Guide member for threads for circular knitting machines

Abstract

Guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine, mounted on a fixed structure of the knitting machine so that it is positioned outside a needle holder cylinder of the knitting machine. The guide member (1) comprises a main body (2) having an operating surface (5) facing the needle holder cylinder and extending around a corner of the needle holder cylinder; the operating surface is for keeping the latch of the needle open during the passage of the needle from the operating surface, the needle rotating with the needle holder cylinder and defining a trajectory of the thread. The operating surface is positioned at a point where the thread is fed to the needle, keeping the latch of the needle open and the needle able to receive the respective thread. The guide member (1) comprises an insert (10) separate from the main body and mountable thereon, the insert having a guide surface (4) on which, during use, the feed thread carried by a thread guide of the knitting machine is slidably received; the guide surface is for guiding and / or directing the feed thread in the path of the feed thread from the thread guide of the knitting machine to the needle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide member for threads of a circular knitting machine, in particular for the knitting or hosiery articles. The present invention further relates to a circular knitting machine comprising said guide member. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention belongs to the technical field of circular knitting machines for the knitting of articles, seamless knitted articles and hosiery articles, and the like.

[0003] Circular knitting machines are typically equipped with guide members for threads, typically called "throat plates". These guide members for threads are placed outside and facing the needle cylinder, typically on the thread feed point or "feed" of the knitting machine. In further detail, the guide members are usually located on the feed device (or "thread guide assembly") of the knitting machine, which supplies the thread to the needles of the knitting machine. The guide members for threads are placed between the feeders and the knitting plane on the cylinder, and exhibit an operating surface facing the needles of the cylinder. This operating surface is apt to limit the movement of the latches of the needles rotating together with the cylinder, in order to prevent these latches from closing accidentally before receiving the thread (or threads) required for the stitch formation. In fact, for the stitch formation, the needle should exhibit a knitted loop formed around its needle bar during the previous feed; during its subsequent rotation, the needle starts to rise, thanks to the lifting cam, and takes the subsequent thread. During this rising movement, the latch opens and passes over the knitted loop; then the needle receives the new thread with the latch open and sinks, while during the sinking movement the latch closes (rotates) thanks to the thrust exerted by the knitted loop on the needle bar itself. In this way, the needle carrying the new thread creates a new knitted loop; thus, the stitch formation cycle can be restarted with the needle rising again.

[0004] Obviously, when the needle rises (the needle is in the "high" position), if the latch closes for any reason, the needle cannot take the new thread and then form a new stitch.

[0005] The guide member for threads, whose front surface faces the cylinder, prevents the latch from closing: the needle, once ready to receive the thread, can thus necessarily cause the latch to open correctly.

[0006] Therefore, the guide member for threads is placed in the knitting machine in a suitable position to ensure that the latch of the needle, which has unloaded the previous stitch and is rising again, remains open until the new thread is taken. Then the latch can be closed and the guide member is no longer required. In fact, when the needle sinks near the stitch formation area, there is no surface acting on the latch due to the action of the knitting cam.

[0007] An example of a guide member for threads of a knitting machine is described in patent document WO2015107406 A1 issued to the same applicant.

[0008] This guide member for threads is particularly designed for "vanisé" textile processing (also known as "plating"). This processing uses two threads simultaneously in the same needle: a first thread, called "ground", and a second thread, called "vanisé", each supplied by a respective thread carrier. The result of this processing is a fabric whose outside is visible only with the ground thread, while on its inside only the "vanisé" thread is visible. Basically, the vanisé textile processing combines two different threads (typically with different characteristics) into a fabric characterized by having different characteristics on the two sides, depending on the thread present on each side.

[0009] The vanisé processing requires precise positioning of the ground and vanisé threads inside the needle so that the resulting fabric is correct and the thread is visible on the selected side; this in turn requires that the two threads supplied by the respective thread carriers take a respective given supply trajectory from the needle to the thread carrier in order to correctly position the threads.

[0010] In further detail, it should be considered that the hook needle has a "point" (i.e. the end of the needle itself) which can be opened and closed by a latch, and a "back" on which the needle is connected to the needle bar. The needle point is located in the outermost position, i.e. further away from the main cylinder axis, while the needle back is located in the innermost position, i.e. closer to the main cylinder axis.

[0011] In this case, the vanisé thread (designed on the inside of the fabric) should be located inside the needle, towards the point of the needle itself, while the ground thread (designed on the outside of the fabric) should be located inside the needle, towards the back of the needle itself. Therefore, the ground thread is positioned (radially) closer to the cylinder axis, while the vanisé thread is positioned (radially) further away from the cylinder axis.

[0012] In order to correctly position the threads for the vanisé processing, it is known to use special vanisé needles, the shape of which forces the two threads to be positioned in the needle as described above, in addition to which it is possible to select the respective height of the thread carriers carrying the ground and vanisé threads in order to feed the two threads into the needle at a given inclination angle and correctly position them inside and outside the needle.

[0013] On the contrary, the solution of patent document WO2015107406 A1 provides a guide member for threads having, in addition to the operating surface facing the cylinder needle, a guide portion shaped as a "step" which is recessed from the operating surface to the outside of the needle holder cylinder and defines an abutment for radially housing and sliding the vanisé thread.

[0014] Therefore, the step allows to correctly position the two threads inside the needle and to define an accurate trajectory for the threads used in the blending process. SUMMARY

[0015] The Applicant has found that the known guide members for threads are not free from drawbacks and can be improved in various aspects. In particular, the guide members are subject to wear, which can affect their functionality.

[0016] Further in detail, the front surface facing the needle holder cylinder guides the feed thread supplied by the thread guide towards the needle rotating together with the cylinder. The feed thread slides on the surface of the guide member and pushes thereon. This continuous action causes the material of the guide member to be worn, in particular in the case of abrasive threads or threads containing synthetic or high-hardness fibers.

[0017] The material wear creates grooves and damages the surface of the thread guide member: this causes incorrect positioning of the threads, inaccurate or incorrect formation of the stitch, and, more generally, this causes errors or defects in the knitted article, in particular in the blending process.

[0018] Therefore, the known solutions are subject to wear problems, which cause a poor quality of the knitted article manufactured by the knitting machine.

[0019] In these cases, the Applicant has found that the known guide members do not provide the performances required for an optimal textile process.

[0020] In these cases, the object of the present application, in its various aspects and / or embodiments, is to provide a guide member for threads of a circular knitting machine, and a circular knitting machine comprising the member, which can avoid one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks.

[0021] A further object of the present application is to provide a guide member for threads of a circular knitting machine, which can solve the problems related to the wear due to the sliding and friction of the feed threads.

[0022] A further object of the present application is to provide a guide member for threads of a circular knitting machine, which can define the trajectory of one or more feed threads in an accurate manner.

[0023] A further object of the present application is to provide a guide member, which is also suitable for blending textile processes.

[0024] A further object of the present application is to provide a guide member, which can prevent the occurrence of bending or twisting of the needle, if any, from damaging one or more feed threads.

[0025] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a guide member for threads of a circular knitting machine and a method for carrying out textile processes which allow obtaining high quality and / or flawless fabrics.

[0026] These and other possible objects are substantially achieved by a guide member for threads of a circular knitting machine and / or a circular knitting machine comprising such a member and / or a method for carrying out textile processes according to one or more of the technical solutions of the present invention and according to the following aspects and / or embodiments which are combined in different ways also with the aforesaid technical solutions, each of the attached technical solutions being considered separately (not depending on the technical solutions it is subordinate to).

[0027] In a first aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a guide member for threads of a circular knitting machine to be mounted on a fixed structure of a circular knitting machine so as to be positioned outside a needle holder cylinder of the circular knitting machine which houses a plurality of needles and is rotatable about a main axis of the needle holder cylinder.

[0028] In an aspect, the guide member comprises a main body of the guide member having at least one operative surface to face the needle holder cylinder and to extend around at least one corner of the needle holder cylinder.

[0029] In an aspect, the operative surface is configured for keeping a latch of a needle open during a passage of the needle from the operative surface, for the needle to rotate with the needle holder cylinder and for defining a trajectory of a thread.

[0030] In an aspect, the operative surface is to be positioned at a point for feeding a thread to a needle so that a latch of the needle remains open and the needle can receive a respective thread or a plurality of respective threads.

[0031] In an aspect, the guide member further comprises an insert separate from and mountable on the main body.

[0032] In an aspect, the insert has at least one guide surface configured for slidably receiving thereon at least one feed thread carried by a thread guide of the knitting machine during use.

[0033] In an aspect, the guide surface is configured for guiding and / or directing the at least one feed thread in a path of the at least one feed thread from the thread guide of the knitting machine to a needle.

