direction and for maintaining energization of said electrical device in the other direction during main motor actuation.

22. In an electric control system, for use in connection with a warp knitting machine having at least one liftable guide bar, an electric main motor for machine operation and at least one electrical device operable for guide bar lifting, in combination: a prime circuit for said motor and for said electrical device interconnected to an electric source and comprising a normally open main switch movable for connection of said main motor to said prime circuit, and a lifting switch normally open and operable for interconnecting said electrical device to said prime circuit for guide bar lifting; a starter circuit including a solenoid for said main switch and a manually actuable starter switch for operation of said solenoid to close said main switch for machine operation; a lifting circuit including a solenoid for said lifting switch and being normally interrupted to hold open said lifting switch; an actuating switch manually movable for completing said lifting circuit; a control switch biased towards a first position of pre-setting said lifting circuit for completion by said actuating switch and being movable to a second position of interrupting said lifting circuit for restraining guide bar lifting; and a control circuit connected to said starter circuit and including a solenoid for said control switch for movement thereof to said second position during main motor energization.

23. In an electric control system, for use in connection with a warp knitting machine having at least one liftable guide bar, an electric main motor for machine operation and at least one electrical device operable in opposite directions for guide bar lifting and lowering, in combination: a prime circuit for said motor and for said electrical device interconnected to an electric source and comprising a normally open main switch movable for connection of said main motor to said prime circuit, a lifting switch normally open and operable for interconnecting said electrical device to said prime circuit to operate in one direction for guide bar lifting, and a lowering switch for interconnecting said electrical device to said prime circuit at changed polarity to operate in the opposite direction for guide bar lowering; a starter circuit including a solenoid for said main switch and a manually actuable starter switch for operation of said solenoid to close said main switch for machine operation; a lifting circuit including a solenoid for said lifting switch and being normally interrupted to hold open said lifting switch; a lowering circuit including a solenoid for said lowering switch; a selector switch manually movable between at least two positions for alternately completing one among said lifting and lowering circuits; a control switch biased towards a first position of pre-setting said lifting circuit for completion by said selector switch and being movable to a second position of interrupting said lifting circuit for restraining guide bar lifting; and a control circuit connected to said starter circuit and including a solenoid for said control switch for movement thereof to said second position during main motor energization.

24. In an electric control system, for use in connection with a warp knitting machine having at least one liftable guide bar, an electric main motor for machine operation and at least one electrical device operable in opposite directions for guide bar lifting and lowering, in combination: a prime circuit for said motor and for said electrical device interconnected to an electric source and comprising a normally open main switch movable for connection of said main motor to said prime circuit, a lifting switch normally open and operable for interconnecting said electrical device to said prime circuit to operate in one direction for guide bar lifting, and'a lowering switch for interconnecting said electrical device to said prime circuit at changedpolarity to operate in the opposite direction for guide bar lowering, a starter circuit including a solenoid for said main switch and a manually actuable starter switch for operation of said solenoid to close said main switch for machine operation; a lifting circuit including a solenoid for said lifting switch and being normally interrupted to hold open said lifting switch; a lowering circuit including a solenoid for said lowering switch; a selector switch manually movable between at least two positions for alternately completing one among said liftingv and lowering circuits; a control switch biased towards a first position of pre-setting said lifting circuit for completion by said selector switch and being movable to a second position of interrupting said lifting circuit to restrain guide bar lifting and of simultaneously closing said lowering, circuit for guide bar lowering; and a control circuit connected to said starter circuit and in-- eluding a solenoid for said control switch for movement thereof to said second position during main motor energization and for release to return to said first position when said main mo-" tor is deenergized.

to a normal operative position, an electric main motor for machine operation, and at least one reversible torque motor for guide bar lifting and lowering, in combination: a prime circuit for. said motors interconnected to an electric source and comprising a normally open main switch movable for conection of said main motor to said prime circuit. a lifting switch normally open and operable for interconnecting said torque motor to said prime circuit to rotate in one direction for guide bar lifting, and a lowering switch for interconnecting said torque motor to said prime circuit at changed polarity to rotate in the op-- posite direction for guide bar lowering; a starter circuit including a solenoid for said main switch and a manually actuable starter switch for operation of said solenoid to close said main switch for machine operation; a lifting circuit including a solenoid for said lifting switch and being normally interrupted to hold open said lifting switch; a lowering circuit including a solenoid for said lowering switch; a selector switch manually movable between at least two positions of alternately completing one among said lifting;

and lowering circuits; a control switch biased towards a first position of pre-setting said lifting circuit for completion by said selector switch and being movable to a second position of interrupting said lifting circuit to restrain guide;

bar lifting and of simultaneously closing'said lowering circuit [or guide bar lowering; and a control circuit connected in parallel with a portion of said starter circuit and including a solenoid for said control switch for movement there of to said second position during main motor energization, and for release to return to said first position when said main motor is deeper gized, whereby guide bar lifting can take place only at machine standstill and said guide bar will be maintained in operative position during machine operation.

