Needle cylinder for knitting machine having removable insert, knitting machine equipped with needle cylinder, and insert for needle cylinder
The needle cylinder design with radial grooves and appendages for secure engagement and easy removal addresses inefficiencies in existing sinker-free knitting machines, enabling efficient maintenance and replacement of inserts.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 030 MACHINERY SRL
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing sinker-free single-cylinder knitting machines face inefficiencies during the assembly and disassembly of replaceable inserts, particularly in terms of secure engagement and easy removal for maintenance or replacement.
The needle cylinder design incorporates radial grooves for inserts with first and second appendages that securely engage with the needle cylinder, facilitating quick attachment and removal using a removal tool, enhancing the bending deformability of the appendages for easy assembly and disassembly.
The solution allows for efficient and stable attachment and removal of inserts, enabling quick repair, replacement, and maintenance without damaging the inserts or the needle cylinder.
Smart Images
Figure 2026515317000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a single-cylinder knitting machine, and more particularly to a single-cylinder knitting machine having latch needles.
Background Art
[0002] A single-cylinder knitting machine is provided with a single circular needle bed having needles that slide within a sliding groove, also called a guide groove, formed in a needle cylinder. To form stitches, these needles cooperate with a ring of sinkers that perform a reciprocating radial movement in synchronization with the up and down movement of the needles.
[0003] Sinkerl-free circular knitting machines and knitting machines provided with, for example, fixed sinkers disposed at the upper end of the needle cylinder have been manufactured.
[0004] In knitting machines without sinkers or knitting machines with fixed sinkers, stitches are formed on a knitting surface, also called a stitch formation surface, provided with inserts attached to the upper end of the needle cylinder, i.e., the side provided with needle hooks that periodically project and retract to take in yarn and form stitches.
[0005] European Patent Nos. 3268526, 2906743, and 2108725 describe sinkerl-free knitting machines.
[0006] European Patent No. 2906743 describes a single-cylinder knitting machine comprising a needle cylinder and a plurality of latching needles sliding within each groove of the needle cylinder. Advantageously, an annular channel with an undercut is provided along one end of the needle cylinder. Between adjacent sliding grooves, substantially radial grooves are provided, formed in the needle cylinder and intersecting the annular channel. Various inserts are housed in each groove. The various inserts, at their respective upper edges, form a stitch-forming surface, i.e., a knitting surface. Each insert may have an attachment that is inserted into and blocked within the undercut of the annular channel. The blocking element holds the insert in a working position within each groove. Advantageously, in the working position, the insert is pressed into the undercut of the annular groove by the blocking element, fixing the insert in place during the knitting process and preventing it from coming out of the groove. By removing or deactivating the blocking element, one or more inserts can be removed and replaced, for example, in case of wear or damage.
[0007] European Patent No. 3268526 describes a sinker-free single-cylinder knitting machine. Here, inserts are formed by molded foil, which engage with the upper end of the needle cylinder by elastic deformation. For this purpose, each insert has an S-shaped elastic appendage that engages with the inner annular surface of the needle cylinder. European Patent No. 2108725 describes a similar solution with different appendage shapes.
[0008] While these systems with interchangeable inserts are particularly efficient, they are not always effective during the needle assembly and disassembly stages. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0009] Therefore, to achieve better efficiency, improvements are needed to the sinker-free single-cylinder knitting machine and its respective replaceable inserts. [Means for solving the problem]
[0010] The needle cylinder described herein includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a tip. On the outer surface, sliding grooves for the needles are provided parallel to the axis of the needle cylinder. At the tip, radial grooves are provided between each pair of adjacent sliding grooves. An insert is housed in each radial groove. Each insert includes a body having an upper and lower edge. The upper edge of the insert protrudes from the corresponding radial groove to define a stitch-forming surface, and the lower edge of the insert rests on the bottom of the corresponding radial groove. Each insert has a first radially outward appendage extending from a first end of the body and engaging with the outer surface of the needle cylinder, and a second radially inward appendage extending from a second end of the body and engaging with the inner surface of the needle cylinder. The second appendage of the insert forms a gripping element for a removal tool.
