Forming sinker for a knitting machine, in particular for producing a mesh knitted fabric

Abstract

A forming sinker (1) for a knitting machine includes: a horizontal body (2) intended to be slidably received within a radial groove of a sinker retaining crown of the knitting machine and having a main longitudinal extension between a rear portion (2A) and a front portion (2B); a post (3) extending vertically from the body near the front portion (2B) and ending at its top with an upper portion (4) defining an upper resting plane (30), the upper resting plane being intended to receive one or more yarns during seam formation and thus resting on the upper resting plane; and a protrusion (6) rising from the upper portion of the post to extend toward the front portion of the body and having a sliding plane (60) at its top. The rising of the protrusion from the upper portion of the post causes the sliding plane to move forward relative to the upper resting plane of the post. The protrusion is laterally offset or tilted relative to the post, rising from the protrusion and configured to load and tighten the seam stitch, which is then positioned on adjacent needles of the knitting machine to form a mesh. The sliding plane of the protrusion is lowered relative to the upper resting plane of the post.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a loop-breaking sinker, referred to as a "forming sinker," for use on knitting machines, particularly circular knitting machines. More specifically, this invention relates to a particular forming sinker assembled for manufacturing mesh knitted fabrics. Within the framework of this invention, the structure of those components that, in cooperation with the loop-breaking sinker and needles, enable the manufacture of the mesh knitted fabric will be described, and particularly, the individual selection of said components enables the creation of openings in the fabric through cooperation with only a few needles, while adjacent needles create conventional seams. Preferably, this invention belongs to the field of circular knitting machines for knitting and hosiery projects, assembled for manufacturing mesh knitted fabrics. Background Technology

[0002] As is known, a circular knitting machine includes one or more series of needles arranged along a circular path (circular needle bed), a needle holding assembly (needle cylinder and / or plate), and means for controlling the movement of the needles to form a knitted fabric. Loop-breaking sinkers are disposed in radial seats obtained in an annular body (sinker crown) arranged around the needle holding cylinder, and these sinkers cooperate with the needles to produce the knitted fabric.

[0003] While executing a specific design using a circular knitting machine, the fabrication of mesh knitted fabric is known.

[0004] Document GB449404 discloses a circular knitting machine equipped with sinkers disposed between needles and having interstitch loops formed thereon. At least one of these sinkers includes a protruding lateral portion configured to move the interstitch loop onto an adjacent needle to create an opening in the knitted fabric.

[0005] Document GB377794 discloses a circular knitting machine equipped with a fabric spreading machine, which has a pair of blades placed on opposite sides of a sinker and assembled to spread the seam stitch and arrange the seam stitch on one or two adjacent needles.

[0006] Document GB410831 discloses a circular knitting machine comprising sinkers having an upper hook or a pair of hooks placed on several sides of a conventional sinker. The hooks are assembled and moved to displace the stitch lines on adjacent needles and create mesh in the fabric. When the hooks must be engaged, a selector moves the sinkers via hooks integrated within the selector. The selector includes an oscillating arm having heels that interact with a plurality of cams belonging to an actuation device.

[0007] Further examination of public document MI2003A001995 reveals a device for selecting sinker plates, each sinker plate comprising a selector for each radial groove housing the sinker plate. The selector oscillates in a radial plane relative to the sinker plate crown to switch between an operating position and a non-operating position, or vice versa. The selector is connected to a corresponding sinker plate disposed in the corresponding radial groove to induce a given actuation of the sinker plate based on whether the selector is in the non-operating or operating position. Furthermore, a selection actuator is provided, laterally facing the sinker plate crown and engaging with the selector after a command to switch the sinker plate from the non-operating position to the operating position. When the selector is in the non-operating position, the selection actuator does not intervene; the sinker plate is actuated solely by means of an actuation cam and cooperates with a needle for suture fabrication. When the selector is switched to the operating position, the sinker is pushed more toward the axis of the sinker crown than the movement produced by the actuation cam alone, in order to work with the needle to create terry stitches.

[0008] A circular knitting machine (intarsia knitting machine) assembled for manufacturing fabrics with intarsia knitting patterns is disclosed, for example, in document EP1620590, which is awarded to the same applicant.

[0009] Intarsia is a knitting technique that allows patterns to be created using yarns of different colors during the same knitting process. Intarsia is often used to produce multi-colored patterns. Regarding woodworking techniques that share the same name as intarsia, intricate designs using different colors and materials are often called patchwork. Figure 1 Generally, they are fitted together. Unlike other multi-color knitting techniques, only one "active" color exists on one or more needles, and the yarn does not float to the back side. When the color changes during a given knitting process, the old yarn remains suspended. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Within the framework of circular knitting machines, as disclosed above, the applicant has identified the existence of certain defects.

[0011] First, the applicant noted that the de-circulation settling sheet based on known solutions can be improved in various instances.

[0012] For example, it is known that loop sinkers cannot manage proper yarn absorption during seam generation for all knitted structures to be produced by a knitting machine. This can lead to incorrect stitch lengths, especially when manufacturing mesh.

[0013] Furthermore, when the yarn interacts with the slip-out sinker, known solutions are affected by problems related to excessive yarn tension, which can lead to yarn breakage, incorrect stitching, or inaccuracies in knitted fabrics.

[0014] In some texture processing, other drawbacks of known solutions lie in the possibility that the loop-off sinker may interfere unintentionally with the positively fed yarn (and thus deviate from its path) or with components at the knitting head end, such as cams or other control components.

[0015] In these cases, and in various instances and / or embodiments, the fundamental objective of the present invention is to provide a special loop-off sinker, referred to as a "forming sinker," for use in a knitting machine that can eliminate one or more of the defects mentioned above.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a forming sinker for a knitting machine that allows the manufacture of mesh knitted fabrics with most of the different characteristics.

[0017] Furthermore, the objective of this invention is to propose a circular knitting machine capable of producing high-quality mesh knitted fabrics.

[0018] The present invention also proposes a shaped sinker having a rational structure and specifically conceived for achieving a given performance in the manufacture of knitted fabrics, particularly mesh knitted fabrics.

[0019] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a low-cost, easily implemented molding sedimentation sheet.

[0020] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a knitting machine capable of producing mesh knitted fabrics, thereby enabling other patterns and / or effects to be obtained on the knitted fabrics without having to reconfigure the machine itself or its parts from a better mechanical viewpoint.

[0021] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a circular knitting machine (intarsia knitting machine or multi-color diamond pattern machine) configured for manufacturing fabrics with intarsia knitting patterns, which is also capable of manufacturing mesh knitted fabrics according to the objectives listed above.

[0022] Another objective of this invention is to provide alternative solutions to existing technologies for implementing shaped de-looping sinkers and for manufacturing mesh knitted fabrics, and / or to open up new design possibilities.

[0023] According to one or more of the accompanying technical solutions and according to the following examples and / or embodiments, which may also be combined with the foregoing technical solutions in various ways, these and other possible objectives, as should be better shown from the following description, are essentially achieved by a loop-free sinker called a “forming sinker” and by a circular knitting machine including this sinker.

[0024] In this description and in the accompanying technical solutions, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “horizontal,” and “vertical” refer to the positioning of the machine via its central axis of rotation during normal operation, and the upward-pointing cylindrical needle at its head.

[0025] In this description and in the accompanying technical solutions, the terms "axial", "circumferential", and "radial" refer to the central axis.

[0026] Some examples of the present invention are listed below.

[0027] In a first embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to a forming loop sinker for a knitting machine.

[0028] In one instance, shaped sinkers are assembled, particularly for the manufacture of mesh knitted fabrics.

[0029] In one example, the shaped sinker includes a body shaped like a horizontal flat strip and designed to be slidably received within a radial groove of a sinker holding crown of a knitting machine so as to move radially in a controlled manner within the groove. The body has a main longitudinal extension extending between a rear portion and a front portion.

[0030] In one example, the shaped settling sheet includes a column shaped like a vertically flat component and extending vertically, that is, rising from the body or at an intermediate position between the rear and the front near or above the front portion.

[0031] In one example, the post ends at the top via an upper section that defines an upper stopping plane designed to accommodate one or more yarns during stitch formation.

[0032] In one instance, the main body and the column are preferably located on a lying plane of the shaped settling sheet.

[0033] In one example, the shaped settling plate includes a protrusion that rises from the upper part of the column and extends on the upright side facing the front of the body.

[0034] In one example, the protrusion has a sliding surface on its top.

[0035] In one instance, the protrusion extends from the upper part of the column in a direction pointing towards the front end of the body, such that the sliding plane of the protrusion moves forward relative to the upper resting plane of the column.

[0036] In one instance, the protrusion is laterally offset or tilted relative to the column of the shaped settling sheet, and the protrusion rises from the shaped settling sheet.

[0037] In one example, the protrusion is configured to load or tighten a stitch and to position the stitch on an adjacent needle of the knitting machine to form a mesh.

[0038] In one instance, the sliding plane of the protrusion is at least partially lower than the upper resting plane of the post.

[0039] In one example, the sliding plane of the protrusion is configured to receive one or more yarns when the seam stitch is loaded and tightened during mesh formation.

[0040] In one instance, the terms "lateral offset" or "tilt" mean that the protrusion buckles or bends laterally relative to the post, particularly relative to the upper part of the post.

[0041] In one instance, the protrusion is tilted or angled relative to the post.

[0042] In one instance, the protrusion is laterally offset or tilted relative to the post so that it is not located on the prone plane of the shaped settling sheet.

[0043] In one example, the sliding plane, which is lower than the upper resting plane of the column, extends in a continuous manner relative to the upper resting plane, and a connecting step exists downward in the transition zone from the upper resting plane to the sliding plane.

[0044] In one instance, the step is rounded or connected so that the transition from the upper resting surface to the sliding surface occurs without a break between the surfaces of the upper resting surface and the sliding surface.

[0045] In one example, the resting plane is a flat surface, i.e. a lying surface, preferably a horizontal plane, and the sliding plane is at least partially downward, i.e., a surface that is lowered toward the body of the shaped settling sheet.

[0046] In one instance, the stopping plane is a planar surface that extends parallel to the body of the shaped settling sheet.

[0047] In one instance, the term "lower" means that the sliding plane of the protrusion is lower in the vertical direction than the upper resting plane of the upper part of the column, that is, closer to the body of the forming settlement plate.

[0048] In one example, the protrusion is configured such that, during use, the rearward movement of the forming sinker carrying a yarn on the resting surface of the post causes the yarn to pass over the protrusion, which is laterally offset and loads and tightens the seam stitch to position the seam stitch on an adjacent needle. The sliding plane, which is lowered relative to the upper resting plane, is configured to equalize or restrain the increase in yarn tension caused by the tightening introduced by the lateral offset of the protrusion, so as to maintain a correct and / or fixed tension of the seam stitch when forming the mesh.

[0049] In one instance, the structure of the resting plane and the sliding plane, such as their respective shapes or vertical heights, is configured to balance the tension caused by the lateral offset of the protrusion, so as to maintain a correct length of the seam trace when forming the mesh.

