Warp knitting machine for manufacturing a knitted fabric

Abstract

The invention relates to a warp knitting machine for producing a knitted fabric (10), having a plurality of knitting tools (14) which are provided for interconnecting weft yarns (S) and warp yarns (K) in a loop-forming manner in a work area (12) by means of a knitting yarn (W), a cutting device (24) for cutting off the weft yarns (S) such that free weft yarn ends (SE) are formed on the respective weft yarns (S), and a yarn turning device (26) which is provided for turning the free weft yarn ends (SE) in the direction of the work area (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a warp knitting machine for manufacturing knitted fabrics, the warp knitting machine comprising: a plurality of knitting tools configured to connect weft yarns and warp yarns in a loop manner in a working area by means of knitting yarns; and a cutting device for cutting the weft yarns such that free weft yarn ends are formed on the respective weft yarns.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing knitted fabrics using a warp knitting machine, the method comprising the following steps: connecting weft yarns and warp yarns in a loop manner in the working area of ​​the warp knitting machine by means of a plurality of knitting tools, the weft yarns and warp yarns being connected in a loop manner by means of knitting yarns, and cutting the weft yarns by means of a cutting device of the warp knitting machine, such that the corresponding weft yarns form free weft yarn ends. Background Technology

[0003] Knitted fabrics manufactured using warp knitting machines typically have numerous protruding free weft ends in the edge areas, which usually have no function in the intended application. In some applications, these protruding free weft ends can even be disruptive and may cause process interference. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to avoid protruding free weft ends when manufacturing knitted fabrics.

[0005] The objective is achieved by a warp knitting machine of the type described at the beginning of this document. According to the invention, the warp knitting machine is provided with a yarn folding device, which is configured to fold the free weft yarn end toward the working area.

[0006] By folding the free weft yarn end toward the working area, the free weft yarn end is prevented from protruding in the edge area of ​​the knitted fabric. Preferably, the yarn folding device is configured to fold the free weft yarn end into the edge section of the working area. Multiple knitting tools may be provided in the working area. These knitting tools may include, for example, sliding needles or pointed needles, eyelet needles or yarn guide tubes, sinkers, and / or auxiliary tools. Alternatively or additionally, the knitting tools may include sliding needle combs with sliding needles, sliding needle combs with sliding needle seats, yarn guide combs with eyelet needle seats, yarn guide combs with yarn guide tubes, pressing combs, warp feed combs, and / or loop release combs.

[0007] The warp knitting machine preferably operates in a manner that conforms to the weft yarn input of the loop rows. Therefore, the weft yarn layer is preferably supplied to the knitting section in such a way that all yarns are always accurately secured by the loops, that is, the needles of the warp knitting machine do not pierce the yarns. Alternatively, the warp knitting machine may also input the weft yarn in a manner that does not conform to the loop rows, such that the weft yarn is partially squeezed or pierced by the needles of the warp knitting machine.

[0008] A weaving section is preferably provided in the working area. This weaving section involves bringing together all yarn systems—warp, weft, and, if necessary, one or more sheet fabrics (e.g., nonwoven or woven fabrics)—for interconnection using weaving yarns. At the weaving section, the weft and warp yarns are preferably biaxially connected at 90° angles to each other via weaving yarns. The weaving yarns can also be referred to as bonded yarns. The warp yarns can also be referred to as vertical yarns.

[0009] Alternatively, one or more sheet-like fabrics (such as nonwovens or textiles) may be supplied and bonded together to the work area or weaving section.

[0010] The length of the folded yarn can be controlled by the distance between the cutting device and the fabric edge. The fabric edge can be varied within the equipment process. The free yarn end can, for example, have a yarn length ranging from 2 cm to 10 cm. This may require removing the guide pin sinker in the edge area to achieve an improved folding result at the weft end. The folded yarn length can be selected, for example, based on the characteristics of the weft yarn, particularly its stiffness.

[0011] The warp knitting machine may be a Raschel warp knitting machine. The warp knitting machine or Raschel warp knitting machine can produce in a manner that conforms to the weft yarn input of the loop row.