[0011] The gripping element for the removal tool facilitates the removal of, for example, an insert that needs to be replaced if it is damaged or worn.
[0012] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a single-cylinder knitting machine that includes the insert described above.
[0013] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to an insert for a needle cylinder for a knitting machine, wherein the insert includes a body having an upper and a lower edge. The upper edge is adapted to define a stitch-forming surface when the insert is inserted into the knitting machine. Each insert includes a first appendage extending from a first end of the body and a second appendage extending from a second end of the body. The present invention is characterized in that the second appendage forms a gripping element for a removal tool.
[0014] Further features and embodiments of the present invention are described below in the description and appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0015] The present invention will be better understood by following the description and accompanying drawings illustrating exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention. [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view along the radial plane of a portion of the head of the needle cylinder of a single-cylinder knitting machine at one working position. [Figure 1A] This is a cross-sectional view similar to Figures 1 and 2 in a modified example. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along the radial plane of a portion of the needle cylinder head of a single-cylinder knitting machine at a different working position than that shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] These are cross-sectional views similar to those in Figures 1 and 2, showing the inserts disassembled from their respective grooves. [Figure 3A] Figure 3 is an enlarged axonometric projection of the insert shown. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 1, showing the insert removal tool in the working position. [Figure 5] This is a side view of an insert in one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an axial projection view of an insert in one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an axial projection view of the insert in a further embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a side view of a modified version of the insert. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0016] Figure 1 shows a cross-section of the upper region of the needle cylinder of a single-cylinder circular knitting machine 1. This cross-section is cut along an approximately radial plane, i.e., the plane containing the axis AA of the needle cylinder.
[0017] In the cross-section shown in Figure 2, reference numeral 2 indicates the needle cylinder, and reference numeral 3 indicates one of the latching needles provided by the needle cylinder 2. In fact, as is well known to those skilled in the art, the needles 3 are arranged around the entire circular extension of the needle cylinder 1 in numbers corresponding to the fineness of the knitting machine.
[0018] Each needle 3 slides within a respective longitudinal sliding groove 4 that is substantially parallel to the axis A-A of the needle cylinder 2. In some embodiments, each groove in which the needle 3 slides may be formed by milling the cylindrical surface of the needle cylinder 2. In the embodiment shown in the figures, each sliding groove is defined by two adjacent and continuous bars 5. The bars 5 extend parallel to the axis A-A of the needle cylinder 2 and are fixed to corresponding slots provided in the needle cylinder 2 by milling. A foot portion 5a is provided on a part or all of the bar 5 for the purposes described below.
[0019] The needle 3 may be provided with a butt that cooperates with a control cam disposed within a cam box (not shown) disposed around the needle cylinder 2, as is well known to those skilled in the art. The needle 3 may be held within the sliding groove by an annular spring 7.
[0020] Particularly as shown in FIG. 3, the needle cylinder 2 is shown in a cross-section similar to that of FIG. 1, but without the needles and other components mounted thereon. The needle cylinder 2 has an upper end or edge 2A, hereinafter also referred to as the tip portion 2A. The "tip portion" means the end portion where the hook of the needle 3 is disposed and where the hook of the needle exits during the knitting process.
[0021] Substantially radial grooves 11 are provided along the tip portion 2A of the needle cylinder 2. The radial grooves 11 extend radially from the outer surface 2B to the inner surface 2C of the needle cylinder 2. Advantageously, the radial grooves 11 are provided to correspond to each bar 5 that defines a corresponding sliding groove 4 in which the needle 3 slides. Thus, for each needle 3 of the cylindrical needle bed defined by the needle cylinder 2, two radial grooves 11 are basically provided on the side of the sliding groove 4 in which the needle 3 slides.