[0034] In an aspect, the insert is removably mounted on the main body of the guide member.

[0035] In an aspect, the at least one thread slides on at least a portion of the guide surface.

[0036] In one aspect, the guide surface of the insert is configured for deflecting at least partially the trajectory of the thread based on the geometry of the guide surface itself, so as to convey it towards the needle.

[0037] In one aspect, said sliding of the at least one feed thread on the guide surface occurs with contact of the feed thread on at least one portion of the guide surface.

[0038] In one aspect, during use, the guide surface is subjected to the passage of one or more feed threads so as to guide their trajectory from the thread guide to the needles of the knitting machine, said guide surface being the portion of the guide member subjected to wear due to the sliding of the thread, said insert being replaceable so as to allow the provision of a new guide surface for the guide member.

[0039] In one aspect, said guide surface is different from said operating surface.

[0040] In one aspect, the insert is mounted on the body of the guide member so that the guide surface follows the operating surface with respect to the direction of rotation of the needle holder cylinder.

[0041] In one aspect, the guide surface continuously follows the operating surface with respect to the operating surface so as not to interfere with the passage of the needle head and / or the latch of the needle head.

[0042] In one aspect, the guide surface is configured for intercepting and guiding the thread dispensed by the thread guide to an intermediate position between an upstream side, from which the thread is dispensed, and a downstream side, in which the thread engages with the needle moved by the knitting cam due to the rotation of the needle holder cylinder.

[0043] In one aspect, the guide surface comprises a front portion directed towards the needle holder cylinder and facing the needle.

[0044] In one aspect, the front portion extends entirely on a single vertical plane parallel to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder. In one aspect, the front portion extends from a lower edge to an upper edge, the upper edge being vertically superimposed on the lower edge.

[0045] In one aspect, as an alternative to the two previous aspects, the front portion is curved or inclined so that the extension from the lower edge to the upper edge with respect to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder gradually moves away from the main axis of the needle holder cylinder in the radial direction.

[0046] In one aspect, the guide surface comprises a side portion extending transversely with respect to the front portion and, before this, with respect to the direction of rotation of the needle holder cylinder.

[0047] In one aspect, the side portion is directed towards the operating surface of the guide member.

[0048] In one aspect, the side portions extend continuously from the front portion and define and share a contact edge therebetween.

[0049] In one aspect, the side portions form an angle with the front portion such that they extend away from the needle starting from the contact edge and towards a side of the origin of the thread dispensed by the thread guide.

[0050] In one aspect, the side portions are directed towards said upstream side from which the thread is dispensed.

[0051] In one aspect, the guide surface is shaped such that the thread interacts therewith, at least partially in contact sliding on said front portion and / or said side portions and / or said contact edge.

[0052] In one aspect, the guide surface is shaped such that the thread interacts therewith, at least partially in contact sliding on the side portions and on the contact edge.

[0053] In one aspect, the guide surface is shaped such that the thread interacts therewith, at least partially in contact sliding only on the contact edge.

[0054] In one aspect, the thread slides on the front portion and / or the side portions of the guide surface based on the trajectory of the thread and based on the position of the thread guide and the knitting cam.

[0055] In one aspect, the guide surface can comprise several side portions extending in succession alongside the front portion.

[0056] In one aspect, the guide surface is composed of several portions, thereby being faceted.

[0057] In one aspect, the insert comprises an end portion, preferably having a pointed shape (lower end portion and / or side end portion). This end portion can be either a lower end portion or a side end portion of the insert.

[0058] In one aspect, the lower end portion and / or the side end portion is directed towards the operating surface.

[0059] In one aspect, at least one portion of the guide surface is defined on the lower end portion and / or the side end portion.

[0060] In one aspect, an initial portion of the guide surface (i.e. the first portion of the guide surface contacted by the rotating needle) is defined on the lower end portion and / or the side end portion in the direction of rotation of the needle holder cylinder.

[0061] In one aspect, the lower end portion and / or the side end portion is directed towards the operating surface.

[0062] In one aspect, the lower end portion and / or the side end portion is side by side and directed towards said operating surface such that the end portion substantially and continuously follows the operating surface in the direction of rotation of the needle holder cylinder.

[0063] In one aspect, the lower end and / or the lateral end is configured for being at least partially below the operating surface with the insert mounted on the main body of the guide member for the thread.

[0064] In one aspect, the lower end and / or the lateral end is configured for being at least partially covered or superimposed by a portion of the main body that delimits the terminal end (or terminal end portion) of the operating surface with the insert mounted on the main body of the guide member for the thread.

[0065] In one aspect, the insert is mountable on the main body of the guide member so that the lower end is (slightly) recessed with respect to the operating surface, away from the main axis.

[0066] In one aspect, preferably with the end being in the shape of a point, the front portion and / or the lateral portion of the guide surface ends on the end and preferably merges into the end.

[0067] In one aspect, the insert has a front side on which the guide surface is defined and a mounting portion comprising means for removably mounting the insert on the main body of the guide member.

[0068] In one aspect, the mounting portion of the insert is located on the rear side of the insert, opposite the front side.

[0069] In one aspect, the insert is a monolithic element, i.e. made in one piece.

[0070] In one aspect, the main body of the guide member is a monolithic element, i.e. made in one piece.

[0071] In one aspect, the main body comprises a mounting section configured for at least partially receiving said means for mounting the insert, wherein the insert is mounted on the main body according to a specific positioning, and wherein said mounting section and said means for mounting allow adjusting said positioning.

[0072] In one aspect, the adjustment of said positioning comprises an adjustment of the radial position of the guide surface, away from or close to the main axis, and / or an adjustment of the lateral position of the guide surface, in the circumferential direction with respect to the distribution of the needles of the needle holder cylinder, and / or in the axial direction substantially parallel to the main axis.

[0073] In one aspect, the mounting section of the main body comprises a mounting seat, and the means for mounting the insert comprise a protrusion, in the shape of a tooth or a pin, configured for being inserted into said mounting seat, so as to mount the insert on the main body according to said specific positioning.

[0074] In one aspect, said protrusion of the insert is monolithic with the entire insert, or made in one piece.

[0075] In one aspect, the mounting seat is configured for allowing, once the protrusion of the insert has been inserted therein, adjusting the position of the protrusion so as to determine said positioning of the insert relative to the body.

[0076] In one aspect, the positioning of the insert relative to the body determines the position of the guide surface relative to the needle holder cylinder.

[0077] In one aspect, the mounting seat is recessed relative to the front side of the body defining the operating surface.

[0078] In one aspect, the mounting seat has a cavity or a slot shape.

[0079] In one aspect, the mounting seat extends radially between a front abutment pointing towards the needle holder cylinder and a rear abutment radially distant from the front abutment.

[0080] In one aspect, the front abutment and the rear abutment are parallel to each other and oriented orthogonally to the radial direction relative to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder.

[0081] In one aspect, the protrusion extends between a front edge pointing towards the needle holder cylinder and a rear edge radially distant from the front abutment.

[0082] In one aspect, the front edge and the rear edge are parallel to each other.

[0083] In one aspect, the (radial) distance between the front abutment and the rear abutment of the mounting seat, i.e. the length of the section orthogonal to the two abutments, is greater than the distance between the front edge and the rear edge of the protrusion of the insert.

[0084] In one aspect, in the case where the protrusion is inserted in the mounting seat, there is a free space which can be between the front edge and the front abutment and / or between the rear edge and the rear abutment.

[0085] In one aspect, the radial extension of the mounting seat is greater than the radial extension of the protrusion and the difference between the radial extension of the mounting seat and the radial extension of the protrusion is equal to said free space.

[0086] In one aspect, the radial extension of the free space is equal to the sum of the (radial) distance between the front edge and the front abutment and the (radial) distance between the rear edge and the rear abutment.

[0087] In one aspect, the protrusion can be positioned in the mounting seat in a desired radial position comprising between an advanced position in which the front edge abuts the front abutment and a recessed position in which the rear edge abuts the rear abutment.

[0088] In one aspect, in the advanced position, free space is present only between the rear edge and the rear abutment and coincides with the (radial) distance between the rear edge and the rear abutment, while in the recessed position, free space is present only between the front edge and the front abutment and coincides with the (radial) distance between the front edge and the front abutment.

[0089] In one aspect, in an intermediate mounting position between the advanced position and the retracted position, the protrusion is inserted in the mounting seat, while the front edge is not in contact with the front abutment and the rear edge is not in contact with the rear abutment, so that a (front) free space is present between the front edge and the front abutment and a corresponding (rear) free space is present between the rear edge and the rear abutment, the sum of the two free spaces being equal to the difference between the extension of the mounting seat and the extension of the protrusion.