[0012] The warp knitting machine or Raschel warp knitting machine has a weft yarn transport device for transporting weft yarns to the knitting area. The weft yarn transport device may include a supply hook chain via which multiple weft yarns are pulled in according to the yarn and supplied to the knitting area simultaneously or sequentially in loop formation. The weft yarns may be pressed into the hooks of the supply hook chain via a clamping rubber or sliding mechanism and retained in the hooks after cutting, so that the weft yarns cannot slide backward after cutting. The weft yarn transport device has multiple weft yarn guides for supplying and / or pre-positioning onto the knitting area. The weft yarn guides may be supply hooks.

[0013] The warp knitting machine or Raschel warp knitting machine may include a warp yarn transport device for transporting warp yarns to the knitting section. The warp yarn transport device may include a conveyor roller that transports the warp yarns as needed from the yarn creel or via a warp beam to the knitting section. The warp yarn transport device transports the warp yarns as needed to a warp yarn guide unit for guiding and / or pre-positioning the warp yarns for loop forming or knitting. The yarn guide unit may be an eyelet needle holder or a yarn guide tube.

[0014] The warp knitting machine or Raschel warp knitting machine may include a yarn transport device for transporting the knitting yarn to the knitting section. The yarn transport device may include a conveyor mechanism or warp beam via which the knitting yarn is supplied in a defined length to yarn guiding units via a drive mechanism equipped with a servo motor for loop formation or knitting. The knitting yarn connects the warp and weft yarns across the entire width of the fabric. These yarn guiding units, along with other knitting tools, are used for loop formation. The yarn transport device may include multiple yarn guides for guiding the knitting yarn during loop formation.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the warp knitting machine according to the invention, the cutting device is configured to cut the weft yarn such that the resulting free weft yarn end protrudes beyond the outer warp yarn, and the yarn folding device is configured to fold the free weft yarn end toward the knitting area such that the folded section of the free weft yarn end intersects with the outer warp yarn. By intersecting the outer warp yarn with the folded section of the free weft yarn end, the folded section of the free weft yarn end can be fixed to the outer warp yarn, thereby permanently maintaining the yarn fold.

[0016] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is a warp knitting machine according to the invention, in which the yarn turning device is configured as a pneumatic yarn turning device and is provided for turning the free weft yarn end by means of compressed air. The turning of the free weft yarn end by means of compressed air operates independently of machine speed and loop density, or weft density. Therefore, adjusting the compressed air according to operating parameters such as machine speed, loop density, or weft density is not mandatory. The yarn turning device preferably generates an airflow. This airflow turns the free weft yarn end in an arc towards the knitting area.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the warp knitting machine according to the invention, the yarn folding device has an air outlet configured to generate airflow for folding the free weft yarn end toward the knitting section. The airflow can be continuous or pulsed. The air outlet is preferably connected to a compressed air source, and a flow adjustment device, such as an adjustable throttle valve or an adjustable control valve, can be provided between the compressed air source and the air outlet.

[0018] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is a warp knitting machine according to the invention, in which the air outlet has an air outlet opening, preferably pointing towards the knitting section, folding the free weft yarn end into the knitting section. The free weft yarn end is captured by the airflow exiting from the air outlet opening and folded by the airflow.

[0019] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is a warp knitting machine according to the invention, in which the yarn folding device, particularly the air outlet, has an air guiding surface configured to change the flow direction of the airflow exiting the air outlet, especially when utilizing the Coanda effect, particularly towards the knitting section, folding the free weft ends into the knitting section. The air outlet can be configured to perform air deflection within a range of 20° to 100°, preferably between 35° and 55°, via the air guiding surface. By deflecting the air jet, the air outlet can be fitted into the machine in a space-saving manner.

[0020] In an improved embodiment of the warp knitting machine according to the invention, the air outlet nozzle is configured as a flat jet nozzle. The flat jet nozzle has relatively low compressed air consumption. The flat jet nozzle is preferably constructed based on the principle of an airflow amplifier and thus capable of converting a small flow of compressed air into a strong, fast-flowing, laminar air curtain. Through the air outlet opening, compressed air is discharged at very high speeds and entrains free ambient air at a ratio of up to 25 times the amount of compressed air used. Compared to other nozzles, the flat jet nozzle is therefore much quieter and saves significantly more on compressed air consumption for the same blowing power. The air outlet nozzle, or air outlet opening, can have a width ranging from 10 mm to 40 mm, preferably 25 mm. The air outlet nozzle is preferably fixed to a nozzle support. The nozzle support allows for adjustment of the position and / or orientation of the air outlet nozzle, particularly along all spatial directions and / or around all spatial axes.

