A sinker for a knitting machine, a knitting machine using the sinker, and a method for producing looped fabrics using the sinker.

Abstract

A sinker (1) for a knitting machine has a variable-structure body comprising a first forming plate (2) and a second forming plate (3) that are coplanar and movable independently of each other. The first plate (2) has a first heel (4) for tightening movement and at least a first loop-forming surface (5) for loop-forming movement, and the second plate (3) has a second heel (6) for tightening movement and at least a second loop-forming surface (7). The first plate (2) and the second plate (3) have the same maximum thickness and at least one thickness-reduced portion (2a, 3a). The first plate (2) and the second plate (3) intersect in the thickness-reduced portion (2a, 3a), and the sum of the values ​​of the reduced thickness of the first plate (2) and the second plate (3) is not greater than the value of the maximum thickness of the first plate (2) and the second plate (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a special structure for a sinker for a knitting machine, a knitting machine (especially but not limited to a circular inlay knitting machine with alternating needle cylinder motion), a method for producing terry fabrics using the sinker, and a patterned terry knitted article produced by a knitting machine using the sinker. Background Technology

[0002] Preferred, but not exclusive, applications involve the production of shoe uppers, particularly, but not necessarily, multi-system circular inlay machines with syringes actuated by alternating motion.

[0003] As is well known, a settling plate is a component in the form of a forming plate that helps to form a looped structure together with a needle.

[0004] The uses of the aforementioned types of circular knitting machines are known, but they may have drawbacks, especially when they have a small diameter, which limits the number of shoe upper models that can be produced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical objective of this invention is to make it possible to produce various types of knitted products using knitting machines of limited dimensions.

[0006] Within the scope of this technical task, one object of the present invention is to provide a sinker that is constructed in such a way that it is also produced using a knitting machine of finite size, which produces a knitted article having different smooth knitted areas connected together, the knitted article also having selectable thickened knitted areas, particularly but not necessarily, selectable terry knitted areas.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sinker that can be used in a multi-system circular inlay knitting machine with a small diameter and a cylinder actuated by alternating motion to produce shoe uppers, particularly patterned terry shoe uppers.

[0008] The technical task, objectives, and other objectives are achieved by a sinker for a knitting machine, characterized in that the sinker has a variable-structure body comprising a first and a second forming plate that are coplanar, structurally independent, and movable relative to each other. The first plate has a first heel for tightening movements and at least a first loop-forming surface for loop removal, and the second plate has a second heel for tightening movements and at least a second loop-forming surface for loop removal. The first and second plates have the same maximum thickness and at least one reduced thickness portion, wherein the first and second plates intersect in the reduced thickness portion, and wherein the sum of the reduced thickness values ​​of the first and second plates is not greater than the maximum thickness values ​​of the first and second plates.

[0009] In one embodiment, the reduced thickness portions of the first plate and the second plate may have the same thickness.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least one of the first plate and the second plate has a selective heel.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least one of the first plate and the second plate has a stationary surface for forming loops.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first plate and the second plate have conjugate linear sliding guide portions.

[0013] In another embodiment, the first plate and the second plate are mutually constrained, allowing for relative rotational motion or a combination of linear and rotational motion.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second plates has flexible fingers for detachably engaging with a retaining element in a reference position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first and second plates are metal plates produced by chemical lithography of flat sheets.

[0016] The present invention also discloses a knitting machine equipped with such a settling plate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the knitting machine is circular, with the cylinder and crown coaxial and securely connected, and has alternating rotational motion. A cover is mounted above the crown, which has radial slits and is oscillating relative to the crown about its axis. The cover has a first track and a second track, a first heel for tightening the radial movement of the first plate engaging in the first track along the radial slits, a second heel for tightening the radial movement of the second plate engaging in the second track along the same radial slits, and at least one of the first track and the second track has a selectable path.

[0018] You can also select a path for the settling plate separately.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second tracks has a triangle for selecting a path, which interacts with the at least one selection heel.

[0020] The present invention also discloses a method for producing looped structures using such a circular inlay knitting machine, wherein a sinker operates on at least two yarns and is programmed to selectively form smooth looped structures on a first loop-out surface or a second loop-out surface by selectively advancing the first plate or the second plate toward the needle cylinder, and to selectively form terry looped structures on the first loop-out surface and the second loop-out surface by synchronously advancing the first plate and the second plate toward the needle cylinder. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the sinker sheet, knitting machine, and method for producing looped fabrics according to the invention, which are illustrated by non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 A top perspective view of the crown of the settling plate of a four-system circular mosaic machine is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of the cap of the settling sheet;

[0024] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A vertical cross-sectional view of the crown of a sedimentation plate, wherein the sedimentation plate is positioned to form a smooth, circular tissue;

[0025] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A vertical cross-sectional view of the crown of a settling plate, wherein the settling plate is positioned to form a looped structure;

[0026] Figure 5a A side front view of a sedimentation sheet in a position used to form a smooth, looped structure is shown;

[0027] Figure 5b It shows Figure 5a A perspective view of the settling sheet;

[0028] Figure 5c It shows along Figure 5b The cross-section of the settling plate in line 5c-5c;

[0029] Figure 6a A side front view of a settling sheet located at the position for forming terry loops is shown;

[0030] Figure 6b It shows Figure 6a A perspective view of the settling sheet;

[0031] Figure 6c It shows along Figure 6b The cross-section of the settling plate of line 6c-6c in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Referring to the above figures, they show a sinker 1 that can be used in a knitting machine.

