Warp-knitting machine for producing knitted fabrics

Abstract

The invention relates to a warp-knitting machine (10) for producing knitted fabrics (M), comprising: a plurality of knitting tools (14) designed to interconnect, in a portion worked on (12), weft threads (S) and warp threads (K) by means of knitting threads (W) so as to form loops; a severing device (24) for severing weft threads (S), so that the respective weft threads (S) have a free weft thread end (SE); and a thread-repositioning device (26) designed to reposition the free weft thread ends (SE) in the direction of the portion worked on (12).

Description

[0001] Warp knitting machine for producing knitted fabrics

[0002] The invention relates to a warp knitting machine for producing knitted fabric, comprising a plurality of knitting tools which are designed to connect weft threads and warp threads in a working area by means of knitting threads to form stitches, and a separating device for severing weft threads so that a free weft thread end is created on the respective weft threads.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing knitted fabric by means of a warp knitting machine, comprising the steps of: connecting weft threads and warp threads in a working area of ​​the warp knitting machine by means of a plurality of knitting tools, wherein the weft threads and warp threads are connected to one another by means of knitting threads to form a loop, and severing weft threads by means of a separating device of the warp knitting machine so that a free weft thread end is created on the respective weft threads.

[0004] Knitwear produced using a warp knitting machine typically has numerous protruding free weft thread ends in the edge areas, which typically serve no function in the intended application scenarios. In some application scenarios, the protruding free weft thread ends are even disruptive and can lead to process impairment.

[0005] The object underlying the invention is therefore to avoid protruding free weft thread ends during the production of knitwear. This object is achieved by a warp knitting machine of the type mentioned above, wherein the warp knitting machine according to the invention has a thread transfer device configured to transfer the free weft thread ends toward the working area.

[0006] By folding the free weft thread ends towards the working area, the protrusion of free weft thread ends in the edge region of the knitted fabric is avoided. Preferably, the thread folding device is designed to fold the free weft thread ends into an edge section of the working area. Several knitting tools can be located in the working area. The knitting tools can comprise, for example, slider or pointed needles, guide needles or guide tubes, sinkers and / or auxiliary tools. Alternatively or additionally, the knitting tools can comprise a slider needle bar with slider needles, a slider bar with slider holders, a guide bar with guide needle holders, a guide bar with guide tubes, a hold-down bar, a feeder bar and / or a knock-off bar.

[0007] The warp knitting machine preferably operates with a course-aligned weft insertion. The weft thread layers are therefore preferably fed to the knitting station in such a way that all threads are always precisely integrated into the stitches, i.e., without the warp knitting machine needles piercing the threads. Alternatively, the warp knitting machine can also insert the weft threads non-course-aligned, so that the weft threads are partially displaced or pierced by the warp knitting machine needles.

[0008] The knitting point is preferably located in the working area. The knitting point refers to the point where all thread systems—i.e., the warp thread system, the weft thread system, and optionally one or more fabrics, such as a nonwoven or woven fabric—are brought together to be joined together with a knitting thread. At the knitting point, one weft thread and one warp thread are each connected, preferably biaxially at a 90° angle, by forming a loop of a knitting thread. The knitting threads can also be referred to as binding threads. The warp threads can also be referred to as standing threads.

[0009] Optionally, one or more fabrics, such as a nonwoven or woven fabric, can be fed into the work area or the knitting point and integrated.

[0010] The folded thread length can be controlled by the distance between the separating device and the fabric edge. The fabric edge can be varied during the setup process. The free thread end, for example, can have a thread length between 2 cm and 10 cm. This may require the removal of the weft end piercer sockets in the edge area to achieve an improved insertion result. The folded thread length can be selected, for example, based on the properties, particularly the stiffness properties, of the weft threads.

[0011] The warp knitting machine can be a Raschel machine. The warp knitting machine or Raschel machine can produce with weft insertion aligned to the course of the stitches.

[0012] The warp knitting machine or Raschel machine has a weft thread transport device for transporting weft threads to the knitting point. The weft thread transport device can comprise a feed hook chain, via which several weft threads are fed to the knitting point simultaneously and sequentially, depending on the thread feed, in accordance with the stitch courses. Weft threads can be pressed into the hook of the feed hook chain by a pressure rubber or a sliding mechanism and held after cutting, preventing them from slipping backward. The weft thread transport device has a plurality of weft thread guide members for feeding and / or presenting the weft threads to the knitting point. The weft thread guide members can be feed hooks.

