A station control device for a flat knitting machine

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of computerized flat knitting machines, specifically a station control device for a flat knitting machine. It includes a needle holder block mounted on a triangular base plate, and left and right needle receiving blocks mounted on either side of the needle holder block. Each needle receiving block includes a beveled edge located at both ends of the needle holder block, and the needle receiving blocks are retractable relative to the triangular base plate. The device also includes spring needles mounted on a needle bed. One end of the spring needle has a needle heel, and the other end has several limiting grooves, from bottom to top: A-position limiting groove, H-position limiting groove, and B-position limiting groove. A non-woven protrusion is located below the needle heel, and the non-woven protrusion and the limiting grooves engage with their respective steel wires. When the needle heel of the spring needle passes over the surface of the needle holder block, it is stopped by the beveled edge of the needle receiving block in the working state and moves along the beveled edge to the bottom of the needle receiving block. Using this solution can improve the knitting efficiency of the flat knitting machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of computerized flat knitting machines, and specifically to a station control device for a flat knitting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Computerized flat knitting machine is a double-needle plate weft knitting machine. Through the knitting head and the cam mechanism set on the cam base plate of the knitting head, the cam system drives the knitting needles set in the needle grooves of the needle bed (needle plate) to move up and down along the needle grooves during the reciprocating motion of the knitting head along the guide rail. With the cooperation of the cam mechanism and the tensioning mechanism, the knitting of the fabric is completed. It has five basic actions: knitting, hanging stitch, turning stitch, joining stitches, and non-knitting.

[0003] Knitting (also known as normal knitting or full-loop knitting) involves the knitting needle rising to its highest point, hooking onto new yarn, and forming a completely new loop. At the same time, the old loop is removed from the needle hook, completing a full loop-forming process.

[0004] The hanging loop occurs when the knitting needle rises to a certain height (but not the highest point) and hooks onto the new yarn, but the old loop does not come off the hook. The new yarn hangs on the hook in a "suspended arc" shape, remaining on the needle along with the old loop.

[0005] The process of transferring a loop from one needle to another is called "transferring a loop".

[0006] "Non-knitting" refers to performing an "empty stitch" action. This involves keeping specific knitting needles completely off-center and not participating in any loop formation process, thereby creating effects such as needle slippage or patterns on the fabric.

[0007] In this system, a tufting block is generally set at the bottom of the knitting functional area, along with needle receiving blocks on both sides of the tufting block and non-knitting blocks below the tufting block and needle receiving blocks. When the needle heel of the spring needle in the combination needle runs on the upper side of the tufting block, it is normal knitting (position A). When it slides across the surface of the tufting block, it is tufting (tuck) knitting (position H). When it slides across the non-knitting block below the tufting block, it is non-knitting (position B).

[0008] In the above structure, due to the limitations of the operating principle of the flat knitting machine itself and the complementary relationship between the functional triangles, the lengths of the hanging block and the non-woven block are fixed. That is, it is impossible to improve the operating efficiency of the flat knitting machine by arbitrarily shortening their length (since the flat knitting machine runs back and forth, shortening the overall length of the triangular base plate can improve the back-and-forth running efficiency).

[0009] Although some companies simplify the overall structure by omitting the hanging block or not weaving the block, and by changing the triangle layout and needle structure on the triangle base plate (such as CN117230565A), such modifications will limit the hanging function when weaving and hanging simultaneously, or only allow single-sided weaving (for fabrics such as sweaters that are cylindrical).