[0033] Below we will refer to a circular inlay knitting machine, which includes a rotating needle bed consisting of a cylinder 20, crowns 21, 22, 30 and four feed devices. The cylinder has circumferentially axial grooves for guiding the needles, and the crowns have radial slits in which sinkers 1 slide. At least one yarn guide (thread feeder) is mounted on each feed device to feed yarn to the needles during the formation of the knit. Each feed device includes a cam system for actuating the needles in the knitting, looping or skipping position.

[0034] Obviously, the application also extends to circular or straight knitting machines with double needle beds and one or more feed devices.

[0035] The crowns 21, 22, and 30 are fixedly mounted on the head of the syringe 20 and include a crown element 21 on the outer side of the cylinder, a crown element 22 on the inner side of the cylinder, and a lower ring 30 locked in place by a specific bracket 31.

[0036] The crowns 21, 22, and 30 of the settling plate 1 are coaxial with and securely connected to the alternately rotating cylinder 20.

[0037] The sinker 1 is radially slidable, one for each slit in the coronal portions 21, 22, and as is well known, each sinker cooperates with a corresponding needle for the formation and uncoiling of looped tissue.

[0038] The cover 23 of the settling plate 1 is installed above the crowns 21, 22, and 30.

[0039] The cap 23 is able to swing relative to the crowns 21, 22, 30 about the axis of rotation of the crowns 21, 22, 30 and the syringe 20.

[0040] As we will see, the alternating oscillation of the cap 23 relative to the crowns 21, 22, 30 is used to move the sedimentation plate 1 radially from and toward the syringe 20 near the working position, depending on whether it is in one direction of rotation of the syringe 20 or in the opposite direction. The sedimentation plate 1 has a variable-configuration body comprising a first forming plate (2) and a second forming plate (3), the first forming plate and the second forming plate being coplanar and capable of moving independently of each other.

[0041] The first plate 2 has a first heel portion 4 for tightening movement and at least a first looped tissue de-looping surface 5.

[0042] The second plate 3 has a second heel portion 6 for tightening movements and at least a second looping tissue de-looping surface 7.

[0043] The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 have the same maximum thickness, and each has at least one portion 2a and 3a with a reduced thickness. The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 intersect in their reduced thickness portions 2a and 3a.

[0044] The sum of the reduced thickness values ​​of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3 is not greater than the maximum thickness value of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3.

[0045] The maximum thickness of the settling plate 1 is equal to the maximum thickness of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3.

[0046] The reduced thickness portions 2a and 3a of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3 can have the same thickness.

[0047] At least one of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3, in particular the second plate 3, has a selective heel 8.

[0048] In certain situations, the first plate 2 does not have a selection heel, as we will see, which is always selected in preferred applications, while the second settling plate 3 may or may not be selected.

[0049] It is possible that the first plate 2 may also include the selection of the heel in other applications.

[0050] At least one of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3 has a stationary surface 9 for forming loops.

[0051] In the illustrated case, only the first plate 2 has a stationary surface 9 for forming loops, but it is not excluded that in other applications, the second plate 3 may also include a stationary surface for each loop.

[0052] The looped tissue created by the selective movement of the first plate 2 relative to the needle can move from the first unlooped surface 5 to the stationary surface 9, where its tension is at least partially released.

[0053] The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 may have conjugate portions 10 and 11, which serve as guides for reciprocating linear sliding.

[0054] The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 also have peripheral edges that extend longitudinally in the radial direction and slidably engage with specific walls 27 of the crowns 21, 22, 30, which ensures that the settling plate 1 is guided in the radial direction.

[0055] At least the selectable plate 3 has a flexible finger portion 24, which is provided with a terminal 25 for disengagingly engaging with the retaining element 26 in the deselected state.

[0056] As we will see, the retaining element 26 obtained from the notch on the ring 30 ensures that there is no undesirable choice for the second plate 3.

[0057] In addition to engagement and braking functions, the flexible finger portion 24 also functions as a sliding guide for the plate 3 in the radial slit of the crown of the settling plate.

[0058] The first plate 2 and the second plate 3 are advantageously metal plates manufactured by chemical photolithography of flat sheets.