[0090] In one aspect, the insert can be mounted on the body in a desired position, in which the protrusion of the insert is located in the mounting seat in a position between the advanced position and the recessed position, both included.

[0091] In one aspect, the protrusion of the insert and the mounting seat are configured for allowing adjustment of the mounting of the insert on the body of the guide member, in particular along a radial direction with respect to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder (directed and transverse to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder).

[0092] In one aspect, although having free space radially, the profile of the protrusion of the insert and the corresponding profile of the mounting seat of the body are shaped integrally with respect to each other.

[0093] In one aspect, the body of the guide member comprises a fixing hole for the insert, and the insert comprises a fixing member, preferably of the threaded type (e.g. a screw), configured for being inserted in the fixing hole and fixing the position of the insert with respect to the body, with the protrusion in the mounting seat.

[0094] In one aspect, the insert comprises a slot for the passage of the fixing member, which extends along a radial direction, so as to enable the mounting of the insert in a desired position, including between the advanced position and the recessed position.

[0095] In one aspect, the longitudinal extension of the slot in the radial direction is at least equal to the radial dimension of said free space.

[0096] In one aspect, the body of the guide member is made of a metallic material, preferably of steel.

[0097] In one aspect, the insert is made of a material resistant to wear by the sliding wire, preferably of a material with high hardness.

[0098] In one aspect, the insert is made of a metallic material, preferably of steel.

[0099] In one aspect, the insert is made of zirconium.

[0100] In one aspect, the insert is made of a ceramic material.

[0101] In one aspect, the insert is made of a material coated with a film of wear-resistant material, wherein the film is applied on the insert by means of a physical vapor deposition process (PVD).

[0102] In one aspect, the film is made of titanium nitride or chromium nitride.

[0103] In one aspect, the outer surface of the insert, in particular the guide surface, has a surface finish characterized by a low roughness.

[0104] In one aspect, the shape of the guide surface of the insert is shaped according to the specific characteristics of the textile process to be carried out with the knitting machine.

[0105] In one aspect, the shape of the guide surface of the insert is shaped according to the characteristics of the feed line, the insert being designed to guide the feed line during the textile process.

[0106] In one of its independent aspects, the present invention relates to a knitting machine, in particular to a circular knitting machine for the knitting of hosiery or the like, comprising:

[0107] - a fixed structure;

[0108] - at least one needle holder cylinder rotatably mounted in said load-bearing structure;

[0109] - a plurality of needles supported by said needle holder cylinder and movable parallel to the rotation axis of the needle holder cylinder to produce a knitted fabric;

[0110] - at least one guide member according to one or more of the aspects or the appended claims, the guide member being mounted on the fixed structure so as to be positioned outside the needle holder cylinder.

[0111] In one aspect, said fixed structure comprises a support ring extending circumferentially around said needle holder cylinder, the guide member being mounted to said support ring.

[0112] In one aspect, the knitting machine comprises a plurality of guide members, preferably distributed in a uniform manner on said support ring and each placed at a respective feed point or feed of the knitting machine.

[0113] In one of its independent aspects, the present invention relates to a method for carrying out a textile process, the method comprising the following steps:

[0114] - arranging a knitting machine, preferably a circular knitting machine;

[0115] - arranging at least one guide member according to any one of the preceding technical solutions;

[0116] - arranging at least one feed thread dispensed by a thread guide of the knitting machine;

[0117] - providing the needles of the knitting machine with the feed thread and knitting stitches.

[0118] In one aspect, the method comprises, during the step of providing the needles of the knitting machine, guiding or directing the thread in its path from the thread guide to the needles of the knitting machine through the guiding surface of the guide member.

[0119] Each of the above aspects of the present application can be considered individually or in combination with any one of the described technical solutions or other aspects.

[0120] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description of some embodiments, in which there are also exemplary and non-exclusive preferred embodiments of a guide member for threads of a circular knitting machine according to the present application and of a method for carrying out a textile process according to the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0121] The following will be described with reference to the attached drawings, which are for illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes only, in which:

[0122] - Figure 1 a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a guide member for threads of a circular knitting machine according to the present application is shown;

[0123] - Figure 2 a plan view from above of the guide member of Figure 1 ;

[0124] - Figure 3 a front view of the guide member of Figure 1 ;

[0125] - Figure 4 an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 1 ;

[0126] - Figure 4A a further enlarged view of a portion of Figure 4 ;

[0127] - Figure 5 an exploded perspective view of the guide member of Figure 1 ;

[0128] - Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the guide member of Figure 2 , taken along the plane VI-VI;

[0129] -Figure 7 is Figure 1 a rear perspective view of the guide member, with some parts removed;

[0130] - Figure 8 is a perspective view from below of a possible embodiment of the insert of the guide member according to the present application;

[0131] - Figure 9 is Figure 8 another rear perspective view of the insert;

[0132] - Figure 10 is a perspective view of another possible embodiment of the insert of the guide member according to the present application, alternative to Figure 8 the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0133] With reference to the figures mentioned, according to the present application, the number 1 indicates in general a guide member for threads of a circular knitting machine. In general, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar elements, if applicable to the variants of the embodiments thereof.

[0134] Figure 1 A possible embodiment of a guide member for threads of a knitting machine according to the present application is shown. The knitting machine and its components (holder cylinder, control member, processing unit, etc.) are not shown in detail in the figures, since they are known per se and are of a conventional type. From the point of view of the knitting technology, the operation of the entire knitting machine (for example, the interaction of the thread guides with the needles, the cooperation between the needles and the threads, etc.) is not described in detail, since it is known in the field of the knitting technology of the present application. See also the description of the patent document WO2015107406 Al, granted to the same applicant.

[0135] The guide member 1 is to be mounted on a fixed structure of a circular knitting machine, so as to be positioned on the outside of a holder cylinder of the circular knitting machine, which accommodates a plurality of needles and is able to rotate about a main axis of the holder cylinder.

[0136] The holder cylinder can have a variable diameter depending on the needs of the textile; for example, the diameter can be 4 inches, 8 inches, 16 inches, 24 inches, etc. The holder cylinder can also be a needle holder plate.

[0137] In the context of the present description, the use of terms such as "front", "rear", "radial", "upper", "lower", "horizontal", "vertical", "front" and similar, unless otherwise specified, relates to the spatial orientation assumed by the object of the present application in the operating or use condition (in particular, in the case of use of the guide member, i.e. mounted in the knitting machine in the correct position with respect to the holder cylinder). For example, the radial direction is always considered with reference to the main axis of the holder cylinder, around which the guide member is mounted.

[0138] The guide member 1 comprises a main body 2 having at least one operating surface 5 to be faced towards the needle holder cylinder and extending around at least one corner of the needle holder cylinder. The operating surface 5 is configured for keeping the latch of the needle open during the passage of the needle through the operating surface, the needle rotating with the needle holder cylinder and defining a trajectory of the feed thread.

[0139] The operating surface 5 is to be positioned at the point or "feed" for feeding the thread to the needle, so that the latch of the needle remains open and the needle can receive the respective thread or threads of feed.

[0140] The guide member 1 further comprises an insert 10 separate from the main body 2 and mountable thereon.

[0141] The insert 10 is provided with at least one guide surface 4 configured for slidably receiving, during use, at least one feed thread carried by the thread guide of the knitting machine thereon. The guide surface 4 is configured for guiding and / or directing the thread or threads of feed in the path from the thread guide of the knitting machine to the needle.

[0142] Preferably, the insert 10 is removably mounted on the main body 2 of the guide member.

[0143] Preferably, said at least one thread slides on at least one portion of the guide surface 4.

[0144] Preferably, the guide surface 4 of the insert 10 is configured for at least partially deflecting the trajectory of the thread, so as to convey it towards the needle, on the basis of the geometry of the guide surface itself.

[0145] Preferably, the aforesaid sliding of the at least one feed thread on the guide surface 4 occurs with contact of the feed thread on at least one portion of the guide surface.

[0146] Preferably, during use, the guide surface 4 is subjected to the passage of the thread or threads of feed, so as to guide their trajectory from the thread guide to the needle of the knitting machine. And the guide surface 4 is the portion of the guide member 1 subjected to wear due to the sliding of the thread. The insert 10 is replaceable (i.e. replaceable) so as to allow, when necessary, to provide the guide member with a new guide surface.

[0147] Preferably, the guide surface 4 is different from the operating surface 5.