[0010] Therefore, the inventors conducted further research and developed a workstation control device for a flat knitting machine, which led to this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a station control device for a flat knitting machine, which improves knitting efficiency while retaining all the functions of the flat knitting machine.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A station control device for a flat knitting machine includes a hanging block on a triangular base plate, and a left needle receiving block and a right needle receiving block on both sides of the hanging block. The needle receiving blocks all include inclined baffles, which are located on the two ends of the hanging block, and the needle receiving blocks can extend and retract relative to the triangular base plate. It also includes a spring needle set on the needle bed. One end of the spring needle is provided with a needle heel, and the other end is provided with several limiting grooves. The limiting grooves include A-position limiting groove, H-position limiting groove and B-position limiting groove from bottom to top. A non-woven protrusion is provided below the needle heel. The non-woven protrusion and the limiting groove cooperate with their respective steel wires. When the heel of the spring needle passes over the surface of the needle-receiving block, it can be stopped by the inclined side of the needle-receiving block in the working state, and move along the inclined side to the bottom of the needle-receiving block; When the heel of the spring needle passes under the hanging block, the steel wire near the heel of the spring needle presses on the non-woven protrusion, and the steel wire in the limiting groove is located in the B-position limiting groove.

[0013] The working state here refers to the state where the triangle or pressure block extends out of the triangle base plate, while the triangle or pressure block retracted into the triangle base plate cannot interact with the heels of the combination needles, which is generally called the non-working state; the working state here refers to the state where the pressure block that needs to act on the heel of the spring needle is extended out of the triangle base plate. The relative movement of the heel of the spring needle at position B is called the non-knitting state (meaning that the combination needle to which it is located does not participate in knitting).

[0014] At the same time, the "protrusion" of the non-woven protrusion of the spring needle is relative to the needle body of the spring needle, and forms a stepped structure with the needle heel of the spring needle, rather than being a protrusion relative to the needle heel.

[0015] The A-position limiting groove, H-position limiting groove, and B-position limiting groove of the spring needle correspond to normal knitting, hanging knitting, and no knitting, respectively. When in the no-knitting state, a steel wire will move to the no-knitting protrusion below the needle heel of the spring needle, so that the needle heel will not participate in the triangular base plate. The function of the beveled edge of the needle attaching block is to stop and press down the needle heel of the spring needle in position H of the loop (latch) to the non-knitting position when the loop (latch) is attached, tightened, or knitting is required. After the needle heel is pressed to position B (non-knitting position), the needle heel is pressed down by the steel wire and does not need to be controlled by the needle attaching block. Therefore, the width of the needle attaching block can be designed to be shorter, which allows the width of a single knitting system to be designed to be narrower, shortening the knitting time and improving the knitting efficiency.

[0016] Furthermore, the top of the A-position limiting groove also includes a clearance space, which makes the top width of the A-position limiting groove greater than that of the H-position limiting groove and the B-position limiting groove.

[0017] The existence of the clearance space allows the heel of the spring needle to move a short distance above the pressure block, thus ensuring that the heel of the spring needle is not collided with the apex of the pressure block and ensuring its safe operation.

[0018] Furthermore, when set in a triangular base plate, the top of the inclined guard edge is higher than both ends of the hanging block.

[0019] The height here is referenced to the triangular base plate in the working state. The top of the inclined guard is higher than the two ends of the hanging eye pressure block to ensure that the needle heel of the spring needle can be blocked and guided.

[0020] Furthermore, the bottom of the inclined guard is provided with a horizontal protrusion, the direction of which is perpendicular to the triangular base plate and outward.

[0021] During the process of the spring needle heel being blocked and pressed down to the B non-knitting position, the lateral protrusion ensures that the oblique edge of the needle receiving block blocks the spring needle heel throughout this process.

[0022] Furthermore, the upper side of the needle receiving block is provided with a side protrusion and a side clearance. The side protrusion is close to the inclined stop edge and the top of the side protrusion is level with the top of the needle receiving block; the top of the side clearance is the lowest position on the upper side of the needle receiving block.

[0023] The side protrusion is level with the top of the hanging eye pressure block to ensure that the needle heel runs in position A; the side clearance is to allow the spring needle heel to disengage from the needle receiving pressure block as early as possible, reduce running resistance, and ensure more stable and reliable operation.

