Circular knitting machine for ribbed structures and method of knitting control

Abstract

This invention provides a circular knitting machine and knitting control method for rib knitting structures. In this circular knitting machine, the lower needle is movably mounted axially within the needle cylinder; the upper needle plate is rotatably connected to an upper needle plate fixing seat, and the upper needle plate and needle cylinder rotate coaxially and synchronously on the frame. A needle feed cam assembly drives the upper needle to reciprocate radially within the upper needle plate; a needle flipping device includes a needle flipping hook, fixed to the frame. When the upper needle plate rotates and the upper needle exits, the needle flipping hook abuts against the side of the upper needle tongue away from the upper needle hook; when the upper needle plate rotates and the upper needle enters, the needle flipping hook flips the upper needle tongue towards the upper needle hook, rotating it to a position where it is closed with the upper needle hook, thereby transferring the loop from the upper needle to the lower needle. Needle flipping is achieved through the mechanical relative motion between the stationary needle flipping hook and the moving upper needle, ensuring the stability and reliability of the knitting machine under high-speed operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of knitting machinery technology, and in particular to a circular knitting machine and knitting control method for rib knitting structures. Background Technology

[0002] When knitting rib knitting machines (circular knitting machinery), the cylinder needles (commonly known as knitting needles) and the upper needles (commonly known as upper needles) typically work together to knit the rib structure of the sock cuff and other parts. During the cuff knitting stage, both the upper and lower needles simultaneously pick up the yarn from the feed nozzle, forming an intersecting rib structure. Before the cuff knitting is completed and the machine moves to the next stage such as the sock body, all the knitting loops on the upper needles must be transferred to the knitting needles. This crucial step is known in the industry as "turning the stitches" or "transferring the loops."

[0003] At the beginning of each knitting cycle (i.e., the unwinding and yarn-laying stage), the latch of the upper needle, which is in a closed state, must be opened to fully expose the upper needle hook so that it can smoothly hook the yarn, thereby completing the subsequent bending and loop-forming actions. If the latch fails to open smoothly or closes prematurely before hooking the yarn, the hook will not be able to hook the yarn or the yarn will be broken by the latch, resulting in serious knitting defects such as missed stitches, holes, and closed loops, and may even damage the knitting needle.

[0004] See Figure 5 a and Figure 5 b. In the prior art, the upper needle 5 includes an upper needle body, an upper needle foot 8, and an upper needle tongue 9. An upper needle hook 10 is provided at the end of the upper needle body, and the upper needle tongue 9 is hinged to the upper needle body. When opening the needle, see... Figure 5 b. Open the needle tongue 9; when closing the needle, see [link to needle closure]. Figure 5 a. Close the needle tab 9 on the upper needle, and the loop comes off the upper needle. See [link / reference] for the standard needle tab turning process. Figure 5 b. The upper needle needs to be moved radially outward (needle exit) to open the upper needle latch 9 and expose the loop; then the lower needle moves upward, passes through the loop, and uses the loop hole to cover the loop; next, the upper needle moves radially inward (needle entry) to allow the loop to fall out of the closed upper needle latch 9, finally completing the downward transfer. Among these, the reliable flipping and opening of the upper needle latch 9 and the smooth unlooping of the loop are the core elements that determine the success rate of the stitch flipping and the quality of the socks.

[0005] The applicant has discovered that the prior art has at least the following technical problems:

[0006] First, at the beginning of each knitting cycle (i.e., the unwinding and yarn padding stages), the existing circular knitting machine's upper needle opening latch device is prone to slippage when the upper needle latch is moved, resulting in the needle latch not being fully opened, which in turn causes defects such as missed needles.

[0007] Secondly, existing needle flap structures often rely on the tension of the yarn itself to move the needle flap. When the machine is running at high speed or the yarn tension fluctuates slightly, the needle flap is prone to not turning properly, being half-open or half-closed, or even closing prematurely before the transfer. This can cause the lower needle to fail to accurately loop the loop, resulting in defects such as missed stitches, holes, waste edges, or pulled yarn, reducing the yield of socks. Furthermore, when the upper needle completes the loop and moves radially inward, due to the friction and tension of the yarn, the loop is very likely to move inward with the upper needle and cannot fall smoothly onto the lower needle.

[0008] Third, the needle feet of the upper needle are prone to fatigue wear and even breakage due to long-term exposure to friction from the drive components, high-frequency impacts, and alternating yarn tension. Once a needle foot breaks, control of that needle will be lost, and the upper needle will not be able to return to its normal position. This can cause the uncontrolled upper needle to bulge abnormally radially or shift position under centrifugal force or yarn tension.

[0009] In summary, existing circular knitting sock machines have significant shortcomings in terms of the smoothness of needle shifting, the stability of the needle opening mechanism, and the detection and protection against broken needles on the upper coil. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field to develop a circular knitting sock machine that can improve knitting quality, reduce scrap rates, and effectively protect the machinery. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a circular knitting machine and knitting control method for rib knitting structures, to solve the technical problem that existing circular knitting machines are prone to slippage at the beginning of the knitting cycle when the needle latch is moved, resulting in the needle latch not being fully moved and affecting the knitting efficiency and quality of rib knitting structures. The various technical effects of the preferred technical solutions provided by this invention are detailed below.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: The circular knitting machine for rib knitting structures provided by the present invention includes a frame, an upper needle plate fixing seat fixed to the frame, an upper needle plate having upper needles, a needle cylinder having lower needles, a needle feed cam assembly, a yarn feed nozzle, and a needle opening tongue plate, wherein: The upper needle includes an upper needle foot, an upper needle tongue, and an upper needle hook. The lower needle is movably arranged axially within the syringe. The needle feed triangular assembly is fixedly mounted on the upper needle plate mounting base. The upper needle plate is rotatably connected to the upper needle plate mounting base. The upper needle plate and the syringe rotate coaxially and synchronously on the frame. The needle feed triangular assembly is used to drive the upper needle to reciprocate radially within the upper needle plate. The yarn feeding nozzle is fixed to the upper needle plate fixing seat, and the needle opening tongue plate is fixed to the machine frame; Along the rotation direction of the upper needle plate, the needle opening tongue plate is located upstream of the yarn feeder. The needle opening tongue plate has a pointed cone portion, which is positioned towards the upper needle. When the upper needle plate rotates and the upper needle exits, the pointed cone portion can abut against the upper needle tongue and push the upper needle tongue to rotate in a direction away from the upper needle hook, thereby opening the upper needle tongue.

[0012] The present invention also provides a knitting control method based on the above-mentioned circular knitting machine for rib knitting structure. The circular knitting machine for rib knitting structure further includes a needle opening tongue and a broken needle detection device. The needle opening tongue is located upstream of the yarn feeder and is used to open the needle tongue before the upper needle hooks the yarn. The broken needle detection device is located downstream of the corresponding needle feed cam assembly and is used to detect whether the upper needle has broken after the upper needle enters the machine. The method includes: S1, Needle opening stage: The upper needle plate rotates, the upper needle extends radially under the action of the needle feed triangle assembly, and the needle opening plate opens the upper needle tongue, so that the upper needle hook can smoothly hook the yarn at the yarn feed nozzle. S2, Needle breakage detection stage: The upper needle plate continues to rotate, and the upper needle enters radially under the action of the needle feed triangle assembly. The needle breakage detection device detects whether the needle foot of the upper needle breaks after the upper needle enters the needle. If the upper needle pin breaks, the machine will stop automatically; if the upper needle pin is normal, the upper needle will retract normally. S3, Turning the needle and transferring the loop stage: When the ribbed sock cuff is finished, the upper needle plate rotates and the upper needle comes out again, and the turning the needle hook abuts against the upper needle tongue; then the upper needle goes in, and the turning the needle hook forcibly moves the upper needle tongue to close, forcing the loop to fall off the upper needle and transfer to the lower needle.

