US3902335A - Knitting machine - Google Patents

Knitting machine Download PDF

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Publication number
US3902335A
US3902335A US463120A US46312074A US3902335A US 3902335 A US3902335 A US 3902335A US 463120 A US463120 A US 463120A US 46312074 A US46312074 A US 46312074A US 3902335 A US3902335 A US 3902335A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
latch
needle
hook
shank
knitting machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US463120A
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English (en)
Inventor
Gerard Durville
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Battelle Memorial Institute Inc
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Battelle Memorial Institute Inc
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Publication date
Application filed by Battelle Memorial Institute Inc filed Critical Battelle Memorial Institute Inc
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Publication of US3902335A publication Critical patent/US3902335A/en
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04B—KNITTING
    • D04B35/00—Details of, or auxiliary devices incorporated in, knitting machines, not otherwise provided for
    • D04B35/02—Knitting tools or instruments not provided for in group D04B15/00 or D04B27/00
    • D04B35/04—Latch needles
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04B—KNITTING
    • D04B15/00—Details of, or auxiliary devices incorporated in, weft knitting machines, restricted to machines of this kind
    • D04B15/08—Needle latch openers; Brushes

Definitions

  • each of the knitting needles of which is provided with a hook and a latch capable of pivoting between two positions. In the first position the latch rests against the inside of the hook to close the hook, and in the second position the latch rests against a stop provided on the needle. In the second position, a spur provided on the latch projects beyond the shank of the needle.
  • the machine is provided with two pushers for each needle, one pusher being arranged on one side of the needle to contact the spur of the latch to push the latch from the second position to the first position, and the other pusher being arranged on the other side of the needle to contact the latch to push the latch from the first position to the second position.
  • the knitting speed of conventional knitting machines is limited by various factors, including above all the deformation tension of the heels of the needles and of the walls of the grooves in which these needles slide. This tension derives from the excessive angles of the needlecontrol cams formed in the frame of the machine. and from the relative speed between the cylinder and the frame.
  • the most widely used hook needle comprises a hook opened and closed by a latch under the effect of the relative axial displacement between the needle and the stitch. In this type of needle, the hook is opened by flattening ofthe latch by the stitch during the ascending stroke of the needle.
  • the length of the ascending stroke of the needle has to be sufficient to disengage the stitch from the latch so that, during the descending course of the needle.
  • the stitch recloses the latch on the hook of the needle and thus moves outside the hook where it drops down on the loop of yarn previously presented to the hook This long stroke required to form the stitch is another factor which limits the speed of knitting machines.
  • One of these means comprises forming the needlecontrol cam with constant angles of 53 enabling the length of the knitting cycle to be reduced to a maximum. This results in sudden changes in direction of the needles which give rise to vibration-generating shocks with the result that the rotational speed of the cylinder is limited to a maximum of 1 m/s.
  • Another means comprises forming the cams with a profile designed so as to produce minimal acceleration and a considerable reduction in the tension in the yarn, and hence in the needle, by virtue of a lowering angle of 60.
  • Tests have shown that the total amount of work required to make the needle descend, at a certain speed of rotation of the cylinder, decreases with the increase in the lowering angle up to coincidence at 60.
  • This improvement in the profile of the dams enables the speed to be increased to 3 m/s and even higher. Nevertheless, there remains a considerable deformation tension of the heel of the needle and of the walls of its groove as a result this lowering angle of60 and of the high speed of rotation of the cylinder.
  • any increase in the knitting speed is accompanied by a corresponding increase in the deformation placement is produced between the pressure roller and the tip of the needle which tends to twist the needle.
  • this type of needle complicates the knitting conditions. limiting the production rate to an inadequate level.
  • the latch is replaced by a piston mounted to slide in the shank of the needle.
  • This type of needle does not lend itself to individual control, with the result that it is fairly widely used in warpknitting machines. There is no weft-knitting machine which uses a needle of this kind known as a tongue or compound needle.
  • the displacement of the needle relative to the cylinder is used to close the hook from behind by means of a latch provided with a closing cam which pushes the latch against the hook during descent of the needle into the cylinder.
  • This latch has an inclined plane designed to generate a couple which tends to draw it back when the yarn is pulled upwards following the ascending movement of the needle.
  • This system promotes breakage of the yarn because the hook is opened by traction of the yarn on the latch which is no more than a few tenths of a millimeter thick, so that the shearing effect on the yarn is greater. the lower the degree of leverage obtainable in this way.
  • Another disadvantage of this solution is that it is not possible to make opening and closing of the hook coincide with the level to which the stitch is lowered, because. in view of the fact that closure is obtained by means of a cam integral with the latch and by the displacement of the needle relative to the cylinder, the needle must make a certain vertical stroke to produce closure. Now. if it is decided, for example, to make this closure coincide with the lowering level, it is obvious that opening can only be obtained above that level, because the needle has to make a certain vertical stroke to enable it to disengage the cam integral with the latch from the cylinder.
  • the object of the present invention is to obviate at least some of the disadvantages attending the systems referred to above.
  • the invention provides a knitting machine comprising a rotating cylinder equipped with a plurality of vertical needles whose free shank end is curved to form a hook. each needle carrying a latch pivotally connected to the shank in the'plane containing the shank and the hook. the latch being capable of being tilted between two end positions, in the first of which the latch is in contact at its free end with at least part of the inner surface of the hook, whilst in the second the latch rests against a stop associated with the shank of the needle.
  • the latch comprises at least one spur arranged to project beyond the profile of the 5 shank of the corresponding needle when the latch is in second upper position, and vice versa, in order to carry out knitting, and means for controlling tilting of the latch of each needle between the two end positions thereof.
  • This knitting machine is distinguished by the fact that the aforementioned means are formed, on the one hand, by two pushers arranged on either side of each needle and capable of being displaced along paths contained in at least one plane parallel to the tilting plane of the latch and in the direction of the shank of the needle or in the opposite direction alternatively for each pusher. and on the other hand by a mechanism for entraining the pushers in an alternating movement and with such a stroke that, at least in an axial position of the needle, one of these pushers is capable of contacting the spur of the latch when it is in its second end position, so as to push the latch into the first position, while the other pusher is capable of contacting at least one surface element of the latch occupying, on the latch. a position opposite to that of the spur when the latch is in its first end position, so as to bring the latch into its second position.