[0059] This method makes it possible to obtain sedimentation sheets with very precise profiles and very small thicknesses, especially in areas where the thickness decreases.

[0060] The cover 23 has a first track 28 and a second track 29. A first heel 4 for tightening the radial movement of the first plate 2 engages in the first track along a radial slit of the crown, and a second heel 6 for tightening the radial movement of the second plate 3 engages in the second track along the same radial slit.

[0061] At least one of the first track 28 and the second track 29 has a selectable path.

[0062] In the illustrated case, only the second track 29 has two selectable paths 29a and 29b. The second track 29, which has selectable paths 29a and 29b, is provided with a triangle 32 for selecting the path.

[0063] There are two selection triangles 32, one of which operates for each swing direction of the cover 23.

[0064] The two selector triangles 32 are adapted to selectively interact with the second heel 6, which is included by the second plate 3, for tightening movement during the oscillation of the cover in one direction or the other.

[0065] The cover 23 moves in two swinging directions via a pneumatic piston 34, which is operatively connected to the swing rod 35 of the cover 23.

[0066] In order to select one of the two paths 29a or 29b of the second track 29, the selection heel 8 of the second plate 3 interacts with a conventional type selection device 36, which is configured for each of the four feed devices.

[0067] The selection device 36 has a set of independently swinging selection levers 37, each of which can engage with the selection heel 8 of the second plate 3 of the corresponding settling piece 1 located in the radial slits of the crowns 21, 22, 30.

[0068] The continuous settling plates 1 in the crown 21, 22, and 30 are at different heights on the selected heel 8 of the second plate 3, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it is formed diagonally to enable electronically selective sedimentation plate 1.

[0069] The four swing rods 37 used to actuate the second plate 3 of the four continuous settling plates 1 are shown by way of example.

[0070] The first track 28 has a single path comprising a portion shaped like a triangle 28' and a portion shaped like a circumferential arc 28", the triangle having a variable radial distance from the axis of the cover 23 and the circumferential arc centered on the axis of the cover 23.

[0071] When the first heel 4 used for tightening motion passes through arc 28", the first plate 2 remains radially stationary, while when the first heel 4 used for tightening motion passes through triangle 28', the first plate shifts radially.

[0072] The first path 29a of the second track 29 includes a portion shaped like a triangle 29a' and a portion shaped like a circumferential arc 29a", the triangle having a variable radial distance from the axis of the cover 23, and the circumferential arc being centered on the axis of the cover 23.

[0073] When the second heel 6 used for tightening movement passes through arc 29a", the second plate 3 remains radially stationary, while when the second heel 6 used for tightening movement passes through triangle 29a', the second plate shifts radially.

[0074] The second path 29b of the second track 29 includes only a portion that is shaped like a circumferential arc 29b' centered on the axis of the cover 23.

[0075] When the second heel 6, which is used for tightening motion, passes through arc 29b', the second plate 3 remains radially stationary.

[0076] The swing arm 37 has a rest position and a working position.

[0077] In the rest position, the swing lever 37 does not move to select the heel 8. In this case, the second heel 6 for the tightening motion remains in the second path 29b of the track 29, in which the second plate 3 is not selected.

[0078] In the working position, the swing lever 37 slightly deflects the selection heel 8. In this new situation, when the fixed triangle 32 intercepts the second heel 6 for tightening motion, the fixed triangle deflects it toward the first path 29a of the track 29, in which the second plate 3 is selected.

[0079] Advantageously, by using the sinker 1, a smooth loop structure or a terry loop structure can be easily formed with two yarns A and B. Therefore, by using the above-mentioned knitting machine, knitted products can be produced, especially but not limited to patterned terry shoe uppers.

[0080] In fact, during the production of the same row of knitted fabric using two yarns A and B, the sinker 1 can selectively form a smooth loop structure or a terry loop structure.

[0081] A smooth loop structure is formed using two yarns, A and B, as follows.

[0082] The cover 23 is configured to oscillate in one direction relative to the crowns 21, 22, and 30. The selector 36 is programmed to not actuate the selector lever 37, which remains in a stationary position.

[0083] The second plate 3 is therefore not selected and remains radially stationary because the second heel 6, used for tightening movement, passes through the second path 29b. The second plate 3 is kept in the unselected state by the engagement of the end 25 of the flexible finger 24 with the retaining element 26.

[0084] Conversely, as the first heel 4 used for tightening movement slides along the triangle 28' of the first track 28, the first plate 2 performs radial movement toward and away from the syringe 20.

[0085] A smooth loop structure is formed on the first looping surface 5 using two yarns A and B, and then moved to a stationary position on the lower stationary surface 9 by the movement of the first plate 2.

[0086] Two yarns, A and B, are used to form a terry loop structure as follows.