[0022] The insert 13 is inserted into each radial groove 11. The insert is shown separated from the needle cylinder 2 at the top of FIG. 3 and is mounted within the radial groove 11 in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3A is an enlarged axonometric projection view of the insert 13 in a separated state. The shape of the insert 13 will be described in more detail below.
[0023] The insert is formed from a metal sheet that has been trimmed or cut, for example, by laser or other methods.
[0024] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the insert 13 cooperates with each movable element 51 housed in a horizontal sliding groove 53 provided in the annular crown 55. The annular crown 55 is mounted coaxially with the needle cylinder 2 and fixed, for example, via the feet 5a of a bar 5 that define the sliding groove of the needle 3. The movable elements 51 are controlled to reciprocate along a double arrow f51 (Figures 1 and 2) by a cam (not shown) that cooperates with each recess 51A in which the movable element 51 is provided.
[0025] Furthermore, each movable element 51 has a finger portion 51B that is oriented radially inward and superimposed on its respective insert 13.
[0026] Using a circular knitting machine configured as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the stitches are formed in a well-known manner, such as that described in European Patent No. 2906743.
[0027] As described above, the use of replaceable inserts 13 to form the knitting surface allows for quick repair in case of damage, removal for replacement, or regular maintenance and cleaning. For this purpose, it is important that the inserts are shaped to engage securely and stably with the head of the needle cylinder 2, enabling quick and easy attachment and removal operations.
[0028] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3A, the insert 13 includes a body 13.1 having an upper edge 13.2 and a lower edge 13.3. When installed, the upper edge of each insert 13 lies on a toroidal surface that forms the mesh-forming surface. The lower edge 13.3 of each insert 13 rests on the bottom surface of each radial groove 11. Preferably, each lower edge 13.3 (and thus the bottom surface of each radial groove 11) is a straight line perpendicular to the axis AA of the needle cylinder 2. The body 13.1 has a portion 13.4 with reduced thickness in a region facing radially outward when installed. The portion with reduced thickness 13.4 can be inserted below the finger portion 51b of the movable element 51.
[0029] Each insert 13 includes a first attachment 13.5 extending from a first end of the main body 13.1, which faces radially outward from the needle cylinder 2 when installed. Each insert 13 also includes a second attachment 13.6 extending from a second end of the main body 13.1, which faces radially inward from the needle cylinder 2 when installed.
[0030] The first appendage 13.5 and the second appendage 13.6 are approximately perpendicular to the lower edge 13.3 of the main body 13.1.
[0031] In the embodiment shown in the figures, particularly with reference to Figure 3A, the second appendage 13.6 includes a distal end 13.7 that forms two finger portions 13.8 and 13.9. Between them is defined a recess 13.10 that opens toward the axis of the needle cylinder 2 when the insert 13 is installed (see Figures 1 and 2). Reference numeral 13.11 indicates the terminal extension of the second appendage 13.6. The terminal extension 13.11 protrudes toward the first appendage 13.5, and when the insert 13 is installed, it faces radially outward, i.e., opposite to the axis AA of the needle cylinder 2.
[0032] During installation, the terminal extension 13.11 formed at the distal end of the second attachment 13.6 engages in an undercut manner with the annular channel 61 formed on the inner surface 2C of the needle cylinder 2 near the tip portion 2A.
[0033] In some embodiments, the second attachment 13.6 has a flank facing the first attachment 13.5. The flank extends from the lower edge 13.3 of the body 13.1. More specifically, the flank includes a first portion 13.12 that starts from the lower edge 13.3 of the body 13.1 and is perpendicular to the lower edge 13.3 of the body 13.1, and a second portion 13.13 that extends inclined toward the axis AA of the needle cylinder 2. When installed, the first portion 13.12 of the flank of the second attachment 13.6 contacts the cylindrical end portion on the inner surface of the needle cylinder 2.
