Positioning device and method for the reference distance between the upper and lower needle cylinders of a circular weft knitting machine

Abstract

The application discloses a positioning device and method for the reference distance between the upper needle cylinder and the lower needle cylinder of a circular weft machine, which comprises a first measuring table, a correction sheet and a second measuring table. The first measuring table is a digital measuring table, which has a measuring data display and initialization. The detection part of the first measuring table abuts against the top end face of the middle needle seat, and can be used to measure the height variation of the middle needle seat. The correction sheet is placed in the needle groove of the upper needle cylinder, and has at least one outwardly extending section along the length direction of the correction sheet. The second measuring table is movably arranged on the middle needle seat, and the detection part of the second measuring table always abuts against the top of the correction sheet in the outer area of the needle groove, and is used to monitor the top offset of the correction sheet. The positioning of the reference distance between the upper needle cylinder and the lower needle cylinder is realized by monitoring whether the value of the second measuring table changes, and the value of the first measuring table is initialized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of circular knitting machines, and more particularly to a positioning device and method for the reference spacing between the upper and lower needle cylinders of a circular knitting machine. Background Technology

[0002] When existing circular knitting machines leave the factory, the machine setter typically only needs to ensure the levelness and roundness of the upper and lower needle cylinders, and adjust the gap between the beaded disc and the upper disc cam. There's no need to consider the height difference between the upper and lower needle cylinders. The weaving factory then adjusts the distance between the upper and lower needle cylinders using a mechanical dial indicator based on the fabric material, thickness, and weaving process requirements. However, the dial indicator reading changes after each adjustment. Therefore, when the machine needs to weave a different type of fabric, experienced technicians are required to adjust the distance. The machine adjustment technicians then have to readjust the machines. If the technicians are not performing well or there is staff turnover, it will seriously affect the adjustment progress of the weaving factory. At the same time, because the fashion trends in clothing change very quickly, the colors and types of fabrics often change. However, the salaries of professional and experienced machine adjustment technicians are very high. Even large weaving factories cannot have enough experienced machine adjustment technicians. However, the machines need to be adjusted one by one. Weaving factories cannot complete the adjustment of the large number of circular knitting machines in the factory in a short period of time, and cannot adapt to the fast-paced changes in market demand.

[0003] In view of this, the inventor conducted in-depth research on the aforementioned deficiencies in the prior art, which led to the creation of this case. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a positioning device that enables operators with only general machine setup experience to accurately and efficiently position the reference distance between the upper and lower needle cylinders of a circular knitting machine. This provides the necessary prerequisites for the efficient machine setup of the circular knitting machine in the event of changes in the fabrics being woven.

[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for positioning the reference distance between the upper and lower needle cylinders of a circular knitting machine using the aforementioned positioning device.

[0006] This invention relates to the definition of the reference distance between the upper and lower needle cylinders of a circular knitting machine. It refers to the distance between the upper needle cylinder and the upper disc triangle of the circular knitting machine (large circular knitting machine) after it leaves the factory, which is already adjusted. Then, by adjusting the height of the upper needle cylinder, the distance (along the height direction) between a specified position of the upper needle cylinder and a specified position of the lower needle cylinder is adjusted to a preset length. This length can be zero or a specific value. This invention provides one specific representation that conforms to this definition: the distance along the height direction between the bottom end face of the needle groove of the upper needle cylinder and the top of the lower needle cylinder is zero.

[0007] To achieve the first objective of this invention, the present invention discloses a positioning device suitable for the reference distance between the upper and lower needle cylinders of a circular knitting machine. It includes a first measuring dial indicator, a calibration plate, and a second measuring dial indicator. The first measuring dial indicator is a digital measuring dial indicator, which at least has the functions of displaying measurement data and initialization. The probe of the first measuring dial indicator abuts against the top end face of the center seat and can be used to measure the height change of the center seat. The calibration plate is placed in the needle groove of the upper needle cylinder and has at least one protruding section extending outward from the needle groove along its length. The second measuring dial indicator is linkedly disposed on the center seat, and its probe is always abutting against the top of the calibration plate located outside the needle groove area. It is used to monitor the top offset of the calibration plate. By monitoring whether the value of the second measuring dial indicator changes, the device is used to position the reference distance between the upper and lower needle cylinders and initialize the value of the first measuring dial indicator.

[0008] To achieve the second objective of this invention, the present invention discloses a method for adjusting the reference distance between the upper and lower needle cylinders of a circular knitting machine using the aforementioned positioning device: A first measuring gauge is installed between the inner liner and the center seat, with the probe of the first measuring gauge abutting against the top end face of the center seat. A calibration plate is placed in any needle groove of the upper needle cylinder. Then, a second measuring gauge is set on the center seat, with the probe of the second measuring gauge always abutting against the top of the calibration plate located outside the needle groove. The height of the center seat from the ground is adjusted by the barrel adjusting nut, gradually lowering it, which in turn lowers the height of the needle groove of the upper needle cylinder from the ground until the bottom plane of the protruding section of the calibration plate contacts the top of the lower needle cylinder. The value of the second measuring gauge will change. The action of the barrel adjusting nut is stopped, the value of the first measuring gauge is initialized, and then the calibration plate is removed from the needle groove. The second measuring gauge is then detached, completing the positioning of the reference distance between the upper and lower needle cylinders of the circular knitting machine.