[0013] The present invention provides a circular knitting machine and knitting control method for rib knitting structures, which has the following advantages compared with the prior art: the needle feed cam assembly realizes the needle feed and needle exit on the needle plate. The needle opening tongue plate is coordinated with the rotation of the needle plate and the radial movement trajectory of the needle. When the needle plate rotates and the needle exits, the stationary pointed cone part and the moving needle tongue produce relative displacement, pushing the needle tongue to rotate in the direction away from the needle hook. The above-mentioned mechanical actuation ensures that the needle tongue is opened, so that the needle hook can be fully exposed to hook the yarn. In this embodiment, the pointed cone can accurately abut against and act on the force point of the upper needle tongue. Compared with the shortcomings of traditional thin steel wires, which have too small contact area and are prone to slippage during vibration, the abutment and cooperation between the pointed cone and the upper needle tongue is more stable and has better guidance, effectively avoiding the problem of needle slippage and improving the success rate and reliability of the needle tongue opening action. It also reduces knitting defects such as missed needles, holes, and closed loops caused by the upper needle tongue not opening or closing prematurely, improves the quality of knitted fabrics, and ensures the long-term stability and reliability of knitting machinery under high-speed operation. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of a circular knitting sock machine; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the hook of the flip needle rests against the upper needle tongue; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the flipping hook flips the upper needle tongue; Figure 5 a, Figure 5 b are schematic diagrams showing the states of the upper needle tongue when it is closed and when it is open; Figure 6 ac is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of flipping the upper needle tongue with the flipping needle hook; Figure 7 a, Figure 7 b are side views of the upper needle spring at the upper needle; Figure 8 ae is a diagram showing the process of completing the flipping stitch action by coordinating the purl stitch, knit stitch, and flipping hook. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the upper needle plate fixing seat; Figure 10 This is a 3D structural diagram of the needle tracking cam assembly; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the needle path in the needle feed triangle assembly; Figure 12 This is a top view of the structure of the upper needle plate cooperating with the needle feed triangle assembly when it rotates counterclockwise; Figure 13 It is a bottom view of the needle feed cam assembly in conjunction with the upper needle; Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the syringe, lower needle and upper needle plate, and upper needle; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the starting triangle on the syringe. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drop needle triangle and the drop needle working together; Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the needle opening tongue plate and the needle turning tongue hook on a circular knitting hosiery machine; Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the working structure of the needle opening tongue plate and the upper needle during needle opening; Figure 21 a to Figure 21 c is a schematic diagram of the needle-opening process of the needle-opening tongue device.

[0016] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the working structure of the sensor probe post, sensor and upper needle under normal knitting conditions; Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the working structure of the sensing probe post, sensor, and upper needle when the upper needle pin breaks, causing needle insertion failure and abnormal radial bulging. Figure 24 a, Figure 24 b is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure between the sensor probe post and the upper needle under normal knitting conditions; Figure 25 a, Figure 25 b is a schematic diagram of the mating structure between the sensor probe post and the upper needle when the upper needle pin breaks, causing the needle insertion to fail and an abnormal radial bulge occurs. Figure 26 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the broken needle detection device and the upper needle plate working together; Figure 27 yes Figure 26 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the upper needle structure; Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram of the ribbed weave structure.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Knitting needle; 2. Upper needle plate holder; 3. Turning needle hook; 301. Bent rod; 302. Pointed hook; 4. Pressure block; 5. Upper needle; 6. Knitting loop; 7. Needle cylinder; 8. Upper needle foot; 9. Upper needle tongue; 10. Upper needle hook; 11. Needle loop hole; 12. Upper needle spring; 13. Yarn; 14. Yarn feeder; 15. Upper needle groove; 16. Upper needle plate; 17. Needle feed triangle assembly; 170. Fixing plate; 18. Circumferential needle feed groove; 191. Needle exit inclined needle feed groove; 192. Needle entry inclined needle feed groove; 20. First triangle block; 21. Locking element; 22. Knitting needle hook; 23. Knitting needle foot; 24. 25. Lowering needle triangle; 26. Mounting base; 27. Second triangle block; 281. Looping needle guide groove; 282. Looping needle guide end point; 283. Yarn feeding guide groove; 284. Looping needle triangle point; 30. Needle opening tongue; 31. Conical part; 311. Upper conical surface; 312. Lower working plane; 32. Base; 40. Sensor; 41. Sensor contact part; 42. Mounting body; 43. Sensor probe post; 431. First contact part; 432. Second contact part; 44. Low end part; 45. High end part; 46. Sensor groove; 47. Signal controller; 50. Looping needle breakage foot. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "length," "width," "height," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "side," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0020] This invention provides a circular knitting machine and knitting control method for rib knitting structures. The needle turning action can be achieved through the mechanical relative motion between the stationary needle turning hook and the moving needle, ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of the knitting machine under high-speed operation.

[0021] The following is combined with Figures 1-28 The technical solution provided by this invention will be described in more detail below.

[0022] Example 1: At the beginning of each knitting cycle (i.e., the unwinding and yarn-laying stage), the closed latch 9 of the upper needle must be opened to fully expose the upper needle hook 10 so that it can smoothly hook the yarn, thereby completing the subsequent bending and looping actions. If the latch fails to open smoothly or closes prematurely before hooking the yarn, the hook will be unable to hook the yarn or the yarn will be broken by the latch, resulting in serious knitting defects such as missed stitches, holes, and closed loops, and may even damage the knitting needle.

[0023] See Figure 29 Rib knit is a double-sided weft-knitted fabric structure formed by alternating combinations of front (knit) and back (purl) warps. A 1+1 rib is formed by alternating front and back warps; other rib patterns include 2+2, 3+4, and 5+3. The number before the "+" sign indicates the number of consecutive front warp warps, and the number after the "+" sign indicates the number of consecutive back warp warps.

[0024] The ribbing structure of the sock cuff on a circular knitting machine involves alternating knit and purl stitches. Odd-numbered purl stitches ①, ③, ⑤... and even-numbered purl stitches ②, ④, ⑥... form a 1+1 knitting pattern. Figure 29 In the diagram, ①, ③, and ⑤ represent the front loops (knit stitches), and ②, ④, ⑥... represent the back loops (purl stitches). After knitting the sock cuff, the purl stitches are transferred to the corresponding non-knitting knit stitches ②, ④, ⑥... for the next knitting step.

[0025] For the above issues, please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 12 , Figures 18-20 , Figure 21 a- Figure 21 c, Figure 12The arrow in the figure indicates the rotation direction of the upper needle plate 16; the circular knitting machine for rib knitting structure provided in this embodiment includes a frame, an upper needle plate fixing seat 2 fixed to the frame, an upper needle plate 16 with upper needles 5, a needle cylinder 7 with lower needles 1, a needle feed cam assembly 17, a yarn feed nozzle 14, and a needle opening tongue plate 30, wherein: the lower needles 1 are movably arranged in the needle cylinder 7 along its axial direction; the needle feed cam assembly 17 is fixedly arranged in the upper needle plate fixing seat 2, the upper needle plate is rotatably connected to the upper needle plate fixing seat, the upper needle plate 16 and the needle cylinder 7 rotate coaxially and synchronously on the frame, and the needle feed cam assembly 17 is used to drive the upper needles 5 to move radially reciprocally in the upper needle plate 16; the upper needles 5 include upper needle feet 8, upper needle tongues 9, and upper needle hooks 10.