[0050] In one instance, the sliding plane, which is lowered relative to the upper resting plane, is configured to reduce the tension and / or pressure applied to the protrusion by the seam trace during loading.

[0051] In one instance, the sliding plane is lowered by at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, or at least 2 mm relative to the upper stopping plane.

[0052] In one example, the protrusion has a base connected to the front side of the upper part of the post, the protrusion extending from the base itself and protruding to a tip of the protrusion opposite the base.

[0053] In one instance, the tip of the protrusion is free and points towards the front of the forming settling sheet.

[0054] In one example, the sliding plane of the protrusion, which is lowered relative to the upper resting plane of the post, is made as a downwardly inclined surface, thereby extending in a continuous manner from the base of the protrusion to the tip.

[0055] In one example, the inclination of the sliding plane of the protrusion increases from the base to the tip, such that the degree of descent of the sliding plane relative to the resting plane is greater toward the tip.

[0056] In one instance, the inclination of the sliding plane along its extension can be fixed or variable.

[0057] In one example, in a sliding plane formed as a downwardly inclined plane in the protrusion, when the formed settling sheet is viewed from a lateral position, the inclination points towards the body.

[0058] In one example, the lateral offset of the protrusion relative to the lying plane of the shaped settling sheet increases from the base to the tip of the protrusion; that is, the protrusion gradually moves further away from the base to the tip along the protrusion itself.

[0059] In one example, the protrusion bends relative to the reclining plane to gradually move away from the reclining plane itself toward the tip, the tension of the seam stitch placed on the sliding plane gradually increases as the forming sinker moves backward, the tension of the yarn increases simultaneously when the yarn is loaded into the protrusion, and the downward tilt of the sliding plane is configured to gradually retrieve and balance the gradual increase in yarn tension caused by the tension introduced by the lateral offset through the protrusion in order to maintain a correct and / or fixed tension of the seam stitch while forming the mesh.

[0060] In one example, the tip includes a stop portion that is raised relative to the lower end of the sliding plane.

[0061] In one example, the stop portion represents a support at the end of the sliding plane, which is configured to stop the sliding of the yarn at the end of the protrusion and hold the yarn in place, preventing the yarn from detaching from the sliding plane and from detaching from the protrusion.

[0062] In one example, the stop portion at the tip of the protrusion is made like a protrusion that is raised relative to the sliding plane.

[0063] In one instance, the protrusion is laterally offset or tilted relative to the column to reach the right or left side of the prone plane of the shaped settling sheet.

[0064] In one instance, the protrusion extends from its base to its tip, thus starting from the column and progressing toward the front end of the shaped settlement plate (albeit with lateral offset).

[0065] In one example, the shaped settling plate includes a fin positioned behind the upper part of the column, i.e., on the upright side opposite to the side from which the protrusion extends.

[0066] In one example, the protrusion has a supporting plane on top.

[0067] In one instance, the fin can be positioned such that the supporting plane of the fin moves rearward relative to the upper resting plane of the column, depending on a direction toward the rear end of the body.

[0068] In one example, the fins rise from the upper part of the column and extend from the upright side facing the rear of the body.

[0069] In one example, the fin extends from the upright side opposite to the side from which the protrusion extends (i.e., the fin extends from the rear side of the column).

[0070] In one example, the fin protrudes rearward from the upper part of the column according to a direction toward the rear end of the body, such that the support plane moves rearward relative to the upper resting plane of the column.

[0071] In one example, the fins protrude from the post on the back, such that the supporting plane of the fins extends in a continuous manner from the resting plane of the post.

[0072] In one example, the supporting plane of the fin and the resting plane of the column are coplanar and have the same vertical height.

[0073] In one example, the supporting plane of the fin and the resting plane of the column are aligned along the longitudinal direction.

[0074] In one example, the supporting plane of the fin and the resting plane of the column are both horizontal surfaces, preferably parallel to the underlying body of the formed settling plate.

[0075] In one instance, the supporting plane of the fin was not lowered relative to the resting plane of the column.

[0076] In one example, the supporting plane of the fin and the resting plane of the column form the top surface of the column and the entire shaped settling plate at a better level.

[0077] In one instance:

[0078] - During a knitting operation, a mesh is formed by using at least one yarn having at least one low track portion, that is, passing at a lower height of the resting plane of the post;

[0079] - In order to create the mesh, the forming sinker must perform a backward movement to transfer the seam stitch to one of the adjacent needles. During this backward movement, the rear side of the post must push, deviate from, or interfere with the yarn having at least one low track portion.

[0080] - The fin is assembled to support the at least one yarn having the at least one low trajectory portion by means of the support plane by: allowing the trajectory to pass over the support plane of the fin and preventing the rear side of the column from pushing or interfering with the at least one yarn during the rearward displacement of the shaped settling plate.

[0081] In one instance, "yarn with a low trajectory" means a yarn or at least a portion of a yarn fed below a yarn guiding assembly (often referred to as a "box" or "needle plate").

[0082] In one instance, the yarn having at least one low-trajectory portion is a yarn intended to participate in a plated operation.

[0083] In one instance, a yarn having at least one low-trajectory portion may be one of two yarns involved in a two-yarn-adding operation.

[0084] In one instance, when a shaped sinker creates a mesh and adjacent needles simultaneously create a knitted structure of plain or terry fabric, the fin is assembled to support a yarn by means of the support plane for operation.

[0085] In one instance, the fin is laterally offset or tilted relative to the column of the shaped settling plate, and the fin rises from the column.

[0086] In one instance, the fin is tilted or angled relative to the column.

[0087] In one instance, the fin is laterally offset or tilted relative to the column so that it is not located on the prone plane of the shaped settling plate.

[0088] In one example, the lateral offset of the fin relative to the prone plane of the shaped sinker increases from the base of the fin to the tip of the fin portion; that is, the fin gradually moves away from the prone plane along the fin itself.

[0089] In one instance, the lateral offset of the fins is configured to avoid interference with other laterally placed settling plates.

[0090] In one instance, the fin is laterally offset or tilted relative to the post in the same offset direction as the protrusion.

[0091] In one instance, the lateral tilt of the fin has a smaller angle relative to the respective angle of lateral tilt of the protrusion.

[0092] In an alternative example, the fin is coplanar with the column and lies on the prone plane of the shaped settling plate.

[0093] In one instance, the body, the column, and the protrusion are manufactured as a single piece, thus forming a monolithic settling sheet.

[0094] In one instance, the fin and the column are made as a single piece.

[0095] In an alternative embodiment, the fin is a component different from the column, positioned behind the upper part of the column such that the support plane of the fin is moved rearward and aligned with the upper plane of the column.

[0096] In one possible embodiment, the shaped settling sheet is manufactured entirely as a single piece.

[0097] In one instance, the shaped settling sheet has a substantially fixed thickness across all its components.

[0098] In one instance, the shaped settling sheet is integrally manufactured as a flat, thin plate, the length and height of which are greater than its thickness.

[0099] In one example, the settling plate includes a pin shaped as a horizontally flat assembly that extends horizontally, i.e., rises from a midpoint between the upper and lower parts of the column to the body, the pin rising from the front side of the end of the column pointing towards the front of the body.

[0100] In one instance, the pin is located on the prone plane of the shaped settling sheet.

[0101] In one example, pins can be assembled for use with needles on a knitting machine.

[0102] In one example, the protrusion overlaps vertically above the pin.

[0103] In one example, the pin extends vertically above the body, parallel to the front of the body.

[0104] In one instance, the body, the column, and the pin are located on a lying plane of the shaped settling sheet.

[0105] In one independent instance, the invention relates to a circular knitting machine for manufacturing mesh knitted fabrics.

[0106] The knitting machine includes:

[0107] - A needle-holding cylinder having multiple longitudinal grooves arranged around a central axis of the needle-holding cylinder;

[0108] - Multiple needles, each of which is housed in a separate longitudinal groove;

[0109] - At least one yarn feeder operatively associated with the needle;

[0110] - A crown seat, which is configured around the needle retaining cylinder and has multiple radial grooves;

[0111] - At least one guide ring operatively associated with the crown seat, wherein the crown seat is rotatable relative to the guide ring and about the central axis;

[0112] - A plurality of decoupling sinkers, each decoupling sinker being received in one of the radial grooves and moving radially within its respective radial groove, each decoupling sinker having a pin configured to cooperate with the needle and a heel toe engaging a first guide block acquired in the guide ring and extending about the central axis; wherein the first guide block is configured to move the decoupling sinker radially along its respective radial groove as the crown rotates relative to the guide ring and about the central axis.

[0113] In one example, the machine includes at least one shaped settling plate disposed next to each of the decoupling settling plates according to one or more of the above examples, wherein the shaped settling plate is movable relative to the respective decoupling settling plate.

[0114] In one example, the shaped settling sheet has a heel toe that is or can engage with a second guide block that is available in a guide ring and extends about a central axis, wherein the second guide block defines multiple tracks of the mesh settling sheet, wherein the second guide block is configured to radially move the shaped settling sheet as the crown rotates relative to the guide ring and about the central axis.

[0115] In one example, the machine includes at least one selector operatively coupled to the at least one shaped settling piece, wherein the selector is movable and preferably oscillates in a radial plane between a rest position and an operating position, wherein in the operating position, the selector acts directly or indirectly on the at least one shaped settling piece to deflect the heel-toe of the shaped settling piece along the trajectory of the second guide block.

[0116] In one example, the machine includes at least one selection actuator that is fixed to the crown seat laterally relative to the guide ring. The actuator is engaged under the control of the selector and configured to switch the selector from a rest position to an operating position.

[0117] In one example, a circular knitting machine is a type of intarsia knitting machine, that is, a machine assembled to produce fabrics with intarsia knitting patterns (intarsia knitting machine or multi-color diamond pattern machine).

[0118] In one example, a circular intarsia knitting machine includes at least two yarn feeders, each of which is configured to work with a group of needles arranged along the arc of a circle by means of the alternating rotational motion of the needles about a central axis.

[0119] In one example, the at least two feeders cooperate to form each knitting process by rotating in two directions. In another example, at least one is operatively connected to the needle holding cylinder and crown so that the needle holding cylinder and crown can rotate about a central axis.

[0120] In one example, a cam and / or other type of device are configured around a needle-holding cylinder to convert the rotational motion of the needle-holding cylinder into the axial motion of the needle.

[0121] In one instance, the machine includes multiple yarn feeders, preferably one, more preferably two or four yarn feeders.

[0122] In one example, the machine includes multiple selection actuators, preferably one selection actuator is placed on a yarn feeder.

[0123] In one instance, according to one or more of the above instances, the at least one shaped settling sheet includes a right-side shaped settling sheet and a left-side shaped settling sheet disposed on opposite sides of the respective uncircled settling sheet.

[0124] In one instance:

[0125] - The protrusion of the right-side shaped settling plate is offset to the right relative to the column;

[0126] - The protrusion of the left-side shaped settling plate is offset to the left relative to the column.