[0148] Preferably, the insert 10 is mounted on the main body 2 of the guide member 1 so that the guide surface 4 follows the operating surface 5 in the direction of rotation of the needle holder cylinder (indicated by the arrow "R" in the figure). Figure 1

[0149] ​Preferably, the guide surface 4 follows the operating surface 5 continuously with respect to the operating surface 5, so that the passage of the needle and / or of the needle's latch is not interfered with.

[0150] Preferably, the guide surface 4 is configured for intercepting and guiding the thread dispensed by the thread guide to an intermediate position between the upstream side, from which the thread is dispensed, and the downstream side, where the thread engages the needle, which is moved by the needle knitting triangle as a result of the rotation of the needle holder cylinder.

[0151] Preferably, the guide surface 4 comprises a front portion 11 directed towards the needle holder cylinder and facing the needle.

[0152] Preferably, the front portion 11 extends entirely on, i.e. lies on, a single vertical plane parallel to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder. In this case, the front portion 11 extends from a lower edge 11a to an upper edge 11b, the lower edge 11a and the upper edge 11b being vertically superimposed on each other.

[0153] Alternatively, the front portion 11 is curved or inclined so that its extension from the lower edge 11a to the upper edge 11b with respect to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder gradually moves away from the main axis of the needle holder cylinder in the radial direction.

[0154] Preferably, the guide surface 4 comprises a side portion 12 which extends transversely with respect to the front portion 11 and, before this, transversely with respect to the direction of rotation of the needle holder cylinder.

[0155] Preferably, the side portion 12 is directed towards the operating surface of the guide member.

[0156] Preferably, the side portion 12 of the guide surface 4 extends continuously from the front portion 11 and defines and shares a contact edge 13 therebetween.

[0157] Preferably, the side portion 12 forms an angle with the front portion 11 so that, starting from the contact edge 13, it extends away from the needle and towards the side of the point of origin of the thread dispensed by the thread guide.

[0158] Preferably, the side portion 12 is directed towards the aforesaid upstream side, from which the thread is dispensed.

[0159] Preferably, the guide surface 4 is shaped so that the thread interacts therewith, the thread at least partially contacting and sliding on the front portion 11 and / or on the side portion 12.

[0160] Preferably, the thread can interact with the guide surface 4, the thread at least partially contacting and sliding on the side portion 12 and on the contact edge 13 or possibly only on the contact edge 13.

[0161] Preferably, the thread slides on the front portion 11 and / or on the side portion 12 of the guide surface 4, based on the trajectory of the thread and the position of the thread guide and the needle knitting triangle.

[0162] Preferably, the guide surface 4 can comprise several side portions extending in succession beside the front portion. In one possible embodiment, the guide surface can be composed of a plurality of portions, so as to be multifaceted.

[0163] In one possible embodiment, which is schematically shown in the attached figures, the insert 10 comprises a lower end portion (and / or side end portion), preferably having a pointed shape, directed towards the operating surface 5. At least one portion of the guide surface is defined on the lower end portion, in particular the initial portion of the guide surface 4 in the direction of rotation of the needle holder cylinder (i.e. the first portion of the guide surface 4 contacted by the rotating needle).

[0164] Preferably, the lower end portion is comprised in the outermost portion of the insert, which is to be placed side by side with the operating surface 5, so that said outermost portion of the insert substantially continuously follows the operating surface 5 in the direction of rotation of the needle holder cylinder.

[0165] Preferably, the lower end is configured for being at least partially below the operating surface 5, in particular below the terminal portion of the operating surface, in the case where the insert is mounted on the body of the guide member for the thread. In other words, the lower end portion is preferably configured for being at least partially covered or superimposed by the portion of the body 2 defining the terminal end of the operating surface 5, in the case where the insert is mounted on the body of the guide member for the thread.

[0166] Therefore, continuity can be obtained between the operating surface 5 and the guide surface 4. In fact, in the direction of rotation of the needle holder cylinder, the needle first contacts the operating surface 5 and then continues to the guide surface 4 of the insert 10. The positioning of the lower end portion of the insert below the terminal end of the operating surface 5 minimizes the discontinuity between the operating surface 5 and the guide surface 4, thus ensuring optimal operation and avoiding problems related to partial misalignment or protrusion of the insert 10. This prevents the needle and / or the latch from hitting the guide member 1 during rotation.

[0167] For example, this solution can be seen in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 4 a, which show the pointed end of the insert 10 below, in which the insert 10 is mounted on the body 2, below the terminal portion of the guide surface 5.

[0168] Preferably, the insert 10 can be mounted on the guide member so that the lower end portion, in addition to being partially below the operating surface 5, is also recessed (slightly) away from the main axis with respect to the operating surface.

[0169] Preferably, for example in the embodiment of the figure where it is pointed, the front portion 11 and / or the side portion 12 and / or the contact edge 13 of the guide surface 4 end and preferably blend into said lower end.

[0170] The end can be either the lower end of the insert or a side end, as illustrated by the example in the figure. In this case, the end is substantially a "corner" of the insert.

[0171] It is noted that, preferably but not exclusively, the function of the guide surface is to guide the threads distributed by the guide closest to the knitting cam (generally called guide 1 and guide 2 according to the numbering of the guides supplied for knitting). These threads are typically called "vanisé" threads.

[0172] Preferably, the insert 10 has a front side 14 on which the guide surface 4 is defined and a mounting portion 16 comprising means for removably mounting the insert 10 on the body 2 of the guide member.

[0173] Preferably, the mounting portion 16 of the insert is located on the rear side 15 of the insert, opposite the front side.

[0174] Preferably, the insert 10 is a monolithic element, i.e. made in one piece.

[0175] Preferably, the body 2 of the guide member is a monolithic element, i.e. made in one piece.

[0176] Preferably, the body comprises a mounting section 20 configured for at least partially housing said means for mounting the insert 10, wherein the mounting of the insert 10 on the body 2 is according to a specific positioning, and wherein the mounting section 20 and the means for mounting allow adjustment of said positioning. By "adjustment" is meant adjustment or calibration of the aforementioned specific positioning.

[0177] Preferably, the adjustment of the positioning comprises adjustment of the radial position of the guide surface 4 away from or close to the main axis; and / or adjustment of the lateral position of the guide surface 4 in an axial direction substantially parallel to the main axis and / or of the distribution of the needles of the needle holder cylinder in a circumferential direction.

[0178] Preferably, the mounting section 20 of the body comprises a mounting seat 21 and the means for mounting the insert comprise a protrusion 17 having the shape of a tooth or a pin, configured for insertion into the mounting seat 21 to achieve the mounting of the insert on the body according to the aforementioned specific positioning.

[0179] Preferably, the protrusion 17 of the insert 10 is monolithic with the entire insert or made in one piece.

[0180] Preferably, the seat 21 is configured for allowing, once the protrusion 17 of the insert has been inserted therein, adjusting the position of the protrusion 17 so as to determine the positioning of the insert 10 with respect to the body 2.

[0181] Preferably, the adjustment of the positioning of the insert 10 with respect to the body 2 determines the position of the guide surface 4 with respect to the needle holder cylinder.

[0182] Preferably, the seat 21 is recessed with respect to the front side of the body, on which the operating surface 5 is defined.

[0183] Preferably, the seat 21 has a cavity or a slot shape.

[0184] Preferably, the seat 21 extends radially between a front abutment A, oriented towards the needle holder cylinder, and a rear abutment B, radially distanced from the front abutment A.

[0185] Preferably, the front abutment A and the rear abutment B are parallel to each other and are oriented orthogonally with respect to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder and with respect to the radial direction.

[0186] Preferably, the protrusion 17 extends between a front edge 18, directed towards the needle holder cylinder, and a rear edge 19, radially distanced from the front abutment.

[0187] Preferably, the front edge 18 and the rear edge 19 are parallel to each other.

[0188] Preferably, the distance between the front abutment A and the rear abutment B of the seat 21, i.e. the length of the section orthogonal to the two abutments, is greater than the distance between the front edge 18 and the rear edge 19 of the protrusion 17 of the insert.

[0189] In one aspect, in the case where the protrusion 17 is inserted into the seat 21, there is a free space 22 which can be between the front edge 18 and the front abutment A and / or between the rear edge 19 and the rear abutment B.

[0190] Preferably, the radial extension of the seat 21 is greater than the radial extension of the protrusion 17, and the difference between the radial extension of the seat and the radial extension of the protrusion is equal to the free space 22.

[0191] Preferably, in the case where the protrusion 17 is inserted into the seat 21, the radial extension of the free space 22 is equal to the sum of the distance between the front edge 18 and the front abutment A and the distance between the rear edge 19 and the rear abutment B.

[0192] Preferably, the protrusion 17 can be positioned in the seat 21 in a desired radial position, including between an advanced position, in which the front edge 18 abuts against the front abutment A, and a recessed position, in which the rear edge 19 abuts against the rear abutment B.