[0024] Furthermore, the left and right needle clamping blocks are linked with the needle clamping block rack, and the motor drives the needle clamping block rack to control the extension and retraction of the needle clamping blocks relative to the triangular base plate.

[0025] Furthermore, a groove is provided on the pin receiving block rack, and a pin receiving block shaft is correspondingly provided in the groove, with a rolling bushing provided outside the pin.

[0026] The slide groove is designed in an irregular shape. By moving the rack laterally, the relative position of the pin in the slide groove is changed, thereby realizing the relative extension and retraction of the pin clamping block.

[0027] Furthermore, the lifting block and the lifting block rack are linked, allowing the lifting block to extend and retract relative to the triangular base plate.

[0028] The hanging block can also be made to extend and retract relative to the triangular base plate.

[0029] Furthermore, the two ends of the hanging block are tilted towards the triangular base plate.

[0030] This inclined structure ensures that the heel of the spring needle enters the inclined stop of the needle receiving block from the surface of the lifting block.

[0031] Furthermore, the ends of the left and right needle pressing blocks that are away from the inclined side are inclined towards the triangular base plate, and the needle pressing blocks have the function of retracting relative to the triangular base plate when pressed.

[0032] This telescopic structure is often used in passive triangular telescopic systems and is one of the commonly used structures on triangular base plates. It can also be used in conjunction with active telescopic structures.

[0033] By adopting the above solution, the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art: 1. The needle receiving block is equipped with a slanted stop, and its top is higher than both ends of the hanging eyelet block. It can reliably stop and press the needle heel of the spring needle in the H position of the loop to the non-knitting B position during actions such as needle receiving, tightening the hanging eyelet, and tightening knitting. After the action is completed, the needle heel is held by the steel wire, and the needle receiving block does not need to continuously press. Therefore, the needle receiving block can be designed to be shorter, the width of a single knitting system is significantly reduced, the reciprocating stroke of the machine head is shortened, and the knitting efficiency is effectively improved.

[0034] 2. The upper side of the needle receiving block is provided with a side protrusion, the top of which is level with the top of the hanging block, which can ensure that the needle heel passes smoothly through the normal knitting position A and avoid jumping; the side clearance setting allows the needle heel to detach from the needle receiving block as soon as possible after being pressed down, reducing running resistance and improving running stability and reliability.

[0035] 3. A horizontal protrusion is provided at the bottom of the slanted guard to reliably hold the needle heel in place during the pressing process, preventing accidental dislodgement and ensuring accurate operation.

[0036] 4. The two ends of the hanging eye pressure block are inclined towards the triangular base plate to ensure that the needle heel smoothly transitions from the surface of the hanging eye pressure block to the inclined stop of the receiving pressure block, with a smooth transition and no impact.

[0037] 5. While shortening the width of the knitting system, it retains the basic functions of knitting, hanging stitches, turning stitches, joining stitches, and non-knitting, overcoming the shortcomings of the existing simplified structure where the hanging stitch function is limited or can only be knitted on one side, and has a wider range of applications. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram showing the linkage between the lifting eyelet pressure block and the pinion pressure block and the rack; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the trajectory of the spring needle heel sliding from position H to position B; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded view; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the middle clamping block and the pin clamping block; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the trajectory of each needle heel in the non-woven state; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the trajectory of each needle heel under normal knitting conditions; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the trajectory of each needle heel in the suspended eye (circle) state; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the trajectory of each needle heel under the tight hanging (tightly gathered) state; Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the trajectory of each needle heel under tight knitting conditions; Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of the trajectory of each needle heel when attaching the needle; Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of a trajectory that involves both moving and connecting circles; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a spring-loaded pin; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of a section at point C; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the change in the trajectory of position A after it has been given room to move. Label Explanation Hanging eyelet pressure block 1, Left connecting pin pressure block 2, (left connecting pin pressure block) oblique stop 21, horizontal protrusion 22. Side protrusion 23, side clearance 24, pivot pin 25. Right-hand pin retaining block 3, (right-hand pin retaining block) oblique stop 31, horizontal protrusion 32. Side protrusion 33, side clearance 34, pivot pin 35. 4. Pin clamping block rack; 5. Hanging eyelet clamping block rack; 6. Motor; 7. Spring pin. (Spring needle) Needle heel 71, non-knitted bulge 72, clearance space d, Triangle base plate 8, flip-pin triangle 81, disc mountain triangle 82, steel wire (91, 92). Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0040] The trajectory in the diagram is only a relative schematic diagram. In reality, the machine head drives the triangular base plate to move left and right relative to the needle bed. The combination needles on the right side of the diagram are, from top to bottom, knitting needles (crochet needles), needle feet (long needles), spring needles, and selector needles. The following explanation focuses on the interaction between the needle heel of the spring needle and the hanging eyelet and needle receiving eyelet, and takes the right knitting system in the three-knitting system as an example.

