A circular knitting machine

By introducing an inner knitting mechanism and a 45-degree inclined knitting needle design into a circular knitting machine, the synchronous knitting of functional yarns is realized, solving the problem of insufficient flexibility of existing circular knitting machines when handling complex knitted patterns and velvet fabrics, and improving production efficiency and velvet hand feel.

CN119083007BActive Publication Date: 2026-06-23SHAOXING JINQIANG KNIT TEXTILES CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SHAOXING JINQIANG KNIT TEXTILES CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-09-27
Publication Date
2026-06-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing circular knitting machines lack flexibility when handling complex knitted patterns and producing plush fabrics, resulting in reduced production efficiency.

Method used

By introducing an inner knitting mechanism into a traditional circular knitting machine, and through the concentric arrangement of the inner and outer knitting mechanisms and the 45-degree inclined knitting needle design, the synchronous knitting operation of functional yarns is achieved. The finished yarn is provided through the inner layer feeding mechanism, and combined with empty wrapping and oblique knitting, a layered pile fabric is formed.

Benefits of technology

It improves the weaving flexibility of circular knitting machines when handling complex fabrics and the production efficiency of pile fabrics, reduces subsequent napping or flocking operations, and enhances the feel and insulation effect of pile fabrics.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of circular knitting machines, it includes the machine body of annular cavity structure, machine body top opening, there is annular arrangement outer ring knitting mechanism at machine body top opening, inner ring knitting mechanism is arranged in the inside of outer ring knitting mechanism, the inner ring knitting mechanism is hoisted and mounted by portal component, outer ring knitting mechanism and inner ring knitting mechanism are concentric circular structure arrangement, annular gap is left between the two, the gap is used to downwardly convey the fabric woven, and be received by winding mechanism Storage;Outer ring knitting mechanism and inner ring knitting mechanism all include the multiple knitting needles of ring mounting array arrangement, the number of knitting needle of inner ring knitting mechanism is half of outer ring knitting mechanism knitting needle quantity, and in orderly uniform alignment state.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of textile technology, and specifically relates to a circular knitting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Circular knitting machines, also known as circular weft knitting machines (or circular weft knitting machines), have seen rapid development due to their numerous loop-forming systems (commonly referred to as yarn feed paths or loop formation paths, or simply paths), high speed, high output, rapid pattern changes, good fabric quality, fewer processing steps, and strong product adaptability.

[0003] With the development of the textile industry and the advancement of technology, the demand for improving fabric quality and production efficiency is increasing. Existing circular knitting machines use reciprocating knitting needles arranged in a ring for knitting operations. When dealing with complex knitting patterns and multi-yarn mixed knitting, they lack flexibility. At the same time, in the production of velour fabrics, subsequent operations such as napping or flocking are usually required, which reduces production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a circular knitting machine to improve the weaving flexibility of the circular knitting machine when handling complex fabrics and to improve the production efficiency of pile fabrics.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A circular knitting machine includes a machine body with an annular cavity structure and an opening at the top of the machine body. An outer ring knitting mechanism is arranged in an annular pattern at the opening at the top of the machine body, and an inner ring knitting mechanism is arranged inside the outer ring knitting mechanism. The inner ring knitting mechanism is suspended by a gantry component. The outer ring knitting mechanism and the inner ring knitting mechanism are arranged in a concentric circle structure, with an annular gap between them. This gap is used to convey the woven fabric downwards and to be stored by a winding mechanism.

[0007] Both the outer and inner knitting mechanisms include multiple knitting needles arranged in a circular array. The number of knitting needles in the inner knitting mechanism is half that of the outer knitting mechanism, and they are in an orderly and uniformly aligned state.

[0008] An inner yarn feeding mechanism and an outer yarn feeding mechanism are arranged on the gantry component. The outer yarn feeding mechanism is used to feed the yarn to the knitting needles of the outer knitting mechanism, and the inner yarn feeding mechanism is used to feed the yarn to the knitting needles of the inner knitting mechanism.

[0009] Furthermore, both the inner and outer wire feeding mechanisms are circular ring structures, with the inner wire feeding mechanism arranged on the outer ring of the outer wire feeding mechanism and positioned below it.

[0010] Furthermore, the inner knitting mechanism includes a needle guide frame and a needle plate, with the multiple knitting needles arranged in a central row at the needle guide frame, and the front ends of the knitting needles arranged at an angle to the outward.

[0011] Furthermore, the knitting needles of the inner knitting mechanism are arranged at a 45-degree angle, and the hooks of the knitting needles are arranged with downward openings.