[0127] In one example, the right-side shaped settling sheet and the left-side shaped settling sheet exhibit respective protrusions that are laterally offset toward the opposite side of the uncircled settling sheet and preferably positioned above the respective uncircled settling sheet.

[0128] In one example, the protrusions are assembled to load and tighten the seam stitch and position the seam stitch on two adjacent needles to form a mesh, with the two adjacent needles positioned on opposite sides of their respective loop sinkers. Using two shaped sinkers for each loop sinker allows for the creation of wider, better-defined meshes, thus resulting in a balanced knitted fabric without twist or folds.

[0129] In one instance, the at least one shaped settling sheet is housed together with its respective uncirculated settling sheet in one of the radial grooves.

[0130] In one example, a first assembly made of a release plate and a shaped plate, or a right-side shaped plate and a left-side shaped plate, is housed in one of a radial groove. The radial groove houses the entire assembly to reduce the overall size.

[0131] In one instance, the shaped settling sheet is preferably a flat component made of metal.

[0132] In one example, the right-side shaped settling sheet and the left-side shaped settling sheet exhibit respective protrusions, which are laterally offset relative to their posts and their bodies in opposing directions.

[0133] In one example, the heel of the formed settling sheet is flat and extends vertically from the body.

[0134] In one example, the heel of the shaped settling sheet is positioned on the radially outer end of the body.

[0135] In one example, the heel of the formed sedimentation sheet points upwards.

[0136] In one instance, the selector acts indirectly on the radial end of the at least one shaped settling sheet relative to the protrusion.

[0137] In one instance, each selector indirectly acts on the right-side forming settling sheet and / or the left-side forming settling sheet.

[0138] In one instance, the selector is preferably a flat component made of metal.

[0139] In one example, the selector displays a base portion that is assembled for oscillation about an axis that is tangent to the center in a horizontal circumference on the central axis line.

[0140] In one example, the selector displays a support portion at a distance from the base, which points toward the central axis and is configured to act directly or indirectly on the shaped settling sheet.

[0141] In one example, the selector has at least one tooth that is radially outward on the side opposite to the central axis and is configured to interact with the selector actuator.

[0142] In one example, the guide ring comprises a circular track extending around a central axis.

[0143] In one example, each selector, preferably the base portion of each selector, is slidably engaged in a circular track to rotate together with the at least one shaped settling plate.

[0144] In one instance, the uncoiled settling sheet is preferably a flat component made of metal.

[0145] In one example, the uncirculated settling sheet includes a main body, with each pin disposed above the main body.

[0146] In one instance, the subject is essentially located in a plane.

[0147] In one example, the body includes a horizontal flat strip and a vertical flat post extending from the horizontal flat strip, wherein a pin is disposed at the upper end of the flat post.

[0148] In one example, the heel of the detached settling plate is flat and extends perpendicularly from the flat strip.

[0149] In one instance, the heel of the uncircled settling plate is positioned at a distance from the radially outer end of the body of the uncircled settling plate.

[0150] In one instance, the heel-toe of the de-circling settling plate points upwards.

[0151] In one instance, when the uncircling sinker is associated with the forming sinker, or associated with the right forming sinker and the left sinker, the heel-toe of the uncircling sinker is radially positioned between the heel-toe and the protrusion of the forming sinker in their respective grooves.

[0152] In one instance, each uncircled settling plate is operationally associated with its respective selector.

[0153] In one example, the selector of the uncoiled settling plate is movable in a radial plane between the rest position and the operating position, preferably oscillating.

[0154] In one instance, in the operating position, the selector of the uncoiled settling plate acts directly or indirectly on the uncoiled settling plate to deviate from the heel of the uncoiled settling plate along the trajectory of the first guide block.

[0155] In one example, the slip strip further includes a spring disposed above the pin and assembled to create different stitches, preferably terry stitches.

[0156] In one instance, the machine includes multiple actuation units, each actuation unit being associated with a selector and with at least one forming settling plate.

[0157] In one example, in the operating position, the selector is stopped abutting against the actuating unit, and the actuating unit is configured to push against the at least one shaped settling sheet. The use of the actuating unit, operatively positioned between the selector and the shaped settling sheet, allows the selector to act indirectly on the shaped settling sheet.

[0158] In one instance, the machine includes multiple actuation units, each of which is associated with a selector for the uncoiled settling plate.

[0159] In one instance, the actuating unit is preferably a flat component made of metal.

[0160] In one instance, the guide ring includes a third guide block that extends around a central axis and defines multiple trajectories.

[0161] In one instance, each push unit appears as a heel-toe that can engage with a third guide block.

[0162] In one instance, the actuating unit includes a horizontal flat bar, wherein the heel-toe is positioned on the radially outer end of the horizontal flat bar.

[0163] In one instance, the pusher unit's heel is flat and extends vertically from the horizontal flat strip.

[0164] In one instance, the pusher unit's heel-toe points upwards.

[0165] In one example, the actuating unit has a support surface facing the central axis and configured to stop against the respective shaped settling plate or the uncircled settling plate.

[0166] In one instance, the actuating unit, together with its respective uncoiled settling plate and the at least one shaped settling plate, is housed in a radial groove.

[0167] In one example, a first assembly comprising the following is housed in one of the radial grooves: a de-ringing settling plate, a right-side forming settling plate, a left-side forming settling plate, and respective actuating units (one actuating unit for the right-side forming settling plate and one actuating unit for the left-side forming settling plate, or only one actuating unit acting on both the right-side forming settling plate and the left-side forming settling plate).

[0168] In one example, the support surface of the actuation unit is placed near the heel of the actuation unit.

[0169] In one instance, the support portion of the respective selector faces the radially outer end of the actuating unit, preferably the radially outer end of the horizontal flat strip of the actuating unit.

[0170] In one example, the support portion of the selector is sized so that it abuts against the push unit associated with the right forming settling plate and stops against the push unit associated with the left forming settling plate, preferably simultaneously or almost simultaneously.

[0171] In one example, a component of the actuating unit, preferably a horizontal flat strip of the actuating unit, is positioned below the respective shaped sinker and / or uncircled sinker, preferably below the horizontal flat strip of the shaped sinker and / or uncircled sinker.

[0172] In one example, the at least one selection actuator includes at least one selection lever movable between the following two positions to move the selector from a rest position to an operating position: a first position in which the lever is at a distance from the selector; and a second distance in which the lever interferes with the selector and moves in front of the selection actuator when the crown rotates relative to the guide ring and about the central axis.

[0173] In one example, the actuator is selected to be either magnetic or piezoelectric.

[0174] In other embodiments of the invention, the invention relates to a second assembly comprising a group of flat metal parts, the flat metal parts sliding radially in their respective radial grooves and one flat part sliding relative to another flat part.

[0175] In one example, the second assembly includes a stitch-loosening sinker, a right-side forming sinker, a left-side forming sinker, two actuation units (one actuation unit associated with the right-side forming sinker and the other actuation unit associated with the left-side forming sinker), and a selector for each of the actuation units.

[0176] In one instance, one of two of the multiple radial trenches houses a respective second assembly.

[0177] In one example, the plurality of radial grooves comprise a series of alternating first and second assemblies extending along the entire circumference of the crown.

[0178] In one example, the seam trace-separation settlement plate includes a respective body shaped as a horizontal flat strip, which is oriented radially like a radial groove, and a vertical flat post extends from the horizontal flat strip.

[0179] In one instance, when the second assembly is properly installed into the machine, the pin extends from the front of the vertical flat column toward the central axis.

[0180] In one instance, the suture line-disengagement settlement plate further includes a vertical tooth extending above the post.

[0181] In one instance, the tooth extends and rises from the top of the post.

[0182] In one example, the tooth has an anterior surface that is assembled for retention or, technically, "disengaged," with the suture line loaded and tightened by the protrusions of the right-side and left-side shaped sinkers.

[0183] In one example, the dental assembly is used to retain, by means of the protrusions of the right and left shaping deposits, the suture line carried by the anterior surface during its posterior movement, the posterior movement being performed to place the suture line at one or more adjacent needles to form a mesh.

[0184] In one instance, the anterior surface of the tooth is prevented from being radially pulled backward toward the outside of the crown seat of the settlement piece during the rearward movement of the right and left shaped settlement pieces to form a mesh.

[0185] In one instance, the anterior surface of the tooth is configured to push the suture line on the protrusion forward during the rearward movement of the right and left side forming a mesh, such that the suture line is spread out to the maximum extent on the protrusion itself.

[0186] In one instance, the anterior surface of the tooth is configured to push the suture line on the protrusion forward during the forward movement (towards the central axis) of the suture line-disengagement settlement piece.

[0187] In one instance, the front surface points towards the central axis.

[0188] In one instance, the front surface is substantially vertical, that is, the front surface extends parallel to the central axis.

[0189] In one example, the tooth has a posterior surface opposite the anterior surface.

[0190] In one instance, the rear surface points outward from the crown of the settling sheet.

[0191] In one example, the tooth begins at the base (below) which is integral with the top of the post and ends at the top with a free end (or tip).

[0192] In one example, the tooth is shaped such that, with the second assembly positioned in its respective groove, the tooth is raised above the upper resting plane of the post of each of the right and left shaped sinkers belonging to the same assembly, and placed on several sides of the suture-disengagement sinker.

[0193] In one instance, the posterior surface is rounded or beveled to reduce the overall posterior size of the tooth, preferably avoiding contact with other components of the crown seat of the settlement piece, such as the control cam.

[0194] In one example, the tooth extends above the post so as to be higher than the pin.

[0195] In one example, the suture line-separation settlement plate includes a flat heel toe that extends vertically upward from the horizontal flat strip at a distance from the radially outer end of the horizontal flat strip (relative to the central axis).

[0196] In one example, the seam-seam derailment plate is made of a single flat metal part, such as a cut part.

[0197] In one example, the first assembly and the second assembly share the same right-side shaped sinker and the same left-side shaped sinker, but differ on the central component of the assembly. The sinker is the unring sinker in the first assembly and the joint line-unring sinker in the second assembly.

[0198] In one example, in the second assembly, the right-side shaped sinker and the left-side shaped sinker have respective protrusions that are laterally displaced in a relative direction relative to their respective bodies and relative to the interlocking seam-unlocked sinker placed therebetween.

[0199] In one embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to an assembly of flat parts for use in a circular knitting machine, the assembly comprising:

[0200] - A loop-off sinker or a stitch-off sinker having a pin and a heel, the pin being configured to cooperate with a needle of a knitting machine, the heel being designed to cooperate with a suitable drive component of the knitting machine to cause a displacement movement of the loop-off sinker or stitch-off sinker in a radial direction relative to a central axis of the knitting machine.

[0201] - According to one or more of the above examples, at least one shaped settling sheet is movable relative to the uncircled settling sheet or the joint trace-uncircled settling sheet;

[0202] The assembly is configured to be housed in the respective radial grooves of the crown seat arranged around the needle-holding cylinder of the knitting machine, such that the at least one forming sinker is located behind the loop-off sinker or the stitch-loop-off sinker.