[0009] By employing the aforementioned positioning device and adjustment method, the consistency of the reference distance between the upper and lower cylinders of each circular knitting machine can be ensured, i.e., the consistency of the initial height of the upper cylinder. When the machine operator performs the machine adjustment for the first time for fabrics with different weaving requirements, the values ​​displayed on the first measurement table are collected, classified, and organized. These values ​​represent the height difference between the upper and lower cylinders corresponding to the fabric. Subsequently, if the same equipment is used to weave the same fabric, ordinary machine operators only need to accurately adjust the height of the upper cylinder based on the previously recorded data, thereby improving machine adjustment efficiency and reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The specific description given as a non-limiting example better explains what the invention includes and how it can be practiced. Furthermore, this description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A half-sectional view of the positioning device for the reference spacing between the upper and lower needle cylinders of the circular knitting machine of the present invention; Figure 2A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the calibration plate of this invention; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the calibration plate of the present invention placed in the needle groove of the upper syringe. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0012] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0013] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0014] like Figures 1 to 3This invention discloses a positioning device suitable for the reference spacing between the upper and lower needle cylinders of a circular knitting machine, comprising a first measuring gauge 3, a calibration plate 4, and a second measuring gauge 5. The first measuring gauge 3 is a digital measuring gauge, which at least has the functions of displaying measurement data and initialization. One end of the first measuring gauge 3 is fixed to the outer wall of the inner cauldron 1 by a fixing bracket 31, and its probe is vertically abutting against the top end face of the center seat 2 for measuring the height change of the center seat 2. Preferably, a digital dial indicator is used to improve the accuracy of its monitoring data. The calibration plate 5... The positive plate 4 is fitted into one of the needle grooves 61 of the upper syringe 6 with a transition fit, and has at least one protruding section 42 extending outward from the needle groove 61 along its length. The second measuring gauge 5 is linkedly mounted on the center seat 2. More specifically, the center seat 2 is provided with a detachable / installable fixing base 52, and a cross-shaped support cantilever 53 is provided on the fixing base 52. The second measuring gauge 5 is fixed by the support cantilever 53, so that the probe 51 of the second measuring gauge 5 always abuts against the top of the calibration plate 4 located in the area outside the needle groove 61. The top of the calibration plate 4 located in the outer region of the needle groove 61 can be designed to be located at the top of the protruding section 42 of the calibration plate 4. A more preferred design is that the upper part of the calibration plate 4 has at least one protrusion 41, which is higher than the depth of the needle groove 61. The protrusion 41 is located at the end 62 of the needle groove 61 near the upper syringe 6, and this end 62 is located on the side facing the lower syringe 7. The top edge of the protrusion 41 is horizontal. This arrangement allows the second measuring instrument 5 to sensitively determine the height of the calibration plate 4. The change in direction means that once the bottom of the extension section 42 of the calibration plate 4 slightly touches the top of the lower syringe 7, the protrusion 41 of the calibration plate 4 will slightly tilt upwards to touch the probe 51 of the second measuring gauge 5, thereby changing the extension and retraction of the probe 51 of the second measuring gauge 5, causing the pointer of the second measuring gauge 5 to change. It should be noted that since the second measuring gauge 5 is only used to provide feedback on whether the pointer on its dial has changed, and the accuracy of the data obtained is not considered, and considering the cost, a mechanical dial indicator is preferred.

[0015] When we define the distance between the bottom end face of the needle groove 61 of the upper syringe 6 and the top of the lower syringe 7 along the height direction as zero, we define the reference distance between the upper and lower syringes as zero. Then, the bottom of the correction piece 4 is processed into a horizontal plane, which fits against the bottom plane of the needle groove 61. Of course, if the bottom of the correction piece 4 is processed into a stepped part with a height difference (not shown in the figure), the distance between the bottom end face of the needle groove of the upper syringe and the top of the lower syringe along the height direction can be set to a non-zero value, but a fixed value. However, the above changes are obvious to those skilled in the art and are substantially the same as the inventive concept of the present invention.

[0016] This invention also discloses a method for adjusting the reference distance between the upper and lower needle cylinders of a circular knitting machine using the aforementioned positioning device. A first measuring gauge 3 is installed between the inner cylinder 1 and the center seat 2, with the probe of the first measuring gauge 3 abutting against the top end face of the center seat 2. A calibration plate 4 is placed in any needle groove 61 of the upper needle cylinder 6. Then, a second measuring gauge 5 is installed on the center seat 2, with the probe 51 of the second measuring gauge 5 always abutting against the top of the calibration plate 4 located outside the needle groove 61, preferably against the top of the protrusion 41. Since the height of the lower needle cylinder 7 cannot be changed, the barrel 9 is adjusted by the barrel adjusting nut 8, thereby affecting the height of the center seat 2 and the bead plate 10 above the ground. This causes the needle groove 61 of the upper syringe 6 to gradually decrease in height from the ground, thus gradually reducing the distance between the upper syringe 6 and the lower syringe 7 until the bottom plane of the protruding section 42 of the calibration plate 4 contacts the top of the lower syringe 7. The value of the second measuring gauge 5 will change, stopping the action of the barrel adjusting nut 8, setting the value of the first measuring gauge 3 to zero, and then removing the calibration plate 4 from the needle groove 61 and detaching the second measuring gauge 5. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings of this embodiment show that the central seat 2 and the barrel 9 are an integral design, but the present invention can also be applied to a scheme in which the central seat 2 and the barrel 9 are designed separately, that is, the central seat 2 and the barrel 9 are fixedly connected by a fixing mechanism.