[0012] Furthermore, the needle plate of the inner knitting mechanism is a beveled disc structure with a groove arranged around its outer edge, and the shank of the knitting needle is embedded in the groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner yarn feeding mechanism has an automatic yarn changing function.

[0014] Furthermore, an inner ring motor is arranged on the gantry component to drive the needle plate of the inner ring knitting mechanism to rotate. Hall sensors are arranged at both the needle plate of the inner ring knitting mechanism and the needle plate of the outer ring knitting mechanism to ensure that the two needle plates are in a synchronous rotation working state.

[0015] Furthermore, the winding mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the machine body and includes a V-shaped guide groove. A clamping and conveying component is arranged below the guide groove, and a collecting roller is arranged on the side of the clamping and conveying component. The guide groove, the clamping and conveying component, and the collecting roller are connected by a winding motor at the bottom of the frame.

[0016] Furthermore, the corresponding rotation is performed under the synchronous operation of the winding motor to carry out the winding operation of the fabric and ensure that the fabric maintains appropriate tension during the winding operation.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, this solution has the following advantages:

[0018] This solution is a circular knitting machine that incorporates an inner knitting component within the traditional circular knitting machine's knitting section. This allows for the synchronous knitting of another set of functional yarns. The inner knitting component of this solution penetrates the fabric obliquely outward and obtains the corresponding finished yarn from the inner layer feeding mechanism. This allows for the addition and integration of finished yarns into the fabric, achieving the fabric's special functionality. This solution implements synchronous knitting operations, ensuring that the knitting of the integrated finished yarns does not interfere with the original fabric knitting operation or reduce knitting efficiency.

[0019] This solution utilizes functional processing of finished yarns to achieve the integration of different functions or hand feels on fabrics, such as the single-sided pile effect in this solution. Furthermore, the use of a 45-degree angled knitting needle creates a soft, slanted hand feel and provides warmth. The two-needle-plus-one-needle knitting structure creates a staggered, layered pile fabric. The inclusion of empty loops in the finished yarn significantly improves the pile feel, reduces the need for subsequent napping or flocking operations, and greatly enhances production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a circular knitting machine according to a preferred embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal winding mechanism of a circular knitting machine.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the top yarn feeding structure of a circular knitting machine.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the knitting mechanism layout of a circular knitting machine.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a partial weaving operation in a woven structure.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another operational state of the knitting mechanism's partial knitting.

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of fabric weaving.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a simplified diagram showing the details of the finished product of the stacked velvet fabric in this design. Detailed Implementation

[0028] refer to Figures 1 to 4 A circular knitting machine includes a machine body 1 and a winding mechanism 11 arranged inside the machine body 1. The main body 1 has an annular cavity structure. A control unit, power supply and power components are arranged on the side wall of the machine body 1 for controlling the operation of the equipment. An annular outer knitting mechanism 21 is arranged on the top of the machine body 1. An inner knitting mechanism 22 is arranged inside the outer knitting mechanism 21. The inner knitting mechanism 22 is suspended by a gantry component 12. The outer knitting mechanism 21 and the inner knitting mechanism 22 are arranged in a concentric circle structure with an annular gap between them. This gap is used to convey the woven fabric downwards and to be stored by the winding mechanism 11.

[0029] The winding mechanism 11 is located at the bottom of the machine body 1 and includes a V-shaped guide groove 13. A clamping and conveying component 14 is arranged below the guide groove 13, and a collecting roller 15 is arranged on the side of the clamping and conveying component. The guide groove 13, the clamping and conveying component 14 and the collecting roller 15 are connected by a winding motor 16 at the bottom of the frame and rotate accordingly under the synchronous operation of the winding motor 16, thereby realizing the winding of the fabric and ensuring that the fabric maintains appropriate tension during the winding operation, making the fabric more stable and reliable during the weaving operation.

[0030] An inner yarn feeding mechanism 33 and an outer yarn feeding mechanism 34 are arranged on the gantry component 12. The outer yarn feeding mechanism 34 is used to feed yarn to the knitting needles of the outer knitting mechanism 21, and the inner yarn feeding mechanism 33 is used to feed yarn to the knitting needles of the inner knitting mechanism 22. The inner yarn feeding mechanism 33 and the outer yarn feeding mechanism 34 can feed different types of yarn simultaneously, increasing the diversity of fabrics. By precisely controlling the yarn tension, the stability of the yarn before entering the knitting mechanism is ensured. The inner yarn feeding mechanism 33 can cooperate with the outer yarn feeding mechanism 34 to provide additional yarn input, support the knitting of complex patterns, and also handle thicker or finer yarns or yarns with complex structural combinations.