[0203] The at least one formed settling piece and the uncircled settling piece or the joint trace-uncircled settling piece are independently radially movable in their respective radial grooves.

[0204] In one example, the assembly includes a group of flat metal parts designed to slide radially in a respective radial groove and also slidable relative to each other, the assembly including a stitch-loosening sinker, a right-side shaped sinker, and a left-side shaped sinker.

[0205] In one independent embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing knitted fabrics using machines according to one or more of the foregoing embodiments.

[0206] In a separate embodiment of the invention, the invention also relates to the use of one or more of the forming sinkers according to the foregoing examples in a knitting machine to create open characters in a knitted fabric.

[0207] According to the present invention, other features and advantages of the loop-breaking sinker referred to as a "forming sinker" and preferred embodiments of circular knitting machines, particularly for manufacturing mesh knitted fabrics, including such sinkers, will become more apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0208] The description herein should be taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes only and therefore not for limiting purposes, wherein:

[0209] - Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating a possible embodiment of a forming sinker for a knitting machine according to the present invention;

[0210] - Figure 2 Draw Figure 1 A side view of the formed sedimentation sheet;

[0211] - Figure 3 Draw Figure 1 A plan view of the formed sedimentation sheet from above;

[0212] - Figure 4 Draw Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion of the formed settling sheet;

[0213] - Figure 5 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the side view;

[0214] - Figure 6 An exemplary perspective view of a right-side shaped settling sheet and a left-side shaped settling sheet placed next to each other according to the present invention is shown;

[0215] - Figure 7 Draw Figure 6 A plan view of the formed sedimentation sheet from above;

[0216] - Figure 8 A portion of a circular knitting machine according to the invention is illustrated, with some parts removed for better illustration of other parts;

[0217] - Figure 9 Draw Figure 8 Different local cross-sectional views of the part;

[0218] - Figure 10 An exploded view of the first assembly of components belonging to the machine as shown in the foregoing figures is illustrated.

[0219] - Figure 11 The drawing components are associated with each other. Figure 10 The assembly;

[0220] - Figure 12 An exploded view of a second assembly belonging to the components of the machine as shown in the foregoing figures is illustrated. Figure 9 It can be seen in the middle;

[0221] - Figure 13 The drawing components are associated with each other. Figure 12 The assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0222] See the diagrams mentioned above, and specifically see... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The number 100 in the text refers to a portion of the knitting head end of a circular knitting machine according to the present invention. The illustrated circular knitting machine is a machine assembled for producing fabrics with intarsia knitting patterns (intarsia knitting machine or multi-color diamond pattern machine). The circular knitting machine includes a base constituting a support structure of the machine, which is not shown because the base has a known type, and the knitting head end 100 is mounted on the base.

[0223] The knitting head 100 is equipped with a needle holding cylinder 101, to which a plurality of needles N are mounted, and wherein control members (not shown) are adapted to selectively actuate the needles N to enable the production of knitted fabric. The needle holding cylinder 101 is typically mounted on a base in a vertical position, wherein the needles N are vertically arranged and protrude beyond the upper edge of the needle holding cylinder 101.

[0224] As is known, the needle holding cylinder 101 has a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed on a radially outer surface of the needle holding cylinder 101. The longitudinal grooves are arranged about a central axis X (perpendicular) of the needle holding cylinder 101 and extend parallel to the central axis X. Each longitudinal groove houses a respective needle N and a respective drive chain (including a group of flat parts). Actuation cams are configured as housings around the needle holding cylinder 101 and are positioned facing the radially outer surface of the cylinder 101 and thus facing the longitudinal grooves and drive chains. These actuation cams are defined, for example, by plates and / or grooves disposed on the inner surface of the housing.

[0225] In one embodiment, the housing of the actuating cam is substantially static, while the needle holding cylinder 101 is rotated about the central axis X by means of a suitable motor (continuous or alternating motion in two directions) to generate relative rotational motion between the drive chain and the actuating cam, and to convert the rotational motion of the needle holding cylinder 101 into axial motion of the needle N, so as to manufacture knitted fabric by means of the needle N.

[0226] The machine further includes a crown 102 configured around a needle holding cylinder 101 and having a plurality of radial grooves 103 on the radially inner edge of the crown 102, i.e., open toward the central axis X. The crown 102 rotates together with the needle holding cylinder 101 about the central axis X, for example, by means of the same motor (since the crown and the needle holding cylinder are integral).

[0227] A suitable device (not shown) feeds the yarn to be knitted to one or more yarn feed points (referred to as feeders), which are typically positioned above the needle holding cylinder 101. The illustrated circular intarsia knitting machine T includes four yarn feeders, each configured to work in conjunction with a respective group of needles N, which are positioned along an arc of a circle (e.g., a 90° arc) by means of the alternating rotational movement of the needles N about a central axis X. The four feeders cooperate to form each knitting process by rotating in two directions.

[0228] The circular knitting machine will be described further; the shaped sinker sheet according to the present invention will now be described in detail.

[0229] See the figures mentioned, and specifically see Figures 1 to 7 The number 1 in the entire text refers to the forming sinker for a knitting machine according to the present invention.

[0230] First, the shaped settling sheet 1 is assembled, especially for manufacturing mesh knitted fabrics.

[0231] As illustrated in the figures by way of example, the formed sinker 1 includes a body 2 shaped like a horizontal flat strip and designed to be slidably received within the radial groove 103 of the sinker retainer 102 of the knitting machine so as to move radially within the groove in a controlled manner.

[0232] The main body 2 has a main longitudinal extension and extends between the rear (or end) 2a and the front (or end) 2b.

[0233] The shaped settling plate includes a column 3, which is shaped like a vertically flat component and extends vertically from the main body 2 near or above the front portion 2b, i.e., rises. Alternatively, the column may extend vertically in the middle position between the rear portion 2a and the front portion 2b.

[0234] The column 3 ends at the top via an upper part 4 that defines an upper resting plane 30, which is designed to accommodate one or more yarns during stitch formation.

[0235] Preferably, the main body 2 and the column 3 are located on a lying plane G of the formed settling sheet.

[0236] The shaped settling plate 1 further includes a protrusion 6 that rises from the upper part 4 of the column 3 and extends on the side of the column 3 facing the front part 2b of the body 2 (i.e., on the front side 3a of the column).

[0237] Preferably, the protrusion 6 has a sliding plane 60 on its top.

[0238] Preferably, the protrusion 6 protrudes from the upper part 4 of the column 3 in a direction pointing towards the front end 2b of the main body 2, so that the sliding plane 60 of the protrusion 6 moves forward relative to the upper resting plane 30 of the column 3.

[0239] Preferably, the protrusion 6 is laterally offset or tilted relative to the column 3 of the formed settling plate 1, and the protrusion rises from the column.

[0240] The protrusion 6 is assembled to load or tighten the seam stitch and to position the seam stitch on adjacent needles of the knitting machine to form a mesh.

[0241] In one example, needles are present between each pair of adjacent grooves: in each groove, due to the protrusions of the forming sinker, the forming sinker is configured to tighten and expand the seam line so as to move the seam line to the needle near the groove, i.e., the needle is placed on several sides of the groove (one on the right and one on the left). Thus, adjacent needles pick up the seam line conveyed by the forming sinker and can create mesh in the fabric.

[0242] Preferably, the sliding plane 60 of the protrusion 6 is at least partially lower than the upper resting plane 30 of the column 3.

[0243] Preferably, the sliding plane 60 of the protrusion 6 is configured to receive one or more yarns when the seam stitch is loaded and tightened during mesh formation.

[0244] In the framework of this invention, the terms "lateral offset" or "tilt" mean that the protrusion 6 is laterally buckled or bent relative to the column 3, particularly relative to the upper part 4 of the column 3.

[0245] In one instance, the protrusion is tilted or angled relative to the post.

[0246] Preferably, the protrusion 6 is laterally offset or tilted relative to the column 3 so that it is not located on the aforementioned lying plane G of the formed settling sheet.

[0247] Preferably, the sliding plane 60, which is lower than the upper resting plane 30 of the column 3, extends in a continuous manner relative to the upper resting plane 30, and a connecting step 61 exists downward in the transition zone from the upper resting plane 30 to the sliding plane 60.

[0248] Preferably, the step 61 is rounded or connected so that a transition zone occurs from the upper resting surface 30 to the sliding surface 60, and there is no gap between the surface of the upper resting surface and the surface of the sliding surface.

[0249] Therefore, during the radial translation of the formed sinker 1 in its respective groove 103, the yarn can move from the upper resting plane 30 to the sliding plane 60 of the protrusion 6, thereby sliding on these planes and maintaining continuous contact with the surfaces of the upper resting plane and the sliding plane.

[0250] Preferably, the upper resting plane 30 is a flat surface, i.e. a lying surface, preferably a horizontal plane, and the sliding plane 60 is at least partially downward, i.e., each surface that is lowered toward the body 2 of the forming settling plate 1.

[0251] Preferably, the resting plane 30 is a planar surface that extends parallel to the body 2 of the formed settling plate 1.

[0252] Preferably, the term "lower" means that the sliding plane 60 of the protrusion 6 is lower in the vertical direction than the upper resting plane 30 of the upper part 4 of the column 3, that is, closer to the body 2 of the forming settling plate 1.

[0253] Preferably, the protrusion 6 is configured such that, during use, the rearward movement of the forming sinker 1 carrying the yarn on the resting surface 30 of the post 3 causes the yarn to pass over the protrusion 6, which is laterally offset and loads and tightens the seam stitch to position the seam stitch on the adjacent needle. A sliding plane 60, lowered relative to the upper resting plane 30, is configured to balance / restrain the increase in tension caused by the lateral offset of the protrusion 6 as the yarn passes through, so as to maintain the correct and / or fixed tension of the seam stitch when forming the mesh.

[0254] Preferably, the structures of the resting plane 30 and the sliding plane 60, such as their respective shapes or vertical heights, are configured to balance the tension caused by the lateral offset of the protrusion 6, so as to maintain the correct length of the seam trace when forming the mesh.

[0255] Preferably, the sliding plane 60, which is lowered relative to the upper resting plane 30, is configured to reduce the tension and / or pressure applied to the protrusion 6 by the seam trace during loading.

[0256] Preferably, the sliding plane 60 is lowered relative to the upper resting plane 30 by an amount of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, or at least 2 mm.

[0257] Preferably, the protrusion 6 has a base 62 connected to the front side 3a of the upper part of the column 3, and the protrusion 6 extends from the base and protrudes to a tip 63 opposite to the base 62.

[0258] Preferably, the tip 63 of the protrusion is free and points towards the front 2b of the formed settling piece 1.

[0259] Preferably, the offset or tilt of the protrusion 6 relative to the post 3 (i.e., relative to the prone plane G) is achieved by buckling the protrusion itself on its base 62, such that the protrusion forms an angle with the post. The buckling at the base of the protrusion causes the entire protrusion to extend outward at an angle relative to the post, i.e., relative to the prone plane G (see example...). Figure 3 ).