[0034] This tapered shape of the second appendage 13.6 is combined, if necessary, with a recess 13.14 provided in the joint region between the lower edge 13.3 and the second appendage 13.6. This increases the bending deformability of the second appendage 13.6, facilitating the installation and removal of the insert 13 into each radial groove 11. The dashed lines in Figures 1 and 2 show the second appendage 13.6 in its undeformed state for inserting the expansion portion 13.11 into and removing it from the annular channel 61. In fact, to introduce the insert 13 into the corresponding seat formed by each radial groove 11, the second appendage 13.6 is deformed radially toward the axis AA of the needle cylinder 2 until the expansion portion 13.11 snaps into the annular channel 61, as shown by the solid line, while the first appendage 13.5 engages with the outer surface 2B of the needle cylinder 2, as will be described later.
[0035] More specifically, the first appendage 13.5 forms a hook 13.15. The hook 13.15 is fitted to engage with each radial projection 63 that protrudes radially outward from the outer surface 2B of the needle cylinder 2. The projections 63 are adjacent to the bottom surface of each radial groove 11.
[0036] In a further embodiment (see Figure 1A; the reference numerals are the same as those shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3), instead of the radial projection, an annular groove 64 is provided corresponding to the cylindrical surface on which the needle 2B is mounted.
[0037] More specifically, each hook 13.15, when installed, has a flank 13.16 facing the axis AA of the needle cylinder 2. The flank 13.16 is parallel to the axis AA and rests on the radially outer surface of the respective radial projection 63. Each hook 13.15 also includes an end edge 13.17 perpendicular to the axis AA of the needle cylinder 2 when installed. The end edge 13.17 engages with the lower surface of the corresponding radial projection 63 by undercut pressure. Between the flank 13.16 and the end edge 13.17 is a recess or depression 13.18. The recess or depression extends radially outward from the flank 13.16 and is demarcated by a concave edge formed in the metal sheet on which the insert 3 is formed. This concave edge forms a portion 13.22 of the first appendage 13.5. This portion has reduced thickness, i.e., reduced width, at which point the appendage exhibits greater elastic bending deformability. The enhanced bending deformability of the hook formed on the first appendage 13.15 facilitates the assembly of the insert 13 onto the needle cylinder 2.
[0038] In fact, the flank 13.16 of each hook 13.15 is parallel to the first portion 13.12 of the flank of the second attachment 13.6. During installation, the flank 13.16 of each hook 13.15 and the first portion 13.12 of the flank of the second attachment 13.6 facing the first attachment 13.5 contact the radial projection 63 and press against the cylindrical end portion on the inner surface of the needle cylinder 2. The cylindrical end portion is located between the annular channel 61 and the bottom of the radial groove 11.
[0039] A recess 13.10 formed between fingers 13.8 and 13.9 at the distal end of the second appendage 13.6 of each insert 13 forms a gripping element for a removal tool U for removing the insert 13 from the seat formed by the respective radial grooves 11. Figure 4 illustrates the use of the tool U. In this embodiment, the tool U has a working end that enters the recess 13.10 to lift the insert 13 out of the needle cylinder 2 and release it from its working position. By pulling the second appendage 13.6 almost axially upward through the tool U, the second appendage is deflected. As a result, the expansion portion 13.11 is released from the annular channel 61 in which it is engaged in an undercut manner.
[0040] The above operation is facilitated by the inclination of the second attachment 13.6 with respect to the axis AA of the needle cylinder 2. This is because the tension exerted by the tool U almost axially toward the outside of the needle cylinder 2 causes bending deformation of the second attachment 13.6, which in turn causes the release of the insert 13.
[0041] This operation is further facilitated by the recess or indentation 13.18, where the first appendage 13.15 is made more flexible. The assembly and disassembly of the insert are achieved primarily by the bending deformation of the first appendage 13.5 and the second appendage 13.6 in the restricted region 13.22. Thus, since the bending deformation is distributed to both appendages, the deformation experienced by each appendage is less than if only one appendage were deformable. This method prevents the insert from yielding.