[0031] Both the inner yarn feeding mechanism 33 and the outer yarn feeding mechanism 34 are circular ring structures, externally connected to a yarn frame and a yarn selection device. They can transport and select yarn according to set weaving requirements and programs, and connect the beginning and end yarns when changing yarns. Since the inner ring weaving mechanism 22 weaves at an oblique angle, the inner yarn feeding mechanism 33 is arranged on the outer ring of the outer yarn feeding mechanism 34 and below it, achieving stable and non-interfering yarn feeding operation.

[0032] refer to Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 The outer knitting mechanism 21 is used to knit the main body of the fabric. It is similar in structure to a traditional circular knitting machine, including a ring-shaped needle plate and multiple knitting needles arranged on the needle plate. Under the control of the needle plate, the knitting needles perform orderly up-and-down knitting operations. Figure 7 The image shows a typical weaving operation from left to right.

[0033] The main body of the inner knitting mechanism 22 is installed on the gantry component 12 by means of structural components and an inner knitting motor. It includes a needle guide frame 23 and a needle plate 24. Hall sensors are arranged on both the needle plate 24 of the inner knitting mechanism 22 and the needle plate of the outer knitting mechanism 21 to ensure that the two needle plates are in a synchronous rotation working state. Multiple knitting needles 25 corresponding to the outer knitting mechanism are arranged on the needle plate 24. They are arranged in a central row at the knitting needles 25, and the knitting needles 24 are arranged at a 45-degree angle. The angle is controlled by the opening direction of the needle guide frame 23, which enables the knitting needles 25 to perform translation operation in the direction of the 45-degree angle. The knitting needles 25 pass through the knitting edge area of ​​the outer knitting mechanism 21 at the front end of their stroke and receive the yarn feeding operation of the inner layer yarn feeding mechanism 33 on their outside, so that the fabrics are interwoven and knitted.

[0034] In order to process the stacked pile fabric, both the outer knitting mechanism 21 and the inner knitting mechanism 22 include multiple knitting needles arranged in a ring array. The number of knitting needles 25 in the inner knitting mechanism 22 is half that of the outer knitting mechanism, and they are in an orderly and evenly aligned state to ensure that no interference occurs when they are knitted in an interlaced manner.

[0035] To ensure stable knitting operation, the hook of the knitting needle 25 is arranged with its opening facing downwards. Simultaneously, the needle plate 23 of the inner knitting mechanism has a beveled disc structure with a groove arranged around its outer edge. The shank of the rear end of the knitting needle 25 is embedded in this groove. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Represent Figure 7 The operating status of the first and ninth knitting needles from left to right.

[0036] refer to Figure 8 This solution also includes a processing technology for laminated pile fabric, applied to the aforementioned circular knitting machine, including:

[0037] The elastic fiber and modal fiber are blended to make yarn, in which modal fiber accounts for 65% and elastic fiber accounts for 35%.

[0038] The yarn undergoes a hollow-filling process, with the gap between the hollow fillers maintained at 2-3.5 mm, to produce finished yarn. During the hollow-filling process, the yarn is subjected to orderly and intermittent compressed air impact treatment, causing the yarn at the impacted points to spread out in a spherical shape, which can improve the smoothness and fluffiness of the yarn.

[0039] The finished yarn is placed in the inner feeding mechanism of the circular knitting machine;

[0040] At the outer knitting mechanism, bulked acrylic yarn is used to knit the fabric body. During the knitting process, the knitting needles of the inner knitting mechanism simultaneously and obliquely pass through the fabric body, pulling and rotating the finished yarn with two needles on the outer ring corresponding to one needle on the inner ring. The knitting operation is carried out in an alternating manner between upper and lower layers, so that the finished yarn and the bulked acrylic yarn are fused together and the finished yarn protrudes at least 2 mm from the surface of the inner layer of the fabric body. The finished yarn connected between two needles bends downward naturally, constructing an alternating, layered pile structure. Figure 8 In the diagram, black lines represent the bulky acrylic yarn woven into the fabric body, while red lines represent the overlapping, pile-like structure woven from the finished yarn.

[0041] The above weaving operations are performed continuously, and the processing of the stacked pile fabric is completed under the synchronous winding operation of the winding mechanism.

[0042] In some embodiments, the yarn manufacturing process involves knitting yarn using 55% functional polyester fiber, 25% modal fiber, and 20% elastic fiber, and employing a method of blending functional polyester fiber and elastic fiber in cotton bundles, followed by a spinning process where the functional polyester fiber and modal fiber are spun separately. Typical functional polyester fiber may include moisture-wicking and antibacterial polyester filament, increasing the capillary effect of the polyester filament and improving its breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

[0043] In some embodiments, when the finished yarn is fed at the inner layer feeding mechanism, the empty portion of the yarn is fed to the knitting needle for engagement, and the stacked pile structure of the finished yarn in the inner layer of the fabric body is an empty structure.