[0013] The warp knitting machine or Raschel machine can comprise a warp thread transport device for transporting warp threads to the knitting station. The warp thread transport device can comprise delivery rollers that transport the warp threads as needed from a creel or via warp beams to the knitting station. The warp thread transport device transports the warp threads as needed to the warp thread guide units for guiding and / or laying the warp threads for stitch formation or knitted fabric production. The thread guide units can be guide needle holders or guide tubes.

[0014] The warp knitting machine or Raschel machine can comprise a knitting thread transport device for transporting knitting threads to the knitting station. The knitting thread transport device can comprise delivery mechanisms or warp beams, via which the knitting threads are fed in a defined length via gears with servo motors to the thread guide units for stitch formation or knitted fabric production. The knitting threads connect the warp threads and the weft threads across the entire width of the fabric. These thread guide units and other knitting tools serve to form the stitch. The knitting thread transport device can comprise a plurality of knitting thread guide members for guiding the knitting threads during stitch formation.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the warp knitting machine according to the invention, the separating device is configured to sever the weft threads in such a way that the resulting free weft thread ends protrude beyond the outer warp thread, and the weft thread folding device is configured to fold the free weft thread ends toward the knitting area in such a way that the folded portion of the free weft thread end crosses the outer warp thread. Because the folded portion of the free weft thread end crosses the outer warp thread, the folded portion of the free weft thread end can be fixed to the outer warp thread, so that the thread folding is permanently maintained.

[0016] Furthermore, a warp knitting machine according to the invention is preferred in which the thread transfer device is designed as a pneumatic thread transfer device and is configured to transfer the free weft thread ends using compressed air. The transfer of the free weft thread ends using compressed air functions independently of the machine speed and the stitch density or weft thread density. Adjusting the compressed air to operating parameters such as the machine speed and the stitch density or weft density is therefore not absolutely necessary. The thread transfer device preferably generates an air stream. The air stream causes the free weft thread ends to be transferred in an arc toward the knitting area.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the warp knitting machine according to the invention, the thread transfer device has an air outlet nozzle configured to generate an air flow for transferring the free weft thread ends toward a knitting point. The air flow can be a continuous air flow or a pulsed air flow. The air outlet nozzle is preferably connected to a compressed air source, and a flow adjustment device, for example, an adjustable throttle or an adjustable valve, can be arranged between the compressed air source and the air outlet nozzle.

[0018] Furthermore, a warp knitting machine according to the invention is preferred in which the air outlet nozzle has an air outlet opening, which preferably points toward the knitting point into which the free weft thread ends are folded. The free weft thread ends are captured by the air flow exiting the air outlet opening and folded by the air flow.

[0019] Furthermore, a warp knitting machine according to the invention is preferred in which the thread-shifting device, in particular the air outlet nozzle, has an air guide surface configured to change the flow direction of the air flow exiting the air outlet opening, in particular by utilizing the Coanda effect, in particular in the direction of the knitting point into which the free weft thread ends are shifted. The air outlet nozzle can be configured to implement an air deflection via the air guide surface in a range between 20° and 100°, preferably in a range between 35° and 55°. By deflecting the air jet, the air outlet nozzle can be installed in a space-saving manner.

[0020] In a further development of the warp knitting machine according to the invention, the air outlet nozzle is designed as a flat jet nozzle. The flat jet nozzle has a comparatively low compressed air consumption. The flat jet nozzle is preferably constructed according to the air flow amplifier principle and is therefore capable of converting small amounts of compressed air into a powerful, fast-flowing, laminar air curtain. Compressed air exits the air outlet opening at very high speed, entraining the 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 significantly quieter and, with the same blowing power, significantly more economical in its compressed air consumption. The air outlet nozzle or the air outlet opening can have a width in a range of 10 to 40 mm, preferably 25 mm. The air outlet nozzle is preferably attached to a nozzle holder.The nozzle holder allows the adjustment of the position and / or orientation of the air outlet nozzle, in particular in all spatial directions and / or around all spatial axes.