[0042] Figures 5 and 6 show variations of the insert 13. The same reference numerals indicate the same or substantially the same components. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the flank of the second attachment 13.6 facing the first attachment 13.5 is divided into two parts 13.12 and 13.13 with a step 13.20 in between. This makes the second attachment 13.6 narrower in its distal portion, making it more flexible and thus easier to assemble and disassemble the insert.
[0043] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the insert 13. In this embodiment, the insert 13 includes a body 13.1 having an upper edge 13.2 that defines a portion of the stitch-forming surface and preferably a straight lower edge 13.3. There is a first appendage 13.5 that extends from a first end of the body 13.1 and protrudes from the lower edge 13.3. When installed, it faces radially outward from the needle cylinder 2. Each insert 13 also includes a second appendage 13.6 that extends from a second end of the body 13.1. The second appendage 13.6 faces radially inward from the needle cylinder 2 when installed. The first appendage 13.5 and the second appendage 13.6 are substantially perpendicular to the lower edge 13.3 of the body 13.1.
[0044] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the second appendage 13.6 includes a distal end 13.7 that forms a terminal extension of the second appendage 13.6. The terminal extension 13.11 protrudes toward the first appendage 13.5 and, when the insert 13 is installed, is oriented radially outward, i.e., in the opposite direction to the axis AA of the needle cylinder 2. When installed, the terminal extension 13.11 formed at the distal end of the second appendage 13.6 engages in an undercut manner with the annular channel 61 formed in the inner surface 2C of the needle cylinder 2 near the tip 2A. In fact, the extension 13.11 has the same function as the extension 13.11 in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 6. However, the second appendage 13.6 does not have an engagement element for engaging with a U-shaped tool to release the insert 13 from each groove 11.
[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the second attachment 13.6 has a flank facing the first attachment 13.5. This flank extends from the lower edge 13.3 of the body 13.1. More specifically, the flank includes a first portion 13.12 that starts from the lower edge 13.3 of the body 13.1 and is perpendicular to the lower edge 13.3 of the body 13.1, and a second portion 13.13 that extends inclined toward the axis AA of the needle cylinder 2. When installed, the first portion 13.12 of the flank of the second attachment 13.6 contacts the cylindrical end portion on the inner surface of the needle cylinder 2.
[0046] This tapered shape of the second appendage 13.6 is, if necessary, combined with a recess 13.14 provided in the joint region between the lower edge 13.3 and the second appendage 13.6. This increases the bending deformability of the second appendage 13.6 and facilitates the attachment and removal of the insert 13 to each radial groove 11. Attachment of the insert 13 to the corresponding seat formed by each radial groove 11 is performed as described with reference to other figures.
[0047] Alternatively, the second appendage 13.6 of the insert in Figure 7 may have a step 13.20 formed along its inner surface, i.e., the side facing the first appendage 13.15.
[0048] The first attachment 13.5 of insert 13 in Figure 7 is configured as already described with reference to other figures.
[0049] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings as exemplary embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications, variations, additions, and omissions are possible without departing from the scope of the principles, concepts, and teachings of the present invention as described in the appended claims.
[0050] Figure 8 is a side view of a modified example of the insert according to the present invention. The same reference numerals indicate the same components in the other drawings. The embodiment in Figure 8 differs from the embodiments in Figures 1 to 6 mainly in that the recess 13.14 extends deeper within the body 13.1 of the insert 13, forming a portion 13.24 of the second appendage 13.6. This portion 13.24 of the second appendage 13.6 is thinner, i.e., has a smaller width, than the portion of the same appendage 13.6 where the first portion 13.12 of the flank of the first appendage faces the first appendage 13.5. The thinner portion 13.24 of the second appendage 13.6 imparts greater elastic bending deformability to the second appendage 13.6, making it easier to assemble the insert onto the needle cylinder.