[0026] The yarn feeder 14 is fixed on the upper needle plate fixing seat 2, and the needle opening tongue plate 30 is fixed below the upper needle plate fixing seat 2. The needle opening tongue plate 30 and the needle flipping tongue device are arranged at intervals around the upper needle plate 16. Along the rotation direction of the upper needle plate 16, the needle opening tongue plate 30 is located upstream of the yarn feeder 14. The needle opening tongue plate 30 has a pointed cone 31, which is set towards the upper needle 5. When the upper needle plate 16 rotates and the upper needle 5 exits, the pointed cone 31 can abut against the upper needle tongue 9 and push the upper needle tongue 9 to rotate in a direction away from the upper needle hook 10, thereby opening the upper needle tongue 9. The needle opening tongue plate 30 is fixed below the upper needle plate fixing seat 2. Specifically, it can be set on the upper needle plate fixing seat 2 and fixed in a detachable manner by bolts or the like. Before locking the needle opening tongue plate 30 on the frame, the position of the needle opening tongue plate 30 on the frame can be adjusted, such as by sliding connection, so as to adjust the position of the needle opening tongue plate 30 and thus adjust the position of the tip cone 31 relative to the upper needle 5.

[0027] The frame serves as the supporting structure, while the upper needle plate 16 and needle cylinder 7 are used to support and drive the knitting needles. See also Figure 20 A base 32 is fixedly installed on the frame, and a needle opening tongue plate 30 is fixed on the base 32.

[0028] See Figures 18-20 , Figure 21 a- Figure 21 c. When the upper needle plate 16 rotates and the upper needle 5 emerges, the emergence of the upper needle 5 means that the upper needle 5 moves radially outward along the upper needle plate 16. The contact point at the foremost end of the pointed cone 31 is used to push the upper needle tongue 9. The stationary pointed cone 31 and the moving upper needle tongue 9 generate relative displacement, pushing the upper needle tongue 9 to rotate in a direction away from the upper needle hook 10. This mechanical actuation ensures that the upper needle tongue 9 is opened, allowing the upper needle hook 10 to be fully exposed to hook the yarn. The opening tongue plate 30 has sufficient rigidity to reduce the risk of deformation and breakage. The opening tongue plate 30 can provide continuous support and guidance for the opened needle tongue, effectively preventing the needle tongue from rebounding and closing prematurely, thereby ensuring that the upper needle hook 10 can smoothly hook the yarn and reducing the occurrence of yarn padding failure and weaving defects.

[0029] As an optional implementation, see Figure 20 , Figure 21 a- Figure 21 c. The pointed cone portion 31 has a lower working plane 312 and an upper conical surface 311, wherein: the lower working plane 312 is higher than the top surface of the upper needle hook 10, or the lower working plane 312 is flush with the top surface of the upper needle hook 10; the lower end of the upper conical surface 311 is connected to the lower working plane 312, and the upper conical surface 311 is gradually inclined upward in a direction away from the upper needle plate 16; the included angle formed between the lower working plane 312 and the upper conical surface 311 is an acute angle.

[0030] See Figure 21 a. The main function of the lower working plane 312 is to ensure that the pointed cone 31 will not interfere or collide with the upper needle hook 10 unnecessarily during the opening of the needle tongue.

[0031] The working principle of this embodiment mainly relies on the relative motion between the stationary opening needle tongue plate 30 and the compound-movement upper needle 5. The specific working process can be divided into the following four stages: See Figure 21 a, Figure 21 b、 Figure 21 c. Before powering on, based on the actual movement trajectory of the upper needle 5, the needle tongue plate 30 is precisely adjusted and fixed in the left-right and front-back directions to ensure that the pointed cone 31 at the front end is within the movement interference zone of the upper needle tongue 9. The upper needle plate 16 drives the upper needle 5 to rotate synchronously in a counterclockwise direction. At the same time, the upper needle 5 moves radially outward on the upper needle plate 16. That is, the upper needle 5 has a composite movement trajectory of counterclockwise rotation and radial extension (the relevant drive structure is described in detail later).

[0032] As the upper needle 5 extends radially and rotates counterclockwise, the upper needle tongue 9 gradually approaches the stationary opening tab 30, and the upper needle tongue 9 first contacts the pointed tip 31. Because the pointed tip 31 has an acute angle, its tip can accurately and smoothly insert into the gap between the upper needle tongue 9 and the upper needle hook 10, or directly pry the upper needle tongue 9 open; as the upper needle 5 continues to move, the pointed tip 31 naturally pushes the upper needle tongue 9 open. See also Figure 21 b and Figure 21 c. After the upper needle latch 9 is opened, the lower working plane 312 acts as a guide to prevent the upper needle latch 9 from accidentally springing back and closing during vibration, keeping the upper needle latch 9 in a stable open state. During the window period when the upper needle latch 9 remains open, the exposed upper needle hook 10 smoothly hooks the yarn on the yarn feeder, completing the initial yarn padding action of knitting. Subsequently, the upper needle 5 retracts radially to complete the subsequent loop forming action.

[0033] As mentioned earlier, during the sock cuff knitting stage, the upper needle hook 10 and the lower needle hook simultaneously hook the yarn on the yarn feeder, forming an alternating upper and lower needle rib structure.

[0034] The purl 5 and knit 1 stitches will go through the process of slipping out of the loop, taking in the yarn, and forming a loop.

[0035] In this context, "removing the loop" refers to the following: the knitting needle 1 moves upward (starting up), and the old loop that was originally inside the knitting needle tongue slides downward relative to the knitting needle body. The purlting needle 5 extends outward (exiting), and the old loop also slides from the purlting needle tongue 9 relative to the purlting needle body.

[0036] "Eating yarn" refers to hooking new yarn, pulling it downwards / inwards, and after the knitting needle 1 reaches its highest point, it begins to move downwards. The knitting needle hook passes over the yarn feeder, hooks the new yarn, and forcibly pulls the new yarn downwards. After the purling needle 5 reaches its outermost point, it begins to retract inwards (advance the needle). The open purling needle hook 10 hooks the new yarn and pulls it towards the center.

[0037] "Loop formation" refers to the process where, as the knitting needle continues to descend and the purlting needle 5 continues to retract inward, the new yarn being pulled will press against the old loop. When the needle hook is completely retracted below the old loop, the old loop comes off and is looped onto the new loop.

[0038] Therefore, during the knitting process, the purl needle 5 also needs to be brought in and out. The radial movement drive structure of the purl needle 5 during the unrolling, yarn feeding, and loop formation processes is explained below: See Figure 11 and Figure 13 The needle-feeding cam assembly also includes a second cam block 27, wherein: the second cam block 27 and the first cam block 20 are arranged at intervals around the center of the fixed plate 170, the second cam block 27 is located in another clearance notch, and the outer wall of the second cam block 27 and the clearance notch therein form a loop-removing inclined needle-feeding groove 281 and a thread-feeding inclined needle-feeding groove 283, which are connected; along the moving direction of the upper needle foot 8, the loop-removing inclined needle-feeding groove 281 gradually extends away from the center of the fixed plate; along the moving direction of the upper needle foot 8, the thread-feeding inclined needle-feeding groove 283 gradually extends closer to the center of the fixed plate; the connection position of the loop-removing inclined needle-feeding groove 281 and the thread-feeding inclined needle-feeding groove 283 is the upper needle loop-removing end point 282; the exit side of the thread-feeding inclined needle-feeding groove 283 forms an upper needle loop-forming cam point 284.