[0021] Furthermore, a warp knitting machine according to the invention is preferred in which the air outlet nozzle is oriented such that the weft threads are exposed to the air flow generated by the air outlet nozzle during severing by the separating device. Thus, the free weft thread ends are already caught and folded by the air flow at the moment of severing by the separating device. The folding process can thus be implemented with a comparatively high degree of reproduction.

[0022] Furthermore, a warp knitting machine according to the invention is preferred in which the thread-folding device is configured to fold the free weft thread ends toward the working area in such a way that the folded sections of the free weft thread ends are secured by the stitches of at least one fixing thread. Thus, the free weft thread ends are incorporated into the stitch underlay in the edge section of the knitted fabric. The thread fold is permanently maintained by the fixation by means of the fixing thread. The edge region of the knitted fabric is thus formed by the folded sections of the free weft thread ends. The fixing thread can be an elastic and / or stretchable thread. The fixing thread can be an elastomer thread.

[0023] In an advantageous development of the warp knitting machine according to the invention, the thread transfer device is configured to transfer the free weft thread ends toward the working area in such a way that the transferred sections of the free weft thread ends are secured to at least one warp thread by the stitches of at least one knitting thread serving as a securing thread. This results in a firmly bound edge, improved seam strength, and improved tear resistance, so that the edge does not tear under load. The transferred sections of the free weft thread ends can be secured in one or more stitches and in one or more stitch rows. If the transferred free weft thread ends are secured in several stitch rows, the transferred free weft thread ends are secured in several, for example two, consecutive stitches or more, with the consecutive stitches connecting the warp and weft.The binding into one or more stitch courses preferably depends on the stitch density. At a higher stitch density, the folded free weft thread ends are incorporated into multiple stitches. Another influencing factor is the thread volume of the weft threads. The thread volume results from the number of filaments and the volume of the individual filaments. A special case is the so-called monofilament yarn or ribbon yarn. A monofilament yarn consists of a single filament. A splicing yarn can also be processed. A splicing yarn consists of mechanically or chemically fibrillated, i.e., spliced, threads. For larger thread volumes, for example, with a high filament count and / or large filament diameter, the weft thread end can be incorporated into multiple stitches.In a further preferred embodiment, the warp knitting machine according to the invention has a fixing thread feed device for feeding the at least one fixing thread into the working area, wherein the fixing thread feed device is preferably configured to feed the at least one fixing thread under variable thread tension. The at least one fixing thread can be a trailing thread. By feeding the at least one fixing thread under variable thread tension, the thread consumption of the fixing thread differs from the thread consumption of the respective knitting threads that do not serve to fix the folded free weft thread ends. The thread consumption of the fixing thread can be higher or lower.

[0024] Furthermore, a warp knitting machine according to the invention is preferred in which the fixing thread feed device has a thread brake via which the fixing thread can be fed under variable thread tension. The volume of the thread material in the edge section of the working area increases due to the folded-over free weft thread ends. The at least one fixing thread, fed with variable thread tension, is fed at a speed tailored to the needs in order to ensure that the varying volume of the thread material is incorporated at the knitting point. The stitch therefore draws as much thread from the thread brake as it needs. The advantage of using at least one fixing thread with variable thread tension is that the fixing thread is always sufficiently long for stitch formation. The at least one fixing thread is braked differently than the knitting threads that do not serve to fix the folded-over free knitting thread ends.The knitting threads that are not used to fix the folded free knitting thread ends are fed in a defined manner via delivery rollers or warp beams using gears with servo motors.

[0025] In a further development, the warp knitting machine according to the invention has a holding device which is designed to hold the folded section of the free weft thread end in the folded state before fixing and / or during fixing by means of the at least one fixing thread, in particular on the at least one warp thread. The holding device serves to support stiff weft threads. The holding device can be used, for example, with a very stiff yarn, such as monofilament yarn or ribbon yarn. The holding device bends the weft thread end into a specific position. The holding device is preferably attached in the vicinity of the outer warp thread. The holding device can be a mechanical holding device. The mechanical holding device can comprise a holding member for holding the folded section of the free weft thread end in a contact-based manner.The position and / or orientation of the holding member is preferably adjustable. The holding member can be designed as a holding finger. Alternatively, the holding device can be a pneumatic holding device. The pneumatic holding device can comprise a holding air outlet nozzle. The holding air outlet nozzle is preferably attached to a nozzle holder. The nozzle holder allows the position and / or orientation of the holding air outlet nozzle to be adjusted, in particular in all spatial directions and / or around all spatial axes.