[0087] The cap 23 is configured to oscillate in one direction relative to the crowns 21, 22, and 30. The selector 36 is programmed to actuate the selector lever 37 into the working position.

[0088] The second plate 3 is thus selected, and when disengaged from the retaining element 26, it performs radial movement toward and away from the syringe 20 due to the sliding of the second heel 6 for tightening movement along the triangle 29a' of the second path 29a of the second track 29.

[0089] Due to the sliding of the first heel 4, which is used for tightening movement, along the triangle 28' of the first track 28, the always selected first plate 2 also performs radial movements toward and away from the syringe 20.

[0090] The radial movements of the first plate 2 and the second plate 3 are synchronized because triangles 29a' and 28' are aligned at the same angular position.

[0091] The looped structure is formed by yarn A on the first loop-removing surface 5 and second yarn B on the second loop-removing surface 7.

[0092] Once the work is completed, the second plate 3 is automatically deselected, awaiting reselection during the next row of knitted fabric formation, on the return row, or on other feed devices.

[0093] Advantageously, during the feeding process, a smooth or looped structure is formed in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions on all the feeding devices conceived for the circular inlay machine.

[0094] Advantageously, the settling plate 1 enters a single slit in the crown 21, 22, 30, but has the possibility of two plates 2, 3 sliding independently in the formation of the knitted fabric, and this helps to increase the model of the upper or another woven article, which can be produced by a circular inlay machine with a small diameter.

[0095] The sinker conceived for producing looped fabrics in a knitting machine is thus readily subject to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore, all details can be replaced with technically equivalent elements.

[0096] The materials and dimensions used can be determined according to needs and existing technology during implementation.

Claims

1. Sinkers (1) for a knitting machine, characterized in that, The settling plate has a variable-structured body comprising a first forming plate (2) and a second forming plate (3) that are coplanar and can move independently of each other. The first forming plate (2) has a first heel (4) for tightening movement and at least a first detached surface of coiled tissue (5), and the second forming plate (3) has a second heel (6) for tightening movement and at least a second detached surface of coiled tissue (7). The first forming plate (2) and the second forming plate (3) have the same maximum thickness and at least one thickness-reduced portion (2a, 3a). The first forming plate (2) and the second forming plate (3) intersect in their thickness-reduced portions (2a, 3a). The sum of the reduced thickness values ​​of the first forming plate (2) and the second forming plate (3) is not greater than the maximum thickness value of the first forming plate (2) and the maximum thickness value of the second forming plate (3). The maximum thickness of the settling plate is equal to the maximum thickness of the first forming plate (2) and the maximum thickness of the second forming plate (3).

2. The sinker (1) for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reduced thickness portions (2a, 3a) of the first forming plate (2) and the second forming plate (3) have the same thickness.

3. The sinker (1) for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first forming plate (2) and the second forming plate (3) has a selective heel (8).

4. The sinker (1) for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first forming plate (2) and the second forming plate (3) has a stationary surface (9) for the coiled structure.

5. The sinker (1) for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first forming plate (2) and the second forming plate (3) have conjugate linear sliding guide portions (10, 11).

6. The sinker (1) for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one selectable plate (3) has flexible fingers (24) for disengaging from the retaining element (26) in the deselected state.

7. The sinker (1) for a knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first forming plate (2) and the second forming plate (3) are metal plates manufactured by chemical photolithography of flat sheets.

8. A knitting machine, characterized in that, The knitting machine includes at least one sinker (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

9. The knitting machine according to claim 8, wherein the cylinder (20) and the crown (21, 22, 30) are coaxial and firmly connected and have alternating rotational motion, wherein a cover (23) is mounted above the crown (21, 22, 30) having a radial slit, the cover being swayable relative to the crown (21, 22, 30) about the axis of the crown (21, 22, 30), the cover (23) having a first track (28) and a second track (29), a first heel (4) for tightening the radial movement of the first forming plate (2) engaging in the first track along the radial slit, a second heel (6) for tightening the radial movement of the second forming plate (3) engaging in the second track along the same radial slit, and wherein at least one of the first track (28) and the second track (29) has a selectable path (29a, 29b).

10. The knitting machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least one of the first track (28) and the second track (29) has a triangle (32) for selecting the path (29a, 29b), which interacts with at least one selection heel (8) of the second forming plate.

11. A method for producing looped knitting using a knitting machine according to any one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that, The settling plate operates on at least two yarns (A, B) and is programmed to selectively form smooth loop structures on the first loop-off surface (5) or the second loop-off surface (7) by selectively advancing the first forming plate (2) or the second forming plate (3) toward the cylinder (20), and to selectively form terry loop structures on the first loop-off surface (5) and the second loop-off surface (7) by synchronously advancing the first forming plate (2) and the second forming plate (3) toward the cylinder (20).

12. A patterned terry cloth upper manufactured using the method according to claim 11.

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