[0193] Preferably, in the advanced position, the free space 22 is present only between the rear edge 19 and the rear abutment B and coincides with the distance between the rear edge and the rear abutment, while in the recessed position the free space is present only between the front edge 18 and the front abutment A and coincides with the distance between the front edge and the front abutment.

[0194] Preferably, in an intermediate mounting position between the advanced position and the recessed position, the protrusion 17 is inserted in the seat 21, while the front edge 18 is not in contact with the front abutment A and the rear edge 19 is not in contact with the rear abutment B, so that there is a (front) free space 22 between the front edge 18 and the front abutment A and a respective (rear) free space 22 between the rear edge 19 and the rear abutment B, the sum of the two free spaces being equal to the difference between the (radial) extension of the seat 21 and the (radial) extension of the protrusion 17.

[0195] Preferably, the insert 10 can be mounted on the main body in a desired position, with the protrusion 17 of the insert 10 located in the seat 21, between the advanced position and the recessed position, including both.

[0196] Preferably, the protrusion 17 of the insert 10 and the seat 21 are configured for allowing adjustment of the mounting of the insert 10 on the main body 2 of the guide member 1, in particular along a radial direction (directed and transverse to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder).

[0197] Preferably, as shown by way of example in the attached drawings, despite having a free space 22 in the radial direction, the profile of the protrusion 17 of the insert 10 and the respective profile of the seat 21 of the main body 2 are shaped overall with respect to each other.

[0198] Preferably, the main body 2 of the guide member 1 comprises a fixing hole 25 for the insert, and the insert 10 comprises a fixing member 26, preferably of the threaded type (e.g. a screw 26), configured for being inserted in the fixing hole 25 and fixing the position of the insert 10 with respect to the main body 2, with the protrusion 17 located in the seat 21.

[0199] Preferably, the insert 10 comprises a slot 27 for the passage of the fixing member 26 (thus it passes vertically through the insert), the slot 27 extending along a radial direction to enable the mounting of the insert 10 in a desired position, including between the advanced position and the recessed position. The slot 27 is a through slot between the upper surface and the lower surface of the insert 10.

[0200] Preferably, the longitudinal extension of the slot 27 in the radial direction is at least equal to the radial dimension of the free space 22.

[0201] The present application also comprises a method for adjusting / calibrating a guide member 1.

[0202] The method can advantageously be implemented with a guide member as described above and as exemplarily shown in Figures 1 to 10 Fig. 1.

[0203] The method is based on the desired position of the insert with respect to the body, i.e. on how to adjust the position of the guide surface 4, including performing different operations:

[0204] - to install the insert in the (completely) advanced position, the protrusion 17 can be introduced into the seat 21, moving the front edge 18 in abutment with the front abutment A, and then the fixing member 26 is inserted through the slot 27 and fastened into the fixing hole 25 of the body 2;

[0205] - to install the insert in the (completely) recessed position, the protrusion 17 can be introduced into the seat 21, moving the rear edge 19 in abutment with the rear abutment B, and then the fixing member 26 is inserted through the slot 27 and fastened into the fixing hole 25 of the body 2.

[0206] - to install the insert in an intermediate installation position between the advanced position and the recessed position, i.e. with a front free space between the front edge 18 and the front abutment A and a corresponding rear free space 22 between the rear edge 19 and the rear abutment B, the protrusion 17 can be introduced into the seat 21, moving in the seat as needed (using the free space 22), and then the fixing member 26 is inserted through the slot 27 and fastened into the fixing hole 25 of the body 2.

[0207] In addition, to install the insert in an intermediate installation position between the advanced position and the recessed position, other modes can be implemented. In fact, in the guide member 1 as disclosed above, the radial extension of the seat 21 and the corresponding radial extension of the protrusion 17 are known; moreover, the radial extension of the seat 21 is greater than the radial extension of the protrusion 17, the value of which corresponds exactly to the free space 22.

[0208] Therefore, if the insert 10 is installed on the body 2 in an intermediate installation position in which the protrusion 17 is at a distance X from the abutment A, a suitable gasket can be temporarily inserted between the rear edge 19 and the rear abutment B, wherein its size in the radial direction with respect to the seat 21 has a value Y, where "Y = size of the free space - X".

[0209] The rear edge is then pressed against the gasket and the fixing member 26 is fastened into the fixing hole 25.

[0210] For example, if the free space between the seat 21 and the protrusion 17 is 1 mm, and the protrusion is to be recessed in the seat from the front abutment A by 0.3 mm (X), a shim having 0.7 mm (Y = 1 mm - 0.3 mm = 0.7 mm) can be inserted between the rear edge 19 and the rear abutment B, then the rear edge can be moved against the shim, which in turn abuts against the rear abutment B, and then the insert can be blocked.

[0211] In a further mounting mode in the advanced position, in addition to abutting the front edge 18 of the protrusion against the front abutment A of the mounting seat, a shim having a Y dimension equal to the free space 22 is temporarily inserted between the rear edge 19 and the rear abutment B. Thus, the front edge 18 will automatically abut against the front abutment A and the position can be fixed.

[0212] The use of shims makes it possible to adjust the position of the insert more accurately and to avoid errors or installation errors by the operator.

[0213] A set of shims can be provided, each characterized by a respective dimension Y, for creating different mounting conditions, each having a specific recessing of the protrusion 17 in the seat 21 and thus a specific positioning of the guide surface 4 of the wire provided by the insert 10.

[0214] Preferably, the body 2 of the guide member 1 is made of a metallic material, preferably of steel.

[0215] Preferably, the insert 10 is made of a material resistant to wear by sliding of the wire, preferably a material having high hardness.

[0216] By way of example, the insert is made of a metallic material, preferably of steel.

[0217] Hardened steel allows an insert to be obtained having a hardness of 700 HV.

[0218] Alternatively, the insert can be made of zirconium.

[0219] Zirconium allows an insert to be obtained having a hardness of 1500 HV.

[0220] Alternatively, the insert can be made of a ceramic material.

[0221] As an alternative, the insert can be made of a material such as steel coated with a film of wear-resistant material, applied to the insert by a physical vapor deposition process (PVD).

[0222] It is thus possible to obtain an insert having a hardness of, for example, 2000-3000 HV. Preferably, the film is made of titanium nitride or chromium nitride.

[0223] Preferably, the outer surface of the insert 10, in particular the guide surface 4, has a surface finish characterized by a low roughness.

[0224] Preferably, the shape of the guide surface 4 of the insert is shaped according to the specific characteristics of the textile processing to be carried out with the knitting machine. For example, the shape and / or the inclination of the guide surface 4 can be configured for the manufacture of terry knits or lace knits or blending processing.

[0225] Preferably, the shape of the guide surface of the insert can be shaped according to the characteristics of the supply thread, the insert being designed to guide the supply thread during the textile processing.

[0226] Preferably, as shown in the embodiment exemplarily illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 , the guide surface 4 also comprises a blending area 7 configured for guiding the blending thread carried by the thread guide of the knitting machine, said blending thread sliding on the blending area in order to form a blending textile processing together with the base thread.

[0227] Preferably, the operating surface 5 has a curvilinear development and extends concentrically to the needle holder cylinder, the centre of curvature of the operating surface lying on the main axis of the needle holder cylinder. Preferably, the operating surface 5 lies substantially on a cylindrical surface concentric with respect to the needle holder cylinder.

[0228] Preferably, as shown by way of example in the figures, the blending area 7 is defined by a step 8 recessed from the guide surface 4, preferably from the front portion 11, away from the main axis of the needle holder cylinder.

[0229] Preferably, the blending area 7 is positioned in the guide member so as to approach the thread guide carrying the blending thread in the case where the guide member 1 is installed on the knitting machine.

[0230] Preferably, the blending area 7 is oriented transversely to the front portion of the guide surface.

[0231] Preferably, the blending area 7 is obtained by defining a slope (or groove) of the aforementioned step 8, the slope (or groove) being recessed from the guide surface towards the outside of the needle holder cylinder.

[0232] Preferably, the step 8 defining the blending area 7 defines an abutment surface 9 configured for radially housing the blending thread positioned on the blending area 7 and slidable on the blending area 7.

[0233] Preferably, the blending area 7 cooperates with the abutment surface 9 to guide said blending thread.

[0234] Preferably, the blending area 7 has an extension in the radial direction with respect to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder so as to contain at least the thickness of the blending thread, preferably the entire thickness of the blending thread, thus preventing the thread from falling off from the insert approaching the main axis.

[0235] Preferably, the blending zone 7 ends on a front portion on the front edge 7a and on a rear portion on the rear edge 7b.