[0026] The warp knitting machine according to the invention is further advantageously developed in that the thread transfer device has a compressed air supply device configured to continuously supply compressed air to the air outlet nozzle. The compressed air supply device can comprise a compressed air reservoir. Furthermore, the compressed air supply device can comprise an air compressor.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the warp knitting machine according to the invention, the compressed air supply device comprises a flow adjustment device for adjusting the air flow provided to the air outlet nozzle. The flow adjustment device can be used to adjust the amount of air required to fold over the free weft thread ends. The flow adjustment device can allow the adjustment of a specific volume flow or a specific compressed air quantity and / or the adjustment of a specific air pressure. The flow adjustment device can be an adjustable throttle or an adjustable valve. The flow adjustment device can comprise a check valve.In a further preferred embodiment, the warp knitting machine according to the invention has an electronic control device configured to control the thread transfer device depending on the thread properties and / or intended product properties of the knitted fabric to be produced. For example, the electronic control device is configured to control the volume flow or flow rate of the compressed air and / or the air pressure depending on the thread properties and / or intended product properties of the knitted fabric to be produced.

[0028] In a further 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 thread-transfer device for transferring the free weft thread ends. The measuring device can be used to reproduce the documented compressed air consumption for a reproducible product. The measuring device can, for example, comprise a volume flow sensor.

[0029] The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a method of the type mentioned above, wherein the free weft thread ends are folded in the direction of the working area by means of a thread-folding device of the warp knitting machine within the scope of the method according to the invention. In the method according to the invention for producing knitwear, a warp knitting machine according to one of the embodiments described above is preferably used. With regard to the advantages and modifications of the method according to the invention, reference is therefore first made to the advantages and modifications of the warp knitting machine according to the invention.

[0030] The separating device of the warp knitting machine preferably separates the weft threads in such a way that the resulting free weft thread ends protrude beyond an outer warp thread, wherein the thread folding device folds the free weft thread ends in the direction of the working area in such a way that the folded section of the free weft thread end crosses the outer warp thread.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the thread-shifting device shifts the free weft thread ends using compressed air. Alternatively or additionally, the thread-shifting device has an air outlet nozzle that generates an air flow for shifting the free weft thread ends toward a knitting point. The method can comprise changing the flow direction of the air flow exiting the air outlet opening, in particular by utilizing the Coanda effect, by means of an air guide surface of the thread-shifting device, in particular the air outlet nozzle, in particular toward the knitting point into which the free weft thread ends are shifted.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises securing the folded sections of the free weft thread ends by means of the stitches of at least one securing thread. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one securing thread is fed into the working area by means of a securing thread feed device, wherein the securing thread feed device preferably feeds the at least one securing thread under variable thread tension. The securing thread feed device preferably has a thread brake via which the securing thread is fed under variable thread tension.

[0033] Furthermore, a method according to the invention is preferred in which an electronic control device of the warp knitting machine controls the thread transfer device depending on thread properties and / or intended product properties of the knitted fabric to be produced.

[0034] Furthermore, a method is preferred in which the weft threads used each comprise a plurality of filaments, which, after being severed by the separating device and before being fixed by the one or more fixing threads, fan out due to the air flow emerging from the air outlet nozzle. The knitted fabric produced thus has folded weft thread ends with fanned-out filaments. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained and described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a warp knitting machine according to the invention in a schematic representation;

[0036] Fig. 2 shows the working area of ​​a warp knitting machine according to the invention in a schematic representation;

[0037] Fig. 3 shows the working area of ​​another warp knitting machine according to the invention in a schematic representation;

[0038] Fig. 4 shows the production of knitted fabric according to the invention by means of a warp knitting machine during a first time point;