[0041] A station control device for a flat knitting machine, such as Figures 1 to 4 The structure shown is part of the triangular base plate, including the eyelet clamping block 1, the left connector clamping block 2, and the right connector clamping block 3, all mounted on the triangular base plate 8. The left connector clamping block 2 and the right connector clamping block 3 are respectively located on both sides of the eyelet clamping block 1. (See triangular base plate...) Figure 5-11 ) The left needle-connecting pressure block 2 has an integrally formed inclined guard edge 21, and the right needle-connecting pressure block 3 has an integrally formed inclined guard edge 31. The inclined guard edges (21, 31) are located at the two ends of the lifting pressure block 1, respectively. When the needle-connecting pressure block is in the working state of extending from the triangular base plate 8, the top of the inclined guard edges (21, 31) is higher than the top of both ends of the lifting pressure block 1 to ensure that the needle heel 7 of the spring needle can be accurately blocked and guided. The bottom of the inclined guard edge 21 has a horizontal protrusion 22, and the bottom of the inclined guard edge 31 has a horizontal protrusion 32. The protrusion direction of the horizontal protrusions (22, 32) is perpendicular to the triangular base plate 8 and outward, so as to reliably maintain guidance during the downward guidance of the needle heel 7. The upper side of the left needle-attaching block 2 is also provided with a side protrusion 23 and a side relief 24. The side protrusion 23 is close to the inclined guard 21, and the top of the side protrusion 23 is level with the top of the hanging block 1, which is used to ensure that the needle heel 7 runs smoothly in the normal knitting position A. The top of the side relief 24 is the lowest position on the upper side of the needle-attaching block, so that the needle heel 7 can be separated from the needle-attaching block as soon as possible after being pressed down, reducing running resistance. The upper side of the right needle-attaching block 3 is provided with a corresponding side protrusion 33 and a side relief 34, which have the same structure and function.

[0042] Both ends of the lifting block 1 are inclined towards the triangular base plate 8 to ensure that the spring needle heel 7 smoothly enters the inclined stop 21 or 31 of the receiving block in the working state from the surface of the lifting block 1. The ends of the left receiving block 2 and the right receiving block 3 away from the inclined stop are also inclined towards the triangular base plate 8, and both receiving blocks have the function of retracting relative to the triangular base plate 8 when pressed, and can be passively retracted.

[0043] To achieve active extension and retraction control of the needle receiving block, this embodiment includes a needle receiving block rack 4 and a motor 6. The needle receiving block rack 4 has irregularly shaped grooves. The left needle receiving block 2 is placed in its corresponding groove via a shaft pin 25, and the right needle receiving block 3 is placed in its corresponding groove via a shaft pin 35. Rolling bushings can be fitted over the shaft pins 25 and 35. The motor 6 drives the needle receiving block rack 4 to move laterally. Through the cooperation of the grooves and shaft pins, the left and right needle receiving blocks 2 and 3 extend or retract relative to the triangular base plate 8. The lifting block 1 is linked to the lifting block rack 5 and can also be driven by the motor, allowing the lifting block 1 to extend and retract relative to the triangular base plate 8.