[0051] The contents described in the following addendum also constitute the specific subject matter of this invention. • Note 1: An insert for a needle cylinder for a knitting machine, the insert comprising a body having an upper and lower edge, the upper edge being adapted to define a stitch-forming surface when the insert is inserted into the knitting machine, the insert comprising a first appendage extending from a first end of the body and a second appendage extending from a second end of the body, the second appendage forming a gripping element for a removal tool. • Note 2: The gripping element is the insert described in Note 1, formed at the distal end of the second appendage. • Note 3: The insert described in Note 2, wherein the distal end of the second appendage includes a pair of teeth that form a recess for inserting a removal tool. • Note 4: The insert according to Note 2 or 3, wherein the distal end of the second appendage includes a projection facing the first appendage. • Note 5: The protrusion forms one of the teeth of the insert as described in Notes 3 and 4. • Note 6: The insert according to any one of Notes 2 to 5, wherein the second appendage has a tapered shape from the proximal end adjacent to the main body of the insert toward the distal end, and the tapered shape increases the bending deformability of the second appendage. • Note 7: The insert according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein the second appendage includes a flank facing the first appendage, the flank extending from the lower edge of the body, and the flank includes a first portion starting from the lower edge of the body and perpendicular to the lower edge of the body, and a second portion extending inclined toward the axis of the needle cylinder. • Note 8: The second portion of the flank of the second appendage ends with a terminal expansion projecting toward the first appendage, the terminal expansion facing radially outward of the needle cylinder, as described in Note 7 of the insert. • Note 9: The first appendage is the insert described in any one of Notes 1 to 8, which forms a hook having an edge facing the lower edge of the main body. • Note 10: The insert described in Note 9, wherein the flank of the hook is parallel to the first portion of the flank of the second appendage facing the first appendage. • Note 11: The insert for a needle cylinder for a knitting machine, the insert comprising a body having an upper and lower edge, the upper edge being adapted to define a stitch-forming surface when the insert is inserted into the knitting machine, the insert comprising a first appendage extending from a first end of the body and a second appendage extending from a second end of the body, the first appendage forming a hook having an edge facing the lower edge of the body and a flank substantially perpendicular to the lower edge of the body, as described in Note 1. • Note 12: The insert described in Note 11 is parallel to the opposite side of the second appendage. • Note 13: A needle cylinder for a single-cylinder knitting machine, including multiple inserts as described in any one of Notes 1 to 12. • Note 14: A single-cylinder knitting machine, including the needle cylinder described in Note 13.
Claims
1. A needle cylinder for a knitting machine, The needle cylinder includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a tip. On the aforementioned outer surface, a sliding groove for the needle is provided parallel to the axis of the needle cylinder. At the aforementioned tip portion, radial grooves are provided between each pair of adjacent sliding grooves. Each of the radial grooves is fitted with an insert, Each of the inserts comprises a body having an upper and a lower edge, the upper edge of the insert protruding from the corresponding radial groove and defining a mesh-forming surface, and the lower edge of the insert rests on the bottom of the corresponding radial groove. Each of the inserts has a first radially outward attachment extending from a first end of the main body and engaging with the outer surface of the needle cylinder, and a second radially inward attachment extending from a second end of the main body and engaging with the inner surface of the needle cylinder, The second attachment of the insert is characterized by having a recess that forms a gripping element for a removal tool. Needle cylinder.
2. The gripping element is formed at the distal end of the second accessory, as described in claim 1.
3. The distal end of each of the second attachments of the insert includes a pair of teeth that form the recess for inserting the removal tool, according to claim 2, the needle cylinder.
4. The distal end of each of the second attachments of the insert includes a projection, which, when installed, faces radially outward from the needle cylinder and engages in an undercut manner with a portion formed on the inner surface of the needle cylinder, according to claim 2 or 3.
5. The needle cylinder according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second attachment has a tapered shape from the proximal end of the insert adjacent to the main body toward the distal end, and the tapered shape increases the bending deformability of the second attachment.