[0021] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is a warp knitting machine according to the invention, in which the air outlet is oriented such that the weft yarn is situated within an airflow generated by the air outlet during cutting by the cutting device. Thus, the free weft yarn end is captured and folded by the airflow at the instant of cutting by the cutting device. Consequently, the folding process can be performed with relatively high reproducibility.

[0022] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is a warp knitting machine according to the invention, in which the yarn folding device is configured to fold the free weft yarn end toward the working area, such that the folded section of the free weft yarn end is fixed by a loop of at least one fixing yarn. Thus, the free weft yarn end is secured to the loop pad in the edge section of the knitted fabric. The yarn folding is permanently maintained by means of the fixing yarn. Consequently, the folded section of the free weft yarn end constitutes the edge region or border region of the knitted fabric. The fixing yarn can be an elastic and / or stretchable yarn. The fixing yarn can be an elastomer yarn.

[0023] In an advantageous improvement of the warp knitting machine according to the invention, the yarn folding device is configured to fold the free weft end toward the working area, such that the folded section of the free weft end is secured to at least one warp yarn by a loop of at least one knitting yarn used as a fixing yarn. This results in a firmly secured edge, better seam strength, and better tear resistance, ensuring that the edge does not tear under load. The folded section of the free weft end can be secured in one or more loops and in one or more loop rows. If the folded free weft end is secured in multiple loop rows, the folded free weft end is secured in multiple, for example, two or more consecutive loops connecting the warp and weft yarns. The securing in one or more loop rows is preferably performed independently of the loop density. At higher loop densities, the folded free weft end is secured in more loops. An additional influencing factor is the yarn volume of the weft yarn. The yarn volume is derived from the number of filaments and the volume of a single filament. Monofilament yarn, or single-fiber yarn or flat ribbon yarn, constitutes a special case. Monofilament yarn consists of a single filament. Split-film yarn can also be processed. Split-film yarn consists of mechanically or chemically split, i.e., split yarns. When the yarn volume is large, for example, when there are many filaments and / or large filament diameters, the weft ends can be secured to multiple loops.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the warp knitting machine according to the invention has a fixed yarn supply device for supplying at least one fixed yarn to the working area, the fixed yarn supply device preferably configured to supply the at least one fixed yarn under variable yarn tension. The at least one fixed yarn may be a traction yarn. By supplying the at least one fixed yarn under variable tension, the yarn consumption of the fixed yarn deviates from the yarn consumption of the corresponding knitting yarn not used to fix the ends of the free weft yarns that are folded. The yarn consumption of the fixed yarn may be high or low.

[0025] Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the invention is a warp knitting machine in which the fixed yarn supply device has a yarn brake, via which the fixed yarn can be supplied under variable tension. The volume of yarn material in the edge section of the working area is increased by the folded ends of the free weft yarn. The fixed yarn supplied with variable tension can be supplied at the required speed to ensure that the volume of yarn material with deviations is consolidated at the knitting location. Therefore, the loop is pulled out from the yarn brake as much yarn as is required. The advantage of using at least one fixed yarn with variable tension is that the fixed yarn always has a length sufficient for loop formation. The at least one fixed yarn is braked differently from the knitting yarn not used to fix the folded free knitting yarn. The knitting yarn not used to fix the folded free knitting yarn is supplied in a defined manner via a conveyor roller or warp beam by means of a transmission device with a servo motor.