[0017] By employing the aforementioned positioning device and adjustment method, the consistency of the reference distance between the upper cylinder 6 and the lower cylinder 7 of each large circular knitting machine can be ensured, that is, the consistency of the initial height of the upper cylinder 6. Since the first measuring gauge 3 uses a digital dial indicator, it has the function of data initialization (zeroing) and accurate measurement. When the machine operator performs the machine adjustment for the first time for fabrics with different weaving requirements, the values ​​displayed by the first measuring gauge 3 are collected, classified, and organized. These values ​​are the height difference between the upper cylinder 6 and the lower cylinder 7 corresponding to the fabric. Subsequently, if the same equipment is weaving the same fabric, ordinary machine operators can accurately adjust the height of the upper cylinder 6 based on the previously recorded data, which can greatly improve the machine adjustment efficiency and reduce production costs.

[0018] The above embodiments and illustrations are not intended to limit the product form and style of the present invention. Any appropriate changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art should be considered as not departing from the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A positioning device for the reference spacing between the upper and lower needle cylinders of a circular knitting machine, characterized in that: The device includes a first measuring instrument (3), a calibration plate (4), and a second measuring instrument (5). The first measuring instrument (3) is a digital measuring instrument, which has at least the functions of measuring data display and initialization. The probe of the first measuring instrument (3) abuts against the top end face of the center seat (2) and can be used to measure the height change of the center seat (2). The calibration plate (4) is placed in the needle groove (61) of the upper syringe (6) and has at least one protruding section (42) extending outward from the needle groove (61) along its length. The second measuring instrument (5) is linked to the center seat (2), and its probe (51) always abuts against the top of the calibration plate (4) located in the area outside the needle groove (61). It is used to monitor the top offset of the calibration plate (4). By monitoring whether the value of the second measuring instrument (5) changes, the positioning of the reference distance between the upper and lower syringes is realized, and the value of the first measuring instrument (3) is initialized.

2. The positioning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the calibration plate (4) located outside the needle groove (61) is defined as having at least one protrusion (41) on the upper part of the calibration plate (4), the protrusion (41) being higher than the depth of the groove of the needle groove (61).

3. The positioning device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The protrusion (41) is provided at the end (62) of the needle groove (61) near the upper syringe (6), which is located on the side facing the lower syringe (7).

4. The positioning device as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The top edge of the protrusion (41) is horizontal.

5. The positioning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the calibration plate (4) located in the outer region of the needle groove (61) is defined as the top of the protruding section (42) of the calibration plate (4).

6. The positioning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first measuring instrument (3) is a digital electronic dial indicator or a digital electronic dial gauge; the second measuring instrument (5) is a mechanical dial indicator.

7. The positioning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The central seat (2) is provided with a detachable fixed seat (52), and a support cantilever (53) is provided on the fixed seat (52) to fix the second measuring instrument (5).

8. The positioning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom plane of the protruding section (42) of the correction piece (4) is substantially parallel to the bottom plane of the needle groove (61).

9. The positioning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the calibration plate (4) is a horizontal plane, and the thickness of the calibration plate (4) is in transitional fit with the groove width of the needle groove (61) of the upper syringe (6).

10. A method for adjusting the reference spacing between the upper and lower needle cylinders of a circular knitting machine using the positioning device as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: Install a first measuring gauge (3) between the inner cauldron (1) and the central seat (2), with the probe of the first measuring gauge (3) abutting the top end face of the central seat (2). Place a calibration plate (4) in any needle groove (61) of the upper syringe (6). Then, set a second measuring gauge (5) on the central seat (2), with the probe (51) of the second measuring gauge (5) always abutting the top of the calibration plate (4) located outside the needle groove (61). Adjust the height of the central seat (2) from the ground by adjusting the barrel nut (8). This causes the needle groove (61) of the upper syringe (6) to gradually decrease, which in turn causes the needle groove (61) of the upper syringe (6) to decrease in height from the ground until the bottom plane of the protruding section (42) of the calibration plate (4) contacts the top of the lower syringe (7). The value of the second measuring gauge (5) will change, the action of the barrel adjusting nut (8) will be stopped, the value of the first measuring gauge (3) will be initialized, and then the calibration plate (4) will be taken out from the needle groove (61), and the second measuring gauge (5) will be removed to complete the positioning of the reference distance between the upper syringe (6) and the lower syringe (7) of the circular knitting machine.

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