[0260] Preferably, the sliding plane 60 of the protrusion 6, which is lower than the upper resting plane 30 of the column 3, is made like a downwardly inclined plane 64, so that it extends in a continuous manner from the base 62 of the protrusion to the tip 63.

[0261] Preferably, the inclination of the sliding plane 60 of the protrusion 6 increases from the base 62 to the tip 63, so that the degree of descent of the sliding plane relative to the resting plane 30 is greater toward the tip 63.

[0262] Preferably, the aforementioned inclination of the sliding plane 60 along its own extension can be fixed or variable.

[0263] Preferably, when viewing the formed sedimentation plate from a lateral position in the sliding plane 60 of the protrusion 6, which is formed as a downwardly inclined plane 64 (similar to, for example) Figure 2 and Figure 5 ), with the tilt pointing towards the main body 2.

[0264] Preferably, the lateral offset of the protrusion 6 relative to the lying plane G of the formed settling piece 1 increases from the base 62 to the tip 63 of the protrusion, that is, the protrusion 6 gradually moves further away from the base to the tip along the protrusion 6 itself.

[0265] Preferably, the protrusion 6 is buckled relative to the reclining plane G so as to gradually move away from the reclining plane itself toward the tip 63. The tension of the seam stitch placed on the sliding plane 60 gradually increases as the forming sinker moves backward. The tension of the yarn increases simultaneously when the yarn is loaded into the protrusion. The downward tilt of the sliding plane 60 is configured to retrieve and balance the gradually increasing tension of the yarn caused by the tension introduced by the lateral offset through the protrusion 6 in order to maintain the correct and / or fixed tension of the seam stitch, while forming the mesh.

[0266] In other words, during the backward movement of the forming sinker 1, as the extension 6 expands the seam line and gradually increases the tension of the yarn, the inclined plane 64 of the protrusion 6 balances the increase in tension, which will be introduced when the sliding plane 60 without the protrusion is lowered or tilted.

[0267] Preferably, the tip 63 includes a stop portion 65 that is raised relative to the lower end of the sliding plane 60.

[0268] Preferably, the stop portion 65 represents a mechanical support at the end of the sliding plane 60, which is configured to stop the sliding of the yarn at the end of the protrusion 6 and hold the yarn in place, preventing the yarn from detaching from the sliding plane and from separating from the protrusion.

[0269] Preferably, the stop portion 65 on the tip 63 of the protrusion is made as a protrusion that is raised relative to the sliding plane 60.

[0270] Preferably, relative to the column, the protrusion 6 can be laterally offset or tilted to the right or left side of the prone plane G of the formed settlement plate 1.

[0271] Traditionally, when viewed in the direction pointing to the front end 2b of the formed settling plate 1, the horizontal body and the left and right sides of the vertical column can be defined. The protrusion shifts or tilts to the right as it progresses forward from the right, or shifts or tilts to the left as it progresses forward from the left.

[0272] Using examples Figures 1 to 5 The shaped settling sheet shown in the figure has a protrusion 6 that is offset or tilted to the right.

[0273] on the contrary, Figure 6 and Figure 7 A pair of shaped settlement plates 1 are illustrated: In each figure, the highest settlement plate has a protrusion that is offset or tilted to the right, while the lowest settlement plate has a protrusion that is offset or tilted to the left.

[0274] The “right” and “left” shaped settlement plates will be revealed later in this description.

[0275] Preferably, the protrusion 6 extends from its base 62 to its tip 63, starting from the column 3 and moving toward the front end 2b of the shaped settling plate 1 (although it is laterally offset).

[0276] Preferably, the tip 63 or the stop portion 65 of the protrusion 6 is bent relative to the sliding plane 60 in a direction approaching the prone plane G of the formed settling sheet. In other words, the tip is inclined in a opposite direction to the inclination of the protrusion at the base. In this case, the protrusion 6 has a first bent portion at the base 62 toward the outside of the settling sheet, and a second bent portion at the tip 63 or the front of the prone plane. In this embodiment, as illustrated in the figures by way of example (see in particular...), Figure 3 The protrusion 6 adopts a planar shape that is slightly similar to a Z-shape, that is, with double buckles.

[0277] According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the shaped settling plate 1 includes a fin 70 positioned behind the upper portion 4 of the column 3, that is, on the side of the column 3 opposite to the side from which the protrusion extends. The fin 70 has a support plane 71 on its top.

[0278] Preferably, the fin 70 can be positioned such that the supporting plane 71 of the fin moves rearward relative to the upper resting plane 30 of the column 3, depending on the direction toward the rear end 2a of the main body 2.

[0279] Preferably, the fins 70 of the formed settling plate 1 rise from the upper part 4 of the column 3 and extend from the upright side facing the rear part 2a of the main body 2.

[0280] Preferably, the fin 70 extends from the side of the column 3 opposite to the side from which the protrusion extends, that is, the fin extends from the rear side 3b of the column 3 opposite to the front side 3a.

[0281] Preferably, the fin 70 protrudes from the upper part 4 of the column 3 at the rear, according to the direction toward the rear end 2a of the main body 2, so that the support plane 71 moves rearward relative to the upper resting plane 30 of the column 3.

[0282] Preferably, the fin 70 protrudes from the column 3 on the back, such that the supporting plane 71 of the fin extends continuously from the resting plane 30 of the column 3.

[0283] Preferably, the supporting plane 71 of the fin 70 and the resting plane 30 of the column 3 are coplanar and have the same vertical height.

[0284] Preferably, the supporting plane 71 of the fin 70 and the resting plane 30 of the column 3 are aligned along the longitudinal direction.

[0285] Preferably, the supporting plane 71 of the fin 70 and the resting plane 30 of the column 3 are both horizontal surfaces, preferably parallel to the underlying body 2 of the formed settling plate 1.

[0286] Preferably, the sliding plane 71 of the fin 70 is not lowered relative to the upper resting plane 30 of the column 3.

[0287] Preferably, the supporting plane 71 of the fin and the resting plane 30 of the column form the top surface of the column and the entire shaped settling plate, which is preferably a horizontal top surface.

[0288] According to the present invention, the shaped settling sheet 1 is used as follows:

[0289] - During the knitting operation, a mesh is formed by using at least one yarn, at least a portion of which has a low track, i.e., is passed at a lower height at the height of the resting plane 30 of the column.

[0290] - In order to create the mesh, the forming sinker 1 must perform a backward movement to transfer the stitch line to one of the adjacent needles. During this backward movement, the rear side 3b of the post 3 must push, deviate from, or interfere with the yarn portion with the low track.

[0291] - The fin 70 is assembled to support the aforementioned at least one yarn portion having a low trajectory by means of the support plane 71 by the following operation: the trajectory passes over the support plane 71 of the fin and the rear side 3b of the column 3 is prevented from pushing or interfering with the at least one yarn portion during the rearward displacement movement of the forming sinker 1.

[0292] Within the framework of this invention, "yarn with a low trajectory" means a yarn or at least a portion of a yarn fed below a yarn guiding assembly (commonly referred to as a "box" or "needle plate").

[0293] It should be noted that the yarn fed below the guide assembly consists of at least one of several sections with yarn passing below the assembly, although the yarn feeder is also positioned above the assembly.

[0294] Preferably, the yarn having at least one portion with a low track is a yarn intended to participate in a yarn-adding operation.

[0295] A yarn having at least one portion with a low trajectory can be one of the two yarns involved in a two-yarn adding operation.

[0296] Preferably, when the forming sinker 1 creates a mesh and the adjacent needles simultaneously create a knitted structure of plain knit or terry fabric, the fin 70 is assembled to work, supporting a yarn by means of the support plane 71.

[0297] It should be noted that "fin" means a portion of the shaped settling plate 1 that protrudes from the upper part 4 of the column 3 or is positioned behind the upper part of the column.

[0298] In a possible embodiment, as illustrated in the figures, the fin 70 is laterally offset or tilted relative to the column 3 forming the settling plate, and the fin rises from the column.

[0299] Preferably, the fin 70 is tilted or angled relative to the column.

[0300] Preferably, the fin 70 is laterally offset or tilted relative to the column 3 so that it is not located on the lying plane G of the shaped settling plate 1.

[0301] Preferably, the lateral offset of the fin 70 relative to the prone plane G of the formed sinking plate increases from the base of the fin to the tip of the fin, that is, the fin gradually moves away from the prone plane G along the fin itself.

[0302] Preferably, the lateral offset of the fin 70 is configured to avoid interference with other laterally placed settling plates.

[0303] Preferably, the fin 70 is laterally offset or tilted relative to the column 3 in the same offset direction as the protrusion 6 of the same shaped settling plate.

[0304] In other words, the lateral offset of the protrusion 6 and the fin 70 relative to the column 3 corresponds to the following: if the protrusion tilts to the right, the fin also tilts to the right; and if the protrusion tilts to the left, the fin also tilts to the left.

[0305] Preferably, the lateral tilt of the fin 70 is smaller than the lateral tilt of the protrusion 6. In other words, the lateral tilt of the protrusion 6 relative to the column 3 is preferably greater than that of the fin 70.

[0306] As an alternative, the fins may be coplanar with the column and located on the prone plane of the formed settling plate.

[0307] Preferably, the main body 2, the column 3 and the protrusion 6 are manufactured as a single piece, thus forming a single-piece molded settling sheet.

[0308] Preferably, as shown in the figures, the fin 70 and the column 3 are made as a single piece.

[0309] Preferably, the forming plate 1 is made entirely as a one-piece unit.

[0310] In a possible alternative embodiment (not shown), the fin may be a component different from the column, placed behind the upper part of the column, such that the supporting plane of the fin moves rearward and is aligned with the upper plane of the column.

[0311] If the fins are components that are different from the columns (and generally different from the body of the shaped settling plate), the fins can be moved independently of the body of the settling plate and the columns via suitable components, for example, to be positioned behind the columns when the support plane must be positioned behind the upper resting plane.

[0312] Preferably, the shaped settling sheet 1 has a substantially fixed thickness in all its parts.

[0313] Preferably, the shaped settling sheet 1 is integrally manufactured as a flat thin plate, the length and height of which are greater than its thickness.

[0314] The formed settling plate 1 can be made from a single flat metal part, such as a cut, stamped and / or bent part.

[0315] Preferably, the settling plate includes a pin 80 formed as a horizontally flat assembly that extends horizontally, i.e., rises from the middle position of the column 3 between the upper part 4 and the lower part coupling point of the column 3 to the body 2.

[0316] The pin rises from the front side 3a of the column 3, thus moving toward the end of the front part 2b of the main body 2.

[0317] Preferably, pin 80 is located on the prone plane G of the formed settling sheet.

[0318] Preferably, the protrusion 6 vertically overlaps above the pin 80.

[0319] Preferably, pin 80 extends vertically above the main body, parallel to the front part 2b of the main body 2.