[0026] In one improved embodiment, the warp knitting machine according to the invention has a holding device configured to hold the warp-folded section of the free weft yarn end in a folded state before and / or during fixation by means of the at least one fixing yarn, particularly before and / or during fixation to the at least one warp yarn. The holding device is used for auxiliary support in stiff weft yarns. For example, the holding device can be used in very stiff yarns (e.g., monofilament yarns or flat ribbon yarns). The holding device bends the weft yarn end into a defined position. The holding device is preferably installed in the adjacent area of ​​the external warp yarn. The holding device can be a mechanical holding device. The mechanical holding device may include a holding member for contact-holding the warp-folded section of the free weft yarn end. The position and / or orientation of the holding member is preferably adjustable. The holding member may be configured as a holding finger. Alternatively, the holding device can also be a pneumatic holding device. The pneumatic holding device is equipped with a holding air outlet. The holding air outlet is fixed to a nozzle support. The mouth support allows for adjustment of the position and / or orientation of the air outlet mouth, particularly along all spatial directions and / or around all spatial axes.

[0027] Furthermore, the warp knitting machine according to the invention is advantageously improved by including a compressed air supply device in the yarn turning apparatus, the compressed air supply device being configured to continuously supply compressed air to the air outlet. The compressed air supply device may include a compressed air tank. The compressed air supply device may also include a compressed air compressor.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment of the warp knitting machine according to the invention, the compressed air supply device includes a flow adjustment device for adjusting the airflow supplied to the air outlet. The amount of air required for folding the weft yarn end can be adjusted via the flow adjustment device. The flow adjustment device allows adjustment of a specific volumetric flow of the compressed air, or the amount of compressed air in the compressed air channel. The flow adjustment device may be an adjustable throttle valve or an adjustable control valve. The flow adjustment device may include a check valve.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the warp knitting machine according to the invention has an electronic control device configured to control the yarn turning device according to the yarn characteristics of the knitted fabric to be manufactured and / or preset product characteristics. The electronic control device is also configured to control the volumetric flow or flow rate of the compressed air and / or the air pressure according to the yarn characteristics of the knitted fabric to be manufactured and / or preset product characteristics.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the warp knitting machine according to the invention has a measuring device configured to measure the amount of compressed air consumed by the yarn turning device for turning the ends of the free weft yarns. The measured device can be used to reproduce the recorded compressed air consumption for reproducible products. Specifically, the measuring device may include, for example, a volumetric flow sensor.

[0031] The objective of this invention is also addressed by a method of the type described at the beginning of this document, within the scope of the method according to the invention, by means of the yarn folding device of the warp knitting machine, the free weft yarn end is folded toward the working area. In the method for manufacturing knitted fabrics according to the invention, a warp knitting machine according to one embodiment of the foregoing description is preferably used. Therefore, regarding the advantages and modifications of the method according to the invention, reference is first made to the advantages and modifications of the warp knitting machine according to the invention.

[0032] The cutting device of the warp knitting machine preferably cuts the weft yarn in such a way that the end of the free weft yarn protrudes from the outer warp yarn, and the yarn folding device folds the end of the free weft yarn toward the working area in such a way that the folded section of the end of the free weft yarn intersects with the outer warp yarn.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the yarn folding device folds the free weft yarn end by means of compressed air. Alternatively or additionally, the yarn folding device has an air outlet that generates airflow for folding the free weft yarn end toward the knitting portion. The method may include folding the free weft yarn end into the knitting portion by means of the yarn folding device, particularly the air guiding surface of the air outlet, especially by utilizing the Coanda effect, to change the direction of the airflow exiting the air outlet, particularly toward the knitting portion.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention includes securing the folded section of the free weft end by a loop of at least one fixing yarn. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one fixing yarn is supplied to the working area by means of a fixing yarn supply device, which preferably supplies the at least one fixing yarn under variable yarn tension, and which preferably has a yarn brake via which the fixing yarn is supplied under variable yarn tension.

[0035] Furthermore, a preferred method according to the invention involves the electronic control device of the warp knitting machine controlling the yarn turning device based on the yarn characteristics of the knitted fabric to be manufactured and / or preset product characteristics.