[0039] Fig. 5 shows the production of knitted fabric according to the invention by means of a warp knitting machine during a second time point which is later than the first time point;

[0040] Fig. 6 shows the production of knitted fabric according to the invention by means of a warp knitting machine during a third time point which is later than the second time point; and

[0041] Fig. 7 is a flow chart of a method according to the invention for producing knitted fabric by means of a warp knitting machine.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a warp knitting machine 10 designed as a Raschel machine for producing knitwear 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, serve to join weft threads S, warp threads K, and a fabric F by means of a knitting thread W, wherein the weft threads S, the warp threads K, and the fabric F are joined by means of the knitting threads W to form stitches. The knitting tools 14 can comprise, for example, slider or pointed needles, guide needles or guide tubes, sinkers, and / or auxiliary tools. Alternatively or additionally, the knitting tools 14 may comprise a sliding needle bar with sliding needles, a sliding bar with sliding sockets, a guide bar with guide needle sockets, a guide bar with guide tubes, a hold-down bar, a feeder bar and / or a knock-off bar.

[0043] The warp knitting machine 10 comprises a warp thread transport device 16 for transporting the warp threads K to the knitting point in the working area 12. The warp knitting machine 10 further comprises a weft thread transport device 18 for transporting the weft threads S to the knitting point in the working area 12. In addition, the warp knitting machine 10 comprises a fabric transport device 20 for transporting the fabric F to the knitting point in the working area 12. Furthermore, the warp knitting machine 10 comprises a knitting thread transport device 22 for transporting the knitting threads W to the knitting point in the working area 12.

[0044] The fabric F can, for example, be a nonwoven or a woven fabric.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows that the warp knitting machine 10 comprises a separating device 24 for severing the weft threads S, so that a free weft thread end SE is created at the respective weft threads S.

[0046] The warp knitting machine 10 also has a thread-folding device 26, which folds the free weft thread ends SE toward the working area 12. The separating device 24 severs the weft threads S such that the resulting free weft thread ends SE protrude beyond the outermost warp thread K. The thread-folding device 26 folds the free weft thread ends SE toward the knitting area such that the folded portion of the free weft thread end SE crosses the outermost warp thread K.

[0047] The thread transfer device 26 is a pneumatic thread transfer device and transfers the free weft thread ends SE using compressed air. For this purpose, the thread transfer device 26 has an air outlet nozzle 28, which generates an air flow LS for transferring the free weft thread ends SE in the direction of a knitting point. The air outlet nozzle 28 is connected to a compressed air line 30, via which compressed air is continuously supplied to the air outlet nozzle 28. The air outlet nozzle 28 is designed as a flat jet nozzle and has an air guide surface, which changes the flow direction of the air flow LS emerging from the air outlet opening of the air outlet nozzle 28 by utilizing the Coanda effect, namely in the direction of the knitting point into which the free weft thread ends SE are transferred.

[0048] The free weft thread ends SE are folded toward the working area 12 in such a way that the folded sections of the free weft thread ends SE are secured by the stitches of two fixing threads FF. The fixing threads FF are outer knitting threads W, via which the folded sections of the free weft thread ends SE are secured to the two outer warp threads K.

[0049] The warp knitting machine 10 comprises a fixing thread feed device for feeding the fixing threads FF into the working area 12. The fixing thread feed device is configured to feed the fixing threads FF under variable thread tension. For this purpose, the fixing thread feed device has a thread brake for each fixing thread FF, by means of which the fixing threads FF can be fed under variable thread tension.

[0050] The warp knitting machine 10 further comprises a holding device 34, by means of which the folded portion of the free weft thread end SE is held in the folded state before and during the fixing by means of the fixing threads FF to the warp threads K. The holding device 34 is a mechanical holding device with a holding member 36 for contact-holding the folded portion of the free weft thread end SE. The position and orientation of the holding member 36 is adjustable. The holding member 36 is designed as a holding finger.

[0051] The air outlet nozzle 28 is attached to a nozzle holder 38, via which the position and orientation of the air outlet nozzle 28 can be changed.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows the production of knitted fabric using a warp knitting machine 10, wherein the weft threads S used each have a plurality of filaments which, after being severed by the separating device 24 and before being fixed by the fixing threads FF, fan out due to the air flow LS exiting the air outlet nozzle 28. The free weft thread ends SE are thus fixed with fanned-out filaments, so that the knitted fabric produced has folded weft thread ends SE with fanned-out filaments.