[0320] Preferably, the main body, column, and pin are located on a lying plane G of the formed settlement sheet.

[0321] The shaped sinker sheet 1 according to the present invention will now be described for use in a circular knitting machine. Let us observe... Figures 8 to 11 .

[0322] As stated above, the knitting machine includes a knitting head end 100, a needle holding cylinder 101, a plurality of needles N, and a crown 102 having a plurality of radial grooves 103.

[0323] According to a possible embodiment of the invention, one or more of the radial grooves 103 house a first assembly A composed of a plurality of flat metal parts, which are radially sliding within their respective radial grooves 103 and also aligned relative to each other. (Best illustrated in...) Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first assembly A includes a release sinker 7, a right-side forming sinker 8, a left-side forming sinker 9, two actuation units 10 (one actuation unit is associated with the right-side forming sinker 8 and the other actuation unit is associated with the left-side forming sinker 9), and a selector 11 for each of the actuation units 10.

[0324] The release plate 7 includes a body shaped as a horizontal flat strip 12, which is oriented radially, like a radial groove 103, and a vertical flat post extends from the horizontal flat strip 12. A pin 13 of essentially known shape is disposed on the upper end of the vertical flat post and faces the central axis X when the assembly is properly installed in the machine. The release plate 7 further includes a flat heel 14 extending vertically upward from the horizontal flat strip 12 at a distance from the radially outer end of the horizontal flat strip 12 (relative to the central axis X). The release plate 7 may be made from a single flat metal part, such as a cut part.

[0325] As disclosed above, the right-side shaped settling sheet 8 and the left-side shaped settling sheet 9 are two embodiments of the shaped settling sheet 1 according to the present invention. More specifically:

[0326] - The protrusion 6 of the right-side shaped settling plate 8 is offset to the right relative to its column 3;

[0327] - The protrusion 6 of the left-side shaped settling plate 9 is offset to the left relative to its column 3.

[0328] The right-side formed sinker 8 includes a body shaped as a horizontal flat strip 15 and a vertical flat post extending from the horizontal flat strip 15. When the first assembly A is properly mounted to the machine, the protrusion 6 of the right-side formed sinker 8 resembles an arm extending toward the central axis X and laterally offset relative to the prone plane of its respective body. The right-side formed sinker 8 further includes a flat heel 17 extending vertically upward from the horizontal flat strip 15 and positioned near the radially outer end of the horizontal flat strip 15 (relative to the central axis X). The right-side formed sinker 8 is made from a single flat metal part, such as a cut, stamped, and / or bent part.

[0329] The left-side molded settling piece 9 includes the same components as the right-side molded settling piece 8, and is structurally the same as or corresponds to the right-side molded settling piece 8, except that their respective protrusions 6 are offset / displaced relative to their bodies to the opposite side. The right-side molded settling piece 8 and the left-side molded settling piece 9 therefore have their respective protrusions 6 that are laterally displaced in the opposite direction relative to their bodies and relative to the uncoiled settling piece 7 placed therebetween.

[0330] When the first assembly A is properly installed in its respective groove 103, the right-side shaped sinker 8 and the left-side shaped sinker 9 are positioned on opposite sides of their respective disengaged sinker 7. Figure 11 The right-side shaped sinker 8 and the left-side shaped sinker 9 each exhibit a protrusion 6, which is laterally offset toward the opposite side of the unhooked sinker 7 and positioned above the pin 13 of the respective unhooked sinker 7. Furthermore, the heel 14 of the unhooked sinker 7 is radially positioned between the heel 17 and the protrusion 6 of the respective shaped sinker 8 and 9.

[0331] Preferably, the two actuating units 10 of the first assembly A are identical to each other. Each of the actuating units 10 includes a horizontal flat strip 18 and a heel 19, the heel 19 being flat and positioned relative to the central axis X on the radially outer end of the horizontal flat strip 18 and extending vertically upward. The actuating unit 10 further has a support surface 20 facing the central axis X and configured to rest against the respective shaped settling plates 8, 9. The support surface 20 of the actuating unit 10 is positioned on the heel 19 of the actuating unit 10, i.e., near the radially outer end of the horizontal flat strip 18. More specifically, a portion of the actuating unit positioned near the radially outer end extends vertically upward and defines the support surface 20 and the respective heel 19. Furthermore, the actuating unit 10 is made of a single flat metal part, such as a cut part.

[0332] When the first assembly A is properly installed in its respective groove 103 ( Figure 11 When the push unit 10 is in operation, the horizontal flat strip 18 of each push unit 10 is located below and in contact with the flat strip 15 of its respective forming sinker 8, 9, and the support surface 20 faces the radial outer end of its respective forming sinker 8, 9. The uncoiled sinker 7 is placed between the first forming sinker 8 and the second forming sinker 9.

[0333] When one of the two selectors 11 is properly installed in the machine, each selector is a generally flat metal assembly extending primarily vertically. Selector 11 has a base portion 21 with a rounded profile and configured to oscillate tangentially about an axis of horizontal circumference, the center of which is in the central axis X. Selector 11 is located in and oscillates in a radial plane. Selector 11 further exhibits a support portion 22 at a distance from the base portion 21, pointing towards the central axis X and configured to act indirectly on the respective shaped settling plates 8, 9 via their respective actuating units 10. Selector 11 further has teeth 23 positioned on the radially opposite edge of the flat assembly to the support portion 22 and radially outward relative to the central axis X, i.e., radially pointing to the opposite side.

[0334] The support portion 22 has a rounded protrusion that is assembled and sized to stop at the radially outer end of the horizontal flat strip 18 of the respective push unit 10 of the first assembly A.

[0335] Each selector 11 oscillates in the radial plane between a stationary position and an operating position. In the stationary position, the support portion 22 of the selector 11 is located in a radially outer position and is not in contact with its respective actuating unit 10. In the operating position, the selector 11 rotates toward the central axis X, the support portion 22 of the selector 11 is located in a radially inner position, and is configured to rest against its respective actuating unit 10 and push its respective actuating unit 10 toward the central axis X. The actuating unit 10 is further configured to push the shaped settling plates 8 and 9.

[0336] Switching from the stop position to the operating position of selector 11 is caused by selecting an actuator (not shown, but of a known type) that acts on the tooth 23 of selector 11. For example, the number of selection actuators can be the same as that of the feeder of a knitting machine. The selection actuators are static relative to the housing and are preferably arranged at the same angular distance around crown 102.

[0337] Preferably, the selector actuator includes a plurality of selector levers (e.g., of a known type), each lever being movable between two positions to move the selector from a rest position to an operating position: a first position in which the lever is at a distance from the selector; and a second distance in which the lever interferes with the selector moving in front of the selector when the crown is rotated relative to the guide ring and about the central axis.

[0338] In one example, the actuator is selected to be either magnetic or piezoelectric.

[0339] Furthermore, the uncoiled settling plates 7 can be driven by their respective actuating units 10', which interact with their respective selectors 11', which are entirely similar to the actuating units 10 and the selectors 11. For this reason, the same components have been referred to by the same reference numerals with apostrophes.

[0340] Selector 11' displays base portion 21' and support portion 22' at a distance from base portion 21', thereby pointing to the central axis X and being assembled to indirectly act on each uncoiled settling plate 7 via their respective push units 10'.

[0341] Selector 11' further has a tooth 23' positioned on the edge of the flat assembly that is radially opposite to the support portion 22' and radially outward relative to the central axis X, i.e., radially pointing to the opposite side. The support portion 22' has a rounded protrusion that is assembled to abut against the radially outer ends of the respective horizontal flat strips 18' of the push unit 10'.

[0342] Each of the push units 10' further reveals its respective heel 19' and its respective support surface 20', which is assembled for stopping against its respective release plate 7.

[0343] The slip-off sinker 7 further incorporates a spring 31 to work in conjunction with the needle N to create terry stitches.

[0344] As can be observed, the position of the tooth 23' of selector 11' is different from that of the tooth 23 of the two selectors 11, such that according to the first assembly A, which is to be used to make holes or terry stitches in the fabric, the selector actuator can capture the tooth 23 or select the tooth 23' as an alternative example.

[0345] A guide ring 90, consisting of one or more parts, is operatively associated with a crown 102. The guide ring is coaxial with a central axis X and is static, similar to a housing; that is, the circular crown 102 is rotatable relative to the guide ring about the central axis X. The selector actuator is therefore static relative to the guide ring and laterally faces the crown. In one embodiment, the guide ring 90 has a plurality of guide blocks extending about the central axis X and configured to engage with the aforementioned metal parts of the first assembly A. These guide blocks are, for example, grooves defined by cams.

[0346] The heel 14 of the uncoiled settling piece 7 of each first assembly A engages with the first guide block 91 obtained in the upper part of the guide ring 90. When the circular crown 102 rotates relative to the guide ring 90 and about the central axis X, the first guide block 91 is configured to radially move the uncoiled settling piece 7 along its respective radial groove 103.

[0347] Another objective of the present invention will now be described. Let us observe... Figure 12 and Figure 13 .

[0348] According to other possible embodiments of the invention, these figures illustrate a second assembly B comprising a group of flat metal parts that slide radially in their respective radial grooves 103 and one flat part is slidable relative to another. This second assembly B includes a "seam-seam" sinker (mentioned by reference to numeral 7'), a right-side forming sinker 8, a left-side forming sinker 9, two actuating units 10 (one actuating unit associated with the right-side forming sinker 8 and the other actuating unit associated with the left-side forming sinker 9), and a selector 11 for each of the actuating units 10. Note that, by way of example, in Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the middle, one of the two grooves (the plurality of radial grooves 103) houses the respective second assembly B.

[0349] Considering multiple radial grooves 103, possible embodiments may envision a continuous alternation of the first assembly A and the second assembly B extending along the entire circumference of the crown 102.

[0350] The seam trace-separation settling plate 7' includes its respective main body formed as a horizontal flat strip 12', which is oriented in the radial direction like a radial groove 103, and a vertical flat post 50 extends from the horizontal flat strip 12'.

[0351] Preferably, when the second assembly B is properly installed into the machine, a pin 13' having an inherently known shape extends from the front side of the vertical flat column toward the central axis X.

[0352] The suture line-disengagement settlement piece 7' further includes a vertical tooth 51 extending above the post 50.

[0353] Preferably, tooth 51 extends the post by rising from the top of post 50.

[0354] Preferably, tooth 51 has a front surface 52 configured to retain (or, in technical terms, "unloop") the suture line loaded and tightened by the protrusions 6 of the right-side shaping sinker 8 and the left-side shaping sinker 9. Preferably, tooth 51 is configured to retain the suture line carried by the protrusions of the right-side shaping sinker 8 and the left-side shaping sinker 9 by means of the front surface 52 during the rearward movement of the right-side shaping sinker 8 and the left-side shaping sinker 9, the rearward movement being performed to place the suture line at one or more adjacent needles to form a mesh.