[0044] In summary, this solution is a circular knitting machine that incorporates an inner knitting component within the traditional circular knitting machine's knitting section. This allows for the simultaneous knitting of another set of functional yarns. The inner knitting component of this solution penetrates the fabric obliquely outward and obtains the corresponding finished yarn from the inner layer feeding mechanism. This allows for the addition and integration of finished yarns into the fabric, achieving the fabric's special functionality. This solution implements a simultaneous knitting operation, which does not interfere with the original fabric knitting operation or reduce knitting efficiency while knitting and integrating the finished yarns.

[0045] By functionalizing the finished yarn, this solution can integrate different functions or feel into the fabric, such as the single-sided pile effect. At the same time, this solution uses a 45-degree inclined knitting needle operation, which can make the pile surface produce a soft, slanted feel and a warming effect. Furthermore, the knitting structure of two needles combined with one needle is used to achieve a staggered, layered pile fabric. Because the finished yarn is treated with empty loops, the pile feel can be greatly improved, reducing the need for subsequent operations such as napping or flocking, and greatly improving production efficiency.

[0046] This solution describes a processing technology for layered fleece fabric. It utilizes a blend of elastic fibers and modal fibers to create yarn, and performs a hollow-wrapping process on the yarn to achieve a specific skin-friendly and soft feel in the finished yarn. During processing, a beveled piercing technique is employed. Furthermore, since the length and stroke of the knitting needles can be adjusted accordingly, the outward extension length of the finished yarn in the fabric can be controlled, thereby enabling the knitting operation of the layered fleece fabric with staggered upper and lower sections.

Claims

1. A knitting machine, characterized in that: The machine body includes a ring-shaped cavity structure, a top opening of the machine body, an outer ring knitting mechanism arranged in a ring shape at the top opening of the machine body, and an inner ring knitting mechanism arranged inside the outer ring knitting mechanism, which is installed in a suspended manner by a portal component, the outer ring knitting mechanism and the inner ring knitting mechanism are arranged in a concentric circle structure, and a ring-shaped gap is left between the two, which is used to convey the knitted fabric downward and is stored by a winding mechanism; the outer ring knitting mechanism and the inner ring knitting mechanism each include a plurality of knitting needles arranged in a ring array, the number of knitting needles of the inner ring knitting mechanism is half of the number of knitting needles of the outer ring knitting mechanism, and they are in an orderly and uniformly aligned state; an inner layer yarn feeding mechanism and an outer layer yarn feeding mechanism are arranged on the portal component, the outer layer yarn feeding mechanism is used to cooperatively convey yarn to the knitting needles of the outer ring knitting mechanism, and the inner layer yarn feeding mechanism is used to cooperatively convey yarn to the knitting needles of the inner ring knitting mechanism; The inner ring knitting mechanism includes a needle guide frame and a needle disc, and the plurality of knitting needles are arranged in a central array on the needle guide frame, and the front ends of the knitting needles are arranged in an inclined outward state. The knitting needles of the inner ring knitting mechanism are arranged at an inclination of 45 degrees, and the hooks of the knitting needles are arranged in a downward opening state.

2. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner layer yarn feeding mechanism and the outer layer yarn feeding mechanism are both circular ring structures, and the inner layer yarn feeding mechanism is arranged outside the outer layer yarn feeding mechanism and below the outer layer yarn feeding mechanism.

3. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The needle disc of the inner ring knitting mechanism is a beveled disc structure, and a slide groove is arranged on the outer periphery, and the handle of the rear end of the knitting needle is embedded and arranged in the slide groove.

4. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner layer yarn feeding mechanism has an automatic yarn changing function.

5. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The portal component is provided with an inner ring motor for driving the rotation of the needle disc of the inner ring knitting mechanism, and Hall sensors are arranged on the needle disc of the inner ring knitting mechanism and the needle disc of the outer ring knitting mechanism to ensure that the two needle discs rotate synchronously.

6. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The winding mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the inside of the machine body and includes a V-shaped guide groove, a clamping conveying component is arranged below the guide groove, and a collection roller shaft is arranged on the side of the clamping conveying component, and the guide groove, the clamping conveying component, and the collection roller shaft are connected by a winding motor at the bottom of the machine frame.

7. A machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: Under the synchronous operation of the winding motor, corresponding rotation is performed to implement the winding operation of the fabric, and the fabric maintains appropriate tension during the winding operation.