6. Each of the second attachments of the insert includes a flank facing the first attachment, the flank extending from the lower edge of the body, the flank including a first portion starting from the lower edge of the body and perpendicular to the lower edge of the body, and a second portion extending inclined toward the axis of the needle cylinder, wherein when installed, the first portion of the flank of the second attachment is in contact with the cylindrical end portion of the inner surface of the needle cylinder, the needle cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. The needle cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bottom of each of the radial grooves is perpendicular to the axis of the needle cylinder, and when installed, the lower edge of each of the bodies of the insert is perpendicular to the axis of the needle cylinder.
8. The needle cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the first attachments of the insert forms a hook adapted to engage with a corresponding annular groove on the outer surface of the needle cylinder, or projects radially outward from the outer surface of the needle cylinder and forms a radial projection adjacent to the bottom surface of the corresponding radial groove.
9. The needle cylinder according to claim 8, wherein each of the hooks includes a flank, the flank of the hook faces the shaft of the needle cylinder when installed and rests on the radially outer surface of the needle cylinder, and the hook includes an end edge, the end edge engages with the lower surface of the annular groove or the corresponding radial projection in an undercut manner when installed.
10. The needle cylinder according to claim 9, wherein the flank is parallel to the axis of the needle cylinder, and the end edge is perpendicular to the axis of the needle cylinder.
11. The needle cylinder according to claim 9 or 10, wherein each of the hooks includes a recess between the flank and the end edge of the hook, the recess extending radially outward beyond the flank, thereby forming a portion of the first attachment that is radially outward and has increased bendability.
12. Each of the flanks of the hook is parallel to the first portion of the flank of the second attachment facing the first attachment, and when installed, each of the flanks of the hook contacts and presses against the outer surface or radial projection of the needle cylinder, and the first portion of the flank of the second attachment contacts and presses against the cylindrical end portion of the inner surface of the needle cylinder, as described in claims 8 to 11, at least as dependent on claim 6.
13. A single-cylinder knitting machine including a needle cylinder according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
14. An insert for a needle cylinder of a knitting machine, wherein the insert includes a body having an upper and lower edge, the upper edge being adapted to define a stitch-forming surface when the insert is inserted into the knitting machine, and each of the inserts includes a first appendage extending from a first end of the body and a second appendage extending from a second end of the body, the second appendage having a recess that forms a gripping element for a removal tool.
15. The insert according to claim 14, wherein the recess forming the gripping element is located at the distal end of the second accessory.
16. The insert according to claim 15, wherein the distal end of the second attachment includes a pair of teeth that form a recess for inserting the removal tool.
17. The insert according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the distal end of the second attachment includes a projection facing the first attachment.
18. The insert according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the second attachment has a tapered shape from the proximal end adjacent to the main body of the insert toward the distal end, and the tapered shape increases the bending deformability of the second attachment.
19. The insert according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the second attachment includes a flank facing the first attachment, the flank extending from the lower edge of the body, and the flank includes a first portion starting from the lower edge of the body and perpendicular to the lower edge of the body, and a second portion extending inclined toward the axis of the needle cylinder.
20. The insert according to claim 19, wherein the second portion of the flank of the second attachment ends with a terminal extension projecting toward the first attachment, the terminal extension facing radially outward of the needle cylinder.
21. The insert according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the first attachment forms a hook having an edge facing the lower edge of the main body.
22. The insert according to claim 21, wherein the flank of the hook is parallel to the first portion of the flank of the second attachment facing the first attachment.
23. The insert according to claim 22, wherein the flank is parallel to the axis of the needle cylinder and the end edge is perpendicular to the axis of the needle cylinder.
24. The insert according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the hook includes a recess between the flank and the end edge of the hook, the recess extending radially outward beyond the flank, thereby forming a portion of the radially outward first appendage with reduced width and increased bendability.