[0053] Figs. 4 to 6 show the folding process of a free weft thread end SE by means of a pneumatic thread folding device 26 of a warp knitting machine 10.

[0054] In the state illustrated in Fig. 4, a weft thread S has been severed by a separating device 24 such that a free weft thread end SE protrudes beyond the outer warp thread K. The air outlet nozzle 28 of the warp knitting machine 10 comprises an air outlet opening pointing in the direction of the knitting point into which the free weft thread end SE is folded. The air outlet nozzle 28 is oriented such that the weft thread S is located in the air flow LS generated by the air outlet nozzle 28 during its severance by the separating device 24.

[0055] As Fig. 5 shows, the free weft thread end SE is thus caught by the air flow LS immediately after the weft thread S is severed and folded in the direction of the working area 12.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 6, the folded section of the free weft thread end SE is fixed to the two outer warp threads K by means of knitting threads W serving as fixing threads FF, forming a stitch. The thread systems are moved in the direction R during the knitting process, so that the air outlet nozzle 28 of the thread transfer device 26 does not have to be moved during the knitting process.

[0057] Fig. 7 shows, by way of example, the method steps in the production of knitted fabric M by means of a warp knitting machine 10. In step 100, warp threads K are transported into a working area 12 of the warp knitting machine 10 by means of a warp thread transport device 16. In step 102, weft threads S are transported into the working area 12 of the warp knitting machine 10 by means of a weft thread transport device 18. In step 104, knitting threads are transported into the working area 12 of the warp knitting machine 10 by means of a knitting thread transport device 22. Before the weft threads S and warp threads K are joined together in the working area 12 by means of the knitting threads W to form a stitch in step 110, the weft threads S are severed in step 106, so that at the respective

[0058] Weft threads S create a free weft thread end SE. In step 108, the free weft thread ends SE are then folded in the direction of the working area 12 by means of a thread folding device 26.

[0059] When the weft threads S and the warp threads K are joined by means of the knitting threads W, the folded sections of the free weft thread ends SE are also fixed to one or more outer warp threads K by means of the knitting threads W, forming a loop. In the subsequent process step 112, the produced knitted fabric M is removed from the warp knitting machine 10 and can be fed to an application.

[0060] Reference symbol

[0061] 10 chain nwi rkm asch ine

[0062] 12 Work area

[0063] 14 tools

[0064] 16 Warp thread transport device

[0065] 18 Weft thread transport device

[0066] 20 Flat goods transport device

[0067] 22 Knitting thread transport device

[0068] 24 Separator

[0069] 26 Thread transfer device

[0070] 28 Air outlet nozzle

[0071] 30 compressed air line

[0072] 34 Holding device

[0073] 36 Holding link

[0074] 38 Nozzle holder

[0075] 100-1 12 process steps

[0076] F Flat goods

[0077] FF fixing threads

[0078] K Warp threads

[0079] LS air flow

[0080] M knitwear

[0081] R direction

[0082] S weft threads

[0083] SE weft thread ends

[0084] W knitting threads

Claims

Claims 1. Warp knitting machine (10) for producing knitted fabric (M), comprising a plurality of knitting tools (14) which are configured to interconnect weft threads (S) and warp threads (K) in a working area (12) by means of knitting threads (W) to form stitches; and a severing device (24) for severing weft threads (S) so that a free weft thread end (SE) is created on the respective weft threads (S); characterized by a thread transfer device (26) which is configured to transfer the free weft thread ends (SE) in the direction of the working area (12).

2. Warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating device (24) is designed to sever the weft threads (S) in such a way that the resulting free weft thread ends (SE) project beyond the outermost warp thread (K), wherein the thread folding device (26) is designed to fold the free weft thread ends (SE) in the direction of the knitting area in such a way that the folded section of the free weft thread end (SE) crosses the outermost warp thread (K).

3. Warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the thread transfer device (26) is designed as a pneumatic thread transfer device (26) and is adapted to transfer the free weft thread ends (SE) by means of compressed air.