26. In an electric control system as claimed in claim 22, together with, a normally closed safety switch in said starter circuit, means operable by electrical device, upon energization thereof for guide bar lifting, to open said safety switch.

2'7. In an electric control system, for use in connection with a warp knitting machine hav ing a plurality of iiftable guide bars, and electric main motor for machine operation, and a plurality of electrical devices, each associated with a guide bar and operable for lifting thereof, in combination: a prime circuit for said motor and for said electrical device, interconnected to an electric source and comprising a normally open main switch movable for connection of said main motor to said prime circuit, and a lifting switch for each electrical device normally open and operable for interconnecting said electrical device to said prime circuit for guide bar lifting; a starter circuit including a solenoid for said main switch and a manually actuable starter switch for operation of said solenoid to close said main switch for machine operation; a lifting circuit including a solenoid for each lifting switch and being normally interrupted to hold open said lifting switches; an actuating switch manually movable for completing at least a portion of said lilting circuit to lift at least one guide bar; a control switch biased towards a first position of pro-setting said lifting circuit for completion by said actuating switch and being movable to a second position of interrupting said lifting circuit for restraining guide bar lifting; and a control circuit connected to said starter circuit and including a solenoid for said control switch for movement thereof to said second position during main motor energization.

28. In an electric control system as claimed in claim 27, together with, at least one normally closed safety switch in said starter circuit, and means operable by said electrical devices, upon energization thereof for guide bar lifting, to open said safety switch.

29. In an electric control system for use in connection with a warp knitting machine having a plurality of guide bars each liftable from and lowerable to a normel operative position, an electric main motor for machine operation, and a plurality of reversible torque motors each associated with a guide bar and operable for lifting and lowering same, in combination: a prime circuit for said motors interconnected to an electric source and comprising a normally open main switch movable for connection of said main motor to said prime circuit, a lifting switch for each torque motor normally open and operable for interconnecting said torque motor to said prime circuit to rotate in one direction for guide bar lifting, and a lowering switch for each torque motor for interconnecting said torque motor to said prime circuit at changed polarity to rotate in the opposite direction for guide bar lowering; a starter circuit including a solenoid for said main switch and a manually actuable starter switch for operation of said solenoid to close said main switch for machine operation; a lifting circuit including branches having each a solenoid for a lifting switch and being normally interrupted to hold open said lifting switches, a lowering circuit including branches having each a solenoid for a lowering switch; a selector switch manually movable between at least two positions of alternately completing at least one of the branches of said lifting and lowering circuit, respectively; a com trol switch biased towards a first position for presetting said lifting circuit for at least partial completion by said selector switch to lift at least one guide bar and being movable to a second position of interrupting said lifting circuit to restrain guide bar lifting; and a control circuit connected in parallel with a portion of said starter circuit and including a solenoid for said control switch for movement thereof to said second position during main motor energization.

30. In an electric control system as claimed in claim 29, said machine having two guide bars liftable in a predetermined sequence and lowcrable in reversed sequence, said lifting and lowering circuits having each two branches, said selector switch being movable between three sucoessive positions for controlling said sequence,

, in the first position of said selector switch both branches of said lowering circuit being closed, in the intermediate position of said selector switch one branch of the lifting circuit coordinated with the firstly liftable guide bar being closed and one branch of the lowering circuit coordinated with the secondly liftable guide bar being closed, and in the third position of said selector switch both branches of said lowering circuit being closed.

31. In an electric control system, for use in connection with a warp knitting machine having a plurality of guide bars each liftable from and lowerable to a normal operative position, an electric main motor for machine operation, and a plurality of reversible torque motors each associated with a guide bar and operable for lifting and lowering same, in combination: a prime circuit for said motors interconnected to an electric source and comprising a normally open main switch movable for connection of said main motor to said prime circuit, a lifting switch for each torque motor normally open and operable for interconnecting said torque motor to said prime circuit to rotate in one direction for guide bar lifting, and a lowering switch for each torque motor for interconnecting said torque motor to said prime circuit at changed polarity to rotate in the opposite direction for guide bar lowering; a starter circuit including a solenoid for said main switch and a manually actuable starter switch for operation of said solenoid to close said main switch for machine operation; a lifting circuit including branches having each a solenoid for a lifting switch and being normally interrupted to hold open said lifting switches, a lowering circuit including branches having each a solenoid for a lowering switch; a selector switch manually movable between at least two positions of alternately completing at least one of the branches of said lifting and lowering circuits, respectively; a control switch biased towards a first position of pro-setting said lifting circuit for at least partial completion by said selector switch to lift at least one guide bar and being movable to a second position of inter- 25 rupting said lifting circuit to restrain guide bar lifting and of simultaneously closing said lowering circuit for lowering said guide bars; and a control circuit connected in parallel with a portion of said starter circuit and including a-solencid for said control switch for movement thereof to said second position during main motor energization, and for release to return to said first position when said main motor is deenergized, whereby guide bar lifting can take place only at machine standstill and all of said guide bars will be maintained in operative position duringmachine operation.

FRITZ LAMBACH.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Number

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