[0039] See Figures 15-17As shown, the frame is also fixed with a needle-starting triangle 24 and a needle-descending triangle 25. The needle-starting triangle 24 and the needle-descending triangle 25 are fixedly arranged around the circumference of the syringe. The needle-starting triangle 24 is located below the uncoiling inclined needle feed groove 281, and the needle-descending triangle 25 is located below the thread-feeding inclined needle feed groove 283. When the syringe 7 rotates counterclockwise, the inclined surface of the needle-starting triangle 24 abuts against the needle foot 23, thereby pushing the needle 1 to rise axially. The inclined surface of the needle-descending triangle 25 abuts against the needle foot 23, thereby pushing the needle 1 to descend axially.

[0040] In this embodiment, the knitting needle and the purl needle work together to form a rib knit structure, specifically: See Figure 11 and Figure 13 As the upper needle plate 16 rotates, the upper needle foot 8 passes sequentially through the unwinding inclined needle path groove 281, the upper needle unwinding endpoint 282, the thread-feeding inclined needle path groove 283, and the upper needle looping triangle point 284. The upper needle foot 8 enters the unwinding inclined needle path groove 281. As the upper needle plate 16 rotates, because the fixed plate and the second triangle block 27 are stationary, the upper needle 5 gradually extends radially. At the upper needle unwinding endpoint 282, the upper needle hook 10 reaches its outermost position. Since the lower needle starting triangle 24 is located below the unwinding inclined needle path groove 281, during the process of the upper needle 5 exiting the loop, the inclined surface of the lower needle starting triangle 24 abuts against the lower needle foot 23, thereby pushing the lower needle 1 axially upward. This process corresponds to the unwinding process.

[0041] As the upper needle plate 16 continues to rotate, the upper needle foot 8 enters the yarn feeding inclined needle groove 283. At this time, the needle gradually retracts radially, which corresponds to the yarn feeding process. When the upper needle foot 8 leaves the yarn feeding inclined needle groove 283 and reaches the upper needle loop forming triangle point 284, the upper needle 5 completes the loop forming. Since the lower needle descending triangle 25 is located below the yarn feeding inclined needle groove 283, when the needle cylinder 7 rotates counterclockwise, the inclined surface of the lower needle descending triangle 25 abuts against the lower needle foot 23, thereby pushing the lower needle 1 to descend axially. That is, as the lower needle continues to descend and the upper needle 5 continues to retract inward, the pulled new yarn will press against the old loop. When the needle hook is completely retracted below the old loop, the old loop is unlooped and looped onto the new loop.

[0042] Example 2: As mentioned in Example 1 above, during the sock cuff knitting stage, the upper needle hook and the lower needle hook simultaneously hook the yarn on the yarn feeder to form an alternating upper and lower needle rib structure.

[0043] In this embodiment, specifically, for example, the upper needle 5 has fifty needles and the lower needle 1 has one hundred needles. The fifty lower needles 1 and the upper needle 5 are arranged alternately around the center of the upper needle plate 16 to form the rib structure described in Embodiment 1 above. The remaining fifty lower needles 1 are used for the next knitting action of the sock cuff, which does not require the formation of the rib structure.

[0044] Before moving on to the next process, such as the sock leg, after the sock cuff knitting is finished, all the knitting loops on the purl needle 5 must be transferred to the knitting needle. This crucial process is known in the industry as "loop transfer".

[0045] See Figures 1-17 As shown, the circular knitting machine for rib knitting structure provided by the present invention further includes a needle flipping device, which is used to transfer all the knitting loops of the upper needle 5 to the lower needle 1; wherein: the needle flipping device includes a needle flipping hook 3, which is fixed on the frame. When the upper needle plate 16 rotates and the upper needle 5 exits, the needle flipping hook 3 can abut against the side of the upper needle tongue 9 away from the upper needle hook 10; when the upper needle plate 16 rotates and the upper needle 5 enters, the needle flipping hook 3 can push the upper needle tongue 9 to flip towards the upper needle hook 10 and rotate the upper needle tongue 9 to a position closed with the upper needle hook 10, thereby transferring the loop from the upper needle 5 to the lower needle 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the needle opening tongue plate 30 and the needle flipping tongue device are arranged around the upper needle plate 16 and work together in sequence within one rotation cycle of the upper needle plate 16: along the rotation direction of the upper needle plate 16, the needle opening tongue plate 30 is located upstream of the yarn feeding nozzle and is used to open the needle tongue before the upper needle 5 hooks the yarn; the needle flipping tongue device is located in the loop transfer area and is used to complete the forced flipping of the needle tongue and the loop transfer in coordination with the needle entry and exit action of the upper needle 5 at the end of rib knitting.

[0047] See Figure 5 a and Figure 5 b. The upper needle 5 includes an upper needle body, an upper needle foot 8, and an upper needle tongue 9. An upper needle hook 10 is provided at the end of the upper needle body, and the upper needle tongue 9 is hinged to the upper needle body. When opening the needle, see... Figure 5 b. Open the needle tongue 9; when closing the needle, see [link to needle closure]. Figure 5 a. Close the needle tongue 9 and the loop comes out from the needle 5.

[0048] See Figures 14-17 Similarly, the knitting needle 1 includes the knitting needle body, the knitting needle hook 22, and the knitting needle foot 23.

[0049] The driving mechanism for the lower needle 1 to move axially within the syringe 7 and the driving structure for the upper needle 5 to reciprocate radially within the upper needle plate 16 will be described in detail later.

[0050] Circular knitting machinery can be used as a circular sock knitting machine. The following explanation uses a circular sock knitting machine as an example. When knitting the rib knit cuff, the circular sock knitting machine uses cylinder needles, commonly called knit needles 1 (knit 1) and upper needles, commonly called upper needles 5 (knit 5). During the knitting of the sock cuff, the upper needle hook 10 and the knit needle hook 22 simultaneously hook onto the yarn 13, forming the knit and purl rib knit cuff. At the end of knitting the cuff, the knitting loop 6 of the upper needle 5 is transferred to the knit needle 1 for the next knitting process. See [link to documentation]. Figure 6 a- Figure 6 c.

[0051] During the operation of a circular knitting sock machine, see Figures 1-3 , Figure 8 ae, when the upper needle plate 16 rotates and the upper needle 5 moves radially outward (i.e., outward), the turning hook 3 can abut against the side of the upper needle tongue 9 opposite to the upper needle hook 10. See also Figure 4 , Figure 8 ae, when the upper needle plate 16 continues to rotate and the upper needle 5 moves radially inward (i.e., advances the needle), the flipping hook 3 can move the upper needle tongue 9 towards the upper needle hook 10, causing the upper needle tongue 9 to eventually rotate to a position where it is closed with the upper needle hook 10, such as Figure 8 d、 Figure 8 e.

[0052] Thus, through the mechanical action of the flipping hook 3, the upper needle latch 9 is opened when the needle exits and forcibly closed when the needle enters. This flipping structure ensures that the loop can smoothly detach from the upper needle hook 10 and transfer to the lower needle 1. See also Figure 8 d、 Figure 8 When the purl needle tongue 9 is moved to the closed position by the turn-over hook 3, the loop on the purl needle hook 10 loses its support. After the knitting loop 6 passes upward through the knitting loop 6, the knitting loop 6 can be reliably transferred from the purl needle 5 to the knitting loop 1, completing the turn-over process.