[0036] Furthermore, a preferred method is that the weft yarns used each have multiple filaments, which are spread out due to airflow exiting from the air outlet after being cut by means of a cutting device and before being fixed by means of one or more fixing yarns. Thus, the resulting knitted fabric has folded weft ends with the spread filaments. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a warp knitting machine according to the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the working area of ​​a warp knitting machine according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the working area of ​​another warp knitting machine according to the present invention is shown;

[0041] Figure 4 The invention illustrates the manufacture of knitted fabrics during a first time point using a warp knitting machine;

[0042] Figure 5 This illustrates the manufacture of knitted fabrics using a warp knitting machine at a second time point later than the first time point, according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 This illustrates the manufacture of knitted fabric by means of a warp knitting machine at a third time point later than the second time point according to the present invention; and

[0044] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for manufacturing knitted fabrics by means of a warp knitting machine according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 A warp knitting machine 10, configured as a Raschel warp knitting machine, is shown for manufacturing knitted fabric M. The warp knitting machine 10 has a working area 12 in which a plurality of knitting tools 14 are arranged. The knitting tools 14, not shown in detail, are used to connect the weft yarns S, warp yarns K, and fabric F by means of knitting yarns W, in a loop-forming manner. The knitting tools 14 may include, for example, sliding needles or pointed needles, eyelet needles or yarn guides, sinkers, and / or auxiliary tools. Alternatively or additionally, the knitting tools 14 may include sliding needle combs with sliding needles, sliding combs with sliding needle seats, yarn guide combs with eyelet needle seats, yarn guide combs with yarn guide tubes, pressing combs, warp feed combs, and / or loop release combs.

[0046] The warp knitting machine 10 includes a warp yarn transport device 16 for transporting warp yarns K to the knitting section in the work area 12. The warp knitting machine 10 also includes a weft yarn transport device 18 for transporting weft yarns S to the knitting section. The warp knitting machine 10 further includes a fabric transport device 20 for transporting fabric F to the knitting section in the work area 12. The warp knitting machine 10 also includes a knitting yarn transport device 22 for transporting knitting yarn W to the knitting section in the work area 12.

[0047] The sheet fabric F can be a nonwoven fabric or a textile.

[0048] Figure 2 As shown: the warp knitting machine 10 includes a cutting device 24 for cutting the weft yarn S, such that a free weft yarn end SE is formed on the corresponding weft yarn S.

[0049] The warp knitting machine 10 also includes a yarn folding device 26, which folds the free weft yarn end SE toward the working area 12. The cutting device 24 cuts the weft yarn S in this way, so that the free weft yarn end SE protrudes beyond the outermost warp yarn K. The yarn folding device 26 folds the free weft yarn end SE toward the knitting area in this way, so that the folded section of the free weft yarn end SE intersects with the outer warp yarn K.

[0050] The yarn turning device 26 is a pneumatic yarn turning device that turns the free weft yarn end SE by means of compressed air. For this purpose, the yarn turning device 26 has an air outlet 28 that generates an airflow LS, which is used to turn the free weft yarn end SE toward the knitting area. The air outlet 28 is connected to a compressed air line 30, through which compressed air is continuously supplied to the air outlet 28. The air outlet 28 is constructed as a flat jet nozzle and has an air guiding surface that, by utilizing the Coanda effect, changes the flow direction of the airflow LS exiting from the air outlet opening of the air outlet 28, i.e., changes it toward the knitting area, thus turning the free weft yarn end SE into the knitting area.

[0051] The free weft yarn end SE is folded towards the working area 12, so that the folded section of the free weft yarn end SE is fixed by loops of two fixing yarns FF. The fixing yarns FF are the outer braided yarns W, which fix the folded section of the weft yarn end SE to the two outer warp yarns K.

[0052] The warp knitting machine 10 includes a fixed yarn supply device for supplying fixed yarns FF to the working area 12. The fixed yarn supply device is configured to supply fixed yarns FF under variable yarn tension. For this purpose, the fixed yarn supply device has a yarn brake for each fixed yarn FF, by means of which the fixed yarn FF can be supplied under variable yarn tension.

[0053] The warp knitting machine 10 also includes a holding device 34, by means of which the warp-folded section of the free weft yarn end SE is held in a folded state before and during fixation by means of a fixing yarn FF onto the warp yarn K. The holding device 34 is a mechanical holding device having a holding member 36 for contact-type holding of the warp-folded section of the free weft yarn end SE. The position and orientation of the holding member 36 are adjustable. The holding member 36 is configured as a holding finger.

[0054] The air outlet 28 is fixed on the mouth support 38, and the position and orientation of the air outlet 28 can be changed through the mouth support 38.