[0236] Preferably, the blending zone 7 extends between an initial end 7c, corresponding to the point in which the blending thread starts to slide on the blending zone in the feeding direction from the thread guide to the needle, and a final end 7d, corresponding to the point in which the blending thread exits and passes through the blending zone in the feeding direction from the thread guide to the needle.

[0237] Preferably, the blending zone 7 is inclined downwards, the initial end 7c being at a higher level than the final end 7d.

[0238] Preferably, in the guide member, the initial end of the blending zone is positioned at the same or higher vertical level than the point in which the trajectory of the needle head of the rotating needle in the retracted position intersects the thread.

[0239] Preferably, the initial end 7c of the blending zone will represent the initial contact point between the blending thread and the guide member, and the final end 7d of the blending zone will represent the final contact point between the blending thread and the guide member.

[0240] Preferably, the blending zone 7 on which the blending thread is intended to slide is configured to prevent the needle head of the rotating needle from contacting and / or interfering with the blending thread from the outside.

[0241] Preferably, the step 8 is configured to accommodate the blending thread in the radial direction with respect to the main axis, thus preventing it from reaching the operating surface 5 or moving radially beyond the abutment surface 9.

[0242] Preferably, the operating surface is configured to radially limit the movement of the needles of the needle holder cylinder, in particular the possible radial movement of the rotating needles towards the outside of the needle holder cylinder.

[0243] Preferably, when the guide member is installed on the knitting machine, the operating surface 5 will be positioned at a level corresponding to the maximum height reached by the latch of the rotating needle together with the needle holder cylinder, and / or to the maximum height reached by the latch of the needle when it exits the "knitting plane".

[0244] Preferably, the operating surface 5 is configured to be positioned on the diameter crossed by the latch of the needle during the rotation of the needle holder cylinder.

[0245] Preferably, the insert 10 is configured to direct the blending thread to the needle according to a specific configuration in order to obtain the correct textile blending process by means of the blending thread and the base thread.

[0246] Preferably, the hook-shaped needle has a "tip", i.e. the end of the needle itself which can be opened and closed by means of the latch, and a "back", on which the needle head is connected to the needle stem, the needle tip being in the outermost position, i.e. far from the main cylinder axis, while the needle back is in the innermost position, i.e. closer to the main cylinder axis.

[0247] Preferably, the blending textile process comprises inserting a pair of threads, i.e. a bottom thread and a blending thread, into the needle head of the needle, the bottom thread being positioned towards the back of the needle head, while the blending thread is positioned towards the tip of the needle head, so that the bottom thread is radially closer to the axis of the needle holder cylinder, while the blending thread is radially spaced from the cylinder axis.

[0248] Preferably, the blending textile process allows obtaining a fabric characterized by an outside and an inside.

[0249] Preferably, in the blending textile process, the bottom thread, positioned towards the back of the needle head, will be on the outside of the obtained fabric, while the blending thread, positioned towards the tip of the needle head, will be on the inside of the obtained fabric.

[0250] Preferably, the blending area 7 is shaped, oriented and adapted so as to guide the blending thread so that it reaches the needle and is positioned inside the needle head towards the tip of the needle head itself, i.e. in a radially outer position with respect to the position occupied by the bottom thread in the needle head of the same needle, the bottom thread being positioned towards the back of the needle head itself, i.e. in a position radially closer to the axis of the needle holder cylinder.

[0251] In one aspect, the blending area on which the blending thread slides is configured for preventing the needle, in particular the needle head, from coming into contact (and / or interfering with or interacting with) the blending thread, the blending area being recessed in the guide member with respect to the operating surface and having a greater diameter than the operating surface.

[0252] Preferably, the operating surface is configured for radially limiting the movement of the latch of the needle of the needle holder cylinder.

[0253] Figure 10 Another embodiment of the insert 10 according to the present application is shown, which differs from the embodiment of Figures 1 to 9 in that it does not have a blending area on the guide surface 4. Thus, Figure 10 the insert of the embodiment of

[0254] Preferably, the main body 2 of the thread guide member 1 comprises:

[0255] - a fastening portion 28 configured for allowing fastening of the guide member to the fixed structure of the circular knitting machine;

[0256] - an operating portion 29, on which the operating surface 5 and the mounting section 20 for the insert are defined, the operating portion 29 is to face frontally a portion of the needle holder cylinder.

[0257] Preferably, the fastening portion 28 and the operating portion 29 are integral with each other. Preferably, the body 2 of the guide member is a monolithic body, i.e. made in one piece.

[0258] Preferably, the guide member 1 comprises fastening means (not shown), for example one or more screws, configured for mounting the fastening portion 28 to the circular knitting machine. In a possible embodiment, the fastening portion 28 can be fastened, preferably in a removable manner, to the thread guide assembly of the knitting machine.

[0259] During use, the guide member of the application is preferably adjusted both in height, i.e. along a direction parallel to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder, and in radial direction, i.e. with respect to the distance from the main axis.

[0260] The application further relates to a “kit” (i.e. a device) for a knitting machine, comprising:

[0261] - a single body 2 of a guide member 1 ;

[0262] - a plurality of inserts 10;

[0263] Wherein each insert 10 of the plurality of inserts has at least its guide surface 4, which is shaped according to the characteristics of the textile process intended to be obtained with the knitting machine and / or according to the characteristics of the supply thread to be guided by the insert during the textile process.

[0264] The kit is configured for allowing the selection of a specific insert 10 among the plurality of inserts, which is to be mounted on the body 2 in order to obtain a guide member 1 having specific characteristics based on the selected insert.

[0265] Basically, the kit provides a body and a set of inserts, all of which can be replaced and mounted on the body and each of which has its own characteristics (e.g. shape of the guide surface, material, etc.); therefore, based on various needs, it is possible to determine which insert 10 is to be mounted to the body 2 during use in order to operate the guide member 10.

[0266] The application further relates to another “kit” for a knitting machine, comprising:

[0267] - a plurality of bodies 2 for thread guide members;

[0268] - a single insert 10;

[0269] Among the plurality of bodies, each body 2 has specific dimensional characteristics related to the specific gauge of the knitting machine for which it is intended, wherein the gauge can be, for example, the model of the knitting machine and / or the diameter of the knitting machine and / or the type of thread supply of the knitting machine.

[0270] The kit is configured for allowing the selection of a specific body 2 among the plurality of bodies, and the insert 10 is the same for the entire plurality of bodies. The insert can be installed in a generic way to each body in order to obtain a guide member 1 having specific characteristics based on the selected body.

[0271] A knitting machine according to the present application will now be described, in particular a circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like. The knitting machine comprises:

[0272] - a fixed structure;

[0273] - at least one needle holder cylinder rotatably mounted in the load-bearing structure;

[0274] - a plurality of needles supported by the needle holder cylinder and movable parallel to the rotation axis of the needle holder cylinder in order to produce a knitted fabric;

[0275] - at least one guide member 1 according to the present application, mounted on the fixed structure so that it is positioned outside the needle holder cylinder.

[0276] Preferably, the fixed structure comprises a support ring extending circumferentially around, i.e. arranged concentrically with, the needle holder cylinder, to which the guide member is mounted. Preferably, the support ring is part of the knitting head of the knitting machine.

[0277] Preferably, the knitting machine comprises a plurality of guide members, which are preferably distributed in a uniform manner on the support ring and are respectively placed on a corresponding feed point or "feed" of the knitting machine.

[0278] Preferably, the knitting machine comprises a plurality of devices for supplying thread to the needles, or "thread guide assemblies", each comprising a plurality of thread supply members or "thread guides", which are configured for supplying the needles of the knitting machine with the thread required for stitch formation. Each thread guide assembly is mounted to the support ring on a corresponding feed point or "feed" of the knitting machine. Preferably, each guide member is mounted to a corresponding thread guide assembly.

[0279] The present application also relates to a method for carrying out a textile process. The method comprises the following steps:

[0280] - arranging a knitting machine, preferably a circular knitting machine;

[0281] - arranging one or more threads of supply, which are distributed by the thread guides of the knitting machine;

[0282] - arranging at least one thread guide member 1 according to the present application;

[0283] - feeding said one or more threads to the needles of the knitting machine;

[0284] - producing a knitted stitch.

[0285] Preferably, the step of feeding the needles of the knitting machine comprises the step of guiding or directing the one or more threads in their path from the thread guide of the knitting machine to the needles through the guide surface of the guide member 1.

[0286] The present application includes alternative embodiments which differ from the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures in terms of the size, shape and / or orientation of the guide surface, all of which have the common thread guiding function. The size, shape and / or orientation of the guide surface can vary depending on the application, for example, based on the cylinder size, the needle gauge, the machine gauge (number of needles per inch of bed) and / or depending on the thread guide from which the thread is supplied.