[0053] As an optional implementation, see Figure 2 The flip-pin hook 3 includes a bent rod 301 and a pointed hook 302 fixedly connected, wherein: the bent rod 301 is fixed to the frame and is positioned towards the upper needle plate 16, combined with Figures 2-4 The pointed hook 302 can abut against the side of the upper needle tongue 9 away from the upper needle hook 10, and when the upper needle plate 16 rotates and the upper needle 5 enters radially, it moves the upper needle tongue 9 toward the upper needle hook 10.

[0054] See Figure 2The curved rod 301 serves as a support and positioning structure for the flip-hook 3. Its main function is to extend and position the working part of the flip-hook 3—the pointed hook 302—above the upper needle plate 16, enabling it to effectively contact the upper needle tongue 9. The shape of the curved rod 301 helps to avoid other moving parts and prevent interference. Figures 2-4 The pointed hook 302 is the end part of the needle tongue hook 3 that directly interacts with the upper needle tongue 9. The pointed hook 302 can abut against the side of the upper needle tongue 9 away from the upper needle hook 10, and apply force to the upper needle tongue 9 when the upper needle 5 enters radially. As the upper needle plate 16 rotates, the stationary pointed hook 302 pushes the upper needle tongue 9 to rotate toward the upper needle hook 10.

[0055] See Figures 2-4 The needle flipping hook device in this embodiment also includes a mounting base 26 and a pressure block 4. The needle flipping hook 3 is fixed to the pressure block 4, and the mounting base 26 is fixed to the machine frame. The pressure block 4 and the mounting base 26 are detachably fixed together by a locking member 21. Before the locking member 21 locks the pressure block 4 to the mounting base, the pressure block 4 and the mounting base 26 are slidably positioned radially along the upper needle plate 16, thereby adjusting the position of the needle flipping hook 3. When the locking member 21 is not locked, the operator can move the pressure block 4 radially along the upper needle plate 16 to fine-tune the relative position of the needle flipping hook 3 and the upper needle tongue 9. After the needle flipping hook 3 is adjusted to a suitable position, the pressure block 4 and the mounting base 26 are securely fixed by the locking member 21, ensuring the stability of the needle flipping hook 3. The above structure improves the convenience and accuracy of installing and adjusting the flipping hook 3, effectively compensates for manufacturing tolerances, adapts to different specifications of upper needles 5, and ensures that the flipping hook 3 can abut against the upper needle tongue 9 and complete the flipping action.

[0056] To further precisely position the lower needle and upper needle 5, ensuring that the lower needle accurately receives the loop during axial movement, as an optional implementation method, combined with... Figure 7 a, Figure 7 b and Figure 8 ae, one end of the upper needle spring 12 is fixed to the upper needle body, and a needle hole 11 is formed between the upper needle spring 12 and the upper needle body. The other end of the upper needle spring 12 forms an open end with the upper needle body, and the open end is connected to the needle hole 11. The needle hole 11 is located above the lower needle 1, and the lower needle 1 can enter the needle hole 11 when it moves upward. The position of the needle hole 11 corresponds to the position of the upper needle hook 10. When the upper needle tongue 9 is closed, the coil is disengaged from the upper needle tongue 9 and transferred to the lower needle.

[0057] The main function of the upper needle spring 12 is to assist in the precise transfer of the coil. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 7 a, Figure 7 b and Figure 8ae, the needle hole 11 is a channel that runs through from top to bottom, the purpose of which is to precisely guide the movement of the needle.

[0058] During operation, the needle hole 11 is positioned above the lower needle 1. Combined with... Figure 7 a, Figure 7 b and Figure 8 ae, when the circular knitting machine is knitting, the lower needle 1 moves upward along its axis and accurately enters the loop needle hole 11. Simultaneously, the position of the loop needle hole 11 precisely corresponds to the position of the upper needle hook 10. Therefore, when the flipping hook 3 moves the upper needle tongue 9 to close, causing the loop to disengage from the upper needle tongue 9, Figure 8 d、 Figure 8 e. The coil can be accurately transferred to the lower needle that has already passed through the needle hole 11. This effectively solves the problems of coil slippage and misalignment that may occur during the transfer of the coil from the upper needle 5 to the lower needle, improving the accuracy and reliability of coil transfer, thereby ensuring the knitting quality and production efficiency of the circular sock knitting machine.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the ribbed sock cuff knitting is completed and it is necessary to transfer the knitting loop 6 from the purl needle 5 (upper coil needle) to the knitting needle 1 (lower coil needle), please refer to the following process: See Figure 8 a. During the exit of the purl 5 needle, the purl needle latch 9 is in an open state, away from the purl needle hook 10. See also Figure 8 b. As the upper needle 5 continues to move outward, the turn-around hook 3, fixed to the frame, extends in and abuts against the side of the upper needle tongue 9 opposite to the upper needle hook 10. At this time, the upper needle hook 10 and its internal knitting loop 6 are exposed, see [reference needed]. Figure 8 c. The needle 1 moves upward along the axis inside the needle cylinder 7, and its needle hook 22 smoothly passes through the knitting loop 6, preparing for the subsequent loop transfer.

[0060] See Figure 8 During the advance of the purl needle 5, as it retracts towards the center, while the turn-around hook 3 remains stationary, a relative displacement occurs between them. The fixed turn-around hook 3 then moves the purl needle tongue 9, forcing it to flip towards the purl needle hook 10 until the purl needle tongue 9 and the purl needle hook 10 are completely closed. The closure of the needle tongue blocks the knitting loop 6 from the purl needle hook 10, causing it to remain only on the outer back of the purl needle tongue 9.

[0061] See Figure 8 e. When the purl needle 5 is pulled back to a specific position, the knitting loop 6 completely slips off the end of the purl needle tongue 9, completing the loop release action. At this time, the knitting loop 6 has completely detached from the purl needle 5 and is securely looped onto the previously inserted knit needle 1, realizing the transfer of the loop from the purl needle 5 to the knit needle 1.

[0062] The following describes the drive structure that allows the upper needle 5 to reciprocate radially within the upper needle plate 16 during the needle-turning action: See Figures 10-13 ,in, Figure 11 The arrow in the figure indicates the direction of the needle path of the upper needle 5; the knitting circular sock machine of this embodiment also includes a needle feed cam assembly 17, wherein: the needle feed cam assembly 17 is fixed on the upper needle plate fixing seat 2, the upper needle plate 16 is provided with an upper needle groove 15, the upper needle groove 15 extends radially along the upper needle plate 16 and is arranged at intervals around the center of the upper needle plate 16; the needle feed cam assembly 17 can drive the upper needle 5 to enter or exit along the corresponding upper needle groove 15.

[0063] As an optional implementation, see Figures 10-13 The needle-feeding triangular assembly 17 includes a fixed plate 170 and a first triangular block 20. The fixed plate 170 has a circumferential needle-feeding groove 18. When the upper needle 8 is located within the circumferential needle-feeding groove 18, the upper needle 5 maintains its radial position. The fixed plate 170 has a clearance notch, and the first triangular block 20 is located within the clearance notch. A needle-exit inclined needle-feeding groove 191 and a needle-in inclined needle-feeding groove 192 are formed between the inner wall of the clearance notch and the outer wall of the first triangular block 20. The needle tilting groove 192 is connected to the circumferential groove 18. When the upper needle plate 16 rotates in the horizontal plane relative to the fixed plate 170, the upper needle foot 8 can sequentially enter the exit tilting groove 191 and the entry tilting groove 192 from the circumferential groove 18. Along the moving direction of the upper needle foot 8, the exit tilting groove 191 gradually extends away from the center of the fixed plate 170; along the moving direction of the upper needle foot 8, the entry tilting groove 192 gradually extends closer to the center of the fixed plate 170. When the upper needle plate 16 rotates and the upper needle 5 enters the entry tilting groove 192, the flipping hook 3 can move the upper needle tongue 9 to flip towards the upper needle hook 10.