[0044] The following combination Figures 5 to 11 This section explains the mechanism in different knitting actions. The combination needles on the right side of the diagram, from top to bottom, are knitting needles, needle feet, spring needles, and selection needles. The focus is on showing the interaction trajectory between the heel 7 of the spring needle and the hanging eyelet block 1 and the needle receiving block.

[0045] Non-woven state, such as Figure 5 As shown: At this time, the needle is not selected by the needle selector, so the spring needle is not pushed by the needle selector, thus causing the spring needle heel 7 to run in the low position (position B), and the corresponding needle does not participate in the loop formation.

[0046] Normal weaving state, such as Figure 6 As shown: The needle is selected by the needle selector, and the spring needle heel 7 is lifted to the high position (position A). It slides along the top of the side protrusion 23 or 33 of the hanging block 1 and the receiving block. The long needle heel runs along the knitting track of the starting triangle and the middle triangle, and the knitting needle performs normal knitting.

[0047] The state of being in a clustered (or tangled) formation, such as... Figure 7 As shown: The hanging loop pressure block 1 extends, while the needle receiving pressure block retracts or is in a yielding state. The spring needle heel 7 slides along the surface of the hanging loop pressure block 1, maintaining the tuck height (H position). The knitting needle hooks the new yarn but does not come off the old loop, which is the hanging loop.

[0048] Tightly closed loop (tightly closed loop) state, such as Figure 8 As shown: The hanging loop pressure block 1 extends, and the needle receiving pressure block on the corresponding side of the knitting direction extends (in this embodiment, the left needle receiving pressure block 2 is retracted, and the right needle receiving pressure block 3 is extended). The spring needle heel 7 first slides from the surface of the hanging loop pressure block 1 at position H. When it touches the extended inclined stop 31, it is stopped by the inclined stop and forced to be pressed towards the bottom of the needle receiving pressure block along the inclined stop, eventually reaching position B (no knitting). Afterward, the needle heel 7 is held in position B by the steel wire, and the continuous control width of the needle receiving pressure block is shortened, achieving a tight hanging loop.

[0049] Tight weave state, such as Figure 9 As shown: Similar to the tight hanging stitch, the difference is that the hanging stitch block 1 is also retracted (the needle path of the upper long needle changes accordingly), and the spring needle heel 7 is also blocked by the oblique edge 31 and pressed to position B. Combined with other triangular movements, the tight knitting is completed.

[0050] The needle-attaching action, such as Figure 10 As shown: When performing needle flipping and needle connection, the left and right needle connection pressure blocks extend, the eyelet pressure block retracts, and the spring needle heel 7 is blocked by the oblique side 31 and pressed to position B; the needle flipping triangle 81 is in working state and works with the disc mountain triangle 82 above the eyelet / needle connection pressure block to perform needle transfer and connection.

[0051] Both moving and connecting circles, such as Figure 11 As shown: When receiving the ring and Figure 10 Consistently, during the shift, the heel of the topmost long stitch passes over the turn-over triangle 81.

[0052] like Figure 12 , 13 As shown, when the needle heel 71 of the spring needle moves at the non-woven B position, in addition to the steel wire 92 in the B position limiting groove of the spring needle, a steel wire 91 is also provided at the non-woven protrusion 72 below the needle heel (see reference). Figure 5 The wire 91 restricts the non-woven protrusion 72 at this point, which can press down the heel of the spring needle, so that the heel of the needle foot is pressed down by the spring needle and does not participate in the work of the triangle base plate, that is, the entire combination needle does not participate in knitting (the heel cannot be "lifted" by the triangle base plate).