[0287] The present application achieves important advantages. First of all, the present application allows to overcome at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0288] The thread guide member 1 forming the object of the present application allows to guide the threads so that they reach the needle heads correctly and produce the best fabric. Moreover, the guide member 1 of the present application allows to protect the threads from any damage by curved or twisted needles.

[0289] The guide member of the present application integrates the traditional function of keeping the needle latch open with the innovative function of guiding and directing the trajectory of the threads coming from the thread guide and directed to the needles in one device. The present application allows to find the precise reference represented by the guide surface which is used to correctly guide the threads which are fed.

[0290] Moreover, a fundamental advantage achieved by the present application is to have an element, the insert, which guides / defines the trajectory of the threads and which is at the same time replaceable and easy to replace. This brings several advantages from a technical point of view.

[0291] First of all, it should be noted that the portion of the trajectory of the guide wire of the guide member is the one that is subjected to the most wear. Wear is undesirable because it damages or destroys the guide member, which in the prior art requires the replacement of the entire guide member at high cost and further causes additional expenses due to the complex replacement operations and the consequent downtime. The pressure of the wire on the guide member is present, which is necessary to correctly guide the wire and allow it to fall with the needles when they sink due to the knitting cam: in the prior art, this causes continuous wear and subsequent damage to the needle holder member. Another cause of wear is due to the abrasive nature of certain yarns, such as industrial yarns, and due to the high speed of the machine in operation and therefore the sliding of the wire.

[0292] All these problems are solved by the guide member with insert according to the present application, which allows the easy replacement of only the portion of the guide wire. Therefore, in the case of wear, it is possible to easily replace only the insert and it is not necessary to perform any operations on the main body of the guide member. This means less time and lower costs.

[0293] More importantly, the replacement of only the insert does not require new adjustments to the entire guide member, but is limited to the calibration of only the portion of the insert itself, which, as mentioned above, is particularly quick and easy due to the seat and the elements for mounting the insert to the seat.

[0294] Furthermore, the possibility of replacing the insert allows only to choose among a series of possible inserts, each having specific characteristics of the guide surface that make it suitable for a specific textile operation or yarn to be used. For example, when preparing a knitting machine for the manufacture of a specific article, it is possible to provide on the guide member a specific insert based on the kind of knitted article to be obtained.

[0295] In addition, the present application can be used optimally to improve the operating costs of the articles and warehouses related to the operation and use of the knitting machine. Indeed, considering that there can be dozens of different knitting machines, each used for a specific textile process or article, and their different versions. Furthermore, there can be different diameters of the needle holder cylinder for each machine. Each type of machine or catalog version requires its own guide member and the replacement of the conventional guide member, for example, due to wear of the guide surface, which means that spare parts must be available for each machine. Conversely, with the present application, a single type of insert can be substantially universal and can be mounted to the main body of a series of different guide members. Basically, even for many different guide members, the insert of the present application is replaceable and easy to replace.

[0296] The costs related to the material or surface finish required to increase the stiffness are also greatly reduced: in fact, in the prior art the entire guide member must have specific characteristics in terms of material or finish, while with the present application only the insert can act on it (the part in contact with the thread and therefore which must comply with specific technical specifications), which represents a small fraction of the entire guide member in terms of size.

[0297] The present application allows to reduce the set-up and maintenance times of the knitting machine and to increase the productivity. Moreover, it is possible to limit the positioning errors and to simplify the maintenance operations.

[0298] Overall, a more efficient textile processing is obtained and, in particular, it is possible to obtain fabrics with high quality and uniformity. Finally, the thread guide member of the present application is characterized by competitive costs and a simple and reasonable structure.

Claims

1. Guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine, to be mounted on a fixed structure of a circular knitting machine so as to be positioned outside a needle holder cylinder of the circular knitting machine, which houses a plurality of needles and is rotatable about a main axis of the needle holder cylinder, the guide member (1) comprising a main body (2) of the guide member having at least one operating surface (5) to be facing the needle holder cylinder and extending about at least one corner of the needle holder cylinder, configured for keeping the latch of the needles open during the passage of the needles from the operating surface, the needles rotating with the needle holder cylinder, and for defining the trajectory of the threads, the operating surface (5) being to be positioned at a point for feeding the needles with threads, so that the latch of the needles remains open and the needles can receive a respective thread or a plurality of respective threads, the guide member (1) further comprising an insert (10) separate from and mountable on the main body (2), having at least one guide surface (4) configured, during use, to slidably receive thereon at least one feed thread carried by a thread guide of the knitting machine, configured for guiding and / or directing the at least one feed thread in the path thereof from the thread guide of the knitting machine to the needles, the main body (2) comprising: - a fastening portion (28) configured for allowing fastening of the guide member to the fixed structure of the circular knitting machine; - an operating portion (29) on which the operating surface (5) and a mounting section (20) for the insert (10) are defined, the operating portion (29) to be frontally facing a portion of the needle holder cylinder.

2. Guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to claim 1, wherein the insert (10) is removably mounted on the main body of the guide member (1), and / or wherein the at least one feed thread slides on at least one portion of the guide surface (4), and / or wherein the guide surface (4) of the insert is configured for at least partially deflecting the trajectory of the thread, so as to convey it towards the needles, based on the geometry of the guide surface itself.

3. Guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to claim 1, wherein the sliding of the at least one feed thread on the guide surface (4) occurs with contact of the feed thread on at least one portion of the guide surface (4), and / or wherein, during use, the guide surface is subjected to the passage of one or more feed threads, so as to guide the trajectory thereof from the thread guide to the needles of the knitting machine, the guide surface (4) being the portion of the guide member (1) subjected to wear due to the sliding of the threads, the insert (10) being replaceable and replaceable so as to allow providing the guide member (1) with a new guide surface (4). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 4. The guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to claim 1, wherein the guide surface (4) is configured for intercepting and guiding the thread dispensed by the thread guide to an intermediate position between an upstream side, from which the thread is dispensed, and a downstream side, where the thread engages with the needles, moved by the knitting cam due to the rotation of the needle holder cylinder, and / or wherein the insert (10) is mounted on the body (2) of the guide member so that the guide surface (4) follows the operating surface (5) with respect to the direction of rotation of the needle holder cylinder, and / or wherein the guide surface (4) continuously follows the operating surface (5) with respect to the operating surface (5) so as not to interfere with the passage of the needles and / or of the latches of the needles, and / or wherein the insert (10) comprises a lower end and / or a lateral end on which at least one initial portion of said guide surface (4) is defined, said ends being side by side and directed towards said operating surface (5) so that the ends continuously follow the operating surface (5) in the direction of rotation of the needle holder cylinder, and / or wherein said ends are configured to be at least partially below the operating surface (5) with the insert (10) mounted on the body (2) of the guide member, and / or wherein said ends are configured to be at least partially covered or superimposed by the portion of the body (2) that defines the terminal end of the operating surface (5) with the insert (10) mounted on the body (2) of the guide member, so as to obtain continuity between the operating surface (5) and the guide surface (4).

5. The guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the guide surface (4) of the insert (10) is shaped according to the specific characteristics of the textile process intended to be obtained with the knitting machine, and / or according to the characteristics of the supply thread to be guided by the insert during the textile process.

6. The guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the guide surface (4) comprises a front portion (11) directed towards the needle holder cylinder and facing the needles, and / or wherein said front portion (11) extends entirely on a single vertical plane parallel to the main axis of the needle holder cylinder, and / or wherein the guide surface (4) comprises a lateral portion (12) extending transversely with respect to the front portion (11) and, before this, with respect to the rotation direction of the needle holder cylinder, and / or wherein the lateral portion (12) of the guide surface (4) extends continuously from the front portion (11) and defines and shares a contact edge (13) therebetween, the lateral portion (12) forming an angle with the front portion (11) such that it extends, starting from the contact edge (13), away from the needles and towards the side of the starting point of the thread distributed by the thread guide, and / or wherein the lateral portion (12) is directed towards said upstream side from which the thread is distributed, and / or wherein the guide surface (4) is shaped so that the thread interacts therewith, at least partially contacting and sliding on said front portion (11) and / or said lateral portion (12), and / or wherein the thread slides on the front portion (11) and / or on the lateral portion (12) of the guide surface based on the trajectory of the thread and based on the position of the thread guide and of the knitting cam.