[0064] See Figures 10-13 As shown, the circumferential needle groove 18 extends along the circumference of the fixed plate 170 and maintains a constant radius in the radial direction. A clearance notch is provided on the fixed plate 170, and the first triangular block 20 is embedded and fixed in the clearance notch. Structurally, the inner wall of the clearance notch and the outer wall of the first triangular block 20 are not fitted together, but a specific gap is reserved, which forms the running track of the upper needle 8.

[0065] The structure described above in this embodiment can guide the radial movement path of the upper needle foot 8. When the upper needle plate 16 rotates, the upper needle foot 8 can smoothly complete the radial needle exit and needle entry actions under the guidance of the needle exit inclined needle track 191 and the needle entry inclined needle track 192. This action, in conjunction with the needle flipping hook 3, ensures that the needle flipping is completed smoothly.

[0066] The following describes the driving mechanism that allows the needle to move axially within the syringe 7.

[0067] See Figures 15-17 As shown, the frame also has a lower needle starting triangle 24 and a lower needle descending triangle 25 fixedly mounted. These triangles are fixedly arranged so that when the syringe 7 rotates counterclockwise, the inclined surface of the lower needle starting triangle 24 abuts against the lower needle foot 23, thereby pushing the lower needle axially upward. The inclined surface of the lower needle descending triangle 25 abuts against the lower needle foot 23, thereby pushing the lower needle axially downward. The lower needle starting triangle 24 and lower needle descending triangle 25 are arranged circumferentially around the syringe 7, with the lower needle starting triangle 24 located below the exit position of the upper needle 5, thus achieving... Figure 8 The cooperation of ae.

[0068] See Figures 10-13 During the turning process, the specific actions for 5 purl stitches and 1 knit stitch are as follows: See Figure 13 The upper needle plate 16 rotates, and the upper needle foot 8 smoothly enters the inclined needle exit groove 191 from the circumferential needle track 18. Guided and compressed by the sidewall of the inclined needle exit groove 191, the upper needle foot 8 is gradually pushed outwards, causing the upper needle body to move radially outwards along the upper needle plate 16 (i.e., needle exit). See also Figure 8 b. During this needle extension process, the upper needle tongue 9 gradually approaches and contacts the flipping needle hook 3 fixed on the frame. When the upper needle 5 is fully extended, the flipping needle hook 3 extends into and abuts against the side of the upper needle tongue 9 away from the upper needle hook 10, putting the upper needle tongue 9 in an open state and exposing the coil on the upper needle sleeve hole 11, so that the lower needle 1 can pass upward into the coil. After the lower needle 1 successfully passes into the coil, the upper needle foot 8 then enters the needle infeed inclined needle path groove 192. Guided by the side wall of the needle infeed inclined needle path groove 192, the upper needle foot 8 is gradually pressed inward, causing the upper needle 5 to retract radially inward along the upper needle plate 16 (i.e., needle insertion). See also Figure 8 During this needle insertion process, as the upper needle 5 retracts towards the center, while the flipping hook 3 remains fixed, the fixed flipping hook 3 causes the upper needle tongue 9 to flip towards the upper needle hook 10, forcing the upper needle tongue 9 to rotate to a position where it is completely closed with the upper needle hook 10. The closure of the needle tongue provides a smooth unlooping channel for the loop, forcing the loop to smoothly unloop from the upper needle tongue 9 and completely transfer to the lower needle 1, completing the loop transfer action.

[0069] Example 3: In the prior art, the upper needle foot 8 of the upper needle 5 is prone to fatigue wear or even breakage due to long-term exposure to friction from the driving components, high-frequency impacts, and alternating yarn tension. Once the upper needle foot 8 breaks, control of the knitting needle will be lost, and the upper needle 5 will be unable to return to its normal position. This will cause the out-of-control upper needle 5 to bulge abnormally radially or shift in position under centrifugal force or yarn tension.

[0070] For the above issues, please refer to Figures 22-28 This embodiment of the circular knitting machine for rib knitting also includes a broken needle detection device. The broken needle detection device is located downstream of the corresponding needle feed cam assembly and is used to detect whether a broken needle has occurred at the upper needle 8 after the upper needle 5 has entered the machine. The broken needle detection device includes a mounting body 42, a sensing probe post 43, and a sensor 40. The mounting body 42 is fixed to the machine frame, the sensor 40 is mounted on the mounting body 42, and its bottom end has a sensor contact portion 41. The sensing probe post 43 is movably mounted on the mounting body 42 and has a first contact portion 431. The first contact part 431 and the sensor contact part 41 are separated when the upper needle 8 breaks, causing the needle to fail to enter and causing abnormal radial protrusion. When the upper needle 8 breaks, the second contact part 432 can contact the upper needle 5, the upper needle 5 pushes the second contact part 432, and drives the sensor probe post 43 to move upward. The first contact part 431 can act on the sensor contact part 41, so that the sensor 40 can send a stop signal to the external signal controller 47.

[0071] In this embodiment, the sensor 40 can be a displacement sensor or a position detection switch as described in the prior art. The sensor 40 can be a micro switch (mechanical limit switch), and a signal is triggered by the upper end of the sensing probe post 43 physically touching the driving element (i.e., button or spring) of the micro switch. When the sensor 40 is a mechanical limit switch, the sensing probe post 43 can directly use the driving plunger that comes with the limit switch; those skilled in the art can select the aforementioned standard components from the prior art as the sensing probe post 43 according to the actual installation space and the type of sensor 40.

[0072] See Figure 22 During normal knitting, the sensor probe post 43 is located outside the movement trajectory of the upper needle 8, and the first contact part 431 is separated from the sensor contact part 41. The detection device does not obstruct the normal radial reciprocating movement of the upper needle 5, ensuring smooth knitting. (See also...) Figure 23Only when a broken needle foot 50 causes the knitting needle to bulge abnormally beyond its normal trajectory will the upper needle 5 push against the sensor probe post 43. The sensor probe post 43 then presses against the sensor contact part 41, enabling the sensor 40 to send a stop signal to the external signal controller 47, which then stops the equipment. This device achieves instantaneous detection of broken needle foot 8, effectively preventing damage to core components and significantly reducing the scrap rate.

[0073] As an optional implementation, see Figure 26 , Figure 27 The upper needle plate 16 is provided with a sensing groove 46, which is located outside the upper needle foot 8. The upper end of the sensing groove 46 is an open structure, and the second contact part 432 extends into the sensing groove 46. The upper needle 5 has a high end part 45 and a low end part 44, wherein: the high end part 45 and the low end part 44 are both located between the upper needle foot 8 and the upper needle hook 10, and the high end part 45 is connected to the side of the low end part 44 facing the upper needle foot 8. In the normal knitting state, the low end part 44 is in the sensing groove 46, and there is an anti-interference gap between the second contact part 432 and the low end part 44. When the upper needle foot 8 breaks, causing the needle to fail to enter and causing radial abnormal outward bulging, the high end part 45 is in the sensing groove 46, and the second contact part 432 abuts against the high end part 45. The sensing groove 46 is an annular groove structure, and the sensing groove 46 and the upper needle plate 16 are arranged concentrically.