[0053] When the needle heel 71 moves to position A or H, the steel wire 92 in the limiting groove moves to the A / H limiting groove, and at the same time, the steel wire 91 at the non-woven protrusion 72 will also move downwards. At this time, the needle heel of the spring needle "releases" the pressure on the needle foot.

[0054] Preferably, when the needle heel 71 moves at position A, the top of the slot at position A can be widened to form a clearance space d with a small translational range. The clearance space d makes the top width of the limiting slot at position A greater than that of the limiting slots at positions H and B, thereby allowing the needle heel 71 to travel a small distance above the lifting block (see reference). Figure 14 This ensures that the spring needle heel is not struck by the tip of the needle-receiving block, thus guaranteeing its safe operation.

[0055] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention. Apart from the mutual cooperation between the spring needle and the hanging eyelet pressure block and the needle receiving pressure block, the interaction between the other combination needles (such as knitting needles, long needles, and selection needles) and the triangular base plate is consistent with the prior art. At the same time, all terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and "middle" involved in the present invention are for reference only and are not absolute limitations. Any non-substantial modifications made using the present invention shall be considered as acts that infringe upon the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A station control device for a flat knitting machine, characterized in that: It includes a hanging eye pressure block set on the triangular base plate, and a left connecting pin pressure block and a right connecting pin pressure block set on both sides of the hanging eye pressure block. The connecting pin pressure blocks all include inclined baffles, which are located on the two ends of the hanging eye pressure block respectively, and the connecting pin pressure blocks can extend and retract relative to the triangular base plate. It also includes a spring needle set on the needle bed. One end of the spring needle is provided with a needle heel, and the other end is provided with several limiting grooves. The limiting grooves include A-position limiting groove, H-position limiting groove and B-position limiting groove from bottom to top. A non-woven protrusion is provided below the needle heel. The non-woven protrusion and the limiting groove cooperate with their respective steel wires. When the heel of the spring needle passes over the surface of the needle-receiving block, it can be stopped by the inclined side of the needle-receiving block in the working state, and move along the inclined side to the bottom of the needle-receiving block; When the heel of the spring needle passes under the hanging block, the steel wire near the heel of the spring needle presses on the non-woven protrusion, and the steel wire in the limiting groove is located in the B-position limiting groove.

2. The station control device for a flat knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the A-position limiting groove also includes a clearance space, which makes the top width of the A-position limiting groove greater than that of the H-position limiting groove and the B-position limiting groove.

3. The station control device for a flat knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: When set in a triangular base plate, the top of the inclined guard edge is higher than both ends of the hanging block.

4. The station control device for a flat knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the sloping edge is provided with a horizontal protrusion, which is perpendicular to the triangular base plate and faces outward.

5. A station control device for a flat knitting machine according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The upper side of the needle receiving pressure block is provided with a side protrusion and a side relief. The side protrusion is close to the inclined guard edge and the top of the side protrusion is level with the top of the needle receiving pressure block; the top of the side relief is the lowest position on the upper side of the needle receiving pressure block.

6. The station control device for a flat knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left and right needle clamping blocks are linked with the needle clamping block rack, and the motor drives the needle clamping block rack to control the extension and retraction of the needle clamping blocks relative to the triangular base plate.

7. The station control device for a flat knitting machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pin receiving block rack has a groove, and a pin receiving block shaft is correspondingly arranged in the groove. A rolling bushing is arranged outside the pin shaft.

8. The station control device for a flat knitting machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lifting block and the lifting block rack are linked, and the lifting block can extend and retract relative to the triangular base plate.

9. A station control device for a flat knitting machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, characterized in that: The two ends of the hanging block are tilted towards the triangular base plate.

10. The station control device for a flat knitting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ends of the left and right needle pressing blocks that are away from the inclined side are inclined towards the triangular base plate. At the same time, the needle pressing blocks have the function of retracting relative to the triangular base plate when pressed.

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