7. The guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the insert (10) has a front side (14) at which the guide surface (4) is defined and a mounting portion (16) comprising means for removably mounting the insert (10) on the main body (2) of the guide member, and / or wherein the main body (2) comprises a mounting section (20) configured for at least partially receiving said means for mounting the insert, wherein the insert (10) is mounted on the main body (2) according to a certain positioning, and wherein said mounting section (20) and said means for mounting allow adjusting said positioning, and / or wherein said adjustment of the positioning comprises an adjustment of the radial position of the guide surface (4) away from or towards the main axis, and / or of the lateral position of the guide surface (4) in the circumferential direction with respect to the distribution of the needles of the needle holder cylinder, and / or in the axial direction parallel to the main axis.

8. The guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to claim 7, wherein the mounting section (20) of the body (2) comprises a mounting seat (21) and the means for mounting the insert (10) comprise a protrusion (17) having the shape of a tooth or a pin, configured for insertion into said mounting seat (21) so as to mount the insert on the body according to said specific positioning, and wherein the mounting seat (21) is configured for allowing, once the protrusion of the insert has been inserted therein, As regards the adjustment of the position of the protrusion (17) in order to determine said positioning of the insert (10) with respect to the main body (2), and / or the positioning of the insert (10) with respect to the main body (2) determines the position of the guide surface (4) with respect to the needle holder cylinder, and / or wherein the mounting seat (21) has a cavity or a slot shape and extends radially between a front abutment (A) directed towards the needle holder cylinder and a rear abutment (B) radially distant from the front abutment.

9. The guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to claim 8, wherein the protrusion (17) extends between a front edge (18) directed towards the needle holder cylinder and a rear edge (19) radially distant from the front abutment, and / or wherein the distance between the front abutment (A) and the rear abutment (B) of the seat (21) is greater than the distance between the front edge (18) and the rear edge (19) of the protrusion (17) of the insert, and / or wherein, with the protrusion (17) inserted in the seat (21), there is a free space (22) which can be between the front edge (18) and the front abutment (A) and / or between the rear edge (19) and the rear abutment (B), and / or wherein the radial extension of the seat (21) is greater than the radial extension of the protrusion (17) and the difference between the radial extension of the seat (21) and the radial extension of the protrusion (17) is equal to said free space (22).

10. The guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to claim 9, wherein the radial extension of the free space (22) is equal to the sum of the distance between the front edge (18) and the front abutment (A) and the distance between the rear edge (19) and the rear abutment (B), and wherein the protrusion (17) can be positioned in the seat (21) in a desired radial position comprised between an advanced position in which the front edge is in abutment with the front abutment and a retracted position in which the rear edge is in abutment with the rear abutment, and / or wherein, in the advanced position, the free space (22) is present only between the rear edge (19) and the rear abutment (B) and coincides with the distance between the rear edge and the rear abutment, while, in the retracted position, the free space (22) is present only between the front edge (18) and the front abutment (A) and coincides with the distance between the front edge and the front abutment, and / or wherein, in an intermediate mounting position between the advanced position and the retracted position, the protrusion (17) is inserted in the seat (21) without the front edge (18) being in contact with the front abutment (A) and the rear edge (19) being in contact with the rear abutment (B) so that there is a free space between the front edge and the front abutment and a corresponding free space between the rear edge and the rear abutment, the sum of the two free spaces being equal to the difference between the extension of the seat and the extension of the protrusion.

11. Guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to claim 8, wherein the insert (10) is mountable in a desired position on the main body (2), with the projection (17) of the insert being positioned in the seat (21) in a position comprised between an advanced position and a retracted position or coinciding with one of these positions, and / or wherein the projection (17) of the insert (10) and the seat (21) are configured for allowing adjustment of the mounting of the insert on the main body of the guide member in a radial direction with respect to the main axis of the needle cylinder, and / or wherein the main body (2) of the guide member (1) comprises a fixing hole (25) for the insert, and the insert (10) comprises a fixing member (26) configured for insertion in the fixing hole and for fixing the position of the insert with respect to the main body, with the projection (17) in the seat (21).

12. Guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the main body (2) of the guide member is made of a metallic material, and wherein the insert (10) is made of a material resistant to wear by the sliding threads, and / or wherein the insert (10) is made of a metallic material, or of a material coated with a film of wear-resistant material, wherein the film is applied on the insert by a physical vapor deposition process (PVD).

13. Guide member (1) for threads of a circular knitting machine according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the guide surface (4) of the insert (10) comprises a blending area (7) configured for guiding a blending thread carried by a thread guide of the knitting machine, said blending thread sliding on the blending area (7) so as to form, together with a base thread, a blended textile processing, and / or wherein the blending area (7) is defined by a step (8) recessed from the guide surface away from the main axis of the needle cylinder, and / or wherein the blending area (7) is positioned in the guide member so as to be close to the thread guide carrying the blending thread in the case where the guide member (1) is mounted on the knitting machine, and / or wherein the blending area (7) is obtained by a slope defining said step (8) recessed from the guide surface towards the outside of the needle cylinder, and / or wherein the step (8) defining the blending area (7) defines an abutment surface (9) configured for radially housing the blending thread positioned and slidable on said blending area.

14. Kit for a knitting machine, comprising: - a single main body (2) for a guide member (1), said single main body having at least one operating surface (5) to be facing a needle cylinder and extending around at least one corner of the needle cylinder, said operating surface (5) being configured for keeping open the latch of a needle in rotation with the needle cylinder during the passage of the needle from the operating surface, and for defining the trajectory of a thread, said operating surface (5) being to be positioned at a point for feeding the needle with a thread so that the latch of the needle remains open and the needle can receive the respective thread or threads. - a plurality of inserts (10) for a guide member (1), separate from said single body (2) and mountable thereon, wherein each insert (10) has at least one guide surface (4) configured for slidably receiving thereon, during use, at least one supply thread carried by a thread guide of a knitting machine, said guide surface (4) being configured for guiding and / or directing said at least one supply thread in the path thereof from the thread guide of the knitting machine to the needle; said single body (2) comprising: a fastening portion (28) configured for allowing fastening of the guide member to a fixed structure of a circular knitting machine; and an operating portion (29) on which an operating surface (5) and a mounting section (20) for the insert (10) are defined, the operating portion (29) to be frontally facing a portion of the needle holder cylinder; wherein each insert (10) of said plurality has at least its guide surface (4) shaped according to the characteristics of the textile process intended to be obtained with the knitting machine and / or according to the characteristics of the supply thread to be guided by the insert during the textile process; wherein the kit is configured for allowing selection of a specific insert (10) among said plurality of inserts to be mounted on said single body (2) so as to obtain a guide member (1) having specific characteristics based on the selected insert (10).

15. Kit for a knitting machine, comprising: - a plurality of bodies (2) for a guide member, wherein each body (2) has at least one operating surface (5) to be facing the needle holder cylinder and extending around at least one corner portion of the needle holder cylinder, said operating surface (5) being configured for keeping the latch of the needle open in rotation with the needle holder cylinder during passage of the needle therefrom and for defining a trajectory of the thread, said operating surface (5) to be positioned at a point for feeding the needle with a thread so that the latch of the needle remains open and the needle can receive the respective thread or a plurality of respective threads; - a single insert (10) for a guide member (1), separate from said body (2) and configured for being mounted on each body (2), the insert (10) having at least one guide surface (4) configured for slidably receiving thereon, during use, at least one supply thread carried by a thread guide of a knitting machine, said guide surface (4) being configured for guiding and / or directing said at least one supply thread in the path thereof from the thread guide of the knitting machine to the needle; said body (2) comprising: a fastening portion (28) configured for allowing fastening of the guide member to a fixed structure of a circular knitting machine; and an operating portion (29) on which an operating surface (5) and a mounting section (20) for the insert (10) are defined, the operating portion (29) to be frontally facing a portion of the needle holder cylinder; wherein each body (2) of said plurality of bodies has specific dimensional characteristics related to the specific gauge of the knitting machine for which it is intended, said gauge can be the model of the knitting machine and / or the diameter of the knitting machine and / or the type of thread supply of the knitting machine; wherein the kit is configured for allowing the selection of a specific body (2) among said plurality of bodies, said insert (10) being unique for all the plurality of bodies and mountable in a generic way on each body in order to give the guide member (1) specific characteristics based on the selected body.

16. Knitting machine, of the circular type for the production of hosiery, comprising: - a fixed structure; - at least one needle holder cylinder rotatably mounted in said fixed structure; - a plurality of needles supported by said needle holder cylinder and movable parallel to the axis of rotation of the needle holder cylinder to produce the knitted fabric; - at least one guide member (1) for the thread of the circular knitting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or made with the kit for the knitting machine according to claim 14 or 15, the guide member (1) being mounted on the fixed structure so that it is positioned outside the needle holder cylinder.

Images