[0355] Preferably, the anterior surface 52 of tooth 51 is arranged in the rearward movement of the right-side shaping submersible 8 and the left-side shaping submersible 9 to prevent the suture line from being radially pulled backward toward the outside of the submersible's coronal seat during mesh formation.

[0356] Preferably, the anterior surface 52 of tooth 51 is configured to push the suture line on the protrusion 6 forward during the rearward movement of the right-side forming sinker 8 and the left-side forming sinker 9 to form the mesh, such that the suture line is distributed at its maximum value on the protrusion itself.

[0357] Preferably, the anterior surface 52 of tooth 51 is configured to push the suture line on the protrusion 6 forward (towards the central axis X) during the forward movement of the suture line-disengagement settlement piece 7'.

[0358] Preferably, the front surface 52 points towards the central axis X.

[0359] Preferably, the front surface 52 is substantially vertical, that is, the front surface extends parallel to the central axis X.

[0360] Preferably, tooth 51 has a posterior surface 53 opposite to the anterior surface 52.

[0361] Preferably, the rear surface 53 points to the outside of the crown of the settling sheet.

[0362] Preferably, tooth 51 extends from the base (below) which is integral with the top of post 50 and ends at the top with a free end (or tip).

[0363] Preferably, tooth 51 is shaped such that, with the second assembly B positioned in its respective groove 103, the tooth rises above the upper resting plane 30 of the post 3 of each of the right-side and left-side shaped sinkers 8 and belonging to the same assembly B, and is placed on several sides of the suture line-disengagement sinker 7'. "Rising above" means that tooth 51 ends at its tip in a vertical position above the upper resting plane 30.

[0364] Preferably, the rear surface 53 is rounded or beveled to reduce the overall rear size of the tooth 51 and to avoid contact with other components of the sinker cover, such as the control cam.

[0365] Preferably, tooth 51 extends above the post so as to be higher than pin 13'.

[0366] The seam-seam-seam sinker 7' includes a flat heel toe 14', which extends vertically upward from the horizontal flat strip 12' at a distance from the radially outer end of the horizontal flat strip 12' (relative to the central axis X). The seam-seam-seam sinker 7' is made of a single flat metal part, such as a cut part.

[0367] As disclosed above, the right-side shaped settling sheet 8 and the left-side shaped settling sheet 9 are two embodiments of the shaped settling sheet 1 according to the present invention. More specifically:

[0368] - The protrusion 6 of the right-side shaped settling plate 8 is offset to the right relative to its column 3;

[0369] - The protrusion 6 of the left-side shaped settling plate 9 is offset to the left relative to its column 3.

[0370] Please note, Figure 12 and Figure 13 The right-side shaped settling plate 8 and the left-side shaped settling plate 9 and Figure 10 and Figure 11 The right-side molded sinker plate 8 and the left-side molded sinker plate 9 are identical. In other words, the first assembly A and the second assembly B share the same right-side molded sinker plate 8 and left-side molded sinker plate 9, but differ in the central assembly, which is the uncoiled sinker plate 7 in the first assembly A and the seam line-uncoiled sinker plate 7' in the second assembly B. The right-side sinker plate and the left-side sinker plate can operate correctly in both the first assembly A and the second assembly B.

[0371] In the second assembly B, the right-side shaped sinker plate 8 and the left-side shaped sinker plate 9 have their respective protrusions 6 that are laterally displaced in the opposite direction relative to their main body and relative to the seam line-unlocked sinker plate 7' placed therebetween.

[0372] When the second assembly B is properly installed in its respective groove 103, the right-side shaped settling piece 8 and the left-side shaped settling piece 9 are positioned on opposite sides of their respective seam lines – the uncoupling settling piece 7'. Figure 13 The right-side forming sinker 8 and the left-side forming sinker 9 each exhibit a protrusion 6, which is laterally offset toward the opposite side of the uncoiling seam-sinker 7' and positioned above the pin 13' of the respective seam-sinker 7'. Furthermore, the heel 14' of the seam-sinker 7' is radially positioned between the heel 17 and the protrusion 6 of the respective forming sinker 8, 9 when the assembly is mounted to the machine.

[0373] As illustrated by the example, in a non-restrictive manner, Figure 12 and Figure 13 In this process, the second assembly B may include a drive unit 10, which is similar to the drive unit described with reference to the first assembly A.

[0374] When the second assembly B is properly installed in its respective groove 103, the horizontal flat strip 18 of each push unit 10 is located below and in contact with the flat strip 15 of its respective shaped sinker 8, 9, and the support surface 20 faces the radially outer end of its respective shaped sinker 8, 9. The seam line-unlocked sinker 7' is placed between the first shaped sinker 8 and the second shaped sinker 9.

[0375] The second assembly B may further include a selector 11 similar to the selector described with reference to the first assembly A.

[0376] Preferably, the heel 14' of the seam-seam-seam settling piece 7' of each second assembly B engages with the first guide block 91 obtained in the upper part of the guide ring 90. When the circular crown 102 rotates relative to the guide ring 90 and about the central axis X, the first guide block 91 is configured to radially move the seam-seam-seam settling piece 7' along its respective radial groove 103.

[0377] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The following embodiment is illustrated with reference to an example: one of the two trenches, 103, houses its respective second assembly B; a single uncoiled settlement piece exists in the remaining trench. However, it should be considered that in other embodiments, one of the two trenches may house its respective first assembly A as an alternative to the second assembly B.

[0378] According to other possible embodiments, multiple grooves may alternately accommodate assemblies A and B one after another. In this case, each assembly A will be placed between two assemblies B, and vice versa, according to the alternation extending along the circumference of the crown.

[0379] Within the framework of this invention, according to embodiments, "de-circling settling sheet" can refer to and identify de-circling settling sheet 7 (e.g., Figure 10 and Figure 11 The part shown in the drawing (and is the part of the first assembly A) and the joint line - the slip ring sinker 7' (as shown in the drawing) Figure 12 and Figure 13 Both (the parts shown in the drawing are those of the second assembly B).

[0380] Preferably, the first assembly A or the second assembly B may include one or more separators (not shown) disposed between two adjacent components of the assembly itself. More specifically, when the assembly (A or B) is installed into the respective radial grooves of the crown seat of the sinker, a plate-like separator should be disposed between the left-side forming sinker and the loop-off (or seam-loop-off) sinker, and other separators should be disposed between the right-side forming sinker and the loop-off (or seam-loop-off) sinker. The separator is a flat assembly, a thin plate on a substrate, disposed between two adjacent components of the assembly to keep the two adjacent components separated and not in contact with each other. Unlike the forming or loop-off sinkers, the separator is inserted into the groove in a fixed position and cannot be moved during operation of the knitting machine. Specifically, the separator cannot be displaced within the groove and is blocked on both sides of the groove itself. Conversely, in each assembly, during the manufacturing of the knitted fabric, the left and right forming sinkers and the center loop-off (or seam-loop-off) sinker are displaced relative to each other within the groove. Separators placed between adjacent components of the assembly maintain their correct position and prevent translational movements of components (e.g., forming sinkers or loop-off sinkers) from pulling adjacent components in an undesirable manner.

[0381] Preferably, an assembly includes:

[0382] - A first single-piece separator having a given length and shape in a trench for separating the left-side formed settling sheet, each actuating unit and each selector (if present) of the uncoiled (or joint stitch-uncoiled settling sheet) settling sheet;

[0383] - A second single-piece separator having a given length and shape in a trench for separating the right-side formed settling sheet, its respective actuating unit and selector (if present) of the uncoiled (or seam-uncoiled settling sheet) settling sheet.

[0384] An electronic control unit (not shown) is operatively connected to one or more motors to rotate the needle holding cylinder 101 and the crown seat 102, and operatively connected to the machine's selection actuator and other actuation units (if present). The electronic control unit is configured / programmed to command the motors, the selection actuator, and the other actuation units (if present) of the machine. In particular, the electronic control unit is configured / programmed to selectively move the lever of the selection actuator to abnormally move selectors 11, 11' from the stop position to the operating position.

[0385] In a possible embodiment, the machine includes a first assembly placed circumferentially next to each other, and each of the first assemblies may include one or two shaped settling plates 8, 9 for forming mesh openings.

[0386] This invention achieves significant advantages from both a structural and a functional perspective.

[0387] First, the applicant has discovered that the present invention enables the resolution of the problems listed above regarding the prior art and thus achieves the desired objective.

[0388] In particular, the structure of the protrusion (with a lowered and / or inclined sliding plane) advantageously enables the following operations:

[0389] - When using interlocking stitches to create mesh, properly manage yarn tension;

[0390] - The tension of the balanced yarn increases due to the tightening introduced by the protrusion;

[0391] - When manufacturing the mesh, the tension caused by the protrusion (6) is balanced while maintaining the correct length of the seam stitch;

[0392] - Reduce the pressure exerted by the seam lines on the protrusion and the entire settlement plate.

[0393] Globally, the shaped sinker sheet enables the efficient manufacture of mesh knitted fabrics with most of their different characteristics.

[0394] Furthermore, the structure of the fins (creating a rear support plane relative to the resting plane of the column) advantageously enables the following operation:

[0395] - Supports yarns with at least one low track portion, such as those fed below the needle plate, thus preventing the rear side of the column from pushing, deviating from, or interfering with these yarns during the displacement movement of the forming sinker.

[0396] - Operate correctly when forming sinkers to create mesh and simultaneously adjacent needles to create planar or terry knitted structures.

[0397] - Also, properly manage the yarn path that contributes to the yarn feeding operation (at least in one part of it, it is usually low).

[0398] The forming sinker allows for the production of high-quality mesh knitted fabrics in a relatively short time, and these high-quality mesh knitted fabrics can also be highly complex.

[0399] Another advantage of the shaped sinker of the present invention is that the shaped sinker can be implemented in a simple and cost-effective manner and can be used in existing knitting machines.

[0400] Furthermore, the knitting machine according to the invention (preferably an intarsia knitting machine or a multi-color diamond pattern machine) can produce mesh knitted fabrics, and at the same time, it allows for the integration of other patterns and / or effects onto the knitted fabric, preferably without requiring reconfiguration of the machine itself or its parts from a mechanical point of view. Moreover, the shaped sinker according to the invention represents an alternative solution to the prior art. More precisely, by programming the control unit to command the selection actuator, it is readily possible to operate the desired selector and thus produce complex mesh and / or terry knitted fabrics with largely different characteristics.

[0401] The combination of forming sinkers and unwinding sinkers for creating mesh allows for the production of flat, terry, and mesh knitted fabrics on the same machine with high flexibility and the possibility of alternating movements. The machine according to the invention further allows for the production of mesh and / or terry stitches, and also allows for the production of other types of patterns at high speeds, thus significantly reducing the production time for even complex and delicate tubular knitted fabrics.