[0055] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the manufacture of a knitted fabric using a warp knitting machine 10. The weft yarns S used each have multiple filaments, which are spread out by airflow LS exiting from an air outlet 28 after being cut by a cutting device 24 and before being fixed by a fixing yarn FF. Therefore, the free weft yarn ends SE are fixed with the spread filaments, resulting in a knitted fabric with folded free weft yarn ends SE containing the spread filaments.

[0056] Figures 4 to 6 The diagram illustrates the folding process using a pneumatic yarn folding device 26 on a warp knitting machine 10.

[0057] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated state, the weft yarn S is cut using the cutting device 24 such that the free weft yarn end SE protrudes beyond the external warp yarn K. The air outlet 28 of the warp knitting machine 10 includes an air outlet opening that points towards the knitting section, folding the free weft yarn end SE into the knitting section. The air outlet 28 is oriented such that the weft yarn S is within the airflow LS generated by the air outlet 28 during cutting.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the free weft yarn end SE is captured by the airflow LS immediately after the weft yarn S is cut and folded toward the working area 12.

[0059] As in Figure 6 As shown, the folded section of the free weft yarn end SE is secured in a loop manner to the two outer warp yarns K by means of the braided yarn W used as the fixing yarn FF. During the braiding process, the yarn system is moved in the direction R so that the air outlet 28 of the yarn folding device 26 does not need to be moved during the braiding process.

[0060] Figure 7 The following exemplifies the method steps for manufacturing a knitted fabric M using a warp knitting machine 10. In step 100, warp yarns K are transported to the working area 12 of the warp knitting machine 10 using a warp yarn transport device 16. In step 102, weft yarns S are transported to the working area 12 using a weft yarn transport device 18. In step 104, knitting yarn is transported to the working area 12 using a knitting yarn transport device 22. Before the weft yarns S and warp yarns K are connected to each other in a loop manner in the working area 12 using knitting yarn W in step 110, the weft yarns S are cut in step 106, forming free weft yarn ends SE on the corresponding weft yarns S. In step 108, the free weft yarn ends SE are then folded towards the working area 12 using a yarn folding device 26.

[0061] When connecting the weft yarn S and the warp yarn K using the knitting yarn W, the folded section of the free weft yarn end SE is also fixed to one or more outer warp yarns K by looping the knitting yarn W. In subsequent step 112, the manufactured knitted fabric M is removed from the warp knitting machine 10 and can be supplied to the application.

[0062] List of reference numerals

[0063] 10 warp knitting machines

[0064] 12 work areas

[0065] 14 Weaving tools

[0066] 16 warp yarn transport device

[0067] 18-weft yarn transport device

[0068] 20-sheet fabric transport device

[0069] 22 Braided Yarn Transport Device

[0070] 24 cutting equipment

[0071] 26 Yarn Turning Equipment

[0072] 28 Air outlet

[0073] 30 Compressed Air Line

[0074] 34. Holding equipment

[0075] 36 retainers

[0076] 38 Mouth Support

[0077] Methods and steps from 100 to 112

[0078] F-shaped fabric

[0079] FF fixed yarn

[0080] K warp yarn

[0081] LS airflow

[0082] M knitwear

[0083] R direction

[0084] S-weft yarn

[0085] SE weft yarn ends

[0086] W braided yarn

Claims

1. A warp knitting machine (10) for manufacturing knitted fabric (M), said warp knitting machine having: - Multiple weaving tools (14) are configured to connect weft yarns (S) and warp yarns (K) in a loop-like manner within a work area (12) by means of weaving yarns (W); and - Cutting device (24), the cutting device is used to cut the weft yarn (S) so that a free weft yarn end (SE) is formed on the corresponding weft yarn (S); Its features are, A yarn folding device (26) is provided, which is configured to fold the free weft yarn end (SE) toward the working area (12).

2. The warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting device (24) is configured to cut the weft yarn (S) so that the resulting free weft yarn end (SE) protrudes beyond the outermost warp yarn (K), and the yarn folding device (26) is configured to fold the free weft yarn end (SE) toward the weaving area so that the folded section of the free weft yarn end (SE) intersects with the outer warp yarn (K).