  • FIG. I is a diametral section.
  • FIGS. 21: and 2/) are partial enlarged views of a needle in the two positions of its latch.
  • FIG. 3 is a view of this same needle turned through 90 relative to FIGS. 2 and 2b.
  • FIGS. 4a to 4b are diagrams illustrating the various phases involved in the formation of a stitch.
  • FIG. is a graph showing the increase in the deformation stresses as a function of the increase in the cam angle.
  • FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a variant.
  • the needle 1 shown in detail in FIGS. 20, 2/: and 3 is a needle equipped with a latch 2.
  • the latch is held inside the hook 3 formed at the active end of the needle.
  • This latch is accommodated in an elongated opening 4 which extends through the shank of the needle and is pivoted about a pin 5 perpendicular to the plane of the opening 4 and situated near the lower end of that opening.
  • the end of the hook and edge 41! of the open-- ing 4 form the two stops which limit the movement of the latch.
  • the latch 2 has a shoulder 2a which projects towards the rear when the latch is in its opening position. The function of this shoulder 2a will be explained hereinafter.
  • the tip of the latch 2 is accommodated in the opening 4 in the open position of the hook 3, while the end of the hook 3 is itself accommodated in a recess 2h formed in the tip of the latch.
  • the yarn is in no danger of being hooked up during the ascent or descent of the needle during formation of the stitch.
  • FIG. 1 The diametral section in FIG. 1 shows the needle I illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 mounted in a groove 6 of the cylinder 7 of a weft knitting machine equipped with a lowering plate 8.
  • the cylinder 7 is mounted for rotation inside a frame B about a vertical axis.
  • This knitting machine is illustrated very diagrammatically by only those components required for the understanding of the invention.
  • the lower end of the needle I is provided with a heel 9 whose front edge is formed with a recess 9a intended to receive the free end of a spring 11.
  • This spring which in its free state is substantially straight, is subjected to the action of two' cams, namely an ascent cam formed, in this example, by a wheel R, and a descent cam formed, for example, by a fixed lifting surface 10.
  • the wheel R is pivoted freely about a radial pin integral with the frame B.
  • the lowering plate 8 is mounted to slide in a radial plane on the cylinder 7.
  • Each needle is associated with an identical lowering plate.
  • This plate has a heel 8a engaged in a groove 12 integral with the frame B forming the control cam of the plate.
  • the plate 8 is formed with two projections 8/2 and extending laterally in relation to the plane of the plate and arranged on either side of the needle 1.
  • the displacement of the needle l is controlled by the wheel R and the fixed cam 10 through the spring 11.
  • the wheel R pivoted freely on a radial axis is entrained by the spring 11 and simultaneously deforms this spring Il whose free end, in contact with the heel 9 of the needle 1, then raises this needle.
  • the spring leaves the wheel R, it comes into contact with the cam 10 which has a certain falling slope followed by a horizontal section.
  • This cam 10 controls the return of the spring 11 to its initial form under the effect of its own elasticity, while the horizontal section, which follows the inclined section, limits the descent of the needle which determines the size of the stitch.
  • FIGS. 4a and 4/1 in order to examine the various phases involved in the operation of this knitting machine.
  • the needle is shown somewhat diagrammatically solely in the interests of simplification. this needle being in reality the same as that illustrated in detail in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • FIG. 4a shows hooking of the stitch by displacement of the plate from left to right.
  • the projection 8b comes into contact with the latch 2 and entrains it, thus opening the hook 3.
  • the latch is completely cffaced so that. during ascent of the needle 1, the loop of yarn newly formed slides without meeting any obstacle (FIG. 41)).
  • FIG. 41' illustrates presentation of the yarn to the needle. the yarn being subsequently gathered by the hook 3 of the needle beginning its downward movement.
  • FIG. I comprises arming the return spring ll during ascent of the needle. so that the descending movement of the needle is initiated by the spring II and not by a cam, as in conventional knitting machines producing a deformation of the heel of the needle and of the groove in which the needle is mounted. Restoration of the energy of the spring 11 to cause the needle to descend makes it possible to impart to the needle a speed equal to or even higher than the speed produced by a 60 cam without creating any lateral deformation stress.
  • the speed of the knitting machine can be greatly increased and the gauges can be refined. because it is known that the fineness of the gauges is limited by the lateral stresses applied to the walls of the grooves separating the needles from one another. Now. if these stresses decrease. the thickness of the needles and of the walls can be reduced. thus giving a finer gauge.
  • FIG. 6 shows a variant of FIG. I.
  • the plate 8 is mounted in a groove 6' which. forms an angle of about 30 with the horizontal, so that. instead of having a radial movement of the plate perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder 7'. it is inclined. By this inclination in the direction of displacement of the-plate relative to the cylinder, it is possible slightly further to reduce the stroke of theneedle by the relative vertical displacement between the needle and the plate.
  • This variant only slightly modifies the stitchforming cycle described in reference to FIGS. 4a and 4/1. I
  • the control of needle ascent by the springs 11 is another advantage because in the event of wear. it is suffi' cient to replace the worn springs rather than the cylinder itself. which is the case at present.
  • a knitting machine comprising:
  • a plurality of vertical needles each of which comprises:
  • a latch pivotally mounted on said shank in the plane containing said shank and said hook and capable of being tilted between two end positions in the first of which end positions said latch is in contact with the inner surface of said hook to close said hook.
  • said means comprising: two pushers arranged on either side of each of said needles and capable of being displaced along paths contained in a plane parallel to the tilting plane of said latch and in the direction of said shank or in the opposite direction alternatively for each pusher.
  • one of said pushers is capable of contacting said spur of said latch when said latch is in said second end position so as to push said latch into saif first end position. while the other of said pushers is capable of contacting said latch when said latch is in said first end posi tion so as to push said latch into said second end position.
  • a knitting machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for controlling tilting of each of said latches comprises:
  • a knitting machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the angle between said guide groove and the vertical path of said needle is an acute angle. whereby said guide groove slopes upwards and. at the same time. diverges from said vertical path.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Knitting Machines (AREA)
US463120A 1973-04-27 1974-04-22 Knitting machine Expired - Lifetime US3902335A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH607873A CH567129A5 (xx) 1973-04-27 1973-04-27