4. Warp knitting machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thread transfer device (26) has an air outlet nozzle (28) which is designed to To generate air flow (LS) to fold the free weft thread ends (SE) towards a knitting point.

5. Warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the air outlet nozzle (28) has an air outlet opening which preferably points in the direction of the knitting point into which the free weft thread ends (SE) are folded.

6. Warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the thread transfer device (26), in particular the air outlet nozzle (28), has an air guide surface which is designed to change the flow direction of the air flow (LS) emerging from the air outlet opening, in particular by utilizing the Coanda effect, in particular in the direction of the knitting point into which the free weft thread ends (SE) are transferred.

7. Warp knitting machine (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the air outlet nozzle (28) is designed as a flat jet nozzle.

8. Warp knitting machine (10) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the air outlet nozzle (28) is aligned such that the weft threads (S) are located in the air flow (LS) generated by the air outlet nozzle (28) during the cutting by the cutting device (24).

9. Warp knitting machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thread transfer device (26) is designed to transfer the free weft thread ends (SE) in the direction of the working area (12) in such a way that the transferred sections of the free Weft thread ends (SE) are fixed by the stitches of at least one fixing thread (FF).

10. Warp knitting machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thread transfer device (26) is designed to transfer the free weft thread ends (SE) in the direction of the working area (12) in such a way that the transferred sections of the free weft thread ends (SE) are fixed to at least one warp thread (K) by the stitches of at least one knitting thread (W) serving as a fixing thread (FF).

11. Warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by a fixing thread feed device for feeding the at least one fixing thread (FF) into the working area (12), wherein the fixing thread feed device is preferably designed to feed the at least one fixing thread (FF) under variable thread tension.

12. Warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the fixing thread feed device has a thread brake via which the fixing thread (FF) can be fed under variable thread tension.

13. Warp knitting machine (10) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized by a holding device (34) which is designed to hold the folded section of the free weft thread end (SE) in the folded state before fixing and / or during fixing by means of the at least one fixing thread (FF), in particular on the at least one warp thread (K).

14. Warp knitting machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thread transfer device (26) has a compressed air supply device which is designed to continuously provide compressed air to the air outlet nozzle (28).

15. Warp knitting machine (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the compressed air supply device comprises a flow adjustment device for adjusting the air flow (LS) provided to the air outlet nozzle (28).

16. Warp knitting machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an electronic control device which is designed to control the thread transfer device (26) depending on thread properties and / or intended product properties of the knitted fabric (M) to be produced.

17. Warp knitting machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a measuring device which is designed to measure the quantity of compressed air consumed by the thread transfer device (26) for transferring the free weft thread ends (SE).

18. A method for producing knitted fabric (M) by means of a warp knitting machine (10), in particular by means of a warp knitting machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: Joining weft threads (S) and warp threads (K) in a working area (12) of the warp knitting machine (10) by means of a plurality of knitting tools (14), wherein the weft threads (S) and warp threads (K) are joined together by means of knitting threads (W) to form stitches; and Cutting weft threads (S) by means of a cutting device (24) of the warp knitting machine (10) so that a free weft thread end (SE) is formed on the respective weft threads (S); characterized by the step: Folding the free weft thread ends (SE) in the direction of the working area (12) by means of a thread folding device (26) of the warp knitting machine (10).

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the thread transfer device (26) transfers the free weft thread ends (SE) by means of compressed air and / or has an air outlet nozzle (28) which generates an air flow (LS) for transferring the free weft thread ends (SE) in the direction of a knitting point.

20. Method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by at least one of the following steps: Fixing the folded sections of the free weft thread ends (SE) through the stitches of at least one fixing thread (FF); Feeding the at least one fixing thread (FF) into the working area (12) by means of a fixing thread feeding device, wherein the fixing thread feeding device preferably feeds the at least one fixing thread (FF) under variable thread tension, wherein the fixing thread feeding device preferably has a thread brake via which the fixing thread (FF) is fed under variable thread tension.

21. Method according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that an electronic control device of the warp knitting machine (10) controls the thread transfer device (26) depending on thread properties and / or intended product properties of the knitted fabric (M) to be produced.

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