Claims

1. A forming sinker (1) for a knitting machine, characterized in that, The shaped sinker sheet is assembled for manufacturing a mesh knitted fabric and includes: The main body (2) is shaped like a horizontal flat strip and is intended to be slidably received inside the radial groove (103) of the sinker holding crown (102) of the knitting machine so as to move radially in a controlled manner inside the radial groove. The main body (2) has a main longitudinal extension and extends between the rear (2A) and the front (2B). The column (3) is shaped like a vertical flat component and extends vertically, that is, it rises from the body (2) near the front part (2B) or at an intermediate position between the rear part (2A) and the front part (2B), wherein the column (3) ends at the top of the upper part (4), which defines an upper resting plane (30), which is intended to receive one or more yarns during stitch formation; The main body (2) and the column (3) are located on a lying plane (G) of the shaped settling plate (1); The shaped settling plate (1) further includes a protrusion (6) that rises from the upper part (4) of the column (3) and extends on the upright side of the front part (2B) facing the body (2). The protrusion (6) has a sliding plane (60) on its top, and protrudes from the upper part (4) of the column (3) in a direction pointing towards the front of the body, such that the sliding plane (60) of the protrusion moves forward relative to the upper resting plane (30) of the column (3). The protrusion (6) is laterally offset relative to the post (3) of the forming sinker (1), and the protrusion is configured to load and tighten the interlacing stitches, and to position the interlacing stitches on adjacent needles of the knitting machine to form a mesh. Furthermore, the sliding plane (60) of the protrusion (6) is at least partially lower than the upper resting plane (30) of the post (3), and the sliding plane (60) of the protrusion is configured to receive one or more yarns on the sliding plane when the interlacing stitches are loaded and tightened during mesh formation.

2. The shaped settling sheet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (6) is laterally buckled relative to the column (3).

3. The shaped settling sheet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding plane (60), which is lower than the upper resting plane (30) of the column (3), extends continuously relative to the upper resting plane (30), and there is a downward connecting step (61) in the transition area from the upper resting plane to the sliding plane.

4. The shaped settling sheet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (6) is configured such that, in use, the rearward movement of the forming sinker (1) carrying the yarn on the upper resting plane (30) of the post causes the yarn to pass over the protrusion (6), while the laterally offset protrusion loads and tightens the interlacing stitches to position the interlacing stitches on adjacent needles; wherein the sliding plane (60), which is lowered relative to the upper resting plane (30), is configured to balance / restrain the increase in yarn tension caused by the tightening introduced by the lateral offset of the protrusion (6), so as to maintain the correct and fixed tension of the interlacing stitches when forming the mesh.

5. The shaped settling sheet (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (6) has a base (62) connected to the front side (3A) of the upper part (4) of the column (3), and the protrusion itself extends from the base and protrudes to the tip (63) of the protrusion opposite to the base (62).

6. The shaped settling sheet (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lateral offset of the protrusion (6) relative to the reclining plane (G) of the shaped sinker increases from the base (62) to the tip (63) of the protrusion, i.e., the protrusion (6) gradually moves further away from the base (62) to the tip (63) along the protrusion itself; wherein the protrusion (6) bends relative to the reclining plane (G) to gradually move away from the reclining plane itself toward the tip (63), the tension of the interlacing stitches placed on the sliding plane (60) gradually increases as the shaped sinker moves backward, and the tension of the yarn increases when the yarn is loaded into the protrusion, and the sliding plane... The downward inclination of the plane (60) is configured to retrieve and equalize the gradually increasing tension of the yarn caused by the lateral offset of the protrusion (6), so as to maintain the correct and fixed tension of the interlacing stitches while forming the mesh. The tip (63) includes a stop portion (65) that rises relative to the lower end of the sliding plane (60), wherein the stop portion (65) represents a support at the end of the sliding plane, the support being configured to stop the slippage of the yarn at the end of the sliding plane and hold the yarn, and to prevent the yarn from detaching from the sliding plane (60) and separating from the protrusion.

7. The shaped settling sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The fin (70) is placed on the upright side opposite to the side from which the protrusion extends, behind the upper part (4) of the column (3), wherein the fin (70) has a support plane (71) on its top; wherein the fin (70) is positioned such that the support plane (71) moves rearward relative to the upper resting plane (30) of the column (3) according to the direction toward the rear part (2A) of the body (2).

8. The shaped settling sheet (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fin (70) rises from the upper part (4) of the column (3) and extends from the upright side facing the rear of the body; or the fin (70) protrudes from the back of the upper part (4) of the column (3) such that the support plane (71) moves rearward relative to the upper resting plane (30) of the column (3) according to the direction toward the rear (2A) of the body (2); or the support plane (71) of the fin (70) and the upper resting plane (30) of the column (3) are coplanar and have the same vertical height.

9. The shaped settling sheet (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that: During the knitting operation, the mesh is assembled by using at least one yarn, which has at least one low track portion, i.e., is passed at a lower height than the height of the upper resting plane (30) of the post (3); In order to create the mesh, the forming sinker must perform a backward movement to transfer the interlaced stitches to one of the adjacent needles. During the backward movement, the rear side (3B) of the post (3) is able to push, deviate from, or interfere with the yarn having at least one low trajectory portion. The fins (70) are assembled to support the at least one yarn having at least one low trajectory portion by means of the support plane (71) in such a way that the trajectory passes over the support plane of the fins (70) and prevents the rear side (3B) of the column (3) from pushing or interfering with the at least one yarn during the rearward displacement of the shaped sinker. Or, when the forming sinker (1) creates a mesh and the adjacent needles create a knitted structure of plain knit or terry fabric, the fins (70) are assembled to work by means of the support plane (71) supporting the yarn.

10. The shaped settling sheet (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The supporting plane (71) of the fin (70) and the upper resting plane (30) of the column (3) are both horizontal surfaces, parallel to the lower body of the shaped settling sheet; or the supporting plane (71) of the fin and the upper resting plane (30) of the column are aligned in the longitudinal direction, the fin (70) is coplanar with the column (3) and located on the lying plane (G) of the shaped settling sheet, or the fin (70) is laterally offset relative to the column (3) and raised from the column so as not to be located on the lying plane (G) of the shaped settling sheet (1).

11. The shaped settling sheet (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The main body (2), the column (3) and the protrusion (6) are manufactured as a single piece, thus forming a single-piece molded settling sheet; or the fin (70) is manufactured as a single piece with the column (3), or the fin (70) is a component different from the column (3) and is placed behind the upper part of the column, such that the supporting plane of the fin moves backward and is aligned with the upper plane of the column; and / or the molded settling sheet (1) is entirely manufactured as a single piece.

12. An assembly (A; B) of flat parts for a circular knitting machine, characterized in that, The assembly includes: A loop-removing sinker (7,7') having a pin (13,13') and a heel (14,14'), the pin being configured to cooperate with a needle (N) of a knitting machine, and the heel being intended to cooperate with a suitable drive component of the knitting machine to cause displacement of the loop-removing sinker (7,7') in the radial direction relative to the central axis (X) of the knitting machine; At least one shaped settling plate (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the at least one shaped settling plate (1) is movable relative to the uncoiled settling plate (7, 7'); The assemblies (A; B) are assembled to be housed in respective radial grooves (103) of a crown (102) configured around a needle-holding cylinder (101) of the knitting machine, such that at least one forming sinker (1) is located next to the loop-removing sinker (7, 7'), and the at least one forming sinker (1) and the loop-removing sinker (7, 7') are independently movable radially in their respective radial grooves (103). The slip strip (7,7') is either a first slip strip (7) or a second slip strip (7') used for interlacing stitches.

13. The assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The assembly includes a group of flat metal parts, which are intended to slide radially in their respective radial grooves (103) and relative to each other. The assembly includes a second slip-off sinker (7') and a forming sinker (1) for interlacing stitches. The forming sinker (1) includes a right forming sinker (8) and a left forming sinker (9) disposed on opposite sides of the second slip-off sinker (7') for interlacing stitches. The second uncoiling sinker (7') for interlacing stitches includes a respective body (12') housed in the radial groove (103) and shaped like a horizontal flat strip, and a vertical flat post (50) extending from the respective body (12') shaped like a horizontal flat strip. The second uncoiling sinker (7') for interlacing stitches further includes a vertical tooth (51) extending above the post (50), wherein the vertical tooth (51) has a front surface (52) configured to retain or uncoil the interlacing stitch, the interlacing stitch being loaded and tightened by the protrusions (6) of the right-side forming sinker (8) and the left-side forming sinker (9). The vertical teeth (51) are configured to, by means of the front surface (52), hold the interlaced stitches carried by the protrusions of the right-side forming sinker (8) and the left-side forming sinker (9) during the rearward movement of the right-side forming sinker (8) and the left-side forming sinker (9), while the rearward movement is performed to place the interlaced stitches at one or more adjacent stitches to form a mesh.

14. A circular knitting machine for manufacturing mesh knitted fabrics, characterized in that, include: A needle holding cylinder (101) having multiple longitudinal grooves arranged around the central axis (X) of the needle holding cylinder (101); Multiple needles (N), each of which is housed in its own longitudinal groove; At least one yarn feeder operatively associated with the needle (N); Crown (102), the crown being configured around the needle holding cylinder (101) and having a plurality of radial grooves (103); At least one guide ring (90) is operatively associated with the crown (102), wherein the crown (102) is rotatable relative to the guide ring (90) and about the central axis (X); A plurality of decoupling slips, each received in one of the radial grooves (103) and radially movable in its respective radial groove (103), each decoupling slip having a pin (13, 13') configured to cooperate with the needle (N) and a heel-toe (14, 14') engaging with a first guide block (91), the first guide block (91) being acquired in the guide ring (90) and extending about the central axis (X); wherein the first guide block (91) is configured to cause the decoupling slip to move radially along its respective radial groove (103) when the crown (102) rotates relative to the guide ring (90) and about the central axis (X); The circular knitting machine includes at least one forming sinker (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 next to each of the loop-off sinkers, wherein the at least one forming sinker (1) is movable relative to the loop-off sinker.

15. The knitting machine according to claim 14, characterized in that, The at least one shaped settling plate (1) includes a right shaped settling plate (8) and a left shaped settling plate (9) disposed on opposite sides of the respective uncircled settling plates, wherein: The protrusion of the right-side shaped settling plate (8) is offset to the right relative to its respective column; The protrusions of the left-side shaped settling plate (9) are offset to the left relative to their respective columns; The protrusions of the right-side forming sinker (8) and the left-side forming sinker (9) are laterally offset to the opposite side of the uncoiled sinker and located above the respective uncoiled sinker; wherein the protrusions (6) are configured to load and tighten the interlaced needles and to place the interlaced needles on two adjacent needles to form a mesh, and the two adjacent needles are placed on the opposite side of the respective uncoiled sinker; The at least one shaped settling piece (1) is received together with the respective uncoiled settling pieces in one of the radial grooves (103); or the radial grooves contain: A first assembly (A) is composed of a first release sinker (7) and the shaped sinker (1), or is composed of a right-side shaped sinker (8) and a left-side shaped sinker (9); or The second assembly (B) consists of a second slip-off sinker (7') for interlacing stitches and the forming sinker (1), or consists of a right forming sinker (8) and a left forming sinker (9).

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