Publications (1)

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US3902335A true US3902335A (en) 1975-09-02

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US463120A Expired - Lifetime US3902335A (en) 1973-04-27 1974-04-22 Knitting machine

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US (1) US3902335A (xx)
JP (1) JPS5013658A (xx)
CH (1) CH567129A5 (xx)
DE (1) DE2421055A1 (xx)
GB (1) GB1416291A (xx)
IT (1) IT1008493B (xx)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4054042A (en) * 1975-01-31 1977-10-18 Battelle Memorial Institute Apparatus for accelerating a knitting needle during its stitch drawing stroke
US4139997A (en) * 1976-03-05 1979-02-20 Sulzer Brothers Limited Patterning device for actuating operating elements of textile machinery
US5095720A (en) * 1982-07-14 1992-03-17 Annedeen Hosiery Mill, Inc. Circular weft knitting machine

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US51115A (en) * 1865-11-21 Improvement in knitting-machine needles
US61413A (en) * 1867-01-22 Leyi w
US1364088A (en) * 1919-10-02 1921-01-04 Hemphill Co Knitting-needle
US3258938A (en) * 1963-02-27 1966-07-05 Groz & Soehne Theodor Spring bearded needle

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US51115A (en) * 1865-11-21 Improvement in knitting-machine needles
US61413A (en) * 1867-01-22 Leyi w
US1364088A (en) * 1919-10-02 1921-01-04 Hemphill Co Knitting-needle
US3258938A (en) * 1963-02-27 1966-07-05 Groz & Soehne Theodor Spring bearded needle

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4054042A (en) * 1975-01-31 1977-10-18 Battelle Memorial Institute Apparatus for accelerating a knitting needle during its stitch drawing stroke
US4139997A (en) * 1976-03-05 1979-02-20 Sulzer Brothers Limited Patterning device for actuating operating elements of textile machinery
US5095720A (en) * 1982-07-14 1992-03-17 Annedeen Hosiery Mill, Inc. Circular weft knitting machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT1008493B (it) 1976-11-10
CH567129A5 (xx) 1975-09-30
JPS5013658A (xx) 1975-02-13
DE2421055A1 (de) 1974-11-21
GB1416291A (en) 1975-12-03

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