3. The warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The yarn turning device (26) is constructed as a pneumatic yarn turning device (26) and is provided for turning the free weft yarn end (SE) by means of compressed air.

4. The warp knitting machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The yarn folding device (26) has an air outlet (28) configured to generate airflow (LS) for folding the free weft yarn end (SE) toward the weaving part.

5. The warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The air outlet (28) has an air outlet opening, which preferably points toward the direction of the weaving part, folding the free weft end (SE) into the weaving part.

6. The warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The yarn folding device (26), particularly the air outlet (28), has an air guiding surface, which is configured to change the flow direction of the airflow (LS) discharged from the air outlet, especially when utilizing the Coanda effect, particularly the direction toward the weaving part, so as to fold the free weft end (SE) into the weaving part.

7. The warp knitting machine (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The air outlet (28) is constructed as a flat jet nozzle.

8. The warp knitting machine (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The air outlet (28) is oriented such that the weft yarn (S) is in the airflow (LS) generated by the air outlet (28) during the cutting process by the cutting device (24).

9. The warp knitting machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The yarn folding device (26) is configured to fold the free weft end (SE) toward the working area (12) such that the folded section of the free weft end (SE) is fixed by a loop of at least one fixed yarn (FF).

10. The warp knitting machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The yarn folding device (26) is configured to fold the free weft end (SE) toward the working area (12) such that the folded section of the free weft end (SE) is fixed to at least one warp yarn (K) by a loop of at least one braided yarn (W) used as a fixing yarn (FF).

11. The warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, A fixed yarn supply device is provided for supplying at least one fixed yarn (FF) to the work area (12), and the fixed yarn supply device is preferably configured to supply the at least one fixed yarn (FF) under variable yarn tension.

12. The warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fixed yarn supply device has a yarn brake, through which the fixed yarn (FF) can be supplied under variable yarn tension.

13. The warp knitting machine (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, A retaining device (34) is provided, which is configured to keep the folded section of the free weft end (SE) in the folded state before and / or during the fixing by means of the at least one fixing yarn (FF), particularly before and / or during the fixing to the at least one warp yarn (K).

14. The warp knitting machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The yarn turning device (26) has a compressed air supply device, which is configured to continuously supply compressed air to the air outlet (28).

15. The warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The compressed air supply device includes a flow adjustment device for adjusting the air flow (LS) supplied to the air outlet (28).

16. The warp knitting machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An electronic control device is provided, which is configured to control the yarn turning device (26) according to the yarn characteristics of the knitted fabric (M) to be manufactured and / or preset product characteristics.

17. The warp knitting machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A measuring device is provided, which is configured to measure the amount of compressed air consumed by the yarn folding device (26) for folding the free weft yarn end (SE).

18. A method for manufacturing a knitted fabric (M) by means of a warp knitting machine (10), particularly by means of a warp knitting machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - In the working area (12) of the warp knitting machine (10), the weft yarns (S) and warp yarns (K) are connected by means of multiple knitting tools (14), and the weft yarns (S) and warp yarns (K) are connected to each other in a loop manner by means of knitting yarn (W); and -The weft yarn (S) is cut by means of the cutting device (24) of the warp knitting machine (10), so that a free weft yarn end (SE) is formed on the corresponding weft yarn (S). Its characteristics include the following steps: - The free weft yarn end (SE) is folded toward the working area (12) by means of the yarn folding device (26) of the warp knitting machine (10).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The yarn folding device (26) folds the free weft yarn end (SE) by means of compressed air and / or has an air outlet (28) that generates an airflow (LS) for folding the free weft yarn end (SE) toward the weaving part.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that... One of the following steps: - The folded section of the free weft end (SE) is secured by a loop of at least one fixed yarn (FF); - The at least one fixed yarn (FF) is supplied to the working area (12) by means of a fixed yarn supply device, the fixed yarn supply device preferably supplies the at least one fixed yarn (FF) under variable yarn tension, the fixed yarn supply device preferably has a yarn brake, via which the fixed yarn (FF) is supplied under variable yarn tension.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, Its features are, The electronic control device of the warp knitting machine (10) controls the yarn turning device (26) according to the yarn characteristics of the knitted fabric (M) to be manufactured and / or the preset product characteristics.

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