[0074] The main function of the sensing groove 46 is to provide a protected receiving space for the second contact portion 432 of the sensing probe post 43, and to guide the upper needle 5 to accurately contact the second contact portion 432 when an abnormal radial protrusion occurs.

[0075] Under normal knitting conditions, the sensing groove 46 and the second contact part 432 together ensure an anti-interference gap between the second contact part 432 and the upper needle 5, effectively avoiding interference and false triggering of the detection device on the normal movement of the upper needle 5. When the upper needle foot 8 breaks, causing the upper needle 5 to bulge abnormally radially, the upper needle 5 can accurately enter the detection range of the sensing groove 46 and abut against the second contact part 432, thereby triggering the action of the sensing probe column 43, ensuring the sensitivity and accuracy of broken needle foot detection, and improving the operational stability and production efficiency of the equipment.

[0076] Based on the above structure, the core of this embodiment lies in utilizing the mechanical displacement trigger sensor 40 to achieve real-time monitoring and emergency shutdown of the broken pin 50 fault. Its working principle is as follows: During normal weaving (machine operating normally), see Figures 3-5 The syringe 7 is coaxial with the upper needle plate 16, rotates synchronously and counterclockwise. The upper needle foot 8 enters and exits under the action of the needle feed triangle assembly of the upper needle plate 16.

[0077] During normal weaving, see Figure 22 , Figure 24 a and Figure 24 b. The radial movement trajectory of the upper needle 5 is within the normal range. The sensor probe column 43 hangs down naturally under its own weight, and its second contact part 432 is located in the sensor groove 46 or the corresponding lower end part 44 of the upper needle 5. At this time, the upper needle 5 will not interfere with the sensor probe column 43, the first contact part 431 remains separated from the sensor contact part 41, the sensor 40 does not send a signal, and the signal controller 47 maintains the normal operation of the machine.

[0078] When a pin breaks or other abnormal condition occurs, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 23 , Figure 25 a and Figure 25 b. When the upper needle 8 breaks, forming a broken upper needle 50, the needle guide cam assembly loses its interception function for the upper needle 8 and cannot properly stop the needle (retract the needle). The unrestrained upper needle 5, under the centrifugal force generated by the high-speed rotation of the machine and the yarn tension, will experience abnormal radial outward displacement (protrusion) of its high-end portion 45. The abnormally protruding high-end portion 45 of the upper needle 5 collides with and pushes upward against the second contact portion 432 of the sensor probe column 43. The sensor probe column 43 moves upward against gravity, causing its first contact portion 431 to contact the sensor contact portion 41 of the sensor 40. The sensor 40 instantly captures this displacement signal and transmits it to the signal controller 47. Upon receiving the signal, the signal controller 47 immediately cuts off the machine power or issues a braking command, causing the circular knitting machine to stop immediately, thereby preventing the fault from escalating.

[0079] Example 4: This embodiment provides a knitting control method using the circular knitting machine for rib knitting structure described in Embodiment 1 above. The method includes: S1, needle opening stage: the upper needle plate 16 rotates, the upper needle 5 emerges radially under the action of the needle feed cam assembly, the needle opening plate 30 opens the upper needle tongue 9, allowing the upper needle hook 10 to smoothly hook the yarn at the yarn feed nozzle; S2, needle breakage detection stage: the upper needle plate 16 continues to rotate, the upper needle 5 advances radially under the action of the needle feed cam assembly, and the needle breakage detection device detects whether the upper needle foot 8 has broken after the upper needle 5 advances; if the upper needle foot 8 is broken, the machine stops automatically; if the upper needle foot 8 is normal, the upper needle 5 retracts normally; S3, needle flipping and loop transfer stage: at the end of the rib sock cuff knitting, the upper needle plate 16 rotates and the upper needle 5 emerges again, the needle flipping hook abuts against the upper needle tongue 9; then the upper needle 5 advances, the needle flipping hook forcibly moves the upper needle tongue 9 to close, forcing the loop to fall off the upper needle 5 and transfer to the lower needle.

[0080] This invention organically links three key processes—needle opening, needle breakage detection, and needle flipping and loop shifting—to form a complete and continuous ribbing sock cuff knitting control process. The actions at each stage are precisely matched with the rotation of the needle plate 16 and the radial reciprocating movement of the needle 5, achieving coordinated control throughout the entire process from initial yarn feeding and mid-process monitoring to final loop shifting, significantly improving the overall operating efficiency of the knitting machinery.

[0081] In the S2 needle breakage detection stage, the needle breakage detection is seamlessly integrated into the timing sequence of the needle advance 5. Once a needle breakage is detected, the system immediately controls the machine to stop automatically, effectively preventing the machine from continuing to operate due to a broken needle, thus preventing serious equipment accidents such as triangular breakage and syringe scratches. At the same time, it prevents the generation of large quantities of waste socks, reducing equipment maintenance costs and material waste.

[0082] This method ensures smooth yarn hooking during the initial knitting stage by using the opening latch plate 30 in stage S1, preventing missed stitches at the start. In stage S3, the mechanical force of the flipping latch hook ensures smooth loop release during the final loop transfer. This dual protection at both the beginning and end of the process solves the problems of poor yarn feeding and failed loop transfer caused by unstable opening and closing of the latch in traditional processes, thus improving the knitting quality of ribbed sock cuffs and reducing the rate of defects such as missed stitches and holes.

[0083] The specific features, structures, or characteristics described in this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0084] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0085] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A circular knitting machine for rib knit structures, characterized in that, The machine includes a frame, an upper needle plate holder fixed to the frame, an upper needle plate with upper needles, a needle cylinder with lower needles, a needle feed cam assembly, a yarn feed nozzle, and a needle opening tongue plate, wherein: The upper needle includes an upper needle foot, an upper needle tongue, and an upper needle hook. The lower needle is movably arranged axially within the syringe. The needle feed triangular assembly is fixedly mounted on the upper needle plate mounting base. The upper needle plate is rotatably connected to the upper needle plate mounting base. The upper needle plate and the syringe rotate coaxially and synchronously on the frame. The needle feed triangular assembly is used to drive the upper needle to reciprocate radially within the upper needle plate. The yarn feeding nozzle is fixed to the upper needle plate fixing seat, and the needle opening tongue plate is fixed to the machine frame; Along the rotation direction of the upper needle plate, the needle opening tongue plate is located upstream of the yarn feeder. The needle opening tongue plate has a pointed cone portion, which is positioned towards the upper needle. When the upper needle plate rotates and the upper needle exits, the pointed cone portion can abut against the upper needle tongue and push the upper needle tongue to rotate in a direction away from the upper needle hook, thereby opening the upper needle tongue.

2. The circular knitting machine for rib knitting structures according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pointed conical portion has a lower working plane and an upper conical surface, wherein: The lower working plane is higher than the top surface of the upper needle hook, or the lower working plane is flush with the top surface of the upper needle hook; The lower end of the upper conical surface is connected to the lower working plane, and the upper conical surface is gradually inclined upward in a direction away from the upper needle plate; The angle formed between the lower working plane and the upper conical surface is an acute angle.

3. The circular knitting machine for rib knitting structures according to claim 1, characterized in that, The needle-feeding triangular assembly includes a fixed plate and a second triangular block, wherein: The fixed plate is fixed on the upper needle plate fixing seat. The fixed plate is provided with a circumferential needle groove. When the upper needle foot is located in the circumferential needle groove, the upper needle maintains a constant position in the radial direction. The fixed plate has a clearance notch, the second triangular block is located in the corresponding clearance notch, and the outer wall of the second triangular block and the clearance notch therein form a retreating inclined needle groove and a thread-feeding inclined needle groove, which are connected to each other. Along the moving direction of the inclined needle groove for removing the loop, the inclined needle groove for removing the loop gradually extends away from the center of the fixed plate; along the moving direction of the upper needle foot, the inclined needle groove for taking in the thread gradually extends closer to the center of the fixed plate. The connection point between the unwinding inclined needle groove and the thread-feeding inclined needle groove is the end point of the unwinding of the upper needle. The outlet side of the inclined needle groove has a triangular point for the needle to form a circle.

4. The circular knitting machine for rib knitting structures according to claim 3, characterized in that, The circular knitting machine further includes a lower needle start-up triangle and a lower needle drop triangle fixed to the frame, wherein: The needle initiation triangle and the needle deflection triangle are arranged around the circumference of the syringe. The needle initiation triangle is located below the slanted needle feed groove; the needle deflection triangle is located below the slanted needle feed groove. When the syringe rotates counterclockwise, the inclined surface of the lower needle starting triangle abuts against the lower needle foot, thereby pushing the lower needle upward axially; the inclined surface of the lower needle descending triangle abuts against the lower needle foot, thereby pushing the lower needle downward axially.

5. The circular knitting machine for rib knitting structures according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circular knitting machine also includes a needle-turning tongue device, wherein: The needle opening tongue plate and the needle flipping tongue device are arranged at intervals around the upper needle plate; The needle flipping device includes a needle flipping hook, which is fixed on the machine frame. When the upper needle plate rotates and the upper needle exits, the needle flipping hook can abut against the side of the upper needle tongue that is away from the upper needle hook. When the upper needle plate rotates and the upper needle enters, the needle flipping hook can push the upper needle tongue to flip towards the upper needle hook and rotate the upper needle tongue to a position where it is closed with the upper needle hook, thereby transferring the knitting loop from the upper needle to the lower needle. The flip-pin hook includes a bent rod and a pointed hook that are fixedly connected, wherein: The curved rod is fixed to the frame and is positioned toward the upper needle plate. The pointed hook can abut against the side of the upper needle tongue that is away from the upper needle hook. When the upper needle plate rotates and the upper needle enters radially, it moves the upper needle tongue toward the upper needle hook.

6. The circular knitting machine for rib knitting structures according to claim 5, characterized in that, The upper needle includes an upper needle body, and the needle flipping device further includes an upper needle spring piece, wherein: One end of the upper needle spring is fixed to the upper needle body, and a needle hole is formed between the upper needle spring and the upper needle body. The other end of the upper needle spring and the upper needle body form an open end, which is connected to the needle hole. The needle hole is located above the lower needle, and the lower needle can enter the needle hole when it moves upward; and the position of the needle hole corresponds to the position of the upper needle hook, so that the coil can be transferred to the lower needle passing through the needle hole when it is detached from the upper needle hook.

7. The circular knitting machine for rib knitting structures according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circular knitting machine for rib knitting structure also includes a broken needle detection device, which is located downstream of the corresponding needle feed cam assembly and is used to detect whether a broken needle has occurred in the upper needle after the upper needle has entered the machine. The broken pin detection device includes a mounting body, a sensing probe post, and a sensor, wherein: The mounting body is fixed to the frame, and the sensor is mounted on the mounting body, with a sensor contact portion at its bottom end; The sensing probe post is movably mounted on the mounting body, and the sensing probe post has a first contact portion and a second contact portion; During normal knitting, the sensor probe post corresponds to the outer side of the movement trajectory of the upper needle, and the first contact part is separated from the sensor contact part; When the upper needle breaks, causing needle insertion failure and radial abnormal bulging, the second contact part can contact the upper needle. The upper needle pushes the second contact part and drives the sensor probe column to move upward. The first contact part can act on the sensor contact part, thereby enabling the sensor to send a stop signal to the external signal controller.

8. The circular knitting machine for rib knitting structures according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper needle plate is provided with a sensing groove, which is located on the outside of the upper needle foot; The upper end of the sensing groove is an open structure, and the second contact point extends into the sensing groove; The upper needle has a high-end section and a low-end section, wherein: Both the high-end portion and the low-end portion are located between the upper needle foot and the upper needle hook, and the high-end portion is connected to the side of the low-end portion facing the upper needle foot; In the normal weaving state, the lower part is located in the sensing groove, and there is an anti-interference gap between the second contact part and the lower part. When the upper needle pin breaks, causing needle insertion failure and radial abnormal bulging, the high-end part is located in the sensing groove, and the second contact part abuts against the high-end part.

9. The circular knitting machine for rib knitting structures according to claim 5, characterized in that, The needle-feeding triangular assembly includes a fixed plate and a first triangular block, wherein: The fixed plate is fixed on the upper needle plate fixing seat. The fixed plate is provided with a circumferential needle groove. When the upper needle foot is located in the circumferential needle groove, the upper needle maintains a constant position in the radial direction. The fixed plate has a clearance notch, the first triangular block is located in the corresponding clearance notch, and a needle-out inclined needle-feeding groove and a needle-in inclined needle-feeding groove are formed between the inner sidewall of the clearance notch and the outer sidewall of the first triangular block. The needle-out inclined needle-feeding groove and the needle-in inclined needle-feeding groove are connected to the circumferential needle-feeding groove. Along the moving direction of the upper needle foot, the needle exit inclined needle path groove gradually extends away from the center of the fixed plate; along the moving direction of the upper needle foot, the needle inlet inclined needle path groove gradually extends closer to the center of the fixed plate. When the upper needle plate rotates in the horizontal plane relative to the fixed plate, the upper needle can enter the needle exit inclined needle groove and the needle inlet inclined needle groove in sequence from the circumferential needle groove. When the upper needle plate rotates and the upper needle foot enters the needle exit inclined needle groove, the flipping needle hook can abut against the side of the upper needle tongue that is away from the upper needle hook; When the upper needle plate rotates and the upper needle enters the needle inlet inclined groove, the flipping hook can move the upper needle tongue to flip towards the upper needle hook.

10. A weaving control method, characterized in that, Based on any one of claims 1-9, the circular knitting machine for rib knitting further includes a needle opening tongue and a broken needle detection device. The needle opening tongue is located upstream of the yarn feeder and is used to open the needle tongue before the upper needle hooks the yarn. The broken needle detection device is located downstream of the corresponding needle feeder assembly and is used to detect whether the upper needle has broken after the upper needle enters the machine. The method includes: S1, Needle opening stage: The upper needle plate rotates, the upper needle extends radially under the action of the needle feed triangle assembly, and the needle opening plate opens the upper needle tongue, so that the upper needle hook can smoothly hook the yarn at the yarn feed nozzle. S2, Needle breakage detection stage: The upper needle plate continues to rotate, and the upper needle enters radially under the action of the needle feed triangle assembly. The needle breakage detection device detects whether the needle foot of the upper needle breaks after the upper needle enters the needle. If the upper needle pin breaks, the machine will stop automatically; if the upper needle pin is normal, the upper needle will retract normally. S3, Turning the needle and transferring the loop stage: When the ribbed sock cuff is finished, the upper needle plate rotates and the upper needle comes out again, and the turning the needle hook abuts against the upper needle tongue; then the upper needle goes in, and the turning the needle hook forcibly moves the upper needle tongue to close, forcing the loop to fall off the upper needle and transfer to the lower needle.

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